Wealden Times | WT199 | September 2018 | Education supplement inside

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes 

PRICELESS 

SEPTEMBER 2018

Designed to stand the test of time 

The difference is in the detail

Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms 

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES 

Tel: 01732 762682 

81 Calverley Road 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 

Tel: 01892 520730 

www.rencraft.co.uk

14-18 London Road | Sevenoaks | TN13 1AJ 

T: 01732 755555 

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20 Grosvenor Road | Tunbridge Wells | TN1 2AR 

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• FREE food and drink prepared 

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MINTERIORS 

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5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB 

01580 715144 

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

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service. 

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8 luxury family homes set in the countryside close to Ashford, Kent 

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

COME TO OUR PREVIEW EVENING ON THURSDAY 6th SEPT, 4pm to 8pm 

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10 

JarvisNewHomesWT199.indd 1 20/08/2018 17:01

Contents 

September 2018 

28 

148 

HISTORIC HAVENS 

Maggie Alderson finds some 

Grade II listed dream homes 

115 

122 

SCULPTURE CULTURE 

We celebrate the joy of 

three dimensional artwork 

155 

54 

SUMMER’S EMBERS 

Jo Arnell stretches out the 

summer in the garden 

49 

54 

79 

81 

90 

112 

NOTEBOOK 

This month’s top six 

events not to miss 

PICTURE PERFECT 

A Victorian masterpiece is 

revived with fantastic style 

GET THE LOOK 

The products you need to 

imitate the picture perfect look 

BURNER LOVE 

Cosy up by the glow of 

our woodburner picks 

THE MOTHER OF 

REINVENTION 

Quirky artist, Sassy Luke, 

shows us her fabuous 

treasure trove of a flat 

GET THE LOOK 

Steal the Sassy Luke look 

122 

137 

143 

144 

147 

148 

STYLE IT UP 

Kate Watts styles men’s fashion 

THE HAIR AND NOW 

Josephine Fairley finds 

the products your hair 

has been missing 

A YEAR OF WELLNESS 

eminé rushton examines 

spinal wellbeing 

NATURAL WISDOM 

Expert wellness advice, 

smart packaging and a hair 

treatment recommendation 

THE TREES OF LIFE 

Outdoor yoga, massage 

and women’s health 

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGE 

Easy recipes to keep 

students thriving 

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

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

Copyright © 2018 JPS Media Ltd. The views of the advertisers and contributors are not 

necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd. 

161 

169 

173 

177 

178 

SWEDISH SUMMER 

Sue Whigham finds garden inspiration 

on her annual trip to Sweden 

DO IT NOW 

How to legally prepare for later life 

WHAT’S ON 

What to do this September 

COMPETITION 

Win a stunning bracelet worth 

£580 with Dominic Walmsley 

FARM FABLES 

Jane Howard explains why 

farmers can’t be sentimental 

EDUCATION 

SUPPLEMENT 

38 pages of Uni 

planning, first day 

advice and back to 

school essentials. 

After page 166. 

Sponsored by 

Education 

A Wealden Times Supplement 

11 

The first day 

● Maths phobia vanquished ● New qualifications explained ● Uni planning

Udimore Guide Price £470,000 

A fine detached 3 bedroom cottage set within mature gardens on 

the edge of Udimore village. This delightful property is located 

in the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with far 

reaching southerly views overlooking orchards and the beautiful 

surrounding countryside. 

Entrance Hallway, Ground Floor Cloakroom/WC, Large Open 

plan Living Room, Dining Room, Study/Bedroom 3, South Facing 

Conservatory, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Attached 

Garage, Master Bedroom with Ensuite Bathroom, Further Double 

Bedroom, Family Shower room/WC, LPG Central Heating, Off Road 

Parking for Several Vehicles, Well Established South Facing Garden, 

Garden Studio Room, EPC: C 

Icklesham O.I.R.O £675,0000 

A modern rebuilt character thatched 3-bedroom cottage, with 

open plan living, situated on a quiet country lane with stunning 

rural views looking over the Brede Valley. 

Entrance Porch, Entrance Hall/Utility, Living Room, Kitchen/Dining 

Room, Sitting Room, Cloakroom/WC, Master Bedroom with Ensuite 

Bathroom, Two Further Double Bedrooms, Family Bathroom, Wrap 

Around Private Garden, Garden Store Shed, Garage, Off Street 

Parking, Stunning Rural Views of Brede Valley, Quiet Location, EPC: D 

Rye Harbour Guide Price £675,000 

A former pair of Victorian cottages now arranged as a three storey 

6 bedroom detached house with versatile accommodation, with 

potential for Art Gallery or Cafe. This tucked away home has been 

tastefully modernized and recently redecorated and benefits 

from fine views looking down Rother estuary towards the sea 

from the second floor balcony. 

Living Room, Dining Room, Study with Ornate Woodburner, Kitchen/ 

Breakfast Room, Garden Room, Large Gallery Studio Room, Ground 

floor Wet Room/WC, Up to Five First Floor Bedrooms, Family 

Bathroom, First Floor Wet Room /WC, Second Floor with 2 Attic Rooms 

and balcony, Photovoltaic Solar Panels, Nature Garden with Feature 

Pond, Close proximity to Rye Nature Reserve, Quiet Location, EPC: D 

Udimore Guide Price £550,000 

A well set back detached 4 bedroom chalet bungalow offering 

versatile accommodation set within ½ acre garden grounds and 

additional acre paddock with fine south facing views looking 

over the Brede valley and beyond to the sea. 

Entrance Hallway, Living Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Bedroom 4/ 

Dining Room, Sun Room, Ground Floor Master Bedroom with Ensuite 

Shower/WC, Ground floor WC, Ground floor Bathroom, Conservatory/ 

Dining Room, Two Further First Floor Double Bedrooms with Ensuite 

Shower/WC, Attached Garage, Wrap Around Private Garden approx. 

½ acre, External Laundry Room and Potting Shed, Off Street Parking, 

Stunning Rural Views of Brede Valley, Additional attached 1 acre 

paddock, EPC: E 

Thinking of Moving - Now is the Time! 

Call the Anderson Hacking Team to discuss your search requirements 

or to arrange a Free Marketing Appraisal to get you moving. 

www.andersonhacking.com 55 Cinque Ports Street, Rye TN31 7AN Rye 01797 224852 | London (Park Lane) 020 76294141

Connecting people 

& property, perfectly. 

Sheepstreet 

Lane, 

Etchingham 

TN19 

6 4 4 

• Wealth of period features 

• Flexible accommodation 

• Potential for annexe 

A beautiful period barn conversion in a rural location, yet close to the 

village of Etchingham and mainline station. 

Guide price £1,295,000 

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 

01892 310700 

Hawkhurst, 

Cranbrook 

TN18 

8 3 4 

3.5 

acres 

• Wonderful views 

• Many period features 

• In all about 3.5 acres 

An elegant Grade II Listed farmhouse in a sought after position within the Cranbrook School Catchment Area. 

Guide price £1,250,000 

Freehold 

simon.biddulph@knightfrank.com 

01892 310700

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT 

NEW HOMES 

HERE TO GET you THERE 

VISIT CALL US US AT ON HUNTERS.COM 

03301 200 750 

Priced £795,000–£1.1m 

Built by Clarendon Homes, these executive detached 4 & 5 bedroom homes 

are set in the exclusive new development Weavers Park in Headcorn. 

LAUNCH WEEKEND 22nd & 23rd September BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. 

email: weaverspark@hunters.com 

Prices from £299,950 

LAUNCHING Over 150 independently IN SEPTEMBER. owned branches Foxhill Development across the UK. in High Halden is a small private 

development of just 25 newly built 2, 3 and 4 bedroom homes with Help to Buy available. 

email: foxhill@hunters.com

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT 

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM 


HAMSTREET £899,950 

This spacious property was built in 1902 and retains many of the original features including high ceilings, panelled walls, wooden 

shutters to original French doors, and an impressive fi replace in the sitting room, which is said to be of Swiss concept. In 

addition, the sitting room offers an open staircase with four-poster bedposts as bottom newel posts. The home has been well 

loved and only four different owners have occupied the property, with a period during the 1950s where it was used as a small 

boarding school. EPC RATING TBC 

ASHFORD 

Immaculately presented, bespoke four bedroom property 

with versatile split level accommodation. A contemporary zinc 

extension and driveway has recently been constructed. The 

house is situated in one of Ashford’s most desirable roads. 

EPC RATING D 

ST MARY’S BAY £400,000–£425,000 

Nestled down a private lane this architecturally designed detached 

house is within walking distance of St Mary’s Bay beach. Offering 

three double bedrooms plus office/bedroom four, ensuite, 15’ 

sitting room and dining room/utility room. To the front there is 

ample off road parking with a 21’ car port. EPC RATING B 


TENTERDEN 

01580 763 278 

ASHFORD 

01233 613 613 

HYTHE 

01303 261 557 

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. 

FOLKESTONE 

01303 210 335 

MEET YOUR LOCAL Tenterden Team! 

Jake, Andrew & Laura 

Over 200 independently owned branches across the UK.

A SPECIAL PLACE TO LIVE 

Three, four and five bedroom homes just 400 metres 

from Tenterden’s boutique High Street. 

STAMP 

DUTY PAID* 

Contributions 

from £7,500 

ENJOY A 

UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT 

High specification homes surrounded by beautiful green open spaces, excellent local amenities and superb 

transport links from Ashford International station. Offering an enviable lifestyle that features the very best of 

town and country living. 

3 , 4 & 5 bedroom homes available with Help to Buy from £500,000 

Show homes open daily 10am to 5pm 

* Contribution to stamp duty payment only available to owner occupiers and applied to selected homes. Payable on legal completion. Subject to contract. Limited period offer only. 

01580 854076 | churchview-tenterden.co.uk | Church View, Tenterden, TN30 6RA

MAXIMISE THE VALUE 

OF YOUR LAND 

Have you got a large 

garden or plot of land? 

We are experts at working 

with owners to maximise 

the full value of their land 

Industry leading experts 

We take care of the planning permission! 

The risk-free way to maximise your land 

Zero cost to you! 

Planning laws are changing 

Act now before its too late! 

What our clients say… 

"The team had a huge amount of 

knowledge and every step was handled 

in a professional manner. Their excellent 

relationship with the local planning 

department helped achieve a fantastic 

result for us. We would have no 

hesitation in recommending them to 

anyone who wants to achieve planning". 

Amanda and Robert Petch 

June 2016 

"The cost involved to try and 

get planning on our land 

were just not feasible for us. 

Working with Country House 

meant we didn’t have to risk 

our money as they took care 

of everything" 

Mr C Partridge (Loose, Kent) 

September 2016 

For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080 

www.maximisemyland.co.uk 

sales@countryhousehomes.co.uk 

“Guy and team at CHH did a fantastic 

job securing planning permission on 

our rear garden plot. Although a fairly 

problematic application (which took 

over 18 months), they kept us informed 

throughout the entire process. 

I would certainly use them again” 

David J (Oxted, Surrey) 

January 2017

Rye, East Sussex - £395,000 

A three storey town house situated in the Conservation 

Area with views of Strand Quay. Living room with balcony, 

dining area and kitchen, utility room, three bedrooms, one 

with balcony and one en-suite. Garage. Communal paved 

area. EPC D 

Northiam, East Sussex - £1,795,000 

A Grade II listed 15th century farmhouse with 7 

bedrooms. Also has one bedroom cottage used for 

holiday lets, and a converted barn with ancillary 

accommodation. 16 acres of garden and pasture with far 

reaching views. Garage and parking. 

Udimore, East Sussex - £825,000 

A beautifully refurbished four bedroom brick barn with 

lovely rural views. Separate one bedroom cottage used 

for holiday lets and unconverted detached barn. Garden. 

Parking. Garage. EPC D 

Rye, East Sussex - £465,000 

Lovely refurbished Grade II Listed period house of C15th 

origin, fronting a cobbled street in the Conservation Area. 

Open plan living room & dining room, kitchen, shower room, 

three bedrooms, cloakroom. Walled courtyard garden. 

Winchelsea, East Sussex - £375,000 

A Grade II* Listed 17th century cottage located in the 

Conservation Area. Sitting room, kitchen, landing/study 

area, two bedrooms, bathroom. Large established garden. 

Camber, East Sussex - £320,000 

Architect designed three storey eco-friendly house close 

to the beach. Garage/games room, family room, open plan 

living/dining room with kitchen area and decked terrace, 

master bedroom with en suite and balcony, bedroom. 

Communal garden space. Parking. EPC C 

RYE OFFICE 01797 227338 

MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099 

phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

01580 242700 

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF 

WOOdcHURcH OieO £1,495,000 

Award winning, 6 bedroom detached Barn set in 7 acres of grounds and 

gardens (approx.) 

WitteRSHam £1,425,000 

neW - Exceptionally handsome 8 bedroom Edwardian Rectory set in 

peaceful gardens of 1 acre (approx.) 

egeRtOn £1,400,000 

neW - Impressive, newly built 6 bedroom, 6 bathroom detached Barn 

Conversion with over 7000 sq. Ft. of living space, set in 1 acre (approx.) 

HigH Halden OieO £1,000,000 

UndeR OFFeR - Enchanting 22 acre (approx.) farmstead with farmhouse, 

cottages and outbuildings – exciting revenue streams (stpc). 

WincHelSea, nR Rye £900,000 

UndeR OFFeR - Historically significant 5 bedroom period home with 

impressive views of Church and surrounding village. 

gOUdHURSt OieO £900,000 

UndeR OFFeR - 6/7 bedroom, detached Victorian Cottage, with later 

additions set in 2 acres, CSCA. 

WOOdcHURcH OieO £775,000 

neW - Pretty 3 bedroom, detached Oast House, set in 1/3 of an acre 

(approx.) of idyllic gardens in charming rural setting. 

SandHURSt £750,000 

Immaculate Granary and annexe in peaceful rural location – 3 bedrooms. 

CSCA with amazing farmland views. 

wealdproperty.net

GOUDHURST, KENT 

GUIDE PRICE £465,000 

• CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888 

MARDEN, KENT 


• PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325 

BIDDENDEN, KENT 



COLLIER STREET, KENT 



SISSINGHURST, KENT 

OIEO £399,999 


EAST PECKHAM, KENT 



GOUDHURST, KENT 



IDEN GREEN, KENT 



MAYFIELD, EAST SUSSEX 


• MAYFIELD OFFICE 01435 873 999 

SISSINGHURST, KENT 



CRANBROOK, KENT 



KILNDOWN, KENT 


• CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888

LOOK 

INSIDE 

Join our Open Day celebrations and 

be one of the first to view this new 

luxury retirement village in Kent. 

EMERSON PARK OPEN DAY CELEBRATIONS 

Friday 7th September: 12 noon – 6pm and Saturday 8th September: 10am – 4pm 

Take a look inside the new luxury retirement 

village for Kent – Emerson Park, Hextable. 

It offers a range of on-site amenities and services 

including restaurant & bar, fitness suite, hair & 

beauty salon, cinema, private transport service 

and 24-hr emergency call system. 

Emerson Park Retirement Apartments: 

42 luxury apartments and 5 Service Plus Apartments. 

Emerson Grange Care Home: 

Emerson Grange is a luxury care home offering nursing, 

residential, dementia and respite care. 

To find out more call 01322 515417 

SHOW SUITE OPEN Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm 

Emerson Park, Rowhill Road, Hextable BR8 7RL 

Web: www.cinnamoncc.com/emersonpark

‘Our Focus Determines Your Reality’ 

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

NORTHIAM £1,795,000 

ESTATE WITH INCOME POTENTIAL 

Manor House: Four reception rooms · Kitchen/breakfast 

room · Cellar · Laundry · Six bedrooms (two ensuite) 

· Three bathrooms · Detached Barn: Two bedrooms · 

Cottage: One bedroom · Approx 16 acres · EPC: n/a 

Rural location with views 

HAWKHURST £1,500,000 

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME WITH VIEWS 

Five reception rooms · Kitchen/breakfast room · Utility 

room · Boiler room · Five double bedrooms · Two 

bathrooms · Shower room · Extensive garaging · Grounds 

with swimming pool and tennis court · EPC: C 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

WADHURST OIEO £1,295,000 

DELIGHTFUL TWIN ROUNDEL OAST 

Three reception rooms · Entrance hall · Kitchen/ 

breakfast room · Utility room · Four bedrooms (one 

ensuite) · Family bathroom · Grounds approximately 2.5 

acres · Garage with studio · EPC: n/a 

Rural hamlet location 

SANDHURST OIEO £945,000 

STUNNING OAST HOUSE WITH BREATH 

TAKING VIEWS 

Sitting room · Kitchen/breakfast/dining room · Utility 

room · Five bedrooms (one ensuite) · Garden and 

grounds approximately 2 acres · Garaging · EPC: D 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

Sales & Lettings Team 

Harpers&Hurlingham 

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 715400 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

LONDON OFFICE: KENSINGTON 020 7938 2311 

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

Goudhurst offers in excess of £1,150,000 

Peaceful Setting · 5 bedrooms · 3 bathrooms · Dble Gge · Circa 0.7 acres · Listed 

bethersden offers in excess of £975,000 

With Annexe · 4 bedrooms · 3 bathrooms · Dble Gge · Circa 1.2 acres · EPC C 

cranbrook offers in excess of £895,000 

Eco-friendly New Build · 3 Receptions · 4 Bedrooms · CSCA · NHBC · SAP B 

sissinGhurst Guide Price £715,000 

New Build in Village · 3 Reception Rooms · 4 Bedrooms · CSCA · EPC pending 

Thinking of moving? Contact us today for a free market appraisal 

For Lettings call Ella Krzos or Sales call Rupert Newcomb 

rolvenden Guide Price £529,950 

Open Plan Living Space · 3 Bedrooms · 2 Bathrooms · Shared 18 acres · Listed 

ewhurst Green offers in excess of £500,000 

Outstanding Views · 2 Receptions · 3 Bedrooms · 2 Bathrooms · Rural · EPC E 

SALES 01580 720 000 

LETTINGS 01580 720 400 

37 Stone St, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 

cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk 

lettings.cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk 

jackson-stops.co.uk propErTy ExpErTS SINcE 1910

Because we understand 

that it’s so much more than 

bricks and mortar 

+44 (0) 1580 713825 | fionapenny.com 

Property Search in Kent and East Sussex

01732 757158 | Homes www.fernham-homes.co.uk 

Open Your Door To An Exclusive Location 

Subject to scheme rules, on selected homes only 

Computer generated image 

MARKET PLACE 

GOUDHURST, KENT TN17 1HA 

A gated collection of seven 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes | Prices from £550,000 

Show Home Open Weekends 10 am - 4 pm | Book your appointment today 

Visit our website to find out more 

New developments in Westerham, Borough Green, Orpington, Boughton Monchelsea & Greenhithe 

Fernham Homes – Built For Life

Discretion is is the Better Part of Valour 

The property market has changed astronomically 

At SJD we work to source the right developers for 

in the past few decades, bringing in a new era 

your site - all of our sales are made confidentially 

of off-market and private sales. 

thus protecting both your identity and your 

individual interests. 

Unlike conventional methods, we we offer offer discrete 

marketing where details of your site are not 

openly marketed. Private sales generate a sense 

of exclusivity, boosting the likelihood of a quick 

and hassle-free transaction. 

If If you If you have have a development 

a opportunity that that you you would like like to to sell sell off-market, 

please contact us us for for a free a free appraisal. 

Contact Stephen Donnelly on 

on 

07739 514350 or or or 0845 456 8969 

Web: sjd-projects.com 

email: steve@sjd-projects.com 

SJDprojectsWT196.indd 1 23/05/2018 16:17 

FOR SALE 

Normandy farmhouse 

near Bayeux 

About the property 

A delightful, traditionally detached 18c farmhouse. Set in approx 

0.5 acres of hedged, easily maintained lawned garden. The 3 

bed house could be easily extended on both floors into the dry 

attached outbuildings. Total accommodation area approx 90m 2 . 

Furnished, well decorated, ready for occupation as a permanent 

residence, holiday home or potential holiday let income 

source. The tiled roof is in good condition. Almost all wood 

framed double glazing. Benefitting from considerable recent 

renovation, with traditional ‘Maison en Terre’ rendering to the 

rear and end. Mains water, electricity, phone line. Tarmacked 

area at front for 4–6 cars, large garage for 3–4 cars. 

Location and history of the region 

Ideal for walking, boating, fishing and enjoying the peaceful 

forest, marshes and waterways. Located in historic Graignes- 

Mesnil-Angot, a very rural, tranquil and friendly community with 

village shops, school and the famous Hippodrome Equestrian 

centre. Surrounded by countryside, farmland and forest. In the 

region of the Marais du Cotentin, between St Lo and Carentan. 

With Utah Beach 14mi, Bayeux 21mi and Cherbourg 31mi. 

Situated in an area of much military activity during WW2, with 

the Operation Overlord: D-Day landing beaches close by. 

O.I.R.O £95,000 (FREEHOLD) 

Contact Alan on hbsengineering@hotmail.co.uk for more details. 


26 

AlanMarshallWT198.indd 1 13/07/2018 13:08

Residential Sales 

#TheGardenOfEngland 

Lenham 

Guide £1,150,000 

A fine family home within a select private estate 

on the North Downs with breath taking views 

and extensive landscaped gardens. 5 bedrooms 

(3 en-suite). EPC Rating C 

Egerton 

Guide £1,025,000 

A carefully restored 16th Century period 

farmhouse in a glorious location commanding 

stunning views, delightful gardens, paddock. 

1.02 acres. EPC Rating NA 

Pluckley 

Guide £1,295,000 

An attractive 5 bedroom period farmhouse and 2 

bedroom cottage (£9,000 gross per annum), 3.60 

acres incl large outbuilding, vineyard, orchard and 

pool. Walking distance to station. EPC Rating D 

Bethersden 

Guide £1,375,000 

A stunning modern country house about 

4,775ft², traditional character with 21st century 

spec. About 9.5 acres. 

EPC Rating C 

Pluckley 

Guide £925,000 

A beautifully presented country house with 

possible annexe and stylish split level terrace, 

wonderful gardens and useful buildings. 

EPC Rating C 

Langley 

Guide £635,000 

4 bedroom first floor apartment (over 2,500sq ft) 

set over two floors in this impressive grade II 

listed manor house surrounded by twelve acres of 

landscaped communal gardens. EPC Rating NA 

Hobbs Parker Estate Agents www.hobbsparker.co.uk 

Tenterden 01580 766766 | Ashford 01233 506260 

01580 766766

House 

Month 

of the 

£3,600,000 

Historic havens 

Maggie Alderson’s favourite Grade II listed homes on the market 

Hensill House 

The dream: The full Grade II 

listed Georgian four-square fantasy, 

in the most beautiful grey stone, 

surrounded by its own land (enclosed 

by that groovy ‘estate’ railing fencing) 

comprising rolling fields, woods and 

countryside, an adjoining three-bed 

farmhouse just perfect for a granny 

annexe and farm buildings ideal for 

a party barn… And all this on the 

outskirts of lovely Hawkhurst. So you 

can pretend you’re in a Jane Austen 

novel and then pop out to see a 21st 

century arthouse movie. 

Where: On the edge of The Moor 

part of Hawkhurst. 

Setting: Glorious Wealden 

countryside and its own land, 

comprising 98 acres of arable, 18 of 

woodland, around 134 acres in all. 

Beds: 7, the master en suite with a 

dressing room Baths: 3 

Special features: The interior needs 

thoroughly modernising – a wonderful 

opportunity. 

Pleasing details: Swimming pool, 

tennis court (both need refurbishing), 

summerhouse, stables, sand school. 

Outside: Some borders, a lake and 

a walled vegetable garden with two 

potting sheds. 

Time to town: From Etchingham (4.1 

miles) from 1 hour, 15 mins. 

Agent: Strutt & Parker Lewes 

01273 475411 struttandparker.com 


28

Gate House Farm 

£1,250,000 

The dream: Did a house ever have a 

more beautiful roof? This Grade II 

listed country house has origins as a 15th 

century Wealden Hall, with the beams 

and inglenooks to show for it. Tile hung 

on one elevation, weather boarded on 

the other, roses growing up it... 

Where: Near the village of Staplecross, 3 

miles from Bodiam. 

Setting: An elevated spot with views over 

the High Weald AONB. 

Beds: 6, Master en suite Baths: 4 

Special features: The pool house is a 

beamed Sussex barn that was moved to 

the site, specially. 

Pleasing details: A billiard room and a 

self-contained one-storey cottage. 

Outside: 3 acres of gardens and grounds, 

including a west-facing walled garden, 

outbuildings galore, two green-houses, a 

tennis court. 

