Wealden Times | WT215 | January 2020 | Travel & Wellbeing supplement inside

PRICELESS 

JANUARY AUGUST 2019 2020 

TR AVEL & WELLBEING SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

Designed to stand the test of time 

The difference is in the detail

Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms 

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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

7 UNIQUE, COUNTRY HOMES IN THE HISTORIC TOWN OF CRANBROOK 

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Kent, TN17 3QX 

CONTACT US 

01233 421055 

sales@jarvishomes.com 

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5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB 

01580 715144 

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

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service. 

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law - 

Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation - 

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Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT 

Wills from £220.00+VAT / Mirror Wills from £350.00+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 

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wealdentimes.co.uk 

4 

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Contents 

January 2020 

34 

100 

92 

16 

27 

34 

59 

62 

85 

BED, BATH & BEYOND 

Maggie Alderson tracks down 

the best properties with 

an abundance of space 

NOTEBOOK 

A wedding showcase, a journaling 

workshop and a vegan market – 

find something to do this month 

RETURN TO SPLENDOUR 

The office has left the 

building – and in its place 

a stylish family home 

GET THE LOOK 

Shop products to add some 

splendour to your own home 

TREADING LIGHTLY 

A mastercourse in decorating 

while you shop for a dream home 

GET THE LOOK 

Interior decorating inspired 

by ‘Treading Lightly’ 

87 

92 

100 

107 

113 

115 

BREAK IT UP 

Fabulous flooring transitions 

COSY COUTURE 

Kate Liz Watts brings style to 

the winter months with these 

beautiful warm outer layers 

FRESH FIX 

Delicious and nutritious 

meat-free meal inspiration 

from Jo Arnell 

GROW YOUR OWN SUN 

Combat the winter blues with 

a garden full of yellow plants 

USE YOUR BRAIN POWER 

Now is the perfect time to 

learn something new (whatever 

your age) says Hilary Wilce 

STARTING OUT 

Helpful advice about making those 

all important decisions regarding 

your child’s early education 

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 © 2020 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of 

the advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd. 

127 

129 

131 

132 

SORTING OUT SEPARATION 

Advice around the legal implications 

at the end of a relationship 

WHAT’S ON 

Your guide to the New Year’s 

not-to-be-missed events 

COMPETITION 

Win a fabulous Welligogs jacket 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Tree planting is key to cutting 

carbon, Jane Howard shares tree 

wisdom from Cooper’s Farm 

TRAVEL & 

WELLBEING 

SUPPLEMENT 

28 pages to inspire 

you for 2020. 

After page 90. 

Travel & Wellbeing 

A Wealden Times Supplement 

Sponsored by 

5 

Once-in-a-lifetime holidays • New hobbies • Beauty & wellbeing

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT 

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM 

HERE TO GET you THERE 

TENTERDEN £700,000 

An individual 1930s detached home which retains many of its original 

features and comes to the market for the fi rst time in 49 years, situated 

close to the local schools and within easy access to Tenterden High 

Street. EPC F 


A spacious four bedroom detached home with detached garage and 

mature garden, enjoying far reaching views over the surrounding 

countryside and located only a short distance from the high street 

of Tenterden. EPC D 

WAREHORNE £450,000 

A beautifully converted chapel dating back to 1866, offering three double 

bedrooms, en-suite and retaining a wealth of period features including 

entrance vestibule and spacious living room with original panelling. EPC D 


NO CHAIN. - A spacious four bedroom Neo Georgian detached family 

home situated in a highly sought after residential close within walking 

distance of Tenterden High Street. EPC E 

SMITH WAY 

HEADCORN 

NEW SHOW HOME NOW LAUNCHED 

Smith Way is a small private development of just 14 homes set in the 

village of Headcorn, close to the station. All 3, 4 & 5 bedroom properties 

are fi nished to a very high standard and ready to move into. Prices from 

£400,000 to £750,000. 

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 

01303 261 557 

ASHFORD 

FOLKESTONE 

01233 613 613 

01303 210 335 

Over 200 independently owned branches across the UK.

Residential Sales 

#TheGardenOfEngland 

Estate Agents 

Between Rolvenden 

& Wittersham 

OIEO £800,000 

There are some places that instantly give you 

a lovely welcoming feeling and this is certainly 

one of them. A perfect family home. EPC NA 

Pluckley 

Guide £975,000 

This is a distinctive and attractive period family 

house with wonderful gardens, a separate cottage 

and both a car barn and double garage. EPC NA 

Tenterden 

Guide £795,000 

Beautifully presented, light and spacious offering 

versatile accommodation with further potential 

to create an annexe, and with generous sized 

gardens. EPC E 

Rolvenden Layne 

Guide £850,000 

A fabulous single storey residence offering over 

3,000sqft of living accommodation in a quiet 

location with gardens, detached double garage 

and a separate 80ft store. EPC C 

Between Rolvenden 

Layne & Newenden 

Guide £845,000 

Edwardian country cottage, beautiful 

location with gardens, paddocks, mature 

woodland and useful outbuildings. 

In all about 4.5 acres. EPC E 

Between Woodchurch 

& High Halden 

From £715,000 

Three high specification contemporary 

homes modelled from former farm 

buildings in a lovely rural setting each 

with gardens and fenced paddock. EPC C 

Hobbs Parker Estate Agents www.hobbsparker.co.uk 

Tenterden 01580 766766 Ashford 01233 506260 

01580 766766

‘Our Focus Determines Your Reality’ 

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

NEW YEAR TREATS 

BE THE FIRST THROUGH THE DOOR 

EXCITING NEW PROPERTIES 

TO BE LAUNCHED JANUARY 2020 

Sales & Lettings Team 

Harpers&Hurlingham 

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 715400 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

Jane Emilie Chez Cathy Sara Debbie Debbie S Caroline Dianne 

Caroline J

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

For a brochure or home consultation call 01797 366895 

www.anthony-hicks.co.uk

Go green and 

save money 

What is Ground Source Heating? 

Ground Source Heating is exactly what it 

says. It’s a way of obtaining heating from the 

ground. Ground source heat pumps are a 

carbon emission free way to heat the home 

using solar energy stored in the ground. 

Tel: 0800 0496 939 

Waters End, Standen Street, 

Iden Green, Kent TN17 4LA 

www.geotechdevelopments.co.uk 

We are the UK’s leading 

restorer and repairer of 

traditional, distinctive 

oast cowls & kiln roofs. 

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New cowl construction. Painting 

& cleaning. Repair & maintenance. 

Also specialising in Kent peg tile 

roof repairs and kiln tile repairs. 

Trusted over four family 

generations by royalty, businesses 

& homeowners alike. 

Oast owners 

Book a no-obligation visit 

01622 725 898 / 07973 332 790 

www.dudeandarnette.co.uk 

est 

11 wealdentimes.co.uk 

Dude&ArnetteWT215.indd 1 10/12/2019 11:53

NEW HOMES SET AMONGST 31 ACRES OF LAKES, 

COUNTRY PARK AND NATURE RESERVE IN ASHFORD 

READY TO MOVE INTO 

NEW SHOW HOMES OPENING SATURDAY 18 JANUARY 

• Explore our beautiful collection of 3, 4 & 5 bedroom homes with integrated kitchen appliances, 

flooring throughout and turfed gardens as standard 

• Incentives tailored to suit you, including stamp duty paid, plus legal and deposit contributions 

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CONTACT US TO SECURE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY 

PRICES FROM £334,995 

CONNINGBROOKLAKES.COM | 01233 216099 

MARKETING SUITE & SHOWHOMES OPEN DAILY: 10AM - 5PM 

WILLESBOROUGH ROAD, ASHFORD, KENT TN24 9QX 

*Incentives available for a limited time only on selected plots. **Moving Made Easy contribution of up to £6,000 available for a limited time only. 

Please speak to a member of the sales team for more information. All information correct at time of print. Photography is indicative only.

Design & Planning 

Design 

Restoration 

& Planning 

New 

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Build 

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Restoration 

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www.coxrestorations.co.uk 

Barn Conversions 

Extensions 


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Extensions 

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George & James Architects is a 

design-led architecture practice 

specialising in bespoke homes 

and residential refurbishments. 

We have completed projects 

across London, the South and 

South-West. Our work includes 

architecture, interior design and 

conservation. 

Barn We Conversions 

enjoy working 

collaboratively Extensions with our clients, 

with Joinery each project receiving 

expert attention from our 

founding Directors. 

We are proud to be an RIBA 

Chartered Practice and as such 

we are committed to excellence 

in design and service delivery. 

Unit 315, Cocoa Studios, 

The Biscuit Factory, 

100 Drummond Road, 

London, SE16 4DG 

020 7231 7495 

architects@georgeandjames.co.uk 

www.georgeandjames.co.uk 


Extensions 

Joinery 


Restoration 

GeorgeandJamesWT215.indd 1 09/12/2019 15:43 



New Build 

Restoration Design & Planning 

Barn Conversions Restoration 

New Build 

New Build 

Barn Conversions Restoration 

Extensions 


Extensions 

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New Build 

Joinery 

Joinery 

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oxrestorations.co.uk 

COX 

Developments 

(Charing) Limited 

COX 

www.coxrestoration 

Developments 

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Restoration 

New Build 


Extensions 

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For a free consultation please contact: 01233 714950 


Established 1986 


For a www.coxdevelopmentscharing.co.uk 

free consultation please contact: www.coxrestorations.co.uk 

01233 714950 

For a free consultation www.coxrestorations.co.uk 

please contact: 

Established 

01233 714950 

NATIONAL AWARD WINNER COX DEVELOPMENTS 1986 

(CHARING) LIMITED www.coxrestorations.co.uk 

– BEST Established SMALL DEVELOPMENT 

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www.coxdevelopmentscharing.co.uk 

NATIONAL AWARD WINNER COX DEVELOPMENTS 

(CHARING) LIMITED – BEST SMALL DEVELOPMENT 





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21/08/2017 12:14 

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RENOVATE OR SIMPLY UPDATE 

IN AS LITTLE AS A DAY 

Give your kitchen a stylish new look without going through all the disruption of ripping out your old one. Our bespoke worktops and 

replacement doors are made to cover existing surfaces precisely, leaving a hardwearing and luxurious finish. Known as ‘The Top That 

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For a free consultation visit granitetransformations.co.uk/tunbridgewells 

or call 01892 888 684 and ask for Lisa. 

TUNBRIDGE WELLS SHOWROOM 

Unit 5, Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF

The 

Ringlestone 

Inn 

Country Pub 

& Restaurant 

A reputation built on 

quality craftsmanship 

and service 

Newly re-opened country pub 

& restaurant offering seasonal, 

regularly changing menus, 

crafted utilising artisan methods 

of whole carcass butchery, dry 

curing, smoking & preserving. 

The Bars at The Ringlestone Inn 

are truly memorable places to 

enjoy a relaxing drink or meal. 

We also offer a classic menu 

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dishes with a twist. 

Á la carte and tasting menu 

served in the restaurant. 

A warm welcome awaits you....a 

truly memorable place to enjoy 

a relaxing drink or meal. 

01622 290 300 

info@theringlestone.co.uk 

www.theringlestone.co.uk 

Ringlestone Road, Harrietsham, 

Kent, ME17 1NX 

Kent Peg Tiling & Listed Building 

Specialists. Conservation and 

renovation specialists. High quality 

work by experienced craftsmen. 

National Award Winning 

Company. 

01797 270 268 l kentpegs.com 

PLOT OR NOT? 

If you think your land or property has development potential, 

why not give us a call without obligation and in confidence. 

RinglestoneInnWT215.indd 1 16/12/2019 KarlTerryWT214.indd 15:50 

1 20/11/2019 15:06 

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 

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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 


SJDprojectsWT214.indd 1 01/11/2019 14:49

House 

Month 

of the 

£10,600,000 

Bed, Bath & Beyond 

Maggie Alderson picks homes with luxurious amounts of space 

Hunton Court 

The dream: It is hard to imagine a 

house lovelier than this one, a true 

‘mansion’ of Grade II listed Georgian 

perfection, in a warm stone more 

associated with the Cotswolds than 

Kent. The original house dates back 

to the 13th century, with beamy 

evidence of it still visible in the attic. 

It has two long drives, both with gate 

lodges, and there is a dreamy stone 

bridge over the lake. The estate is 

available as a whole, or in three lots. 

The property has been eco-ed up 

with a biomass system. The scope 

for the interiors is off the scale. 

Where: On the edge of the 

village of Hunton, 15 minutes 

south west of Maidstone. 

Setting: In its own park, to the 

north and south, in lovely country. 

Beds: 8 Baths: 6 

Special features: The parquet in 

the entrance hall is sublime. 

Pleasing details: The lovely old coach 

house, with stables and a cottage. 

Outside: The full lot has about 

170 acres with Mr Darcy lakes, a 

walled garden, formal lawns and 

borders, parkland with specimen 

trees, swimming pool, tennis court, 

orchard, potager and arable farmland. 

Time to town: 10 minutes 

to Paddock Wood, then 41 

minutes to London Bridge. 

Agent: Strutt & Parker, Sevenoaks 

01732 459900 struttandparker.com 


16

Great Pagehurst 

Place 

£1,295,000 

The dream: You would fall in love 

with this Grade II listed 16th century 

farmhouse for the adorable chimneys 

alone, and it is gloriously higgledypiggledy 

on the side elevation. Inside 

it’s a beamy delight, with a lovely 

big sitting room, elegant dining 

room with French windows to the 

terrace, family room and study. 

Where: On the outskirts 

of Staplehurst. 

Setting: Surrounded by rolling 

Kentish countryside. 


Special features: The splendid 

crown post on the landing. 

Pleasing details: The row of 

poplar trees in the garden. 

Outside: About an acre of established 

gardens with lovely borders. 

Time to town: Just over an hour from 

Staplehurst on the Charing Cross line. 

Agent: Harpers & Hurlingham, 

Cranbrook 01580 715400 

harpersandhurlingham.com 

Warrior Square 

£1,925,000 

The dream: Six floors and 6,549 

square feet of majestic Regency 

townhouse, yards from the sea, 

it has been entirely renovated 

with great style. It is one of only 

two entire properties remaining 

on the whole square. 

Where: St Leonards-on-Sea 

Setting: On elegant Warrior Square, 

with its rose gardens, in the ever more 

trendy seafront section of St Leonards. 


Special features: Floor to ceiling 

sea-view windows in the drawing 

room, with a balcony. 

Pleasing details: A double 

garage, very rare in this area. 

Outside: The rose gardens of 

Warrior Square to the front, a 

private garden to the back. 

Time to town: From 90 minutes 

from St Leonards station, 

five minutes walk away. 

Agent: Fine & Country, Cranbrook 

01580 715000 fineandcountry.com 

17 wealdentimes.co.uk

visit www.krieder.com | for enquiries & brochures 01892 619721

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

Divorce: 

Putting Your Children First 

Divorce is an inherently difficult 

and stressful time for couples… 

is how most marital breakdown 

articles start. But what about 

children? 

In a recent poll of 250 participants, Cripps 

Pemberton Greenish found that 84% believe the 

law around divorce does not do enough to protect 

children’s interests. 

The simple fact that two parents are separating 

is enough to potentially cause short and long 

term effects on a child’s wellbeing. Numerous 

studies have shown that children often blame 

themselves for the breakdown. This guilt, along 

with the general stress and anxiety from the 

breakdown, can manifest into various problems 

including behavioural issues, health conditions 

and educational shortfalls. 

In the present day, the effect of divorce on a child 

is often exacerbated by two key factors – Family 

Court delays and the current divorce law. 

Family Court delays - Since the introduction 

of Regional Divorce Centres in 2014/15, average 

waiting times for divorce paperwork to be 

reviewed, sealed and issued are at an all-time 

high with some cases taking in excess a year. 

These delays naturally put added strains on 

families by increasing the longevity of an already 

trying process. 

for reform. A reform that puts children at the 

forefront of the minds of parents, lawyers and 

judges which will help protect children’s welfare 

throughout the emotional minefield that is 

divorce. 

What Are Lawyers Doing? 

In April 2019, Justice Secretary David Gauke 

proposed changes to the existing divorce law 

which included the introduction of ‘no fault’ 

divorce. Current law requires individuals to 

point the finger in order to demonstrate that a 

marriage has irretrievably broken down. The 

hope is ‘no fault’ divorces should minimise the 

number of children caught in the middle of this 

antagonising ‘blame game’, allowing parents to 

focus more on the needs of their children. 

The good news is that the Government appears 

committed to reforming divorce law with this new 

legislation expected to be introduced as soon as 

Parliamentary time allows. 

What Can Parents Do? 

Cripps Pemberton Greenish are encouraging 

separating parents to keep their children 

in the forefront of their minds and establish 

positive communication between each other in 

recognition that although they are separating, 

they are still parents to the children of their 

marriage. 

can help parents agree child and living 

arrangements along with financial decisions in a 

space away from Court and more importantly, the 

children. 

Furthermore, CAFCASS provides a 4 hour 

Separated Parents Information Programme 

(SPIP) which has been running for over 10 years. 

While this tends to be a Court ordered course, 

parents can attend voluntarily. The course helps 

parents understand how to put children first 

during separation by way of conflict management 

techniques and learning. Our clients have 

commented that they found it extremely 

enlightening and wished they had 

attended one sooner. 

Attending counselling, mediation and SPIPs are 

all excellent ways to spare children from distress 

and empower couples to have more control 

in achieving a positive outcome for 

the whole family. 

Finally, as a result of Court delays, Cripps 

Pemberton Greenish actively advises clients to 

consider private arbitration instead of Courts. 

This enables separating couples to have disputes 

settled privately and more quickly than through 

the court service. This is an excellent way of 

reducing the overall timeframe which can result 

in less upset for children. 

The current divorce law - Current law burdens 

the divorce applicants to demonstrate that their 

marriage has ‘irretrievably broken down’ by 

use of one of five facts: adultery, unreasonable 

behaviour, desertion, separation for 2 years 

(with consent) or separation for 5 years (without 

consent). This method frequently leads to couples 

having to play a ‘blame game’ which, naturally, 

causes emotions to run high. 

This ‘blame game’ often causes a strong 

distraction for couples. This diversion leads to 

children witnessing and absorbing complex 

emotions which they often do not understand, 

amplifying the difficulties children are already 

experiencing. 

These aggravating factors highlight a need 

On a general note, Cripps Pemberton Greenish 

urge parents to try and implement family coping 

strategies to help alleviate the difficulties of 

divorce. Strategies include keeping to family 

routines, talking and listening to children about 

their feelings and keeping discussions about 

proceedings away from children’s ears. On an 

emotive level, parents should ensure that their 

children feel safe, secure, loved and comfortable 

in the family arrangements to ensure minimal 

disruption. 

Parents and children are sometimes encouraged 

to attend counselling to express themselves and 

help untangle emotions in a safe and supportive 

environment. Additionally, trying to resolve 

issues collaboratively or through the process 

of mediation is also recommended. Mediation 

Alex Davies 

For more information visit 

www.crippspg.co.uk/family, or contact Alex 

Davies on alex.davies@crippspg.co.uk or 

+44 (0)1892 506 326. 

www.crippspg.co.uk @crippslaw This article gives examples and is intended for general guidance only

Sale starts Saturday 28th December 10am 

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Rett Syndrome is a creep. 

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Leaving them unable to walk or talk. 

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Taking away their life before it has 

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We need your help to deliver a cure for 

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Text RETT to 70331 

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How to choose your divorce lawyer 

Although statistics tell us that almost half of marriages end in divorce, the 

knowledge that thousands of other couples are going through the same 

thing is little consolation when your own marriage is breaking down. 

For most people, divorce is unknown and 

often frightening territory. Important 

decisions in relation to arrangements for 

children or finances must be made, which 

can have far reaching and significant 

consequences for all members of the family. 

