Wealden Times | WT206 | April 2019 | Garden supplement inside

GARDEN SUPPLEMENT inside
Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes
PRICELESS
APRIL 2019

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

01580 291221 jminteriorsuk.uk
Please call to arrange an appointment at our Biddenden showroom

MINTERIORS
JFine hand crafted kitchens and bespoke furniture

DANISH DESIGN SINCE 1952 | BOCONCEPT.COM
BOCONCEPT CANTERBURY . 4-5 ORANGE STREET . CANTERBURY . CT1 2JA
01227 455585 CANTERBURY@BOCONCEPT.CO.UK

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FROM DENMARK.TO YOUR DOOR
SPRING FURNITURE
COLLECTION AT
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It’s Spring and time to refresh your home. Explore our Spring
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interior challenges with our FREE interior design service.
Why not join our Free Interiors Club. BoConcept Canterbury
members enjoy complimentary Interior Design talks and
workshops, plus invitations to preview exclusive sale offers,
new products and much more.
Contact canterbury@boconcept.co.uk for more details.
Finance options available in store.

8 luxury family homes set in the countryside village of Shadoxhurst close to Ashford, Kent. - NOW RESERVING
4 and 5 bed homes £699,000 - £749,000.
SHOW HOME NOW OPEN!
10am - 4pm Fri – Mon. Come in and discover the Jarvis Homes difference.
Come and be inspired by the Neptune
designed show home interiors.
Register at:
sales@jarvishomes.com
01233 421055
SHADOXHURST • KENT • TN26 1LD
www.chequersgreen.com
jarvisnewhomes.co.uk
JarvisNewHomesWT206.indd 1 11/03/2019 11:21
5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB
01580 715144
Email: kld@kingsfords.net www.kingsfords-solicitors.com
We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service.
Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law -
Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation -
Employment Law - Family Law - French Property
Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT
Wills from £215.00+VAT / Mirror Wills from £295.00+VAT
Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA's) from £250.00+VAT
(Initial fixed-fee appointments also available at our Cranbrook offices)
Litigation Solicitor from £200.00+VAT
Matrimonial Solicitor from £150.00+VAT
We will always try and match any quotation
Kingsfords Solicitors Limited registered office address 2 Elwick Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 1PD
Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 621466
wealdentimes.co.uk
8
KingsfordSolicitorsWT186.indd 1 24/07/2017 16:55

Contents
April 2019
42
114
136
26
33
42
69
76
101
102
HOUSES WITH HISTORY
Maggie Alderson hunts
down homes with
interesting backstories
NOTEBOOK
April events to take note of
LIGHT & SPACE
Art director Clarkson’s
coastal retreat
GET THE LOOK
Recreate airy seaside chic
MAKE HISTORY
Go behind the scenes
at Battel Hall
GET THE LOOK
Invest in vintage style
à la Battel Hall
DESIGN THREAD
Kit Kemp shares the key to
magical interiors
109
111
112
114
123
127
133
FRESH PRINTS
Our pick of Kit Kemp style
fabrics and wallpapers
TAKING SIDES
Stunning side tables
SIDE TO SIDE
What to top your
side tables with
SETTING THE SEAM
Kate Watts chooses bold suiting
MAKE IT LAST
Jo Fairley’s tips for
successful scent layering
FORWARD THINKING
The latest non-invasive
surgical news
A YEAR OF WELLNESS
Eminé Rushton takes a look
at the vital role hormones
play in our wellbeing
Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF | Call 01580 714705 | Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk
Visit wealdentimes.co.uk Copyright © 2019 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of
the advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd.
134
136
149
153
159
160
NATURAL WISDOM
Wellbeing help and advice
GREEN & PLEASANT
Juliet Bidwell’s St George’s Day feast
SKILLS THRILLS
Hilary Wilce explains the
importance of skills for learning
WHAT’S ON?
Find out…
COMPETITION
Win a £500 voucher to
spend at BoConcept
FABLES FROM THE FARM
There’s a real buzz at Coopers
Farm this month
GARDEN
SUPPLEMENT
32 pages of
expert advice,
places to visit and
garden glory
After page 144.
Gardens
A Wealden Times Supplement
9
Grow your own
● Feathery ferns ● Ask the experts
Sponsored by

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT
VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM
HERE TO GET you THERE
BETHERSDEN £550,000
A deceptively spacious Grade II listed character cottage with a wealth of period
features, three/four bedrooms and three reception rooms, situated in the heart of
the desirable village of Bethersden. EPC EXEMPT
NEWENDEN £650,000
An individual three bedroom detached home, with two reception rooms situated
in an enviable rural position, on a highly desirable country lane with fantastic
views over the River Rother and far reaching views. EPC TBC
TENTERDEN £450,000 - £475,000
A superb two double bedroom duplex apartment built approximately 11 years
ago as part of a small select development, situated within 250 metres of the high
street and finished to a high specification presented in immaculate order. EPC C
ASHFORD £700,000
This four bed detached house has so much more to offer than meets the eye with
two reception rooms, double garage, workshop, grounds of approx 0.80 acres
and stunning historic barn which is waiting to be converted. EPC TBC
50% RESERVED
HEADCORN PRICED £795,000 - £980,000
NEW 5 BEDROOM SHOW HOME OPEN WEEKENDS BETWEEN 10am-4pm
Nestled within the beautiful countryside village of Headcorn, Weavers Park offers an exceptional range of 4 & 5 bedroom luxury homes.
The charming village offers an abundance of local amenities and primary school. Weavers Park is just a
short drive from the M20 and Headcorn station with regular trains into London.
HERE TO GET you THERE
MEET YOUR LOCAL Tenterden Team!
Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. Jake, Andrew & Laura
TENTERDEN
HYTHE
01580 763 278
ASHFORD
01233 613 613
email: weaverspark@hunters.com and 03301 200 750
01303 261 557
FOLKESTONE
01303 210 335
Over 200 independently owned branches across the UK.

Kent & Sussex
kentsussex@humberts.com
01580 230281
humberts.com
MOVING YOU SINCE 1842
Coming soon...
a fantastic collection of 1 and 2
bedroom apartments in Sevenoaks....
exceptionally high spec, easy walking
distance to town and the station,
allocated parking spaces, some even
with outside terraces ... what more
could you ask for!!
With prices from £270,000 call us
now for more information and to
register your interest
Tenterden SOLD £1,500,000
An opportunity to acquire a detached family home in need of
updating, with a separate one bedroom annexe, sitting in its
own parkland of circa 52 acres, with wonderful countryside
views.
Horsmonden SOLD £450,000
A brand new one bedroom family home over 1,300sq.ft.
with contemporary open-plan living finished to an
exceptionally high specification on an exclusive gated
developement.
Faversham FOR SALE OIEO £600,000 Halstead FOR SALE £550,000
A charming & exceptionally characterful 4 bedroom
attached converted Kentish oast house set in a peaceful
rural location amongst farmland & open countryside, with
bespoke fitted roundel kitchen.
A beautiful attached Grade II Listed cottage believed to date
back to the 18th Century with three bedrooms, courtyard
garden, Great British Kitchens’ kitchen and recently
renovated bathroom.
William Bankes,
Regional Manager,
Kent and Sussex,
07810715892
Stuart Hutchinson,
Assistant Regional
Manager,
Chichester,
07395790035
Martin Jordan,
Assistant Regional
Manager,
Canterbury,
07796338345
Emma Tighe,
Property Consultant,
Tenterden,
07395790033
Matthew Jolin,
Property Consultant
Chichester,
07976276428
Glynn Amos,
Property Consultant,
Sevenoaks,
07734555545
Lizzie Jordan,
Property Consultant,
Canterbury,
07891654996
Leila Himm,
Base Camp Team,
01732741212
Tracey Jackson,
Base Camp Team,
01732741212

MAXIMISE THE VALUE
OF YOUR LAND
Have you got a large
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June 2016
"The cost involved to try and
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Working with Country House
meant we didn’t have to risk
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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
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our rear garden plot. Although a fairly
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over 18 months), they kept us informed
throughout the entire process.
I would certainly use them again”
David J (Oxted, Surrey)
January 2017

My My life life is is
for for living living
We would like to extend a warm welcome and invite you to
our March Moving Event on Thursday 14th March, 11am-4pm
in Seaford. Presenting a bespoke removal service and part
exchange solutions for certainty in an uncertain market.
We would like to extend a warm welcome and invite you to our March Moving
Event on Thursday 14th March, 11am-4pm in Seaford. Presenting a bespoke
removal service and part exchange solutions for certainty in an uncertain market.
How will you spend your days living at Hortsley, Seaford? Just
moments from the sea, this charming collection boasts fabulous
lively sea café views. and cultural On fine scene days, beckon. coastal When walks you’d rather and the stay in, town’s the building’s lively attractive café
and cultural scene beckon. When you’d rather stay in, the building’s
it easy attractive to feel right Winter at home. Gallery overlooking the courtyard garden and
Exclusively accessed for from the all over properties, 60s makes it easy to feel right at home.
To Exclusively register your for interest the over and to 60s
be kept up to date with this and all
future To register events please your interest call 01323 and 315 to 061 be kept up to date with
PegasusLife.co.uk/Hortsley this and all future events | 5 please Sutton Park call 01323 Road, Seaford, 315 063
BN25 1FA
How will you spend your days living at Hortsley, Seaford? Just moments from the sea, this
charming collection boasts fabulous sea views. On fine days, coastal walks and the town’s
Winter Gallery overlooking the courtyard garden and accessed from all properties, makes
PegasusLife.co.uk/Hortsley
5 Sutton Park Road, Seaford, BN25 1FA
Destinations Nationwide: London: Hampstead, Purley, Westminster North: Wilmslow
East: Harpenden, Sevenoaks West: Bath, Bristol, Cheltenham, Portishead, Tetbury
South: *Prices Brockenhurst, correct at the Falmouth, time of print. Poole, **Rental Seaford, price Winchester, includes Woking. service charge
*Prices correct at the time of print. **Rental price includes service charge
Buy from
£249,950
or Buy
£1,431
from
£249,950 PCM**
or £1,431
PCM**

NEW SHOW HOME
NOW OPEN
THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
Beautiful character homes that feature the
very best of town and country living.
AVAILABLE NOW
Award winning family homes surrounded by beautiful
green open spaces and excellent local amenities just
400 metres from Tenterden’s boutique High Street.
Church View offers an enviable lifestyle that features
the very best of town and country living.
Apartments and family homes from £250,000
Show homes open daily 10am to 5pm
01580 854076 | churchview-tenterden.co.uk
GREAT INCENTIVES available |
Prices correct at time of publication and are subject to change
HELP TO BUY available

Residential Sales
#TheGardenOfEngland
Estate Agents
Woodchurch
Guide £995,000
Farmhouse, barn conversion, home gym/games
room. Gardens adjoining fields, close to the
beautiful village of Woodchurch. EPC Rating D
Warehorne
Guide £895,000
Unlisted 18th Century period family house,
separate holiday cottage, gardens, paddock.
About 2 acres. EPC Rating E
NO CHAIN
Tenterden
Guide £745,000
Well proportioned living accommodation over
three floors, ample off road parking, attached
double garage and gardens. EPC Rating B
High Halden
Guide £885,000
Extended and improved family home offers over
2900 sq ft of fabulous living accommodation in
a semi rural setting. EPC Rating C
Pluckley
Guide £1,295,000
Grade II 5 bed period Listed Farmhouse, two
bedroom cottage (rental income of £9,000 p/a).
Vineyard, heated pool and useful outbuildings
(about 1,200ft). In all about 3.60 acres.
Hobbs Parker Estate Agents www.hobbsparker.co.uk
Ashford 01233 506260 Tenterden 01580 766766
Tenterden
Guide £1,550,000
01580 766766
Well appointed and beautifully presented
country house with far reaching views.
In all approx 1.7 acres. EPC Rating C

A home to match your lifestyle.
It can only be Redrow
Existing homeowner?
Help to Sell can get you moving
Designed to sell your existing home quickly and easily,
Help to Sell is your ticket to a dream new home. We’ll take
care of all the paperwork and even contribute to your estate
agent fees, leaving you to enjoy a hassle-free move.
The service you’d expect from a name you can trust.
Find out more about our new Help to Sell service
and book your appointment today.
3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes from £374,995
The Parsonage
Goudhurst Road TN12 9JY | Call: 01622 528655 | redrow.co.uk
Details correct at time of going to print, terms and conditions apply, visit www.redrow.co.uk for full details. Image is indicative only.

Rye, East Sussex £1.1m - £1.15m
A luxury collection of five contemporary townhouses situated
in the Rock Channel area of the Ancient and Cinque Port
Town of Rye. Built in materials reflecting the Town’s maritime
history the cedar-clad houses offer stylish waterside living
just a few minutes’ walk away from the Citadel with its
cobbled streets, 12th Century church and an eclectic mix of
individual shops, cafes, restaurants and boutique hotels.
The three storey coastal homes are finished to a high
specification, including bespoke kitchens and built-in storage.
A large glass-fronted open plan living area frames the everchanging
natural landscape with views of the river and
beyond. The properties provide three double bedrooms, a
utility room, study and car parking for 2 vehicles. EPC TBC.
RYE OFFICE 01797 227338
MAYFAIR OFFICE 0870 112 7099
phillipsandstubbs.co.uk

Boughton Park
Boughton Monchelsea, ME17 4HU
An exclusive collection of 4 & 5 bedroom
homes with prices from £440,000
Show Home Open
Thursday to Monday
The
Cock Inn
6 minutes
0.3 miles
Boughton
Monchelsea
Post Office
& Village
Store
4 minutes
0.2 miles
Boughton
Monchelsea
Primary
School
1 minute
0.03 miles
Boughton
Park
Leeds
Castle
11 minutes
5.1 miles
Maidstone
Centre
12 minutes
4.1 miles
Tesco
Superstore
12 minutes
3.1 miles
J8 - M20
Motorway
13 minutes
6 miles
10 am – 4 pm New Homes
Maidstone
East
Train Station
17 minutes
5.2 miles
The best of town & country
*Distance taken from googlemaps.co.uk. Help to buy is subject to scheme rules.
Computer generated image
fernham-homes.co.uk
01622 230631 sales@fernham-homes.co.uk

PRESENTING ...
STOCKWOOD MEADOW
1st Phase is now available for viewings – By appointment only
Stockwood Meadow is
an exclusive collection
of twenty-six 2, 3, 4 &5
bedroom homes nestled
in the picturesque
village of Staplecross.
These light and spacious homes
surround their own village green.
The first phase ‘The Lodge’
incorporates generous, clean
layouts designed with modern
country living in mind, from the
well proportioned sitting room
to the spacious kitchen/dining
room which is filled with natural
light and has integrated Bosch
appliances and doors leading to
the enclosed garden.
A cloakroom and hall cupboard are
also included on the ground floor.
The first floor boasts a spacious
master bedroom with high
specification tiled ensuite, a double
bedroom with potential to divide
to create a double and a single
if required, a good size family
bathroom, an airing cupboard and
additional hallway cupboard.
HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM
Telephone 01580 715400
www.harpersandhurlingham.com
enquiries@harpersandhurlingham.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Enjoy town or country living with Taylor Wimpey in Kent
T
aylor Wimpey is giving home hunters
in Kent the luxury of choice when it
comes to deciding between town or
country living. Its Three Fields development,
located on the outskirts of the vibrant
market town of Tenterden, is ideally placed
for people who want the convenience of
everyday amenities on the doorstep. For
those who prefer a more relaxed lifestyle in
the countryside, the homebuilder’s Halden
Field development, situated in the peaceful
village of Rolvenden, is the perfect option.
There is a variety of one to five bedroom
homes available across both developments,
as well as a range of incentives to help first
time buyers and existing homeowners.
Jason Stokes, Sales and Marketing Director
for Taylor Wimpey South East, says: “Whether
your preference is town or country living, we
have a new home to suit you at Three Fields
or Halden Field. Anyone looking to move
should pay us a visit to see for themselves
what these developments have to offer.”
The homes at Three Fields and Halden
Field are priced from £245,000. Further
information about both developments, and
the homes and incentives available, can be
found online at www.taylorwimpey.co.uk.
PLOT OR NOT?
If you think your land or property has development potential,
why not give us a call without obligation and in confidence.
TaylorWimpeyWT206Advertorial.indd 1 13/03/2019 11:04
WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR LAND AND PROPERTY WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL
Many of our clients retain our services and, in the majority of
cases, pay our fees saving property owners significant costs.
Commercial buildings for residential conversion, former public houses, redundant
buildings for redevelopment, buildings for conversion or replacement, houses
for improvement, large sites on the edge of town, barn conversions, large
gardens in residential areas and major regeneration projects.
Contact Stephen Donnelly on
07739 514350 or 01892 579937
website: sjd-projects.com
email: steve@sjd-projects.com
For regular updates, visit us at
twitter.com/projects
wealdentimes.co.uk
22
SJDprojectsWT206.indd 1 12/03/2019 11:27

Ashford Riverside Park
Launching 19th - 22nd April
A collection of 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments and 3
Bedroom Houses set in this exclusive brand new
development Ashford Riverside Park, Kent.
Opening Hours:
19th, 21st, 22nd April – 11am to 4pm
20th April – 10am to 5pm.
Help to Buy
Parking
Riverside & Park Views
0.5 miles to
Ashford International
38 Minutes to
London St Pancras
Balconies on all plots
Contact us for more information
01233 427 767
info@greassets.co.uk
greassets.co.uk/projects/riverside-park
Help to buy is subject to status and qualifying conditions. Terms and conditions apply.
Featured CGI images are for illustration purposes only. Show home available to view at launch.

Celebrating 15 years of
sporting partnerships
Partners
for life
We look after your wealth so you
can nurture your passions.
Call us to learn how we can help
build the future you want to see:
020 7600 1660
www.jmfinn.com
JM Finn are proud to
be supporting grass
roots cricket in Kent.
Follow us on: 020 7600 1660
info@jmfinn.com
www.jmfinn.com
The value of investments and the income from
them can go down as well as up and investors
may not get back the amount originally invested.
JM Finn and JM Finn & Co are trading names of J.M. Finn & Co. Ltd which is registered in England with number 05772581. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

House
Month
of the
Houses with History
Maggie Alderson picks her favourite homes on the market
£POA
The Clock House
The dream: Not just a house, a
historical landmark. The Clock
House, Grade II* listed, was
designed by Decimus Burton in
the ecclesiastical Gothic revival
style, as part of his scheme for
the elegant seaside resort of St.
Leonards in 1830. Lovingly
restored by the current owners, it
was featured in all its magnificent
glory in the December 2018
issue of this magazine.
Where: Round the corner from
the groovy hub of Norman
Road and all the bars, cafés and
restaurants on the seafront.
Setting: On the elegant Maze Hill,
with the park on one side, five
minutes’ walk from the beach.
Beds: 5 Baths: 2
Special features: The whole
house is a special feature.
Pleasing details: The eponymous
clock on the outside, made by
George III’s clockmaker.
Outside: Mature trees in its own
garden with a summerhouse,
which opens onto the lovely
park of St Leonards Gardens,
with its ornamental lake.
Time to town: Fast trains from St
Leonards are 1.5 hours to Charing
Cross, but longer coming back.
Price: POA
Agent: Fine & Country, Cranbrook
01580 715000 fineandcountry.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
26

Hill House
£1,595,000
The dream: An unusually spacious Grade
II* listed townhouse, in the heart of
Cranbrook. The front is beautifully tile
hung, with a splendidly porticoed front
door. Parts of the house date back to the
mid-15th century, when it was a cloth hall.
Where: On The Hill, in the lee of
the famous windmill, with all of
Cranbrook’s attractions on hand.
Setting: High pavement and street
to the front, gardens to the rear.
Beds: 7 Baths: 4
Special features: The drawing room is large
enough for a full-sized billiards table as well
as the usual sofa etc and there are three other
generous reception rooms and an eat-in kitchen.
Pleasing details: Glorious beams,
fireplaces and wide floorboards.
Outside: A lovely and extensive partially
walled mature garden, with a terrace.
Time to town: Ten mins to Staplehurst,
then just over an hour to Charing
Cross or Cannon Street.
Price: OIEO £1,595.000
Agent: Harpers & Hurlingham, Cranbrook
01580 715400 harpersandhurlingham.com
21A, The Pantiles
£685,000
The dream: What better way to embrace
town centre living, than in one of the loveliest
of town centres – The Pantiles in Tunbridge
Wells. This three-storey maisonette is bang
amongst it all, with internal proportions as
elegant as the urban landscape without.
Where: Bang in The Pantiles, within walking
distance of all Tunbridge Wells has to offer,
right by the chalybeate spring (water rich in
iron) which made the town a Regency spa.
Setting: The Georgian collonnade,
with all its lovely shops and places to
eat, plus the lovely row of trees.
Beds: 3 Baths: 1 (and another loo)
Special features: Lovely French
windows opening onto a cast-iron
balcony in the sitting room.
Pleasing details: A groovy
contemporary kitchen.
Outside: The Pantiles.
Time to town: An hour from
the station, just up the hill.
Price: £685,000
Agent: Hamptons, Tunbridge Wells
01892 310693 hamptons.co.uk
27 wealdentimes.co.uk