Time to town: 6 miles to Robertsbridge, 

then 1 hour 20 to Charing Cross and 

Cannon Street. 

Agent: Jackson-Stops, Cranbrook. 01580 

720000 jackson-stops.co.uk 

Old Cloth Hall 

£1,975,000 

The dream: A magnificent timberframed 

Grade II* listed house originating 

from the 15th century glory days of 

Cranbrook’s broadcloth industry. It has 

a rambling L-shaped plan and there is a 

separate wood-framed building, ideal as 

an office space. 

Where: 3 minutes drive from Cranbrook. 

Setting: In the High Weald AONB, 

surrounded by farmland and countryside. 

Beds: 6 Master en suite, with a dressing 

room Baths: 3 

Special features: Heavenly oak panelling 

in the hall and drawing rooms. 

Pleasing details: A substantial 

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and gym. A giant chess board on the main 

formal lawn. 

Outside: Mature gardens with a pool and 

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Time to town: 5.5 miles to Staplehurst, 

then just over an hour to Charing Cross, 

London Bridge and Cannon Street. 

Agent: Jackson-Stops, Cranbrook. 

01580 720000 jackson-stops.co.uk 

29 wealdentimes.co.uk

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31 wealdentimes.co.uk 

EverestHomeImprovementsWT198.indd 1 24/07/2018 16:27

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34 

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What is a Collaborative Divorce? 

The plight of Mrs Owens being forced to remain in a loveless marriage has garnered much 

media attention and strengthened the “no fault” divorce movement, but, pending a change 

in the law, can such a destructive impasse be avoided? YES, by choosing collaborative law. 

Unsurprisingly, it is not uncommon for 

one spouse to want a divorce, whilst 

the other wants to remain married. 

However, to force one person to 

remain married to the other is hardly 

going to improve the relationship! 

In these situations, it is important to 

recognise that the reluctant partner 

needs to “catch up” before being 

forced to make the life changing 

decisions that divorce brings. 

The right lawyer, with the right 

approach can make a huge difference 

to the outcome and whilst it can be 

very tempting to choose the lawyer 

with a reputation for “fighting tooth 

and nail”, when the dust settles, what 

have they actually achieved and at 

what cost? 

So, how is a collaborative divorce 

different? 

We do not ask the Court to make 

decisions, instead, supported by their 

own collaboratively trained lawyers, a 

couple meets to discuss every possible 

issue arising from the breakdown of the 

relationship. Through those discussions, 

constructive progress is made and 

agreements reached which are tailored 

to the couple’s specific circumstances. 

Many people might assume therefore 

that a collaborative divorce can only 

work if the couple is amicable, but not 

so. This is what one of our collaborative 

clients says: 

“I remain convinced that every couple 

should, where possible, at least try the 

collaborative approach to divorce, as in 

spite of everything, the warring exes are 

still talking, neither of us is bankrupt, far 

from it and we have not spent a fortune 

on solicitors’ fees! Compared to the 

heartache and years of torment friends 

of ours went through, it has been a 

breeze.” 

Obviously, there will also be cases 

where the court process is not only 

inevitable, it is necessary, but those 

cases are rarer than many people 

believe, and it is still important to 

choose a lawyer who doesn’t just fight, 

but who can justify how that fight will 

be in your best interests. 

So, while Mrs Owens waits for divorce 

law to be brought into the 21st century, 

remember that you can choose 

your own 21st century option – a 

collaborative divorce. 

If you would like further advice we 

offer a free 30-minute meeting. 

Please contact our team secretary 

Khaila Reid on T: 01892 502 335 

or E: kreid@bussmurton.co.uk 

and quote ‘Wealden Times’. 

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

Melanie den Brinker 

Margaret Evans 

Lora Grogan 

Julie Taylor 

Kristy Underwood 

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

TUNBRIDGE WELLS | CRANBROOK | EAST GRINSTEAD | DARTFORD 

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

RISE 4 Disability South East 

Kent Showground 

9:30am- 4:00pm 

Tuesday 18th September 

Over 100 Exhibitors showcasing 

new and exciting products 

FREE 

EVENT 

In Partnership With: 

Find out more on 01268 206111 or info@rise4disability.com 

Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3JF

Come and meet 

our experts. 

Events at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital 

& Medway Fitness & Wellbeing Gym 

Thursday 13th September 

Serious about weight loss 

Bariatric Surgery open consultation morning with 

Mr Ahmed Hamouda Consultant General and Bariatric 

Surgeon. Private mini one-to-one consultations from 

9am-12pm at our health and wellbeing centre in 

Medway, this event is ideal for those who are serious 

about effective weight loss including surgery, having 

had limited success with dieting. Come and meet our 

consultant to discuss the most suitable options for you 

including gastric balloon, band, sleeve or bypass. 

Medway Fitness & Wellbeing Gym 

Medway Valley Leisure Park, Chariot Way, Rochester ME2 2SS 


Facial rejuvenation with the Apex Facelift 

Mr Daryl Coombes Consultant maxillofacial and 

cosmetic surgeon discusses the innovative facelift 

surgery which is performed under local anaesthetic. 

The Apex Facelift is less invasive than a traditional 

facelift with results that are just as effective. Held 

at our hospital in Tunbridge Wells from 7-9pm, 

Mr Coombes will be offering private mini one-to-one 

consultations to discuss your concerns and answer any 

questions you may have in terms of this procedure. 

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital 

Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4UL 

Places for these events are complimentary but limited, to book please call our 

customer advisors on 01892 882187 or email tu_custenq@nuffieldhealth.com 

Book online at nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/tunbridgewells/events

Come and Come visit and us visit in Tenterden us in Tenterden to discover to discover a huge a huge range of of handmade rugs and and kelims kelims in all in styles all styles and 

sizes and including sizes including oversize oversize which which can can be be viewed by by appointment in our new barn barn showroom. 

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Featuring: 

• Some of the nation’s 

most respected property experts 

• Helpful, local, trustworthy 

suppliers, advisors & tradespeople 

• FREE before-work breakfast 

• FREE Squerryes wine Bar all afternoon 

• Pop-up Food Lounge by Tonbridge 

WIN! 

Old Fire Station 

One of 5 Ring 

video doorbells. • Prizes and competitions 

& lots lots more! 

Register B4 

16 September 

This year we welcome 

Dick Strawbridge 

plus other expert speakers 

Join us at: 

The Hop Farm 

Maidstone Rd 

Paddock Wood 

Tonbridge 

TN12 6PY 

Get your FREE tickets at: 

www.sepropertyexpo.co.uk

Portrait Sculpting 

Course 

Tuesday 4 th September 7-9pm 

Battle Memorial Hall 

13 Week Tutorial Course 

with award winning portrait sculptor Julian Lamb 

All ages & abilities welcome 

for more info & enrolment contact: 

julian@rubycrush.co.uk or call: 07717 502036 

JulianLambSculptureCourseWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 16:53 


42


In May of this year, Wilkinson Opticians, High Street, Sevenoaks underwent an 

amazing transformation into the newly branded Wilkinson Eyewear Studio. 

Practice Manager Simon Davenport explains 

“I wanted to create a totally unique environment 

in which our clients could browse the very best 

artisan and luxury eyewear from around the world.” 

Across Europe opticians present themselves very 

differently to the UK, less clutter, less uniformity 

and more of an emphasis on eyewear. To this 

end I worked closely with a local designer to 

create something where the frames became the 

star of the show not the fixtures and fittings. 

To further enhance the new studio I have 

introduced many new frame collections, such 

as Gotti Switzerland who hand make frames 

in exotic materials like buffalo horn as well as 

titanium and innovative 3D printed eyewear. 

A-list brand Barton Perreira adds sophisticated 

Los Angeles glamour in both glasses and their 

stunning sunglasses line. 

French boutique collections FACE A FACE and 

Anne et Valentin ensure that our clients can leave 

with something very individual and eyecatching. 

All of these frames sit alongside other new 

introductions – Mykita, Orgreen, Cutler and 

Gross, Garrett Leight and Yohji Yamamoto. 

Whilst Silhouette, Philippe Starck and Tom Ford 

remain firm favourites. 

Simon encourages anyone for whom quality and 

craftsmanship is important in choosing eyewear 

to pop in and experience their styling service. 

Wilkinson Eyewear Studio, 143 High Street, Sevenoaks TN13 1UX 

01732 453137 www.eyewear.studio

On show at 

both our stores 

Summer Sale is now on! 

On show in our 

Eastbourne store 

David Salmon are the exclusive stockist of 

Himolla products in East Sussex 

Good selection of models to see at both stores. Huge selection of leathers and also available in fabric. 

Quality from Germany 

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

www.davidsalmon.co.uk

P 

Potts 

Ltd 

Bathrooms 

Kitchens 

Interiors 

Visit Kent’s largest bathroom & kitchen showroom: 

Potts Ltd, Kiln Barn Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BQ 

01732 848444 

www.potts.ltd.uk

Calling all women! 

At Spire Tunbridge Wells you are our priority, so it’s time to put yourself first 

Take time for you at our women’s health event on 

Saturday 29th September 2018 

at Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital from 10am-1pm 

A team of breast, gynaecological and physiotherapy consultants will 

be available on the day covering a range of symptoms and concerns 

Goody 

Bags 

Tea, Coffee 

& Cakes! 

Heavy 

painful 

periods 

Menopause 

Breast 

cancer 

family 

history 

What’s available: 

FREE breast checks, FREE smear tests, FREE 

mini consultations. Limited spaces available. 

Call today to book your place 

01892 741150 

Post-natal 

concerns 

Bladder 

& bowel 

frequency 

incontinence 

Pelvic 

floor 

Discounted 3D 

mammograms 

available 

If you don’t want a health check, then why not come along to meet 

our consultants and listen to their presentations covering: 

‘Common signs of breast cancer and what to look out for’ 

‘Are heavy periods normal?’ 

Make Spire Tunbridge Wells your hospital of choice. 

Call us in confidence on 01892 741150 

tunbridgewebform@spirehealthcare.com 

www.spiretunbridgewells.com

Under New Family Ownership 

Gold, Diamond Jewellery & 

Prestigious Watches Purchased For Cash 

Pre-owned Antique Timeless 

Family Owned 

96 High St, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6JB 

Telephone 01580 763 155 

www.whitesjewellers.com 

info@whitesjewellers.co.uk 

also at 

Find us on 

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

Telephone 01424 211 835 

www.thomasfrenchjewellers.com 

thomas.frenchjewellers@gmail.com

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Notebook 

Plough down 

Get your flat caps on and head over to Four Oaks 

Farm in Headcorn this month for the 71st Weald 

of Kent Ploughing Match. It’s the largest of its kind 

in Kent, and matchday on Saturday 15 September 

offers a lot more than speeding ploughs. Dog 

shows, a children’s gymkhana, clay pigeon shooting 

and demonstrations by rural professionals make this 

an action-packed family excursion not to be missed. 

While you’re there don’t forget to sample the 

Farmers Market’s food and drink stalls - farming 

can be thirsty work, after all… wkpma.co.uk 

All that Jazz 

A wealth of musical talent gathers in 

the beautiful town of Rye as the Rye 

international jazz and blues festival 

continues. The programme is a 

platform for established and emerging 

talent and this month you can see 

performers including Corinne Bailey 

Rae and Dionne Warwick. ryejazz.com 

Notebook 

Exhibitions 

& 

events near you 

this month 

Chris Milton 

From Sunday 23 September to 

Saturday 3 November, the Blackshed 

Gallery in Robertsbridge will host an 

exhibition of work by Chris Milton. A 

vibrant mixture of painting and drawing, 

Milton is inspired by ‘desire and denial, 

joy and trepidation, dominance and 

deference’ to create a dynamic tension in 

spontaneous and expressionistic works 

full of life and colour. He has exhibited 

extensively across the UK and abroad. 

theblackshedgallery.org.uk 

Discover and thrive 

Explore how to enhance your life at the 

Thrive: Discovery Weekend on Saturday 

29 and Sunday 30 September. Learn 

about and experience wellness, health, 

fitness, nutrition, positive mental health 

practices and complementary therapies 

at the Secret Manor in Tunbridge Wells. 

Kids under 16 go free thriveevents.co.uk 

Golden Years 

Emerson Park Retirement Village in 

Hextable will host open days on Friday 

7 and Saturday 8 September. It will 

be the first opportunity for the public to 

view communal and care home facilities 

including the club room, bar, exercise 

studio, cinema and hair salon at this 

luxury retirement village. cinnamoncc.com 

Wealden Crafts 

From Friday 7 to Sunday 9 September 

Penshurst Place’s parkland welcomes 

The Weald of Kent Country Craft 

Show. Carpenters, artisan producers 

and small businesses from across the 

county and further afield will gather with 

their wonderful collections and gifts. 

thecraftshows.co.uk 


Editor’s 

Letter 

We laugh a lot, putting together every issue of this 

magazine, but this is the first time I’ve ever had my 

eyes well up with big fat tears. 

That happens every time I look at the picture of Ava (page 7 

of this month’s Education supplement) looking so brave and so 

smart in her uniform on her very first day at school. 

All parents have vivid memories of sending their little ones 

off on the start of their educational journey, indeed most of us 

remember our own first day. It’s a big deal for all concerned, 

which is why we have an article full of great advice about 

preparing your child – and yourself! – for it. 

But with my daughter about to embark on her first postschool 

stage of education I know all too well that the concern 

to do everything right to support your child never goes away, 

so we have covered all the stages of schooling right up to uni 

applications and the new alternatives to that path. 

We also have two spectacular and very different houses, 

inspiring gardens, delicious food and expert beauty and wellbeing 

advice. And I’m particularly pleased this month with our fashion 

story, which offers brilliant styling tips for how chaps can add 

fresh zest to the rather limiting trousers/shirt/jacket combination. 

It’s amazing the difference just turning up shirt cuffs, or adding 

a silk square to a blazer pocket can make. 

Enjoy your Wealden Times! 

Wealden Times Team 

Editor ....................................................................................... Maggie Alderson 

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

Digital Editor ...................................................................................Emily Pavey 

Fashion Editor ................................................................................... Kate Watts 

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

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

Rob Cursons 

Freya Bruce 

Tanya Goldsmith 

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

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

Sales Manager ................................................................................... Jen Shearer 

Media Sales.................................................................................Sarah Norwood 

Cinnamon Lacey 

Distribution ....................................................................................... Kate Watts 

Wealden Times Events Team 

Sales Account Manager ...................................................................... Joy Adams 

Jude Brown 

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

Visit our newly refurbished 

showroom to see our 

NEW contemporary 

Venjakob gallery 

01622 753073 | clarkesfurnishers.co.uk 

Sandling Road, Maidstone, ME14 2RF 


LenleysWT199.indd 1 09/08/2018 12:47

alfee images 

PHOTOGRAPHY 

Come and view a stunning, diverse selection of canvasses 

and framed prints all of which are available to purchase 

Photographic gallery now open at World’s End Clothing, 39–40 Mount St, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0EG 

For more information or to discuss your requirements visit www.alfeeimages.co.uk 

call 07979 218724 or email alfee images on customerservice@alfeeimages.co.uk

© 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C. 

Where to find your copy of 

LYRIC PIECES 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of 

Wealden Times or to have your free copy delivered 

for 12 months for just £22 postage 

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McAllister Thomas Half Page - Wealden Times.indd 1 31/07/2018 11:09

Picture perfect 

A fantasy family home has been loved back to life 

Words: Antonia Methuen Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Kimberley Watson 


54


Previous pages: The wallpaper in the drawing room is by De 

Gournay. The rocking horse is from Stevenson Brothers Above 

left: Potato the dog in the hall with vaulted ceilings in the Gothic 

Revival style Above right: The parquet floors are by Avalon 

Flooring Left: The chest of drawers is from Ensor Interior Design 

One of the wonderful things about East Sussex is 

that as soon as you think you know the place, you 

will quickly realise that you don’t know it at all. 

Nestled at the bottom of that lane, the one you drive 

past every day, hidden behind the blush of those giant 

purple rhododendrons and the splash of lush dark 

evergreens lies a house. And then you marvel at how 

you managed to miss something quite so stunning! 

It is a house just like this that drew businesswoman and 

mother of three, Lillie Edgar and her husband, former 

banker and now landscape designer Chris, to the pictureperfect 

rural coastline between Hastings and Rye. 

Fairlight is a village of contradictions. Emerging at the 

top of Battery Hill by the Firehills country park, it rolls 

downwards towards the sea and just like Winchelsea and 

Pett, two of its neighbouring villages, there is an almost 

 


Top: Ornate heirloom chandeliers draw the eye to the ceilings in the sitting room 

Above: Indian miniatures by Lillie’s mother and Southeast Asian shadow puppets 

reflect Chris and Lillie’s love of travel 

schizophrenic nature to the place. 

Whilst the main village itself lies at the 

bottom of the hill, dominated by mainly 

post-World War II bungalows and a few 

new-builds, further up the hill is a collection 

of glorious houses hidden behind verdant 

ever-greens and large gates, each one unique 

and each very much in its own vernacular. 

Chris and Lillie bought their former rectory 

in 2010. Having moved from Tunbridge 

Wells, the idea was to get the work done 

and to move in within a few months. Little 

did the couple realise when they first got the 

keys to their East Sussex mansion – and it 

really is a mansion – that the refurbishment 

would actually take several years and become 

a labour of love, as the couple began work 

on everything from the roof downwards. 

Nestled at the end of a leafy drive, with 

views over the rolling coastline down to Rye 

bay, the early Victorian building had been 

in dire need of love and attention for some 

time. The dreamy stucco ceilings had been 

boarded up, the intricate cornices had 


58

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Above: The dining room was once a snooker room for RAF officers billeted in the house during World War II. The wallpaper is by 

De Gournay. The coloured vases are from Venice, a special place for Chris and Lillie, which inspired one of the Lavender & Lillie 

fragrances 

been destroyed, the walls were covered in layers of board and 

plywood, the floorboards had been painted black and the 

windows were falling apart. As Lillie says: “you could literally 

poke your finger through the wall in places, it was so bad.” 

So the couple took a deep breath and began work on a 

project to create their glorious forever home with entertaining 

and family life at its core – with great bones to work from. 

Every reception room on the ground floor is bathed in 

light from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, most rooms 

having double-aspect views. And what a view! Positioned 

at the top of what was once two steep fields, Chris, who 

left the city and re-trained as a garden designer, first at 

Inchbald School of Design and then at Great Dixter, has 

created one of the most impressive gardens you are likely to 

see in the area with the sort of wow factor more often seen 

in the show gardens of Chelsea. But more of that later… 

Another feature that made it the perfect home for 

this couple was the ceiling heights. “One of the most 

important aspects to us in any house,” says Chris, “is 

high ceilings. Which is not something that you get a lot 

of around this area of East Sussex. So when we saw the 

interior here, we just thought, yes! We had to have it.” 

Designed in the Gothic Revival style, the house has the 

type of lofty ceilings that would make a tall man weep 

with joy. With the original mouldings restored, each room 

says elegant without having to try hard. Lillie has created 

interiors that are both stylish and glamorous yet easy for 

her family of three young children to live with. There is 

nothing stuffy or fussy, it’s simply chic and timeless. 

Chris and Lillie first met when they were studying for an 

MSc in Finance and Investment Management at Aberdeen 

University. As Chris says, “I thought I would come away 

with a degree but I also came away with a wife!” 

They moved to London and both worked in finance, 

before the lure of the Home Counties and a less urban 

existence pulled them down the A21. While Chris re-trained 

to become a garden designer and Lillie began work on her 

home fragrance brand, Lavender & Lillie, the couple’s 


Above: The former garage was converted into a spacious open 

plan area for the whole family, with a bespoke walnut kitchen by 

Rencraft, Tunbridge Wells Left: Original botanical paintings by 

Lillie’s mother line the landing. The feature light is from Nuova 

Venier in Murano, Venice 

need to be within the commuter belt became less of an issue. 

So their search began for a large family home, with scope 

for a garden that Chris could cut his teeth on and a home 

with space where Lillie could develop the fragrances and 

branding for her new company and also bring up a family. 

With inspiration for the Lavender & Lillie products 

ranging from the Seychelles, where Lillie grew up, to India, 

where her family lived, to Venice, where the couple got 

married and Dover Street, where Chris and Lillie spent 

their early married years, Lavender & Lillie, is, as with 

the house, packed with personal and biographical detail. 

New products featuring New York, Thailand, Tanzania 

and Hastings will join the range over the next year or so. 

The entrance hall is the first glimpse of the couple’s 

interests. A series of lead planters gives a nod to the famous 

entrance of Great Dixter, behind which sit two ceramic 

Chinese dragons. The impressive glazed front door leads 


62

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Left: A bespoke laser-cut United Kingdom and Ireland mirror 

in the downstairs loo Below: The reed diffuser is in the Praslin 

Seychelles fragrance by Lavender & Lillie. The handwash, lotion 

and soap are from the Palace Road India range Below left: Floor 

to ceiling books in the library 

on to a huge double-height hallway. From the furniture and the 

paintings to the objects artfully displayed, the house immediately 

tells the special story of Chris and Lillie’s journey through life. 

Throughout the house, the couple have tried to keep as 

much of the original material and detailing as possible, as 

befitting a Grade II listed building. The wide and generous 

floorboards were sanded and repaired, as were the fireplaces. 

The original radiators were left whilst large double doors, 

floor-to-ceiling bay windows and cornices were either 

made good or replicated by local master craftsmen. 

In most rooms ornate chandeliers have been 

picked up from auctions or from the couple’s travels, 

including a stunning piece from Murano in Venice – a 

location that remains close to both their hearts. 

Chris and Lillie referred to old photos of the house 

and have attempted to take it back to its original 

Victorian layout and look as much as possible, whilst 

also creating a fabulous and generous family home 

fit for a young family living in the 21st century. 

The dining room, a snooker room for RAF officers 

during the World War II when they were billeted in 

the house, had its original features entirely boarded 

up, including most of the sash window. 

Discovering the architectural gems, lurking behind the layers 

of ply and chipboard, has been like an excavation project. The 

couple have tried to keep the amazing quirks of the house intact 

such as the room’s rather wonderful original fireplace, located 

right under the sash window complete with its right-angled flu. 

They have also sourced original pieces of Victorian furniture 

which they have lovingly restored. You can feel the building 


The sense of the family’s travels is never more evident than in their eldest 

son’s room, which sports a full-size world map across one wall 

 


66

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68 

01892 533273 

WoodworkWT196.indd 1 21/05/2018 14:59

Previous page: The world map is from Printed Space and the 

bunkbed is by Great Little Trading Company Above: A sofa on 

the landing. The original floorboards were sanded and restored. 

The animal cushions are by Sass & Belle Left: A pretty pink 

nursery for Chris and Lillie’s new born daughter, complete with 

unicorns from Melissa & Doug 

sing with joy as the years as a B&B, a vegetarian hotel and a 

party crash pad for a 90s footballer fade into its memory. 

The former garage has been converted into a 

stunning open plan kitchen and family space with a 

huge bespoke corner sofa, family dining area and large 

TV – all the essentials for day-to-day family life. 

The roof light above drenches you in daylight and 

the walnut bespoke kitchen by Rencraft in Tunbridge 

Wells is everything you dream a family kitchen should 

be. On the soft grey walls are paintings by Lillie’s mother, 

Naheed Tourish, a botanical artist, that sit side by side 

more contemporary pieces picked up on their travels. 

Leading off this space are yet more light-soaked reception 

areas with a library, filled with books on its floor-to-ceiling 

shelves, a guest suite and a huge conservatory. On-trend 

palm tree print cushions from Hawaii and furniture by 

Swoon make this a comfortable and usable space for reading 

or “just getting away from everybody” laughs Lillie. 

A sweeping staircase covered in a Crucial Trading 

runner leads up to a generous first floor landing. The 

sense of the family’s travels is never more evident than in 

their eldest son’s room, which sports a full-size world 


Left: The teak four poster is from Lombok Below: Chris 

and Lillie found the antique Mongolian cabinet at Yi Ju in 

Tunbridge Wells, along with the Chinese chair. The brass 

statues were found in Bangkok 

map across one wall – surely every future explorer’s 

dream… Although as Chris admits, it may have 

been created more for his benefit than his son’s. 

Across the landing is one of the first of the guest 

bedrooms that instantly transports you to South East Asia, 

via Yi Ju, a specialist shop in Tunbridge Wells that Chris 

and Lillie like to frequent. Alongside dark wood Balinese 

furniture from Lombok, including a wonderful four-poster 

bed, are antique Thai marriage cabinets and statues. 

Chris and Lillie’s spacious master bedroom makes 

the most of the abundant daylight that pours through 

the dual aspect windows, surrounding you with a sea of 

greenery from both behind and in front of the house. 