These decisions would be difficult enough to 

make at the best of times, but unfortunately, 

in divorce, they have to be made at the 

worst possible time, when emotions 

are high and relationships stretched, 

sometimes to breaking point and beyond. 

So where can you turn for advice? 

Family and friends can offer invaluable 

support, but beware any advice to get a 

hard-hitting lawyer who ‘completely destroys 

the opposition’ and ask yourself whether you 

really want someone who goes in, all guns 

blazing, regardless of the consequences. 

Divorce is not a game, and whilst in the heat 

of the moment, it might feel satisfying to 

score points at any cost, try to remember 

that there will be life after divorce (however 

difficult it might be to imagine!) and so 

the way in which you approach these 

crucial decisions may have long term 

consequences, both financial and emotional. 

Any goodwill which survives the initial 

breakup of a marriage is precious and so 

should not be further damaged by over 

aggressive lawyers. In our experience, 

most people going through divorce want 

a lawyer who will provide sensible and 

constructive advice and guidance, to help 

them reach a settlement that makes the 

most of the family’s available resources, 

rather than someone who wastes those 

precious resources in pursuing expensive 

court proceedings at all costs. 

No two divorces are the same, just 

as no two families are the same and a 

good divorce lawyer will work with you 

to understand your specific needs and 

priorities and will advise you how best to 

meet them. For most couples, options 

such as collaborative law or mediation 

offer a more effective and cheaper way to 

resolve issues and are far less emotionally 

damaging than court proceedings. 

Going through a divorce is rarely easy 

and so you need a lawyer in whom you 

have complete confidence and trust. The 

best way to find out whether someone 

is the right lawyer for you is to meet 

them, so try to arrange a short, initial 

meeting to allow you to discuss the issues 

which matter most to you and to find 

out about the options available to you. 

If you would like further advice, we offer a 

free 30-minute meeting with one of our 

family lawyers. To make an appointment at 

our Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook or 

East Grinstead Office, please contact 

our team secretary Louise Huxstep on 

T: 01892 502 338 or 

E: LHuxstep@bussmurton.co.uk and 

quote ‘Wealden Times - January 2019’ 

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

Melanie den Brinker Margaret Evans Lora Grogan 

Julie Taylor 

Kristy Underwood 

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Notebook 

What to do and see near you this month 

Creative Journaling 

Now 

Showing 

The Orpington is a quirky and 

unique mix of a restaurant and record 

store, which has just opened a new 

menu inspired by the big screen. 

The ‘Cinema Set Menu’ consists 

of flavourful home-cooked dishes 

with a twist, created specifically 

for local cinema go-ers of all ages, 

creating a delicious alternative to 

the fast-food and e-numbers which 

so often go hand-in-hand with a 

trip to the cinema. Simply book a 

table from Tuesday to Thursday, 

between 5-10pm, and select two 

courses at £18.50 for adults or £9.50 

for children. theorpington.co.uk 

January is here and, much like Janus, the 

Roman god of beginnings and endings 

from whom it gets its name, we recommend 

taking an opportunity to look back at what 

is past and forward to what is to come. 

NLP Master Practitioner & Life Coach, 

Yvonne Fernando’s latest creative journaling 

workshop on Friday 24 January will focus 

on just this. It will be held at the delightful 

Curious House in Stonegate in the heart 

of East Sussex – a comforting and homely 

setting to make you feel at ease and get your 

creative juices flowing. The course is designed 

to help you reflect on what 2019 meant for 

you and get off to a positive start for 2020, 

inviting you to use creative journaling and 

visualisation techniques to find inspiration and 

motivation. The workshops costs £95, plus 

£10 for materials, and no previous experience 

is required, but numbers are limited to eight 

so it’s best to book early! If you don’t make 

it on time, Yvonne also has a private practice 

in Charing and Curious House always has a 

wonderful selection of workshops on offer. 

curioushouse.net / yvonnefernandonlp.co.uk 

Sissinghurst Castle 

Garden is opening 2020 

with a celebration of natural 

beauty as the International 

Garden Photographer of the Year 

Exhibition returns. Visit from 

Saturday 4 January to Sunday 8 

March to see some of the best garden, 

plant and landscape photography 

from amateur and professional 

photographers across the globe. 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

Gardens on film 


Notebook 

Dance Academy 

Emergence, the touring company 

formed of MA dance students from the 

University of Salford and Joss Arnott 

Dance, comes to the EM Forster 

Theatre this month. On Friday 31 

January, this exciting company of 12 

dancers will perform works from three 

esteemed choreographers, Wubkje 

Kuindersma, James Wilton 

and Joss Arnott. At just 

£16 a ticket, it’s a great 

opportunity to support 

young dancers and see 

future stars taking their 

first steps on the professional 

stage. emftheatre.com 

VEGANUARY 

So many of us are going vegan for 

January to get 2020 off to a healthy 

start. A great way to explore vegan 

eating options and have a bit of fun is 

to visit a Vegan Market. This month, 

Vegan Markets UK is coming to 

Gravesend’s market hall on Sunday 19 

January so don’t miss out. 

uk.veganuary.com; veganmarkets.co.uk 

Happy Hever after 

Hever Castle’s first wedding 

showcase of 2020 on Sunday 

19 January invites all those planning a 

wedding to experience the castle’s beautiful 

venues all dressed up as they would be for the 

real thing. There will be mouth-watering delights 

to taste from award-winning caterers, Leiths, plus 

cocktails, fizz and hot refreshments; a luxury bed and 

breakfast to stay in; recommended suppliers to gather 

inspiration from and special offers to take advantage 

of. Whether you’re looking for a classic country feel 

in the Astor wing, elegant lakeside views, or the 

stately grandeur of the Castle itself, Hever will 

be ready to start bringing many dream 

weddings to life. hevercastle.co.uk 

Gardening 

Through the Year 

If you’re ready for a fresh start and a 

new outlook on gardening this year, 

Godinton House and gardens is 

ready to guide you through it. Join 

Fiona Abrahams in her monthly guide to the 

gardening year to stay up to date with 

seasonal tasks, learn techniques, gain 

valuable skills and knowledge and try 

practical activities. You will be able to 

draw inspiration from the beautiful 

gardens at Godinton as each season 

changes the landscape. 

godintonhouse.co.uk 

New Beginnings 

Nothing offers a fresh start for 2020 

like a new home and Jarvis Homes 

have the perfect opportunity as 

they have just opened Greycoats 

Place. It’s an exclusive development 

of seven three-to five-bedroom 

houses in the historic Wealden town 

of Cranbrook. The location has the 

best of all worlds with views over the 

countryside and close proximity to local 

shops, as well as being within the Cranbrook 

School Catchment Area. 

jarvishomes.com 

LOOK FORWARD: FEBRUARY 

It’s 2020 and we aren’t the only ones starting the new year with 

wellbeing in mind. Chiddingstone Castle is hosting a new wellbeing 

event on Saturday 1 February, in celebration of Japanese culture 

and the art of Zen and beginning the castle’s ‘Year of Japan’. 

The one-day retreat will combine four different approaches to 

mindfulness – Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing), Kanga Yoga, Toyohari 

(Japanese Acupuncture) and meditation. There will also be food 

and drink wellness advice and the day includes a delicious locally 

sourced lunch with a Japanese twist. chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 


28


Milbourn Equine Vets is a local 

100% equine practice spanning 

Kent and East Sussex. We also 

have a sister company, Cinque Ports Vets 

which has been providing small animal 

services since their first branch opened (at 

that time a mixed practice) in Rye in 1930. 

We both aim to provide gold standard 

care and a compassionate service, 

and hope to achieve personal trusting 

relationships with our clients. We have a 

practice ethos of a happy team, healthy 

horses and pets and satisfied clients! 

We have a large equine team at Milbourn 

Equine helping us to achieve this. It 

consists of 10 equine vets with a broad 

range of interests, all of whom are 

committed to providing excellent care 

for your horse, pony and donkey (or 

even the odd alpaca!) Whether you are 

a happy hacker or international eventer 

we offer a high standard of care with 

our range of services. Our vets are ably 

assisted by our clinic and support team 

who make sure we stay organised! 

Depending on your requirements 

we offer a range of services to help 

provide you with the best care. 

Whether you require an annual 

booster for your horse, you are 

planning on breeding from your 

mare or have a horse which requires 

a poor performance investigation 

we are happy to help! 

Our new office at Unit 1B Denne Hill 

Business Centre, Canterbury is now 

open. This new office complements 

our existing sites at Hawkhurst, Rye 

and our Clinic at Sevington, Ashford. 

Ashford 

Tel: 01233 500505 

Canterbury 

Tel: 01227 200992 

www.milbournequine.co.uk 

Hawkhurst 

Tel: 01580 752301 

Rye 

Tel: 01797 208128 

Cinque Ports Vets have a 

dedicated small animal practice 

team working across our 6 

branches. We offer a range of services 

from your pet’s annual booster and 

health check to endoscopy and 

echocardiography. Our Rye branch 

is also able to offer the advanced 

technique of keyhole surgery for 

your dog’s neutering procedure. 

Our Ashford RCVS accredited Hospital 

is proud to hold Gold ISFM Cat 

Friendly status with all our branches 

implementing a cat friendly approach 

to our feline patients. You can find out 

more about what this means for your 

cat on our website. Our nurses also 

provide free nurse appointments for a 

range of services from senior clubs to 

administering worming tablets (for when 

you cat becomes all teeth and claws!) 

www.cinqueportsvets.co.uk 

Ashford 

Tel: 01233 640022 

Tenterden 

Tel: 01580 763309 

Rye 

Tel: 01797 222265 

Lydd 

Tel: 01797 321771 

Hawkhurst 

Tel: 01580 752187 

Wye 

Tel: 01233 813003 

Don’t forget our branches offer a range of convenient appointment 

times until 7pm as well as Saturday appointments. 


30 30 

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Editor’s 

Letter 

Whether you’re already setting yourself resolutions 

for the New Year, or taking a step back after the 

bustle of Christmas to relax and reassess for the 

months ahead, I’m with our regular columnists Josephine 

Fairley, Sarah Maxwell and Henrietta Norton who this month 

are extolling the virtues of giving yourself a bit of a break, both 

physically and mentally. As much as possible, January should 

be about self care – a fresh start to nourish you for the year 

ahead, whatever it may bring. Read Jo, Sarah and Henrietta’s 

valuable advice from page 3 of our brand new Travel & 

Wellbeing Supplement which highlights the most wonderful 

holidays, achievable exercise and healthcare tips and treats. 

Inject some 2020 freshness into your home, taking 

inspiration from Alex and Ellie Jørgensen’s beautiful 

Tunbridge Wells home and see how Alexis Wylie has 

updated and personalised a rental property for its tenants. 

Elsewhere, stylist Kate Liz Watts picks outerwear with a colour 

punch to keep you cosy and lift your mood on chilly days and Jo 

Arnell brings a ray of sunshine to the winter garden with plants 

that deliver warming yellow hues. 

Enjoy your Wealden Times and the whole team 

here wishes you a very happy New Year! 

Wealden Times Team 

Editor ............................................................................................ Lucy Fleming 

Deputy Editor ..................................................................................Emily Pavey 

News & Features Editor ...............................................................Rebecca Cuffe 

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

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

Design Director ..........................................................................Anthony Boxall 

Design Team ................................................................................ Ryan Huggins 

Phoebe O’Leary 

Tanya Goldsmith 

Executive Chairman ...................................................................... Julie Simpson 

Managing Director .............................................................. Vivien Cotterill-Lee 

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

Senior Account Manager ................................................................ Sara Henslow 

Maria Hurley 

Rachel Norrie 

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

Wealden Times Events Team 

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

Jude Brown 

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

Events Assistant .....................................................................................Ed Steele 

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Opened in June 2019 Bluebell Cemetery is a privately-owned cemetery offering facilities 

for traditional burial, woodland burial, cremation services and the placement of remains. 

Set within 28 acres of natural beauty containing ancient woodland that features a 

variety of flora and fauna, the beautiful grounds have been developed to provide a 

venue for funeral services whilst maintaining an ambience of peace and tranquillity. 

Located close to junction 4 of the M25, the cemetery has easy access to the 

motorway and Knockholt Railway Station which are both about one mile away. 

• Non-denominational Chapel with seating for 100 

• 1-hour Service Times 

• Cremation Services 

• Pre-purchased Burial Space 

• Traditional Grave Spaces 

• Gated Family Gardens 

• Woodland Burial 

• Complete Masonry Service 

• Wide Selection of Personalised Memorial Options 

• Ample Parking 

Watercroft’s Wood, Old London Road, Halstead, Kent, TN14 7AE 

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32 

BluebellCemeteryWT212.indd 1 18/09/2019 17:11

SGS-COC-006108 

© 1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C. 

Where to find your copy of 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of 

Wealden Times or to have your free copy delivered 

for 12 months for just £22 postage 

Distribution of Wealden Times published in Cranbrook for Kent & Sussex. 

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• Emmett & White 

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• The Dressing Room 

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• Eastwell Manor 

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Group 

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and Café 

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House 

Sandhurst 

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& Shop 

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Interiors 


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and Fountains 

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Residential 

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Return to Splendour 

Alex Jørgensen has worked a design miracle on this Tunbridge Wells property, 

transforming it from fluorescent strip-lit office space to contemporary home 

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Below: The sitting room features a whole wall of bookshelves 

and original double doors leading out to the garden 

In the heart of one of Britain’s most classic towns 

a great change is afoot. In a Tunbridge Wells street 

so central you could easily stroll to it from the 

railway station, the Assembly Hall Theatre and Fenwick 

blindfolded, in your highest heels, there are very grand 

villas being reconverted from offices back into gracious 

family homes. 

When you walk through the immaculate front 

door and vestibule of this one, into the large hall 

with its original Victorian tessellated tile floor, 

three large doorways opening onto vistas of elegant 

rooms, light pouring in from all directions, you 

can almost feel the house taking pride in itself. 

It’s like stepping into the ‘after’ reveal in a makeover 

show. Gasp! And it becomes even more impressive 

when you hear about the state the place was in after 

decades of office use. 

“We lifted three layers of carpet tiles in the hall, to 

find the original Victorian tiles were still here,” says 

owner Alex Jørgensen. That was just one thing they had 

to see to. There were also the false ceilings, fire doors, 

fluorescent strips and office cubicles to sort out. 

Putting it all right was quite an undertaking. “We 

 


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Above: The lofty kitchen is home to a large central island and generous dining space 

lived on the top floor for a year,” says Alex. “It’s amazing 

the meals you can make with one ring and a microwave…” 

But while it took that year of camping for Alex, his 

wife Ellie and baby Thomas, who had moved south 

from Blackheath for the lifestyle, schools and beautiful 

period properties, the grim alterations done to the house 

in the office years actually bestowed a great benefit. 

Once they’d ripped them all out, the ground floor 

was a blank canvas on which they could create a new 

floorplan for their lifestyle – and having retrained at the 

Inchbald School of Design as an Architectural Interior 

Designer (he was formerly a shipping broker) and now 

with his own design practice, ALEX JØRGENSEN 

STUDIO, Alex knows how to create full technical 

plans. As you walk through the outsize bespoke door 

into the drawing room, his expertise really shows. 

What would have originally been two rooms – and 

was then four horrid little offices – has now been 

transformed into one gorgeous big space, articulated 

by an arch over four metres tall in the middle, with a 

sitting area offering a different mood on each side of it. 

This was Alex’s anchor point for the downstairs plan, 

with the dining room in its original place at the front 

of the house, the kitchen at the back. “You’ve got to 

get the bones of a house right first,” he says. “There is 

no point in buying expensive furniture and curtains if 

the layout isn’t right and there isn’t enough storage.” 

But while he starts with the big picture, the genius 

is also in the meticulous detail in this house.“Once 

you have your plan you can make sure you have your 

sockets in the right place and the rooms wired so you can 

turn all the lights in it on – including table lamps and 

standard lamps – from the wall switch at the door.” 

And then he adds one of many pieces of brilliant 

professional decorator advice, which he shares 

on our tour around the house. “Before you start 

decorating, think about sockets – where are you going 

to plug in the lights for the Christmas tree?” 

Another of his expert tips is about when to 

invest in the good stuff and where you can make 

 


40

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42 

SofasAndStuffWT215.indd 1 02/12/2019 12:29

Above: Two large ginger jars, which Alex found on a trip to LA, sit on top of the dining room shelves 

economies. “Paint doesn’t all have to be Farrow & 

Ball, you don’t need to use the most expensive paint 

everywhere. A good decorator can use any paint.” 

This balance between where to invest and where to 

make economies came into particular play with restoring 

the period features of the house, which had been all 

but lost. “It’s great to keep and restore period features 

where you can,” he says, “but it can get expensive. We 

had bespoke doors made for the special wide frames on 

the ground floor, which I really wanted for the sense of 

space and vista, but upstairs the doors are off the shelf.” 

But there were some areas of restoration where they 

very much chose to invest. “The decorators spent a month 

just on the ceiling coving,” Alex admits, laughing. “Some 

of it was missing, so once the bit that was remaining 

was cleaned, they took a mould and cast it to make 

new coving to fill in the gaps.” That wasn’t all of it. 

“There were no ceiling roses left at all,” Alex continues, 

“so the decorators used moulds from a house of the 

same period in London. Then, the next time I was at 

my dentist, which is in a building just round the corner, 

built in 1895, the same year as this one, I was lying in the 

chair looking up at the ceiling and saw that it had exactly 

the same ceiling rose as the ones we had put in here.” 

Some of the restoration involved moving original 

pieces from other parts of the house so they could 

be better appreciated. The fireplace in the drawing 

room was upstairs in a bedroom. Alex had it 

sandblasted, and polished the tiles and cast iron to 

make it smart enough for this rather grand room. 

But while Alex and Ellie took pains to put back as 

many of the house’s original details as possible, this is 

no period piece – the décor has a timeless contemporary 

elegance, that looks fresh and wonderful here. 

The left half of the drawing room, painted pale blue, is 

a more formal entertaining space with two sofas, also pale 

blue, facing each other across a white ottoman, with bergère 

chairs next to a console table to one side and another 

small table with lime-washed chairs in the bay window. 

I suggest it has the feel of a modern version of the 18th 

century Swedish Gustavian style, which was the simple 

Scandinavian take on the furniture King Gustav III 


Above: A collection of interior books tempt 

you to linger on the octagonal landing 

had seen on his visit to Versailles. 

Alex agrees and says there is a similar 

genre in his native Denmark, even 

simpler. But while his national style may 

have been a subconscious influence, 

a much greater one is his voracious 

consumption of interiors magazines – 

particularly the American title Veranda. 

“I saw a house in it from Georgetown, 

Washington, which had exactly the feel I 

wanted: light, big openings, vistas. I didn’t 

want furniture clinging to walls, I wanted it 

to be classic, contemporary, quite simple.” 

This house certainly has the grand scale 

of the houses featured in that magazine 

and a masterful use of the symmetry, 

which is a recurring theme of upscale 

American interior design. 

Another detail which makes this space 

so chic is the underfloor heating. “It means 

there are no radiators intruding into the 


44

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This page: “There is no point in buying 

expensive furniture and curtains if the layout 

isn’t right and there isn’t enough storage” 

space and dictating where you can put furniture.” 

In the rest of the house, he explains, they’ve used very 

stylish but more economical black period-style radiators 

– which makes him think of another piece of decorator 

wisdom, about the order in which decisions need to 

be made. “If you are having radiators, you have to 

decide if you are having curtains or blinds. If it’s going 

to be curtains, don’t put radiators under windows.” 

The sitting area to the right of the door, which is 

painted a soft oatmeal shade and has a whole wall 

of bookshelves and cupboards around the TV, is 

more of a family room and contains the longest sofa 

I have ever seen, with plenty of room for all three 

of them to curl up together. The family feel of this 

area is further enhanced by the paintings of Danish 

townscapes which had belonged to Alex’s grandparents. 