FURNITURE FOR MODERN LIVING
VISIT OUR
FLAGSHIP
STORE
TODAY
IN KENT
GET THIS LOOK
TODAY FROM
£16,000
See more
examples at
www.krieder.com
SHOP NOW
ONLINE
For dining tables,
chairs, sofas and
media units
CALL TODAY
FOR A FREE
DESIGN
CONSULTATION
01892 619721
MINIMAL
SIMPICITY
MODERN DESIGNER KITCHENS FULL OF BRIGHT IDEAS
KITCHENS WARDROBES MEDIA UNITS LIVING APPLIANCES

THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS IN THE SOUTH EAST
Georges Stein (c. 1870-c.1955),
‘London Piccadilly, 1899’, signed and titled,
watercolour and coloured pencil, 23cm x 35cm
SOLD FOR £2,600
• Regular selected sales including
Fine Art, Asian Art, Jewellery, Silver,
Clocks, Medals, Watches, Wines
and Furniture
• Weekly sales of antiques, collectables
and general items from £50 to £1,000
(Payment made in two working days)
• Free internet listing for all sales
• Free auction estimates
• Valuations for Insurance
and Probate
For a FREE valuation on items you would like
to auction, simply email your images to:
tunbridge.wells@gorringes.co.uk
To arrange an appointment call:
01892 556 860
www.gorringesauctions.co.uk
Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2BF
5111-Gorringes (WT) (Apr2019) 130x185.indd 1 04/03/2019 11:00
GorringesWT206.indd 1 04/03/2019 11:40
Do you have a holiday cottage in Kent?
Are you ready to invest in a property?
We can maximise your income
• Trusted brand with 30 year’s experience in the local market
• Local team with two local offices in Cranbrook and
Sandwich and part of a national family of brands
• Strong relationships with affiliate partners - in Europe and the UK
www.kentandsussexcottages.co.uk
Telephone: 01580 720770 Email: info@kentandsussexcottages.co.uk
15 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB 12 King Street, Sandwich, Kent CT13 9BT
29 wealdentimes.co.uk
KentAndSussexHolidayCottagesWT206.indd 1 06/03/2019 14:23

19 May 2019, 11am-3pm
at Benenden Hospital
Free
consultation
for all services*
Join us for our Open Day
on Sunday 19 May 2019
Meet our team of experts for advice about our range of
self-pay services. Have a free health and eye check, and
chat about our Benenden Health Membership and our
helpful finance options. We will also be on hand to talk
about career and volunteering opportunities.
01580 232 488
hello@benenden.org.uk
benendenhospital.org.uk/
openday
Goddards Green Road
Benenden, Cranbrook
Kent TN17 4AX
Benenden Hospital. Designed to make you feel better.
*Bookable in person on event day only - appointments to
be completed by 19 August 2019.
The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered
in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number 1065995, Registered
Office, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddards Green Road, Benenden,
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX

Treatments & Services
• Weight Loss Surgery
• Cataract Surgery
• Varicose Vein Surgery
• Hip and Knee Surgery
• Podiatry
• Gynaecology
• Breast Reduction Surgery
• Haemorrhoid Treatment
• Urology
• Private GP Service
• Imaging and Diagnostics
• Physiotherapy
• General Surgery
and many more
Free eye
health checks
Restaurant -
free tea and coffee
In-house
pharmacy
Free
parking
Free health
checks
Tour of
the Hospital

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BAND OF HORSES
John Butler trio
THE MAVERICKS
Neko Case
THE STAVES
Kris Kristofferson & The Strangers
The dead south
The Marcus King Band LARKIN POE Justin Townes earle
RYAN BINGHAM Lucero Brant Bjork THE WANDERING HEARTS
FANTASTIC NEGRITO Jerron Blind Boy Paxton Hayseed Dixie
THE SHEEPDOGS LEFT LANE CRUISER JOHN SMITH RADIO MOSCOW
MARTIN HARLEY WATERMELON SLIM CHANCE Mccoy the vintage caravan
worry dolls Steak Asteroid Ferris & Sylvester Yawning Man Child
Roxanne De Bastion GORDIE MACKEEMAN & HIS RHYTHM BOYS Groundhogs king buffalo
THE Trials of Cato Irish Mythen THE Black wizards William Crighton Daniel AntopolSKy
Paul Cauthen Morganway Duel Mountains Stubb Sonic Gypsy Redwood
and many more over 6 stages
bluegrass FOLK blues country gospel
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Notebook
What to do and see near you this month
Living the dream
Get ready to bounce! Dreamland
Margate is joining forces with the
UK’s favourite family festival this
Easter as it starts the season with a
full park takeover by Camp Bestival.
From Saturday 6 to Monday 22 April,
Camp Bestival will bring a taste of its
much-loved family vibes to Margate
with live music, rides, and extravagant
entertainment for all the family, and
the great news is, it’s free to enter!
Take the family to Dreamland for the
Easter school holidays to experience
three oh-so-lnstagrammable Bestival
installations including the 8m tall
Love-Bot that spreads love and joy to
all, a mini temple and Bollywood chill
out zone, and The World’s Biggest
Bouncy Castle which is taller than the
Great Wall of China and accommodates
100 bouncers at a time. The wobbly
Olympics is also not to be missed,
on top of festival mask making, and
some cute and occasionally creepy
creatures in the Dreamland Ark.
The Easter festivities will culminate
in a big Camp Bestival Party on
Sunday 21 April with a day of
family friendly DJs, live music
and workshops for big and
little kids alike. Plus, if you
need a break between the
raves and revels, there will
be a pop-up Sleep Retreat
with yoga, gong baths
and meditation from local
relaxation experts, or you
can just wander over to the
golden sands of Margate
beach. dreamland.co.uk
Flowers,
Fizz & Fun
Join the Gardening for
Disabled Trust at Hush Heath
for a fabulous Plant Fair and
open garden on Wednesday
24 April. Meet plant and
garden specialists, enjoy some
free tastings of Hush Heath’s
award-winning pink fizz, and
explore the restored and
landscaped private garden
of Mr & Mrs Balfour-Lynn.
gardeningfordisabledtrust.org.uk
Easter
Eggtravaganza
Visit the Historic Dockyard
Chatham this Easter from
Saturday 6 to Saturday 20
April for an Easter egg hunt, a
Doc. Yard Secret Lab and the
Festival of Steam and Transport
on Easter Sunday and Monday
thedockyard.co.uk
33 wealdentimes.co.uk

News
sCreen TiMe
Have you been to Ashford Picturehouse yet? Based in the
heart of Ashford, this cinema is a luxury experience with its
lush foyer complete with restaurant and bar and a range of
special screenings including dog-friendly, autism-friendly and
kids club options. on top of the usual blockbusters, this month’s
offerings include a kids club showing of wreck-it-ralph 2, A
Clockwork orange for a Vintage sunday, and a dementiafriendly
screening of The African Queen. picturehouses.com
Financial
times
To guide you through the
proverbial minefield of Financial
Planning in the 21st Century,
Burfields House Wealth
Management Ltd is holding
seminars at One Warwick
Park Hotel, Tunbridge Wells
this month. Reserve your
place on one or both sessions
on Thursday 25 April 2019
(3pm for Pensions or 7pm
for Business Owners).
burfieldshousewm.co.uk
Romney had
a little lamb
Sunday 7 April is your chance
to meet the gorgeous lambs
of Romney Marsh Wools at
their wonderful open day in
celebration of lambing season.
Explore Kentish crafts, try food
and drink from some specially
selected local producers,
learn about the history of
Romney sheep and entertain
the kids with face painting
and the chance to have your
photo taken in a tractor.
romneymarshwools.co.uk
looK ForwArD: MAY
rye Jazz Fest will be in full swing throughout May
and August, serving the very best in jazz, blues, rnB,
soul, Folk, roots, latin, Cuban and contemporary
music in stunning and unique locations including
st Mary’s Church in rye and Hever Castle. Artists
appearing include the ‘Godfather’ of bossa
nova and Brazilian music, sergio Mendes (left),
British-born jazz giant Courtney Pine, and the
legendary Multiple Grammy-winning American
songwriter Jimmy webb. ryejazz.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
34

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35 ST. LEONARDS ROAD
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CASH FOR GOLD
WATCHES, GOLD & JEWELLERY BOUGHT FOR CASH
(HOME VISITS BY APPOINTMENT)

Ask us about our new
seasonal food nights!
Every Sunday 12-4pm Home-Cooked
Carvery Roast £13.50pp
Opening times 12.00- 23.00
7 days a week
Vegetarian &
Vegan Options
Children’s
menu
Traditional values and a warm welcome are offered at Chequers on
the Green together with delicious home-cooked food, real
ales, and great wines in front of the open fire
Chequers on the
Green, Ashford Road,
High Halden,
TN26 3LP, Kent
Dogs
welcome
& adored
Bookings on 01233 850503 or eMail:
info@chequersonthegreen.com
ChequersOnTheGreenWT205.indd 1 20/02/2019 16:06
O
Grn
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Rye and District
Country Show
Saturday 17th August
Elm Tree Farm, Icklesham,
TN36 4BH (on the A259)
For garden opening dates and locations
visit www.stmichaelshospice.com or
contact the Fundraising team on
fundraising@stmichaelshospice.com or
01424 456396
Horse Show, Dog Show, Donkey Show,
Country Fair and Classic Car Show.
A great day out for all the family!
For Show schedules or to sign up, visit
www.stmichaelshospice.com/ryeshow
or visit the Facebook event page
‘Rye and District Country Show (Rye Show)’.
event in aid of
Registered charity number 288462
Sponsored by
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wealdentimes.co.uk
36
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ThomasMansfieldWT202.indd 1 20/11/2018 16:02
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small, intimate & family friendly...where kids can be kids again & you
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kids activities
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south east's finest
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+ silent disco
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beautiful campsite
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for more information and tickets go to:
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wealdentimes.co.uk
38
EPM-WT206.indd 1 20/03/2019 19:27

HERITAGE SPECIALISTS
Editor’s
Letter
For the second time in very recent years, Maggie
Alderson has taken the reins of Wealden Times to
deliver your monthly offering of beautiful homes,
ridiculously tasty food and seasonal supplements whilst I take
some time off on maternity leave. Thank you, Maggie!
I’m pleased to be back and I’m looking forward to all that
2019 holds for Wealden Times and its sister magazine, Surrey
Homes. Alongside our regular printed issues, there are a trio
of fairs to add to your diary – the return of Wealden Times
Midsummer Fair, from 6-8 June at Hole Park estate, and
Wealden Times Midwinter Fair, from 14-16 November at
The Hop Farm in Paddock Wood, plus a brand new event:
Surrey Homes Magazine’s Open House, from 10-12 October
at Sandown Park in Surrey. We’re looking forward to welcoming
a whole host of fair favourites alongside plenty of new faces.
This month’s issue is packed with gorgeous interiors.
A trip to Leeds Castle’s Battel Hall reveals an extensive
renovation project for interior designer and stylist
Francesca Rowan Plowden and Antonia Deeson takes
a trip to Pett Level to meet art director Clare Clarkson
and find out more about her stunning seaside home.
Elsewhere, Juliet Bidwell creates a dinner party
inspired by olde English dishes for St George’s Day,
Kate Watts chooses vibrant suits for this month’s
fashion fix and our Garden Supplement highlights
all that’s needed for stylish outdoor spaces.
Enjoy your Wealden Times!
Wealden Times Team
Editor ............................................................................................ Lucy Fleming
Editorial Assistant ........................................................................Rebecca Cuffe
Digital Editor ...................................................................................Emily Pavey
Fashion Editor ................................................................................... Kate Watts
Design .........................................................................................Powerful Pierre
Design Director ..........................................................................Anthony Boxall
Design Team .................................................................................... Freya Bruce
Ryan Huggins
Tanya Goldsmith
Executive Chairman ...................................................................... Julie Simpson
Managing Director .............................................................. Vivien Cotterill-Lee
Sales Manager ................................................................................... Jen Shearer
Media Sales.................................................................................Sarah Norwood
Cinnamon Lacey
Distribution ....................................................................................... Kate Watts
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Wealden Times Events Team
Sales Account Manager ...................................................................... Joy Adams
Jude Brown
Show Director ................................................................................. Flo Simpson
Events Assistant .....................................................................................Ed Steele
39 wealdentimes.co.uk
Ashford&CranbrookRoofingWT204.indd 1 02/01/2019 10:00

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
DIY divorce: a new era?
In an era where the brave and tech
savvy can find a solution to almost
any DIY task with just a few clicks of
a computer mouse, we ask ourselves
– where do we go from here? Claire
Tollefson, managing associate at
leading law firm Cripps, incorporating
Pemberton Greenish, explains the pros
and cons of a DIY divorce
After a £1bn project to update the
national court system in spring last
year, a key aim for the UK government
was to reduce people’s legal costs. One
way of achieving this transpired to be
easily accessible divorce applications.
With just a click of the mouse you can
complete a simple form and start afresh
– or can you?
At first glance applying online for a
divorce looks reasonably easy: you
fill in your application, explain your
reasons for wanting one, pay the fee
– £550 in this case, unless you have
an exemption – and track its progress
online. It sounds as though you couldn’t
possibly lose – there are fewer people
you have to explain the situation to, and
you save yourself the aggravation and
costs of instructing lawyers.
However, like all DIY attempts based on
information gleaned from the internet,
you will need to weigh up the good
and the bad. Almost half (40%) of all
application forms are rejected due to
mistakes. The process can take much
longer than you anticipate and this in
turn can add upset and tension to what is
generally a pretty stressful time already.
While it may feel much more amicable
‘not getting the lawyers involved’ - and
starting the divorce process online does
indeed reduce initial legal costs - it
does not completely remove the need
for lawyers. Although you are at the end
of your married relationship, a divorce
is the beginning of a different kind of
relationship with your spouse – which
will have to continue for as long as it
takes. Children and financial obligations
are two major factors that can make
things a lot more complicated. You and
your spouse will have financial claims
against the other which will need to be
resolved with the court’s involvement.
How much the court is involved depends
on whether you are able to reach an
agreement with your spouse, and
often if agreement can be reached the
court is required simply to approve the
settlement.
The best time to resolve your financial
claims against each other is alongside
the divorce proceedings, otherwise the
risk is that the financial claims remain
open and your ex-spouse comes back
to you years later, after perhaps your
financial circumstances have improved
and theirs have declined, to seek
financial support from you.
Filing for divorce online doesn’t take
away the necessity for narrative and
explanation – even in the virtual world
you are still required to support your
grounds for separation.
There are five facts in the UK used
to support divorce: unreasonable
behaviour; two-year separation;
five-year separation; desertion and
adultery. It can be argued that one of the
most challenging aspects of a divorce
is the justification – aside from the
emotional drain, you need some level
of legal knowledge. The most common
reasons cited for divorce in the UK are
unreasonable behaviour and adultery,
and these two in particular require
examples of the behaviours that led you
to believe you cannot continue to be
married to this person. Writing these
explanations on your own could lead to
mistakes that will elongate the process
and some legal guidance could be
welcome here.
After considering both sides of the
divorce coin, you have to ask yourself –
is it worth accepting you need to make
use of the experience of a professional,
or do you want to take a chance on an
online form? If you are confident in your
basis for divorce and ability to articulate
your reasons, the internet may be the
way forward for you, but if there’s any
doubt in your mind legal advice, at least
in the form of a brief chat to clarify your
position, is likely to be the safer option.
We can also discuss the financial claims
that you have against your spouse, and
how best to resolve those.
With a situation that can be as difficult
and complex as disentangling two lives,
it’s important to have all of the support
and assistance you need – including
knowing the most appropriate way to
present the facts. At Cripps we have
an experienced and dedicated team
to advise you on all aspects of your
separation.
Claire Tollefson
If you would like more information about
family law contact Claire Tollefson on
01892 506191, email
claire.tollefson@crippspg.co.uk
or visit www.cripps.co.uk
www.cripps.co.uk @crippslaw This article gives examples and is intended for general guidance only

© 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.
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LenleysWT206.indd 1 11/03/2019 10:14
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Light & Space
When a seaside house long-coveted by art director Clare
Clarkson came onto the market, she jumped at the chance
to rework its interior to create an open-plan home, perfect
for her large extended family
wealdentimes.co.uk
42

Words: Antonia Methuen Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Anna Richardson
43 wealdentimes.co.uk

Preserving your place in history
DESIGN & PLANNING | RESTORATION | NEW BUILD | BARN CONVERSIONS | EXTENSIONS | JOINERY
For a brochure or home consultation call 01797 366895
www.anthony-hicks.co.uk

Previous pages & above: In order to create a better and more
open space for socialising Clare knocked down the walls of
the old entrance hall and sitting room, and connected the
conservatory with the old kitchen
Art director Clare Clarkson fell in love with the village
of Pett Level at first sight. So much so that she bought
the wrong house, and simply waited for the right
one to become available. Luckily for Clare she didn’t have to
wait long, as the house that she had been coveting for some
time eventually came on the market. “It was priced too high
at the beginning,” says Clare, “as it needed so much work,
so we had to play a waiting game. Luckily no-one else could
see past the problems, but I knew exactly what to do.”
Six years later Clare and her husband have refurbished
and extended the house almost beyond recognition. The half
timbered exterior has been painted a chic matt black, an old
balcony has been transformed into a new guest bedroom and
bathroom, the old kitchen has almost tripled in size with a
new dining room and the entrance hall and sitting room
45 wealdentimes.co.uk

The now spacious ground floor offers
a variety of sitting areas. It is an
incredibly clever mix of the classic and
the contemporary, the rural and the
urban, the open plan and the cosy nook.
have all been opened up. In fact, the TV personality who
formerly owned the house would be hard pressed to recognise
anything apart from the home’s distinctive thatched roof.
“My grandchildren all think the house is magical, like
a gingerbread house, and in a way it is,” says Clare as she
shows me around her garden. Children’s slides and an
eco-Wendy house that looks like somewhere the Wombles
would live, nestle between pretty specimen rose bushes
and hardy perennial shrubs, all of which overlook the sea
below. An impressive revolving summerhouse provides an
external office space. I follow Clare down a few steps and
find myself on the most fabulous look out terrace, nestled
on the cliff edge. You can imagine sinking a few G&Ts here
as the summer sun sets over the Channel – there is even a
second summerhouse (complete with bed). “Just in case the
trip back to the house becomes too much!” laughs Clare.
The 1930s Arts & Crafts style house was originally built
by architects Forbes & Tate. The practice designed a series
of houses in the same vernacular dotted around the
wealdentimes.co.uk
46

A different perspective.
We don’t really view our stores as stores.
They’re places to make yourself at home.
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A. Unit 40 Old Surrenden Manor, Bethersden, Kent TN26 3DL

This page: The sitting room’s original wood panelling
has been saved and re-used. “It’s all about using the same
tones and colours in an area,” explains Clare. “You can
mix a traditional wing back armchair, like the one I got
from my mother, with a modular sofa and a piece of
G-plan or midcentury modern furniture, you just have
to keep the same palette to make it all hang together.”
village, only adding to Pett Level’s sense of being a longlost
idyll of English pastoral fantasy. With its now iconic
shingle beach (as loved by David Bowie in the video of
Ashes to Ashes) and Jurassic footprint, the landscape at Pett
Level is picture postcard perfect; gently rolling hills dotted
with grazing sheep fall gently into a valley that leads to
the sea. One of the many landing points for the Dunkirk
evacuation, this small village has since become somewhat of
an architectural battle ground. A tale of two architectural
trends. Go down to the shore and the houses have almost all
(thanks in the large part to music manager Tom Watkins)
become large contemporary glass boxes, all very Miami.
However step back from the sea and nestled in and around
the rolling landscape, set back from the beach and hidden
by the trees, the houses all follow a very different visual
49 wealdentimes.co.uk

“I am a bit of a collector,” says Clare. “I get quite a few things from my film and
TV jobs and also from boot fairs. It’s not about being the most expensive, it’s about
being the most interesting. I like weird things that most people overlook.”
wealdentimes.co.uk
50

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As with everything in this most magical
of houses it is Clare’s effortless sense of
style that makes it so special. It is a house
that is cherished, yet not over precious
language. Chocolate box pretty is an over-used term, but
one that would perfectly suit this very special location.
Clare explains that the original house had a poor
layout for socialising. “We had to knock down the walls
of the old entrance hall and sitting room, and connect
the conservatory with the old kitchen which was tiny,
almost unusable for a modern household.” The now
spacious ground floor offers a variety of sitting areas,
the original wood panelling having been saved and reused.
It is an incredibly clever mix of the classic and the
contemporary, the rural and the urban, the open plan
and the cosy nook. “It’s all about using the same tones
and colours in an area,” explains Clare. “You can mix a
traditional wing back armchair, like the one I got from
my mother, with a modular sofa and a piece of G-plan
or midcentury modern furniture, you just have to keep
the same palette to make it all hang together.”
53 wealdentimes.co.uk