Nestled next to mum and dad is the nursery of their 

new-born daughter – a medley of soft cushions and 

unicorn cuteness that has to be every little girl’s fantasy. 

Whilst the interior of the house has been very 

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Chris, the garden is where Chris has truly been 

let loose to mould his fantasy landscape. 

Creating a garden on a hill is never an easy brief for a 

garden designer, but when it is your own steep hill, that 

was originally two boggy fields, you have even more at 


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WhiteheadMoncktonWT193.indd 1 05/02/2018 SashWindowHeritageWT187.indd 16:56 

1 15/08/2017 15:18

Chris and Lillie’s master bedroom makes the most of the abundant 

daylight that pours through the dual aspect windows 

 


Previous page: The Venetian glass chandelier in the 

master bedroom is from RV Astley. The sculptures 

at the end of the bed are from Thailand Left: Chris 

designed the main part of the garden on a formal 

scheme, with gravel paths dividing the beds around 

the fountain Below and bottom: Sculptures by Carol 

Peace and Dawn Benson add interest on the terrace 

and among the borders 

stake. Chris chose to use his own garden design as his final 

coursework at Inchbald – and what a landscape he has created. 

The harder edges of a more classical garden design sit 

alongside the wild planting and meadows favoured by 

Great Dixter, to magical effect. The steep banks that lead 

down from the sandstone terrace that wraps around the 

entire house, are a medley of wild flowers. Buttercups, 

cornflowers, daisies and cow parsley move gently in the 

breeze above the more formal garden that surrounds a 

monumental fountain, water gurgling from its flamboyant 

centrepiece, whilst several stunning sculptures by Dawn 

Benson and Michael Speller draw the eye around the garden. 

Having only been planted last year, this was the first 

summer that Chris started to see his labours come to fruit. 

Worthy of any RHS show garden, Chris has alternated 

between both classic and contemporary planting schemes 

in the borders, each section divided by a generous gravel 

path that divides the space with slick geometry. 

An oak pergola surrounds the sunken pool area, 

covered in the first year of a white wisteria. A huge 

OKA double dining table is a further nod to Lillie’s 

and Chris’s love for entertaining. “I love having people 

over, so there are lots of sitting spaces everywhere, 

in the house and in the garden,” says Lillie. 

Chris also designed the pool house, which is covered 

in the same green oak repeated in the retaining walls 

that terrace the hill, creating useful levels where 

the garden has been at last able to thrive. 

What Chris has achieved is nothing short of a miracle, 

creating a stunning formal garden, a brand new maze 

 


74

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Above and right: An oak pergola surrounds the raised pool area. 

The outdoor table is from OKA Bottom: Elephants from Ko 

Samui outside the pool house 

area, a series of hornbeam box shaped trees, a children’s 

play area and a rose garden from that original boggy 

field! It’s still a work in progress but you can only 

imagine how exquisite the whole area will look in a few 

years as all the plants bed in over several seasons. 

A house to live in, to relax in, and most importantly 

perhaps, to have lots of fun in. Chris and Lillie Edgar have 

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fantasy home for them and their family to enjoy for many 

years to come. 

Address Book: 

Lavender & Lillie 01424 581253 lavenderandlillie.com 

Christopher Edgar Garden Design 01424 834185 

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CanterburyAuctionGalleryWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 09:52

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The mother of 

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Artist Sassy Luke lives among her art – and 

makes art out of her life 


90

Words: Nadene Ghouri Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Anna Richardson 


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92 

DavidCarpenterWT198.indd 1 24/07/2018 15:51

Previous page: Sassy seafront home is a dreamy paradise of rescued, saved and upcycled treasures Above: The stunning sea views from 

Sassy’s wrought iron balcony are a constant source of inspiration and a contrast to her gloriously quirky style inside 

Sassy Luke cites her two big interior loves as “the 

ridiculous and the sublime”. That’s her approach to the 

wonderfully idiosyncratic paintings, etchings, icons, 

greetings cards and cushions she makes. But it’s also true of her 

home. The Georgian flat overlooking the sea on St Leonards 

Marina is a veritable cornucopia of rescued objects, family 

heirlooms, upcycled treasures and Sassy’s original artworks. 

As soon as you enter the eye is drawn to a magnificent 

collection of vintage hats, coats and handbags on one 

side and beautiful Moorish pottery plates hanging on 

the walls on the other side. Sassy lived in Spain when 

she was younger and fell in love with both the Moorish 

architecture and ceramics. But it also reveals the wonderfully 

informal and fun way Sassy entertains at home. 

“I don’t have a dinner service. If I have people 

over I just take these down off the wall and 

use them. That’s what the Spanish do.” 

The sea, whether here or in Spain, has always been 

an inspiration for Sassy who grew up in Cornwall in a 

house with no television. To entertain her, she was read 

endless stories by her father. She cites this bohemian 

childhood as the starting point when her imagination 

leapt into gear. And gosh what an imagination she has. 

The stunning azure sea views from the ornate wrought 

iron balcony adjoining her sitting room are overshadowed by 

the sheer fabulousness and individuality of the furnishings. 

And the fact that it’s simply overflowing with the type of 

interesting ‘stuff’ only a true interiors magpie could discover. 

Dominating the area by the window is a large sofa/ 

day bed covered with pastel throws and richly ornate 


This page: An ornate French mirror is surrounded by some of Sassy’s artistic creations – pieces of religious iconography with playful 

twists of flowers, shells, crystals and lights, all in her signature pale colour scheme of white, pink and blue 

deep red and gold velvet cushions. Next to it is an ‘altar’ 

table covered in flowers and surrounded by a collection 

of fun LED rabbit lights. It’s bonkers but it works. 

On the wall hangs a large French mirror. Surrounding 

that are some of Sassy’s artistic creations - boxed 

religious icons decorated with all manner of delicate 

flowers, shells, crystals and pretty lights. 

She explains, “I’m not particularly religious but I’ve always 

been transfixed by religious iconography. I wanted to put 

a modern and thought provoking twist on the images.” 

Sassy is also at pains to point out she doesn’t think her icons 

are in any way disrespectful. “It’s not my intention to demean 

the original. I wouldn’t do that. My aim is only to enhance or 

put a twist on them. But I do like to shake up the conscience.” 

A piece on the opposite wall, called Censored, containing 

an image of Christ emblazoned with the word ‘censored’ 

in an old clock case sums up her approach further. 

“Sometimes I see items that are crying out to be 

altered or have a different function. As in Censored. 

The case is from a reproduction clock I found in a 

junk shop. I liked the classical look of the case, but it 

was only when I placed the Jesus figurine inside that I 

noticed an ugly dividing partition, in the middle. 

“I thought for a moment and then I realised that where 

that barrier fell was the perfect place to put the wording. 

So instead of trying to change the structure I worked with 

it. That’s my approach to everything. I also love the way 

the flowers light up inside it. It is so pretty at night.” 

Underneath that piece is another of Sassy’s icons, a beautiful 

Virgin Mary decorated with delicate shells. To the side sits 

a lovely antique solid chest of drawers, which belonged 

to her grandmother. The surface is crammed with family 

photographs in different styles of vintage frames, and a 

1930s rabbit ornament Sassy found in a charity shop. 


94

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1 26/07/2018 12:30

Above: The French day bed is sourced from long-time St 

Leonards dealer, Eamon and is topped with bolsters which 

Sassy made herself with fabric remnants, bits of old duvet, 

vintage ribbons and sequin belts Right: An antique chest of 

drawers holds a series of family heirlooms and photographs 

“I love him but he has an evil stare,” laughs 

Sassy. There are also some stunning antique blue 

majolica pieces, including a large cheese truckle, also 

heirlooms. But even on these antique pieces, Sassy 

can’t resist a little individual twist and has decorated 

the blue lamp-base with glittery gold butterflies. 

Next to the chest sits a heavy French wrought iron 

day bed bought from long-time local St Leonards 

dealer Eamon (who sets up stall at the top of Norman 

Road). “It’s broken now but for me it’s more important 

something is beautiful than comfortable. I suspect I 

think differently to a lot of other people,” laughs Sassy. 

On top of the bed sit embroidered bolsters that look 

like art deco era Chinese silk but are in fact handmade 

by Sassy from fabric remnants stuffed with bits of 

old duvet and the ends tied with vintage ribbons. 

The ‘embroidery’ that tricked my eye into thinking 

it was 1920s are bits of old sequin belts stuck on 

with glue. “I’m both a poor artist and a single 

mum. But being poor helps” asserts Sassy. “I have 

to think outside the box in everything I do.” 

On the wall are some of Sassy’s collage paintings, 

featuring illustrated figures cut from some of her own 

design greetings cards. “I never let anything go to 

 


This page: Sassy saves space by displaying beautiful items 

which are usually stowed away; bags are hung on door 

handles and jewellery is set out on a Georgian writing desk 

waste.” There’s some more of her icon works, this time 

embellished crucifixes in soft pink and blues with sparkly 

silver and gold detail – Sassy’s favourite palette. Sassy has 

the crosses made by a local carpenter and then paints and 

embellishes them to make each one a unique piece of art. 

A turquoise Casa Pupo lamp sits on a little table, 

again upcycled, this one with glittery long-tailed birds. 

Even the door handle is made decorative with vintage 

handbags slung over it. “That’s because there’s no storage in 

this place,” laughs Sassy. “I have to use every available space 

to store things. I hang jewellery on walls and bags off door 

handles. But I like that because if I love wearing a piece of 

jewellery why wouldn’t I enjoy seeing it on display too?” 

On another family heirloom, a Georgian writing 

desk, is an array of antique silver dishes, mostly picked 

up from charity or junk shops, displaying more piles 

of rings and necklaces. “I enjoy seeing them all the 

time, and they catch the light beautifully,” says Sassy. 

Sitting next to the bowls is a fantastic art 

nouveau silver hand mirror decorated with angels 

and flowers. Amazingly, Sassy picked this up for a 

song at a charity shop. “It’s a bit battered, but for 

me that makes it even more lovely,” she says. 

What looks to be a punky style spiky vase is an 

old perfume bottle wearing one of Sassy’s bracelets. 

On the wall above are more framed family photos, 

including one of Sassy’s very handsome son Ossian,

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The bust wearing the fancy headdress? In fact, a piece of 

old lampshade and a pineapple ornament 

 


a professional model signed to MOT models. 

There’s so much going on in this room it’s hard 

for the eye to take it all in, but where the jumble of 

sparkle, wit, invention and charity finds really comes 

into its own are the displays on the mantlepiece 

and atop a lovely old French pine dining table. 

Aphrodite is the theme of the mantlepiece with a 

collection of armless statues in lots of different sizes. “I’ve 

collected them for years”, explains Sassy. “And I keep 

adding.” The bust wearing the fancy headdress? In fact, 

a piece of old lampshade and a pineapple ornament. 

What about the display of expensive looking glass 

cloches displaying a skull, a pufferfish and some 

blue veined fake bird’s eggs? In a genius tip Sassy 

reveals the ‘cloches’ are made by using upturned 

inexpensive glass vases bought from TK Maxx. 

“Necessity is the mother of invention. But I 

wouldn’t have it any other way because I love the 

thrill of finding things or reinventing them.” 

One of the reasons such an eclectic collection hangs 

together so well is the base palette of blues, pinks and 

soft whites painted throughout the flat. “These are my 

colours,” says Sassy. “These are the same colours I tend 

to wear on my clothes too. And in here I stick to the 

same colours with every new or found item that comes. I 

think if someone bought me some orange flowers I’d 

This page: The kitchen sings with Spanish pottery, hanging 

vintage copper pots and occasional touches of whimsy in the 

form of a birdcage and ceramic roses 


102

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104 

PassionMediaWT199.indd 1 26/07/2018 RectoryInteriorsWT182.indd 17:25 

1 13/03/2017 16:23

Top left: Inspired by life in Spain, Sassy has no dinner 

service, but simply takes her decorated plates from the wall 

when entertaining Above: An abstract painted cello case by 

Jameson Keane Bottom left: Sassy’s painting, Homunculus 

was inspired by the book Geek Love by Katherine Dunn 

have to throw them away because they wouldn’t fit in.” 

As an example, she points to a collection of blue 

feathers in place of flowers. “They have some yellow 

bits on them,” explains Sassy, “but I had to turn 

them the other way to hide the yellow. I really am 

that specific about sticking to my colours.” 

The little galley kitchen off the sitting room sings with 

more Moorish Spanish pottery. Vintage copper pots hang 

from a wooden shelf bracket. And even in here, Sassy’s 

love of the whimsical and pretty in those favourite blues 

and pinks is apparent with ceramic roses hanging from 

wall hooks, carved alabaster eggs and a vintage bird cage. 

In the hallway is a striking piece of art by artist Jameson 

Keane, in the form of a bright abstract painted cello 

case. Opposite that is a mirror framed by more of Sassy’s 

jewellery and a very intriguing painting of hers named 

Homunculus featuring circus characters inside glass 

bottles, inspired by the book Geek Love by Katherine 

Dunn. Next to that sits a portrait of the artist herself. 

The main bedroom was shared by two daughters 


“Necessity is the mother of invention. But I wouldn’t have it any other way” 

 


106

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WestoaksBuildersWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 15:14

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Web: www.xlpools.com

This page: In what was Sassy’s daughters’ bedroom, she is 

currently working on her icon tin collection, a series of sardine 

tins glamourised with studs, shells and spikes. Above the bed 

hangs Bubble-gum-queenie, Sassy’s twist on Chris Levine’s 

Lightness of Being portrait of the Queen 

but with them both off to university, Sassy has moved her 

work desk in there. On top of a vintage bed sit some of 

Sassy’s own design humorous cushions (which she sells at 

Brighton market and other craft fairs around East Sussex). 

Her work desk is a haven of order. She’s currently working 

on a series of miniature icons made from old sardine tins. 

The humble tins have become little things of beauty in her 

expert hands studded with pearls, shells and/or punky spikes. 

“It’s called the icon tin collection,” says Sassy before roaring 

with laughter and renaming it ‘the starving artist collection’. 

“I feed my kids then I make art with the leftovers!” 

Sassy’s own bedroom is smaller. As elsewhere the lack of 

storage means she’s had to make a virtue of displays and her 

collections of vintage dresses, shoes and belts line the walls. 

It’s hard to imagine that this flat full of intrigue, 

wonder and joy was painted dark brown and green when 

she moved in. “I start with my pastel coloured base of 

soft blues, pale whites and pinks because those are the 

colours that make me happiest. Then I love letting my 

imagination run riot. It’s the same with my artwork. It’s a 

starting point for the viewer to expand and dream with.” 

This unique space, with treasures galore, 

certainly is dreamlike in the way it makes the 

ordinary feel quite extraordinary indeed. 

 


This page: In Sassy’s own smaller bedroom collections of vintage 

dresses, shoes and belts line the walls 

Address Book: 

Sassy Luke sassylukeartworks.com Etsy sassyluke Instagram 

sasssylukeartist Email sassy-luke@hotmail.com 

Roberts Rummage, 68 High Street, Hastings 

Butlers Emporium, 70 George Street, Hastings 

butlersemporium.com 01424 430678 

La Marette Brocante, 33 Kings Road, St Leonards On Sea 

07729 347006 lamarette.co.uk 

Coastal Currents Arts Festival coastalcurrents.org.uk 

As part of the Open Studios during the Coastal Currents arts festival, Sassy will open her flat by appointment, email 

above. You can find her at the Kings Road market, St Leonards on the 1st Saturday of every month. 


110

the original 

TOP 

that fits on 

TOP 

TIRED OF YOUR OLD KITCHEN? 

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made to cover existing surfaces precisely, leaving a hardwearing and luxurious 

finish. Our skilled team can often transform your kitchen in as little as a day. 

Call 0330 127 3482 for a free consultation or visit our showrooms 

Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park 

Longfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 3QF 

gt-tunbridgewells.co.uk 

Newnham Court Shopping Village, 

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3 Natural scallop shell wreath £15 Gisela Graham giselagraham.co.uk 4 Jesus wall art £189 Lime Lace limelace.co.uk 

5 Mother of pearl mirror £189 Atkin and Thyme atkinandthyme.co.uk 6 Girl with a pearl bubble canvas 

£220 The French Bedroom Co. frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 7 Darling Dodo painting £350 Sassy Luke 

Artworks sassylukeartworks.com 8 Hand painted table lamp £1138 Besselink & Jones besselink.com 9 Seashell Jar 

£9 The Contemporary Home tch.net 10 World traveller bust Home Sense homesense.com 11 Faux rattan chair 

£255 The Farthing thefarthing.co.uk 12 Mahogany chest of drawers £980 The Old Cinema theoldcinema.co.uk

Traditional & Contemporary English Hand-Made Furniture, 

Upholstery, Lighting, Accessories & Gifts 

108-110 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6HT. 01580 764481 

www.tenterdenhouseinteriors.co.uk

The September Art Exhibition 

We are delighted to bring you our 22nd art exhibition in Wadhurst, with over 40 superb artists 

presenting a diverse array of extraordinary works. Highlights include: 

John Humphreys’ ‘The Queen’ sculpture - a star attraction at this year’s Royal Academy Summer Show 

Works from Louise Giblin - winner of the Gold Award for Sculpture at the 2017 Florence Biennale 

Guest artist for 2018 - Chloé Ginètte Squires 

Not to be missed - it’s going to be another amazing event. 

7th-16th September 2018 

10am - 8pm Daily (closes 4pm final day) 

Commemoration Hall, High Street, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6AP 

septemberart.org 

info@septemberart.org 

EDWARD STOTT 

A MASTER OF COLOUR AND ATMOSPHERE 

SeptemberArtWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 09:46 

26 May to 

16 September 

Tickets £5 / £4 concessions 

Free for Towner Members 

& under 18s 

Towner Art Gallery 

Devonshire Park, College Road, 

Eastbourne, BN21 4JJ 

townereastbourne.org.uk 

Edward Stott, Washing Day, 1899, Oil on canvas. Watts Gallery Trust 


114 

TownerArtGalleryWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 10:54

Sculpture 

Culture 

Not just for parks and civic squares, the 3D impact of 

sculpture brings any space to life 

‘Perennial Figure’ Walter Bailey £8,000 

‘Dew Drops’ Neil Wilkin £620 each 

‘Fallen Deodar’ 

Jilly Sutton 

£11,800 

The Hannah Peschar 

Sculpture Garden, 

Ockley, Surrey 

Set in a stunning garden which 

was laid out in the 1910s, you 

can now wander, browse and 

buy contemporary sculptures 

hannahpescharsculpture.com 

‘Villosa’ Carole Andrews 

Red £990 Blue £2,900 

‘The Sheltering Stack’ 

Walter Bailey 

£9,900 

‘Sentinal Torso I and II’ Paul 

Vanstone £18,000 each 

‘SOLN’ David 

Begbie £12,750 


‘Precious Thing’ Eve Shepherd 

‘iLondon’ Louise Giblin 

‘Perfect Fit’ Louise Giblin 

‘Little Wave’ Gavin Roweth 

Wing Art Gallery, Wadhurst 

A gallery set in a unique 15th century building 

with a strong sculptural feel, representing artists 

both local and national. wingartgallery.com 

‘Objet Plaisir’ Louise Giblin 

‘Tethered’ Eve Shepherd 

‘Serenity’ 

Eve Shepherd 

‘Solar’ Gavin Roweth

louiS tuRPiN witH 

ANNA lAMBeRt 

¬ 

_ 

15th SePteMBeR - 14th octoBeR 

107 HiGH StReet Rye tN31 7Je 

Rye ARt GAlleRy www.RyeARtGAlleRy.co.uk 

Louis Turpin - Alliums At Dixter 

RyeArtGalleryWT199.indd 1 13/08/2018 GrahamClarkeWT198.indd 15:20 

1 10/07/2018 11:53 

AUTUMN EXHIBITIONS 

G&C GALLERY 

Image 1 - Li Mang - Dream of Jiangnan’s Misty Walk - Oil on canvas - 70 x 80 cm - £3,250 

Image 2 - Poppy Tangen-Knight - Oil on canvas - 17 x21 inches - £1,800 

The world as a picture - Li Mang solo exhibition 

16th Nov-14th Dec 2018 

The world as a picture in Li Mang’s watercolour and 

oil paintings. 

Still life exhibition 

16th Nov-14th Dec 2018 

Still life works from various artists around the world. 

WWW.GCGALLERY.CO.UK +44 (0) 1892532638 info@gcgallery.co.uk 

8 Camden Road, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2PT Opening Times 10am-6pm Monday-Saturday 

MAKE A PRIVATE VIEWING: INFO@GCGALLERY.CO.UK 


G&CGalleryWT199.indd 1 20/08/2018 15:15

Specialising in original works and signed limited 

editions, Castle Fine Art, Tunbridge Wells boasts 

an extensive collection sure to enchant and 

inspire. Visitors will find work from cultural 

icons such as Bob Dylan and Ronnie Wood on the 

gallery’s walls, alongside pieces from critically 

acclaimed artists making their mark on today’s 

contemporary art scene. 

MEET THE ARTIST ALEX ECHO 

International abstract artist Alex Echo will 

be visiting the gallery to present his latest 

collection of original paintings, entitled Imagine, 

on Saturday 15 September from 1-3pm. The 

collection communicates his love for the earth 

and focuses on six key areas: solar, nature, sea, 

shapes, words and sculptures. 

45 High St, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1XL 

tunbridgewells@castlefineart.com | 01892 267070

Kurt Hickson ‘Red, White and Blue’ (2016-2017) © The Artist 

David Batchelor 

‘Pink Pimp Mix’ 

2006 © The Artist 

‘New Stones - 

Newtons Tones’ 

1978 Tony Cragg 

© The Artist 

Towner Art Gallery, Eastbourne 

Home to an internationally renowned collection of around 

4,500 artworks, the Towner’s exhibition, The Everyday 

Extraordinary, inspired by found objects runs from 29 

September 2018 to 6 January 2019 townereastbourne.org.uk 

‘Ladies Waiting Room’ 1995 

Nina Saunders © The Artist 

Anya Gallaccio 

‘Preserve (Chateau)’ 

1995 © The Artist 

‘The Wall’ Kurt Hickson 

(2005-2017) © The Artist 

Photography by Red Saunders 

Jordan Baseman ‘Based on Actual 

Events’ 1995 © The Artist. 



A Place For Contemporary Art 

by Gareth Stevens 

The blackShed gallery 

surprises in many ways. 

It is rare to stumble across 

such a distinguished and 

professional contemporary 

Art gallery in such a 

beautiful rural setting. Its 

unique mission, to encourage 

and provide gallery 

space for the increasing 

number of artists working 

in studios in both Sussex 

downland and coastal 

conurbations combined 

with an aspirational curation 

policy makes it an essential 

feature of any ‘day out’ 

in the area. Metropolitan 

galleries just do not have 

the room or time to broaden 

the selection of exhibitions, 

thus blackShed is not just 

breaking larger cities’ 

monopoly on exhibiting 

high quality contemporary 

Art, but has also enriched 

the cultural range and 

appeal of 1066 country to 

any prospective visitor. 

The blackShed gallery can 

be found but a stone’s throw 

from the A21 in a delightful 

rural setting on a working 

farm just outside the historic 

and impossibly pretty 

village of Robertsbridge. 

To experience a stress 

free, out of town gallery 

visit and to sample the rich 

array of local creative talent 

ensure you visit one of the 

upcoming exhibitions there. 

Contact Kenton Lowe 

for more information 

theblackshedgallery.org.uk 

BlackShedGalleryWT199-advertorial.indd 1 21/08/2018 14:17 


BlackShedGalleryWT199.indd 1 09/08/2018 15:28

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Kate Watts Model: Phil Grundy, Fresh Agents

Style it up 

Men’s clothing can be a bit limited in 

scope – trousers, shirt, jacket, repeat – but 

with some nifty little tweaks the most 

basic combinations can be transformed 

The simplest combo of a shirt and 

jeans is transformed just by rolling 

up the shirt cuffs 

Leave the shirt back hanging out for 

the ‘French tuck’ 

Layer it up with a jacket over, or a 

T shirt underneath 

Left: Hugo Boss shirt £89, Diesel jeans £120, plaited 

leather belt £29.95 Fenwick Tunbridge Wells 

fenwick.co.uk, Chelsea boots model’s own Above left: 

Paul Smith shirt £120, Diesel jeans £120, Boss Watch 

£150 Fenwick as above, leather berry cardholder 

£28 St Leonards Modern Good stleonardsonline.com 

Instagram @stleonardsmoderngoods Centre: Hugo 

Boss jacket £449 Fenwick as above, spotted shirt £85, 

grey jeans £100 GANT gant.co.uk, boots, as before 

Right: Shirt £85, chinos £90 GANT as above

Above: T shirt £35 and leather bag 

£270 St Leonards Modern Goods 

stleonardsonline.com Instagram 

@stleonardsmoderngoods, slim jeans 

£100 GANT gant.co.uk, watch Boss £150 

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells fenwick.co.uk 

A messenger bag 

sharpens the most 

casual combo of 

T shirt and jeans 


124

Turn shirt cuffs back 

over the edge of the 

jacket sleeves 

Above: Jacket Hugo Boss £449, 

Diesel jeans, Boss watch £150 

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells 

fenwick.co.uk Left: Jacket as 

above and T shirt as previous 

page, collarless shirt £42 

Charity Farm Countrystore 

charityfarmcountrystore.com 


Colourful 

Autumn 

Wardrobe 

Essentials 

Swattenden Lane | Cranbrook | TN17 3PS 

01580 713189 

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Silk 

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accessories 

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Socks 

19 St Margaret’s Street 

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Tenterden 

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County Clothes Menswear 

Quality & Personal Service 

CharityFarmWT199.indd 1 07/08/2018 LindapopeWT198.indd 14:34 

1 10/07/2018 11:18 

Canterbury Tenterden Reigate Sevenoaks 

NEW SEASON 

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Inspiring, functional and 

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Want to show your real wild side? 