At the far end are the original glazed doors 

looking out to the garden, which Alex had 

copied for the kitchen – creating his beloved 

symmetry when viewed from outside. 

Stepping through them Alex explains that when 

they bought the house there was a very unappealing 

extension out there – more offices – which they took 

great pleasure in removing, landscaping the area 

with classic Scandinavian silver birches. Looking 


The master bathroom has a central bath, double basins and a lovely stand-alone armoire for 

towels because, “it’s so nice to have a piece of furniture in a bathroom.” 

 


48

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This page: Jane Churchill’s delightful 

alphabet wallpaper looks great 

in son Tom’s fun bedroom 

back at the house from here, he 

points out how they copied the 

window on the half-landing to 

make another for the guest loo. 

We re-enter the house into the 

kitchen, now a tranquil lofty space 

big enough for a generous kitchen 

table and a large island, which Alex 

designed in collaboration with 

deVOL. The walls are a Dulux white, 

the worktops marble-effect quartz 

– “because real marble just isn’t 

practical” – and the tongue and groove 

units are painted a soft mushroom. 

Cupboards on the wall behind the 

central island contain their collection 

of the brilliant enlarged version 

of the classic hand-painted Royal 

Copenhagen pattern Musselmalet 

(called Musselmalet Mega), which 

Alex has arranged very satisfyingly in 

asymmetric/symmetric formations. 

His flair for object curation is on 

show again in the dining room, where 

white bookshelves are topped with two 

large ginger jars, found on a trip to LA, 

and arranged with collections of paired 

objects, interspersed with piles of 


This page: The decor in the master bedroom takes full 

advantage of the natural sunlight. The dressing table has 

been repurposed from a desk using Annie Sloane paint 

books, stacked with their paper edges, not the spines, outwards. 

This room has the same Scandinavian feel as the drawing 

room with Edwardian dining chairs painted to great effect. 

The wooden bench by the window could also have come 

from a Danish country house, but is actually Hungarian, 

bought from an antiques dealer in Whitstable. 

It was on another trip to the coast, where they first saw the 

work of British ‘plein air’ painter Michael Richardson, whose 

evocative scenes of Marrakesh – all painted on the spot, as the 

Impressionists did – hang on the dining room walls. “He has a 

gallery in Margate. We love the mood and light in his paintings.” 

Once I can tear myself away from these, we head upstairs 

arriving first at son Tom’s room, which is papered in Jane 

Churchill delightful alphabet wallpaper and has a wall of 

lovely vintage prints. Like all the pictures in the house, 

this perfect ‘French hang’ was achieved by a professional 

picture hanger – another of Alex’s top decorating tips. 

The bathroom next door will still be cool well 

 


52

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This page: Alex employed a professional picture 

hanger to place his collection of artwork throughout 

the house with very pleasing results 

into Tom’s teenage years, with grey subway tiles, a 

Neptune washstand and ceramic faux wood tiles 

on the floor, laid in a herringbone pattern. 

From here we come onto the unusually spacious 

first floor landing, which is octagonal with four doors 

leading from it and has a round table in the middle. 

It’s a lovely spot, where you would be tempted to 

linger, perusing the interiors books on the table. 

The master bedroom, just off it, has an Emperor-sized bed 

opposite a wall of monochrome prints, found in various places 

and unified by their frames and the professional hanging. 

To the left of the chimney breast is Ellie’s dressing 

table – a piece of furniture I suggest it can be hard to 

find. “It’s a desk repurposed as a dressing table,” says Alex. 

“We looked for ages and then we found this desk and 

painted it with Annie Sloan paint.” They bought most of 

the furniture after they moved in, “because we found our 

stuff from the old house just didn’t work in this scale.” 

From the bedroom you walk through a dressing room to 

the master bathroom, which has three walls of wardrobes 

which come just up to the height of the picture rail (copied 

from the little bits of the original ones which were left after 

the offices). This is so much better than having them all the 

way to the ceiling, which makes a room much smaller. 

“The wardrobes are IKEA,” says Alex. “Our joiners 


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This page: Slate grey bedside lamps from Mark Maynard 

complement the chair in this relaxing guest bedroom 

built plinths for them to sit on, so they came exactly to 

the height of the picture rail, then we painted them to 

match the wall colour. You have to have a good joiner.” 

The master bathroom has a central bath, double basins 

and a lovely stand-alone armoire for towels because, “it’s 

so nice to have a piece of furniture in a bathroom.” 

It also has a spectacularly splendid walk-in shower 

– which is no happy accident. Alex created the spaces 

for the bathroom and dressing room on his plans 

exactly so they could fit this particular shower in. It’s 

yet another example of what can be achieved when 

you have the luxury of a blank canvas floorplan. 

And the happy outcome for this once so-neglected and 

unloved house is to have such loving care taken of it again. 

Address Book: 

Contact Alex at ALEx JØRGENSEN STUDIO 

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01892 325410 / 07415 186622 alexjorgensenstudio.com 

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Jane Churchill janechurchill.com 

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62

Words: Maggie Alderson 

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Previous pages & above: The dining room was once part of the sitting room, but is now a separate area for the children. 

The other half of the room is reserved for adults 

Creating a beautiful, personal home doesn’t 

always involve a wrecking ball – simply 

decorating can transform a space. 

Every house we do for this magazine has its own 

unique story – the journey of how it entered the 

lives of the owners, often with a thrilling twist of 

fate, and the very personal reasons behind all their 

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This page: Cushions upholstered in prints by Rapture 

& Wright line up on the grey sofa that K and S 

already had when they moved in. A South African 

animal sculpture from Woodcocks in Tenterden sits 

on the mantelpiece below a gold mirror from Graham 

& Green in the children’s area of the sitting room 

beautiful house with a different genesis. Not the 

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be packed up and taken on to the destination 

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Of course, it helps that the rented house 

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hallways, a big eat-in kitchen with an Aga, 

and bi-fold glass doors from the sitting room 

onto the terrace with beautiful views. 

So for the current householders, K and S, 

it was like a beautiful dolls house ready 

 


Above: Ally has used neutral fabrics on chairs and sofas and maximised the cosiness with plump cushions. An ottoman has been 

upholstered in a vintage kilim and, with the aid of a tray, this becomes a coffee table 

 


68

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70 

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Above left & right: The metal and glass drinks trolley is the result of one of K’s rather fruitful trips to buy a pint of milk 

Top right: A steamer trunk makes for the perfect side table 

to be set up, in the perfect spot “in the country, quite 

isolated, but near enough to our son’s school”. 

It occupies a truly lovely position, in beautiful landscape 

on a country estate outside Peasmarsh, beyond the town 

of Rye. First built as a cottage for estate workers it has 

been extended twice over the decades, and is now a 

substantial home. Airy and spacious it forms a lovely 

L-shape around the terrace, looking west over the view, 

framed with ancient oak trees and horses grazing. 

“The best thing is the sunsets from the kitchen 

window, the sitting room and the terrace,” says K. 

“Every night we have our own fireworks display.” 

But while K and her husband S, were delighted to find such 

a lovely house as a stage of their move from London to the 

countryside – near to where K went to school – the generous 

scale of the place threw up a problem. Coming from the 


The generous kitchen, with an Aga and a lovely dresser from Neptune, 

is big enough for a dining table as well as the kitchen table 

capital’s more compressed space, they didn’t have enough 

furniture to fill it. “We looked at the huge sitting room,” says 

K, “and realised that what we already had didn’t come near it.” 

The next issue was – and it shows unusual self insight – 

that they didn’t feel confident to take on furnishing such 

a space themselves. “We know what we like,” says K, “but 

we don’t know how to choose what we like, we needed 

a third party to help us find what we had in mind.” 

So very fortunately for them, through a mutual friend, they 

had met interior designer Alexis Wylie, based 15 minutes away 

near Bodiam. “We loved Ally’s own home, so we knew she was 

the ideal person to advise us. She knows how to put together 

all the stuff I wouldn’t have bought myself, and it always looks 

great. I would say, are you mad? But she tends to be right…” 

But while K and S didn’t feel confident enough to 

take on designing the details of the scheme, they did 

know what they wanted from it. “Our brief was a 

neutral scheme with pops of colour and somewhere 


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Above: Ally has kept the colour scheme neutral throughout 

the house, adding interest and colour in the form of soft 

furnishings and accessories Right: K has owned the tiger 

print hung alongside the staircase since she was 18 years old 

comfy to put our feet up while watching the telly.” 

One decision they had already made was to scrap the 

idea of a dining area in the living room space. The generous 

kitchen, with an Aga and a lovely dresser from Neptune, is 

big enough for a dining table as well as the kitchen table, so 

they wanted to use the whole living space as a sitting room. 

“The dining room used to be part of the sitting room, but 

we prefer to have it as a separate area for the kids to jump 

around in while the adults are in the other half.” 

Very sensibly, the couple’s original grey sofa has 

been put to use in the kids’ zone, with two new 

white ones, sourced by Ally, in the adult area. 

Arranged in front of the dramatic oversized mantelpiece, 

with brick-coloured herringbone tiles behind the 

woodburner, the new layout makes the most of the space, 

with the two sofas and two matching armchairs enough to 

seat about 10 people, but a much smaller number, could 

still be very cosy there, stretching out in great luxury. 

Ally achieves this welcoming feeling by keeping the 

sofa and chairs upholstery a neutral white linen, with 

simple curtains the same warm buff as the walls, but 

adding lots of colourful cushions in a mix of prints 

from Rapture & Wright and African fabrics. 

She also boosted the snuggle factor by customising 

the Loaf.com chairs and sofas with extra-squashy 

cushions made by her ‘cushion man’. 

A very pleasing anchoring feature of the scheme – which I 

have come to associate with Ally’s interiors style (and which 

I want to steal for my own house…) is a lovely big ottoman 

in the middle of the seating area, upholstered with a vintage 

kilim. Combined with a tray, this is a perfect coffee, or drinks 

table, but for large gatherings, can also provide more seating. 

Also, giving the space that professional decorator polish 

is the way Ally has created a kind of visual rhythm, using 

a pair of matching pouffes (from Made.com) in front of 

the woodburner, matching rattan side tables (Oka.com) at 

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This page: The faux fur throw and 

zebra print ottoman in the master 

bedroom are both Ally touches. 

The artichoke lamp is by Pooky 

trunk-style tables with the other. On 

each of these is a lamp from Pooky. 

com – Ally’s favourite online source 

of lights and fabulous lamp shades. 

Symmetry and balance from 

matching pairs of things in this 

way makes the eye travel round a 

room, giving it that special sense of 

‘rightness’ which a professionally 

designed scheme has – which is always 

relaxing and nurturing to be in. 

In the kids’ part of the room she 

hung a round mirror from Graham 

& Green over the fireplace – smaller 

than the one opposite it, but echoing 

the tile arrangement of that one with 

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elegant desk, also from Loaf, accessorised 

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78


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Left: An antique chair sits comfortably 

by an original tiled fireplace in a guest 

bedroom This page: The bathroom, put 

in by the house’s owners, features a pair of 

striking Art Deco-style basins and mirrors, 

with Chrysler-style taps by Lefroy Brooks 

which comes from a collection of 

Yugoslavian art, which was owned by 

S’s father, who had an art gallery. A 

bright Kandinsky print and a selection 

of engravings of works in the Royal 

Collection also came from him, adding 

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This is also the case for the ornaments 

on each mantelpiece, which are K’s 

finds. “She goes out to the shops to 

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set of African animal figures or some 

art ceramics…,” laughs S. The glass 

and metal drinks trolley was another 

very happy result of such a mission. 

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evidence as you go upstairs, with 

a wonderful oversized print of a 

tiger, hung next to the stairs, which 

she has had since she was 18. 

In the master bedroom, Ally continued 

to combine things K and S had with 

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sourced one to match, to make the allimportant 

symmetrical pair and also 

provide very handy bedroom storage. 

The faux fur throw and zebra 

print ottoman were Ally touches 

– as are the artichoke lamps (from 

Pooky, of course). These were among 

the items that initially provoked 

the ‘are you mad?’ response from 

K, but now she loves them. 

The rather amazing master bathroom 

was one of the things put in by the 

house owner, which take it very far 

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basins and mirrors, with Chryslerstyle 

taps by Lefroy Brooks. 

Their son’s room is a shrine to his 

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paired with cage lamps from Loaf. 

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This page: The ‘Rose Room’ follows a pink theme with lights by Pooky, an Ikea rug and a cosy woodburner in one corner 

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15 

27 

Contents 

Florist & Flower Grower 

9 

2 GET LIFTED 

Josephine Fairley’s tips for an 

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7 REST & REPLENISH 

Henrietta Norton says no to detoxes 

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9 BE KIND & UNWIND 

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A villa in Barbados, a manor house 

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23 TACKLING THE ISSUE 

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Pursuits that are great for both 

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All you need to know 

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Josephine Fairley shares products which deliver that all-important January mood boost 

I’ve always thought that January should really be National 

Aromatherapy Month. Rarely are we more in need of a 

mood-boost than after Christmas. All that anticipation. 

All that adrenaline. All that couch-potato-ing between 

Christmas Day itself and whenever we slouch back to work – 

with the result that most of us feel more than a little sluggish 

in January, when the adrenaline tap’s switched off again. 

Much depends, though, on the weather. Crisp, bright 

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gloom. But more often, as one friend is wont to describe 

it, ‘the lid’s on’ – grey, dull and barely light. Hence the 

need for aromatherapeutic products, to lift us out of the 

doldrums. So here’s what works for me (and plenty of people 

I know), with a few extra tips thrown in. Try some of these, 

meanwhile, and not only will you have more get-up-andgo, 

but spring should feel like it’s just round the corner. 

Pour some Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath 

& Shower Oil into your bath (£48 for 55ml). Astonishingly 

effective, this is my go-to whenever I wake up feeling fuggy 

and lethargic. (Also great for hangovers.) It’s zingy with 

juniper berry, neroli and grapefruit, and if you don’t like to 

bathe, massage into skin (particularly the chest and upper 

arms) before showering, instead. Actually, Aromatherapy 

Associates now have an entire range based around this blend, 

and there’s also a counterpoint for evenings in the form of 

Revive Evening Bath & Shower Oil (£49 for 55ml), an almost 

equally lovely blend of ylang ylang, patchouli and sandalwood 

which I deploy whenever I have a party ahead that I just can’t 

face, and need my mood shifted 180 degrees. Works a treat. 

Infuse the air with uplifting oils. In common with 

many people I know, I tend to get a 4pm slump. I have 

a three-pronged strategy for dealing with this: a pot of 

sublimely smoky Rare Tea Company Tarry Lapsang Tea 

(rareteacompany.com), four squares of Green & Black’s 

85%, and some drops of essential oils in a diffuser. I use 

this particular blend of oils, actually, whenever I need to 

concentrate and feel mentally awake: a couple of drops of 

grapefruit, the same of mandarin and of sweet orange. 

You can of course use an aromatherapy burner but 

personally I prefer diffusers which mist the air, adding a 

bit of humidity – very welcome right now when many of 

us are suffering from ‘radiator face’, as I like to think of 

central heating-related dry skin. There are many plug-in 

mist diffusers now on the market but my recommendation, 

if budget allows, is the very stylish and sleek, top-of-therange 

Neal’s Yard Remedies Oska Diffuser, £75, a Scandi 

design which doubles as a lamp (you can change 

the colour from an app on your phone, 

or change the mist settings). Most of the 

essential oils in my aromatherapeutic arsenal 

come from Neal’s Yard Remedies, too. 

Veil yourself in Jo Malone London Lime, Basil 

& Mandarin (from £48 for 30ml Cologne). 

If there’s a more spirit-lifting scent, I’ve yet to 

find it – I always find a spritz of 

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their skin, in which case the alternative is to spritz a scarf, 

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burst of scent. At a very affordable level, meanwhile, you 

might like to check out Waitrose Lime & Basil Body Wash, £2 

for 200ml, which is in the same territory, fragrance-wise, or 

equally deliciously invigorating, Faith in Nature Grapefruit 

& Orange Body Wash, £5.79 for 400ml, from a pioneering 

eco range which recently had a branding makeover that put 

it back on beauty editors’ radar. (The products have always 

been fab, packaging less so. And sorry, but it matters.) 

Light a candle to refresh the air. I definitely have favourite 

scented candles that I reserve specifically for when I’m 

feeling like the treacle I’m wading through has turned to 

toffee. Top of this particular list are Fragonard 

Menthe Basilic Candle, £28 – this comes in a 

beautifully decorated tin that can be upcycled 

for trinkets or paperclips when it’s flickered 

its last – and Gaia Skincare Awakening 

Candle, £28 (gaiaskincare.com). This was 

developed by my absolute favourite UK spa, 

the multi-award winning Gaia Spa (based at 

the historic Boringdon Hall hotel just outside 

Plymouth), featuring their signature aromatherapy blend 

of petitgrain, lemongrass and geranium – and everyone 

who comes anywhere near my office when I’m burning 

this comments: ‘What’s that AMAZING smell?’ As a bit 

of fun, there is also the Anya Hindmarch Chewing Gum 

Scented Candle, from £50, with a scent that’s much, much 

more sophisticated than it sounds and features fresh mint, 

Madagascan pink pepper, thyme and more. (The funky 

packaging is also guaranteed to put a smile on your face.) 

Slip a mood-lifter in your handbag. Would I leave home 

without something to give me an energetic ‘nudge’ when 

I’m feeling knackered? I would not. Indeed, I regularly 

require a handbag cull of these, when I discover that I’ve 

“I have favourite 

scented candles 

for when I feel 

like I’m wading 

through treacle” 

been popping one in my bag each morning and now have 

three or four weighing me down. Likely to feature in that 

particular stash are Tisserand Aromatherapy Happy Vibes 

Roller Ball, £6.50 (bergamot, lemon tea tree and nutmeg); 

Neal’s Yard Remedies Remedies to Roll Energy, £8 (rosemary, 

lavender, grapefruit and geranium); and Anatomē Energy 

+ Strength, £22 for 10ml (camphor, lemon, pine and 

peppermint, among other essential oils); available from 

anatome.co but if you’re in London’s West End, do check 

out the fab shop opened on Piccadilly by this exciting new 

name in aromatherapy. I also love Scentered Happy Wellbeing 

Ritual Aromatherapy Balm, from £5.50 (for the mini size), 

with its ‘sunshine anytime’ blend of citrus and mint; unlike 

the liquid rollerballs, the essential oils are 

infused in a balm which melts into skin, 

but retains an impressively powerful effect. 

Then swipe on your favourite red lipstick. 

This is a fast-acting, well-known moodbooster 

which turns that drab reflection in 

the mirror into something much perkierlooking. 

(What do you mean you don’t 

have a favourite red lipstick? Get yourself 

to a Bobbi Brown/Dior/Estée Lauder counter and fix that 

immediately. Or, if you’re on a post-Christmas budget, 

the Max Factor/Bourjois fixtures in your nearest Boots.) 

And last but not least, treat yourself to some scented 

narcissi. Nothing says ‘spring is coming’ like a bunch of 

smelly daffs. I don’t allow myself to buy spring flowers till 

after Christmas for just this reason (even though I saw tulips 

on sale in December). That beautiful white floral scent is a 

harbinger of longer, warmer days, elevated energy levels – and 

literally the joys of spring we’ll be full of, soon enough. 

Visit beautybible.com for more of Jo’s 

make-up and skincare tips and reviews. 

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6


Rest & Replenish 

Henrietta Norton explains how the New Year should 

be all about nurturing your body and soul 

From Buddhism to Judaism, 

eating practices, such as fasting, 

cleansing or more recently 

named ‘detoxing’ have been used over 

the centuries as a means to clear and 

energise the body, to reconnect to our 

spirit or essence so that it may flourish. 