In the basement cinema room, comfy sofas and armchairs are stylishly arranged
in front of the large screen that hides behind the velvet curtain
wealdentimes.co.uk
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CrossBuildersWT203.indd
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Top & above left: A fully panelled staircase leads to a half landing, where a stained glass panel sits in a window. Clare was told that it was
originally medieval and the architects had incorporated it into the 1930s scheme Above right: As you come upstairs Clare has used a wallpaper
by local designer Lindsay Alker, called Battle Great Wood. A further upstairs guest room is decorated in a wallpaper from Cole & Son.
It is Clare’s unique eye, both as an Art Director and as an
interior designer which one can only applaud. Where many
people couldn’t see how to make the house work for a large
extended family, Clare, literally, thought outside the box.
She looked at the house from the outside in, rather than
getting too tied in to what layout was already there. “We
brought the entire ground level up in order to connect the
living areas to the kitchen. The whole place needed opening
up and we needed to fix the flow. It works now for parties
and for family life, everyone can come and go without falling
over each other.” The spectacular conservatory is one of the
many stand out areas of the house. Dominated by the large
dining table (which one can tell has seen many a good dinner
party!) there are pots of plants and objets dotted all over. A
passion flower vine feeds through one of the windows. “It’s
quite spectacular in the summer, when the vine is in flower,”
says Clare, who has loved gardening since she was a child.
“I am a bit of a collector,” says Clare. “I get quite a few
things from my film and TV jobs and also from boot fairs.
It’s not about being the most expensive, it’s about being the
most interesting. I find amazing things around Hastings in
the shops in George Street and the High Street. McCully
and Crane in Rye is another favourite. I like weird things
that most people overlook, like taxidermy – I think it’s
57 wealdentimes.co.uk

A cosy guest room has a relaxed botanical feel with bold print wallpaper and floral patchwork quilt
quite beautiful, but it’s not to everyone’s taste, I know.”
Clare takes me through to the kitchen where she is making
lunch. “The old kitchen was barely big enough to swing a
cat, this works so much better, don’t you think? I can stand
here and see pretty much all the main areas of the ground
floor, so it’s nice, you don’t get cut off from everything.”
The new extension, which now houses the extended kitchen
and dining area, features a spacious pitched roof with
rooflights, a large oriel window and a pair of French doors,
all of which flood the room with light from every side. Yet
more light comes in from the conservatory to the left.
Back in the entrance hall, a pair of glazed double doors
opens to the reception area. Built, like the rest of the house,
on the diagonal, with no dead flat windows or walls, the living
room offers various different nooks and crannies to explore.
Painted in a soft eau de nil colour, with a generous wooden
floor, you find a small desk area hidden away, next to a pair
of offset French windows. The main seating area is created
by a contemporary corner sofa. Several armchairs, all from
different eras, sit around an original fireplace. An over-stuffed
sofa invites you to sit in yet another area, next to which stands
an easel with a still life – it all just seems to work. You feel
the house can expand and contract seamlessly, never feeling
too large yet offering many different cosy spaces, should you
be on your own. However from the steady flow of friends
and family who come down regularly from London, where
Clare also lives, I don’t think there is much ‘alone time.’
Over the garage, where there was once a balcony, Clare has
created a guest suite, with pitched roof and large windows
and further skylights creating a light and airy space. “I wanted
a Scandi feel in this room. I got the curtains from a job,
and they sort of dictated the rest of the room. The rattan
bedhead was from eBay – I love it but my grandchildren
seem to delight in picking bits off it!” The bedroom leads
off a library area, packed with books. However the big
surprise is what lies beneath. Follow the low level lights
down a set of plushly carpeted stairs and you find yourself
in a basement cinema room, worthy of LA. Comfy sofas
and armchairs are stylishly arranged in front of the large
screen that hides behind the velvet curtain. “It’s great,
wealdentimes.co.uk
58

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wealdentimes.co.uk
60
BussMurtonWT206.indd 1 11/03/2019 SouthernAdhesivesWT206.indd 15:01
1 20/03/2019 14:46

This page: The master bedroom is painted in a seaside-perfect
turquoise and accessorised with pink fabric blinds
we watch so many films down here, it’s not something I
would have ever put in myself, but now it’s here, I love it!”
The upstairs of the house is equally as stylish as the ground
floor. A fully panelled staircase leads to a half landing, where
a stained glass panel sits in a window. Clare was told that it
was originally medieval and the architects had incorporated
it into the 1930s scheme. Very typical of everything in this
house, even the staircase has a story! As you come upstairs
Clare has used a wallpaper by local designer Lindsay Alker.
Called Battle Great Wood, the block print of leaping
stags feels almost Elizabethan and perfectly suits the Arts
61 wealdentimes.co.uk

Left: Hidden behind a pair of mirrored doors lies
a stunning marble tiled bathroom Below: In the
grandchildren’s bedroom kitsch paintings are hung in
groups on the walls and retro toys and objects style the
furniture that Clare found in a Hastings junk shop
and Crafts style of the house. A large oak mirror that Clare
found locally nods to the wooden floor and the panelling.
Hidden behind a pair of mirrored doors, that you could have
been lulled into thinking was just a wardrobe, lies a stunning
marble tiled bathroom, straight out of Hollywood. “It used
to be a look out spot,” says Clare, “but with the long series of
windows overlooking the Channel, I thought it would make
the most amazing bathroom, so I raised the bath up onto a
dais and covered it in marble, so now you can sit back and
relax in the bath and see the sea.” The master bedroom which
leads off the bathroom is painted in a seaside-perfect turquoise
and accessorised with pink fabric blinds – again showing off
the eclectic mix of Clare’s travels and interests. The room and
bathroom definitely have the touch of Los Angeles about them,
and Clare tells me the family lived in the city during the 1990s
and the bedside tables are a keep-sake from that time. The
upholstered bed, in the French style, is from Graham & Green
and the bright blue lamps are from a vintage shop in Hastings.
You can sense Clare’s TV and Film skills at work again as
wealdentimes.co.uk
62

KITCHENS
FOR REAL COOKS
It’s time for the kitchen you’ve always wanted
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1 12/03/2019 15:12
Corner House Antiques
A wonderful shop in a medieval building in Lenham square,
selling Antiques, vintage and interiors, for your home and garden
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- Opening Times -
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Bredgar, Kent ME9 8HE | 01795 830000
enquiries@wilkinson-ltd.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
64
CornerHouseAntiquesWT203.indd 1 12/12/2018 WilkinsonWT196.indd 14:45
1 10/05/2018 15:04

This page: Over the garage Clare has created a guest suite. She
got the curtains that dictated the scheme of the room from a
job and found the rattan bedhead on eBay
you enter what she calls the “grandchildren’s bedroom.” It
is as though you have stepped into an Enid Blyton story;
kitsch paintings are hung in groups on the walls, retro toys
and objects style the furniture that she originally found in a
Hastings junk shop. A patchwork quilt covers the bed and
the same patchwork fabric hangs at the windows. A further
upstairs guest room is decorated in a wallpaper from Cole
& Son, that again nods to the Arts and Crafts vernacular
of the house. In each room Clare has cleverly combined
different styles and eras all put together with ease. “I was
very lucky, an artist who once lived under my husband’s
mother’s house died, and they were giving away his stuff as
no-one wanted it, sadly. We managed to get hold of some
really eclectic pieces, much of which you see in the house
now. I have added to it over the years with other pieces but
it’s always nice to inherit a good set of paintings early on.”
As with everything in this most magical of houses it
is Clare’s effortless sense of style that makes it so special.
It is a house that is cherished, yet not over precious. It
is a house that is homely yet without lacking elegance
and it is, of the many houses one visits, a house that
you would really rather love to own yourself!
65 wealdentimes.co.uk

This page: A second summerhouse has
sensational views out to sea
Address Book:
Cole & Son cole-and-son.com
Graham & Green grahamandgreen.co.uk
Lindsay Alker lindsayalker.com
McCully and Crane Rye mccullyandcrane.com
wealdentimes.co.uk
66

No more draughty, rotten,
inefficient sash windows
Luxury safari lodges set in a
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historic town of Rye and the
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who want to spend time together
enjoying the big outdoors.
www.wheatfieldsglamping.com
07831 328938 • wheatfieldsglamping@gmail.com
Using revolutionary 10mm thick
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Improve insulation
Save money on heating bills
Call 01892 532273 for a
FREE site survey & quote sashwindowheritage.co.uk
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Private Escort
Care Service
Our Private Care Service carers can come
to your house; help assist you with an
outing in either your car or theirs. This
help can form part of a tailored package
of care that could help you stay in your
own home for longer, rather than going
into a care home before its really needed.
We can assist those who need help due
to frailty, disability or illness to live as
independently as possible, with comfort
and dignity, in their own home.
www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk
Domestic
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£9.77
per hour
For a free assessment
of your care needs or to
receive your brochure
Call us on 01580 762244
Town & Country Homecare Limited
102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT
67 wealdentimes.co.uk
GraceyardWT194.indd 1 09/03/2018 TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 14:23
6 04/02/2013 16:20

SALE
The Tenterden Store is relocating. We don’t want to have
to move everything so are reducing everything, some by
as much as 50%
Hand knotted C18th Tabriz
Design 197 x 141
Hand woven Bessarabian
2.68 x 2.02
Hand knotted Polonaise
2.68 x 2.02
Hand Knotted Heriz H1
3.01 x 2.45
Hand knotted Khotan
Design 271 x 186
Hand knotted Mahal Sickle
244 x 173
Hand knotted Ocean
245 x 185
Many Hand Knotted Gaznis
2.50 x 0.80 Approx
Visit us in Tenterden to discover a huge range of hand-made rugs and kelims in all styles and
sizes including over-size which can be viewed in our barn showroom.
We have a bespoke design service: re-colour or resize one of our designs or we will work with
you to develop your own.

1 2
3
Get the
LOOK
4
6
5
7
8
9
10
11
1 Antler Chandelier £1095 The French Bedroom Co frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 2 Vertigo print
£99 Made made.com 3 Newgate black wall clock £85 Hurn & Hurn hurnandhurn.com 4 Whale
print £42 White Black Grey whiteblackgrey.co.uk 5 Hanging nest chair £350 Garden Trading
gardentrading.co.uk 6 Louis XVI chair €1,464 Oficina Inglesa oficinainglesa.com 7 Deck chair £85
Garden Trading gardentrading.co.uk 8 Blue table lamp £690 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com
9 Vintage travel trunk £175 Scaramanga scaramangashop.co.uk 10 Louis Vuitton c.1890 trunk
£6,800 The Old Cinema theoldcinema.co.uk 11 Ivory sheepskin rug £80 Baa Stool baastool.co.uk

6th, 7th & 8th June 2019
HOLE PARK Rolvenden TN17 4JB

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Ticket Hotline: 01580 236071
wealdentimes.co.uk/events
Pre-book
discounted
tickets online
now!
Using this code
WT1
HOME
& GARDEN
Homes & Gardens are close to our hearts here at
Wealden Times and where better to find inspiring
interiors, glorious plants and outdoor accessories
than in the ‘Garden of England’ amongst the
formal borders of the Hole Park Estate?
& FOOD DRINK
Watch the world go by with a cup of coffee or a
glass of something bubbly, or choose lunch from
the fantastic range of street-food vendors. Foodies
will also love the independent producers in the
food avenue.
Sponsored by
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WIN A PAIR OF
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As well as some old favourites, we’ve got a great selection of brand
new exhibitors selling everything from food to fabulous fashion!
See wealdentimes.co.uk/events for the full exhibitor list.
NEW
EXHIBITOR
Mikes Home and Garden Ltd
thomascookieco.co.uk
simplyicecream.co.uk
layeredlounge.com
NEW
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NEW
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elasbeehive.com
spots-and-stripes.com
Wealden Times Midsummer Fair 6th, 7th & 8th June 2019

NEW
EXHIBITOR
avantishoes.co.uk
surfperimeters.com
NEW
EXHIBITOR
oliviaandpearl.com
limetreelondon.com
wiseowlcider.co.uk
FREE
ENTRY TO
HOLE PARK
GARDENS
emilyswardrobe.com
NEW
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realrulerco.com
HOLE PARK
GARDENS
Don’t forget that your ticket to
the fair includes free entry to the
magnificent Hole Park Gardens! Hole
Park has been owned by the Barham
family for the past four generations
and is set over 200 acres of superb
classic parkland. The magnificent
gardens include long borders, filled
with colourful herbaceous plants, and
visitors can enjoy far reaching views
over the hills, woods and fields of the
picturesque Kentish Weald.
For more info on Hole Park Gardens
see holepark.com
Tickets on sale online wealdentimes.co.uk/events

INSURANCE THAT’S
ON YOUR DOORSTEP
We can help you insure your:
• Home & Car Insurance
• Business Insurance
• Horse & Horse Box Insurance
• LGV & Commercial Vehicle Insurance
For a real conversation about your insurance call or pop in.
Ashford, Tenterden & Whitfield Agency
Invicta Business Centre
Monument Way
Ashford
TN24 0HB
01233 884276
Pittlesden Barn
Hight Street
Tenterden
TN30 6HT
01580 849425
Whitfield Court
White Cliffs Business Park
Whitfield, Dover
CT16 3PX
01304 898807
VISIT US AT THE WEALDEN TIMES MIDSUMMER FAIR FOR YOUR CHANCE
TO WIN A PAIR OF DIAMOND EARRINGS WORTH £795*
*Terms & Conditions apply
Agents of the National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

www.elliottreid.co.uk
Space?

wealdentimes.co.uk
76

Make history
Part of the Leeds Castle estate, Battel Hall has been given a makeover
by interior designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden in keeping with its 14th
century origins – and its 1930s party heyday
Words: Jennifer Stuart-Smith Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Holly Levett
77 wealdentimes.co.uk

CONCEPTS Contemporary Dining Furniture
Delta Round Extending Dining Table
(120 - 160cm). £822.50
KJD0537 RyeBayGuide2018:Layout 4 29/12/17 13:36 Page 33
Tampa Dining Chairs (4 colours). £130.00 each
Classic interior design for contemporary living.
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Supply of an extensive range of
designer fabrics and furnishings.
OFFER - Table and 4 chairs. £1,175
Furniture... Interiors... Lighting... Gifts...
8 Market Street concepts
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(Opposite Rye Town Hall) 01797 225222
8 Market Street 01797 225222 info@conceptsrye.com
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Rye
"We're here to help!"
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Quality glass
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Shower screens/cubicles
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wealdentimes.co.uk
78
CPGlassWT203.indd 1 29/11/2018 15:07

Previous page: The walls in the drawing room are painted in Bone by Farrow & Ball Above: The tiled floor is original
Anyone with a penchant for the roaring Twenties is in
for a treat at Battel Hall. Slip into the world of the
Bright Young Things and imagine yourself as the
most dazzling character from Evelyn Waugh. This really is a
house that was meant for entertaining... and not in a hottub
and minibar kind of way. Think country house style,
whiskeys by the open fire and giddy games of hide-and-seek.
It should come as no surprise then, to discover that the
interior designer behind this remarkable building on the Leeds
Castle Estate was inspired by its previous owner, the American
heiress and high society hostess, Olive, Lady Baillie (her
mother was Pauline Whitney, of the famous Whitney family).
“Lady Baillie brought Leeds Castle back to its former
glory while introducing a level of modern luxury,” says
interior designer Francesca Rowan Plowden, who is behind
the recent refurbishment. “She created a place of serenity
and calm, yet also a place of celebration, parties and fun.”
Visitors to the Castle – and Battel Hall – in Lady Baillie’s
day included Charlie Chaplin, Errol Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks
Snr, Barbara Hutton, Ian Fleming, James Stewart, Gertrude
Lawrence and Edward VIII (who was still Prince of Wales
at the time) and Mrs Simpson. Glittering company.
It was with this in mind that Francesca approached
the ambitious restoration and refurbishment of the 14th
century hall house. “I wanted to create a sense of luxury
but also a home away from home,” says Francesca. “I didn’t
want it to be sterile and intimidating, like some hotels.”
Francesca has done this by using rich colours and
patterns, woollen throws, velvet cushions and sheepskins:
“I’m a fan of big puddles on curtains too,” she says.
By this she means an abundance of fabric, which pools
around the foot of curtains where they meet the floor. It’s a
luxurious touch that works a treat in keeping draughts at bay
in such a historic building. Working fires in the downstairs
rooms also work on both a practical and aesthetic level.
It’s a far cry from the tired and dated building that
79 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The kitchen is painted in Cactus by Neptune
Left: Carved stone arrow-slit windows reveal Battel Hall’s
centuries of history
Francesca first visited: “The last major redecoration was
carried out in the 1950s, with later updates in the 1980s,”
says Francesca and it’s safe to assume that, decoratively
speaking, there was not a lot to go on. Fortunately, much
of the property’s original architectural details remain,
including arrow-slit windows, intricately carved stone
corbels, and a rare decorative laver basin just inside the
front door. As blank canvases go, it’s pretty special.
The magic of Battel Hall hits you as soon as you walk into
its magnificent light-filled hallway. Abundant flowers top
a sturdy sideboard, while a Persian rug adds homeliness to
the rich red quarry tiles on the floor. Handsome portraits
and a vintage telephone all add to the sense that you have
walked into a real, if suspiciously tasteful, family home.
Standing at the foot of the stairs, the first room
that catches your eye is the book-lined drawing room.
“I wanted this to have a gentleman’s club kind of
feel,” says Francesca, “rather than the feminine Lady
Baillie-style of some of the other rooms.”
wealdentimes.co.uk
80

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Left: The main entrance hall Below: The mural is a replica of
the very rare painted altarpiece found during a restoration of
Battel Hall in the 1860s. The original is in Leeds Castle chapel
She has achieved this with strong colours and minimal
pattern; red-painted walls and panels, and block
colours on the velvet furniture and cushions. Pattern
is restricted to the Persian rug and coffee table, while
parquet flooring is the perfect 1920s/30s touch.
Tucked around the corner is the ‘morning room’ or
the de Gournay room, as it has become known thanks
to the very special wallpaper made by the Londonbased
company of that name. “I tried to incorporate
Lady Baillie’s love of chinoiserie with beautiful,
bespoke hand-painted wallpaper,” says Francesca.
Decorating this room proved a particular challenge
thanks to the building’s historic architecture: “One day
we uncovered medieval niches in the morning room
– which proved a challenge having commissioned the
bespoke, made-to measure wallpaper,” she adds.
The stone niches are now a delightful feature, set off by the
pale-yellow wallpaper featuring blossom and birds, and
83 wealdentimes.co.uk

Above: The first floor landing, with a window seat on the left. The
lamps are from Rowan Plowden Design and the lampshades are from
Oka Left: One of the building’s original architectural details, an
intricately carved corbel in the dining room
home to carefully curated curios. It’s a calm and welcoming room
with a subdued light that would make it the ideal place to come
to slowly with a cup of coffee, perhaps after a night of partying.
Those with entertaining in mind will also be thrilled
by the oak-panelled dining room, across the hallway and
en route to the kitchen. This vast room, with an equally
impressive inglenook, is home to a bespoke walnut dining
table by Alastair Murray that seats up to sixteen people.
There’s more than a touch of ‘castle’ about this room –
which ties in perfectly, considering its more formal role – and
it’s easy to imagine guests enjoying a glittering dinner here
before retiring to the comfort of the drawing room.
A short passage leads from the dining room into a modern
understated kitchen with butler sink, wine cooler and all mod
cons – and thinking of butlers, there is also a commercial
kitchen tucked away in the room next door, should you
wealdentimes.co.uk
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86
HawkhurstFishFarmWT196.indd 1 23/05/2018 15:38

As well as being exquisitely decorated,
each bedroom has a different outlook,
with views to the castle, across the garden
and towards the North Downs
87 wealdentimes.co.uk

Previous page: The Wisteria room with wallpaper by Lewis &
Wood called Doves. The headboard is covered in Alhambra by
Lewis & Wood This page: The bathroom – the en suite to the
Wisteria room – features taps from Burlington
want to bring your own staff... Checkerboard floor tiles,
a display of copper pans and homely ceramic items all
add character, while chinoiserie blinds keep things cosy.
On the subject of cosy, one of the loveliest features
of Battel Hall are its window seats. Arched windows
and their recesses offer the perfect place to loiter and
enjoy the view, read a book – or engage in scintillating
secret conversations if the party is in full swing.
If the window seats are all taken, the upstairs landing
features several more magnificent places to sit, while behind
closed doors are the hall’s blissful bedrooms and en suites.
Francesca Rowan Plowden took the design of the
bedrooms very seriously indeed: “When I do up a house,
I sleep in every bedroom,” she says. That way, she can
get a feel for it and work out all of the touches that are
essential to a relaxed and stress-free stay. Using wallpapers
and fabrics from Colefax & Fowler, Blithfield and Lewis
& Wood, as well as smaller companies such as Lindsay
Alker and Susie Hetherington Textiles, Francesca has
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Easter at Belmont - Sunday 21 st April, 11am - 3pm
Join us at Belmont for some Easter fun. Take part in our
outdoor trail around the grounds to win a chocolate treat, then
head back to the Orangery to get crafty with our Easter themed
activities. £5.00 per child and £2.00 per adult.
Spring Fair - Monday 6 th May, 11am - 4pm
Our Spring Fair features a superb range of quality plants and
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a whole host of wonderful crafted delights as well as some
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Introduction to Screen Printing - Monday 13 th May
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Visit our showroom
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Enjoy a unique and satisfying experience learning how carve
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wealdentimes.co.uk
90
BelmontHouseWT206.indd 1 19/03/2019 PassionMediaWT206.indd 17:40
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“When I do up a house, I sleep in every bedroom”
91 wealdentimes.co.uk