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how, featuring geometric and nature 

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Both classic and stylish, the hi-shine shoe is 

a firm favourite this season, designed to elevate 

your winter wardrobe. 

View the new season arrivals in store now. 

velvet finesse 

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126 

CountyClothesS46.indd 1 14/08/2018 17:24

Above: Barbour jacket, similar available from 

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells fenwick.co.uk, shirt £85 

GANT gant.co.uk, Diesel jeans £120 Fenwick as 

before, boots model’s own 


Who’s Wearing What 

boutique 

The independent boutique 

in the heart of St Leonards-on-Sea 

is having a 

CLEARANCE SALE 

Massive reductions on previous seasons 

clothing collections 

70%off 

ONE DAY ONLY 


10.30-4.00 

Dunks Hall, Rye Road, Hawkhurst 

(Opposite Waitrose car park) 

Sahara - Manuelle Guibal - Cocoa Cashmere 

Ottod’Ame - Clemente - Rundholz 

Nygardsanna & many more 

CordeliaJamesWT199.indd 1 14/08/2018 09:00 

Understated womenswear 

in natural fabrics 

You are invited to join us 

NEW SEASON LAUNCH 

Shop the rails for new looks 

new shapes, new labels 

Saturday 15th September 

10am to 5pm 

Who’s Wearing What boutique 

34 London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea TN37 6AN 

01424 272 925 Open 7 days a week 

facebook.com/whoswearingwhatboutique 

www.whoswearingwhat-boutique.co.uk 

Fine Jewellery & Giiware 

As seen at the Wealden Summer Fair 

12-14 Gabriel’s Hill Maidstone Kent ME15 6JG 01622 753150 contact@gcornell.co.uk 

www.cornelljewellers.co.uk 


128 

whoswearingwhatboutiqueWT199.indd 1 15/08/2018 CornellWT197.indd 14:48 

1 15/06/2018 14:15

Slip a jacket over an 

untucked shirt for a relaxed 

look that isn’t sloppy 

Add a lightweight cardigan 

for cooler autumn days 

Above left: Shirt £85, blazer £325, 

GANT gant.co.uk, Diesel jeans £120 

Fenwick Tunbridge Wells fenwick.co.uk 

Above: Leather plaited belt £29.95 

Fenwick fenwick.co.uk Right: Shirt £85, 

fine knit cardigan £135, trainers £105 

GANT gant.co.uk 


dressing undeniable beauty 

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Build up layers with 

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classic T, under a 

jacket 

A silk pocket square 

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A denim jacket works 

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blazer 

Left: Blazer £325, chinos £90 

GANT gant.co.uk, sweatshirt 

£35 St Leonards Modern Goods 


@stleonardsmoderngoods, 

T shirt £22.95 Charity 

Farm Countrystore 

charityfarmcountrystore.co,uk 

Below left: Jacket and shirt as 

before, silk pocket square Laslett 

England laslettengland.com 

Below centre: Silk pocket square 

Laslett England as before, blazer 

£325, jeans £100 GANT, T shirt 

as above, Levi’s denim jacket, 

similar available from Fenwick 

Tunbridge Wells fenwick.co.uk 

Below right: Jacket £60 Capsule, 

Instagram @capsulehastings, 

07772 056945, blazer £325, jeans 

£100 GANT as before, sweatshirt 

and T shirt as above 


Left: Collarless shirt £40, T shirt £35, 

plimsolls £50 St Leonards Modern Goods 


@stleonardsmoderngoods, Boss watch 

£150 Fenwick Tunbridge Wells 

fenwick.co.uk, chinos £90 GANT 

gant.co.uk, socks Capsule, Instagram 

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Above: Striped top £30, socks £5.95 

Capsule as above, chinos £90 GANT, 

loafers model’s own 


132

Worried about loose 

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Fairytales and fantastic legends 

Be enchanted by our exciting new collection 

Culture, continents and colour collide as Antoine et Lili welcomes Amber Butchart to 

commence their season of Salon Privé exclusif events. 

Since 1994, Parisian house of fashion and decorative 

objects, Antoine et Lili, have developed their chic 

bohemian style. Influenced by global cultures 

and knowledge, a small group of friends in a 

workshop in Montmartre shared fabrics, clothes 

and objects from their travels and through their 

passion to share their creations with others 

Antoine et Lili was formed. Almost all the artisanal 

creations are ‘Made with Love’ in an atelier in Paris 

where the collections are designed in-house. 

stores in France and Switzerland with a recent 

opening in Bruxelles while in the UK we are located 

in the Cathedral Quarter in Canterbury. The décor, 

the array of colourful pieces, shoes and accessories 

embody the spirit of Antoine et Lili – fun, lively, chic! 

At Antoine et Lili the collections are always original, 

feminine and timeless. Each is an invitation to journey, 

to discover other cultures, traditions and knowledge. 

Antoine et Lili continues to find their inspiration from 

the traditional and ethnic styles of women worldwide: 

influences from India, Africa, Latin America 

inspire colours and fabrics while Europe and Asia 

influence the designs, creating traditional and stylish 

couture from every era – every piece has a story. The 

Robe Chinoise, the Chinese pantalon, the hand-made 

embroidered coat, jewels from India, the shoes of 

flamenco, combine with classic tailored pieces that will 

take you from day to night, whilst coloured and unusual 

accessories and decorative objects are sourced from 

all over of the world. Antoine et Lili have established 

Celebrating our opening in Canterbury with a special event 

Exclusive in-store promotions when you join us on 

Saturday 30th September 2017 

And in the spirit and pursuit of culture and knowledge, 

Antoine et Lili in Canterbury will be hosting a series 

of Salon Privé exclusif evening events commencing 

with the highly acclaimed fashion, culture and politics 

historian Amber Butchart in September. For further 

information please email enquiries@antoine-et-lili.co.uk 

46 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW 

Tel 01227 785888 

46 Burgate, Canterbury, CT1 2HW | Tel 01227 785888 

Paris, Aix-en-Provence, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Geneva, Lausanne, Brussels 

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

Strasbourg, Toulouse, Geneva, Lausanne

cashmere and silk knitwear 

Introducing the new 

Pom Amsterdam Autumn/Winter 

collection available at Cashara 

23 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BJ 

Telephone 01580 761222 

Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk

Beauty 

Bumble 

and Bumble 

Pret-à-Powder 

Très Invisible 

150ml £24 

The hair 

and now 

Josephine Fairley doffs her hat to exciting 

new innovations in hair care 

Chanel N°5, 

The Hair 

Mist 40ml 

£40 

Miu Miu 

Perfumed Hair 

Mist 30ml 

£49 

Frédéric Malle 

Éditions de 

Parfum Hair 

Mist 100ml 

£90-£380 

Mugler 

Alien Hair 

Mist 30ml 

£22 

In terms of beauty priorities, there’s one thing that should 

be top of everyone’s list right now: hair repair. Because 

there’s a brief window of opportunity between the 

ravages of summer – sun, sea, salt, chlorine, the briny breeze 

whipping through your hair as you dashed across the Med on 

that Riva speedboat (or, um, kayak-ed off Hastings seafront) 

– and the moment when the central heating goes on and 

starts to sap the very life out of your follicles. 

My usual prescription is to slather on a rich 

hair mask at least twice a week. My long-time 

favourite is Ogario London Restore and Shine 

Masque, (from £10.50 for 50ml) but I’m loving 

the bright spark of an idea that is Christopher 

Courtney London Hair Rescue & Shine Luxury 

Massage Candle, £39.95 for 228ml. Light the 

wick, warm the oil and smooth the blend of apricot butter, 

jojoba/argan/baobab oils into hair for the most luxurious, 

sense-soothing experience. 

This led me to thinking about how much innovation there 

is in the whole hair category at the moment, to pimp our 

haircare regimes, make things quicker and easier and turbocharge 

the pleasure factor. 

Dry shampoos, for instance, which have been such a 

“Hair is the 

most fantastic 

carrier of 

scent” 

boon over the summer, during the festival season, have 

had a serious makeover. From the legendary catwalk hair 

superstylist comes Hair by Sam McKnight Lazy Girl dry 

shampoo, £19 for 250ml, which is not only great for 

revamping hair between washes but makes it smell amazing, 

the fresh-floral fragrance having been created by none other 

than Lyn Harris (of Miller Harris and Perfumer H). 

Equally sublimely-scented are elizabeth 

and James Nirvana Dry Shampoos, £25 for 

200ml (in-store at House of Fraser). I’m torn 

between smouldering Oriental Black, and the 

exquisite, flower-powered Rose option. Bumble 

and Bumble Pret à Powder Très Invisible, £24 

for 150ml, meanwhile, is great for oily hair, 

infused with French pink clay and a lovely, 

subtle fragrance. 

And while we’re on the subject of smell (always close to 

my heart, as co-founder of The Perfume Society), there is 

of course a raft of actual hair perfumes. Hair is the most 

fantastic carrier of scent. The late Estée Lauder always 

maintained that the best way to fragrance yourself was to 

spray your perfume above into the air and walk through the 

cloud, but today’s hair mists have been specially formulated 

 


17 High Street, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1UT 

DrChristineWT195.indd 1 13/03/2018 12:02 

purely beauty 

Beauty Salon & Clinic 

Hawkhurst 

Laser - IPL - Advanced Skin Treatments - Electrolysis 

Hair Removal - Advanced Facials - Massage - Nails 

01580 753383 Book Online www.purenique.co.uk 

Beauty 

to be hair-friendly, not 

drying as regular perfume 

- which has a high 

alcohol content - can be. 

Many of the world’s 

leading fragrance names 

now offer hair perfumes. 

If you’re an Angel-lover, 

you’ll swoon for Mugler 

Angel Perfuming Hair Mist, 

£22 for 30ml, while more 

classic types can now spritz 

their ‘do’ (I’m envisioning 

a sophisticated chignon) 

with Chanel No.5 The Hair 

Mist, £40 for 40ml. (Many of 

Chanel’s fragrances are available 

as specific hair perfumes.) 

Niche fragrance names getting 

in on the hair perfume act are 

Éditions de Parfum Frédéric Malle, whose 

Hair Mist, from £90 for 100ml, can be enjoyed in Carnal 

Flower, Superstitious, The Night, Portrait of a Lady and 

Musc Ravageur (I’m torn between the last two). BYREDO 

Hair Perfume, £48 for 75ml, comes in eight of their edgily 

fabulous scents – or if you simply want to imagine yourself 

swooning under a rose bower, veil your barnet in Maison 

Francis Kurkdjian à la rose Hair Mist, £55 for 70ml. 

More a lily of the valley fan? Miu Miu Perfumed Hair Mist, 

£48 for 30ml, is a timeless floral based on that flower note, in 

one of the most dressing table-friendly flacons imaginable. 

Alongside making our hair smell downright fah-bu-lous, 

the hair world also has a focus on saving us time, too – always 

appreciated, in fiendishly busy lives. The Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair 

Towel, £30, for instance, is a real moisture-magnet that’s been 

proven to speed up drying time by 50%. 

Add a Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer into your daily haircare 

programme, with its fast-drying speed setting and you’ll 

be out of the door in no time – although at £299 this is a 

something of a time-is-money investment. 

It never ceases to amaze me, actually, how the 

beauty world comes up with products that we 

didn’t know we needed, but then find we can’t 

live without. So if your summer sojourn has left 

you with serious root regrowth – and you’ve 

found your regular colourist has clients circling 

round their diary like planes in a Heathrow 

holding pattern - there’s no need to panic. 

Root touch-ups have to be one of the 

greatest hair innovations of all time: powder 

pigments that you brush or spray onto your 

roots, effectively disguising them (and saving 

you money, by extending the time between 

appointments). 

The original – and highly 

rated by everyone I know who 

uses it – is Color Wow Root 

Cover Up, £28.50, a brilliant 

mirrored palette with its own 

 

Mugler 

Angel Hair 

Mist 30ml 

£22 

Hair by 

Sam McKnight 

Lazy Girl dry 

shampoo 250ml 

£19 

Liz Earle 

Botanical Shine 

Hair Oil 50ml 

£19 


PureniqueWT199.indd 1 02/08/2018 14:26 

138


What is the CACI Synergy? 

We discover everything there is to know about the skin-transforming treatment, CACI Synergy 

Non-Surgical Facelift Facial, with Christine Bacon, owner of the Oaks Hair and Beauty Retreat. 

The CACI Synergy with pioneering S.P.E.D® Dual 

Action Technology* delivers LED light therapy skin 

rejuvenation and microcurrent facial toning at the same 

time. Clients experience a tightening and lifting of their 

facial muscles whilst at the same time experiencing 

a dramatic improvement to their complexion. 

What sort of issues does the facial tackle best? 

The beauty of the CACI Facial is that it can tackle so many 

skin issues in one treatment. The CACI Synergy incorporates 

a number of other pioneering technologies: Orbital Skin 

Resurfacing delivers a controlled skin exfoliation to reveal new 

healthy radiant skin, Ultrasonic Deep Cleansing rids the skin 

of make-up residue, blemishes and impurities whilst CACI’s 

unique Wrinkle Comb Technology targets deep lines and 

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The unique wrinkle comb application is used to effectively 

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Is the treatment only suitable for women? 

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How many facials do you recommend for optimum results? 

You will see visible results after just one session. 

A course of 10 treatments is recommended, 

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Wellbeing 

A Year of Wellness 

The human skeleton evolved to spend days wandering over the land 

looking for food, not peering down at a smart phone – or even sitting in a 

chair. eminé rushton advises how to safeguard your spine from modern life 

September: Back to nature 

Our upper spine is designed to 

have a gentle outward bend in 

it. This balances out the lower 

spine and neck, which curve in opposite 

directions. Now imagine yourself sitting 

at a desk leaning over your laptop, or 

looking down at your phone. Your 

neck and upper back are curving in a 

direction that opposes its natural one 

and to compensate, your lower back 

tenses up, because it too, is pulled out of 

its natural curve. 

Do this for much of the day and 

most of the week and 

it’s possible to develop 

a kyphotic spine, an 

abnormally pronounced 

outward curve of the 

thoracic vertebrae of the 

upper back, sometimes 

known as Dowager’s 

Hump, while the tension 

that builds up in the back of our necks 

can also lead to headaches, migraines 

and persistent shoulder pain. 

All whilst simply trying to get 

our day’s work done – or just 

engaging with modern life, which 

increasingly requires accessing via a 

screen of some kind. 

So what is the answer to correct 

the issues cause d by our unnatural 

sitting position? Unfortunately, it’s 

not in the form of the onceheralded 

‘stand up desk’. 

A highly-cited 

study from 2017 

in the Journal of 

Epidemiology academic.oup. 

com/aje/article/187/1/27/ 4081581 

“It’s incidental, 

cumulative 

movement that 

benefits our 

bodies most” 

on 7,000 office workers found that, 

“occupations involving predominantly 

standing were associated with an 

approximately two-fold risk of heart 

disease compared with occupations 

involving predominantly sitting.” 

As with all things health-related, 

there are no black and white 

solutions. All that ever prevails is 

common sense and moderation. 

So, whether it’s work or seated life in 

general, it’s important to move as much 

as we can in between tasks. Resolving 

to get up and have a 

short stroll, wander 

over to the kitchen 

and fill a glass with 

water, make a walking 

call, or simply taking 

a moment to stretch 

are all smart moves. 

It’s also worth looking 

at other seemingly innocuous daily 

behaviours, many of which can also put 

increasing strain on the spine, shoulders 

and neck – and then trying to put an 

end to these completely. Hollie Grant, 

author of The Model Method and a 

leading Pilates teacher, likens a woman 

carrying her handbag all day (the average 

handbag weighs between two to three 

kilograms) to hanging a dumbbell from 

one’s shoulder for hours on end. 

“This causes the obliques on the 

opposite side to work harder to pull the 

body back and the imbalance between 

the two sides can leave you with a spin 

or pelvis tilt, on one side.” 

Likewise, sitting cross-legged. 

“This causes the pelvis to tilt to one 

side, causing 

a shortening of the lower 

back muscles on one side too. 

We stretch the gluten and 

abductors on the leg that is 

brought across and squash 

the leg underneath. A wonky 

pelvis will follow,” says Grant. 

It’s also important to realise 

that an entirely seated day 

will not be cancelled out by a burst 

of activity in the form of fitness class 

before or after work. It’s incidental, 

natural, cumulative movement that 

benefits our bodies most of all. 

You may want to take a look at 

some natural movement websites and 

the book The Four pillar plan by Dr 

Rangan Chatterjee, who champions the 

importance of squatting, crawling, and 

floor living, whereby we spend more 

time eating, socialising and relaxing at 

ground level and less time seated on 

sofas and at desks and tables. As our 

hunter gatherer forebears lived. 

A regular yoga or pilates practice will 

also help to highlight those muscles 

that are over- or underworked and 

both work wonders at relieving tension, 

strain and tightness. Do, always, look 

for a teacher who is experienced and 

knows how to guide without being 

forceful; and never, ever push yourself 

to do anything that feels uncomfortable 

– whether on the mat, or at your desk. 

Pain is our body’s best guardian, an 

immediate signal to stop or slow down 

- and by responding early, we ensure 

that today’s little pain will not escalate 

into tomorrow’s big problem. 

Eminé Rushton is Wellbeing Director-at-Large at psychologies magazine, and co-founder of 

the conscious living blog, The Balance Plan, balanceplan.co.uk 

Credit: Freeimages.com/Michael Lorenzo 


Wellbeing 

Natural wisdom 

pip Lawrence, the founder of Maidstone-based personal training 

company, Day One Wellness, shares her feel good favourites 

What one piece of wellbeing 

wisdom helps you most? 

I love active commuting – whether 

you park your car a little further away, 

walk or jump on your bike, getting 

more morning daylight exposure, 

combined with more movement will 

help you to be more productive in 

the day and sleep better at night. 

What one self-care ritual do you 

never skimp on? Journalling. Every 

morning I write down three things 

that I’m grateful for, then my VIP: 

Vision for my life, Intention for today, 

Progress from yesterday. It helps me 

stay focused on the important things 

rather than getting overwhelmed. 

What’s cooking in your kitchen this 

month? I’ve been experimenting with 

easy grab-and-go breakfasts that won’t 

spike blood sugar levels for our busy 

members. My favourite so far is our 

ham-cups – they’re like muffins but 

the case is ham. The recipe is on our 

Instagram page: @day1wellness. 

Share one book that taught you 

something amazing about life. 

The power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. 

I’m a stereotypical Type A personality. 

I’m always chasing the next goal and 

filling my calendar to bursting point. 

This book made me realise that if I rush 

through life only chasing goals I’ll miss 

out on the amazing experiences those 

goals are facilitating. 

What always brings a smile to your 

face? I love being outside so sunrises, 

nature, wildlife and stunning views will 

always make me smile, but the person 

who never fails to put a smile on my 

face is my other half Tom. I’ve never 

met such a positive, playful, live-forthe-moment 

person. 

What is the best treatment 

you’ve had locally? Acupuncture 

from Lesley at Core Vitality and 

chiropractic care from Ben 

at Southcote. I struggled with 

amenorrhea for years and the 

combined work of these two 

excellent practitioners has helped 

me dramatically. I’m a huge believer 

in finding the right practitioner 

rather than the right practice – the 

treatment is only as good as the 

person administering it. 

dayonewellness.co.uk 

Smart packaging 

There’s been a real shift in beauty packaging of late – and 

yes, while you’ll still get those companies who package 

tiny vials of serum within twelve outer sleeves of plastic 

and card, it’s heartening to see an upturn in the number of 

portable and waste-free options too. From Beauty Kubes 

– tiny ‘sugarcubes’ of natural soap, which work as excellent 

shampoo and body washes (contentbeautywellbeing.com) 

– to biodegradable dental floss made wholly from silk, as 

opposed to the usual plastic (georganics.com) and 

Lamazuna solid toothpastes, on a 

stick we’re getting smarter about 

the stuff we really need, 

where it comes from, and 

what happens to it once 

we are done. 

Health and beauty tips 

Discover a wealth of wellbeing advice 

wealdentimes.co.uk/wellbeing 

Eminé says: 

Try this in 

September 

There is something about this ‘back to school’ 

time that always sends me off to the hairdresser, 

looking for a healthy, bouncy chop, that also 

sorts out summer’s drier ends. I’ve long been a 

fan of Aveda’s salons and concept stores. One of 

the original ‘Ayurvedic’ brands, they pioneered 

botanical-rich treatments long before they were 

fashionable. So I was delighted to discover The 

Peacock Rooms in Sevenoaks, where owner 

Sarah has brought together an experienced 

team who bring their natural flare to their 

work. I’d highly recommend the in-salon Aveda 

hair and scalp treatments too, as affordable 

add-ons to a cut or colour.


Had enough 

of being 

overweight? 

Hands up all those who feel they’re in a 

constant battle to achieve and maintain 

the weight they want to be. How many 

diets have you tried and failed, feeling 

totally frustrated and not knowing what 

to do next? 

Having had a weight problem for 35 years, Rachel was 

desperate to find a way of being able to lose weight once 

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

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

of the Metabolic Weight Loss Programme. I followed these and to my 

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

went on to successfully maintain my weight. The 

relief was enormous to have found something 

that finally worked for me.’ 

Leading Weight Loss 

Consultant 

Rachel became passionate about 

wanting to help as many people 

as possible with their weight 

problems, which led her to 

become a qualified weight loss 

consultant. In the last 15 years, 

she has helped over 5,000 clients 

from all walks of life to help bring 

their dieting days to an end once 

and for all. Clients’ ages range 

from 8 to 90 years, so there is hope 

for everyone! 

A sustainable way to lose 

your weight and keep it off 

One of the popular aspects of the Metabolic 

Weight Loss Programme is there’s nothing 

faddish about it. There are no meal replacements, 

diet shakes or diet pills. All the foods on the programme are 

easily obtainable. Clients frequently say just how easy it is to follow, 

they don’t feel hungry and are not having to constantly battle with 

cravings. The four stages of the programme are tailored as necessary 

to provide the maximum results for each client. 

‘We set your target weight at the beginning and then get on with the 

business of helping you lose the weight, addressing any difficulties 

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

Health Benefits 

With an average 

weight loss of 7-14lb 

a month for clients 

and hundreds of hand 

written testimonials, 

Rachel’s results speak 

for themselves. 

Rachel Ricketts, Weight Loss Consultant 

Clients often comment on how impressed their doctors are with their 

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

pressure and cholesterol medication,’ says one. Another doctor said, 

‘All my lady patients on thyroid medication are struggling to 

lose weight, but you’ve lost 2 ½ stone despite being 

on thyroxin – well done!’ 

One-to-one support 

Rachel and her team give weekly 

one-to-one consultations, guiding 

you through the programme with 

personalised support, lots of 

empathy and total conviction in 

the success of the programme. 

Email support is available in 

between consultations. 

For those who are not able to 

visit, a very successful remote 

support service is provided 

throughout the UK and overseas. 

With an average weight loss of 

7-14lb a month for clients and 

hundreds of handwritten testimonials, 

Rachel’s results speak for themselves. ‘I 

see real results daily, time after time I see 

people’s lives change in front of me.’ 

Do visit www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk for 

client’s videos and testimonials. 

Rachel offers free consultations for those who 

are wanting to lose their weight once and for all 

Call now: 01342 327396 

Email rachel@rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk 

www.rachelrickettsweightloss.co.uk

From the team that brought you 

Health & Wellbeing Live 2017 

SAT 29 TH & SUN 30 TH SEPTEMBER 2018 

THE SECRET MANOR, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT TH4 0UH 

@ THRIVEEVENTSUK 

Explore how to physically and mentally enhance your life and 

with over 100 inspirational workshops, classes, talks, 

exhibitors, therapies and activities for the whole family! 