You need only to read the front covers 

of January’s magazines to see how our 

views have changed. Feature titles include 

‘New Year, New You’, ‘Detox yourself 

slim’ and ‘Exercise to bust the fat’. Where 

did we lose the nourishing, spiritual 

essence of wholesome food to one that is 

now synonymous with deprivation and 

punishment for festive gluttony? 

However, the New Year is far from 

this. Instead, I see it as a time to rest, 

restore, replenish and, in line with pagan 

traditions, to find the light amongst the 

dark. In a time when our lives are more 

hectic and disconnected than they ever 

have been, our need to return to these 

practices and turn away from the ‘New 

Year, new you’ and calorie-counting 

has never been stronger. It is my 

belief that this month we should 

embrace a way of eating that 

celebrates the connection between our 

body and our soul, that celebrates the 

seasons and reconnects us with nature. 

A way of eating that is free of ‘good’, 

‘bad’ but rich in nourishment and 

tenderness for our body and mind. 

The following are some gentle 

guidelines to do just that this month: 

Avoid the non-nourishing foods such as 

sugar, alcohol and white flour products. 

Replace with organic whole 

grains (wholegrain rice, 

amaranth, buckwheat, 

quinoa), seasonal 

vegetables, broth, pulses 

and natural sugars (local 

or manuka honey). 

Drink warm filtered 

water with ginger 

and spices to warm 

and revive. This encourages the 

movement of the lymphatic system 

and supports the ‘flow’ of nutrients. 

Start the day with a mug of hot 

water and the juice of half a lemon 

or a capful of apple cider vinegar. 

This alkalizes the body and stimulates 

digestion for a lighter start to the day. 

Use a body brush before you step 

into the shower each morning. Use 

upward strokes until you get the level 

“Start the day with 

a mug of hot water 

and the juice of 

half a lemon or 

a capful of apple 

cider vinegar” 

of your heart and downward strokes 

from the head down to your heart. 

Don’t scrub, just gently brush. 

Bathe in magnesium flakes or 

Epsom bath salts to soothe the body 

and soul at the end of the day. 

Stew seasonal fruit, apples, pear and 

berries with warming spices, such as 

ginger and cinnamon, and add to cooked 

millet or quinoa flakes to start the day. 

Bone broths and 

vegetables soups are rich 

in healing nutrients and 

light on the digestion. Use 

real stock and seasonal 

root vegetables to deeply 

nourish the digestive 

system and liver. 

Consider supporting 

your body with 

natural cleansing supplements such 

as chlorella or a cleansing complex. 

Take long walks in fresh air in the 

light, and use the evenings to rest away 

from stimulus as much as possible. 

Visit wildnutrition.com for Food- 

Grown® supplements and information 

on Nutritional Therapists at 

clinics in Lewes and London 


Ashford Golf Club 

Special 2020 Open Package 

The 2020 open will return to 

Royal St Georges in July for 

the fi rst time since 2011. 

Celebrate in style with a game 

of golf at Ashford Golf Club, a 

beautiful Parkland Course just 

minutes’ from the M20 (Junction 

9) either on your way to the 

Open or on your return having 

seen some entertaining golf. 

With many local hotels within 

easy reach, this venue is 

ideal for those wishing to 

play a challenging course in 

the Heart of Kent to add to 

their overall experience. 

Golf Package 

Just £55 per person for 18 

holes of Golf (including bacon 

roll and coffee on arrival). 

To book a tee time and any 

further catering requirements, 

phone the Pro Shop on 

01233 622655 - Group 

bookings welcome. 

Sandyhurst Lane, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4NT 

www.ashfordgolfclub.co.uk 

10 day KickStart & 

Programme with 

LifeWorks Live. 

Karen coaches you daily with an 

educational video explaining what 

to eat, goal setting, positivity and 

how to personalise the plan to suit 

your lifestyle: 

9 Daily KickStart workouts - to 

shape your body, increase muscle 

tone, work on your midsection 

and strengthen bones and joints. 

2 Full body workouts to 

compliment your daily workouts. 

Recipe ideas and food ideas to 

fit into busy lifestyles and tips to 

achieve success moving forward. 

LifeWorks 

10 days of motivation, mindset 

training and live coaching to create 

a shift in behaviour and patterns. 

Online Coaching 

Programmes 

One - Three month group or 

individual coaching programme to 

include an hour a week appt with 

daily check-ins and close support. 

This programme is to support a real 

shift in mindset and create longlasting 

transformation. Working 

closely together with Karen she 

will support you to find purpose, 

achieve goals and be a success. 

Karen Porter 

07930 425694 

bodyandhealthbydesign.com 

AshfordGolfClubWT215.indd 1 16/12/2019 BodyandHealthbyDesignWT215.indd 14:43 

1 04/12/2019 11:36 

“We selected The Bespoke Care Company for 

a number of reasons but, importantly, local and 

personal service were high on our list. 

They state they are a family concern - 

this I think is their greatest asset. “ 

Live-in care 

The Bespoke Care Company is an independent, 

family run agency in Tunbridge Wells. 

Established in 2010, we provide one to one 

live-in care and support in Kent and Sussex. 

Call us on 01892 518400 

to discuss your requirements. 

www.bespokecarecompany.co.uk 


8 

BespokeCareCompanyWT209.indd 1 19/06/2019 14:16


Be Kind 

& Unwind 

It isn’t necessary to punish yourself to be fit and 

healthy this January, as Sarah Maxwell proves 

Christmas is over for another 

year, New Years resolutions 

firmly in place and every 

magazine and advert is telling you to 

lose weight and get ready for summer. 

If you are starting to feel that maybe 

you’ve overdone it a little and don’t 

know where to start, don’t despair 

as fitness trends this year have taken 

on a whole new track and 2020 is 

all about nurturing yourself both 

physically and mentally. Bring it on! 

So, there is no need to get into 

a blind panic and sign up to every 

fitness class and a drastic detox; 

I’m going to suggest a different 

approach that will help you remain 

consistent with your health and 

fitness over the coming months. 

Start with a positive mindset and 

instead of saying ‘I must lose weight 

and get fit’ try saying, ‘This year, 

I’m going to take care of myself, feel 

stronger and happier by gradually 

getting fitter and eating well’. There, 

doesn’t that feel better? Ease into 

this and listen to your body. Move 

away from the, #couldntwalkfordays 

mentality! If that is what you live for, 

then go for it and stop reading now. 

The rest of you will be delighted to 

know that it isn’t necessary to punish 

yourself to be fit and healthy; January 

doesn’t have to be miserable and 

the most effective way to sustain a 

healthy body and mind is balance. 

Let’s take a look at some of the 

fitness and lifestyle trends predicted 

for 2020 to inspire us through 

January and give us something to get 

excited about in the coming year. 

Mindful Fitness – Running, 

walking, classes, personal training 

With the increasing levels of stress 

and pressure we are facing, people 

are looking for a mindful approach 

to their health and fitness. 

Mindful training enables you to put 

all of your worries to the back of your 

mind, disconnect from everything 

that is making you feel overwhelmed, 

and allow yourself some ‘me-time’. 

Being mindful also encourages 

you to pay attention to your training 

and learn how to be more presentfocused. 

Outdoors or indoors, looking 

after your body, mind and soul will 

bring many rewards this year. 

Cardio Barre 

With the popularity of ballet barre 

workouts continuing, many barre 

classes are now adding a cardio 

element to take you to another level. 

A combination of traditional ballet 

moves, high intensity training alongside 

Pilates and yoga all in one class. Expect 

to see a lot more classes in 2020. 

At home Fitness and Wellbeing 

Many people don’t want to have to 

leave the house to workout. There 

could be many reasons for this from 

saving time to because they’d rather 

not exercise in front of others. 

Thankfully, with the increase of 

online fitness classes and courses, 

personal trainers on line, Peleton cycle 

training and wearable technology, 

to name a few, we now have access 

to a wide range of fitness activities 

wherever you are in the world. 

Mind, Body and Spirit 

Over the years we have seen, goat yoga 

(yes, seriously, it’s a thing), hot yoga and 

naked yoga. This year is all about yoga 

fusion. Yoga high intensity training is 

predicted to be a big success this year. 

It involves traditional yoga 

moves combined with bursts 

of high intensity training. 

Wild swimming, 

All around the South East, we are 

blessed with miles and miles of 

meandering, murky rivers and there are 

a growing group of hard core swimmers 

who use this beautiful, natural backdrop 

as their place of exercise, swimming in 

the open water all year round. I’m told 

it does wonders for the circulation. 

Staying warm and dry has a far stronger 

pull than my curiosity, so I’m afraid 

I’m going to have to leave it to you 

to report back to me on that one! 

Exercise of 

the month: 

Take a few moments to think how 

you want to feel this year. Write 

it down and start with baby steps. 

You owe it to yourself to nurture 

and love the person you are. 

I bet you never thought you’d 

hear a Personal Trainer say that! 

✣ 

Happy New Year x 

Sarah Maxwell is a multiple awardwinning 

Fitness and Lifestyle coach 

and mum of two who juggles a lot 

of balls. Find out more about Sarah 

and her work at sarahmaxwell.com 

Sarah shares her Fitness and 

Lifestyle tips on Instagram 

@sarahmaxwelllifestyle 

9


Save over £1,000 

on your hip or knee 

replacement.* For more 

information visit: 

kims.org.uk/offer 

No need to delay treatment, 

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Providing prompt access to healthcare for 

those who prefer not to wait. We offer self-pay 

treatments for a comprehensive range of 

conditions including hip and knee replacements, 

heart problems and back pain. 

Why Choose Us: 

•Access to highly experienced consultants 

•No waiting lists 

•Self-pay fixed price guarantee 

•Prompt access to diagnostic tests 

•Private medical insurance accepted 

•Just off junction 7 of M20 

Call: 01622 237 727 

Email: enquiries@kims.og.uk 

Web: kims.org.uk/self-pay 


10 

*Offer available until 31st January 2020


Health Matters 

We talk to Jackie Groom, Chief Nurse at KIMS Hospital 

in Maidstone, about accessing self-pay services 

How can you access treatments at KIMS Hospital? 

Our patients are at the heart of everything we do, so ensuring 

that it’s easy to access healthcare at KIMS Hospital is important. 

You can choose how to; self-pay, where you fund all of your 

own treatment, you can access our services via a range of Private 

Medical Insurance Policies or for some treatments you can 

request an NHS referral via your GP. 

Could you outline what innovative services 

are available and are there particular areas 

that KIMS Hospital leads the way in? 

KIMS Hospital is home to the only private interventional 

cardiology facility in Kent, offering you the most comprehensive 

private cardiology service in the area. Our Interventional Suite 

is a full operating room environment for both Interventional 

Cardiology and Interventional Radiology. 

Our patients are cared for on our dedicated 

day ward after undergoing both diagnostic and 

interventional treatments such as Angiograms, 

Pacemaker Implants, Electrophysiology, 

Stent Insertions, Vascular access and more. 

We are also particularly proud to have 

developed, in conjunction with our 

dedicated Macmillan Breast Care Nurse 

Specialist, our ‘One Stop’ Breast service. 

Our ‘One Stop’ Breast service gives you access to 

a specialist team if you are suffering from worrying 

symptoms. Our team includes Consultant Breast 

Surgeons, Consultant Breast Radiologists, a Macmillan 

Breast Care Nurse Specialist and Mammographers. 

We started this service with a weekly clinic and now provide 

five ‘One Stop’ clinics per week. The aim of the clinic is to 

provide immediate feedback for you and discuss a potential 

treatment plan all in one session, which reduces the anxiety 

of waiting and receives amazing feedback from patients. 

“No one ever really wants to go to hospital… It’s such an emotional 

and private thing to go through. The team at KIMS Hospital were 

well aware of this and I was given the care and respect I needed 

by everyone, which made the stay just that little bit easier.” 

Imelda Bell, Breast Clinic Patient 

Can you run us through a typical self-pay patient journey, 

from initial consultation to discharge and aftercare? 

Our self-pay treatments mean that you will be seen quickly 

and at a time that suits you. Your journey is straightforward. 

You can contact our friendly enquiries team for information 

and an appointment, via phone or email. This means that 

they can discuss consultants, treatments available and pricing 

with you. We will also let you know if you need a GP referral. 

“Our self pay 

treatments 

mean you will 

be seen quickly 

and at a time 

that suits you” 

The enquiries team 

can then book your 

appointment; often 

you can see a consultant of your choice 

within 24 hours. Your consultant may recommend a scan, 

test or treatment, which in some instances will be able to 

happen on the same day. You would then go on to discuss 

your results with your consultant, book your treatment, if 

required, or follow up appointment. Along the way you 

will have time to ask any questions that you may have. 

Following surgery, should any be required, you will be asked 

to attend a post-surgery check and for some procedures 

sessions of physical therapy. Payment is straightforward 

and you’ll receive clear invoices from our finance team. 

“The whole team from Reception to Nurses and 

Imaging and Consultant were helpful, courteous 

and very knowledgeable. Truly a professional 

team of the highest calibre.” November 2019, 

KIMS Hospital Patient Satisfaction survey. 

If I have a scan or test and pay myself, who 

gets the results? Will it be tied into my NHS 

records? Is pathology undertaken on-site? 

As a self-pay patient at KIMS Hospital, you will 

receive the results of any scans or tests, in most cases via your 

consultant or your GP, depending on who requested the tests 

for you. If your consultant requested the tests, your GP will 

also be sent a copy of the results to add the results and any 

letter of recommendations for further treatment to your NHS 

GP record. We are very proud to say that we do undertake 

Pathology on site; our Pathology team are part of a wider 

multi-disciplinary team that includes our Consultants, Private 

GPs, Resident Medical Officers, our Infection Prevention 

and Control Lead and our dedicated Nursing teams. Having 

these facilities on-site means our team can discuss test requests 

promptly and directly with the clinician that has requested 

them, meaning faster turnaround of results for our patients. 

Are private GPs available at KIMS Hospital? 

Yes, if you are over the age of 18, you can see your choice of 

male or female GP quickly and easily, at times to suit you. 

Whether you are looking for a short notice GP appointment, 

or just want more time to discuss your needs we can help. 

Our private GPs work closely with the wider KIMS Hospital 

team of Nurses, Radiographers, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists 

and Consultants. Your appointment will be longer than a 

regular GP appointment and will last up to 20 minutes. 

Find out more by calling 01622 237500 kims.org.uk 



Baldwins Travel 

Ultimate Escape Holidays 

Stunning destinations for a break to truly remember 

A once in a lifetime Sri Lanka & 

Maldives Twin Centre Holiday 

organised by Baldwins Travel 

Where flights leave from/to: 

Fly with SriLankan Airlines from 

London Heathrow to Colombo. 

Continue onwards to Male where you 

will then be transferred by speedboat 

(90 minutes) or upgrade to a 20-minute 

scenic seaplane ride (extra cost) to 

your resort. Return flights are via 

Colombo to London Heathrow. 

Duration of trip: 1 night flying, 5 

nights Sri Lanka, 7 nights Maldives. 

Hotel info: Enjoy 5 nights half-board in 

a Superior Room at the 4-star Centara 

Ceysands Resort & Spa in Bentota on 

the South West coast of Sri Lanka before 

luxuriating in a Beach Villa on a full 

board Basis at Kuoni’s exclusive 4-star 

Kuramathi Resort in the Maldives. 

What you can see and do: In Sri Lanka 

a highlight for the soul is the ancient 

temples of Polonnaruwa – spiritual, 

plentiful and steeped in history. Also 

one for your bucket list is climbing 

Sigiriya Rock – it is the ultimate tick on 

the Island. In the Maldives early risers 

should make their way out to the reefs 

for a diving experience like no other 

and see manta rays swim around you 

as you admire the colours and corals. 

What makes the trip extra special? 

If you are a romantic the sunsets 

are a sight to behold, but if you are 

really looking to impress why 

not organise a night with 

your significant other on 

your own private island? 

Cost: Prices are from £1,599pp 

based on a May departure 

with SriLankan Airlines. 

Info & booking: Visit 

baldwinstravel.co.uk to find 

your local branch and get 

further information. 

Terms and Conditions apply and 

all departures are subject to 

availability. Different durations 

can be accommodated to suit 

your exact specifications and 

budget. Please ask for details. 


12

Latas Country House, Portugal 

Prices from 

595€ 

(£500) 

Prices from 

£1,599pp 

based on a May 

departure with 

SriLankan Airlines 

Book a stay at Latas Country 

House, a beautifully restored 

manor house in Portugal 

Where flights leave from/to 

London Gatwick to Porto on 

British Airways, TAP, easyJet or 

Ryanair (flights not included). 

Accommodation In a sunny valley, 

nestled in a quaint mountain 

village within Central Portugal, you 

will find Latas Country House, a 

beautifully restored 1911 manor 

house with individually styled, 

comfortable bedrooms and well 

thought out, spacious communal 

area for groups to come together 

Latas’s sun-drenched gardens 

and south facing pool terrace offer 

breathtaking views, surrounded by 

olive groves, flora and wildlife. 

Up and coming creative retreats 

Calligraphy & botanical 

watercolour with Bethan Ralph 

Mon 20 April, 5pm – 

Fri 24 April, 10am 

Shibori and indigo with Tatie Lou 

Mon 27 April, 5pm – Fri 1 May, 10am 

Optional afternoon activities 

Kayak the Mondego River; try 

restorative yoga; take a 

cultural visit to the city of Coimbra; 

do some wild swimming and picnic 

on the Alva River; enjoy some selfcare 

with a massage, followed by 

reading a good book by the pool. 


Host Rita provides delicious and 

inspiring plant-based meals, freshly 

picked from her organic kitchen 

garden throughout your stay. 

Surrounded by raw beauty, Latas 

offers tranquillity and seclusion from 

the outside world, with a more gentle 

approach to day-to-day living, so you 

can truly switch off and retreat. 

Cost: Prices from 595€ (£500 approx.) 

Info & booking: Contact Rita 

rita@latascountryhouse.com 

latascountryhouse.com


Exploring the incredible 

Galapagos islands 

with Humboldt Travel 

Where flights leave from/to: All 

international flights coming to 

Ecuador will stop directly at either 

Mariscal Sucre International Airport 

(Quito) or José Joaquín de Olmedo 

International Airport (Guayaquil). If 

you are changing flights from Quito to 

Galapagos, you will have a mandatory 

stop in Guayaquil. If you travel directly 

to Guayaquil, you will fly directly to 

the Galapagos. Depending on your 

departure date and itinerary, you will 

be landing in the Galapagos at either 

Baltra Airport or San Cristobal Airport. 

Duration of trip: 8 days (Humboldt 

Travel can arrange an exciting selection 

of Galapagos cruises to choose from 

ranging from 4-14 days in duration.) 

Ship info: You’ll be staying aboard 

the M/Y Grace – an elegant ship 

that was gifted to Princess Grace 

o f Monaco for her honeymoon. 

What you can see and do: One of the 

earth’s last true wildernesses, the wildlife 

haven of the Galapagos Islands never 

fails to enchant and surprise. The good 

thing about the Galapagos Islands is 

that they can be visited all year long. 

During both hot and dry season, the 

Galapagos wildlife is always on display. 

The hot season is the breeding season 

for land birds and iguanas. The dry 

season, with its nutrient rich waters, 

attracts plenty of aquatic species and 

seabirds (including penguins!). 


Huge whales and playful dolphins 

regularly visit the islands making this 

a hotspot for diving and snorkelling 

Cost: From £8,390pp. Including return 

economy-class flights to Quito from 

London, luxury hotel stays on the 

mainland, all transfers and a full-board 

8-day luxury cruise aboard M/Y Grace. 