Previous: The Larkspur bedroom. The headboard is
covered with Rococo by Lewis & Wood. The painted
blue chest is from Ardingly Antiques Fair This page,
above: The Peony bedroom. This headboard is by Rowan
Plowden Design, upholstered in Oak Leaves by Blithfield
Left: Francesca found the painting at Ardingly
given each bedroom suite its own personality and style.
Wisteria, Myrtle, Hellebore, Peony and Larkspur, as
they are called are beautifully individual and yet equally
appealing. Does Francesca have a favourite suite? “I
would probably have to say the Wisteria room because of
its twin-aspect and natural light, the crazy fabric on the
headboard and the fact that it has the most nods to Lady
Baillie. That said, I also love the Peony bedroom, with its
dark blue walls and dark pink patterned headboard.”
It really is impossible to choose between them. As
well as being exquisitely decorated and furnished, each
room has a very different outlook, with views to the
castle, across the garden and towards the North Downs.
They also all have luxurious, beautiful bathrooms,
continuing a theme introduced by Lady Baillie.
“Lady Baillie was quite radical when she restored
the castle, putting in ‘modern’ bathrooms
wealdentimes.co.uk
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Top: Arched stone windows and puddled curtains in the Hellebore
bedroom Above: The carved stone fireplace Left: A door in the
Hellebore bedroom’s bathroom leads to a secret passage through to
the Peony bedroom
95 wealdentimes.co.uk

This page: The curtains in the Myrtle bedroom
are Zarafshan by Lewis & Wood Left: The
armchair is covered in a vintage fabric
in the Art Deco style,” says Francesca.
Each of the bathrooms and shower rooms at
Battel Hall features expanses of marble, as well
as classic fittings, mirrors and lots of shining
metalwork. Smart toiletries dot the surfaces.
Hellebore’s bathroom is as lovely as the others
but holds a curious secret; a tiny, narrow corridor
which leads past a hidden staircase and through into
the Peony bedroom – any children lucky enough to
stay here would have hours of fun exploring.
The Hellebore bedroom features an enormous stone
fireplace as well as carved medieval cupboards and a view
out across the cricket pitch to the castle. The colour scheme
is a muted pale green, grey and pink and wide wooden
floorboards contrast with pretty marquetry furniture.
The restoration of Battel Hall has taken more than
two years to complete. Anyone living locally might have
wondered what was going on behind the scaffolding
and plastic but they need not have worried.
wealdentimes.co.uk
96

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After extensive restoration work using the best vernacular
craftsmanship, the decoration could begin and the overall
scheme is masterful; luxurious and comfortable whilst
blending a sense of the 1920s with the impression that this is
a family house that has metamorphosed over generations.
So, if you want to spend a few days living like a
Bright Young Thing, this is the place to do it.
Address Book:
To make an enquiry for exclusive hire, corporate retreats,
or weddings please email battelhall@leeds-castle.
co.uk or call 01622 767877 battelhall.com.
To see the other venues available to hire at Leeds Castle visit
leeds-castle.com/corporate or email hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk
Guests of Battel Hall also have the added benefit of access to
the grounds of Leeds Castle. The Leeds Castle estate is open
from 10am daily and the castle is open from 10.30am.
Rowan Plowden Design rowanplowden.com
Top: An ornamental stone niche Above: The English country house style garden is enclosed and private
99 wealdentimes.co.uk

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Photo: Simon Brown
wealdentimes.co.uk
102

Design
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The latest book from award-winning
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Celebrated designer Kit Kemp says “it is an adventure
to create a new room” and that sense of energy and
excitement is clearly visible in all her schemes.
With brilliantly balanced mixes of prints and patterns,
combined with original artworks and one-off objects
commissioned and gathered on her travels, Kemp’s rooms
are curated as much as designed and invite the eye to
journey round the space, with a constant sense of discovery.
In her new book Design Threads, she takes us
through her design process for diverse projects (private
houses, showrooms, hotel rooms and restaurants,
a beach bar), introducing favourite collaborators
and sharing recipes from venues she’s designed.
“I like my interiors to capture the imagination,”
she says. “When you leave a room, something should
stay with you, making you want to return, if only
to capture that magical spell all over again.”
Turnell & gigon
Kit created this vibrant drawing room for the showroom
of fabric and trimmings distributors Turnell & Gigon
at Chelsea Harbour Design Centre. “I decided to create
a Caribbean Suite to give us an excuse to be as joyful
as possible. Accessories and artworks helped pull the
room together. I use disparate fabrics and influences
to make a space interesting, but the colours must
balance and draw your eye around in a coordinated
way.” The sofas are covered in Raoul Textiles’ ‘Eve’.
The chandelier of hand-pressed clay beads was
made specially by the Mud Studio in South Africa.

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104

The whitby hotel
Kit first rose to fame for the wonderfully
vibrant interiors she creates for the Firmdale
Group of luxury hotels she owns with her
husband Tim Kemp. This room is on the top
floor of their newest opening, The Whitby
Hotel in New York. “We didn’t want to make
a penthouse full of opulence with gold bath
taps, nor did we want one in a spectrum of
taupe.” The prevailing colour scheme is blue
and white with a magnificently foxed mirror
and – in a very Kit Kemp touch – the arms of
the alabaster and brass chandelier have been
wrapped in twine.
Photo: Simon Brown
MYTHICAL LAND
Kit created this wallpaper for interior design company Andrew
Martin, in collaboration with Hastings-based mural painter
Melissa White. It was based on the original which Kit had
commissioned Melissa to paint for a room in The Whitby
Hotel. “Melissa and I had always thought it was such a shame
that no one else but hotel guests would be able to enjoy her
subtle painting of the scene we called Mythical Land.”
Photo: Melissa White

Friendly folk
Magnificent headboards are
one of Kit’s signature features,
which grew from decorating
the bedrooms for the ten hotels
in the Firmdale stable. The
headboards draw the eye to the
bed, providing a focal point
for the whole room. This one
is upholstered in one of her
designs for Andrew Martin,
‘Friendly Folk’. In a clever play
of positive/negative, Kit has
paired the orange-on-white
print with the white-on-orange
of her ‘Wychwood’ design. The
chest of drawers to the left is
covered in ‘Over the Moon’.
Photo: Dominic Blackmore
CARIBBEAN DREAMS
In the bedroom area of the Turnell & Gigon
Caribbean Suite, another of Kit’s fabulous
headboards and the cushions are upholstered
in Scumacher’s richly embroidered ‘Under the
Sea’ fabric. The walls are covered with ‘Sari
Sea’ by Raoul Textiles in a bespoke colourway.
Design Thread by
Kit Kemp (Hardie
Grant £30)
hardiegrant.com
Photo: Simon Brown

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107 wealdentimes.co.uk
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www.everndeninteriors.co.uk
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Stone Street • Cranbrook • TN17 3HF
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108
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5 Bellona fabric £89/m Colefax and Fowler designs.colefax.com 6 Wren fabric in ochre £66 St Judes stjudesfabrics.co.uk 7 Wall fabric
£165/m and sofa fabric £190/m both Mister Smith Interiors mistersmith.co.uk 8 Black Bird linen €109/m Mindthegap mindtheg.com
9 Kit Kemp cushion £105 Fine Cell Work finecellwork.co.uk 10 Riverside linen €119/m Mindthegap mindtheg.com 11 Rain Dance
by Mulberry Home wallpaper £98/10m fabric £169/m Mister Smith Interiors mistersmith.co.uk 12 Mythical Creatures by Kit Kemp
£515/m Chelsea Textiles chelseatextiles.com 13 Rivington wallpaper £99/10m Woodchip & Magnolia woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk
109 wealdentimes.co.uk

Transform your Home with us this Spring
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SAVE UP TO 35%*
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I n s p i r a a o n a l S h o w r o o m * I n - H o m e F u r n i s h i n g A d v i c e * P e r s o n a l S o u r c i n g
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Showroom Open Daily
10:30am – 5:00pm
11:00am - 4:00pm (Sunday)
www.respireliving.com
hello@respireliving.com
+44 (0) 1424 433000

1
2
3
Taking sides
4
When it comes to side tables you can go bright and eye catching,
simple and classic or completely out of the box. Time to pick a side.
5
6
7
8
9
10
1 Blue grey ceramic £175
Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com
2 Queen of Bohemia £495 Lime Lace
limelace.co.uk 3 Brass drinks trolley £325
Loaf loaf.com 4 Vintage gold mirrored £128.95 Melody Maison
melodymaison.co.uk 5 Bornholm marble £319 BoConcept boconcept.com
6 Ivory skull £179 Amara amara.com 7 Purple shield €830 Boca do Lobo
bocadolobo.com 8 Fornasetti hot air balloons £900 Amara amara.com 9 Lalit £185
Lenleys lenleys.co.uk 10 Antique trays £249 Respire Living respireliving.com
111 wealdentimes.co.uk

Sideto
side
Okay, you’ve got your tables, now time to fill them...
2
3
1
3
4
5
2
1
4
1 Mad Hatter teapot £38
Creative Tops creative-tops.com
2 Succulent in concrete pot
£25 M&S marksandspencer.com
3 Orange decanter £28 Oliver
Bonas oliverbonas.com
4 Origami Elephant £15
George Home asda.com
1 H&M Home textured pot
£8.99 The Bentall Centre
bentallcentre.co.uk 2 Weeping
plum vase £45 Shimu
shimu.co.uk 3 Lene Bjerre table
lamp £320 Sweetpea & Willow
sweetpeaandwillow.com
4 Baobab collection candle
£270 Amara amara.com
5 Blue ceramic lady vase
£24 Gisela Graham London
giselagraham.co.uk
1
2
3
4
6
5
1 Wooden head sculpture £58 Abode Living
abodeliving.co.uk 2 Orange bubble vase £110
Kelly Hoppen kellyhoppen.com 3 Green glass jar
£30 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com
4 Torso sculpture £149 Artisanti artisanti.com
5 Jungle bowl £53 (set of four) Amara amara.com
6 Circles sculpture £115 Amara amara.com
wealdentimes.co.uk

Traditional and Contemporary English Hand Made Furniture,
Upholstery, Lighting, Accessories and Gifts
108-110 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6HT. 01580 764481
www.tenterdenhouseinteriors.co.uk tenterdenhouseinteriors@hotmail.com

Setting the Seam
Kate Watts picks sharp suiting
in bold colourways

Photographs: David Merewether
Styling: Kate Watts
Make Up: Alexandra Bates
Model: Jenna Forsdyke, Fresh Agents

cordeliajames.com
Hawkhurst - Rye - Lewes
CordeliaJamesWT206.indd 1 11/03/2019 JackieDedmanWT205.indd 10:28
1 12/02/2019 14:43
T: 01959 564477
W: www.clementinebridal.com
E: enquiries@clementinebridal.com
The Archway, 7-8 The Green,
Westerham, Kent, TN16 1AS
wealdentimes.co.uk
116
ClementineBridalBoutiqueWT206.indd 1 18/03/2019 12:49

Previous page left: Oversized blazer £140, culottes £120 Studio B; loafers £110, Golden Boot; necklace
£225, Simon Harrison Previous page right: Blazer £265, trousers £125, GANT; shirt £56, Marie
& Lola; sandals £105, Golden Boot; earrings £59, necklace £49, Ted Baker This page: Blazer £119,
trousers £79, Mint Velvet; sandals £85, Number 44; necklace £495, Simon Harrison; socks stylist’s own

Who’s Wearing What
boutique
The independent boutique
in the heart of St Leonards-on-Sea
Easy
Living
Swattenden Lane | Cranbrook | TN17 3PS
01580 713189
www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk
Standout timeless clothing
to flatter and feel good in
‘STUNNING’
NEW SPRING SUMMER
COLLECTION IN STORE
V
CHIC
DRESS AGENCY
CharityFarmWT206.indd 1 05/03/2019 12:54
www.vchic.fashion
Who’s Wearing What boutique
34 London Road, St Leonards-on-Sea, TN37 6AN
01424 272925 Open 7 days a week
facebook.com/whoswearingwhatboutique
@whoswearingwhatboutique
www.whoswearingwhat-boutique.co.uk
10:00 - 17:00
Open 6 days a week
01580 712720
v.chic.lizzie@gmail.com
Albert House
Stone Street
Cranbrook
TN17 3HG
wealdentimes.co.uk
118
whoswearingwhatboutiqueWT206.indd 1 13/03/2019 VChicWT201.indd 16:10 1 24/10/2018 10:24

Blazer £119, trousers £79, roll neck, £35, suede boots £169, Mint Velvet; bag £495 Studio B;
ring £195, Simon Harrison; Oil on canvas by Wilson Bassett, View from a Paris Window dated
1948, £900, armchair £120, Sivyer’s Bexhill Antiques Centre
119 wealdentimes.co.uk

Left: Trainers £240, Golden
Boot; blazer £119, Mint Velvet;
bag £395, Studio B; pleated skirt
£59, Marie & Lola; earrings £59,
Ted Baker; t-shirt stylist’s own
Below: Cowboy boots £299,
Golden Boot; selection of vintage
jars and vases from £5, Sivyer’s
Bexhill Antiques Centre
Address Book:
Alexandra Bates: alexiebates.wixsite.com/alexandrabeautymua,
@alexandrab.eautymua, 07828 419309
A special thank you to Sivyer’s Bexhill Antiques Centre for
allowing us to shoot amongst their many treasures. Sivyer’s
Bexhill Antiques Centre: 01424 217640
Fresh Agents: freshagents.co.uk
GANT: gant.co.uk
Marie & Lola: marieandlola.com, 07779 275816,
hello@marieandlola.com
Mint Velvet: mintvelvet.co.uk
Number 44: Oxted - number44oxted.co.uk, 01883 713000,
number44oxted@gmail.com
Simon Harrison: simonharrison.com
Studio B: studiobfashion.com, bethany@studiobfashion.com
Ted Baker: tedbaker.com
Golden Boot: thegoldenboot.co.uk, 01622 752349

Come
44
and See
Adini’s Spring
Collection at
Come and see
Oscar nominated
Bafta winning
Shuna at her shop
in Heathfield
Market
Men’s and women’s
vintage clothing
and accessories
44 High Street
Charing, Kent,
TN27 0HX
Open
Tues-Fri 10.30-5pm
Sats 10.30-3.30pm
Tuesday mornings and by appointment
01435 883394 or 07831 258582
shuna
¹ @btinternet.com
1920s–1960s items always wanted. Also Vintage
Chinese embroidered clothes, Ossie Clark, Biba.
County Clothes
Quality clothing and a personal service
ShunasVintageClothesWT185.indd 1 07/06/2017 Elizabeth44WT206.indd 16:15
1 14/03/2019 12:33
www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk
FUN IN THE SUN
Are you ready for the sunshine? Find short sleeve shirts from £65
Kent Surrey East Sussex
County Clothes
Quality clothing and a personal service
Kent Surrey East Sussex
121 wealdentimes.co.uk
CountyClothesWT206.indd 1 11/03/2019 10:51

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Frédéric Malle
Body Butter,
£115-150
for 200ml
Goutal Paris
Italian Hand
Balm, £26
for 40ml
Beauty
Heathcote &
Ivory Neroli &
Lime Leaves,
from £5-10
Make it last
Perfume’s heavenly waft can be all too fleeting -
Josephine Fairley advises how to make it linger longer
Hermès Eau
de Citron Noir
Moisturising
Balm, £45
for 200ml
I’m often asked, in my role as co-founder of The Perfume
Society, ‘What’s the best way to make fragrance last on
my skin?’ And the answer, quite simply, is to layer on
matching body products. On well-moisturised skin, you’ll find
your fragrance is time-released through the day – which is why
fragrance experts often talk about the importance of ‘layering’.
And the good news is, layering is massively back in fashion.
Just a few years back, perfume companies all seemed to be
radically discontinuing their perfume-matching body products,
but lately, there’s been a complete reversal of that trend and some
truly exquisite bath and body products are now being launched.
For the most opulent effect, start with a bath treat (oils
are brilliant because they veil skin in light oils as you emerge
from the scented waters), then apply a body oil and butter,
then layer fragrance over the top. This also massively ups
your own pleasure quotient, because you get to wallow
in your chosen fragrance throughout the process.
So this month, as our body skin reaches peak dryness after
months living in centrally heated environments, just as we start
to think about removing layers of clothing, seems the perfect
time to share some of my favourite discoveries.
Heathcote & Ivory Neroli & Lime Leaves, from £5-10. Let
me begin with this total steal, my favourite Heathcote &
Ivory launch to date, a zingily zesty, fresh Cologne-style
scent that is a wonderful wake-up call for the senses.
Within the collection there are some really fun Bathing
Flowers (£10) that look like paper roses, dissolving
in the bath to scent it (and you) with notes of neroli,
lime leaves, white flowers and subtle musks.
Follow, perhaps, with luscious Softening Body Cream and
finish with a zhoosh of the Eau de Toilette. And if you don’t
feel spring-like after this, I really can’t help you.
Frédéric Malle Body Butter, £115-150 for 200ml (price depends
on fragrance). I softened you up (literally) with that superaffordable
option, above, before ricocheting straight to the
other, ultra-luxe end of the price spectrum. But this is one of
those instances where you really do get what you pay for…
It’s fair to say that sometimes,
fragrance-matching bodycare
has been disappointing, far
from a true representation of
the fragrance we know and love,
but in their sleek black pots,
Frédéric Malle’s smell exactly like
the original perfume creations.
This holds true whether you
choose perfumer Dominique
Ropion’s tuberose-heavy Carnal
Flower, or his modern classic Portrait
of a Lady, Edward Flechier’s almost
E. Coudray Iris
Rose Perfumed
Body Cream,
£38 for 250ml
123 wealdentimes.co.uk

photorealistic Une Rose, or Musc Ravageur, created by the nose
Maurice Roucel, a scent so outrageously sexy that my otherwise
liberal husband won’t allow me out of the house wearing it.
These are all utterly luscious, truly buttery confections,
seriously skin-nourishing – and a little goes an astonishingly
long way; indeed, you can wear these body butters instead of,
rather than as well as, the accompanying fragrance – and at this
price, probably just as well. (There are also Body Milks, Body
Washes, Body & Hair Oil – pretty much any type of luxury
your heart desires, within the range, although not everything is
available in every scent.)
Chanel No.5 The Body Cream, £65 for 150g. While everyone
else was dropping their bodycare, Chanel have continued to
offer a wide range of treats from top to toe. Available in several
fragrances (check out the chanel.com website for the full rundown),
the body creams are voluptuously rich, in beautifully
hefty, Chanel-emblazoned jars. Lighter textures are also
available and I’ve a particular soft spot for Chanel soaps, which
is another great starting point for layering.
Jo Malone
London Orange
Blossom Body
Crème, £54
for 175ml
Hermès Eau de Citron Noir
Moisturising Balm, £45 for 200ml.
Best keep this citrusy treasure
under lock and key, because
Hermès’s minimally-packaged,
complexion-soothing treat (which
can be used on hands, face and
body) also does double duty as an
aftershave balm.
Jo Malone London Orange
Blossom Body Crème, £54 for
175ml. Jo Malone London fragrances
are designed to be layered – but not in the traditional way.
Instead the brand encourages applying combinations of
fragrances to create something that’s different again.
This particular hefty glass jar of sweet-scented, white floral
heavenliness has pride of place on my bedside and I slather
my limbs with its moisturising formula night after night – but
you could follow their Fragrance Combining suggestions and
layer it with, perhaps, the classic Lime Basil & Mandarin,
or, for something more exotic, Dark Amber & Ginger Lily.
Jo Malone London offers a superb line-up of layerables, from
hair fragrances to bath oils and even shampoo.
Goutal Paris Italian Hand Balm, £26 for 40ml. Now
that the late founder of the perfume house’s daughter
Camille is at the helm, this most quintessentially French
brand has had a name-change to Goutal Paris.
Although there isn’t a huge range of bodycare on offer
in the UK (do check out what’s on offer in the lovely
store at 14 rue Castiglione, just off the rue de Rivoli
next time you are in Paris), I do want to point you in
the direction of the gorgeous new hand creams.
The ‘Italian’ fragrance (there is also Garden and Oriental)
is wonderful smoothed onto wrists before spritzing Eau
d’Hadrien, one of the all-time stars in the pantheon of
Cologne classics.
Floral Street Neon
Rose Body Cream,
£22 for 200ml. Great
name, great fragrances:
inspired by Covent
Garden’s flower market (the original, not the sprawling
modern location in Battersea), Floral Street offer a portfolio
of appealingly affordable scents, some of which now can be
enjoyed as Body Wash (£18 for 200ml) and Body Cream.
There are four ‘neo-florals’ (as in, not your granny’s
floral scents…), in the bodycare collection and I
particularly like this gorgeous fusion of jasmine, apple
blossom, bergamot, angelica and peach nectar.
I promise you’ll almost hear your skin slurping up the blend
of shea butter, sweet almond and argan, as you smooth it in.
I recommend some playtime at the brand’s store on Covent
Garden’s King Street.
E. Coudray Iris Rose Perfumed Body Cream, £38 for 250ml
(escentual.com). This vintage French fragrance house
is pure boudoir chic. It’s almost a crime to apply this
cream unless you’re wearing a silk peignoir, while sipping
a glass of something sparkling. It’s super-nourishing
(hazelnut, sweet almond and jojoba oils feature in the
blend), and the scent is pure ‘Mummy’s handbag.’
There is also a Body Oil (£55 for 100ml) in this
fragrance and a gorgeously bottled Eau de Toilette
to spritz as your final, feminine scent gesture.
And if your favourite fragrance doesn’t have accompanying
body care? I’m an advocate for some experimentation. You
can mix-and-match perfumes and bodycare, though it helps
to stay within the same fragrance family – florals with florals,
Orientals with Orientals, etc. – to avoid scent clash.
Not confident enough to do that? Then reach for an
unscented body cream or butter as the ‘base’ on which to layer
a favourite fragrance. Try Clinique Deep Comfort Body Butter,
£26 for 200ml (like everything they make, it’s fragrance-free)
– or if you’re on a budget, I don’t really think you can beat
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion, £7.69 for 300ml, a nongreasy
formula featuring
skin-soothing oatmeal. Then
lavishly scent yourself over it
with your perfume of the day.
And may you waft
gorgeously (and longlastingly),
from here on in.
Jo Fairley is co-founder of The
Perfume Society which offers
perfume Discovery Boxes and
online VIP membership, with
special events, competitions
and discounts from leading
perfume websites, plus six
downloadable issues a year of
award-winning magazine,
The Scented Letter.
perfumesociety.org
Floral Street Neon
Rose Body Cream,
£22 for 200ml
Chanel No.5
The Body
Cream, £65
for 150g
wealdentimes.co.uk
124