TALKS 

WORKSHOPS 

MEET THE EXPERT 

THERAPY SPA 

LIVE KITCHEN 

YOGA & PILATES STUDIO 

FAMILY ACTIVITIES 

POP-UP BOOK SHOP 

BEAUTY & HEALTH 

FITNESS 

THE MARKET 

EAT & DRINK 

Find out more, plan your visit and book tickets online at: 

WWW.THRIVEEVENTS.CO.UK 

Early-bird tickets: £20 each (available until midnight 14.09.18. Normal price £25. £2 booking fee applies). 

Children under 16 go free with an adult. Thrive Events will donate £1.50 per child ticket to Fegans Charity. 

EVENT PARTNERS 

ThriveWT199.indd 1 20/08/2018 15:40 

A luxurious & tranquil 

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146 

TreatmentRoomsatTheOldRectoryWT196.indd 1 17/05/2018 11:27

Health News 

The trees 

of life 

The crunch of bark underfoot, the streams 

of light through the leaves, the rich smell 

of the earth… there’s nothing quite like a 

walk in the woods. 

And medical science agrees. An 

increasing body of research has 

shown proven health benefits from 

spending time among trees, from 

relaxation to reinvigoration and improved 

mental health. Studies even suggest that 

trees release organic compounds that 

support our “Natural Killer” cells – a 

crucial part of our immune system’s defence 

against cancer. 

The Japanese are so convinced about 

the benefits of tree time that they have 

made ‘forest bathing’ or shinrin-yoku a 

national pastime, with sylvan sanctuaries 

emerging up and down the archipelago. 

Thankfully, you don’t need to travel 

to Asia to reap these rewards. This 

autumn, Yogalife are inviting you to 

join their Yoga and Forest Bathing Retreat. 

From October 3 to 5, you will be able to 

immerse yourself in the ancient woodland 

of Ashdown Forest. Staying in luxury yurts/ 

log cabins, you will be guided through 

meditation, yoga and restorative exercises 

outside, among the trees. The retreat is 

£485 per person, for two nights including 

accommodation, tuition and meals. 

livelife.org.uk 

It’s all about you 

With breast checks, pelvic floor problems and all the complications periods 

and menopause can throw at us, as Tammy Wynette once sang ‘sometimes it’s 

hard to be a woman…’ 

With everything there is to fit in to daily life – and all those other people to 

look after – it’s all too easy to keep pushing those nagging little health concerns 

down the to do list, rather than have them checked out with expert advice. So 

what a great idea to have all your women’s health issues addressed in one day, at 

one place. Spire Hospital Tunbridge Wells is offering just that with a Women’s 

Health Day at the hospital on September 29th. You will be able to have free a 

breast check, a smear test and a mini consultation about specific women’s health 

issues, with the exxpert team of breast, gynae and physiotherapy consultants. 

There will also be specific presentations on the subjects of: ‘Common signs of 

Breast Cancer and what to look out for’ and ‘Are heavy periods normal?’ 

It’s time to put yourself first. 

Make massage monthly 

For most of us a massage is an occasional 

treat, but a review of studies on the 

effects of Swedish massage showed it has 

wide-ranging benefits for mental and 

physical health and disease prevention. 

The key thing is to have them regularly. 

The Massage Company is a brilliant 

new idea to make regular massages 

part of life, which has recently opened 

in Tunbridge Wells. It works on a 

membership model, like a gym, where 

you pay a set amount each month for 

a full massage (Swedish, Deep Tissue, 

Sports or Maternity), to which you can 

then add extras, such as hot stones, or 

aromatherapy, as you wish. 

Introductory 50 minute massages are 

on offer at £39.95 

Call 01892 240900 for more info. 

tunbridgewells.massagecompany.co.uk 

The Spire Tunbrdige 

Wells Hospital 

Women’s Health Day 

is open to all, but 

numbers are limited. 

Call 01892 741150 to 

book a place. 

Fordcombe Road, 

Fordcombe 

spirehealthcare.com

University 

challenge 

Forget the academic pressure – feeding 

themselves can be a daunting prospect 

for new undergrads. Here are some 

quick, easy and cheap ideas 

Recipes & styling: Nicci Gurr of Home Gurr’own 

Photographs: David Merewether

Chicken and lentil 

masala 

Serves 4 

You don’t need to spend precious funds going out for curry, they 

are very easy to make from scratch, without a huge spice rack 

• 8 chicken thighs 

• 1 tin of drained black 

urid beans (also called 

urid dal or black lentils) 

• 1 tin red kidney beans 

• rapeseed oil 

• 1 tbsp garam masala 

• 1½ tbsp curry powder 

• ½ tsp sea salt, or a pinch 

of table salt 

• 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger 

• 3 cloves grated garlic 

• 2 red onions 

• 1 tbsp tomato purée 

• 6 fresh tomatoes roughly 

chopped (or 1 tin of 

chopped tomatoes) 

• ½ small bunch coriander 

- finely chopped, 

including stalks. Save 

some leaves for garnish. 

• 50ml double cream 

1In a large saucepan, heat 

the rapeseed oil and add 

the onions, garlic, ginger, 

garam masala, salt and 

curry powder and cook on a 

medium heat until the onions 

have softened. Add the beans 

and cook for a few minutes so 

that the beans can soak up the 

flavour from the spices. 

2Chop the chicken thighs 

into cubes and throw it 

in with the beans and spices. 

Fry this until the chicken is 

lightly browned. Next add 

the tomatoes and tomato 

purée and cook for about 

15 minutes on a medium 

heat. Then add the chopped 

coriander. 

3To finish, add the double 

cream and garnish with 

extra coriander and chilli to 

taste. 

Easy courgette, 

cauliflower and blue 

cheese crumble 

Serves 2 – 4 

Crumbles aren’t just for pudding. A tasty way to get your five-aday, 

with all the comfort of melted cheese and a crunchy topping. 

• 6 small spring onions 

cut into rounds 

• 1 medium cauliflower 

cut into florets 

• 2 large courgettes cut 

into slices 

• 100g button mushrooms 

cut into quarters 

• 300g kale 

• 2 tbsp rapeseed oil 

• chopped parsley 

• salt & pepper 

• 2 cloves garlic crushed 

• 1 teaspoon thyme 

• 100g blue cheese, 

crumbled 

Crumble top 

• 120g wholemeal bread 

flour 

• 30g butter (or vegan 

cream cheese also works 

well) 

• 20g rolled oats 

1Put the prepared 

vegetables, garlic and 

thyme in a casserole dish or 

deep(ish) tray and mix with 

the rapeseed oil. 

2Place in a pre-heated 

oven (180c/gas 4) for 25 

minutes until juicy. Drain 

the juice from the vegetables 

into a bowl and reserve. 

3Put the crumble 

ingredients in a bowl 

and rub through with 

your fingers until you get 

a dry sandy crumble-like 

consistency. Season with 

salt and pepper and add the 

crumbled blue cheese. 

the crumble 

4Scatter mix over the roasted 

vegetables and bake in the 

oven for 15 minutes or until 

golden-brown on top. Scatter 

with parsley and serve. 

 

Written by Grace Walpole – Head chef for Home Gurr’own 

Home Gurr’own has been catering for weddings and events since 2006. Based in Cranbrook, they operate within a 40 mile radius 

across Kent and East Sussex. They offer good honest local food either grown on their own smallholding or sourced from the local 

Kent and East Sussex countryside in all their unique menus. homegurrown.co.uk nicci@homegurrown.co.uk 07747 816541 


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1 25/07/2018 11:31

Easy pizza 

Serves 2-4 

Dodge the supermarket stodge and impress friends with an 

Italian street feast. That is if you feel like sharing... 

• 3 pork or beef sausages 

from a good butcher 

or 100g chorizo sausage 

balls (or see Quick Pizza 

Meat recipe below) 

• 2 (250g) x mozzarella balls 

Tomato Sauce 

• ½ (200g) tin of chopped 

tomatoes 

• handful fresh chopped 

basil or 1 tsp dried 

• 1 clove of garlic smashed 

and chopped 

Pizza base 

• 300g bread flour (we 

recommend a mix of 

½ brown and ½ white 

flour but white’s fine on 

its own) 

• 1 tsp instant yeast 

• 1 tbsp rapeseed oil 

• 200ml warm water 

• salt and pepper to taste 

1Mix all ingredients for the 

Quick Pizza Meat Recipe 

in a bowl. Wrap in clingfilm 

and leave in fridge overnight 

to develop. Before use roll into 

balls about 2cm across and 

cook as below. 

2Place the sausages in 

an oven at 180c for 20 

minutes (this is also a good 

way to use up any leftover 

cold sausages if they haven’t 

already been pinched from the 

fridge) or for 15 minutes if you 

have made the meat balls. 

3Put the flour into a large 

bowl, then stir in the yeast 

and salt. Make a well, pour in 

warm water and rapeseed oil 

and bring together with a knife 

or your hands until you have 

a soft, wet dough. Turn onto a 

lightly oiled surface and knead 

for 5 mins until smooth. Cover 

with a tea towel and set aside. 

4Fry the basil and chopped 

garlic together, then add 

the tomatoes. Bring to the boil, 

breaking up the tomatoes with 

a wooden spoon. Stir and leave 

until ready to use. 

5The dough doesn’t need 

to rise, so punch it flat and 

roll or stretch to a round about 

25cm across. Place on baking 

sheets and spoon the sauce on 

top, followed by the mozzarella 

torn up, sliced sausage, chorizo 

or anything else that needs 

using up on top. 

Cook for 10-15mins 

6 (180c/gas 4) and finish 

with a fresh sprig of basil. 

Quick Pizza Meat 

Recipe (inspired by Hugh 

Fearnley-Whittingstall) 

• 250g finely diced 

pork belly 

• 1 tsp fennel seeds 

• 1 tsp smoked paprika 

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper 

• 1 tsp dried chilli 

• 2 cloves of crushed 

garlic 

• 2 tablespoons red 

wine 


Kale, Whipped Feta and Dukkha Wraps 

Serves 2 

Filled with fresh flavours and textures, the humble wrap gets an 

exotic makeover. This impressive dish makes a worthy dinner 

party centre-piece but remember to make extra for lunch 

tomorrow. 

• 2 tortilla wraps 

• a handful of fresh kale 

• a handful of raw mangetout, 

sugar snap peas or 

green beans 

• 2 radishes thinly sliced 

• jalapenos or chilli sauce 

such as Sriracha (optional) 

Whipped feta 

• 1 block feta cheese (200g) 

• 200g Greek yoghurt 

• zest of one lemon 

• black pepper 

Dukkha 

• 100g sesame seeds 

• 100g toasted hazelnuts 

• 100g sunflower seeds 

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds 

• 2 tbsp cumin seeds 

• 2 tsp black pepper 

• 1 tsp fennel seeds 

• 1 tsp sea salt 

• rapeseed oil 

1Heat the oven to 180c/ 

gas 4. Mix all the dukkha 

ingredients together and place 

on a roasting tray. Drizzle 

with rapeseed oil. Roast 

for approximately 15 minutes. 

2Make the whipped 

feta by blitzing the 

ingredients in a blender (or 

whipping by hand with a bowl 

and whisk) until combined. 

3Warm the tortilla wraps 

in the oven for about 1 

minute, then assemble: start 

by spreading a good layer of 

whipped feta all over the wrap 

and sprinkle an even layer 

of dukkah on top. In a line 

down one side of the wrap, 

add the kale, beans/peas and 

radishes. 

Fabulous food 

More recipes to make your mouth water 

wealdentimes.co.uk/recipes 

4If you like your wrap 

spicy, add some jalapenos 

or a squeeze of chilli sauce. 

5Fold each wrap upwards 

from the bottom first, 

tucking the sides in to ensure 

that the filling doesn’t fall out. 

Tip 

The Dukkah and Whipped 

Feta are excellent as dips for 

crudités or strips of toasted 

pitta bread. 


152

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Space?

Garden 

Summer’s embers 

Jo Arnell finds plenty to look forward to as the season turns 

From where I’m sitting on the parched and dusty plains 

of this summer, I have to tell you that I am pinning all 

my hopes on September. I’m hoping that September 

will be the new July, my second chance in the garden. The 

borders could be as packed with interest and colour as they 

were back then – in theory. 

The days are shortening by the minute (two minutes 

each day to be precise), there’s a poignancy in every sunny 

afternoon and the cooler dusks and dawns are dew drenched 

and cobwebby. But who knows? We might not get a frost 

for months yet. Let’s seize these golden days and enjoy the 

jewel-box dazzle of dahlias and rich-hued daisies, the soft 

light touch of grasses and airy annuals. With luck – and a few 

tweaks and plant additions – we can keep the summer going 

for several more weeks. 

Late bloomers 

Rudbeckias, Echinaceas, Asters and Heleniums are at their 

best this month. The range of colours is good. Some are 

autumnal – shades of dusky pink, mellow oranges, rust and 

mahogany, but there are also bright splashes of blue, mauve 

and pink from asters. 

Plants in the Compositae (daisy) family are packed full of 

nectar, so will attract butterflies and bees. Some have long 

lasting seed-heads too; once the flowers have finished they 

persist as silhouettes, looking artistically sculptural. Their 

hollow stems make cosy over-wintering homes for ladybirds 

and other beneficial insects too, so don’t be in too much of a 

rush to cut them back at the end of the season. 

The flowers of Sedum spectabile are also a magnet for 

butterflies and bees. They are a great addition to the front 

of the border and will provide long-lasting colour right 

through the autumn too, as the nectar-filled flowers fade into 

attractive seed heads in shades of russet and bronze. Sedums 

are easy to care for and will grow in most soils, but given a 

choice they’d prefer sunshine and free draining conditions. 

Annuals 

You can’t beat annuals for long season flowering. This is down 

to their short, but action-packed lives. They only have one 

season in which to grow, flower and set their seed. If you 

can thwart them in their life’s purpose by continually dead 

heading, they will keep trucking along, flowering until the 

frosts. You’ve got to admire their persistence, but you’ve also 

got to be persistent yourself - the minute you stop picking 

they will have crossed the finish line, achieved their purpose 

and will not flower again. Floriferous and reliable annuals 

include Cosmos, Antirrhinum, Cleome and Zinnia for sun, 

and Nicotiana, Mimulus and Impatiens for the shadier parts 

of the garden. 

 


Garden 

Nigella seed head Teasel seed head Amni Majus seed head 

Tender and short-lived perennials 

Dahlias are good value and their large and repeat-flowering 

blooms make them ideal as cut flowers too. There are lots to 

choose from - please don’t feel you have to stick to the garish 

end of the colour range. There are sultry, dark beauties like 

‘Arabian Night’ and demure whites, peachy-creams and pale 

petalled pinks. The flower shapes vary too, ranging from small 

pompoms through to giant spidery cactus types. Dead head 

them regularly to keep the flowers coming and then, once 

the frost has cut them back, either lift and store the tender 

tubers somewhere frost free for the winter, or (and I did this 

successfully last winter) take a gamble and leave them in situ, 

under a warm duvet of straw and mulch. What they don’t 

like (and let’s face it who does?) is prolonged wet and cold 

conditions. This eventually rots the tubers, so keep them 

dryish and unfrozen. 

Umbelliferous plants (those in the carrot family) are elegant 

additions to border schemes. Many are light and airy, some 

have graceful ferny foliage, all have wonderful flat-headed 

corymbs of flowers that are wildly attractive to beneficial 

insects and pollinators. The other good news is that after 

they have flowered, their seed heads look just as magical. 

Many will self-seed prolifically too and save you the trouble 

of growing new plants. They can be annuals, biennials or 

short-lived perennials. I’m not sure I’d recommend Cow 

parsley for the garden, beloved as it is at flower shows; it looks 

delicate and dreamy, but it’s a thug in a lacy outfit, taking 

over like the weed it really is and self-seeding everywhere. Try 

the tamer Anthriscus ‘Raven’s wing’, Ammi majus, or bronze 

fennel for similar effects and sturdy seed heads. 

I can’t go on much further without mentioning one of the 

most ubiquitous, but best loved and constant companions 

in my garden: Verbena bonariensis. I do take it for granted 

and it is occasionally irritating (as the best of friends can 

be), but this is mainly down to its enthusiastic self-seeding 

habit. It is always forgiven, because it flowers non-stop 

from June until the frosts, its tall, luminous mauve flowers 

attracting butterflies, bees and even blue tits along the way. 

Grow somewhere open and free-draining and it will quickly 

proliferate. 

Super grasses 

Many of the ornamental grasses will be flowering around now, 

sending up shimmering golden, silver or russety flower spikes. 

Some are demure and ‘grassy’, others show off with dramatic 

plumes. There are tall grasses that will do the job of a shrub 

in the border, bringing instant height and presence, but in a 

more graceful and airy way than a blobby bush. Miscanthus 

zebrinus, or M. ‘Silberfeder’ are good shrub substitute grasses. 

Calamagrostis ‘Carl Foerster’ makes a tall golden pillar and 

will bring rhythm and punctuation to a scheme, while the 

low growing evergreen Stipa tenuissima is an airy and 

Mop head 

Hydrangea 

bracts 

A classic spikey dahlia 

Dahlias come in many varieties 


156

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Garden 

Early autumn at Great Dixter 

GardenproudWT198.indd 1 10/07/2018 15:46 

May the 

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irresistibly tactile little grass for the front of the border. Grasses 

last for a long time (most will stay standing right through the 

winter) and bring movement, texture and drama to a scheme. 

The trick is to grow them so that the autumnal sun, which hangs 

lower in the sky and slants at an angle, is behind them. The 

golden light then shines through and silhouettes the outlines of 

perennial stems and seed heads against the grasses. 

Late summer shrubs and structure 

Shrubs provide height and presence, acting as the backbone of 

the border and there are some great late summer flowering ones 

that have their starring moment right now. Hydrangeas have 

long-lasting bracts that fade beautifully into autumnal shades, 

Hibiscus will provide an exotic boost in shades of pink, blue or 

white, and the Buddleias bring in butterflies and bees. Smaller 

shrubs are useful in the middle of the border. Caryopteris has 

small sky blue blooms. For the front, low growing Ceratostigma 

willmottianum, with cerulean blue flowers highlighted among 

deep red and russet leaves is hard to beat. 

I’ve changed my mind while writing this. September can 

never really be the new July, no matter how much I would wish 

it, the light is all wrong. The earth is turning away from the 

sun and there is an inevitability about the change of season. But 

while summer’s passing is always poignant, I hope that along 

the way we’ve discovered that September’s borders can be just as 

brimming with life and beauty as they were in earlier months. 

Let’s stay out there. 

Contact Jo on 01233 861149 for details of her courses and 

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160 

McGeachyGardenDesignWT196.indd 1 21/05/2018 10:06

Garden 

Swedish 

summer 

From lichen to beavers, Sue Whigham is 

rapt with the flora, fauna – and national 

attitudes to them – on her annual trip to 

Southern Sweden 

Sweden might surprise you if you were to visit, both 

in terms of climate and landscape. The Southern 

tip of the country is on a level with the English/ 

Scottish border and with the Gulf Stream ensuring that it 

isn’t cold all year round, it’s not what you might expect. 

Swedes have an almost mystical love of nature, of their 

woods, meadows and lakes (of which there are around 

100,000) as well as tens of thousands of islands fringing the 

coast in the archipelagos. There are no ‘Keep to the Footpaths’ 

or ‘No Entry’ signs on gates here. Or cross landowners! 

The Swedish ‘Everyman’s Right’ means that you are free to 

walk anywhere and to take a boat on the sea or any lake. You 

can pick wild fruit such as raspberries and bilberries – alas, 

very few if any to be seen this year out in the woods - and 

collect all manner of mushrooms, including chanterelles. 

The forests are a mix of Scots pine and Norway 

spruce intermingled with deciduous trees including 

birch, aspen, ash, maple and elm, amongst which 

are giant lichen covered granite rocks. 

The only stipulations are that you must not touch anything 

in a Nature Reserve or disturb the wildlife. And what 

wildlife! In a few days spent in Sormland, a rural area to the 

southwest of Stockholm, we spotted an osprey (Pandion 

haliaetus) gliding over us whilst we swam in the lake. It was 

no doubt on the look out for perch in the water beneath. 

And then there were the pair of Eurasian cranes (Grus 

Harvest in Sweden 

Lake Liksdammen, Sormland 

grus) heading off together who knows where. They 

make a raucous sound as they fly and trail their legs 

behind them, their feet looking like ragged flags. 

At the end of March each year twenty thousand or so of 

these cranes arrive at Lake Hornborga in the province of 

Vastergotland, West Sweden, from Spain where they have been 

overwintering. The lake is a resting place on their journey 

up to their breeding grounds in the north of the country. 

Here they conduct their courting dances which attract so 

many people to the area. It seems that there is also a tiny 

population of these particular cranes on the Norfolk Broads. 

Beaver inhabit the area too, but as they are mainly 

nocturnal we saw signs of their handiwork but no more than 

that. Beavers had been hunted to extinction in Sweden by 

the end of the 19th century, primarily for their pelts, but 

were successfully re-introduced from Norway in the 1920’s. 

They have even been spotted in and around Stockholm. 

We saw black water snakes in the shallows on the edge of the 

lake; funnel web spiders (no, not the Aussie kind) with giant 

webs spread over low growing shrubs on the side of the track, 

fritillary butterflies feasting on knapweed and the odd elk and 

small herds of deer grazing on the edge of the forest at dusk. 

I wonder if we would have fritillaries in number in 

this country if our councils desisted from cutting the 

“Swedes have an almost 

mystical love of nature, of their 

islands, woods and lakes” 

 


Garden 

Fritillary 

Credit: FreeImages.com/Oceane Pham 

Phacelia tanacetifolia 

Tachona gross’s imposter bumblebee 

verges mid-June, taking with them the later flowering 

knapweeds as well as our wild flowers just as they are in 

their prime. Plantlife is one of the charities campaigning 

for a reduction in verge cutting. Let’s hope they have 

some success, especially as we continue to lose so much 

habitat to big building projects here in the South East. 

On our annual pilgrimage to a wonderful plant nursery 

we thought we had had a coup as a bed of eryngiums 

in flower were host to myriad insects including what 

seemed to be a black bumblebee. What excitement 

when we looked it up and it seemed very similar to the 

short-haired bumblebee, fairly recently re-introduced to 

the UK at a successful project based at Dungeness. 

We sent a photograph to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust 

for identification describing the bee as ‘a beautiful thing’. They 

came right back to us and imagine our chagrin when the email 

said, to quote, ‘I’m sorry to say that this isn’t a short-haired 

bumblebee, but is in fact a fly!’ This imposter was a giant 

black hairy fly with some unfortunate habits! In fact a Large 

Tachinid fly (Tachina grossa). Oh well, we live and learn. 

Everybody with a garden in Sweden grows copious 

amounts of dill (Anethum graveolens) as it is an 

ingredient in many native dishes. Rimmad lax, stewed 

dill potatoes, are particularly delicious. Crayfish are 

wealdentimes.co.uk 162

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azine 

email: production@indexmagazine.co.uk 

Below is a proof of your ad to be published Positions in the in the magazine cannot be guaranteed except where special 

tel: 01892 517320 

PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisment it will be taken that this advert is acceptable in 

WEST is KENT the responsibiluty MAY edition of the Index Magazine. positions tel: PLEASE NOTE are agreed 01892 The content in writing 517320 of the and advertisment on payment is of the a Special responsibiluty Position of Fee. the 

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advertiser guaranteed – the publisher except where cannot accept special responsibility for any inaccuracies. PLEASE NOTE 

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PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisment is the responsibiluty of the 

Drive down our leafy lane & go back 100 years 

advertiser – the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. 

Positions in the magazine cannot be guaranteed except where special 

positions are agreed in writing and on payment of a Special Position Fee. 

Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, stone, fireplaces, antique furniture, garden antiques & much more... 

ve down our leafy lane & go back 100 years 

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Education 

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Contents 

Babington House School 

Independent Day School 

Grange Drive, Chislehurst, London Borough of Bromley Kent BR7 5ES 

15 

Inspiring Teachers, 

Inspiring Children 

4 AND BACK THEY 

GO... 

Hilary Wilce on 

supporting kids as 

they return to school 

5 HAVE THEIR 

BACKS 

The best of backpacks 

7 FIRST STEPS 

School, day one 

10 THE RIGHT FOOT 

School shoes 

13 A TESTING TIME 

A headmaster tells us 

why an 11+ pass isn’t 

everything 

15 OUTSIDE THE 

BOX 

Learning outside the 

classroom 

19 MULTIPLE 

CHOICE 

A breakdown of the 

options after GCSEs 

20 

4 

20 LUNCH BUNCH 

Lunch boxes 

22 ROOM TO GROW 

Kids’ bedroom picks 

25 APPY DAYS 

Decoding social media 

27 TAKE NOTE 

Smart notebooks 

29 MAKE IT ADD UP 

How do we take away 

the terror in Maths? 