Info & booking: 01603 959554 

humboldttravel.co.uk 

 

Prices from 

£8,390pp 

Humboldt travel 


Forest Farm Cat Hotel 

Nineveh Lane, Benenden, TN17 4LG 

Forest Farm Cat Hotel 


FAB 

approved 

FAB 

approved 

Forest Quote Individual Wealden Farm Times heated Cat chalets, Hotel 

Individual 5* rated heated licence chalets, 

5* rated licence 


FAB 

approved 

It is important to make your cat's stay with us as 

enjoyable It is important as possible. to make Our your staff cat's love stay cats with and us as take 

the enjoyable time to understand as possible. the Our personality staff love cats and and needs take of 

the every time individual to understand guest, the and personality give them and the needs care, of 

playtime every individual and attention guest, and that give best them suits the them. care, 

playtime and attention that best suits them. 

Idyllic rural location 

Idyllic rural location 

Gloriously situated in the High Weald area of rural 

Kent, Gloriously with views situated over in our the High pastures Weald and area the of rolling rural 

Kent, with views wooded over our hillspastures beyond. and the rolling 

wooded hills beyond. 

We can cater for a range of small animals too, 

We can cater for range of small animals too, 

but 

but 

please 

please 

contact 

contact 

us 

us 

for 

for more 

more 

information. 

information. 

NOW NOW TAKING TAKING BOOKINGS FOR FOR OCTOBER 

OCTOBER 

HALF-TERM, CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR YEAR 

Call Go Scoble 

01892 313111 

Your Independent Local Travel Agency 

for all your holiday requirements. 

With over 1,000 specialist suppliers, Go Scoble provides personal 

attention to every individual travel wish list. Putting a smile on 

your face when you walk away with that dream holiday. 

01580 242961 / 07720 966374 

01580 242961 / 07720 966374 VIEWINGS 

enquiries@forestfarmcathotel.co.uk 

WELCOME 

01580 242961 / 07720 966374 


www.forestfarmcathotel.co.uk 


VIEWINGS 

WELCOME 

113 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2QY 

Go Scoble is part of Not Just Travel trading under ABTA k9413. All travel is Atol protected. 

ForestFarmCatHotelWT212.indd 1 18/09/2019 GoScobleWT215.indd 10:36 

1 13/12/2019 11:25 

01580 242961 / 07720 966374 



ATELIER, BARBADOS 

Experience contemporary Caribbean style at its finest 

Visit www.atelierhouse.com for availability and bookings 


16 

AtellierHouseWT215.indd 1 10/12/2019 15:50


Atelier House, Barbados 

Experience contemporary Caribbean 

luxury at Atelier House, Barbados 

Where flights leave from and to: 

Virgin and BA fly daily from London 

Gatwick to Bridgetown, Barbados. 

Accommodation info: Atelier House 

is a luxury contemporary villa 

with stunning architecture 

and breathtaking views. It 

sits on a beautiful ridge half 

a mile from the soft white 

beaches of Barbados' Platinum 

Coast, with sunset views 

out across the Caribbean. 

The terrace and infinity pool 

overlook a protected gully filled 

with ancient mahogany and 

flamboyant trees, where green 

monkeys regularly ramble. The 

house suits those that appreciate 

great design and contemporary 

architecture. It can accommodate 

two families with between 

2-4 children. 

What you can see and 

do: St James on Barbados 

west coast has unmatched 

white sandy beaches, top 

end hotels and dining that 

ranges from world class 

restaurants to makeshift food stalls. 

It has something for everyone: water 

sports, surfing, fishing trips, diving, 

excursions from many different beaches, 

horse riding, polo, the farmers’ market 

at Holders, golf at Sandy Lane and 

Westmoreland, gully walks, stunning 

beaches, world class restaurants and 

friendly rum shacks. 


Barbados is worth exploring for its 

variety of land and seascapes, from the 

serene west coast to the wider Atlantic 

east, separated by a dense tropical 

heartland. But more than anything 

it’s the laid back charm of the people 

that make Barbados special. They are 

warm, friendly and quick to laugh – 

just don’t expect anything in a hurry. 

Cost Th enightly rate is between 

£1,250 in low season and £2,500 

at Christmas and New Year. 

This includes housekeeping, all linens, 

cleaning and laundry. A 10% local tax is 

also applicable. 

Info & booking: 

atelierhouse.com 

From 

£1,250 per 

night 

in low season * 

17 

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Tone it Up 

When it comes to exercising at home, lack of space isn’t an issue says 

Fitness Superstore’s Lewis Walker, who explains how you can create a 

successful regime you can stick to without having to leave the house 

I don’t want to lose weight, I just 

want to tone up – how can I do this 

at home? Phase out the cardio and 

ramp up the strength training! Eating 

foods that are high in protein and lifting 

weights at least three times a week 

will result in a tighter body without 

losing any weight. All it takes is a set of 

dumbbells to begin with – you can add 

to your collection as you progress – for 

effective weight training at home. 

I do want to get fit, but don’t know 

how to go about exercising, especially 

in winter – what should I do? We get 

it – the prospect of having to endure 

these cold, dark days and never-ending 

awful weather is not an enticing thought 

when you’re getting ready to go for a 

run or bike ride. That’s where a home 

gym comes in handy! With the advice 

and guidance of Fitness Superstore, 

you can design your very own workout 

space that’s specifically tailored to you. 

Come in and browse our selection 

yourself, or speak to one of our team 

members, who will strive to ascertain 

your goals and requirements before 

helping you to select the right equipment 

that supports you and your training. 

Can I try before I buy? Absolutely 

– as the UK’s No.1 specialist fitness 

equipment retailer, we have an unrivalled 

range of products, including exclusives, 

from world-renowned brands. All 

of those on display in our stores are 

available for you to try before you buy, 

so you can be confident that you’re 

making the right purchase. Just pick 

one you want to try and jump on! 

I am worried that incorporating 

exercise equipment in my home will 

take up too much space, how can you 

tailor my choices to fit? Don’t worry 

if floor space is at a premium, we’ve 

got you covered with a great range of 

space-saving options that will completely 

revolutionise your workout space. 

Folding treadmills, rowing machines that 

store vertically, compact multi-gyms and 

adjustable dumbbells (which provide you 

with many weights in just a single pair of 

dumbbells) are just a few examples that 

help to maximise your training area. 

Can you help with the design and set 

up of a home gym? Yes, if you’re not 

sure how you can make the most of the 

space you’re working with, our gym 

planner service can do it for you! Free, 

and with no obligation, you can see how 

your favourite products will fit into the 

area you have. 

What’s the most effective way of 

exercising on a budget? Don’t feel as 

though you have to purchase everything 

all at once. Start off by listing your 

essentials, and then you can work 

the remainder of your budget to 

accommodate any equipment that’s more 

of a ‘want’ than a ‘need’. 

How can I keep motivated to 

exercise at home? Having a dedicated 

workout space can work wonders 

on your motivation to train. Take 

pride in your home gym, no matter 

the size, and you’re going to want 

to spend time making use of it. 

Switch up your workouts – performing 

the same, monotonous workout every 

day can become boring very quickly, 

and you’ll have stopped completely 

before you know it. By frequently 

changing your routine, you’ll stay 

motivated and see better results. 

Grab a partner or friend to train 

with you, keeping you accountable, 

and making your training sessions 

more fun and less of a chore. 

Find Fitness Superstore in Tunbridge 

Wells fitness-superstore.co.uk 



Safe Journey 

Travel Pharmacist Sarah Turner from Imperial Pharmacy in 

Tunbridge Wells answers our travel vaccination questions 

Where can i find out which vaccinations i need? First 

check with your GP practice to see if your existing UK 

vaccinations are up to date. Ask if your GP practice is 

signed up to provide NHS vaccinations for travel. 

You could also book an appointment with your local 

Travel Clinic to discuss your travel plans. You can 

find information on which vaccinations are necessary 

or recommended for the areas you will be visiting on 

TravelHealthPro and NHS Fit for Travel websites. 

Where can i get them done? If your GP practice is signed 

up to provide NHS vaccines for travel you should be 

able to get certain vaccines free of charge. Other non- 

NHS vaccines can be provided at a Travel Clinic. 

When should i think about booking my vaccinations? 

It is advisable to get the vaccinations at least eight 

weeks before you are due to travel. It is important to 

give the vaccinations time to start working, so that you 

are protected while you are travelling. You will also 

need to ensure that there is enough time for you to 

get vaccinations that require more than one dose. 

Which are free and which incur a charge? If your GP 

practice is signed up to provide vaccinations you should 

be able to get diptheria/tetanus/polio, typhoid, hepatitis A 

and cholera. You will probably need to pay for vaccinations 

against hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, meningitis, rabies, 

tick-borne encephalitis, tuberculosis and yellow fever. 

of meningitis for those undertaking the Hajj or Umrah 

pilgrimages. You may be required to show proof of yellow 

fever vaccination if you are entering a country which 

If your GP practice is signed up 

to provide NHS vaccines for 

travel you should be able to get 

certain vaccines free of charge 

is free of the disease from a country which harbours 

the virus. Ask your local Travel Clinic for advice. 

Will it affect my travel insurance if i don’t have them? You 

would have to contact your travel insurance provider to 

determine if your cover requires you to have vaccinations. 

Are there any medical conditions which prevent me from 

getting a vaccination? Some vaccinations may not be advised 

if you have a condition or are receiving treatment that affects 

your immune system. For example, if you are receiving 

chemotherapy or have had a bone marrow or organ transplant. 

To find out about the services offered by CityDoc Travel 

Clinic at Imperial Pharmacy, visit imperialpharmacy.co.uk 

What happens if i decide not to get them? Getting 

vaccinated against certain diseases is one of the most 

effective things you can do to protect your health abroad. 

Are they obligatory to travel to some areas? Some countries 

require proof of vaccination in the form of an International 

Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) before 

you can enter or leave the country. For example, Saudi 

Arabia requires proof of vaccination against certain types 


20

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Cost: £3,000 per week 

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Come and visit your local Independent 

PaintinginItalyWT215.indd 1 12/12/2019 10:47 

Pharmacy for all your medicinal needs and our 

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Safe. Reliable. Trustworthy. 

4 The Pantiles 

Tunbridge Wells 

Kent TN2 5TN 

01892 525630 | info@imperialphamacy.co.uk 

imperialpharmacy.co.uk 

Stephen A. Gamble 

Business Principal 


ImperialPharmacyWT215A.indd 1 29/11/2019 NightingaleTravelWT215.indd 14:43 

1 16/12/2019 13:02


Sonovein the first 

“operation-free”, walk 

in walk out cure for 

varicose veins. 

Prof Mark Whiteley is a globally 

respected vein expert. With clinics 

in central London and Guildford, he 

is the first doctor in the world using new 

ultrasound technology called Sonovein 

echotherapy to treat patients with varicose 

veins from outside the body thus avoiding 

any invasive procedure or hospitalisation. 

Maria Walsh was one of the first patients 

in the world to be treated with Sonovein: 

”My grandmother suffered with 

her veins and had to have them 

stripped. I did not want to go through 

the same later in my life.” 

For the majority of patients Sonovein is a 

completely painless procedure. It works by 

focusing a high-intensity ultrasound beam 

on the troublesome vein. An integrated 

low-intensity ultrasound beam lets the 

clinician see the vein being treated in 

real time, ensuring optimal treatment 

accuracy. As the treatment beam is 

delivered, the affected vein shrinks and is 

sealed closed. The system is so accurate 

it can treat veins which are notoriously 

hard to access, such as perforator veins, 

even if they’re close to an open ulcer. 

Prof. Mark Whiteley, revolutionising the 

treatment of varicose veins. 

Unlike traditional varicose vein treatments, 

such as stripping, laser or radiofrequency 

treatments, no catheters or incisions 

are used with Sonovein, meaning Prof. 

Whiteley’s patients are left with no 

scars or risk of infection, and can return 

immediately to their normal daily activities. 

“Sonovein for me was ideal, noninvasive, 

minimal discomfort and I was 

www.echotherapie.com/varicoseveins/ 

back at work straight afterwards. 

I was amazed to find the following 

days after my treatment I had no pain 

whatsoever and could carry on with 

life as normal” added Maria Walsh. 

Any superficial vein may become varicosed, 

but those most commonly affected are 

in the legs. Lifestyle issues, or hereditary 

predispositions may increase vulnerability 

to this disease. Also, certain overly 

strenuous sports may put elevated pressure 

on the veins and damage them. Whilst for 

some people varicose veins only manifest 

themselves as superficial spider veins, many 

people suffer from serious aching pain 

and disability. Untreated, varicose veins 

can cause severe health problems, such 

as open leg ulcers. Prof. Whiteley says: 

‘Most of these disorders can be cured by 

treating the underlying varicose veins 

that are the root of the problem.’ 

Almost all varicose vein conditions can 

now be cured with the new vein treatment 

techniques pioneered at The Whiteley 

Clinic, even in those patients who suffer 

recurrences after previous surgery. 

Prof. Whiteley believes there is now no 

reason why they should not be cured. 

For further information call 0330 058 1850 

or email psc@thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk


Tackling 

the Issue 

WT finds out about the latest treatments 

to combat varicose veins and banish 

problematic fat cells 

The Whiteley Clinic talks us through 

Sonovein, the first ‘operation-free’, walk 

in, walk out cure for varicose veins 

What are the benefits of the treatment? Sonovein is the 

only technique in the world that can permanently treat 

varicose veins without cutting across the skin at all. Even 

endovenous laser and radiofrequency, which most people 

regard as the latest way of treating veins, need the laser 

or radiofrequency probe to be passed up inside the vein. 

Sonovein is completely different. The device is placed on 

the skin and normal ultrasound is used to see the vein 

that needs treatment. A second focused ultrasound is then 

used to beam harmless ultrasound across the skin and 

deep into the tissue. The ultrasound is focused so that 

when it gets to the target vein, it is very concentrated. 

At this point, and only this point, tissue is destroyed. 

How is the treatment carried out? The treatment 

requires a very specialist vein clinic that has the skills to 

identify exactly which veins need treatment. This needs 

a combination of vascular technologist and a consultant 

venous surgeon. The treatment is carried out in a clinic 

room – there is no need for an operating theatre. The 

patient lies on a normal bed and the leg is held still with a 

special cushion. The ultrasound machine is placed on the 

leg and positioned so the HIFU (High Intensity Focused 

Ultrasound) is focused on the vein that needs treatment. 

If required, a very small local anaesthetic can be injected 

around the vein. The ultrasound pulse is then activated 

for eight seconds and the vein is destroyed. The machine 

is then moved to the next position and applied again if 

needed. This continues until the whole vein is treated. 

How long does the treatment take? Treatment time 

depends completely on how many veins need treatment 

and how long each vein is. The Whiteley Clinic 

has been exclusively performing Sonovein since we 

brought it to the UK in May 2019. The quickest case 

is 10 minutes and the longest case is two hours. 

What is the recovery time? Patients can walk 

immediately. Some find a support stocking comfortable 

while most find one unnecessary. One of our first 

patients was Maria, one of our own nurses in The 

Whiteley Clinic. She had both legs treated and then 

carried on working for the rest the day. Her view 

on how successful the treatment was can be found 

on youtube.com/watch?v=DOAtOVm2QyA 

How many sessions are needed? The number of sessions 

is directly related to how many veins need treatment 

and how big each vein is. Some of our patients have had 

both legs treated in one session and then gone home. 

What is the cost of the treatment? Currently it is the 

same cost as it would be if the patient underwent the 

same procedure using laser. It is slightly cheaper than 

undergoing the same procedure using radiofrequency. 

However, as the advantages of Sonovein become 

apparent and more patients demand this revolutionary 

new procedure, it is possible that prices will decrease. 

Find out more by visiting thewhiteleyclinic.co.uk 

 


BEFORE 


vaser 

Liposculpting 

2 WEEKS 

AFTER 

After four children and 

years of trying to get my 

pre-baby body back, I 

can honestly say I have 

finally achieved it with 

Vaser Liposculpting at 

Bella Vou. The whole 

experience was fantastic 

and team incredible. 

I’m looking great and 

have never been happier 

enjoying the remarkable 

improvements. 

Melissa, 43 

making you, 

more you 

to book your complimentary 

consultation call 01892 257357 

www.bellavou.co.uk 

Terms & Conditions: Before you consider any procedure you should consult with a physician to check your medical suitability. The above 

information wealdentimes.co.uk 

is only a brief overview and typical of most patients’ experiences. 24 Errors and omissions excepted. © 2019 Bella Vou Ltd.


The team at Bella Vou explain how 

Coolsculpting can help if you’re 

looking to reduce stubborn fat cells 

What are the benefits of the treatment? If you have 

tried everything to shift stubborn fat and yet still 

haven’t achieved your desired results. CoolSculpting 

is a non-invasive fat reduction procedure that 

involves no anaesthesia, needles, or incisions. This 

is a non-surgical alternative to liposuction. 

The CoolSculpting® fat-reduction procedure is 

specially designed for those who have unwanted fat 

in targeted areas. Good candidates for the procedure 

have noticeable bulges in the submental area (under 

the chin), thigh, abdomen and flank (love handles), 

along with bra fat, back fat, underneath the buttocks 

(also known as banana roll), and upper arm. At 

your initial consultation, our doctors will create a 

customised treatment plan that’s tailored to your 

body and your individual goals. CoolSculpting® 

is not a weight loss procedure and should not 

replace a healthy diet and active lifestyle. 

How is the treatment carried out? CoolSculpting® 

cools fat cells to the precise temperature at which they 

crystalise and die (a process known as apoptosis). The 

skin and surrounding tissue is unaffected. Your body 

then naturally metabolises these cells, before removing 

them through an inflammatory clearing process. 

During treatment your practitioner will place an 

applicator on the desired area. Controlled cooling 

then targets these fat cells, while preserving the skin 

and surrounding tissues. It’s common to experience 

some feelings of pulling and pinching during 

the process, but overall the procedure involves 

minimal pain. The provider typically will massage 

the treated areas immediately after treatment to 

break up any frozen deep tissue. This will help 

your body to begin to absorb the destroyed fat 

cells. Some people complain that this massage is 

slightly uncomfortable. After treatment, the body 

naturally processes and removes the fat cells. Once 

the treated fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good. 

How long does the treatment take? The length of 

your CoolSculpting® treatment will vary depending 

on the number of areas being treated during one visit. 

The latest technology of CoolSculpting®, at Bella 

Vou can treat a patient within 35 minutes per area. 

Our doctors and practitioners will explain the process 

and establish if this is a suitable option for you. 

What is the recovery time? There is little to no 

recovery time after a CoolSculpting® procedure. 

Most people are approved to resume normal 

day-to-day activities immediately after. In some 

cases, some minor redness or soreness may 

occur in the treated area, but all minor side 

effects typically subside within a few weeks. 

How many sessions are needed? Some people 

need several treatments before they get the 

desired result. Others might see the results 

they wanted with just a single treatment. 

For a free consultation at Bella Vou, Pantiles 

Clinic, Tunbridge Wells call 01892 257357 or 

email hello@bellavou.co.uk. bellavou.co.uk 

“The provider typically will 

massage the treated areas 

immediately after treatment to 

break up any frozen deep tissue. 

This will help your body begin 

to absorb the destroyed fat cells” 



Ditch the 

Couch 

We talk to Ashford Golf Club’s Russell Keep and Lifestyle 

Coach Karen Porter to inspire an active 2020 

ASHFORD GOLF CLUB 

What are the wellbeing benefits of 

golf? Getting up and out during the 

day with something to look forward to 

creates positive endorphins that make 

you feel happier and better in yourself. 

Walking is good exercise (on average 

for a round of golf you walk four to five 

miles while playing) which increases 

heart rate, helps circulation and 

increases life expectancy. 

It’s so enjoyable, walking with friends 

in picturesque surroundings, enjoying 

nature, getting plenty of fresh air while 

at the same time improving your fitness. 

What attracts people to Ashford Golf 

Club? It’s easy to get to and is a fair 

but challenging beautiful parkland golf 

course, having some areas where golfers 

actually need to think how to approach 

a hole, not just hit the ball. England 

Golf have chosen Ashford Golf Club 

to host the Southern Region County 

Championship. The clubhouse has a 

very friendly, warm and welcoming 

atmosphere that many other clubs envy. 