Concept
Hair
salon
YOGA
& ART
RETREATS
MAR/MAY/JUN
MAY / JUNE
PORTUGAL
WWW.LATASCOUNTRYHOUSE.COM
50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564
Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk
or through our facebook page
London has arrived
in the Weald...
CreativeYogaRetreatWT206.indd 1 05/03/2019 WilliamCharlesWT200.indd 11:13
1 10/09/2018 12:13
Just living is
not enough.
One must
have sunshine,
freedom and
a little flower
Hans Christian Andersen
Gillian Spooner, a senior Sassoon trained
stylist currently working at the Josh Wood
Atelier in London, is now based in your area.
Gillian’s superb level of expertise in cutting
and styling for ladies can be brought to you
by private appointment, with the benefit of a
free, no-obligation consultation beforehand.
For more information visit
www.gshair.co.uk or call to arrange a
free full consultation on 01622-862735
GS Spooner
Gillian
NLP is a positive and proactive psychology, known for helping
people make powerful and effective change. It can help with:
• Life Changes • Confidence • Relationships
• Managing Life • Anxiety Stress & Depression
• Health & Wellbeing • Self-Esteem • Career
• Changing Negative Patterns • Communication
Yvonne Fernando
NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach
Please call for an appointment
T : 01233 878474 M: 07968 785714
www.yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk
Professional
Member of ANLP
125 wealdentimes.co.uk
SteveCarmoWT140.indd 1 18/09/2013 YvonneFernandoWT205.indd 14:50
2 13/02/2019 11:33

My stress incontinence
has disappeared and my
sex life is back to what it
was before children
- Lauren, 36
1 in 5 women suffer from
bladder problems
81% improvement in
sexual gratification
*Clinical Study HM Monteprincipe Hospital, Madrid, Spain. Proprietary Syneron Consumer Survey.
75% suffer from vaginal
dryness
94% improvement in
vaginal rejuvenation
100% reported satisfaction with treatment
Call us on
Scan this code to
see Lauren’s story:
01892 257 357 for a free consultation
www.bellavou.co.uk/intimate-health

Forward
Thinking
The latest non-surgical aesthetics and
health news from across the South East
Med-Jet for Mesotherapy
at Health & Aesthetics
Main image: istockphoto.com/Deagreez
Godalming’s Health & Aesthetics has the new
Med-Jet device which can deliver Mesotherapy
without the need for traditional injections.
Med-Jet uses a microscopic jet of pressurised CO2, seven
times finer than the absolute finest needle, to deliver
the treatment with precision accuracy, offering a real,
effective alternative to needles. The jet pierces the skin
and the dose is dispersed into the desired layer of tissue,
but because no needle is used, there is less trauma to
the skin, and less stress and pain for the patient.
Med-Jet can also be used to deliver Botox to areas
which are simply too sensitive for needles to be used
comfortably. Health & Aesthetics are using Med-
Jet to deliver Botox to the hands and feet, where it’s
used to prevent excess sweating – and where even
microscopic needles can cause excessive discomfort.
Another key benefit is that the delivery of the
treatment using Med-Jet allows for easier dispersion of
the chosen product, rather than ‘pooling’ around the
needle. This can lead to better results for the patient.
Dr Rekha Tailor, Health & Aesthetics’ Medical
Director, said: “The Med-Jet device represents a real
advance in treatments which could previously only be
administered by needles. Even though the needles we use
are microscopic, many people still have a fear of them and
when used for treatments such as Meso therapy can cause
severe discomfort. This can be strong enough to prevent
them from seeking out treatments which could make a
real difference to how they feel about themselves.”
healthandaesthetics.co.uk
127 wealdentimes.co.uk

Intimate Feminine
Wellness at Bella Vou
As a result of childbirth, and the natural
aging process, experiencing looseness,
dryness, and other symptoms in your
vaginal area is common, the side effects of
which can be diminished physical sensation
during intercourse and urinary incontinence.
Stress incontinence (releasing small amounts
of urine upon coughing, sneezing, laughing
or exercising) and urge incontinence (strong
need to urinate, but can’t get to the toilet in
time), or needing to go to the bathroom many
times during the night are more common
among women, especially postpartum,
menopausal or postmenopausal women.
While many women feel self-conscious
about their condition and hesitate to seek
advice or treatment, Bella Vou offer a safe,
non-surgical treatment with CO2RE Intima
at their Tunbridge Wells Pantiles Clinic. The
CO2RE laser system is designed to provide a
comfortable treatment experience. Similar to
having a smear test, the CO2RE Intima laser
is inserted inside the vagina. The gentle laser
energy is pulsed into the inner and outer vaginal
tissues, resulting in coagulation and stimulation
of collagen. These changes begin immediately
after treatment but may take the prescribed
number of sessions for optimal results.
Utilising the advanced laser system, the
CO2RE Intima is a 10 minute procedure which
is carried out at 4 week intervals over a three
month period. This course of 3 treatments can
help to alleviate multiple symptoms including:
dryness, itching, burning, painful intercourse,
leaky bladder, fallen bladder/prolapse, loose
vaginal appearance and loss of sensation during
intercourse. These symptoms can occur in
different combinations and varying severities.
This latest technology in non-surgical
vaginal rejuvenation features multiple benefits
for patients, including no downtime, no
anesthesia and no invasive procedure with
15-minute sessions that are convenient to
schedule and immediate results for patients.
As the CO2RE Intima system does not
require any downtime or healing, most
women are able to return to normal activities,
including full enjoyment of intimacy a week
after treatment. Bella Vou’s team will create a
customised treatment plan for patients based
on each particular condition and continue
treatment until full results are achieved.
What the patients say
Lauren M, 42, Kent - I have suffered stress incontinence since
having my children and thought there was nothing that could
be done without surgery. I was wrong! The treatment is painless
and quick and I was made to feel relaxed from the initial
consultation right through the procedures. The treatment is effective
with immediate results that still keep improving weeks later.
Naomi, 36, Kent – Super shocked after the first treatment!
This treatment has changed my life, it was easier than
having a smear. It’s given me more confidence in all
areas of my life, going exercising is no longer a worry
and my partner and I are enjoying the benefits too.
Sandrine, 48, Kent – As a mother of five and a Pilates instructor
whose main focus has always been on strengthening pelvic floor,
I had still experienced issues with dryness and pain probably
due to perimenopause. Since having the treatment these have
been resolved; not only am I tighter in that area but I’ve also
noticed that I can run for longer distances without needing
to go to the toilet. My sex life is great, better than before. Age
or having children shouldn’t stop you from enjoying life.
bellavou.co.uk/intimate-health
wealdentimes.co.uk
128

HBMedicalWT202.indd 1 21/11/2018 09:53
Bespoke cosmetic treatments
tailored to every clients needs
Combining smile and facial
enhancement
Contact us for your
complimentary consultation with
Dr. Russell Blanchard
01580 752202 info@stonerock.co.uk www.stonerockdentalcare.com
129 wealdentimes.co.uk
StonerockDentalPracticeWT194.indd 1 16/03/2018 13:00

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Private Therapy
Tunbridge Wells | Harley Street | Liverpool Street
Anxiety
Addiction
Bereavement
Postnatal
Depression
Stress
Cervical Screening
at Illuminate Clinic
Embarrassment makes women avoid smear tests,
according to BBC News, following a survey with 2,000
women, on behalf of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust. One
in 4 women skip the cervical screening altogether, increasing
to 1 in 3 amongst those aged 25-29. 3,200 women are
diagnosed with cervical cancer every single year, and nearly
900 die annually.* Being invited for tests every 3 years (or 5
years if over 50), is simply not reassuring enough for some
women and those over 64 don’t get invited by the NHS at all.
So Dr Sophie Shotter, Illuminate Clinic’s founder, wanted
to help change these shocking statistics by making cervical
screening readily available at her clinic: “These statistics are
frightening and we really shouldn’t rely solely on the NHS
to keep ourselves healthy. A friend of mine, Laura, had a
hysterectomy at age 30 and I want to do all I can to avoid
anyone else having to go through that. I also know 18 women
personally who have had abnormal smear tests. It’s shocking
that uptake of smear tests is at an all-time low. Many women
I know are so proactive about their health, and would choose
to have smear tests more regularly – this is an area of the
body we can’t examine for ourselves. We already promote
women’s health and well-being through our bioidentical
hormone replacement therapy services at the clinic, and this
felt like a natural add-on to help our patients feel reassured.”
Dr Sophie is offering her patients quicker results and tests
whenever required. The clinic will also offer HPV tests and
vaccinations, to help prevent certain cervical cancers caused
by the infections. Most HPV infections do not lead to cancer,
but they can, so Dr Sophie wants to be able to safeguard her
patients by offering services that they are able to have quickly
and conveniently.
illuminateskinclinic.co.uk
www.harleystreetcounsellingandtraining.com
info@harleystreetcounsellingandtraining.com
* https://www.nhs.uk/news/cancer/one-three-women-dont-attend-cervical-screening-because-embarrassment/
wealdentimes.co.uk
130
HarleyStreetCounsellingTrainingWT199.indd 1 16/08/2018 17:16

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• Advanced Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
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131 wealdentimes.co.uk
DrChristineWT204.indd 1 22/01/2019 12:31

Sign up to our free event
Maintaining Muscle & Joint Health
on Wednesday 17 th April at The Horder Centre
To book: visit horderhealthcare.co.uk
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Why choose
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Wellbeing
A Year of Wellness
Hormones control everything from how much sleep we get to
how happy we feel – Eminé Rushton explores how we can balance them
to create healthy equilibrium
April: Finding your balance
Without diving too deep into
the biochemistry behind
our body’s mechanisms, it’s
safe to say that, for most women, rarely
a month passes without us feeling the
impact of our hormones.
I have friends who suffer extreme PMT,
others who struggle to regulate serotonin
levels and feel continually foggy and sad
and yet others with disturbed sleep. Then,
later in life, there are all the challenges
that comes with the menopause. From
our skin to our sleep, our moods to our
energy levels, hormones rule.
Naturally, when we are living good,
healthy, calm lives, our endocrine system
is able to produce all the hormones we
need, in the right quantities. But in
today’s fast-paced world, where we work
longer hours, sleep less, switch off rarely
and eat less natural, unprocessed food,
our endocrine systems are unable to do
the crucial work that they need to do.
To balance hormones, the simplest
changes have the biggest impact. A
balanced diet with plenty of healthy fats,
oils, protein and complex carbohydrates,
is key. Studies have also shown
that consuming healthy fat at every
meal triggers the release of the ‘satiety
hormones’ that help you feel full and
satisfied (rather than empty and still
craving sugar) – think avocado, olive oil,
nuts, seeds and oily fish.
High stress levels are perhaps the
biggest impactor upon our health.
Cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’, has a
big knock-on effect on oestrogen and
progesterone production. You need a
good level of progesterone to balance out
the effects of oestrogen – and because
cortisol and progesterone are made from
the same mother hormone pregnenolone,
when you are extremely stressed (so
producing a lot of cortisol) your body
sacrifices its progesterone production.
These higher levels of oestrogen in
the body cause a raft of very familiar
symptoms – PMS, bloating, breast
tenderness, heavy/painful periods – but
if oestrogen levels remain elevated over
a long period of time, they also put
women at an increased risk of fibroids,
endometriosis and breast/ovarian cancer.
There is also a tricky vicious cycle
in regard to sleep. When we are
menstruating, pregnant or post-partum,
or in menopause, our hormone levels
are more likely to be imbalanced (with
oestrogen spiking or falling), which
makes us more prone to interrupted
sleep. And, interrupted sleep also causes
our hormones to imbalance further.
By doing all that we can to establish
a good sleep routine – getting into bed
at the same time each night and rising
at the same time each morning – we
stand a better chance of supporting our
hormonal production to click back into a
healthy groove.
Early lights out,
screens off, hot
baths and plenty
of time away
from work
and tech,
every evening,
is vital. And we
need to incorporate
ample stress relief – yoga, walking, time
in nature, and time away from screens –
into our everyday lives.
And plenty of self-care! A recent
review of multiple studies found that,
on average, massage therapy not only
reduced cortisol levels by an average of
31%, but also increased levels of the
mood-boosting hormone serotonin
by 28% and dopamine by 31% – a
wonderful reason to book in for a
treatment, or to warm some oil and
massage your own feet, hands, arms, legs
and torso, with firm, soothing strokes.
Given the seriousness of certain
conditions associated with chronic
hormonal imbalance I would urge all of
us to put our hormonal health at the very
tops of our lists. I’ve also found books
on the subject – from Henrietta Norton’s
Take Control of Your Endometriosis,
Christiane Northrup’s Women’s Bodies
Women’s Wisdom, and Lucy H Pearce’s
Moon Time – extremely helpful in
deepening my understanding of our
bodies, cycles and needs.
“ In today’s fast-paced world, where we work longer hours, switch
off rarely and eat less natural and unprocessed food, our endocrine
systems are unable to do the crucial work that they need to do.”
Eminé Rushton is Wellbeing Director-at-Large at Psychologies magazine, and co-founder
of the conscious living blog, The Balance Plan, balanceplan.co.uk
133 wealdentimes.co.uk

Wellbeing
Natural wisdom
Kelly Spinks and Wendy Lane are the founders of Meadow
Skincare. They handcraft organic, waterless skincare blended
in microbatches for active freshness using only vegan, nut-free,
100% plant-derived ingredients
What one piece of seasonal
wisdom helps you in spring?
Kelly: Keep hydrated. It’s easy to
forget to drink enough because
it’s still fresh out, but I feel so
much more energised after a
couple of glasses of water.
What one self-care ritual do you
never skimp on? We never skimp
on removing our makeup and
cleansing our skin every night. We
know what a difference a good
cleansing routine makes to your skin
and we also want to make sure that
the balms and oils we follow with
are applied to super clean skin so
we receive their maximum benefits.
Share one book that taught you
something amazing about life – and
made you better at living it?
Kelly: I’m an avid reader. I’m a
qualified psychotherapist and the
book that sticks with me from my
training is Momma and the Meaning
of Life by Irvin D. Yalom. This is a
great book about human relationships
and our search for happiness.
What always brings a smile to your
face? Our children. Between us we’ve got
four kids who all get along brilliantly.
They are always together and love putting
on talent shows and plays for us. They
drive us crazy at times, but always
make us smile and laugh every day.
What is the best treatment
you’ve had locally?
Wendy: I see Jackie Reader, a
homeopath, at Solar Health
Clinic in Seal for my general
wellbeing. I’ve always struggled
with my sinuses and she
really helps me with this.
Kelly: I make sure I book myself
and my husband in for a lavender
massage every summer in the
lavender fields at Castle Farm in
Shoreham. The lavender in our
products comes from the farm and
the massages are just beautiful!
meadowskincare.co.uk
Do you know Juno?
Brighton-based Juno Skincare is a beautiful 100% natural
skincare and wellbeing range, created by yoga teacher
Julie Johansen, whose sustainability and zero waste
policies are truly impeccable. I love their all-natural Le
Jardin Des Rêves Eau de Parfum, Day & Night Face
Oil and just how much thought
and care goes into every product.
WIN A BOTTLE OF JUNO: For
your chance to win a 50ml bottle
of Juno Le Jardin Des Rêves, just
answer the following question: Who
created Juno? Enter your answer with
your contact details in the online form
at wealdentimes.co.uk/competition by 1
May 2019. There is no cash alternative.
You must be over the age of 18 to enter.
Health and beauty tips
Discover a wealth of wellbeing advice
wealdentimes.co.uk/wellbeing
WIN!
This month
Eminé is trying
a Daily Walk
Even when I am up against deadlines, I
cannot stress the importance of getting out
for a spring stroll. It doesn’t matter how
many things need to be done, I’ve learned
that once I take the time to fill up my lungs,
stretch my legs and oxygenate my brain,
the work then comes together far more
efficiently. I love the Rye Harbour Nature
Reserve and we often take weekend trips
down to the sea with the children.