32 ON THE CASE 

Pencil cases 

35 THE LONG VIEW 

Start thinking about 

university early 

Cover: The jazz band from 

Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook 

Above: Students from The 

King’s School, Canterbury on 

a trip to Iceland 

32 

22 

Open 

Morning 

Saturday, 6 October 2018 

9am - 12 noon 

Register Online 

An “EXCELLENT” School. 

Highest level achieved in 

all areas (Nov 2016 Inspection) 

www.babingtonhouse.com 


BabingtonHouseSchoolWT199.indd 1 22/08/2018 17:36

Sponsored by 

And back they go… 

New pencil cases stocked, oversized blazers ready, nametapes sewn in, Hilary Wilce 

advises how to support your children as they start a new school year 

The start of the school 

year is always a big deal 

for a child, and not only 

when they are starting at a new 

school, or moving up to the 

next stage of education. Every 

new school year brings a raft of 

new things – friends, subjects, 

teachers and classrooms. 

So how can you, as a parent, 

help your child make the most 

of this next year in their school 

journey? Of course, so much 

depends on how old they are. 

Helping a pre-schooler taking 

their first step through the school 

gate is entirely different from 

supporting your teenage son 

or daughter as they embark on 

their sixth form or college years. 

Bur some things are universal. 

It’s always important, for 

example, to keep any worries 

to yourself and encourage your 

child to see school as something 

of real value, to be fully lived 

and enjoyed. Put the emphasis 

on learning, rather than on 

doing well in tests and grades 

and encourage your child 

to work hard and join in. 

Keep a weather eye out for 

serious problems and try to 

tackle them in partnership 

with the school if they should 

arise, but be very careful not 

to make a mountain out of 

every molehill. There are 

inevitably many bumps as a 

child travels through school. 

Above all, remember it’s your 

child’s school life, not yours, 

and don’t force your dreams 

and goals on them. Whenever 

there is a disappointment, take 

a step back and look at how 

your child is feeling about 

things, not how you are. 

The early years 

Prepare your pre-schooler for the big 

step up to school by making sure 

they can do all the practical basics. 

Teachers complain bitterly about new 

arrivals who can’t use cutlery, put on 

their shoes or – almost unbelievably 

– aren’t even toilet trained. 

Also make sure they understand the 

basics of how to have a conversation 

(it involves both talking and listening!) 

and make sure they’ve visited, or at 

least driven past, their new school. 

As they start school ensure pick-up 

routines are clear to your child and 

punctual. The sobs of tired children 

whose parents or carers haven’t turned 

up on time are a pitiful sound. And 

also make sure your after-school 

routines are homely and quiet. This 

isn’t the time for a frantic round of 

activities or drawn-out playdates. 

As children move on through school, 

they will develop a growing awareness 

of both academic expectations and 

social complexities. Reassure your 

child that although you expect them 

to work hard and do their best, you 

don’t expect them to come home 

with full marks in every test. 

Children’s lives are increasingly 

blighted by exams and classroom 

competition, so make sure you aren’t 

ramping up the same pressure at home. 

And help them steer their way 

through the social jungle by 

encouraging them to be kind and 

thoughtful, but also to always be 

themselves. Help them see that 

sometimes other children have 

problems which can make them mean 

or aggressive, but that most quarrels 

blow over, and that it’s perfectly normal 

for friendships to flower and fade. 

Primary-age children also need you 

to think about how best to regulate the 

pace of their lives. How much screen 

time is sensible during this school year? 

How many out-of-school activities do 

they need? The answers to these kinds 

of questions vary every year, but the 

important thing is that you are the one 

in control, and not giving in to things 

you feel aren’t helping your child have 

a happy and productive school life. 

WT Education Supplement 

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Sponsored by 

The SecOND stage 

This starts at either eleven or 

thirteen, depending what kind of 

school system your child is in, and 

is a massive step up and out into the 

wider world. But, as always, there are 

critical practical things to get right. 

Make sure your child has the right 

uniform and kit (embarrassment 

is a huge part of being a pre-teen) 

and that they know how to navigate 

any new school journey they need 

to take. Talk through lots of ‘what 

ifs’ with them. What will they do 

if they lose their bus pass, feel ill in 

school, or forget their games kit? 

If possible, foster links with other 

students starting at the same school, 

so your child has some social contacts 

- and know who to contact at school 

if your child runs into difficulties. 

Outside school hours, make sure 

your child has what they need to be 

a healthy young person whose body 

and brain are in good condition. 

This includes good food, enough 

sleep, plenty of fresh air and exercise, 

and regulated screen time. 

Your family rules may well turn 

out to be different from those of 

other households, but be prepared 

for the relentless peer pressure 

of these school years and stick 

to what you believe is right. 

As they embark on secondary 

school life, be sure to keep chatting 

with them about things like taking 

responsibility for themselves, about 

not bullying or allowing themselves 

to be bullied, about following rules 

(or not), and about the pressures 

on teens to be cool and popular. 

Encourage your child to solve their 

own problems, but also let them 

know you are completely behind 

them and will help them deal with 

any real difficulty they run into. 

And as the first crucial exam years 

roll around, work hard to encourage 

your child to feel positive and 

determined to do their best, while 

also keeping any family anxiety 

and tension to a minimum. 

You will need to walk a tight 

balance between motivating your 

child and keeping them calm, but 

it’s vital young people know that 

exams are arbitrary things invented 

by grown-ups, that there are always 

second chances, and that life is 

much bigger than a fluffed GCSE. 

This isn’t being lax and laissez 

faire – a wound-up and overwrought 

exam candidate will never be able 

to perform well on the day. 

put the emphasis on learning, 

rather than on doing well in 

tests and grades 

5 

The FINal years 

Your child has made it through GCSE 

and is embarking on sixth form or college. 

They are not, in fact, your child any 

more at all. They feel quite grown up 

and may well believe they have all the 

answers. But you know they don’t. 

Help your child prepare for a different 

kind of studying and learning by talking 

about time management and ways of 

working that involve using many different 

resources. Encourage them to see their 

new tutors and teachers as people who 

are willing and ready to help them. And 

encourage them to get going as they mean 

to go on – these years are short and vital. 

Unfortunately they are also often the 

years of maximum partying and teenage 

disaffection. Talk to your child about the 

derailing perils of drink and drugs and 

unprotected sex, and about the more 

everyday obstacles of burning the candle 

at both ends and trying to focus on work 

when your phone is constantly bleeping. 

At the same time, encourage them 

to go all out to work and play 

productively. Volunteering, a 

part-time job, travelling and 

exploring new hobbies 

and interests can all be 

part of a rich mix in 

these few brief years 

which offer a vital 

bridge between 

childhood and 

a successful 

adult. 

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CranbrookSchoolWT199.indd 1 08/08/2018 14:26 

The 

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6 

GranvilleSchoolWT195.indd 1 06/04/2018 10:15

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First steps 

The first days at school are a giant leap for the whole family, 

we sought expert advice for little ones – and their parents 

Claremont 

Holly Newton, Reception teacher 

Preparing your child to start school 

is about more than achievements 

and abilities - it’s about getting them 

emotionally ready to learn. Sending a 

positive, independent and happy child 

to school should always be your aim. 

Skills your child should have 

before starting reception 

By helping them to master a few skills in 

advance, you can boost their confidence 

for those early weeks. 

Independence 

Know how to look after, share and 

tidy toys. 

Go to the toilet, wash their hands 

and blow their nose without support. 

Eat with a knife and fork. 

Remain composed in front of your 

child. This can be an incredibly 

emotional time for you both, but 

try to be relaxed, encouraging and 

reassuring. If they see that you are 

upset when they go into school, 

they will feel anxious and confused. 

Remember that children rarely cry 

for long once their parent has gone. 

However, if your child is terribly 

upset on consecutive days, talk 

through strategies with the teacher. 

Label everything - even 

underwear, socks and shoes. 

Self-care 

Basic dressing skills, such as putting on 

and taking off jumpers and buttoning 

and unbuttoning coats. Be able to 

put on socks and shoes. (Help your 

child to put them on the right foot by 

drawing half a smiley face inside the 

left shoe and half inside the right.) 

Listening, attention and curiosity 

Be able to listen carefully for short 

periods of time and follow instructions. 

Feel comfortable asking questions and 

trying new activities. 

Basic learning skills 

Know how to grip a pencil correctly. 

Be familiar with different rhymes and 

games – these will form 

a foundation for developing numeracy 

and literacy skills. 

“As parents, it is normal to feel anxious 

or emotional, especially at the start” 

How can parents prepare themselves? 

Position these labels clearly 

and make sure your child 

knows where they are. 

Help with left and right shoes 

by drawing half a smiley face 

in one and half in the other. 

Try not to overload their 

time after school with clubs and 

playdates. Children are often 

exhausted at the end of the day, 

especially during the first term. 

Be prepared for a few tears 

in the evenings and have a 

good bedtime routine. 

Claremont 

parent: Tricia 

I began preparing Ava (above) 

for the start of school about 18 

months in advance. We moved her 

to the nursery at Claremont School 

to allow her time to get to know 

the school, teachers and staff. 

The school arranged many 

afternoons of meeting the 

Reception staff and spending time 

in the classroom. This helped get 

Ava excited about moving into the 

“big” school, especially since so 

many of her friends from nursery 

were going to be in her class. 

It took Ava a few weeks to settle 

in, until we discovered the main 

problem was lunchtime. The hall 

is very busy during lunch and 

Ava found this unsettling. Her 

teacher sat next to her for a few 

weeks - till she felt more confident 

- and the issue was solved. 


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Rachel Barber, Reception teacher 

Try to eliminate as many of the anxiety-causing ‘unknowns’ 

as possible. Alongside visits and events, school websites 

provide useful pictures to chat about in spare moments. 

Find out contact details for Parents Reps as they will 

be the key contact for social events. One-to-one playdates 

are a good idea to help build early relationships. 

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a little, initially, but in our experience, this is momentary. 

It is important to know that the staff are there to help 

your child in any eventuality, just as a parent would. 

It is important that children feel emotionally secure at 

school. Give your child the language to talk about their 

feelings. If they do have a worry, perhaps about feeling 

poorly at school or having a toilet accident, it is worth 

rehearsing a few phrases to use. We would always practise 

this in school, too. Your child can also bring a comforter 

or a special photograph to class, as these provide a personal 

reminder of home. 

Dulwich parent: Kirsty 

Oliver spent a little bit of time at the school 

the year before he started, as he and I 

attended the weekly toddlers’ group. It was a 

great way for us to get to know Nash House 

and for Oliver to make some friends. 

Before the start of term, there was a school open 

evening at which we got to meet Oliver’s future 

teachers and the other parents. At the end of the 

summer, the school held a ‘move up’ afternoon, 

where Oliver spent time in the classroom with his 

teachers and classmates. This meant that when 

he officially started in September he knew where 

to go and had some idea of what to expect. 

Oliver settled in almost immediately. By the 

second week he was running through the doors 

in the morning, desperate to get into class. All 

the staff really took the time to get to know him, 

taking note of his likes and interests and made 

the classroom warm and inviting for him. 

 


CanterburyCathedralChoirWT199.indd 1 07/08/2018 10:31 

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To prepare your child for Reception, I would recommend 

reading ‘going to school’ books and explaining that you 

won’t spend the school day with them. Reassure them that 

they are going to have lots of fun. Drive past and point out 

the school as often as you can. Try to plan visits, too. As 

September approaches, involve your child in the preparation 

for school - they can choose a keyring to decorate their bag 

and show their new uniform to a family member. As parents, 

it is normal to feel anxious or emotional, especially at the 

start. Try planning something on the first day so that you 

don’t have to go home to an empty house. Perhaps arrange 

to meet a friend so you won’t be alone. Don’t make your 

child any promises you can’t keep, like saying that they can 

come home if they don’t like it... Just remember that you’ve 

chosen the school because you are comfortable with it; 

you should feel secure and confident in your decision. The 

school will contact you if your child is really unsettled but, if 

you have specific concerns, do raise them with the teachers. 

Banstead parent: Claire 

We spoke to May a lot about school in 

the six months prior to her entry into 

Reception to reinforce all the new and 

exciting experiences she was going to 

have. In June we attended some settling in sessions 

at the school and this was a good opportunity for 

May to meet her new classmates and to become 

familiar with the school surroundings. The Teddy 

Bears’ Picnic was a particularly big hit - especially 

the homemade biscuits! Although May is young for 

her year group, she was keen to start Reception. May 

settled into school life very quickly. She loves it and 

continues to skip into school nearly one year on! We 

wouldn’t change a thing. 

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A testing time 

It’s 11+ season and parents and pupils 

all over Kent are stressed to the max – 

but take heart, a pass is not the only 

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Mr Bill Jones 

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Around this time every year thousands 

of children across Kent in Year 6 sit 

the Kent 11-Plus, competing for a Aplace at one of the 33 grammar schools the 

county has to offer. Some pupils will succeed, while others 

will not – but what should always follow, whatever the 

outcome, is encouragement and opportunity, never failure. 

The 11-Plus is a ‘big deal’ and many have an opinion 

about it, good or bad, but that said, it is here to stay, so 

what is the best way to prepare your child and yourself? 

First of all it’s essential to take stock and decide if taking 

the test is the right choice for your child. Do they enjoy 

problem-solving, do they like puzzles, do they love to read 

and write, do they love a challenge, does maths come easily 

to them? If so, perhaps the Kent Test is right for them. 

If not, perhaps their talents and intelligence lie in 

other areas and perhaps the Kent Test and a grammar 

school education might not be the correct path to 

follow. Please remember, schools, like children, are unique 

and not every school will be right for every child. 

It is about what is right for your child as an individual 

and your child’s school should be able to work with you on 

identifying the correct approach and whether or not you wish 

your child to sit the exams. At Spring Grove this individual, 

differentiated, approach is something we pride ourselves upon. 

For those who have taken the decision that the 11+ is 

the right path, many parents will use private one-to-one 

tuition, sample papers, revision timetables and the like, 

but I personally do not believe in this rigid approach. 

The tunnelling of a child’s focus and ambition to a 

one-off test can be counter-productive, affecting a child’s 

confidence and turning them away from learning at such 

an important developmental stage. Confidence and a 

passion for learning, once lost, can be hard to reignite. 

At our school, in every lesson and activity, we take a 

holistic approach, tailored to the individual. We keep learning 

fun, we laugh and we embrace an enjoyable experience 

We apply no barriers to a child’s talent and development 

and because of this our children are confident and make 

the most of every opportunity provided to them. 

“The tunnelling of a child’s focus 

and ambition to a one-off test 

can be counter-productive” 

We work with families to find the best path for their child 

and we have even had instances where twins have gone on 

to different schools because they had different interests. 

We believe that the enrichment in the children’s 

education – extra time given to music, drama, sport, 

art and forest school, for instance – helps to provide 

balance and essential meaning to the children’s learning 

and put into perspective the Kent Test experience. 

The grammar school system is not designed for 

everybody and it is true that many highly intelligent 

people are not right for grammar school education: 

their particular kind of intelligence does not match 

what the grammar schools are looking for. 

As a great example of this I would like to share an email 

I received from an ex-Spring Grove School parent last year. 

Dear Mr Jones 

Whilst flicking through Facebook this morning, I see 

lots of good luck wishes to all who are taking their 

11+ today. Six years ago our daughter sat the 11+ and 

unfortunately – but not surprisingly to us – she didn’t 

pass so grammar school was out of the question. 

Finding a suitable school for her that we could 

afford, would suit her and that would get the best out 

of her wasn’t easy, but with your help, we secured 

a scholarship and an affordable place at an 

ideal school for her. 

Five years on she achieved five A* GCSEs in 

Biology, Chemistry, PE, Geography and RS. Three As 

in History, Physics and French and Level 7 in English 

Language and Literature and Level 5 in Maths. 

So the point of this email? To thank you for the 

fabulous start to our daughter’s education and to 

remind all those parents and children that the 11+ is 

not the ‘be all and end all’ of a child’s future. 

The most important part is choosing a school that 

will find the best assets in your child and provide them 

with the best education possible. 

I do hope that those pupils who may be 

disappointed with their results will be able to take 

heed in the knowledge that even if they didn’t get 

their 11+, all is not lost! 

To echo my former parent’s words, options and 

opportunities are indeed out there – independent, grammar 

or secondary, so please remember that if one door closes, 

another always opens. No personal journey is ever the 

same and opportunity lies just around the corner. 

The very best of luck to all those pupils (and 

their parents) taking their 11+ this September. 


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Outside the box 

Classroom learning is all very well, but outside trips and 

cultural experiences enrich young minds and inspire success 

BEDE’S 

East Sussex 

Robert Scamardella, Director of Music 

As a classical musician myself, I have always been passionate that 

classical music should not be the province of the few. Classical 

music has the power to unite, and none more so is this the case 

than in music education.There is ample evidence to suggest that 

the rigours of learning an instrument, or of singing in a choir 

with other people, are hugely beneficial to wider learning. The 

disciplines in music are like no other, and any highly proficient 

musician is likely to be a high flyer in other areas. 

Years of developing and honing one’s technique as a pianist, 

singer, or trumpeter for example are similar in nature to the sheer 

discipline that an athlete must go through over many years. 

We have pupils at Bede’s who, after being exposed to the opera 

at Glyndebourne, or a tour to Belgium or Venice, have been 

inspired to take music to a higher level and study at university or 

conservatoire. At Bede’s, many of our alumni musicians come back 

and talk to our current pupils, sharing their skills and knowledge. 

James Whitaker, Head of History 

Educational visits bring the past to life and 

enable children to visualise specific sites, 

which helps to develop understanding. To 

actually walk the battlefield of Hastings, or 

the corridors of Anne Boleyn’s childhood 

home at Hever Castle can spark a 

lifelong interest in history. 

Our A level pupils have the opportunity 

to visit Washington DC as part of their 

work on US civil rights. Whilst this is 

not a compulsory aspect of the course, 

we find the pupils really appreciate 

the chance to gaze down on the Mall 

from the Lincoln Memorial, watch the 

Supreme Court in action and visit the new 

National Civil Rights Museum; the trip 

stimulates learning and encourages greater 

understanding of the period. 

A number of our students go on to study 

History at university. For one, it was a 

junior school visit to Bodiam Castle that 

fired her imagination, particularly when 

hearing about the experiences of 

women in medieval society. 

She is now studying Modern History 

and is passionate about the development 

of women’s rights throughout the 20th 

century and its relevance today. 

Matthew Oliver, Head of English 

Visiting art galleries, particularly those which celebrate art before 1945, is one of my top things to do with GCSE 

Literature pupils. Today’s learners — the so-called ‘selfie generation’ — have a wonderfully intuitive understanding 

of how artists use colour and form to say subtle things about their subjects. 

Many pupils develop a far more holistic and meaningful grasp of, say, a tricky Victorian novel, if they can see how 

painters of that era conveyed their own messages about childhood, society or gender through what they depicted. 

Tate Britain is a superb place to start as it is not too overwhelming, but still stuffed with treasures. 

 


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The King’s School, 

Canterbury 

Rob Sanderson, 

Head of Geography 

Everybody remembers their 

field trip (particularly if the 

weather was extreme – be 

it hot or cold) – nobody 

remembers every lesson in 

the classroom. Trips bring a 

subject to life. They link theory with reality, to give 

everything meaning. 

But the best part is meeting the people that live 

there – we find this particularly with our trip to 

Morocco which is a real eye opener. I find it gives 

our pupils a more balanced perspective on real life 

outside of their bubble. It helps pupils to empathise 

with others, tolerate others, and above all be patient, 

kind, astute and organised. 

Anthony Lyons, 

Head of Creative Writing 

My father was a printer. He allowed me to visit him on 

Saturdays at the print works, where there were piles of 

paper ten feet high and tubs of ink the size of wine barrels 

and sinister black machines that hissed and clattered while 

turning blank sheets into stacks of fresh text. I have been 

obsessed with the printed word ever since. 

Literature festivals, such as 

Hay and Cheltenham, show 

children that writers are 

real people and that writing 

is ultimately a communal 

experience, however solitary 

the activity itself may be. 

Dr David Perkins, Head of History 

At school – as a result of seeing an item on TV – I decided 

to undertake a research project, conducted in Utah, on 

the geographic, economic, social and political effects on 

Salt Lake City of a rise in the level of the 

Great Salt Lake. I talked my way into the 

University of Utah among other places and 

also persuaded the US Geological Survey 

to drive me out into the desert to look at 

the Great Salt Lake close up. I decided I 

wanted to study American history which 

I did later at Cambridge and Yale among 

other places. It also gave me the ambition 

to photograph the most photographed 

barn in America. 

Will Bersey, Director of Music 

Playing in my county youth orchestra, when I was a child, 

was critical to my development as a musician. The contact 

with likeminded musicians of my age was not something that 

was necessarily available at my school and the experiences 

I enjoyed, which included playing in youth festivals on the 

stage of the Royal Festival Hall, undoubtedly helped form my 

ambitions and goals as a musician. 

So whilst we spend a huge amount of time working on 

musical ensembles at King’s, we continue to encourage 

membership of county and national level ensembles, with 

current pupils usually representing the school in the Kent 

Youth Orchestra, National Youth Choir, National Youth 

Orchestra and National Youth Wind Orchestra. 

Lewis Phillips, History teacher 

In my time at King’s I have been involved with extra History enrichment where pupils go on trips and listen to 

talks given by their teacher outside the prescribed curriculum timetable. I know that following trips to Dover 

Castle and Chatham Docks a current student has decided to study History at Queen Mary University, London. 


16

Happy Inside 

Confident Outside 

Open Morning 

Thursday 4th October, 

from 9.00 am 

Contact our Registrar for details: 

registrar@dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

WealdenTimes185x130.qxp_Layout 1 07/08/2018 22:13 Page 1 

OCT_open_morn_WT_185x130.indd 1 19/07/2018 13:28 

DulwichPrepWT198a.indd 1 23/07/2018 15:05 

#WeAreBeechwood 

Seamless learning 

WHOLE SCHOOL OPEN DAY 

SATURDAY 6 th OCTOBER 2018 

9.30am-1pm 

YEAR 7 TASTER DAY 

FRIDAY 12 th OCTOBER 2018 

PROSPECTIVE YEAR 7 ENTRANTS FOR 2019 

Beechwood is a Catholic co-educational, day and boarding school for pupils age 3-18, set in 

idyllic grounds in Tunbridge Wells. 

Within Beechwood, our small and friendly environment enables staff to build strong relationships 

with each child and their family, with mutual respect being at the heart of the school ethos. Our 

team of inspiring teachers encourage the next generation of pupils to achieve their full potential. 

We are proud of the opportunities we can offer at Beechwood. To find out more or to register 

your place at our forthcoming Open Day, please contact registrar@beechwood.org.uk 

or visit www.beechwood.org.uk 

Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QD 

www.beechwood.org.uk t: 01892 532747 


BeechwoodSacredHeartWT199.indd 1 08/08/2018 10:38

Step-by-step recipes 

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Sponsored by 

Multiple choice 

IBs, BTECs, Diplomas, apprenticeships… what happened 

to good old A Levels? Here’s a breakdown of the new world 

of choice after GCSEs 

Sandra Radford, Head of Sixth 

Form at Gordon’s School, Woking 

A Levels 

For the crucial stage of learning after GCSEs, 

which prepares students to move on to further 

education, or into the workplace, traditional A Levels 

remain the qualification of choice for many. 

They tend to be more academic than other courses and 

require higher level skills, such as analysis, evaluation and 

application of knowledge, to achieve high grades, which is 

why entry criteria tend to be slightly higher than alternative 

courses. They are mainly exam based which 

suits some students better than others. 

The benefits are that they give young 

people the chance to choose a broad 

foundation of subjects – three or four, 

which they study for two years – which 

offers greater depth, yet retains a broad 

enough foundation so they can progress 

on to a wide range of university degrees 

afterwards. For example, a combination of 

history, biology, and English literature, will enable a student 

to apply for Law, History, Journalism, Biology, Biomedical 

Sciences, English, Teaching, Politics to mention just a few 

degrees. They are graded A* to E. 

Level 3 BTECs 

These have been viewed by some – somewhat unfairly – as 

easier than A Levels, as they are coursework-dominated and 

assessed in modules. But these courses have become more 

rigorous in recent years and many now have exams as well as 

“The advantage of 

apprenticeships is 

that students are paid 

a salary while they 

train and learn” 

other assessments. 