We also have many social functions 

throughout the year. 

Are lessons available at Ashford Golf 

Club? Yes, lessons are available for all 

ages, from four to beyond 80. Our 

resident PGA Golf Professional, Chris 

Wood, can give useful tips to help you 

play better and enjoy your golf further. 

Are you open to non-members? Yes, 

Ashford Golf Club welcomes nonmembers 

from other golf clubs and 

those who don’t belong to any golf club 

to play at the course. In these instances, 

showing that you can play golf would 

be a requirement prior to going out on 

the course, but all are welcome – it’s 

always good to phone to make sure 

there is availability on the course. 

Is your membership a mix of ages 

and abilities? The club has over 500 

members with a good mix across all age 

categories; it is worth noting that we 

also have a well-supported ladies section 

within the club. The good thing about 

being a member is that you are given a 

handicap from the club – this system 

allows all golfers of varying abilities to 

be equal when playing. 

Why would you recommend golf as 

a hobby? It keeps you fit, it’s fun, you 

meet loads of wonderful people both 

playing and socially and you share your 

love of the sport. You can play golf 

anywhere in the world where the sun 

shines. Golf gives you a great social 

network of friends – you really do make 

friends for life. 

01233 622655 

ashfordgolfclub.co.uk 

Body & Health 

by design 

What can your clients expect? 

To build a relationship based on 

trust and rapport and through 

this become able to make the 

changes they want and reach their 

full potential. My philosophy is 

that physical and mental health 

is critical for peoples’ success. 

Do clients need a clear idea of 

their goals? The short answer is no. 

Often I see clients who simply feel 

stuck or think there’s something 

missing in life, even struggling with 

direction or purpose. Coaching 

supports exactly this. Other clients 

have specific goals and this is also 

important when moving forward 

and looking at reaching success. 

What methods do you use to help 

your clients reach their potential? 

I use a combination of coaching, 

CBT, mindfulness and NLP 

techniques. In every session my 

focus is the client and being able to 

support them in their journey. 95% 

of the journey in transformation 

happens by creating awareness! 

Do any clients’ success stories 

spring to mind? I am so fortunate 

to have many success stories which 

makes me feel incredibly proud. 

They vary greatly from physical to 

mental shifts; being able to walk 

without pain, recovering from 

the effects of surgery, overcoming 

fears, anxiety and limiting beliefs. I 

coached and trained a member 

of the Qatari Royal Family in 

supporting her to find her inner 

strength – the transformation 

was remarkable and it led to 

her climbing Kilimanjaro. 

07930 425694 

bodyandhealthbydesign.com 


26

Focus on 

Fertility 

Care Fertility’s Diana 

Baranowski tackles this 

sensitive subject 

How long should a couple try for 

a baby before seeking extra help? 

A woman’s age and hence the age, 

number and quality of her eggs is one 

of the biggest factors in predicting the 

chance of conception. Women are born 

with their eggs in the ovaries and their 

eggs age with them. As eggs age, their 

quality decreases and the chance of 

fertilisation and implantation decreases 

while the risk of miscarriage increases. 

Approximately 80-90% of couples 

will conceive within 12 months of 

trying, depending on the woman’s age. 

The NHS will only refer patients for 

fertility treatment if a couple have been 

trying for two years without conception. 

Some women will seek help sooner, 

especially if they are over 35 or know 

they have a low ovarian reserve of eggs. 

Are there any lifestyle changes we 

can make to improve our chances of 

conceiving? Diet and lifestyle have been 

shown to have an impact. The body 

needs to be in good physical condition, 

so removing toxins from alcohol, 

smoking and drugs can all help to keep 

eggs and sperm healthy. A normal height 

and weight ratio for men and women 

can improve how hormones work. A 

woman’s BMI in a healthy range will 

also reduce the risk of complications in 

pregnancy to the mother and baby. 

A person’s mental health is also critical, 

so removing any stresses and learning 

ways to manage and cope with the 

concept of infertility will help. 

Is there a test for fertility? 

Men can have a sperm test that will 

analyse the number, movement and 

the morphology of the sperm. If any 

of these have low parameters then 

treatments can be recommended to 

help sperm to fertilise an egg. If the 

sperm analysis results are very poor, 

then further testing to analyse the 

quality, such as DNA fragmentation and 

oxidisation tests, may be beneficial. 

Women should have their ovarian 

reserve assessed. This can be done by a 

blood test for Anti-Mullerian Hormone 

(AMH) and an ultrasound scan to 

measure the Antral Follicle Count. These 

can indicate if the ovaries are active and 

indicate a woman’s level of fertility. 

Do both myself and my partner have to 

be tested? It is definitely recommended 

that both are tested. Fertility treatments 

can be individually tailored to maximise 

the chance of conception. The doctors 

can recommend particular investigations 

and treatments dependant on the man’s 

and woman’s initial tests results. 

Are there any medical conditions / 

medications that affect fertility? 

Woman can suffer with gynaecological 

conditions and structural anomalies 

that could decrease a woman’s chance of 

conceiving, such as polycystic ovaries, 

endometriosis, endometrial polyps or 

uterine fibroids. Men can also have 

conditions including obstruction in 

the testes, testicular failure from injury 

or disease, or chromosomal conditions 

such as Klinefelter syndrome. 

Medical conditions, such as diabetes, 

epilepsy and hypertension, do not 

directly reduce a person’s chance of 

conceiving but could cause problems 

in pregnancy. Any medical condition 

needs to be well monitored and 

controlled by your GP or specialist so 

you can be properly advised and cared 

for before, during and after treatment. 

If you have a chronic health condition 

you should seek advice from your 

GP or specialist before conception. 

What can we try before we opt for 

IVF? Sometimes the investigations can 

lead a person directly to IVF to have best 

chance of conception. However, some 

couples’ test results will be all normal 

and this is referred to as ‘unexplained 

infertility’. IVF has the highest success 

rates but is also invasive and expensive. 

For couples suffering with sexual 

dysfunction, requiring donor sperm, 

or who are not having regular sexual 

intercourse, it may be suitable to try 

intrauterine insemination of sperm. 

This is when a sperm sample is 

prepared by the embryologist and a 

clinician inseminates the live sperm 

into the top of the womb at the time 

of ovulation in a woman’s cycle. 

What are the cost implications of 

fertility treatment? A full cycle of IVF 

can vary from approximately £5,000 

to £20,000 depending on where 

in the country you have treatment. 

Some private clinics can now offer 

multicycle packages that offer refunds 

if a live birth is not achieved. 

Most areas do provide NHS funded 

fertility treatment, but there is a 

criteria that patients must meet to be 

accepted for this. This can also vary 

depending on where a person lives. 

carefertility.com 



Ask the Expert 

Doctor Tina Peers explains how to manage the menopause 

Thirteen million women in this 

country are menopausal or 

postmenopausal – some 30% 

of the adult population – and yet there 

is a general lack of understanding of it 

and what can be done to help women. 

The menopause happens to every 

woman when she runs out of eggs. The 

ovaries then stop producing oestrogen, 

progesterone and testosterone. 

These hormones have extremely 

important functions in a woman’s body 

and thus, when they are not there, 

80-90% of women will experience 

symptoms, and the protection that they 

give is lost. As our life expectancy is so 

much longer than it used to be, this 

can have very negative implications 

for a woman’s health and quality 

of life in her fifties and beyond. 

Premature menopause is when it 

happens under the age of 40. This 

occurs to 1% of the female population 

and it is vitally important that 

young women who experience loss 

of their periods are fully investigated 

and treated as soon as possible. 

Early menopause is between 40 and 

45. Women in this age group, who think 

that they may be going through the 

menopause, should have blood tests to 

help diagnose this and should receive 

HRT. This is very important as they 

will be more at risk of heart disease, 

osteoporosis and dementia because of 

the early start of their menopause. 

Perimenopause is when the 

hormone production starts to fluctuate 

and this may result in changes to the 

periods, multiple symptoms (can be 

present even when periods are regular 

still) and can last four to five years. In 

many women these symptoms can be 

debilitating and cause 10% to stop 

working! Many women visit their 

GP and the vast majority are offered 

antidepressants when they really 

would benefit hugely from HRT. 

The menopause should be referred to 

as Oestrogen Deficiency, in my opinion. 

This is what it is and women’s quality 

of life and health can be restored by 

taking hormone replacement therapy. 

Oestrogen is responsible for 

maintaining a healthy, strong skeleton, 

for keeping our coronary arteries clear of 

plaques, helping our brains function and 

the replacement and repair of collagen 

– extremely important for our joints 

and muscles which will diminish by 2% 

per annum without HRT in spite of 

exercise. Oestrogen also reduces the risk 

of bowel cancer and reduces depression 

and the rate of suicide, both of which 

increase in peri and postmenopause. 

I believe that the two most significant 

and important health decisions a 

woman will make in her life are her 

choice of contraception to control 

her fertility and taking HRT. 

Not only will HRT improve the 

quality of her life now but also into 

the future, by reducing her risk of 

osteoporosis by 70%, heart disease (heart 

attacks and strokes – the biggest cause 

of death in women) by up to 60%, 

dementia by up to 60%, bowel cancer 

by 30%, reduce her risk of Parkinson’s 

disease, maintain vaginal and bladder 

health and improve her libido. 

The new body-identical HRT, available 

from GPs and Menopause Specialists, 

does not have the same effect on the 

breast as some older HRT preparations. 

In fact, we have five years of data 

to show that natural micronised 

progesterone does not increase the risk of 

breast cancer – we think that, with time, 

it may actually slightly reduce the risk. 

Women are becoming more aware 

that they do not need to suffer in silence, 

with their menopausal symptoms often 

causing them to feel like they have 

‘lost’ themselves, making work difficult 

and putting strains on relationships! 

We offer individualised advice and 

care for women, which is of paramount 

importance and can not only literally 

‘give them their life back’, but also 

improve the quality of their life in 

middle and old age – something that is 

totally dependent on their state of health. 

Menopause: Know the Facts 

is the onset of menopause hereditary? 

Will it happen at the same time 

as my mum’s did? MAYBE. 

What are the possible effects? Night 

sweats, hot flushes, irritability, poor sleep, 

exhaustion, palpitations, low libido, 

peeing at night, aches and pains, muscle 

wasting and weakness, itchy skin, vaginal 

dryness, pain on intercourse, tearfulness, 

forgetfulness, depression and dark thoughts. 

Can they be severe? How are they alleviated? 

The effects can be debilitating and can be 

treated very effectively and quickly with 

HRT – regulated and licensed and prescribed 

by some GPs and by Menopause Specialists. 

What help is available in this situation? 

Should i see my GP? Many GPs are 

trained and confident in prescribing 

HRT, but sadly many are not. Specialists 

provide excellent individualised care – like 

the Menopause Clinic at Tillow Barn in 

Brockham (tillowbarnhealth.co.uk). 

How can family members help a woman 

who is menopausal? By understanding 

the condition and encouraging her to get 

expert help. Being patient also helps. 

is there anything a woman can do to 

prepare for it? It’s always important to have 

a healthy diet, be a good body weight and 

exercise, none more so than at this time 

of life. However, many women will also 

benefit hugely from HRT – many say it 

literally has given them their life back! 

Since qualifying in Medicine at Guy’s 

Hospital in London in 1983, 

Dr Tina Peers has developed her skills 

and knowledge in Women’s health. She 

first worked as a GP in Surrey, then 

became a Consultant in Contraception 

and Reproductive Health in 1996, 

leading these services in Surrey until 

2018. She now runs menopause clinics 

in Surrey and London. For more 

information, visit drtinapeers.com 


28

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Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Kate Liz Watts 

Make-up Artist: Natasha Valerie Make Up 

Hair Stylist: Kate Parks 

Model: Danielle Holbrook, Fresh Agents

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98 

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ambulance station available for rent 

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Address Book: 

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sponsored by 

Fresh 

Fix 

Jo Arnell spices up January with 

warm winter flavours that pack 

a vitamin-enriched punch 

Recipes: Jo Arnell 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Lucy Fleming 

Eating less meat is getting easier and 

there are plenty of roots, bulbs and 

brassicas around, brimming with 

vitamins, to kick-start us into a zestful and 

flavoursome new year. Eating seasonal 

vegetables also means that we are making 

the most of locally grown produce that 

hasn’t travelled too far or been stored for 

too long. These recipes contain no meat 

and can be eaten as meals in their own 

right, or served as accompaniments. 

wealdentimes.co.uk


102 

V I S I T W W W . H U S H H E A T H . C O M 

F O R F U R T H E R D E T A I L S

sponsored by 

Curried Coconut 

Cauliflower 

Steaks 

Preparation time: 20 mins 

Cooking time: 30 mins 

Serves 4 

The whitest and 

creamiest of all the 

brassicas, cauliflower 

accepts other flavours 

well; spices, such as 

cumin, ginger and 

turmeric are good in 

combination and, together 

with coconut, make this into 

a comforting plateful. It is 

vegan, dairy and gluten free. 

• 1 large or 2 small cauliflowers 

For the marinade: 

• 2cm section freshly grated ginger 

• 2cm section grated turmeric 

(or 2 tsp dried) 

• 1 clove crushed garlic 

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 

For the coconut curry sauce: 

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil 

• 1 cinnamon stick 

• 1 tsp cumin seeds 

• 6 cardamom pods 

• 1 onion, finely chopped 

• 2cm piece of fresh ginger, grated 

• 2 cloves crushed garlic 

• 1 red chilli, finely chopped 

• 1 tsp garam masala 

• Remainder of cauliflower 

cut into small florets 

• 200ml coconut milk 

• Coriander to garnish 

1Cut the cauliflower lengthways into 

‘steaks’ 2-3cm thick, saving any 

off-cut florets to use in the sauce. 

2Brush the turmeric marinade onto 

the cauliflower steaks and leave 

to marinate for 15 mins or so. 

3Pre-heat the oven 

to 180°C, 350°F, 

gas 4, and place steaks on a baking 

tray. Roast for about 30 mins until they are 

slightly browned and soft in the middle. 

4For the coconut curry sauce: heat the 

oil in a pan and fry the cinnamon 

stick, cumin and cardamom for 2 

mins. Add the chopped onion and 

the rest of the spices and continue 

cooking for 5 mins until golden. 

5Mix in remaining cauliflower 

florets and pour in the coconut 

milk. Simmer for 20 mins until 

the cauliflower is tender. 

6Use a stick blender or 

liquidiser to blend the 

sauce into a smooth paste. 

7Put cooked steaks 

onto sauce and 

serve with rice.

Beetroot & Pearl Barley Risotto 


Cooking time: 1 hour 

Serves 4 as a starter or light lunch 

Pearl barley contains more protein 

and dietary fibre than risotto rice 

and makes risotto into a more 

nutritious meal. The grains are slightly 

nuttier and more substantial. 

• 4 beetroots (peeled or scrubbed) 

• 1 red onion, finely chopped 

• 2 tbsp olive oil 

• 300g pearl barley 

• 2 tsp dried oregano 

• 150ml dry white wine 

• 1 litre vegetable stock (plus 

beetroot cooking water) 

• 150g soft goats’ cheese (or feta) 

• Slices of spring onion to garnish 

Boil the beetroot in a small pan of 

1 water for 10-15 mins until soft. 

Drain (reserving cooking water) cool, 

then roughly chop into 1cm pieces. 

2Gently sauté the chopped onion 

in a frying pan with the oil 

for 5 mins until translucent. 

3Add pearl barley, oregano and 

cooked beetroot, then gradually 

add first the wine and then stock 

and beetroot water, stirring between 

each addition, until the liquid has 

been absorbed. Cook for about 40-50 

mins (stir to prevent any sticking). 

4Pile into bowls. Sprinkle 

on the cheese, spring 

onion garnish and serve.

sponsored by 

Seville Orange Almond 

& Polenta Cake 


Cooking time: 45 mins + 1½ hours 

Serves 8 

You can make this cake with any 

oranges, but Sevilles are just coming 

into the shops for their brief season 

right now. They’re the best orange for 

marmalade and for the cake too; bitter, 

but full of flavour. This cake is proteinrich, 

dairy and gluten free. Serve as cake 

on a plate, or as a dessert with orange 

sauce and cream or crème fraîche. 

• 2 oranges (Seville or any 

smallish orange) 

• 175g caster sugar 

• 4 eggs 

• 150g ground almonds 

• 50g polenta 

• 1 tsp or 5g sachet baking powder 

• Icing sugar for dusting 

Cook the oranges in a pan of 

1 boiling water for about 1½ hours 

until soft, then roughly slice and 

blend with a stick blender/liquidiser 

to a thick purée. Set to one side. 

Preheat the oven to 180°C, 350°F, 

2 gas 4, then grease and line a 23cm 

baking tin with parchment paper. 

3Whisk sugar and eggs together 

until light and foamy, then 

carefully mix in the other ingredients 

and pour into prepared tin. Bake in 

the oven for about 45 mins until the 

top is golden brown and the cake 

is cooked all the way through. 

4Leave to cool, then dust 

with icing sugar or pour 

on orange sauce and serve. 

For the orange sauce (optional): 

• 75g caster sugar 

• Juice of 2 oranges 

Gently heat the ingredients together 

in a small pan for a few mins until 

the sugar dissolves and thickens the 

juice to a sauce consistency.

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106 

CunninghamGardensWT215.indd 1 11/12/2019 KentishHareWT215.indd 09:58 

1 22/11/2019 15:37

Garden 

Grow Your 

Own Sun 

Jo Arnell injects some mood-lifting 

yellows into the winter garden 

When most of the colour has withered back into the 

earth and the natural world is dark and dormant 

it can seem a bit bleak outside. We can admire the 

tracery of trees and the stark beauty of the leafless landscape, 

some of us have smart structural evergreens and topiary that 

may gleam with frosted effects, but nothing lifts the heart 

like a cheerful burst of colour. We’ve celebrated with red and 

green, but Christmas is over and it’s about time for something 

fresh and cheerful. From palest primrose through to bright 

and buttery, yellow is the most joyful and welcome of all the 

colours. So if the actual sun won’t warm us, let’s substitute 

its golden glow with a garden full of botanical sunlight. 

SHRUBS, TREES AND ‘EVERGOLDS’ 

Yellow leaves in plants can be a tricky thing. Sometimes a 

shrub with yellow leaves is actually telling you that it’s not 

very well or deficient in nutrients – literally off colour, but 

there are plants that have been bred to have yellow in their 

leaves as a variegation – Elaeagnus ‘Limelight’ has a yellow 

centre to its leaves, as does the holly Ilex ‘Golden King’ 

and low growing Euonymus ‘Emerald ’n Gold’ has a wide 

golden edge with a green centre to its leaves. There are some 

evergreen shrubs that have completely yellow leaves – a variety 

of Mexican Orange called Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ has 

attractive chartreuse coloured foliage – when in the right light. 

It does best in semi-shade; in full sun the leaves can bleach 

and scorch and it starts looking on the sickly side of yellow. 

A few brazen shrubs even flower in winter and as 

an added bonus many of the early flowers are scented. 

Pollinating insects are scarce, so plants have to work 

extra hard to attract in as many as they can. 

Often the flowers appear on bare stems, long before 

any leaves start to grow. Once the leaves do appear these 

shrubs tend to revert to being straggly nothings and fade 

into the background once again, but right now they 

are the stars of the show. Winter Sweet (Chimonanthes 

praecox) is one of these humble bushes, with small, 

pale yellow flowers perfumed with hints of citrus. 

Cornus mas is another with early blossom, lighting up 

a woodland or shady border with its delicate lemony 

flowers. It is a little bit fussy, so plant it in moist, 

humous-rich soil and grow in a sheltered place. 