New Prostate
Treatment.
Now available at Nuffield Health
Tunbridge Wells Hospital.
Consultant Urological Surgeon, Mr John Donohue from the Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
explains the new Rezum Steam Therapy treatment:
We are very excited to be the first hospital in Kent, Sussex and Surrey to be able to
offer this exciting new treatment at Nuffield Health and our experienced team are
dedicated to giving you the best possible outcome.
We fully understand the difficulties that many men have with an enlarged prostate,
such as frequency, urgency, irregular flow and getting up in the night. The significant
advantage of this new treatment is that it only takes 10 minutes and is carried out as a
day case so, patients have a quicker recovery and return to normal everyday activities
very quickly.
Mr John Donohue
Consultant
Urological Surgeon
Rezum uses the natural thermal energy stored in water vapour or steam, to treat
enlarged and obstructive prostate tissue. To date, more than 17,000 men have been
effectively treated with the Rezum System across the U.S. and Europe.
To find out more about this new treatment at Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital,
please call 01892 888199 or visit nuffieldhealth.com
8
WINNER
Private hospital group
of the year
Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Kingswood Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN2 4UL

Food
Green & pleasant
With St George’s Day on the 23rd of this month, Juliet Bidwell has created
a menu inspired by olde English dishes, using native and seasonal ingredients,
with a modern twist – what could be lovelier?
Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Holly Levett Food: Juliet Bidwell
Halibut with wild garlic mayonnaise
Serves 8 Prep time: 25 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes.
In Tudor times, by law, fish had to be eaten instead of meat
on certain days for religious reasons. Wild garlic is native to
Europe and grows wild in English woodland, making it an
excellent forage food. It is also known as ramsons, from the
Saxon word hramsa. It has been used in English cuisine for a
thousand years.
• 1.4kg halibut, cut into
portions
• 160g breadcrumbs
• 2 lemons, zested
• 2 tsp rosemary,
finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chives,
finely chopped
• 2 tbsp parsley,
finely chopped
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste
Wild garlic mayonnaise
• 200g wild garlic, washed
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp crème fraîche
• ½ lemon, juiced
• salt & pepper to taste
1Preheat oven 190˚C.
Combine the
breadcrumbs with the lemon
zest, rosemary, chives and
parsley. Add the olive oil and
season with salt and pepper,
stir till the breadcrumbs
are evenly coated in oil,
and taste for seasoning.
2Place the halibut portions
skin side down on a
baking tray lined with
parchment paper. Pat the
breadcrumbs evenly onto
the halibut and bake in a
hot oven for 7-10 minutes
till just firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and
leave to rest for 5 minutes
before serving with the
wild garlic mayonnaise.
For the garlic mayonnaise
3Blanch the wild garlic
in boiling salted water
until wilted, drain and
when cool, squeeze to
remove the excess water.
4Put the wild garlic
and mayonnaise into
a food processor and blitz
until smooth. Remove to a
bowl and stir in the crème
fraîche and add lemon juice,
salt and pepper to taste.
Juliet’s Catering 01797 270347 julietscatering.co.uk Instagram @juliets_catering
wealdentimes.co.uk
136

Food
Pigeon breasts with orange,
watercress & walnut salad
Serves 8 Prep time: 25 minutes. Cooking time: 26 minutes.
Pigeon have been eaten in England for centuries.
Dovecotes were popular on estates as a living pantry and
a source of meat for unexpected guests. Watercress has
been used for medicinal purposes for centuries to treat
blood disorders and as a remedy for scurvy from as early
as 1636. Oranges arrived in England in 1289 and from
the 17th century they were cultivated in England.
• 8 pigeon breasts
• 1tbsp olive oil
• 200g watercress, washed
• 4 oranges
• 100g walnut halves, toasted
• salt & pepper
Orange & redcurrant dressing
• 200ml orange juice
• 2tbsp redcurrant jelly
• 3tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 150ml walnut oil
• 2tsp Dijon mustard
• salt & pepper to taste
1For the salad, prepare
the oranges by using
a serrated knife. Carefully
remove the peel and the
outer white pith, and
cut the segments out.
2Season the pigeon
breasts with salt &
pepper. Pan-fry the breasts
in olive oil over a high
heat, turning after a couple
of minutes, and when
cooked, leave to rest for 10
minutes before carving.
3To serve, assemble
the watercress and
orange, and place the
pigeon on the salad and
spoon over the dressing
and scatter the walnuts.
For the orange &
redcurrant dressing
4To make the dressing,
reduce the orange juice
in a saucepan to 100ml.
When reduced, add the
redcurrant jelly, stir till
melted then remove from
the heat. Add the balsamic
vinegar and leave to cool.
Whisk the walnut oil into
the mustard till combined.
Slowly whisk the orange
mixture into the oil. Season
with salt and pepper.
137 wealdentimes.co.uk

Proud Winners of the
It’s a place to meet Maidstone up with and Mid Kent
friends, chat and CAMRA enjoy Branch a pint Pub of the Year,
of real ale straight plus from Cider the Pub of the Year.
cask. Local ciders and wines
are It’s also a place available, to meet as up are with soft
friends, drinks. chat Free and from enjoy TV, music
a pint
and of real mobile ale straight phones. from We now
the
have cask. our Local back ciders garden and open wines for
are customers. also available, Check as out are the
soft
drinks. daily updated Free from Facebook TV, music or
For more information please contact
and Twitter mobile pages phones. to see We which
now
Julie 07917 252585, Wendy 07786 707476
have our ales back and garden ciders are
open for
Elaine 07803 340682
customers. currently Check available.
out the
info@larkins-alehouse.co.uk
daily updated Facebook or
For more information please contact
For more information please contact
Twitter pages to see which
Julie 07917 252585, Wendy 07786 707476
Julie 07917 252585, Wendy 07786 707476
ales and ciders are
Opening Elaine 07803 Times 340682
Elaine 07803 340682
currently available.
info@larkins-alehouse.co.uk
Mon info@larkins-alehouse.co.uk
to Wed 14.00 - 21.00
Thur to Fri 12.00 - 22.00
Saturday Opening 12.00 Times - 22.30
Sunday 12.00 - 18.00
7 High Street,
Mon to Wed 14.00 - 21.00
Cranbrook, Kent
Thur to Fri 12.00 - 22.00
TN17 3EB
Saturday 12.00 - 22.30
Sunday 12.00 - 18.00
Phone: 07917 252585
07786 707476
info@larkins-alehouse.co.uk
www.larkins-alehouse.co.uk
Larkins-AlehouseWT206.indd 1 20/03/2019 KentishHareWT206.indd 19:17
1 05/03/2019 16:59
The perfect way to have a team building day!
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• Seven Sisters hike/Cuckmere River stroll
• Sussex pub lunch with local produce
For your clients or as a staff reward
We can build your day around you, just call us!
• Accompanied by our wine connoisseur
• Vine to Wine tour of prize-winning vineyard
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wealdentimes.co.uk
138
FizzOnFootWT206.indd 1 20/03/2019 18:56

Spring vegetable & goat’s cheese pie
Serves 8 Prep time: 20 minutes. Cooking time:1 hour 30 minutes.
Earliest references to pies, go back to the Middle Ages, when
they were a popular part of any banquet or feast. Vegetables
were a common food for the poorer people although 75-80%
of the diet was protein.
• 1.6kg leeks, washed,
sliced ½cm thick
• 400g small white turnips,
peeled, cut into 2cm cubes
• 400g banana shallots,
peeled, sliced into
2cm rings
• 600g asparagus, cut
into 2cm lengths
• 120g baby leaf
spinach, washed
• 6tbsp olive oil
• 80g butter
• 4tbsp crème fraîche
• 1litre vegetable stock
• 200g soft goat cheese,
cut into cubes
• 4tsp tarragon,
finely chopped
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• 8 sprigs of rosemary
• 320g puff pastry,
ready rolled
• 1 egg, lightly whisked
• salt & pepper to taste
1Preheat oven 180˚C.
Sauté the leeks in half the
olive oil and half the butter
until soft, then remove from
the pan and set aside in a
bowl. Add the remaining oil
and butter to the pan. Add
the turnips and shallots and
cook until golden brown.
Then add the stock, thyme
and rosemary sprigs and cook
till the turnips are tender.
Remove the turnips from the
stock and add to the leeks.
Keep the stock.
2Meanwhile, blanch the
asparagus until just
tender, drain and add to
the other vegetables along
with the spinach, tarragon,
crème fraîche and goat’s
cheese. Gently mix together
and place in your pie dishes
with a little stock if needed.
the pastry to fit
3Cut your pie dishes and
brush the rim of the dishes
with the beaten egg. Place
the pastry on and crimp
the edges, and cut two slits
in the top of the lid so
the steam can escape and
brush the pastry with egg.
4Place the dishes on a
baking tray and cook
for 30-40 minutes till the
pastry is golden brown
and piping hot.
139 wealdentimes.co.uk

Lemon & lime posset with rhubarb & ginger
Serves 8 Prep time: 36 minutes. Cooking time: 30 minutes.
Rhubarb arrived in Europe from Asia in the 14th century.
Originally it was used for medicinal purposes, but started to be
used in cookery when sugar became more abundant and cheaper
in the 18th century. Ginger was imported, from much earlier,
also for medicinal purposes. A posset was originally a hot drink
made of milk curdled with spiced wine, often used as a remedy
for colds. In the 16th century the drink evolved into a cream,
sugar and citrus-based confection, similar to syllabub.
ramekins. Allow to cool, and
then place in the fridge.
For the compote
2Place the sugar and
water in a saucepan on a
low heat to melt the sugar.
Once the sugar is completely
dissolved, increase the heat
and bring to the boil, and
boil for five minutes.
3Place the rhubarb and
stem ginger in an ovenproof
dish, pour on the sugar
syrup and cook in the oven
for 15 minutes at 170˚C or
until the rhubarb is tender.
Cool before serving.
• 800ml double cream
• 200g caster sugar
• 2 limes, zest & juice
• 1 lemon, zest & juice
Rhubarb & ginger compote
• 400g rhubarb, washed &
cut into 5cm batons
• 8 stem ginger pieces, finely
sliced
• 400g caster sugar
• 400ml water
1Put the cream and sugar
in a saucepan and bring
to the boil slowly. Boil for
three minutes and remove
from the heat. Whisk in the
lemon and lime juice and
zest and pour into glasses or
Contact Juliet at Juliet’s Catering for weddings and events
01797 270347 / julietscatering.co.uk / Instagram @juliets_catering
Fabulous food
More recipes to make your mouth water
wealdentimes.co.uk/recipes
wealdentimes.co.uk
140

Light Lunches
www.whitesbar.co.uk
Available daily in both Battle and Hastings’ Whites Restaurants,
offering excellent value and superb quality lighter lunches.
£9.50/£13.50 Per person
Offered in conjunction with our Whites Specials’ board and A La Carte
menus. Homemade choices using local produce and quality ingredients.
Updated Opening Dates
Battle: Closed all day Sunday & Monday
Other than for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and the
Bank holiday weekend for the Medieval Fayre
celebrations of 26th and 27th May
Hastings: Open 7 days a week and open all
Bank Holidays. including Easter
For bookings please contact us on the numbers below
or visit us at our restaurants
See our website for further restaurant information
www.whitesbar.co.uk or visit us on our Facebook page.
Bon appetit! - Alex & Ellie
WHITES
SEAFOOD & STEAK BAR
Battle 01424 772357 Hastings 01424 719846

Park Farm Butchers & Graziers
Where Quality Comes Naturally
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From our traditionally managed farm
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and pork, reared on home grown cereals. We are Farm Assured
and our livestock are reared in harmony with the countryside.
TAKING ORDERS FOR EASTER
FROM OUR FARM
· 21 day matured Sussex beef · Free range Berkshire Pork
· Quality Romney Lamb
HOMEMADE
· Burgers · Dry Cured & Oak Smoked Bacon
· Chipolatas & Sausagemeat · Sausages · Cooked Hams
FRUIT & VEGETABLE SELECTION - LOCAL & SEASONAL
The Colonnade, Hawkhurst, Kent
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ParkFarmWT194.indd 1 21/03/2018 18:22
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144
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Gardens
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WT Garden Supplement
IghthamMoteWT206.indd 1 18/03/2019 12:26
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Sponsored by
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Contents
32
4 AN EDIBLE PARADISE
Jo Arnell’s guide to tasty
garden goodies
10 POINTS OF INTEREST
Our pick of garden
centres with unique twists
15 INTO THE WOODS
Rebecca Cuffe edits
garden furniture made
using naturally glorious
materials
19
19 FERN TIMES
Sue Whigham explores
the history behind
ferns
24 ASK THE EXPERTS
We talk to a collection of
garden professionals about
inspiration, trees, and
plants
31 HERE COMES THE
SUN
Fun products for
entertaining in fine
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32 SAVE THE WORLD
Products to help make
your garden more
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Cover Image: XL Pools
31
10
15
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Bouquet created by florist Ellie Lehane for Blooming Green
BloomingGreenWT206.indd 1 15/03/2019 12:20
The landscaping team
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We offer free quotations
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32
3 wealdentimes.co.uk
KatsuraGardensWT206.indd 1 12/03/2019 16:52

Sponsored by
An edible paradise
Jo Arnell tells us how to make a productive garden beautiful with deliciously attractive plants
There are a couple of boring
old phrases that hover, Jiminy
Cricket-like, in my ear when
I’m plotting out my vegetable garden:
‘cut your coat according to your
cloth’ is one, and, ‘don’t bite off more
than you can chew’ is the other.
By the beginning of every June,
when I’m up to my neck and nearly
choking, I realise that I should have
paid attention. There is sense in not
overreaching, in pacing yourself and
generally living within your means,
but the problem is that I can never
find much joy in that approach.
To me, a garden, especially a
productive one, should be gloriously
immersive. If your outdoor space
(or even your window box) is a
gorgeous place, brimming over with
beauty and promise, you’ll feel that
quiet surge of joy that will make
the (sometimes overwhelming) hard
work and effort worthwhile.
Veg patch or flower border?
A cottage garden traditionally
combined vegetables, herbs and
flowers. Somewhere along the lines
they were separated and the vegetables
were consigned to the boring back
of beyond, hidden at the bottom of
gardens, or done away with altogether.
Where vegetables are still in evidence,
they are often a bit lacklustre, sitting
in dutiful rows, catching the sun,
but not many admiring glances.
Don’t get me wrong, I do find
a well-organised vegetable plot to
be a thing of beauty in itself and
appreciate that growing in rows makes
it easy to hoe, feed and maintain the
WT Garden Supplement
4

Sponsored by
crops, but somehow I can’t help but
feel it all needs jollying up a bit.
One of the ways to do this is to grow
flowers among the vegetables, to have
less of a workaday veg patch and more
of an alluring edible garden. Even if you
do have a dedicated vegetable garden,
you can grow some flowers among them
in the form of companion plants – some
flowers are edible too and will have a
dual role as pollinators, attracting in
beneficial insects. They are beautifiers
and will act as a lure, not just for the
insects but for you and your visitor,
making you want to visit the plot.
Vegetables to grow in the flower borders
Ideally you want crops that have a
fairly long period of interest, to avoid
them looking depleted too quickly.
They will need a sunny spot with good
soil and not too much competition
from other greedy plants.
5 wealdentimes.co.uk

Sponsored by
“If your outdoor space is brimming over with beauty
and promise, you’ll feel that quiet surge of joy that will
make the hard work and effort worthwhile ”
Grown this way veg are less prone
to disease and attack by pests, will
be more productive and benefit the
wider environment. It is the unnatural
monocultures (picture the dust bowl
prairies, or endless acres of just one crop)
that are unhealthy and prone to huge
plagues of pests and widespread disease,
that become reliant on ever-increasing
amounts of chemical fertilisers and
ecologically disastrous pesticides.
No time or space?
There are lots of ways of having an
edible garden and you don’t have to
aim for self sufficiency – just a small
container full of homegrown tomatoes
might be enough this year, but while
you’re growing those, why not aim
for a bit of salad to go with them?
One cucumber plant will keep you
in cucumbers for the season, while
salad leaves pop up and are ready to
harvest in just a few short weeks.
The plant breeders and garden
centres offer dwarf, ‘patio’ versions of
many vegetables and these will happily
provide mini crops in smaller spaces.
Some, like stubby Chantenay carrots
are actually better off in containers,
where they will grow straight and true,
away from the pesky carrot fly that
lurks at ground level, its larvae waiting
to bore holes into tasty carrot roots.
Herbs
Herbs are such good value plants. Pretty
to look at, fragrant flavour enhancers in
cooking and drinks. They are especially
useful to grow in containers and most
will sit happily – and more or less
permanently – on the window sill,
positively thriving in a dry situation
and even enjoying regular haircuts.
If you are fed up with the pots of
herbs that you buy at the supermarket
dying almost as soon as you get them
home, here is a life-saving tip: the
Clockwise from top left: Use netting to protect crops from pests like the Cabbage
White butterfly; Vegetables grown in traditional rows; Potato ‘Pink Fir Apple’ is
a main crop variety, but eaten as a new potato; Sunflowers can be grown as a cut
flower crop or to entice pollinators to your patch; Dahlias appreciate the same rich
soil as vegetables
WT Garden Supplement
6

Border Design Courses
Was Your Property Built Before 1900?
Do you have a lost well? An experienced water
diviner / dowser may be able to locate it
Join Jo Arnell at her garden in Woodchurch and learn how to design
and plant your own flower border from scratch, using border design
principles, best plants to use and how to look after them..
Saturday 29th June - 1 day
10am - 4.30pm inc lunch, notes, tea/coffee
Summer flower course
3 morning sessions in May, June, July
see website or phone Jo for details.
No experience needed
Pipes and leaks are also
possible to be found.
call John Baker
on 01322 525975
johnh2obaker.co.uk
Contact Jo 01233 861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk
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Established in 1963, Kibblewhite Gardens remain at the forefront of
landscape contractors in the Kent & East Sussex area. The company
has flourished on recommendations from its clients who value the
attention to detail that David Kibblewhite provides and the consistently
high standard of workmanship from his experienced staff.
Quality garden design & landscaping since 1963
Call: 01580 850394 Or Visit: www.kibblewhitegardens.co.uk
7 wealdentimes.co.uk
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Above: Nasturtiums - pretty edible
reason that they are dying, when you
pull them out and look closely, is that
there’s not just one plant in the pot,
but often up to thirty, all crammed
up against one another. Separate these
little plants, grow them on in their
own containers and you will have
enough to last you (and possibly your
neighbours) the whole summer…
You don’t have to wear a hair shirt
to grow vegetables (other gardening
outfits are available), it really can
be a pleasurable experience. If your
plot looks inviting, you might even
be more inclined to go out there.
Let’s pacify our inner Jiminy and
hijack William Morris’s wisdom about
beauty and usefulness (‘Have nothing in
your house that you do not know to be
useful, or believe to be beautiful’) and
enjoy the process of growing, harvesting
and eating something fabulous.
Contact Jo for details of her
gardening courses 01233 861149
hornbrookmanor.co.uk
Edible beauties
There is still plenty of time to grow a plot full of beautiful vegetables
this year. Here are some of my favourites, chosen for flavour and ease
of growing as much as their looks.
Artichoke ‘Violetta di Chioggia’
– almost too decorative to eat,
artichokes can happily be grown at
the back of the flower border. This
one has stunning purple buds.
Courgette ‘Parador’ – will give you
a sunshine yellow crop to harvest
all summer long. Keep picking
them, in fact don’t even turn your
back for a moment, or you will end
up with a yellow submarine…
Cauliflower ‘Romanesco’ –
technically this is a broccoli, but let’s
not split curds. Despite the impressive
looks it’s much easier to grow than
cauliflower and tastes good too,
elegantly spiralling from plot to plate.
Borlotti bean – climbing or
dwarf – these truly magic beans
can be eaten young as whole
pods, or left to mature on the
plant to harvest as actual beans.
Turk’s Turban – this squash will squat
handsomely amid sprawling tendrils;
leave to ripen like a gleaming jewel in
the early autumn garden. Pumpkins
and squash also store really well,
making them a great late season crop.
Lettuce ‘Lollo Rosso’ – this is
a loose leaved variety with frilly
dark red leaves. Loose leaved
lettuces are slower to bolt (go to
seed) than hearting types. Mix
them in with a green loose leaf
type for a colourful salad bowl.
9 wealdentimes.co.uk

Points of interest
Looking for a horticultural day out with a difference?
Explore WT’s pick of glorious gardens, garden centres
and nurseries, each offering something a little unique
Garden Style
Run by garden designer and plantsman
Tony Howard and interior designer
Sebastian Haywood, Guestling’s Harborough
Nurseries is a haven for covetable garden
style. The nursery holds an extensive
selection of hand-picked trees, shrubs,
perennials and annuals alongside more
unusual plants and vegetables, whilst
the shop, styled by Sebastian, showcases
unusual vintage items alongside pots, tools
and garden accessories. 01424 814220
Scientific Research
RHS Garden Wisley, near Woking,
is the flagship garden of the Royal
Horticultural Society, and regarded by
many as one of the greatest gardens in
the world. Attracting around one million
visitors each year, the garden covers an
impressive 240 acres incorporating a
stunning Glasshouse, Exotic Garden,
Rock Garden, Conifer Lawn and
Jubilee Arboretum. Visitors can take
inspiration from constantly evolving
planting schemes and stock up in
The Wisley Plant Centre, which is
the largest stockist of hardy plants in
the country. As part of the RHS £160
million investment programme, the
historic Arts and Crafts-style Laboratory,
at the heart of the garden, is undergoing
a tranformation to bring the public
face-to-face with Wisley’s scientists and
research facilities, enabling visitors to
learn more about horticultual science
and its impact on the world around us.
Visit the garden in September for Wisley
Flower Show (3rd-8th) to see spectacular
displays and shop specialist nurseries
and garden trade stands, or browse
online at rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley for an
up-to-date listing of courses, events and
workshops available throughout the year.
Main image: RHS / Georgi Mabee
WT Garden Supplement
10

Creating beautiful gardens that are an
escape. Garden Design, consultation
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Gorgeous garden
Nestled behind tall hedges, Merriments
beautiful 4-acre RHS Partner Garden is
a must-visit for garden lovers. Vibrant
colour-themed borders evolve through
the seasons from spring pastels to the
fiery autumn hues. Visitors can take
inspiration from both formal and wild
plantings, all set on a gently sloping,
south facing site. Many of the plants on
show in the garden are grown in the on
site Nursery and are available to buy in
the Plant Centre. Merriments also has a
table service licensed restaurant serving
freshly prepared, seasonal meals, largely
made from local ingredients, plus a
shop offering a wide range of gardening
essentials, gifts and cards. The Garden
is open between 24 March & 20
October 2019 and four-legged friends
are welcome on leads. merriments.co.uk
Picturesque lavender fields
With a career working in the fine fragrance industry
under his belt, in the nineties and early naughties Brendan
Maye decided to try to reestablish English lavender’s
credentials by growing it in Surrey. But without a farm
to cultivate the flowers, Brendan looked to a local
environmental charity for help. By sponsoring the charity
to plant the lavender and leasing a field near Banstead,
Brendan was able to get his project off the ground.
Brendan bought the lavender and over the years he and
his wife Lorna have grown their business from strength
to strength, adding a Plant Nursery and Gift Shop by
transforming a dilapidated plant nursery in Epsom. The
farm will be open to visitors throughout the summer from
June, whilst the nursery and gift shop (which incorporates
12 acres of lavender, fruit trees and glasshouses) is open all
year round. mayfieldlavender.com
WT Garden Supplement
12