There are several types of BTEC courses: a single course, 

equivalent to one A Level subject, or there are double and 

triple courses in one field, equivalent to two and three A 

Levels. They are graded as Pass, Merit or Distinction. 

BTECs are more vocational than A levels, focussing on one 

specialist pathway which then feeds into a specific university 

course, apprenticeship or career. For example, someone 

studying a triple BTEC in Sports Science can go on very 

successfully to undertake a degree in this field but cannot 

typically access a degree in History. 

It’s a very good qualification if a student is passionate about 

a specific field or subject and cannot 

imagine working with anything else. 

The large component of coursework also 

helps those who suffer from exam stress 

or anxiety. The continuous assessment in 

modules also means that students know 

their marks on assessments continuously 

and this can be very helpful for many who 

would struggle to stay motivated for two 

years on an A Level course. Universities 

see them as comparative to A Levels and students can typically 

access university degrees with a combination of Merits and 

Distinctions. 

Apprenticeships 

These are a vocational qualification which are offered at 

several levels, with Level 3 being equivalent to A Levels and 

Level 3 BTEC. These courses encompass both academic 

and vocational elements, with students going to work in 

the company sponsoring the apprenticeship, while also 

 


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attending college to study the subject. There are also Higher 

and Degree Apprenticeships. Students apply for them just as if 

it were a job, with a CV and covering letter. 

The advantage is that students are paid a salary while they 

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a qualification. It’s a perfect mix for many and gives a real edge 

in terms of employment opportunities. It’s suitable for those 

who prefer a more hands-on approach to learning and would 

struggle to stay motivated or cope with the academic demands 

of an A Level course. 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) 

This alternative to A Levels has grown in popularity recently 

and is particularly useful for students hoping to study 

overseas. The aim of it is to develop students as thinkers, 

communicators and risktakers, to be reflective, principled 

and open minded. As a qualification it offers both breadth 

and depth – more than A levels. There are three compulsory, 

core ‘elements’. Theory of knowledge (TOK) where students 

learn where knowledge comes from, how to analyse evidence 

and how to argue a point. There is also creativity, action 

and service, where students are encouraged to get involved 

in theatre or musical activities, sports and/or community 

service. The last core is a 4,000-word extended essay. In 

addition six subjects are studied, three at standard level, 

three at higher level. The IB is judged out of 45 possible 

points, with the Diploma awarded from 24 points up. The 

qualification is accepted by all UK universities and considered 

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Fosse Bank is a small independent school in a stunning building set in 26 acres 

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20 

FosseBankSchoolWT199.indd 1 20/08/2018 16:33

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The IB school that opens the right doors. 

Edmund Broadhead joined Sevenoaks when he 

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I’d been so engaged by the curriculum at school and 

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Appy days 

Our kids are welded to their phones – but what are they actually 

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unlocks the truth behind the tech 

With what seems like daily news 

reports on the subject, we’re 

all familiar with the potential 

perils of social media: online bullying, 

accidental exposure, upsetting content 

and smartphone addiction, to name 

but a few. And with Snapstreaks, IGTV, 

memes, GIFs and all the rest of it, the 

junior generation seems to be speaking 

a different language that shuts us out. 

So we’re breaking down two of the most 

popular platforms to show you that while 

there are potential risks, every cloud does 

have a silver lining. 

Snapchat 

What is it? 

An app that lets you send photos, short 

videos or messages to your contacts. The 

‘snap’ appears on screen for up to 10 

seconds before disappearing. Users can 

apply a range of filters and send constant 

streams of images and clips to friends. 

Key concerns 

Many users aren’t fully aware of 

Snapchat’s privacy settings. This means 

that they may be receiving ‘friendship’ 

requests from strangers and their ‘stories’ 

and snaps may be seen publicly. 

The app now features a public feed, 

called Snapchat Discover, through 

which users can subscribe to posts by 

celebrities and other publishers. Some 

of these are aimed at older audiences 

and so may include adult content. 

The upside 

Young people claim to feel less social 

pressure using Snapchat than other 

applications because there is no ‘like’ 

button and snaps disappear after a 

few seconds. It’s also a good source of 

information - studies show that teens 

prefer following the news on Snapchat 

because it’s fun and easy to view. 

Instagram 

What is it? 

An app that lets you upload pictures 

and videos. Users post content to 

share activities, thoughts or memories 

with an online community. You can 

‘follow’ any open account, which 

might belong to celebrities or brands, 

as well as friends and family. 

Key concerns 

Instagram is one of the most commonly 

used platforms for cyberbullying. Users 

can post upsetting comments on photos 

as well as send private messages. 

The omnipresence of 

photos retouched via simple apps 

is setting new, unrealistic standards 

of beauty. This can be damaging 

to self-esteem and mental health 

as users compare their own 

looks to those of their digitally 

enhanced idols and even peers. 

The upside 

Instagram is a great means of 

communication between friends and 

family and it allows users to pursue 

their interests and feed their curiosity: 

you can follow everything from healthy 

eating to NASA. Like Snapchat it 

nurtures a love of art and storytelling 

and allows users’ creativity to flourish. 

Top tips 

for safety 

Remember that Snapchat and 

Instagram both state 13+ as 

their minimum age for users. 

Check that your child knows 

who they are talking to. 

Encourage them to chat with 

their real-life friends and to tell 

someone if they are approached 

by an unknown follower. 

Suggest to your child that they 

change the settings on their 

social media accounts to make 

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only their accepted followers 

will be able to view their 

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Emphasise the dangers of 

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Credit: Christian Wiediger, Elijah O’Donell 


Imogen 

Lower Sixth 

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You are warmly invited to our 

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What it all means 

IGTV: a new app embedded within Instagram for 

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Instagram Stories/ Snapchat - My Story: 

users can link snaps or video clips together 

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location so that friends can find each other on 

a map. Each user creates their own ‘bitmoji’ 

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by updating their settings to ‘Ghost Mode’. 

FREWEN 

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FrewenCollegeWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 12:22

It’s not just what you know.... 

It’s also who you are. 

MARLBOROUGH 

HOUSE 

SCHOOL 

Educating characters as well as minds. 

Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY 

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Maths… 

make it add up 

So many kids decide they’re ‘rubbish at 

maths’ at an early age – how can we stop 

that happening, or turn it round? 

Paul Borrows, Vinehall 

Richard Feynman, the pre-eminent twentieth century 

physicist, said that learning was fundamentally about noticing 

things. From this point of view, learning mathematics 

– and indeed doing mathematics – is primarily about 

noticing and explaining patterns. With noticing, in this 

context, meaning to become aware of and to understand. 

So we want for children who know that 8 + 7 = 15 

to then notice that if they know this simple addition 

fact they also know the answer to 15 – 8, 80 + 70, 

1500 – 700, 68 + 7 and a whole host of related sums. 

As a teacher, you learn quite quickly that you cannot notice 

things on behalf of the children you 

are teaching - and what may seem 

a clear and simple explanation does 

not necessarily result in the children 

noticing what you had hoped they 

would. 

Learning maths comes from doing 

maths, so the role of the teacher is to 

try to set up situations that will enable 

children to notice concepts and patterns 

for themselves. 

There is much more to learning maths then than 

memorising a series of procedures for adding, subtraction, 

multiplying and dividing. And, consequently, many 

parents feel unequipped and unqualified to help their 

children. But there are some things you can do to help 

as a parent, and, even more importantly, there are some 

things that you should avoid doing, as they can have a 

negative impact on your children’s perception of maths 

as well as their beliefs about their own ability. 

A study from the mid-1980s found that when mothers told 

“A child who is confident 

playing rummy 500 

is unlikely to think of 

themselves as someone 

who cannot do maths” 

their daughters that they were not very good at maths when 

they were at school, the daughters’ performance in maths 

lessons declined almost immediately. A more recent study 

showed that parents who were not confident mathematicians 

had a detrimental effect on their child’s learning if they 

helped their children with their maths homework. 

You don’t have to lie. If they ask tell them instead that you 

were not taught maths very well when you were at school 

(which is probably true) and that they are very fortunate 

because the way in which maths is taught now is much more 

interesting than it used to be (which is almost certainly true). 

When it comes to helping with homework, try to avoid 

teaching them particular methods 

yourself. Instead, allow them to 

explain to you what they have been 

doing. If they make a mistake, try to 

understand why they have made that 

mistake, rather than simply telling 

them that they have got it wrong. 

If they are really struggling 

with their homework, it is better 

to leave it rather than battling to 

get it finished. Teachers want to see what children can do 

working independently, not what their parents can do. 

Despite these issues I would still encourage parents to 

involve themselves in their children’s learning of maths, 

but there are better, and more fun, ways of doing this 

than leaning over their shoulder as they plod their way 

through the exercises. Instead, encourage them to play 

games that will help develop their number sense – anything 

involving dice or dominoes or cards will do this. 

A child who is confident playing rummy 500 is unlikely 

to think of themselves as someone who can’t do maths. 

 


Sponsored by 

Matt Underwood, ACS Egham International School 

One of the reasons children get put off maths young 

is due to the nature of the subject: the solution to a 

maths problem is right or wrong. Getting incorrect 

answers can be very demoralising, even if they are 

praised for using the correct method and made only 

a small yet significant error in the approach. 

The teacher is also vitally important. From my experience, 

when expressing whether they loved or hated maths at 

school, adults often refer to the teachers they had and 

whether they were good or bad. A good teacher can engage 

pupils even when they are finding work difficult and 

therefore often change a student’s attitude to the subject. 

It’s really important to challenge a child’s perception that 

they are ‘rubbish’ at maths. It does take practice, because it is 

skills heavy and all skills take practice, but if this is undertaken 

a parent will see real progress in their child’s ability. 

Beliefs about our strengths and weaknesses often 

become more entrenched as we get older. Usually a lack 

of confidence fostered by negative experiences, combined 

with some confusion over method, provides a ‘toxic 

cocktail’ for students that hinders their development 

in the subject. The key to challenging this is to teach 

for understanding, rather than regurgitation. 

It’s obvious that we all enjoy success and don’t particularly 

enjoy failure. Teaching maths to students at a level that 

is developmentally appropriate, providing them with a 

challenge yet also giving them opportunities to succeed, 

is an important recipe to get a student to enjoy a class. 

But failure is not something to be avoided at all costs. 

Students should be encouraged to take risks and not to fear 

the occasional failure. In class discussions my students get to 

know how much I love wrong answers as they are so often a 

great basis for discussion. All students enjoy it when I make 

a mistake. Most of the time it is deliberate as there is nothing 

more confidence boosting than correcting your teacher! 

I have had many students who would have described 

themselves as ‘maths haters’ and how I approach it is 

to try to ensure they foster a greater appreciation for 

their own talents in maths, for example, they might 

not be as quick at finishing an equation as others, but 

they might be better at word-based problems. 

“The key is to teach for understanding, 

rather than regurgitation” 

 

Co-educational, day & day boarding & boarding school for school 3-18 years for in 3-18 South-East years in England South East England 

With small class sizes and exceptional facilities, St Lawrence College provides 

outstanding opportunities for all pupils academically, in sport and in the arts. 

Junior School Open Day: Friday 5 October 2018 

Senior School Open Day: Saturday 6 October 2018 

T: 01843 572931 E: admissions@slcuk.com www.slcuk.com 

St Lawrence College, College Road, Ramsgate, Kent CT11 7AE 


30 

StLawrenceCollegeWT199.indd 1 03/08/2018 12:07

Think different 

Go further 

Open Morning 

Thursday 4th October, 

from 9.00 am 

Contact our Registrar for details: 

registrar@dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

OCT_open_morn_WT_185x130.indd 2 19/07/2018 13:29 

DulwichPrepWT198b.indd 1 23/07/2018 15:12 

For boys and girls aged 2 to 13 

Listed in Sunday Times Top 100 Schools Guide 2018 

Call us on 01825 830 234 or visit 

www.skippershill.com to book 

Five Ashes, Mayfield, East Sussex, TN20 6HR 

OPEN MORNING 

Wednesday 3rd October 

9:30am - 11:30am 


SkippersHillWT199.indd 1 09/08/2018 11:12

Sponsored by 

Brian Judd, Head of Mathematics 

at Marlborough House School 

In the early years as children learn 

how to count and recognize shapes, 

and later as they begin to master their 

times tables, they become increasingly 

more confident with mental arithmetic. 

However, in Years 5 and 6, the study 

of maths expands enormously as 

algebra, geometry and data handling 

come into play, and with it, a pupil’s 

realisation that they can no longer 

rely on their arithmetic skills alone. 

For some pupils this extra work will 

drop into place quickly, but for others, 

learning about how numbers work is 

much more of a challenge. If children 

are able to understand the difference 

between routines that work sometimes 

and routines that work all the time, 

they will begin to excel. If not, they 

will find it difficult to get better. 

What is really helpful is to dispel the 

myth that maths is a standalone subject 

on a rigid school timetable. Teachers 

and parents need to consistently 

demonstrate to children that maths is 

all around us, in everything we see and 

do, from baking a cake to researching 

the best deals on a new smartphone. 

The ‘maths’ of Monopoly is a 

particularly good way to get older 

children to expand their thinking. 

As a Year 7 and 8 Maths teacher, 

I challenge pupils to consider the 

yield from different property sets. 

By applying gaming strategies 

underpinned by sound 

mathematical logic, pupils learn 

that the owner of Mayfair may well 

enjoy the best yield from a single 

house at the start of the game; 

but near the end of the game it is 

the owner of, Pentonville Road, 

the Angel Islington and Euston 

Road who will enjoy a better 

return on their investment. 

As pupils discover that the 

difference between winning 

or losing could come down 

to the sound application of 

mathematical logic, it can be 

motivation enough for them 

to sit up, listen and take part. 

1 

3 

case 

on the 

2 

4 

5 

1. Peace sign pouch £20 Postcards Home 

postcardshome.co.uk 2. Penguin case £10 Martha and 

Hepsie marthaandhepsie.com 3. Pens case £13 Chase 

and Wonder chaseandwonder.com 4. Pink mermaid 

case £5 Paperchase paperchase.co.uk 5. Flamingo case 

£19.95 Annabel James annabeljames.co.uk 

INSPIRING 

INDIVIDUAL 

EXCELLENCE 

LOVE WHAT YOU LEARN 

Take a fresh look at Bethany School and discover a world 

of freedom. No limiting your options, just the independence 

and support you need. 

Fantastic facilities and an expansive activities programme allow 

children to flourish and achieve the best possible results. 

“ 

I was so proud and 

pleased to be awarded 

a Music scholarship at 

Bethany. I’ve made loads 

of really good friends 

and the opportunities 

here are brilliant. 

Fenton 

“ 

triumph 

Join us at our next Open Morning 

Saturday 22nd September 10am -1pm 

11-18 

co-ed day 

and boarding 

Ask about 

Scholarships 

& Bursaries 

Eight minibus 

routes offered. 

See website 

for details 


32 

BethanySchoolWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 09:41

JOIN IN OUR SUCCESS

TO BOOK A PLACE, PLEASE CONTACT 

THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE: 

T: 01233 739 030 

REGISTRAR@ASHFORDSCHOOL.CO.UK 

ASHFORDSCHOOL.CO.UK 

PREP SCHOOL 

OPEN DAYS 

THURSDAY 27 SEPTEMBER ‘18 

MONDAY 8 OCTOBER ‘18 

TUESDAY 20 NOVEMBER ‘18

The long view 

You can’t start too early thinking ahead for higher education – and it should be fun 

Hannah Linklater 

Head of Higher Education, Hurst College 

For a prospective applicant who is aiming to gain 

a place at the best universities, a love of learning 

and abundant motivation to study their chosen 

subject is vital. Universities are looking for students 

who are genuinely curious to find out more about 

the world and parents can foster this curiosity. 

Start them young 

Parents can encourage their child to be excited about their 

future from a young age, talking to them about which subjects 

they enjoy at school and which topics have particularly 

sparked their imagination. Has a class project on the 

suffragettes revealed a fascination with history and politics? 

Are they enthralled by science experiments and desperate 

to find out more about DNA or the Big Bang theory? 

Parents can also help by looking out for television or 

radio programmes, newspaper or magazine articles, or 

podcasts that may apply to their child’s interests. Days 

out to museums, exhibitions, plays, historical sites, and 

so on can be incredibly inspiring and formative. 

Research the options 

The UCAS website is extremely comprehensive and provides a 

huge amount of advice for parents and students. There are also 

a number of books available to help, such as The Times Good 

University Guide, the Getting Into… course guides and The 

UCAS Guide to getting into University and College. University 

websites and prospectuses are free and contain a plethora 

of invaluable information about courses and institutions. 

University gives students the opportunity to 

pursue their intellectual interests in great depth and 

the range of degrees on offer now is extraordinary. 

There are over 160 higher education institutions in 

the UK, offering more than 50,000 courses. 

Undertaking some research into their future options at a 

relatively early age can be wonderfully motivating for students. 

If your child has taken a keen interest in programming, 

why not have a look at what a computer science degree 

involves? This may inspire them to create their own website 

or app, learn new coding languages, attend a summer course 

and read books and newspaper articles on computing. 

If they’re obsessed with animals and nature, you could 

spend time researching degrees in zoology, environmental 

studies or animal science. A young historian may 

pursue a history degree, or specialise by opting for 

war studies, history of art or medieval studies. 

As their interests develop and their perspective 

broadens, they may consider a subject completely outside 

of the school curriculum, such as event management, 

film production, journalism, robotics, criminology, or 

anthropology. If they have a passion for something, it’s 

worth searching the excellent UCAS search tool for 

courses in that area (https://digital.ucas.com/search). 

More than grades 

To achieve a place at the best universities, students need 

to demonstrate that they have gone above and beyond the 

academic essentials in pursuit of their genuine passion. 

There are numerous Year 12 essay competitions run by 

universities. The experience of entering these often proves 

invaluable to applicants. Another way for students to 

stretch themselves is to complete online courses through 

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) or iTunes U. 

Some universities offer taster courses to let students 

experience life at a university before they apply. These 

can be a fantastic opportunity for students to gain a 

greater insight into university study and social life, and 

“Less obvious activities, such as 

juggling a part-time job with 

academic studies shows that a 

student is organised and has strong 

time-management skills” 

 


CO-EDUCATIONAL DAY & BOARDING SCHOOLS FOR PUPILS AGED 3-18 

Open Mornings 

Pre-Prep & Prep School: 

Saturday 13 th OCTOBER 

13+ Entry: Saturday 6 th October 

Sixth Form Entry: Saturday 22 nd September 

AGE 3 - 13 

www.junior-kings.co.uk 

AGE 13 - 18 

www.kings-school.co.uk

Sponsored by 

they can really add to a UCAS personal statement. 

These are widely available for Year 12 students and some 

universities offer taster days for year 10 and 11 students. 

Universities are keen to recruit students who will contribute 

to their institution in non-academic ways, such as drama, 

student politics, student newspapers or volunteering with a 

community action group, so any experience students can build 

up at senior school will demonstrate they have much to offer 

alongside their academic work. This is why in their UCAS 

personal statement, we encourage students at Hurst to talk 

about their relevant extra-curricular activities. These include 

their interests, responsibilities (such as being a school prefect) 

and non-academic pursuits, such as Duke of Edinburgh 

Award, Combined Cadet Force, National Citizen Service, 

Crest Awards, Young Enterprise, Engineering Education 

Scheme, music, drama, dance and sport. 

Sometimes extra-curricular activities can be unrelated to 

A-level subjects, but incredibly relevant to the subject that they 

want to study at university. For example, a prospective politics 

undergraduate may stand for election in a school’s mock 

general election, while a future film studies undergraduate 

may take the lead in the school’s film society. The editor of the 

school’s student newspaper will have valuable experience to 

recommend them for a degree in journalism. 

Less obvious activities, such as juggling a part-time job with 

academic studies shows that a student is organised and has 

strong time-management skills. Being involved in or setting 

up their own student societies is another fantastic way of 

demonstrating their love of a subject. 

Hands-on experience 

For some vocational university courses, such as medicine, 

veterinary science, teaching or midwifery, work experience is 

incredibly helpful. Students can volunteer in their community 

and try to gain experience in the relevant work environment. 

Through such placements, they will be able to build up 

transferable skills, such as communication, leadership, 

problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and creativity. 

Students applying for specialist further education, such as 

equestrian studies, art school, or music production, will need 

to build up a portfolio of evidence to prove their interest in 

and commitment to the subject they want to study. 

The key to success in these areas is organisation: ensuring 

that sufficient relevant experience has been gained and 

documented in time for the application, or that an art 

portfolio is completed to a high standard by the deadline, will 

make all the difference. As with all other subjects, enthusiasm 

and clarity about motivation are also crucial. 

There are a number of conservatoires in the UK offering 

performance-based courses in music, dance, drama and 

musical theatre at undergraduate level. Once again UCAS has 

a great deal of information: www.ucas.com/ucas/conservatoires/ 

getting-started/thinking-about-performing-arts 

Whatever area of study a child is interested in, any 

additional related activity they can put in at the school stage 

will boost their opportunities at the further education level – 

and therefore the whole of their lives. 

Bricklet ts 

An hour of fun for babies 

and young children 

aged between 3 months 

& 3 years. 

Inspiring minds, 

Creating 

futures 

Independent Prep School 

for Boys & Girls aged 3 -11 

Bricklehurst 

Manor School 

& Kindergarten 

Bardown Road, Stonegate, Wadhurst, 

East Sussex, TN5 7EL Tel: 01580 200 448 

www.bricklehurst.co.uk 

Follow us on facebook @Bricklehurst 

Messy 

Mondays 

PLAY, CREATE, DISCOVER 

EVERY MONDAY, 2PM 

LEARN 

SING 

PLAY 

French 

& Music 

EVERY THURSDAY, 

11AM 


BricklehurstManorWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 15:47

100 Years of Education, 1000 Years of History 

Be all you can be 

Open Day | Saturday 6 October 

RSVP: Online event registration is available via our website www.stedmunds.org.uk | 01227 475601 

StEdmundsWT199.indd 1 17/08/2018 16:37 

BATTLE ABBEY SENIOR SCHOOL 

OPEN DAY 

10.30am - 12.30pm 

(Ages 11 - 18 years) 

September 

15 

SATURDAY 

BATTLE ABBEY PREP & NURSERY SCHOOL 

OPEN DAY 

10.00am - 12.00noon 

(Ages 3 months - 11 years) 

Fuel your 

child’s success. 

A first class education at Battle Abbey launches young 

people into a whole universe of opportunities. 

Speak to us about your child’s future today. 

Battle Abbey School 

Tel: 01424 772385 www.battleabbeyschool.com 

November 

10 

SATURDAY 

Battle Abbey School 1912 - 2012 

BattleAbbeySchoolWT199.indd 1 06/08/2018 14:55

www.financial-advice.co.uk

Do it now 

The best way to save your family from 

traumatic decisions when you reach the 

last stages of life is to put the right legal 

protections in place now says Edward 

Walter of Buss Murton 

It is a topic which never seems to be much out of 

the news – end of life care decisions; who makes 

them, and on what basis. There are a number of legal 

documents which occupy similar but not identical spaces. 

A Lasting Power of Attorney (“LPA”) for Health & 

Welfare decisions allows a person to give someone 

else the authority to make healthcare and personal 

welfare decisions if there comes a time when the 

Donor themself cannot make the decision, because 

he or she won’t understand the concepts involved 

sufficiently to make an informed decision. 

Under a Health & Welfare LPA, Attorneys can 

make decisions about the Donor’s care, daily routine, 

medication, medical treatment and living arrangements. 

The Donor is also able to give or refuse permission 

to the Attorney or Attorneys to make decisions 

about life saving treatment i.e whether it should 

be provided or whether it should not be. 

“Do Not Resuscitate” Orders are a creature of the 

National Health Service and they need to be given whilst 

the Donor has informed consent. They provide that, 

in the event that the individual’s heart stops beating, 

it is not to be re-started. So, it deals with a limited 

number of instances – i.e potentially fatal cessation of 

lung function and/or heart functionality. A Do Not 

Resuscitate Order will not necessarily assist where a 

person is suffering from another terminal condition. 

An Advance Directive, again, needs to be given well 

in advance of there being any question of a mental 

capacity concern. An Advance Directive is a document 

which should empower you, the Donor, to give future 

directions as to how you would like to be treated. 

You can discuss how you would like to be 

cared for and can explain your positive wishes 

and also dictate the circumstances where you 

would not want certain decisions to be made. 

It may include information such as where you would 

wish to be cared for, what your dietary requirements 

might be, what your religious or other beliefs or systems 

might be and may include who you would want to be 

consulted regarding your care. This will also include 

who you would and would not like to visit you. 