For most of the year Mahonia japonica is a large and 

prickly and fairly uninspiring evergreen, but in the 

depths of winter its thick stems explode into impressive 

yellow flower spikes that brighten the darkest of 

days and smell of lily-of-the-valley. Mahonia x media 

‘Charity’ is one of the biggest and boldest to grow. 

Witch Hazel – Hamamelis x intermedia ‘Pallida’ has scented 

flowers that climb its bare branches like little yellow spiders. 

It also has good autumn foliage and although it grows slowly 

it will get large in time, so makes a good specimen shrub. 

Exotic looking and slightly tender, the fast growing 

evergreen Acacia dealbata (Mimosa) with its swathes of 

scented yellow pom-pom blossoms is a sight to lift the spirits 

in cold winter days. Grow Acacia in a sheltered place and 

mulch it well; it is native to Australia and may be rather 

put out to find itself blooming in the wrong hemisphere. 

The golden stems of the golden bamboo, Phyllostachys 

Top: Primrose Left: Choisya ternata ‘Sundance’ 


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108 

WCLandcraftWT209.indd 1 17/06/2019 14:46

Garden 

“A few brazen shrubs even 

flower in winter and many of 

the early flowers are scented” 

aureosulcata gleam in winter light and provide a strong, 

architectural and vertical shape in the garden. They 

are useful in contemporary spaces and also look good 

in pots. Bamboo provides an instant screen too, but 

be careful not to plant an invasive variety – look for 

clump forming types, not those that send out invasive 

runners. Luckily this one is a clumper, not a runner. 

Golden carpets 

You really can’t go far wrong with early spring bulbs 

– and some of them are very early indeed. It is truly 

a joy to behold them in their Wordsworthian hosts 

spreading out among the trees or lining the verges 

and patches of municipal grassed areas. This is how 

they are best seen; in massed throngs, making the 

most of the increasing daylight before the dense 

canopy of tree leaves eventually closes over them. 

Bright yellow Aconites and yolky Crocuses will 

naturalise as quickly as Narcissi and are among the first 

signs that tell us spring is not so far away. Daffodils are 

not long behind – sometimes even popping up in the 

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the benchmark’ Good Schools Guide 

Opening eyes, 

hearts and minds 

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We are nurturing 

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building 

emotional 

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We 

lessons 

Sparking imagination with immersive 

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dulwichprepcranbrook.org

Garden 

Gold’ narcissus that is always reliably early and a good size for 

naturalising in the grass, as it doesn’t get too big and floppy. 

Climbers 

There aren’t too many yellow flowering climbers that bloom in 

winter, but Jasminum nudiflorum, (Winter Jasmine) is probably 

the most well known. It is more of a scrambler or spineless 

shrub than a climber, but with patience and support, can be 

trained against a wall or fence, where it might half-heartedly 

climb – and then most likely tumble down, like a waterfall of 

star-studded stems. Unlike its summer cousin, Winter Jasmine 

is not strongly scented, but it makes up for this with a longlasting 

show of little yellow flowers through the winter months. 

Coronilla valentina glauca citrina (to give it its full name, 

rather than the disconcerting and undeserved – from what I 

can surmise, common name of ‘bastard senna’) is an evergreen 

wall shrub or lax climber (i.e. needs support) that has pale 

yellow pea-like flowers that contrast prettily with the blue 

tints of its small glaucous leaves. It seems to flower on and off 

sporadically throughout the year, but noticeably in winter. 

I will also mention a Clematis called C. cirrhosa ‘Wisley 

Cream’ that could almost be the palest yellow. This winter 

flowering Clematis has the added bonus of fragrant blooms. 

Hedera helix ‘Goldchild’ is a small leaved ivy that will 

clothe a large expanse, its classic ivy shaped leaves edged 

with pale yellow. All Ivies are self-clinging plants with 

probing aerial roots that stick fast onto many surfaces – trees, 

walls, sheds, ornaments, slow moving gardeners. Being a 

woodland climber, it thrives in the shade and is a wonderful 

source of food and shelter for wildlife, but do not plant 

against house walls or brick buildings, as the aerial roots 

can penetrate cracks and joints and may cause damage. 

I would never advocate that we fill our gardens 

with yellow plants – I’m aware that it can be less than 

tasteful – but every garden needs a boost and a pickme-up 

at this time of year and a bold and jaunty 

splash of sunshine yellow could be just the thing. 

Jo’s 2020 gardening courses are now booking, see 

hornbrookmanor.co.uk or call 01233 861149 for details. 

Top left: Bowles Golden grass Top middle: Golden grass at Wisley RHS garden Top right: Cornus mas 

Bottom left: Mahonia Bottom right: ‘Evergold’ conifer 


Be Yourself 

at Claremont 

Year 7 

Scholarships 

Assessments in 

March 2020. Visit 

claremontschool.co.uk 

/admissions 

...except when you’re 

being Mary Poppins 

YEAR 9 SCHOLARSHIPS 

For entry in September 2020 

Deadline for applications 

Monday 13 January 2020 

Assessment week 

27 - 31 January 2020 

2019 

Senior School & Sixth Form Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5UJ 

01580 830396 . enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk . claremontschool.co.uk/admissions

Education 

smiling, determined and energised from the buzz that 

learning and sharing something new has given them. 

Start an evening course 

Join a club 

Learn a new language 

Use Your 

Brain Power 

Make 2020 the year you learn something 

new, and you’ll reap the benefits 

(regardless of your age) says Hilary Wilce 

New year, new start! Most of us feel like 

blowing off the cobwebs and turning to 

something new after an indulgent festive 

season. But while children and young people get this 

automatically as they begin their new term at school 

or college, adults don’t always find it so easy to do. 

So why not vow to yourself to make 2020 the year 

you learn something new? In fact, scientists who have 

looked closely at the many benefits of learning say 

it’s one of the best things we can do for ourselves. 

And I know this from personal experience… 

When not writing this column, I sometimes run Writing 

From Wellbeing workshops, which encourage people to meet 

their hopes, dreams, fears and memories through writing 

exercises. Without exception there are participants who arrive 

at a workshop frazzled, scattered and worried, and then leave 

But here’s what the educational researchers say 

learning something new will do for you. It will: 

1. Change your brain’s structure, improving 

the density of its white matter, or myelin, 

which is known to improve performance 

on a range of mental tasks. 

2. Make you smarter. Learning new things is known 

to help you learn other new things more quickly. 

3. Help keep dementia at bay. This may not be your 

priority right now but why not invest for later? 

4. Be fun – having fun is a known part of good 

mental health and resilience. Some new things 

will obviously be fun – learning to kite surf, say, 

or play the ukulele – but anything can be made 

fun by a skillful teacher, even basic accountancy 

or the classification of German verbs. 

5. Give you a sense of confidence and achievement. 

6. Help you grow as a person by keeping boredom 

at bay, making you more interesting, giving you 

added skills and wisdom and helping you connect 

better with your children and their studies. 

7. Give you new experiences, and help you see 

the world in a fresh way. An engineer I know 

who has taken up geology says his field study 

weekends have been some of his best holidays 

ever, and he now enjoys looking at landscapes 

with new understanding and insight. 

8. Help you extend your workplace skills and give 

you more earning power. Your heart might not 

sing as you sign up for a course in systems security, 

but it will when you see the tangible benefits. 

9. Help you change career. You might, through 

studying, become a counsellor, archeologist, 

doctor, or the head of your own design 

business – I know adults who have done all 

these things and been thrilled by the change. 

10. Make you more creative because learning 

something new means your brain is sparking, 

so that ideas spring up and feed each other. 

11. Give you a better social life. Whether you’re 

learning to rock climb, speak Spanish or be a 

potter, there will be teachers to help you and 

colleagues to support you, and even doing a 

distance degree at home will give you online 

hang-outs and organised summer schools. 

12. It will make you happier. Why? Because 

it will help you feel more competent, 

effective, connected and purposeful – and 

all these things are basic human needs. 

So make 2020 the year you take a weekend course, join 

a club, book an evening class, sign up for something 

at work, or plan a learning holiday. Make it something 

you really want to do – and then get going on your own 

2020 learning journey. You absolutely won’t regret it. 


Reception at King’s 

Register Now for September 2020 

Safe, stimulating learning environment • Wide co-curricular programme 

Specialist teachers for Music & German • Excellent standard of care 

A carefully planned curriculum which allows individuals to flourish 

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Situated in the heart of Historic Rochester 

01634 888590 admissions@kings-rochester.co.uk www.kings-rochester.co.uk

Education 

Starting Out 

Your child’s first steps into education can 

be daunting. These local independent 

schools share advice to get things 

started on the right foot 

Spring Grove School 

Why choose an independent pre-school? 

The choice of pre-school is a very personal one. We 

invite all prospective parents to come and look round 

our Nursery, and to get a feel for what we do at Spring 

Grove. Our Nursery is on the same site as the Prep 

School, and while it is a safe and separate space, the preschool 

children benefit from sharing staff and facilities 

with the older children in the school. 

What are the benefits of attending a pre-school? Does 

it have a beneficial effect on later school life? 

We would definitely encourage children to attend our 

Giraffes Pre-School Class as an excellent way to prepare 

them for their Reception year. Children are allowed to 

develop their skills and interests at their own pace with 

an emphasis on personal skills, numeracy and early 

phonic skills. Many of our children gradually increase 

the number of sessions they do as the year progresses in 

preparation for the move into Reception. 

What should parents be looking for when they 

choose a pre-school? Nothing can beat going to visit 

on a normal working day, and seeing what the children 

are doing and how the staff are interacting with them. 

Outdoor space is also an important factor for many 

parents – we are very lucky at Spring Grove to have a 

large walled garden where our Nursery children play 

every day, come rain or shine! 

What are the benefits of keeping your child at the 

same school for the transition from pre-school to prep? 

At Spring Grove the Giraffes Pre-School Class is situated 

next door to the Reception class, so the children are 

already familiar with their surroundings. They know 

the teachers too – our Giraffes children have French, 

PE, PSHE and music sessions with staff who teach 

throughout the whole school. 

Is there any funding available for places? Yes, we offer 

the 15 hours Early Years funding from the term after the 

child turns three years of age. 

Spring Grove School, Wye, Ashford, Kent 

01233 812337 springgroveschool.co.uk 

 


Love 

Learning, 

Love Life 

Our excellent teaching team 

understands how to draw the best 

from every individual boy; inspiring 

confidence, nurturing a love of 

learning and exploring new ideas. 

Prep School is the time to build firm 

foundations, when boys are happy, 

growing in confidence, enjoying a 

full and fulfilling school life. 

newbeacon.org.uk 

“ 

We were right 

to entrust The 

New Beacon 

with these 

important years 

in our child’s 

education. 

PARENT 2018 

“ 

NewBeaconWT215.indd 1 12/12/2019 15:02 

Sutton Valence 

Preparatory School 

svs.org.uk 

The only independent 

school in Kent to hold 

the Quality Mark 

for Early Years 

education 

Quality Mark 

EARLY YEARS 

AWARD 

Nursery and Reception open 

for visits 9 -10am every Wednesday 

Please contact Abigail Betts to book 

T: 01622 842117 | E: bettsa@svs.org.uk 


116 

SuttonValenceWT215.indd 1 25/11/2019 10:24

The New Beacon 

Why choose an independent pre-school? The bigger 

question is, ‘Why choose independent?’ as the same 

thinking applies to both school and pre-school. Firstly, 

independent schools can opt out of the EYFS and what 

some would see as its rather narrow restrictions allowing 

freedom to introduce more structure and learning – when 

the child is ready for it, of course! The second reason is a 

smaller class size and generous staff pupil ratio. 

What are the benefits of attending a pre-school? Does 

it have a beneficial effect on later school life? For me, 

learning to mix with other children, socialisation, is the 

biggest benefit. Going straight from home to Reception 

without day care or pre-school would be an enormous 

change; gentle introduction and preparation will be of 

value in the child’s personal and social development. The 

difference between day care and pre-school is that the 

latter will likely have more structure, which will be of 

benefit when the child enters Reception. 

What should parents be looking for when they choose 

a pre-school? The biggest influences are probably friends 

with children of similar age and geographical location 

which will quickly narrow down options. When visiting 

you would expect to meet the leader or deputy – ask 

plenty of questions! Try to spend a little time just 

observing and feeling the atmosphere. With such young 

children you would hope to feel warmth and calm care. 

Is there any funding available for places? Funding is 

a tricky question with staff pupil ratios – quite rightly – 

being very tight. Some pre-schools offer the government’s 

free hours – but then they are subject to the EYFS 

‘strands’. Some companies give their employees vouchers 

to help with childcare costs and most pre-schools will 

accept these. All independent schools will offer financial 

assistance but this doesn’t normally begin until the child 

is at least seven years old. 

The New Beacon, Sevenoaks, Kent 

01732 452131 newbeacon.org.uk 

develop alongside our academic talents. We laugh a lot, 

so we learn a lot. 

We hope to inspire a passion for learning through 

creating a magical environment which drives curiosity, 

resulting in active, independent learners. 

What should parents be looking for when choosing 

a pre-school? Happy children and happy staff! Life at 

Nash House is all about nurturing happy, independent 

children who love learning and feel confident expressing 

themselves. Parents are actively encouraged to be involved 

in their child’s life at school, creating a real community. 

Nash House 

Dulwich Prep Cranbrook 

Why choose an independent pre-school? Story-telling 

and the freedom to be outside creating a sense of wonder 

are part of our carefully structured sessions. Smaller 

classes gives more time to each child, and the staff really 

get to know their families, which makes for a happy 

environment. Access to specialist teachers creates a space 

for young minds to flourish. 

What are the benefits of attending a pre-school? 

Learning is everything that we do, from being able to put 

on wellies, plus social and thinking skills, all of which 

What are the benefits of keeping your child at the 

same school for the transition from pre-school to prep? 

Children love to be independent and this supports their 

confidence when starting school. They are familiar with 

their surroundings, peers and staff. They are more socially 

confident and have already made friends, all set for a 

flying start. 

Is there any funding available for places? 

Dulwich Prep Cranbrook supports the 30 hours of 

funding for children in Nursery up until the term the 

child turns five. 

Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook, Kent 

01580 712179 dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

 


CO-EDUCATIONAL | 3-13 YEARS | DAY & BOARDING 

OPEN 

MORNING 

Sat 16 th May 2020 

www.junior-kings.co.uk 

A 21 st Century education within the historical City of Canterbury 

CO-EDUCATIONAL | 13-18 YEARS | DAY & BOARDING 

OPEN 

MORNINGS 

13+ - Sat 7 th March 2020 

6th Form - Sat 20 th June 2020 

www.kings-school.co.uk

King’s School Canterbury 

What should parents be looking for when they 

make their prep school shortlist? An identifiable 

ethos with clear school values. Other important aspects 

are strong pastoral care and learning support, a broad 

academic curriculum balanced by rich extra-curricular 

provision, excellent facilities and modern teaching 

methods. Pupils should be happy, confident and polite, 

and staff experienced and well supported. 

‘A great place to grow’ 

for children aged 

2 to 11 years 

How difficult will it be for a child to get into their 

prep school of choice? This depends upon demand 

and varies across the country. It is always advisable to 

visit the school and register as early as possible. 

What extra-curricular activities do you offer pupils 

to help working parents? We have after-school care 

every day to 6pm. Also a broad range of activities to 

keep children engaged after school, including chess, 

art, DT, computing, table tennis, choir, golf, horse 

riding, dance, drama, LAMDA, rowing, sailing, 

orchestra and fencing. This provision gives children the 

opportunity to discover and develop extra-curricular 

interests, in addition to helping busy parents. 

Which of the school’s facilities are you particularly 

proud of? Our 80 acres of beautiful Kent countryside 

and our distinctive 16th century Tithe Barn, which 

houses our theatre. We’re also very proud of our recent 

facility developments, which include a new music 

school that accommodates 30 peripatetic teachers 

teaching over 300 individual lessons a week; our Little 

Barn Nursery; and our freshly refurbished, homely 

boarding facilities. 

Are there any bursaries/scholarships available and 

in which year? We offer means-tested support in the 

form of bursaries at the 11+ level. Priority is given to 

those likely to gain the most from the provision. We 

also offer two 11+ academic scholarships and two 11+ 

academic exhibitions to candidates who show strong 

academic potential. The maximum award is 5% of full 

fees for a scholarship and 2.5% for an exhibition. 

King’s School Canterbury, Kent 

01227 714000 junior-kings.co.uk 

Scholarships available for entry in September 2020 

Open Morning 

Saturday 7 March 2020 

9.30am-12pm 

or to book a personal visit - 

call 01233 812337 / email 

admissions@springgroveschool.co.uk 

www.springgroveschool.co.uk · Wye, near Ashford, Kent 

SpringGroveSchoolWT215.indd 1 10/12/2019 09:40 

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WEALDEN TIMES JAN 2020.indd 1 23/11/2019 13:22:51 

BattleAbbeySchoolWT215.indd 1 25/11/2019 10:17 

120

Education 

Sutton Valence 

What should parents be looking for when they make 

their prep school shortlist? It’s all about finding the 

right fit for your child and your own values. Having a 

one-to-one meeting with the Head and a tour of the 

school will enable you to understand what differentiates 

the school and whether or not the school is true to its 

ethos and mission statement. At Sutton Valence, we are 

very proud to be a school that lives out its ethos, ‘each 

cares for all and individuality is cherished’. Our Early 

Years department (Nursery and Reception) was recently 

awarded the Early Years Quality Mark recognising the 

excellent provision we offer our very youngest pupils. 

Finally, see how straightforward you find the school’s 

responses and consider the feeling you get when walking 

around. I would advise parents to trust their instincts. 


prep school of choice? When applying for a place at a 

prep school, the earlier the better would be my advice. 

Here at SVPS we have a waiting list for one year group 

and anticipate having more in due course. Whilst we 

do, of course, ensure that children are well-supported at 

whichever point they join us, beginning their prep school 

career in the Early Years ensures the smoothest and most 

consistent of educational journeys. Most prep schools will 

expect children in Year 1 and upwards to have a taster day 

at the school so both the child and the school can get a 

feel for each other. There may be some sort of assessment 

but at SVPS we also ensure our prospective pupils have 

the opportunity to get to know the children in their new 

class and experience a normal day at our school. 

can collect them. Children can stay at school until 6pm 

and the last session of our after-school facility, Little 

Suttons, includes a hot tea. The children in Years 3 to 6 

also have an extensive list of clubs to choose from when 

their school day ends at 4.10pm. They also have the 

opportunity to stay at school to complete their homework 

in Prep Club and a number of children also stay for tea. 


proud of? We are very fortunate at SVPS to have not just 

our own beautiful school, in a stunning, rural setting but 

we also have access to the facilities of our Senior School 

which is located less than a mile away. Our classrooms 

are purpose built so they are spacious and well-equipped. 

Our curriculum is enhanced by our wide range of 

different outdoor learning areas. The sporting facilities are 

impressive with a full size all-weather pitch, various sports 

courts, cricket nets and plenty of pitches. We swim all 

year round making use of the excellent pool at the Senior 

School and we also enjoy their all-weather athletics track 

in the summer term. 

Are there any bursaries/scholarships available and 

in which year? Scholarships are available at our Senior 

School for art, drama, design technology, music, sport 

and academic ability. A limited number of bursaries are 

available via a means-tested assessment. 