BAGHAM BARN ANTIQUES
Introducing the exciting range of Fiji and Montana garden furniture at Bagham
Barn. Built to last a lifetime, award winning design at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
Give your home a new look
from the county’s leading
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Make your home and garden
come alive at Bagham Barn
with our varied range of
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Homemade treats at the
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Open Good Friday, Easter
Sunday & Monday
Bagham Barn Antiques, Bagham Lane, Bagham Cross, Canterbury, Kent, CT4 8DU
T: (01227) 732522 W: www.baghambarnantiques.com

email: production@indexmagazine.co.uk email: p
Below is a proof of your ad to be published in the
magazine email: production@indexmagazine.co.uk
Positions in the
tel: 01892 517320
ema
PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisment it will be taken that this
WEST is KENT the responsibiluty MAY edition of the Index Magazine. positions tel: PLEASE NOTE are ag 0T
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is responsibility the responsibiluty for any of inaccuracies.
the every detail email:
advertiser and will PLEAS – be the
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WEST KENT
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advertiser guaranteed – the publisher except where cannot accept special responsibility for any inaccuracies. PLEASE NOTE
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Kent Garden Show
& NAFAS Regional Flower Show
Sat 25th, Sun 26th & Mon 27th May
Gates Open 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4pm)
MonarchOakWT147.indd 1 26/07/2018 SymondsSalvageWT147.indd 12:30
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Featuring over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods.
Floral marquees with stunning fl oral displays including
medal winners from Chelsea. There is a food hall,
craft pavilion, brass band & children’s rides.
Garden furniture, water features, garden sheds and
buildings, tools, sculptures, & much more.
Jacqueline Aviolet will be in attendance all weekend to
give answers to your gardening questions.
Tickets available now.
Archit
Tickets
available at
the gate & online
Prices: Adults £8.00,
Seniors £7.00
Children up to
age 16: Free
Sorry no dogs
01795 474660
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The Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF
WT Garden Supplement
14
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WT Garden Supplement
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The Traditional Verandah Company
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WT Garden Supplement
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Fronds of Woodwardia
unigemmata
Fern times
Sue Whigham marvels at these most ancient of plants, which were around before
the dinosaurs and still have a lot to offer gardeners now
You always learn something from being out in the
garden and this morning I heard from someone
who knows that one of the questions on a recent
University Challenge was ‘What does pteridomania mean?’
I didn’t discover whether the students knew the answer
or not as this conversation coincided with a sparrowhawk
homing in at huge speed on the myriad small birds waiting
their turn for our bird table. So much excitement.
Anyway, yes, fern fever or pteridomania was rife in
Victorian times taking over the obsession for roses in
the earlier part of the nineteenth century to the extent
that men, women and children would risk life and
limb, sometimes with fatal consequences, trying to
reach and dig up native ferns growing in ravines, above
fast flowing rivers and other rather dangerous sites.
Some of them went out into the countryside armed with
fern trowels especially designed for the job. I did notice one for
sale on eBay this morning, for the princely sum of £120.00.
This ‘fever’ coincided with the craze for greenhouses
and all manner of garden rooms in Victorian gardens
as well as special fern houses where they could show off
their collections and improve on their social cred.
Their cold, often dark and polluted houses became
full of ferns especially after the introduction of
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the Wardian case by one Dr Nathaniel Ward. He
realised that ferns grew well in nearly sealed containers
and thus every house that possibly could, had ferns
growing indoors in either a fern case or terrarium.
Not only that, Victorian houses and public buildings
were often embellished with ironwork incorporating fern
imagery. Ferns decorated every possible object in a Victorian
house including wallpaper, tablecloths and curtains. The
craze even extended to ferns being carved onto coffins.
Ferns are an ancient family of plants. Work done on
early fern fossils has established that they pre-date the
Mesozoic period of over 360 million years ago. They are
older than the dinosaurs and any land animals and thrived
on the Earth for 200 million years before any flowering
plants evolved. They are a member of a group of vascular
plants that do not flower or set seed but reproduce via
spores and have very specialised tissues that conduct
both water and nutrients around their structure.
One of the most exotic-looking ferns growing in the UK
are the chain ferns or woodwardia. To say that they are
theatrical is an understatement. The fronds of Woodwardia
unigemmata, AGM can reach 1.5 metres and the croziers
are a rich and vibrant dark orange when they emerge in
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“Ferns thrived on Earth for 200 million
years before any flowering plants evolved”
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on the tips of its fronds which arch over and take root.
The reason for the name ‘chain fern’ is that their
sporing bodies are arranged on the back of the
fronds in a row resulting in a chain-like pattern
which shows through to the top of the frond.
I had a good look at the fronds of the woodwardia
that I spotted at Great Dixter recently (it’s evergreen
which is all the more reason for growing it) and the
chain pattern was very pronounced on the top of the
frond. That one is growing in a very sheltered position
protected by a wall and by various shrubs which
keep the winter winds from shredding its fronds.
Woodwardia fimbriata is another giant chain fern
with fronds up to six feet long and whilst it is hardy
down to about -5 degrees C, it is happiest in a moist
soil and a sheltered aspect. Or perhaps in a pot which
can be moved into a greenhouse or garage during the
winter. If left out, bracken (another fern) wrapped
around the base will help protect the plant.
If you do decide to keep ferns in a pot, a good
growing medium would be three parts multi-purpose,
part loam and part horticultural sand. A grouping
of the evergreen or wintergreen ferns is so beautiful
particularly in small or courtyard gardens where they
provide such fabulous winter interest and work well with
emerging winter aconites, snowdrops and hellebores.
Evergreen ferns can be good in shaded, perhaps dreary
spots. Blechnum chilense, AGM, a large fern with dark green
narrow leathery leaves is good for this sort of site but also
CobwebGardenWorksWT206.indd 1 20/03/2019 18:45
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CityEscapesWT204.indd 1 24/01/2019 10:40

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Left and below: There are
many thousands of ferns to
discover
looks amazing in
a pot. Native to
Chile, it apparently
lines the sides of the roads there.
There are so many thousands of ferns to discover, mostly
with unpronounceable Latin names but don’t be put off as
their common names are much more manageable. Take the
tatting fern, Athyrium filix-femina ‘Frizelliae’, whose fronds
resemble lace tatting. This is hardy and deciduous and so
very decorative. Each leaflet looks like a little ruffled fan.
These ‘Lady Ferns’ were amongst the many ferns that
were so popular with the Victorians when there were
hundreds of named forms. This one was named after
a Mrs Frizell who discovered it in Ireland in 1857.
Another named form was found by a Victorian student
called James Cosh who apparently stepped on the plant as
he jumped over a wall. The leaves break from the stem at an
angle forming a V shape and thus the plant was named after
Queen Victoria. Hence Athyrium filix-femina ‘Victoriae’.
There are ferns for every situation, even the driest patches
under trees. Try aspleniums, polypodiums and polystichums
in dry shade but give them a good start by incorporating leaf
mould, bone meal and plenty of organic matter. Keep them
well watered until they take off and you should be fine.
The native Asplenium scolopendrium seems to be lining
ditches and shady stream banks whenever I’ve seen it, but it
seems to be a survivor and can cope with drier conditions.
The little asplenium that clothes walls in great profusion,
particularly in old stone walls in the West Country, is now
known as Asplenium ceterach or more simply, the rustybacked
fern, and was used in its guise as a spleenwort to treat
diseases of the spleen. You know these ferns are survivors as
in hot weather the leaves wither and you lose sight of them,
but as soon as the rain comes, they spring to life again.
Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 for
gardening advice and help in sourcing and supply of
interesting garden plants.
Help and advice
For all your gardening needs
wealdentimes.co.uk/gardens
23 wealdentimes.co.uk
PetalsForPlantsWT206.indd 1 07/03/2019 09:58

Sponsored by
Ask the Experts
Just what is it that inspires a garden designer, how can trees be incorporated into a
planting scheme and how can you bring a little of the indoors, outdoors? WT finds out
Stephen Moody from Frogheath Landscapes chats inspiration and design
What are you currently working on? We’re working on
some interesting projects with challenging ground levels and
access issues. At our base in Burwash Weald our apprentices
have been putting the final touches to our 2019 Chelsea
Flower Show garden called ‘Donkeys Matter’. Designed by
Williams and Prebensen, this show garden in the Artisan
category will demonstrate how owning a donkey in many
countries gives access to clean, fresh water for some of the
poorest and most vulnerable communities in the world.
Nursery visits are essential at this time of year as we
prepare for the Spring planting season. Hardy trees,
shrubs and perennials are usually planted in the autumn
but this time of year we are finishing many gardens with
plantings of slightly less hardy plants that require warmer
and less damp conditions to establish before next winter.
Where do you find your inspiration? Our main inspiration
has to be the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that we
are fortunate enough to work in. Take a walk from Burwash
Weald to Bateman’s (Kipling’s former home) through the
Dudwell valley in spring and you will always be inspired.
RHS Flower Shows are also a great source of new
and inspirational ideas from around the world.
Do you have any plant loves or hates? I don’t really
have any plant hates. It is more a case of disliking what
people do with plants. For example, the much maligned
X Cupressocyparis leylandii; this magnificent, large,
noble tree of dense columnar habit looks amazing as
a specimen tree in parkland but not so attractive or
magnificent as a hedge around a small suburban garden.
Do you have a signature look or plant? At Frogheath
Landscapes we always strive to create a good balance between
hard landscaping and planted areas. Our teams have a
broad range of both hard landscaping skills (brickwork,
paving, walls etc) and soft landscaping skills (planting,
lawns, trees etc). We have certain plants that we regularly
WT Garden Supplement
24

Get Garden Creative
Help your outdoor space come alive with our
pick of hands-on courses and workshops
Wealden Times gardening expert, Jo Arnell,
runs a series of workshops throughout the year
at her beautiful garden in Woodchurch, Kent.
Summer gardening courses Plan and plant a
beautiful border, learn the principles of border
design, choose the best performing plants and how
to get the most out of them through the seasons.
Border design day course
Saturday 29 June 10am-4.30pm
Summer borders course
monthly sessions
10/11 May, 14/15 June, 19/20 July
Friday or Saturday morning 10am-12.30pm
For details contact Jo on 01233
861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk
Millbrook Garden Centre in Staplehurst, Kent, is
home to a varied selection of workshops and garden
events throughout the year. Celebrate the arrival of
spring, by making a beautiful Easter showpiece at one
of Millbrook Garden Centre’s seasonal workshops.
Easter Table Arrangement Workshop
Friday 12 April, 6pm
Easter Wreath Workshop
Saturday 13th April, 2pm. Tickets cost
£30 per person, include all materials, plus
a glass of prosecco and a slice of cake.
use. They are what we call ‘good doers’, for instance
flowering reliably over a long period or keeping a
neat, evergreen shape. These are particularly useful
in small gardens where space is premium and plants
have to work hard to earn a place. Examples of these
are Salvia caradonna and Nepeta ‘Walker’s Low’.
Where’s your must-visit local garden/nursery and why?
English Woodlands in Heathfield are a wonderful source
of trees and shrubs. They are also very helpful in sourcing
difficult to find specimen plants. How Green Nursery
in Hever grow and sell a huge range of perennials and
grasses. Although they mainly sell direct to the trade, they
hold several open days through spring and summer when
the public are welcome to visit and stock up on treasures.
Frogheath Landscapes have won a whole host of Chelsea
medals including, most recently, a RHS Chelsea Silver
Medal in 2018 for their ‘Bee-friendly Artisan Garden’
frogheath.co.uk
Get younger garden enthusiasts involved this
Easter holiday with Millbrook’s Minis Easter
Fun. Millbrook will be running make-andtake
workshops, and there will be a chance to
meet some friendly animals with Our Amazing
Animal World. Tickets cost £6.50 per child.
Grow your gardening knowledge and meet likeminded
people at Millbrook’s gardening club, The
Millbrook Growers. They run a variety of talks
throughout the year. Lasting around 1 hour, the
talks offer hints and tips to get your garden growing;
perfect for putting into practice when you get home!
Millbrook’s April talk is entitled: Go Potty
with Pots with Jackie Hill​. Keen gardeners
are invited to join Jackie on Thursday 4 April
to learn how they can bring their garden to life
with a range of stunning pots and containers.
Tickets cost £7.50 and include refreshments.
millbrookgc.co.uk
25 wealdentimes.co.uk

www.gardenscapedirect.co.uk
Freephone 0800 854663
The Wharf, Rye Road, Newenden, TN18 5QG
Kate Ball
Garden Design & Planting Plans
Individual and bespoke garden spaces
07870 627145
www.kateballgardendesign.co.uk
GardenscapeWT206.indd 1 04/03/2019 KateBallWT194.indd 12:54
1 08/03/2018 16:53
Professional and award-winning garden designers
specialising in the installation of instant mature
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Telephone 01580 852315 or 07507 877685
www.mcgeachygardendesign.co.uk
info@mcgeachygardendesign.co.uk
WT Garden Supplement
26
McGeachyGardenDesignWT196.indd 1 21/05/2018 10:06

Sponsored by
The team at Practicality Brown discuss how
mature trees can fit into a garden project
What are you working on at the moment? There
are several large projects on our books at the
moment, where we are working on full landscaping
designs, which include supplying beautiful specimen
trees as well as our mature, instant hedging.
One of our recently completed projects was for a beautiful
house set in the Conservation Area of a quintessential
Hampshire village with extensive established gardens;
our client wished to develop and divide the land whilst
maintaining the mature look. We supplied our UK grown
Instant Hedge, as it provided the immediate impact
and necessary maturity to complement the existing
landscape. Other elements of this project included
supplying and planting two mature specimen trees.
Can trees be incorporated into any garden design? Within
reason, almost any plot can include a tree, enhancing
even the smallest of gardens. Position such trees well
and they will make an ideal focal point or use them
to screen out unwanted views; trees create structure
and seasonal interest to any garden and landscape. A
pleasure of planting semi-mature trees is that they can
be enjoyed now and for succeeding generations.
When choosing trees, it is worth considering just
how much space you have, and which seasons best
suit your planting scheme. Trees can bring all sorts of
focus to your garden whether it’s through their flowers,
foliage, fruit or bark, creating colour and interest all year
round, through welcome shade, as a wildlife magnet
and even tasty harvests, if you are planting fruit trees.
How long do they take to acclimatise and when
should they be added? Our newly planted trees
and hedges will establish well, with no problems
as long as there is appropriate aftercare; the plants
are fully settled within a couple of seasons.
All plants need water for their growth, whether from rain
or supplemented by irrigation. The amount of water which
is available to the plants depends on the type of soil and its
water retention properties e.g. sandy or clay. We recommend
regularly observing the plants, so that additional watering
may be started in time. The greatest need for water is when
plants are actively growing, and it is sunny and/or windy.
What should be considered when choosing the
height of a tree? Trees are a great addition to any
garden, creating structure and seasonal interest.
Choosing a tree can be challenging, so make sure you
look at the attributes to find trees that match your
requirements. You can use the Tree Finder on our
website to select those features, including final height.
If you only have room for one tree, we would suggest looking
for one with more than one season of interest such as fruit
or autumn colour following on from spring flowers. It is
important that any tree is chosen for their surroundings, in
terms of proportion as well as for their decorative value.
What type of tree proves to be most popular amongst
your clients? There are many reasons to add a tree
for your garden, whether it’s an elegant Acer, a Laurel
to provide privacy or a formal avenue of Limes.
Screening trees are particularly popular, as gardens can
provide a sanctuary and respite from the busy world and
using such trees to screen out or hide an undesirable view,
creates some valuable privacy. Generally, evergreens are
preferred for this purpose and can be planted densely to
achieve maximum effect from the offset. However, planting
a selection of trees, if space allows, can provide rich contrast
and seasonal interest. We have created a list of our ten
most popular screening trees, from Holly to Hornbeam.
Tell us a little about your instant hedges... We have
specialised in instant hedges for over 20 years, which
have provided immediate impact and maturity to
many private gardens and landscaping projects. Our
instant hedges are: mature and pre-grown, sold by the
linear metre (rather than as individual plants) and
available to plant all year round. They are
supplied between 0.8m and 2m high.
Using our experience in developing, maintaining
and planting instant hedging, we are producing our own
Practical Instant Hedge which is mature hedge grown in
1m troughs here at our nursery in Iver, Buckinghamshire.
The Practical Instant Hedging range currently
consists of Native Mix, Griselinia, Yew, Elaeagnus and
Portuguese Laurel, with more species to follow and has
been seen at award-winning Garden Designs at both
the Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows.
pracbrown.co.uk
27 wealdentimes.co.uk

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HarrietBarkerGardenDesignWT206.indd 1 20/03/2019 12:36
Tradi'onal or contemporary, large or small, the team at
Gardenproud can help you create a garden you’ll be proud of.
Established in 2007, we design, build and maintain gardens
throughout Kent and East Sussex. See our Show Garden at Corker,
Paddock Wood.
Graham Oliver from Urban Grow
Pods explains how he’s making the
most of his room outdoors
Tunbridge Wells based company Urban Grow Pods have
launched a range of contemporary eco friendly garden office/
studios as an answer to the growing need for more space.
Graham Oliver, designer and maker of the Urban Grow Pods,
sat down to design his ideal garden studio when, with the
arrival of his son at the beginning of 2018, the office made
way to the nursery. “At times of economic uncertainty, we
think twice before we look to move from a home we love
in an area we feel settled in,” he says. His growing family
needed more space and wanted a high spec garden room
that would give them a light flooded and eco-conscious
office space to feel inspired in, with all year round use.
“The urban grow pod is eco-conscious through and through
and built to last in what has become a disposable society.
Sheep’s wool is an ideal natural material for insulation and
combined with our luxury lacquered birch panelling with
maple skirting and roofing details, the Pods feel amazing
to spend time in. We have the thickest walls on the garden
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a solid construction that is extremely well insulated.”
You can see Urban Grow Pod’s show pod outdoors in
a walled garden at Knights Garden Centre, Oxted
urbangrowpod.com
If you are planning a new garden for 2019 then contact Tim Sykes
on 07725 173820, see us on Instagram, or google Gardenproud
WT Garden Supplement
GardenproudWT206.indd 1 06/03/2019 10:21
28

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LapaCompanyWT206.indd 1 15/03/2019 15:21
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Our website and brochure provides
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urbangrowpod.com
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29 wealdentimes.co.uk
UrbanGrowPodWT204.indd 1 21/01/2019 10:13

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Martin Gurr Tennis Courts is a family business with over 35 years’
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with a difference
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Tel: 01233 513498 | 07975 540504 www.fornoalfresco.com
WT Garden Supplement
30
FornoAlfrescoWT174.indd 1 19/07/2016 14:31

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31 wealdentimes.co.uk

Sav
Buy local
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Save the world
Make your garden more environmentally friendly with a few simple changes
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gardentrading.co.uk 4 Solar succulent jar £7.99 Dobbies dobbies.com
5 Compost bucket £35 Garden Trading
gardentrading.co.uk 6 Recycled plastic swing chair £259 Ian Snow iansnow.com
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9 Rose gold solar lightbulb £4.99 Dobbies dobbies.com 10 Solar bluebells £34.99 (2 pack) The Glow Company
glow.co.uk 11 Patrick Norguet WPC Bamboo outdoor sofa with table £3,230 Chaplins
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WT Garden Supplement
32

Wheels Around
the Weald
Sunday 12 th May 9:00am
Choose from 20, 40 and 80 mile routes
Hospice in the Weald, Pembury TN2 4TA
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145 wealdentimes.co.uk
HerondenVeterinaryWT195.indd 1 24/04/2018 11:32

INSIDE is where
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Everyone wants to get what they paid for. Wealden Times is independently
verified by ABC, because we want our advertisers to know they’re getting the
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ABC. See it. Believe it. Trust it.
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2018_be wise when you advertise_full A4.indd 2 08/11/2018 11:31:31
147 wealdentimes.co.uk
ABC.indd 1 12/12/2018 FrewenCollegeWT206.indd 17:15
1 20/03/2019 14:31

Blackland Farm
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Come and join us for
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Why not have your
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01342 810493
blackland@girlguiding.org.uk
www.blacklandfarm.org.uk
Blackland Farm
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148
SuttonValenceWT206.indd 1 12/03/2019 11:42