It is important to understand what sort of decisions 

can be specified in an Advance Directive or indeed 

in the note section of a Health & Welfare LPA. At 

present, the range extends from Advance Directives 

stipulating that ‘maximum steps are taken to preserve 

life’ no matter that ultimately, death is to be expected 

within a reasonably short time frame, through to a 

‘palliative care only’ style of Advance Directive. 

Photo: Alvaro Serrano 


STONE FLOORING SPECIALISTS 

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Natural Stone, Encaustics, Porcelain 

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Expert advice and installation service available 

It is important to note that a palliative-careonly 

directive, cannot ask that life be brought 

to an end but rather that steps are not taken 

to actively prolong life where the prognosis is 

ultimately for death within a short time frame. 

The recent Supreme Court ruling that 

legal permission will no longer be needed to 

withdraw treatment from patients in a permanent 

vegetative state when the family and physicians 

are in agreement is interesting - although it is 

different from the situation which is likely to 

be faced by many persons at the end of life. 

The reason it is different is because the person in 

that case, was in a persistent vegetative state. Most 

persons who at the end of life may not necessarily 

have mental capacity to make a decision, are 

not necessarily in a persistent vegetative state. 

In many other cases, it may be that the family 

of the patient and the doctors are in agreement in 

which case there should be no difficulty with the 

steps which are to be taken. In the Supreme Court 

case, it was common ground that the family of the 

patient and the doctors had agreed to withdraw the 

feeding tube which was keeping the patient alive. 

The NHS Trust in question asked for a ruling 

that approval from the Court of Protection 

was not necessary. The Supreme Court agreed 

with the High Court that there is no legal 

requirement requiring all end of life decisions to 

be made before judges, particularly where there 

is agreement between family and physicians. 

But, to guard against the position that you find 

yourself not in a persistent vegetative state and/or 

that doctors and family do not agree, it is in the 

interest of self-autonomy to have either an Advance 

Directive or, to have a Health & Welfare LPA. 

So, any adult over the age of 18 who has mental 

capacity, should consider making an ‘ordinary’ 

Will to deal with their financial assets and other 

matters commonly covered by a Will – but they 

should also have a Finance & Property LPA 

dealing with their financial and property affairs 

in place, to be called upon should they ever 

become permanently mentally incapacitated (but 

still alive) and they should also have either an 

Advance Directive or a Health & Welfare LPA. 

THE STONE TILE WAREHOUSE 

Visit our Warehouse-Showroom Unit 10, Integra ME, 

Bircholt Road, Parkwood, Maidstone, Kent, ME15 9GQ 

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For further information 

please contact Edward 

Walter, Partner and Head 

of Private Client on 01892 

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bussmurton.co.uk 


170 

SouthernAdhesivesWT195.indd 1 10/04/2018 11:54

12th - 13th - 14th October 2018 

A weekend celebrating the history and 

romance of a bygone era 

Special Guests! 

A4 60009 ‘Union of South Africa’ 

and 

61306 ‘Mayflower’ 

Don’t miss out - get your tickets 

now! Visit the website for more 

information and to buy tickets. 

September 20th - 30th 2018 

The Original Chiddingly Festival’s 40th Birthday 

COMEDY - KERRY GODLIMAN • FOLK - MARTIN CARTHY 

JAZZ -TIM GARLAND QUARTET • CLASSICAL - PELLÉAS ENSEMBLE 

PUB COMEDY • BIG FAMILY FUN WEEKEND • ART & CRAFT SHOW 

OPEN STUDIOS • LANTERN PROCESSION + PLUS LOADS MORE 

Images: Tony Bartlett 

01825 720800 info@bluebell-railway.co.uk 

The Bluebell Railway | Sheffield Park Station | East Sussex TN22 3QL 

www.bluebell-railway.com 

WWW.CHIDDINGLYFESTIVAL.CO.UK 

BluebellRailwayWT199.indd 1 20/08/2018 ChiddinglyFestivalWT199.indd 15:51 

1 09/08/2018 11:18 

Learn to dance 

Lots of new classes for adult 

absolute beginners 

NOV 24 – DEC 9 (WED – SUN) DEC 10 – 24 (DAILY) 

Salsa 

Starting from 

September 24th 

Ballroom & Latin 

Jive 

Latin-in-line 

Medway School of Dance 

145 High St, Tonbridge TN9 1DH 

medwayschoolofdance.co.uk 

01732 358355 


HeverCastleWT199.indd 1 20/08/2018 MedwaySchoolOfDanceWT199.indd 16:29 

1 16/08/2018 17:02

Sunday 23 September 2018 

Starting and finishing at 

East Malling Research Centre 

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

Symphony Orchestra 

104km, 65km or 36km chip timed road cycle 

Get pedalling in support of Heart of Kent Hospice 

CONCERT SEASON 

Autumn 2018 

at the Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells 

Sunday 7 October 2018 

Soloist - Freddy Kempf (piano) 

Conductor - Roderick Dunk 

Khachaturian, Tchaikovsky 

Sunday 4 November 2018 

Soloist: Annette Wardell (soprano) 


World War 1 Commemoration 

Sunday 2 December 2018 

Soloist - Nicola Benedetti (violin) 


Bizet, Prokofiev, Ravel, César Franck 

For Season Tickets contact Gale Smith 

on 01892 826196 or E.mail: tickets@rtwso.org 

www.rtwso.org 

Follow us on 

Register now 

Visit: www.hokh.org/events 

Tel: 01622 790195 

Email: fundraising@hokh.co.uk 

Box Office: 01892 530613 

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

Presented in association with the Assembly Hall Theatre 

Heart of Kent Hospice 

@Heartofkenthosp 

HeartofKentHospiceWT199.indd 1 07/08/2018 RoyalTWS-WT199.indd 16:02 

1 06/08/2018 12:23 


172 

WhiteRockTheatreWT199.indd 1 09/08/2018 12:54

ART 

Weekly from Tues 11 Sep 

Mountfield Community Arts, 

Mountfield Village Hall, East 

Sussex TN32 5LG 

WEEKLY ART CLASSES 

Mountfield Community Arts 

begins its latest round of weekly 

classes. Aimed at all abilities, join 

a friendly relaxed group and learn 

from practising professional artists. 

All subjects and media covered. 

Remember: it’s never too late to 

learn something new! 

01424 424010 / 

juliettedodd.wordpress.com 

Sat 22 – Sun 23 Sep 

10.30am-4.30pm 

The Beaney House of Art 

and Knowledge, 18 High St, 

Canterbury, Kent CT1 2BD 

TRUE GOLD 

In celebration of its national 

golden jubilee year, The Arts 

Society will be holding a two-day 

event featuring free art workshops 

and museum trails for children, 

free highlight tours of the museum 

and an exhibition all about The 

Arts Society. 

theartssocietykentarea.org.uk 

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 

Sun 2 Sep 9.30am-12.30pm 

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, Kent 

ME17 1PL 

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE – 

FAMILY FUN EVENT 

Join Heart of Kent Hospice for 

a treasure hunt, fun stalls, classic 

cars, family activities and delicious 

refreshments. Tickets include entry 

to Leeds Castle until 6pm. 

fundraising@hokh.co.uk / hokh.org 

Fri 14 & Sat 15 Sep 

7.30-10pm (doors 6.30pm) 

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent 

TN15 0RP 

OUTDOOR CINEMA 

Enjoy a fantastic film in a historic 

location. Sit back under the stars 

on Friday to watch The Greatest 

Showman; or, on Saturday, get your 

singing voices ready for Disney’s 

live action remake of childhood 

favourite Beauty & the Beast. 

Entry: Adults £12, children £7.50 

(entry to Gatehouse Tower included 

in ticket price from 6.30-7.30pm) 

nationaltrust.org.uk/knole 

Sun 23 Sep 

Kent Life, Lock Lane, 

Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU 

SEE THE GRUFFALO! 

The Gruffalo will be making 

personal appearances at 10.40am, 

12pm, 1.20pm, 2.40pm & 4pm. 

While you’re there, why not visit 

some of the animals from The 

Gruffalo’s story, join in one of the 

many activities and grab a bite to 

eat in Dotty’s tea rooms? 

Entry: Free for Kent Life members, 

non-members 15% off online 

kentlife.org.uk 

Sat 29 & Sun 30 Sep and Sat 6 

& Sun 7 Oct 10.15am-4pm 

Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge 

Wells West Station, Royal 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5QY 

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS 

Take a ride behind a real steam 

engine, shake hands with the 

Fat Controller, join in themed 

activities in the Imagination 

Station and even meet Thomas 

himself. Don’t forget to pre-book 

for the Fat Controller’s Tea Party 

train; it’s the last departure of 

the day so tickets - and cake - are 

limited. Pre-book for reduced 

price fares. 

spavalleyrailway.co.uk 

FESTIVALS & SHOWS 

Fri 7 – Sun 9 Sep 10.30am-5pm 

Penshurst Place, Penshurst, 

Tonbridge, Kent TN11 8DG 

THE WEALD OF KENT 

COUNTRY CRAFT SHOW 

Enjoy the final Country Craft 

Show of the year, as the parkland 

welcomes carpenters, artisan 

producers and small businesses 

from across the county and 

further afield to gather with their 

wonderful collections and gifts. 

Entry: Adults £10, seniors £9, 

children free (if accompanied by 

an adult) 

01425 277988 / 

thecraftshows.co.uk 

What’s On in September 

Sat 15 - Sun 23 Sep 

Various locations around the 

Weald of Kent 

HIGH WEALD WALKING 

FESTIVAL 

Explore one of the UK’s most 

beautiful medieval landscapes 

at the first ever High Weald 

Walking Festival. Experienced and 

knowledgeable guides will lead a 

host of inspiring walks suitable for 

all ages and abilities, with themed 

routes covering local history, art, 

literature, wildlife and geology. 

Entry: Free 

highwealdwalks.org 

Fri 21 Sep – Fri 5 Oct 

Various locations in and around 

Sevenoaks, Kent 

SEVENOAKS LITERARY 

FESTIVAL 

Another stellar line up is set to 

shine at this year’s Sevenoaks 

Literary Festival. From best-selling 

novelists to foreign correspondents 

and music scholars, there will be 

something to suit all tastes. 

0333 666 3366 / sevlitfest.com 

Fri 28 – Sat 29 Sep 

Cranbrook, Kent 

CRANBROOK LITERATURE 

FESTIVAL 

A weekend celebrating reading 

and writing. There will be 

poetry at The George Hotel, 

a guess the book competition 

in the shop windows of 

Cranbrook, an evening with 

broadcaster Jeremy Vine and a 

talk from historian Alison Weir. 

cranbrookliteraturefestival.com 

FOOD & DRINK 

Sat 1 Sep 12pm-10pm and Sun 2 

Sep 12pm-8pm 

The Chequers, The Broadway, 

Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells 

TN3 8DB 

The Festa della 

Vendemmia 

A lovely harvest festival at a family 

run, Italian gastropub and b&b 

with a great Italian market full of 

fresh produce. 

01892 890260 / 

info@chequerslamberhurst.co.uk 

Sat 8 – Sun 9 Sep 

Kent Life, Lock Lane, 

Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU 

HOPS ‘N’ HARVEST BEER 

FESTIVAL 

Join in with traditionally handpicking 

hops, see the last coal fired 

oast house in Britain and sample 

up to 60 varieties of locally brewed 

ales and ciders. Whether you’re 

absorbing the fantastic live music 

programme, sampling the variety 

of food stalls, or enjoying Sooty’s 

live performance with the kids, it’s 

sure to be a great family day out. 

Entry: Kent Life members free 

online, non-members 10% off online 

Info: kentlife.org.uk 

Sun 9 Sep 11am-5pm 

Chiddingstone Castle, Hill 

Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, 

Kent TN8 7AD 

COUNTRY AND FOOD 

FESTIVAL 

Visitors will enjoy the annual 

family dog show, shopping, music, 

terrier racing, country displays and 

a wealth of food and drink stalls. 

Entry: Adults £6, children 5-13 

£2, under 5s free (includes reduced 

admission to the castle) 

chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 

FUNDRAISERS 

Sun 23 Sep 7.30am 

Starts at East Malling Research 

Centre, New Road, East Malling, 

Kent ME19 6BJ 

Cyclo Sportive 2018 

Get peddling, have fun and raise 

money for a great cause. You 

have the choice of three distances 

(104km, 65km or 36km) taking 

you on a loop through the heart 

of the Kent countryside. All routes 

include refreshments, first aid 

marshalls, vehicle support and 

professional chip timings. 

Entry: 104km - £35, 65km - £30 

and 36km - £25 

fundraising@hokh.co.uk / hokh.org 

SHOPPING 

Sat 8 Sep 10am-8pm 

Downtown Retro Emporium, 7 

Station Parade, London Road, 


CANTERBURY FESTIVAL 2018 

20 OCTOBER - 3 NOVEMBER 

200+ events over 2 weeks | On sale 30 July 

Sophie Ellis-Bextor | Sir Bryn Terfel 

The Shires | John Suchet | Seann Walsh 

Partner and Principal Sponsor 

canterburyfestival.co.uk 

CanterburyFestivalWT199.indd 1 21/08/2018 10:51 

TRIP ADVISOR 


174 

CHD-WT199.indd 1 07/08/2018 17:31

What’s On in September 

Sevenoaks TN13 1DL 

WELCOME TO THE 

EMPORIUM 

A special vintage and retro 

shopping event; with twenty 

dealers over two floors selling an 

eclectic range of furniture, fashion, 

accessories, jewellery, kitchenware 

and decorative items. Discounts 

will apply throughout the day, 

together with refreshments and 

a chance to win a gift voucher 

in the charity raffle in aid of the 

Chestnut Tree House Hospice. 

07769 900662 

THEATRE & Music 

Weekly until Thurs 27 Sep 7pm 

The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, 

Kent TN2 5TN 

JAZZ ON THE PANTILES 

Join this hugely popular music 

festival, now in its 21st year, in 

the historic heart of Tunbridge 

Wells. Over the summer months, 

this weekly music event showcases 

some of Kent’s best jazz bands in a 

gorgeous setting. 

Entry: Free (donations welcome) 

thepantiles.com 

Sun 16 – Sun 29 Sep 

Various locations in and around 

West Malling, Kent 

MUSIC@MALLING FESTIVAL 

A festival that brings international 

artists to historical venues and 

celebrates an eclectic mix of 

exceptional music. Highlights 

include a solo recital by James 

Pearson (artistic director of Ronnie 

Scott’s), a musical celebration of 

Frida Kahlo’s association with 

Marc Chagall, and music by 

Debussy, Bach and Elgar. 

musicatmalling.com 

Wed 26 Sep 7.30pm 

E M Forster Theatre, Tonbridge 

School, High Street, Tonbridge 

TN9 1JP 

NOT ABOUT HEROES 

Stephen Macdonald’s awardwinning 

play about the unique 

friendship between celebrated 

World War One poets Wilfred 

Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. 

Entry: £16, £14 concession 

01732 304241 / emftheatre.com 

WORKSHOPS 

Every Tuesday from Tue 4 Sep 

7.15-9pm 

Tenterden Zion Hall, High 

Street, Tenterden TN30 6BB 

ROCK IT! 

Meet new people and sing for fun 

to original arrangements: from 

show songs to current chart hits. 

Every penny raised by this non 

for profit choir goes to local and 

national charities, in particular 

Pilgrims Hospices and Abigail’s 

Footsteps. 

Entry: First session free, then £7/week 

07475 103230 / 

rockitchoir.co.uk 

Sat 8 Sep 10am-12.30pm 

Blooming Green, Linton, 

Maidstone ME17 4AG 

LESSONS FROM NATURE 

Let Yvonne Fernando - NLP 

Master Practitioner and Life 

Coach - guide you on how to 

tune into the cycles of nature 

to enhance your wellbeing. In 

collaboration with Blooming 

Green, expect a morning filled 

with valuable tips, inspiring 

discussions, private flower-picking 

sessions and cake. 

Entry: £40 

01233 878474 / 

yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of 

going to press but may be subject 

to change. Readers are advised to 

check with venues before making 

arrangements. We can list your event 

in the next issue of Wealden Times 

for only £15+VAT! Please supply 

up to 50 words that should include 

date, time, venue, and any entry 

price to whatson@wealdentimes. 

co.uk or send with payment (cheques 

payable to JPS Media) to What’s On, 

Wealden Times, Kettle Chambers, 

21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent 

TN17 3HF. Wealden Times reserves 

the right to edit text to fit space 

allocated. If you would like your 

event listing to be accompanied by 

a full colour reproduction (42.5 x 

62.5mm) of a poster or other pictorial 

image, the total charge will be 

£95+VAT. Deadline for the October 

issue is 10 September 2018. 

Gardening Courses 

 

 

DAHLIA DAYS 

5th September every day to 

15th September 

 

 

Practical gardening course 

Pruning, propagating, planting, 

design, seed sowing, composting in 

a relaxed and friendly environment 

Courses held in Woodchurch, Kent 

No experience needed 

Contact Jo Arnell for details 

01233 861149 / 07923 969634 

www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

Ibbett Mosely 

AuctIoneers & VAluers 

Limited Liability Partnership 

HornbrookManorWT199.indd 1 07/08/2018 12:06 

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On 

Wednesday 12th September 2018 

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm 

The Auction Rooms, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HJ 

Tel: 01732 456731 Web: www.ibbettmosely.co.uk 

125 High St, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1UT 

Registered in England No. 0C341637 Regulated by RICS Registered at the Sevenoaks office as Ibbett Mosely Surveyors LLP 

IbbettMoselyWT199.indd 1 14/08/2018 10:56 

 

 

 

Beautiful 11 Acre Gardens; Café with Terrace; Gift 

Shop; Sculpture Exhibition; open until 29th Sept. 

Ticehurst 01580 200888 

pashleymanorgardens.com 


PashleyManorWT199.indd 1 23/07/2018 16:17

IAN THOMAS 

Bespoke Joinery & Carpentry 

Interior woodwork & refurbishment 

Staplecross • 01580 830590 

www.ianthomasbespokejoinery.com 

Clare Langdon 

INTERIORS 

Made to measure 

curtains & blinds 

Tracks & poles 

Measuring & fitting service 

Home consultation 

Fabrics & design advice 

Telephone 01580 712209 

clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

The complete kitchen service... 

...from a hinge to a complete makeover 

The supply & replacement of 

drawers, doors, worktops, 

hinges, all fitted kitchen 

components/appliances, door 

renovation & polishing, bedroom 

doors & bespoke cabinets. 

Please call 

01689 850000 

www.thekitchendoctor.com 

Serving London & the South-East since 1984 

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk 

David Hall 

IanThomasJoineryWT198.indd 1 17/07/2018 ClareLangdonWT195.indd 11:45 

1 04/04/2018 12:18 

A pet portrait makes a wonderful gift 

Professional Oil Paintings & Drawings 

Visit www.dianewilks.weebly.com or 

Email for examples: wdiane93@aol.com 

Diane 01580 212327 

Cabinet Maker 

& 

Antique Restorer 

* High Quality Bespoke Furniture 

* Antique Restoration of all types 

* Carving and Copy Carving 

* Polishing 

NO VAT 

Phone 01797 270761 

Email: hallcrocket@aol.com 

KitchenDoctorWT145.indd 1 28/01/2014 DianeWilksWT158.indd 10:12 

1 03/03/2015 DavidHallWT108.indd 12:30 

1 14/01/2011 15:27 

Tenterden 

folk festival 2018 

“Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald” 

Thursday 4 th to Sunday 7 th October 

Four days of folk song, music, dance, crafts and tradiinfo@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk 

www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk 

Ticketed events: concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, 

meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. Includes Mick Ryan’s “Here at 

the Fair” 

Free events include: craft & street stalls, free music stage, dance 

stage, dance displays, procession, song and music sessions, street 

theatre, etc. 

A RANGE OF CANOPIES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY 

TO ADD STYLE AND PRACTICALITY TO YOUR HOME. 

Durable and attractive aluminium structures are available with 

a range of glazing or fabric covers, allowing you to choose the 

perfect structure for your setting and budget. 

SBI Ltd est. 1998 – Over 1000 customers – BBSA registered 

Granny’s Attic 

Julie Felix 

Tenterden Folk Festival: Registered charity No. 1038663 

CALL NOW 0800 0742 721 sbiproductsltd.co.uk 

TenterdenFolkFestivalWT199.indd 1 22/08/2018 SBIS46.indd 16:01 1 04/07/2018 10:28

Competition 

Win a Solid silver 

bracelet worth £580 

All of the jewellery at Dominic Walmsley in Riverhead is made on site in their own 

workshops by a team of award-winning craftsmen. Established in Sevenoaks for over 

17 years, he has created an ever-growing following of clients who love to give gifts of 

jewellery pieces that are more personal and special than purchases from the multiple high street 

jewellers. His designs exude quality and the highest workmanship using traditional techniques 

in a contemporary shop that is full of exquisite pieces including many one of a kind pieces. 

How to enter: For 

your chance to win a sterling 

silver bracelet worth £580, 

just answer the following 

question: How long has 

Dominic Walmsley been 

established in Sevenoaks? 

Enter your answer with your 

contact details* in the online 

form at wealdentimes.co.uk/ 

competition by 30 September 

2018. There is no cash 

alternative or exchanges and 

the prize must be taken before 

30 September 2019. *You must 

be over the age of 18 to enter. 

Congratulations to Caroline Gestwicki who wins our July competition for a £400 voucher from Layered Lounge 


Jane Howard’s 

Fables from 

the Farm 

Jane explains why farmers can’t be sentimental 

September is always a somewhat noisy month. It’s time 

for all those spring-born lambs and calves to part 

company with their mums and for a few days the whole 

of Stonegate echoes with bleats and baas and moos. 

Sheep operate on a five, four, three regime. Five months 

pregnant, four months milking and three months off. So for 

most of the ewes this season of mellow fruitfulness represents 

a peaceful time for rest, recuperation and reflection – if 

indeed sheep do such a thing. And apparently they do. 

A recent study carried out in China found that the average 

sheep (whatever that might be) can recognise and remember 

at least 50 individual faces for more than two years. Maybe 

there’s a sheep opportunity here to accompany forgetful 

people like me to parties so when chatting to folk one knows 

but can’t remember their names Baaaabra could step in and 

assist. I digress. Back to the weaning. 

Weaning the ewes from the lambs is quite noisy but it’s 

nothing compared to the cows. Cows come in two types: 

black and white dairy cows that are parted from their calves 

after about 24 hours and beef cows, often called suckler cows, 

that stay with their offspring for around 

eight or nine months. 

Our Sussex cows are a suckler herd 

and by September the calves are quite 

big and most of the cows will be 

thrilled to be relieved of their nagging 

adolescent offspring. After a few hours 

token mooing they will wander off 

across the field never to cast a backwards glance. For others 

it’s a three-day protest. They moo and moo until they become 

so hoarse they no longer make a sound but nevertheless they 

continue with silent mooing which is quite sad. 

Generally the calves seem much less bothered and we 

usually leave a couple of cows with the calves for a few weeks 

which seems to keep them all much calmer. 

September is also the month to consider what to do with 

“By September most of the 

cows will be thrilled to be 

relieved of their nagging 

adolescent offspring” 

all these year-plus teenagers. The best two or three heifers 

(female cows before they have had a calf) will be kept as 

breeding replacements and they will join the main herd, 

the others, mainly steers (castrated males) will now need to 

be fattened, known as finishing, for 

Christmas beef. 

We finish one or two on the farm 

to sell direct but unless you grow 

the necessary corn and straw it’s an 

expensive business so most of ours will 

be sent to market either at Ashford or 

Hailsham – the last two cattle markets 

left in the South East. There are three types of sale at these 

markets: breeding sales for potential breeding stock; prime 

cattle sales where butchers buy finished beasts for their shops; 

store sales where well-grown, but not fat cattle are bought by 

farmers to go onto another farm to be finished. 

A great number of the store cattle sold in this part of the 

world are taken up to East Anglia to be fattened. The big 

arable farmers in that part of the world have barns full of 

straw and silos full of barley so they can do the job far more 

cost effectively, but that is not the main reason they do it. 

What they’re after is “black gold”, the manure that will 

come out of the sheds at the end of the winter to spread back 

over their arable acres. Recycling at its best and as they say … 

where there’s muck there’s brass. 

If you’ve ever thought of owning a few chickens, sheep, pigs or even 

cows, Jane will be running a full-day course as part of the summer 

programme at Curious House Courses in Stonegate, on Thursday 7 

September. The morning will be spent on the joys of smallholding 

and the afternoon will include a walk around Coopers Farm. Find out 

more at curioushouse.net wwInstagram @coopersfarm 


178

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Wealden Times | WT199 | September 2018 | Education supplement inside

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