Sutton Valence School, Maidstone, Kent 

01622 842117 svs.org.uk 

 

What extra-curricular activities do you offer pupils 

to help working parents? We aim to be as helpful as 

possible with our club and activity programme. A number 

of our pupils begin their day at 7.30am with a hearty 

breakfast. We also provide supervision in the playground 

from 8am and parents can make use of the drop off 

zone to ‘kiss and drop’. At the end of the day, pre-prep 

children can go home at 3.30pm or they can attend 

a club. We also offer wraparound care where children 

are looked after and have lots of fun until their parents 


A School Full 

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VinehallSchoolWT213.indd 1 22/10/2019 10:09 

TO BE KNOWN 

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18th January 2020 

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bethanyschool.org.uk 

admissions@bethanyschool.org.uk 

01580 211273 

CURTISDEN GREEN, GOUDHURST, KENT, TN17 1LB 

Co-ed day 

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Ask about 

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and bursaries 

Many minibus 

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See website 

for details 


122 

BethanySchoolWT215B.indd 1 12/12/2019 11:39

King’s Rochester 

What should parents be looking for when they make 

their prep school shortlist? A happy child is one that 

will thrive, progress and succeed. When choosing a 

Preparatory School, the most important aspect to look 

for is the school’s ethos. Is it nurturing? Will it support 

your child through the ups and downs of their early life? 

All schools trumpet a child-centred approach, but it is 

important to try, as far as you can, to ascertain if that 

approach is actually woven into the fabric of the child’s 

experience itself, rather than just written in policy. 

DON’T MISS 

The Wealden Times 

and Surrey Homes 

Education Annual 


prep school of choice? Some Preparatory Schools have 

a strict academic bar which needs to be jumped before 

entry. This can include an interview, written papers or 

testing at 11+, 10+, 7+ or even (and I can’t believe that 

this is the case) 4+! However, many Preparatory Schools 

are non-selective and have a broad intake of pupils. 

6 

PRICELESS 

SUMMER 2019 

What extra-curricular activities do you offer pupils to 

help workings parents? At King’s Rochester we have a 

wide array of clubs both during the day and after school. 

We also have a breakfast club at 7.30am and supper club 

which means the children can stay until 6.30pm and are 

sent home, fed, watered and home worked! 


proud of? Having such close links with Rochester 

Cathedral is wonderful and our weekly services, including 

the Advent and Carol Services, really enhance the pupils’ 

experience. Beyond that, our setting is stunning and we 

are surrounded by historic wonder. 

Are there any bursaries/scholarships available and in 

which year? There are Scholarships available into Year 

7, 9 and 12. These are available in the disciplines of 

Academia, Music, Sport, Art (Year 9 and 12) and Drama 

(Year 9 and 12). We also have the ‘King’s Scholars’ who 

are the Academic Scholars in the Senior School and they 

are part of the Cathedral Foundation. There are also 

means tested bursaries available. 

King’s Rochester, Kent 

01634 888577 kings-rochester.co.uk 

SUMMER 2019 

Kent | Sussex | Surrey 

ED-OutsideCovers.indd 3 13/12/2019 11:37 

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MarlboroughHouseWT215.indd 1 16/12/2019 11:22 

ThomasHaywood 

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126 

ThomasHaywoodSolicitorsWT208.indd 1 15/05/2019 17:48

Legal 

Sorting out Separation 

Whitehead Monckton explain the legalities when the end 

of your marriage or relationship is in sight 

What are the ways of ending a 

marriage? There are three main 

ways to bring an end to a marriage. 

Divorce is the most commonly 

known and used method based on 

irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. 

Walking out on your spouse does 

not constitute ending a marriage. 

Special considerations apply to a 

decree of nullity rather than divorce. 

On the rare occasions a marriage 

is void, it never existed, whereas a 

voidable marriage subsists until a 

decree of nullity is made absolute. 

Judicial separation is for parties to a 

marriage that do not want to be free 

to marry someone else but want legal 

recognition that they are separate. 

Nullity, judicial separation and 

divorce proceedings all begin with a 

petition that must be proved to obtain 

a decree nisi. Only divorce and nullity 

are concluded by decree absolute, 

whereas with judicial separation 

the decree nisi achieves the status 

of legal separation for a couple. 

If you are not married, what happens 

to your home and belongings 

when you separate? If only one 

person owns the home, the owner 

might ask the other person to leave 

arguing they have no legal interest in 

the property. However, a person who 

is not the owner should not leave 

before taking advice as they might 

have acquired property rights. 

If the home is jointly owned then 

one or both may want the home sold. 

If there are children and the home 

is still needed for minor children, it 

may be possible to retain the home 

for the children until they are 18, 

but that will depend on the needs 

and resources of both parents. 

Personal belongings are usually 

distributed amicably on separation but 

the contents of a shared home may 

need to be sold with the sale proceeds 

being shared if the parties cannot agree 

how to share the contents between 

them. In circumstances where a party 

can show they bought certain items 

they should be able to keep them. 

How can a couple reach an 

agreement over child care 

arrangements? There are numerous 

child orientated advisers offering 

guidance to parents about childcare 

when a couple separate. CAFCASS 

is one of these. They and other 

child experts provide templates for 

a parenting plan which a couple can 

adopt and make their own to chart 

their intentions for the children. 

A parenting plan can detail 

how the parents will: 

• Provide for the physical care, 

health and safety of the children. 

• Adapt to changing children’s needs 

as they grow. 

• Aim not to expose the children 

to harm. 

• Co-operate in making decisions for 

the children. 

• Spend time with the children. 

Mediation can offer a forum where 

parents can discuss and settle 

differences of opinion on details to 

be written into such a parenting plan. 

Legal advisors may also help couples 

negotiate parenting agreements 

as part of court proceedings or 

to avoid court where possible. 

How can mediation be beneficial? 

The purpose of inviting a 

couple to attend mediation is to 

offer a safe place where discussions 

can take place without abuse, undue 

influence or recrimination. The 

mediator’s role is to facilitate the 

couple having difficult conversations. 

The benefits can be: 

• Reduced tension and hostility. 

• Decisions made on an informed basis. 

• Tailored solutions to the particular 

requirements of the couple. 

• Better communication 

and co-operation. 

• Neutral consideration of the needs 

of the children. 

• Lower legal costs and less 

pressured forum than court. 

How do you decide what to 

do when you separate? Many 

people look to family members or 

friends to advise them. Such guidance 

is rarely objective. Some therapeutic 

counsellors will offer sessions designed 

to help couples plan emotionally 

for their separation. Legal advice 

should be taken with the best advisors 

providing guidance on the options to 

avoid contested court proceedings if 

possible. Mediation services provide 

legal information but they cannot 

give tailored advice. A combination 

of these options may be needed. 

whitehead-monckton.co.uk 


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16/12/2019 12:07 

AT THE 

HELLO 

AGAIN 

THE STORY 

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SAT 25 JANUARY 

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SALLY 

BRETTON 

MON 27 

JANUARY 

– SAT 1 

FEBRUARY 

‘It’s a taut, acidly funny thriller’ 

WED 5 FEBRUARY 

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SLEEPING 

BEAUTY 

THU 6 – SAT 8 

FEBRUARY 

TUE 11 

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STARRING 

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/The Orchard Theatre @OrchardTheatre theorchardtheatre 


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What’s On in January 

Art & Exhibitions 

4 Jan – 8 Mar 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, 

Biddenden Road, near 

Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB 

International GARden 

Photographer of 

the Year exhibition 

See some of the best garden, 

plant and landscape photography 

from amateur and professional 

photographers across the globe. 

From portrait to panorama, quirky 

and amusing, to outright wondrous, 

these images reflect the everlasting 

appeal of the garden and vividly 

showcase images of a green planet. 

Entry: Free 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

Children & Families 

Sat 11 Jan 

Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, 

near Robertsbridge, East 

Sussex TN32 5UA 

Candlelit Stories 

Enjoy the magic of stories told by 

candlelight in a medieval castle. 

Storytelling by the fire was a 

way of keeping spirits up during 

the dark cold winter months in 

medieval times and Bodiam Castle 

is keeping the tradition alive during 

the first month of the new year. 

Entry: Free 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

Sun 19 Jan 12-3pm 

Penshurst Place, Penshurst, 

Kent TN11 8DH 

Roasts & Rambles 

With a hawking demonstration by 

Wild at Hart and the opportunity 

to meet some amazing birds, 

including owls and eagles, this is a 

ramble like no other. The hawking 

demonstration will be followed 

by a delicious carvery lunch, with 

nibbles from the hors d’oeuvre table, 

followed by a selection of roasted 

goodies, finished with gateau, 

tarts, Eton mess or fresh fruit. 

penshurstplace.com 

Fairs & Shows 

Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jan 

The Hop Farm, Maidstone 

Road, Paddock Wood, 

Tonbridge TN12 6PY 

Rock, Gem ‘n’ bead show 

Mineral enthusiasts are set to be 

wowed at the amazing array of 

crystals and precious stones on 

sale at the Rock, Gem ‘n’ Bead 

Show. Gems, fossils and beads 

from across Europe, ranging 

from pocket money prices to 

thousands of pounds will ensure 

there is something for everyone. 

thehopfarm.co.uk 

Garden 

12 Feb 9.30am-1.30pm 

Godinton House, Godinton 

Lane, Ashford TN23 3BP 

Gardening Through 

the year 

Join Fiona Abrahams as she guides 

you through the gardening year on a 

monthly basis. Stay up to date with 

seasonal tasks, techniques to get the 

best results and practical activities. 

Draw inspiration from the beautiful 

gardens at Godinton as you watch 

the changes that each season brings, 

increase plant knowledge, gain 

confidence and learn practical skills. 

Entry: £40/session 

godintonhouse.co.uk 

Music & Theatre 

Wed 8 – Sat 18 Jan 

The Orchard Theatre, Home 

Gardens, Dartford DA1 1ED 

The Bodyguard 

the musical 

An international smash-hit musical 

based on the blockbuster film, 

The Bodyguard, is back. Alexandra 

Burke returns as superstar Rachel 

Marron in this romantic thriller 

featuring classic tunes including 

Saving All My Love, Run to You, 

and I will Always Love you. 

orchardtheatre.co.uk 

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26 TH FEBRUARY – 8 TH MARCH 2020 

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HASTINGSINTERNATIONALPIANO.ORG 


WonkyWaltzWT215.indd 1 16/12/2019 HastingsIntPianoWT215.indd 14:38 

1 11/12/2019 15:28

What’s On in January 

Fri 17 Jan 7.30pm 

The Marlowe Theatre, The 

Friars, Canterbury CT1 2AS 

Adam Kay: This Is Going 

To Hurt (Secret Diaries 

Of A Junior Doctor) 

Award-winning comedian Adam 

Kay shares entries from his diaries 

as a junior doctor in an electrifying 

evening of stand-up and music. 

The accompanying Sunday 

Times bestseller, This Is Going 

To Hurt, is being turned into a 

major BBC series, and copies will 

be available to purchase and for 

signature after the performance. 

Entry: £27.50 

01227 787787 / 

marlowetheatre.com 

Sat 25 Jan 7.30pm 

White Rock Theatre, White 

Rock, Hastings TN34 1JX 

Milton Jones, 

Milton: Impossible 

One man. One Mission. Is it 

possible? No, not really. Milton 

reveals the truth about being an 

international spy, before being given 

a disappointing new identity which 

forced him to appear on Mock 

the Week and Live at the Apollo. 

But this is also a love story with a 

twist, or even a really bad sprain. 

Just gloriously daft nonsense or 

is there a deeper meaning? Every 

man has his price. Sainsbury’s, 

where good food costs less. 

01424 462288 / 

whiterocktheatre.org.uk 

Tours & Walks 

Wed 15 & Wed 29 Jan 

Leeds Castle, Maidstone, 

Kent ME17 1PL 

Upstairs Downstairs 

See two very contrasting sides to 

Leeds Castle, and ones which are 

not usually open to the public, with 

the Upstairs tour on Wednesday 

15th and the Below Stairs Tour on 

Wednesday 29th. Venture upstairs to 

learn about the State & Battlement 

Bedrooms at Leeds Castle, see the 

rooms preferred by King Edward 

VIII and Mrs Simpson during their 

stays, and more recently by Pavarotti 

and Cliff Richard. Meanwhile, below 

stairs are restricted areas that reveal 

how the Castle servants made the 

discreet running of a large household 

in the 1930s seem effortless. 

Entry: £5 per tour 

leeds-castle.com 

Look Forward: 

February 

Fri 14 Feb 7pm 

Secret Garden Kent, Mersham 

Le Hatch, The Courtyard, 

Hythe Road, Mersham, 

Ashford TN25 6NH 

Valentine’s 

pudding night 

Pudding, pudding and more 

pudding. Kent’s sweetest secret 

hideaway is whipping up a special 

pudding night with a gooey 

Valentine’s centre. Eat as many 

puddings as you like and enjoy a 

parade of puddings, a Valentine’s 

quiz, and tea and coffee with truffles. 

Entry: £40pp 

secretgardenkent.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 200 

words that should include date, time, 

venue, contact for enquiries 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 

February issue is 10 January 2020. 

Advertising from as 

little as Primary £75 logo a month. 

Call Jen on 

clare langdon 

01580 236073 

I N T E R I O R S 

jen.shearer@wealdentimes.co.uk 

secondary Primary logo logo & pattern 

lare langdon clare langdon clare langdon 



clare langdon 

secondary logo & pattern 

clare langdon 

Made to measure curtains, I N T E Rblinds I O R Sand soft furnishings 


Showroom by appointment 

clare langdon 


clare langdon 

I N T E R I O R S 01580 712209 

colour 01580 palette 

clare@clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

712209 

clare@clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

www.clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

www.clarelangdoninteriors.co.uk 

Association House, St David’s Bridge, 

Association House, St David’s Bridge, 

wealdentimes.co.uk Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HL 

Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HL 


130 

Ibbett Mosely 

AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS 

Limited Liability Partnership 

The Auctioneer's Next Sale Will Be On 

Wednesday 22nd January 2020 

Commencing at 12.30pm | Viewing 10.00am - 12.30pm 

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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 

David Hall 

IbbettMoselyWT215.indd 1 28/11/2019 11:13 

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk 

Cabinet Maker 

& 

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* Carving and Copy Carving 

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Email: hallcrocket@aol.com 

ClareLangdonWT200.indd 1 12/09/2018 DavidHallWT108.indd 17:10 

1 14/01/2011 15:27 

C = 20 

C = 0 

M = 15 

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Competition 

WIN A LOUISE DELUxE WAxED 

JACKET FROM WELLIGOGS 

Welligogs began nearly twenty years ago when Kim and 

Ray, the founders, made the decision to move from 

Australia to England. Kim, being British, always 

wanted to eventually move back home and give her four children 

a British upbringing. Ray, a born and bred Aussie, was reluctant 

to leave the sunshine but agreed that pastures new, albeit being 

on the other side of the world, were worth investigating. 

The question was… what were they going to do to provide 

for their family? A passing comment from Ray complaining 

about the British weather ignited a spark for Kim. Rain! It 

rains a lot in Britain and what do we need for rain… wellies! 

All the wellies around until then were boring green ones, so, 

why not put hand painted designs on wellington boots?! The 

sourcing of rubber boots and various designs soon began. 

Now all that was left was a company name. Kim, nostaligic 

memories flooding her thoughts, decided on Welligogs, as 

that is what she called her wellington boots as a child. 

One of the first shows that Welligogs attended was RHS 

Chelsea Flower Show back in the early 2000s. If the gardens 

were a splash of colour, the Welligogs stand was a waterfall. 

From flowers to love hearts, paw prints to rockets, tractors to 

angels, the wellies were a tremendous hit. As the number of 

shows increased, so did the designs. Taking inspiration from 

their four young children, the welly boots range swelled. 

Fast-forward a bit further and Welligogs wanted to 

provide for more than just the rain, so Kim began work 

on designing garments for the everyday, that could be 

worn in both country and city. Opting for quality and 

durability, she introduced wool jackets to the brand. 

Infusing classic heritage design with high-fashion for a look 

that’s both city-ready and perfect for countryside living, signature 

Welligogs pieces now include classic tweed, modern styled coats 

and jackets, practical luxury waxed cotton, fully waterproof and 

windproof garments with seam-sealed membranes and waterproof, 

breathable leather and suede boots. New additions for Autumn 

/ Winter include stunning jackets and coats in wool, cotton and 

viscose, as well as leather waterproof and 

fashion boots. Looking forward, 

Welligogs is moving towards 

a more sustainable 

approach. Hoping to 

minimise their carbon 

‘wellyprint’ and give 

back to the planet 

by sourcing 

regenerative 

materials and 

ecological 

methods. 

131 

HOW TO ENTER: 

For your chance to win just answer 

the following question: What type of 

British weather inspired the creation of 

the Welligogs brand? Enter your answer 

with your contact details in the online form at 

wealdentimes.co.uk/competition by 31 January 

2019. There is no cash alternative and the 

prize must be taken by 31 August 2020. 

You must be over the age of 18 to enter. 

Congratulations to David Thirlaway 

who wins our October competition for a 

Laksen Balfour Field Sports Jacket.

Jane Howard’s 

Fables from 

the Farm 

Jane highlights the importance of trees 

Dame Judi Dench said there were two things 

in life she couldn’t do without. Trees and 

Champagne. I couldn’t agree more. 

And in the past few months trees have rarely been out of 

the limelight. Some good news stories… it looks like elms 

may be able to make a comeback because scientists have 

developed strains that are resistant to Dutch Elm disease. 

Some not so good… unless the bods in white coats can do the 

same for the mighty oak, there’s a high probability that many 

will succumb to Acute Oak Decline in the years ahead. 

But it’s not just these stories that have put trees centre 

stage. As trees grow, they absorb and store the carbon dioxide 

emissions that are driving global warming. New research 

estimates that a mega worldwide planting programme could 

remove two-thirds of all the emissions from human activities 

that remain in the atmosphere today, a figure 

the scientists describe as “mind-blowing”. 

Globally we need to plant trillions of trees, 

perfectly doable, but here in the UK millions 

should go a long way to solving the problem. 

Political parties have been keen to jump on the 

band wagon, the Conservatives reckoned 30 

million would do it, the Lib Dems, 60 million 

and Labour, 100 million, but whatever the 

figure time is running out so let’s get going. 

Currently about 13% of the UK is wooded, 

get that figure up to 17% and we could meet 

our zero carbon targets by 2050. But guess what? 

The High Weald is already way ahead. At 28% tree cover it’s the 

most wooded part of the UK and now high level attention is 

looking at how other areas can catch up and how we can make 

all the new woodlands a productive part of the local economy. 

We already have about 20 acres of woodland at Coopers 

“Rowan leaves 

have three times 

more fat than 

meadow hay, 

Alder twice the 

protein and Ash a 

third more sugar” 

Farm but these are separate from the fields and not really used 

for anything. The future lies not only in planting more trees 

but then using them as a part of our livestock operation. In 

other words they’d be working trees, it’s called 

Agroforestry and the opportunities are endless. 

For a start off we could “graze” some of the 

woodlands. It’s true the cows and sheep love 

eating trees – go into any field and see how 

the leaves only appear above the line the cows 

can no longer reach. And if a branch falls 

down the sheep are all over it. And actually 

there’s good reason for this because the leaves 

are much more nutritious than grass. Rowan 

leaves have three times more fat than meadow 

hay, Alder twice the protein and Ash a third 

more sugar. It’s like the sweetie counter. 

And also like going to Boots the Chemist. Tree roots 

go much deeper and access many more minerals than 

grass. The cows and sheep know this and use different 

trees and shrubs to self-heal. It’s all very impressive. 

Another idea we’re keen to look into is the ancient 

practice of making tree hay, cutting and collecting 

branches usually from ash, willow and elm that long 

pre-dates the making of hay from meadows. 

In an experiment at Knepp Castle, they cut thin 

branches up to 2m long, made faggots by tying them 

into very tight bundles and stored them fresh (green), 

horizontally under shelter in a packed stack. Many of 

these faggots still had quite green leaves even after a season 

or two of storage, and some even after 24 months. 

So we’ll definitely be having a go next year at making 

some and there’s also talk about growing some grapes for 

our own Champagne! Dame Judi would defo approve. 

Follow Jane Howard – and the farm – on Instagram @coopersfarm 


132

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Wealden Times | WT215 | January 2020 | Travel & Wellbeing supplement inside

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