Education
istockphoto.com / davidf
Skills thrills
Skills
for learning are a better basis
for education than fact cramming
says Hilary Wilce
Children go to school to learn. But learn what? Schools
have been grappling with this question ever since
they were invented and life in the 21st century is
adding yet more complications to an already tangled tale.
Obviously, children need to be taught stuff – reading and
writing, English grammar and literature, biology, physics
and chemistry, history and geography, technology, modern
languages. They also need to be taught about art and music
and drama. And, of course about themselves as human beings,
by learning about wellbeing and human psychology.
But children also need to be helped to
acquire skills. All the facts in the world
are useless unless you also know how to
research, question, evaluate, collaborate,
and problem solve. So schools need
to teach facts and skills through all
the subjects on their timetables.
That’s a big ask in itself, but schools
are also now expected to address the ills
of society. They must teach children about avoiding obesity and
self-harm. About not carrying a knife and spotting fake news,
handling their screen time and taking care of their mental health.
It’s easy to see that it’s impossible for schools to teach
everything and how we choose to cut the curriculum
cloth will always prompt arguments. Traditionalists want
children to come out of schools knowing tons of hard
facts. They are advocates of a ‘knowledge-rich’ curriculum,
emphasizing memory, instruction and practice.
But in today’s internet age, does it make sense to use
valuable classroom time teaching the kinds of facts and
figures that children can look up on their smart phone in
“In today’s internet age, does
it make sense to use classroom
time teaching facts and figures
children can look up on their
smart phone in a trice?”
a trice? Wouldn’t it be better to spend more time teaching
them how to do research on the internet, what sources
they can trust and how to spot fakery and bias?
The so-called ‘skills-led curriculum’ does exactly that,
encouraging children to actively discover what they need to know,
to work collaboratively to learn it and to reflect afterwards on what
they have learned. In this skills-led approach, what children learn
is not considered nearly as important as how they learn it. Because,
so the thinking goes, if they have learned how to learn about one
thing, they can use all those same skills to learn about another.
A while back, a lot of money
was put into training teachers to
deliver lessons based on engagement,
collaboration and reflection, and this
approach has led to plenty of active
and interesting classroom education.
But it has also led to a sorry
amount of content-light lessons
in which pupils faff about making
posters or playing games. Now, though, the curriculum
pendulum, having gone quite far one way, is swinging back
towards more teacher-led lessons with lots of factual content.
Of course, the elusive sweet spot will always be somewhere
in the middle. Obviously, it’s good for children to have
core literacy and numeracy, to understand the sweep of
human development and to have a good grasp of science
and technology. But it’s no good if they have simply been
fed these things in order to regurgitate them in exams.
It’s just as important that they leave school knowing
how to apply knowledge, make connections, evaluate
information, and find out things for themselves.
149 wealdentimes.co.uk

Encouraging children
to reach for the stars
since 1874
Join us for our Summer Open Morning and
Annual Art Exhibition on Friday 10th May
01580 753555 / registrar@marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk
MARLBOROUGH
HOUSE
SCHOOL
Valuing self and others
Boys and Girls, Nursery-13 years. Day and Flexi Boarding
Hawkhurst, Cranbrook, Kent TN18 4PY marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk

TO BOOK A PLACE, PLEASE
CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE
T: 01233 739 030
REGISTRAR@ASHFORDSCHOOL.CO.UK
OPEN DAYS
MONDAY 29 APRIL
TUESDAY 14 MAY
ASHFORDSCHOOL.CO.UK

BEECHWOOD
SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT CO-EDUCATIONAL PREP & SENIOR SCHOOL
learning to be unique, not perfect
Join us for our OPEN MORNING, Thursday 7 May 2019 : 9.30am- 12pm
12 Pembury Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QD T: 01892 532747 E: registrar@beechwood.org.uk www.beechwood.org.uk
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wealdentimes.co.uk
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#nationaltrust
Spring at Smallhythe Place
Explore a new exhibition in the house
celebrating the Museum’s 90th
anniversary or stroll through the colourful
spring gardens. Catch a family show in
The Barn Theatre on 12th April with
'Snow White, Rose Red, Bear Brown' and
weave your way through a nature trail
over the Easter weekend. It's the perfect
time to explore.
Call 01580 762334 for details
nationaltrust.org. uk/smallhythe-place
© National Trust 2019. The National Trust is an independent
registered charity, number 205846. Photography © National
Trust Images\Rosie Gaston.
Art
Sundays 7 Apr – 13 Oct
Farleys House & Gallery
Muddles Green, Chiddingly,
Lewes, Sussex BN8 6HW
Lee miller in colour
The Lee Miller Archives presents
a brand new exhibition celebrating
colour photography rarely seen
from the collections. An icon
of 20th Century photography,
Lee Miller is renowned for
her striking black and white
surrealist imagery and fearless war
reportage. However, now for the
first time, through this exhibition,
her extraordinary mastery of
colour can be witnessed.
farleyshouseandgallery.co.uk
Easter
What’s On in April
Sat 6 – Mon 22 Apr
Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling,
Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AU
Spring into easter
Meet the cute baby lambs, goat
kids, and piglets which are often
born around springtime, have a
go at bottle feeding the lambs
and kids, hop on a fun farm
ride, get creative and decorate
the perfect Easter gift in the
Paint-a-Pot studio and enjoy
Easter Shows in the Big Top, a
bouncy castle and cuddle corner.
kentlife.org.uk
Sun 14 – Wed 17 &
Sun 21-Wed 24 Apr
Chiddingstone Castle, Hill
Hoath Road, Chiddingstone,
Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7AD
Easter bunny hunt
Grab a £2 clue sheet to find
all the Easter bunnies hidden
around the historical castle’s 35
acres of informal grounds.
chiddingstonecastle.org.uk
Fri 19 – Mon 22 Apr
Various locations
Cadbury Easter
Egg Hunt with
National trust
The Easter bunny has been
up to mischief hiding clues
throughout National Trust
locations across the Weald. Crack
the clues for some Easter fun and
delicious prizes at sites including
Ightham Mote, Sissinghurst
Castle Garden, Scotney Castle,
Knole, Smallhythe Place,
Bodiam Castle and Batemans.
easter.cadbury.co.uk
Sun 6 – Mon 22 Apr
Port Lympne, Aldington Road,
Lympne, Hythe CT21 4LR
Wild Easter Adventures
Book online up to midnight the
day before your Easter visit to Port
Lympne to save 20% on a family
day out with Kent’s only giraffes,
hundreds of free roaming animals,
and some life size time-travelling
dinosaurs. Plus on Good Friday
there will be a delicious BBQ on
offer at the Port Lympne Hotel’s
Iceburg Terrace and an Easter
Sunday lunch or dinner at just
£25 per person for two courses
and £30 for three courses.
aspinallfoundation.org
Charity
Wed 24 Apr
Hush Heath Wine Estate,
Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst,
Tonbridge, Kent TN12 0HT
Flowers, Fizz & Fun
Join the Gardening for Disabled
Trust at Hush Heath for a
fabulous Plant Fair and open
garden. Meet plant and garden
specialists, enjoy some free tastings
of Hush Heath’s award-winning
pink fizz, and explore the restored
and landscaped private garden of
Mr & Mrs Balfour-Lynn.
gardeningfordisabledtrust.org.uk
Sun 28 Apr
Five Acre Wood School,
Boughton Lane, Maidstone,
Kent ME15 9QF
Sainsbury’s Stores
sponsored cycle
Take to the roads for a sponsored
bike ride of 25 or 50 miles in
support of Heart of Kent Hospice.
Sainsbury’s will generously provide
refreshments along the route
which will start at Sainsbury’s
on Loose Road in Maidstone.
Entry: £15 per cyclist
hokh.org
wealdentimes.co.uk
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CHD-WT206.indd 1 15/03/2019 10:16
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EASTER
FAMILY
FUN
sun & mon
21 st & 22 nd
april
All
Inclusive
ticket!
Media partner
funfair!
ONLINE DISCOUNTS
live music
street
entertainment
thedockyard.co.uk
ENTERTAINMENT MADE IN

Penshurst VINTAGE
& Antiques Fair
Penshurst Village Hall TN11 8BP
20 th , 21 st , 22 nd April
Trade entry Saturday 9.30am
Public 10.30am–5pm
Entrance £2.00
Come and find decorative antiques, French
brocante & vintage items for the home & garden.
Enjoy delicious cakes and tea by Betsy’s Bake.
PenshurstAntiquesFairWT206.indd 1 20/03/2019 10:21
Visit kentwildlifetrust.org.uk/events to book
What’s On in April
Sun 28 Apr
Horsmonden, Tonbridge
TN12 8HT
CYCLE HORSMONDEN
A bike ride for Walking with
the Wounded. Cycle 25, 50 or
75 miles through the beautiful
Kent countryside. WWTW funds
the re-training and re-education
of servicemen and women,
both veterans and those leaving
The Armed Forces today.
register.primoevents.com/ps/
event/cyclehorsmonden2019 /
walkingwiththewounded.org.uk
Children & Families
Sat 6 – Mon 22 Apr
Kent & East Sussex Railway,
Tenterden Town Station,
Station Road, Tenterden,
Kent, TN30 6HE
LEGO® ‘Civilisations’
An innovative and entertaining
LEGO touring show with 40
stunning LEGO models including
life-size human figures from a
range of civilisations throughout
history. This exhibition
is a real treat for LEGO fans
young and old, whilst also being
educational and informative.
kesr.org.uk
Sat 13 Apr
Leeds Castle, Maidstone,
Kent ME17 1PL
Adventure Golf & New
Playground Official
Opening with Ben Cajee
Children’s TV presenter Ben Cajee
from CBeebies will open the
Knights’ Stronghold Playground
and a brand new adventure golf
course at Leeds Castle, as part of
the 900th anniversary celebrations.
leeds-castle.com
Fri 19 Apr
Betteshanger Sustainable Parks
Almond House, Betteshanger
Road, Deal, Kent CT14 0EN
Family Forest Skills Day
Make Easter crafts, light a
campfire, toast marshmallows,
spend time building woodland
dens, hunt for bugs and ultimately
bring the family together at a
special forest skills day with
Really Wild Wooders.
Entry: First child £10, additional
siblings £8, adult £5
betteshangerparks.co.uk
Sun 21 – Mon 22 Apr
The Historic Dockyard
Chattham, Main Gate Road,
Chatham, Kent ME4 4UY
Festival of Steam
& Transport
Steam trains, a free funfair, food
stalls, steam punks and live music
– there is much fun to be had
at this family friendly festival.
thedockyard.co.uk
Music
Sat 13 April 7.30pm
St. Dunstan’s Church,
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HA
Cranbrook
Choral Society:
MOZART, HAYDN, HUMMEL
Works by three giants of
the world of classical music
sung by Cranbrook’s fine
choir and accompanied by
the Cranbrook Sinfonia.
Entry: £15 (£7.50 students)
cranbrookchoral.org.uk.
Fri 19 – Sat 21 Apr &
Fri 17 – Sun 19 May
Green Farm, Duck Lane
Shadoxhurst, Kent TN26 1LT
Singing with
Nightingales
A night time walk and concert
by wild nightingales. Each event
will feature a campfire gathering
in the delightful setting of
Fairyland, featuring songs and
folk music from Sam Lee and
his guests, story-telling, wildlife
lore and a home cooked feast,
followed by a silent walk to a
location favoured by birds.
singingwithnightingales.com
Spring
Mon 8 – Fri 12 Apr
Godinton House & Gardens,
Godinton Lane, Ashford,
Kent TN23 3BP
Spring week
Set within the fabulous 13 acres
155 wealdentimes.co.uk
KentWildlifeTrustWT206.indd 1 13/03/2019 10:37

What’s On in April
of stunning gardens surrounding
the historic house of Godinton,
this week of family fun will have a
traditional treasure hunt, children’s
crafts, garden games and ecoart
and outdoor fun with Lorna
Wyrill from Onodrim Woods and
Debbie Reynolds from the Kentish
Stour Countryside Partnership.
godintonhouse.co.uk
Wed 10 – Fri 12, Wed 17 – Thu
18 & Wed 24 – Fri 26 April
Brogdale Collections
Hanami Picnics
Celebrate the traditional Japanese
festival of the cherry blossom,
with over 4,000 fruit tree varieties
and all sorts of Japanese themed
delights. Explore the Japanese
culture exhibition, sample Japanese
food, have a go at origami and
calligraphy and try on a kimono.
Entry: Adult £11.50, child £2.50
brogdalecollections.org
Wed 24 – 30 Apr
Hever Castle, Hever Road,
Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG
Tulip Celebrations
The third Tulip Celebrations
event as part of the Tulip Festival
at Hever Castle & Gardens will
feature 21,000 tulips in bloom
in the stunning grounds of the
childhood home of Anne Boleyn.
Enjoy a self-guided tulip trail
throughout the grounds or if you
would like a more immersive tour
of the tulips, there will be free
tours with Hever Castle’s Head
Gardener at 11:30am each day.
hevercastle.co.uk
Wellbeing
Sat 13 Apr 10am-12.30pm
Charing Surgery, Charing,
Surgery Close, 1, Charing,
Ashford, Kent TN27 0AW
NLP & Health
Understand more about the
mind body connection and how
your thoughts and emotions
can affect your health and
wellbeing. Valuable insights
and NLP demonstration.
Entry: £45
01233 878474 /
yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk
wealdentimes.co.uk
Sun 14 Apr 1pm-4.30pm
Clewards, Market Place,
Charing, Kent TN27 0LR
Introduction to
Creative Journaling
NLP Master Practitioner and Life
Coach, Yvonne Fernando helps
you to learn creative journaling
and creative visualisation
techniques (no artistic skills
required). Perfect to explore
feelings, understand yourself
better and make positive change.
Includes snack/relaxation session.
Entry: £85
01233 878474 /
yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk
Workshops
Tuesday 30 April 10.30-4pm
Godinton House, Godinton
Lane, Ashford, Kent TN23 3BP
CERAMIC SCULPTURE
WORKSHOP FOR
ALL ABILITIES
Fun, friendly and deeply
informative sculpture workshop
for all at beautiful Godinton
House. Subject:- Green Man/
Mother Nature/Free choice.
Entry: £65
book brendaburgess@
brendaburgessarts.co.uk /
brendaburgessarts.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 150 words that
should include date, time, venue,
and any entry price to whatson@
wealdentimes.co.uk or send with
payment (cheques payable to
Priceless Media Ltd.) 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
May issue is 12 April 2019.
156
Frankie’s Guys
Fri 3 May 7.30pm
One Night of Adele
Sat 4 May 7.30pm
Dear Zoo
Mon 5 & Tue 6 May
An Evening with Mark Billingham
Wed 8 May 7.30pm
Book online:
whiterocktheatre.org.uk
Ticket Office: 01424 462288
White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JX
WhiteRockTheatre
@The_White_Rock
@white_rock_theatre
WhiteRockTheatreWT206-V.indd 1 20/03/2019 12:47

BOOK NOW
LIMITED
AVAILABILITY
‘World Class Concerts
In Unique Settings’
Presenting two series of exceptional concerts over the May bank holiday weekends
St Mary’s Church, Rye & Hever Castle, Kent
St Mary’s Church Rye, Sussex
Sergio Mendes
Brazilian Music Legend
Friday 3 May
He has defined Brazilian
music for audiences around
the world and came to
stardom with his iconic
band Brasil ’66.
Madeleine Peyroux
American Jazz Singer
Saturday 4 May
Eight albums later and 22
years since her debut album
‘Dreamlands’ Madeleine
continues to challenge the
confines of jazz.
Jimmy Webb
American Songwriter
Sunday 5 May
The songwriting legend
behind the Glen Campbell
hits “Witchita Lineman”, “By
The Time I Get To Phoenix”,
“Galveston” and many more.
Hever Castle, Kent
Courtney Pine
British Jazz Legend
Saturday 25 May
Black notes from the
deep sees Courtney Pine
returning to the tenor
saxophone for the first
time in a decade.
Miloš Karadaglić
Classical Guitarist
Sunday 26 May
You can expect a wonderful
programme of Spanish
classics, cool Latin, Bach
chaconnes & Beatles
arrangements.
Mica Paris
Sings Ella Fitzgerald
Monday 27 May
Mica performs a special
concert celebrating the
music and songs of
Ella Fitzgerald, the
First Lady of Song.
BOOK TICKETS ONLINE GO TO WWW.RYEJAZZ.COM

The complete kitchen service...
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The supply & replacement of
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bespoke ironwork for home & garden
07765 344298
www.cranbrookiron.com
Open: Wednesday - Saturday
David Hall
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The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On
Wednesday 15th May 2019
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
DavidHallWT108.indd 1 14/01/2011 IbbettMoselyWT206.indd 15:27
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I N T E R I O R S
CYCLE
secondary Primary logo logo & pattern
HORSMONDEN
EmmaHazelwoodInteriorsWT2061/8.indd 1 20/03/2019 12:36
SUNDAY 28 APRIL 2019clare langdon clare langdon clare langdon
https://register.primoevents.com/ps/event/cyclehorsmonden2019
I N T E R I O R S
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07762 771372
emmahazelwood.co.uk
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I N T E R I O R S
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clare langdon
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Association House, St David’s Bridge,
Poster A4.indd 1 22/11/2018 15:13:37
Association
Cranbrook,
House,
Kent,
St David’s
TN17 3HL
Bridge,
wealdentimes.co.uk
158
Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HL
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1 12/09/2018 17:10
C = 20
C = 0
M = 15
M = 5

Competition
Win a £500 BoConcept
voucher
BoConcept designs and produces a range of contemporary
Danish design furniture and accessories for the living room,
dining room, bedroom, home-office and outdoors. Their world
famous international designers work closely together to create
a coordinated look across a collection of furniture and home
accessories designed to suit a large variety of moods while also
expressing current trends.
Whether you need some advice furnishing your entire home or
would like some inspiration as to which sofa will work in your
living room, BoConcept’s team of highly experienced interior
designers are ready to help you create a unique home that matches
your personal style. As part of BoConcept’s free interior design
service their design team will advise you in-store, or come to your
home, take measurements of your space, listen to your needs,
suggest fabrics and finishes and produce full 3D renderings
showing you how your space could look.
How to enter: For your chance to win a
£500 BoConcept voucher just answer the following
question: How many finishes are available for
sofas, dining chairs and bed headboards? Enter
your answer with your contact details in the online
form at wealdentimes.co.uk/competition by 30
April 2019. There is no cash alternative and
the prize must be taken by 31 May 2020. You
must be over the age of 18 to enter. Voucher
redeemable in-store at BoConcept Canterbury
only. No minimum purchase.
In-store you’ll find everything from designer sofas and armchairs
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With more than 140 finishes for sofas, dining chairs and bed
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Congratulations to Lindsay Marks who wins our February competition for a spa day for two and over £100 of spa products
159 wealdentimes.co.uk

Jane Howard’s
Fables from
the Farm
It’s proper spring and Jane and the
bees are getting busy (and buzzy)
Early April brings moments of warmer weather and
the chance to cast jumpers aside and step out in just
a T-shirt. Bliss, but this is no time for getting out
the deckchairs and lemonade, it’s time to look at the bees.
I last peeked inside in October when I made sure they
had plenty of stores for the winter. And then after closing
them up for the last time I wrapped their wooden hives
with flappy plastic bags to frighten off woodpeckers
who are wont to drill their way in and eat the honey.
For the same reason I fitted tiny metal guards across
the entrances to stop mice moving into what must
be delightfully warm and cosy winter quarters. Then
it’s time to let the bees seal up all the cracks from the
inside, which they do by collecting tree resin and sap
and mixing it together into a gloopy concoction called
propolis and literally sticking everything together.
I can’t help thinking it’s only a matter of time before – move
over spinach, quinoa and blueberries –
propolis becomes the next ‘super’ thing.
Apart from being bee glue, it’s a good
antiseptic, used by the ancient Egyptians
as part of the mummification process and
taken out to battlefields to treat wounded
soldiers as recently as the Boer War.
So with antibiotic resistance becoming
an ever more pressing issue, it may yet
make an important comeback. And
that’s not all – the great violin maker Stradivarius favoured
it over everything else to varnish his priceless instruments
and many musicians still agree there is nothing better.
But come that sunny April day, when it’s time to crack
open the hives and see what’s been going on inside, I’m always
full of dread and excitement in equal measure. Every year a
significant number of bees don’t make it through the winter.
The British Beekeepers Association monitors the number
of winter losses, region by region, and despite best efforts
losses were at about 23% in the South in 2017, 17% last
year was better and we won’t know about 2019 till we’ve all
looked, recorded and sent off our forms later this year.
But as ever hopes are high that not only will all five
of our hives have made it, but that the queen will be
laying lots of eggs to build up
“It’s only a matter of
time before – move over
quinoa and blueberries
– propolis becomes the
next ‘super’ thing.”
numbers for the season ahead.
Honey bees survive by having about
50,000 worker bees in the summer
that are frantically busy collecting
nectar from flowering plants and trees
to turn it into stored honey. Numbers
then drop in late autumn to about
10,000 who survive by eating the
stored honey. And all these bees come
from just one queen who, all being well, will by now be laying
frantically in a bid to get those numbers up – do the maths and
you can see from February to June she has her work cut out.
Urban bees often have a much easier time of it than their
country cousins. With so many parks, gardens, patios and bits
of wasteland, city bees don’t have to go far to find their flowers
and there is of course the most wonderful variety when they
get there. Greater London Honey recently won Best in Show at
The National Honey Show – the honey equivalent of Crufts.
By comparison, their country cousins often only have acres
of monoculture like oilseed rape to forage upon. But luckily
the Coopers Farm girls (all worker bees are girls, but let’s not
go down that road) have the equivalent of a handy deli round
the corner in the shape of our wild flower meadow. We planted
about fifty bee-friendly species six years ago and now it’s a joy,
for us, the birds, the bees and who knows…we could just give
the City boys a run for their money in the tasty honey stakes.
Follow Jane Howard – and the farm – on Instagram @coopersfarm
wealdentimes.co.uk
160

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