Wealden Times | WT223 | Sept & Oct 2020 | Kitchen & Bathroom supplement inside

PRICELESS

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 2020

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SUPPLEMENT inside

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

Nursery & Prep School

St Leonards, East Sussex TN37 7PW . 01424 751555

Senior School & Sixth Form

Bodiam, East Sussex TN32 5UJ . 01580 830396

enquiries@claremontschool.co.uk . claremontschool.co.uk/events

Be Yourself

at Claremont

”Being able to prepare young people for

Maths degrees at Harvard as effectively as

for Fashion courses in London is something

all our staff are deeply proud of”

Ed Dickie

Head of Senior School

2019

From 3 months to 18 years

State-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre

Forest School up to Year 6

New Nursery & Pre-Prep

building for April 2021

01580 291221 jminteriorsuk.uk

Please call to arrange an appointment at our Biddenden showroom

DOES YOUR LAND HAVE

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL?

We are actively looking for land for

residential development all over

the South East.

Based in Kent, family run Jarvis

Homes is one of the oldest known

house builders in the country and

has unrivalled experience in creating

the highest quality homes using

traditional methods.

We have a great track record of

successful planning applications that

maximise land values.

Plots of any size will be considered,

from half an acre to over 100 acres!

Contact us in confidence

land@jarvishomes.com

01580 761300

www.jarvishomes.com

JarvisNewHomesWT223.indd 1 27/08/2020 10:41

5 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3EB

01580 715144

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

We offer an excellent, swift and friendly service.

Conveyancing - Wills & Estates - Commercial Law -

Matrimonial Law - Prenuptial Agreements - Litigation -

Employment Law - Family Law - French Property

Conveyancing Services from £550.00+VAT

Wills from £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

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

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 621466

priceless-magazines.com

6

KingsfordSolicitorsWT208.indd 1 07/05/2019 11:00

Contents

September/October 2020

68

98

40

14

27

40

61

65

68

87

90

HOUSE OF THE MONTH

Maggie Alderson peruses the

best of the housing market

NOTEBOOK

Home portraits, creative workshops

and a whole host of exhibitions

COVER GIRL

Take a guided tour of Sadie

Dorchester’s Victorian terrace

GET THE LOOK

Our guide to Sadie’s signature style

LOVE WHERE WE LIVE

Prime staycation spots

INTERIOR VOCATION

A sensitive renovation

of a period cottage

GET THE LOOK

Imitate Rebecca’s dreamy pinks

MASK UP

We pick some of our

favourite designs

93

97

98

105

109

113

117

LOCKDOWN LOVES

Josephine Fairley’s

beauty discoveries

TECHNO FIT

Sarah Maxwell sings the

praises of online exercising

AUTUMNAL WARMTH

Jo Arnell’s recipe for a

spicy seasonal supper

STRANGE NEW WORLD

Sue Whigham analyses her

garden experience of lockdown

FOREVER AUTUMN

Jo Arnell keeps the colour

coming as the garden

winds down for winter

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest info from

around the Weald

HELP IS AT HAND

How Frewen identifies and

supports dyslexic students

Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF | Call 01580 714705 | Email info@priceless-group.com

Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © 2020 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of

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

119

121

125

126

131

135

136

MEET THE FORMER HEAD GIRL

What Gabriella from Ashford School learnt

A PARENTS’ GUIDE

TO TEENAGERS

Hilary Wilce’s valuable advice

AHEAD OF THE GAME

Planning for private school fees

ART FOR ALL AGES

Creative school talent

WHAT’S ON

Find out ...

COMPETITION

Win a beautiful casserole from Le Creuset

FABLES FROM THE FARM

Jane goes pond dipping

KITCHEN &

BATHROOM

SUPPLEMENT

24 pages of

contemporary ideas

and inspiration.

After page 88

Supplement

7

View the new Kitchen & Bathroom Directory online at wealdentimes.co.uk

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McALLISTER THOMAS

Editor’s

Letter

Wow! Where do I start? The last few months have

certainly been a rollercoaster – and that’s a bit of

an understatement. After a long stint at home with

our families, the Wealden Times and Surrey Homes teams

have regrouped to put together the first of two double month

issues that we’ll be producing to complete 2020, before moving

back to our usual monthly magazine from February 2021.

We’ve so missed touring the South East taking in its wealth of

sights, events and stunning properties, but we’re now back with a

bang and eager as ever to catch up with where we left off. We were so

bitterly disappointed not only to have to cancel our 2020 Midsummer

Fair, but our Midwinter Fair too, and have spent the last few months

working hard to come up with an alternative to a ‘physical’ event.

It is with great excitement that we can now announce our Wealden

Times Midwinter Fair Online – a brand new online event which will

run from 12–15 November, where you can shop from the comfort

of your sofa, browsing gorgeous offerings from a host of hand-picked

exhibitors whilst taking advantage of special offers and discounts that

are unique to the Midwinter Fair Online. You can find out more

on the new website: midwinterfair-online.com where you can also

watch exclusive video interviews for inspiration and festive gift ideas.

In the meantime, browse this issue’s interiors shoots and our

special Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement, as I’m sure many months

spent at home have certainly highlighted more than a few potential

projects! Get your inspiration from our carefully curated pages.

Elsewhere, our regular contributors have resumed their columns,

with Josephine Fairley spilling the beans on her lockdown beauty

finds, Sue Whigham reflecting on how the last few months have

impacted on the environment, Sarah Maxwell’s analysis of an

exercise revolution and Jane Howard’s grounding reflection of

farming life. And Jo Arnell has been busy in both the kitchen

and garden, giving us her horticultural tips alongside cooking

up an autumn feast to brighten the shortening days.

Green and Pleasant Land

Andrew Lansley

Opens September 19

Sunny Intervals and

Gentle Breeze

David Atkins

Opens October 17

Enjoy your Wealden Times and Surrey Homes!

Wealden Times

Midwinter

Fair

O nline

12-15 November

Catalogues Available

Wealden Times & Surrey Homes Teams

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

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

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

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

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

Sales Managers .................................................................................. Jen Shearer

Lisa Gordon-Hughes

Senior Account Manager ................................................................ Maria Hurley

Rachel Norrie

Wealden Times Show Director ....................................................... Flo Simpson

McALLISTER THOMAS

117 High Street

Godalming

Surrey GU7 1AQ

T: 01483 860591

www.mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

9 priceless-magazines.com

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McAllister Thomas Half Page Surrey.indd 1 19/08/2020 16:33

ASPIRATIONAL

HOMES FROM AN

INSPIRATIONAL

COMPANY

Recognised as pioneers of luxury housebuilding, Octagon has an

unrivalled reputation for building and restoring homes throughout

London and the Home Counties.

Our in-house team of architects have been designing award winning

homes for over 40 years, combining classical exteriors, beautifully

landscaped gardens and contemporary interiors to create truly

remarkable properties.

From extensive refurbishment and restoration of Listed homes, to

state-of-the-art new builds and elegant interior design, Octagon offer

clients the complete turnkey service, from concept through to completion.

The current Octagon collection includes spacious family homes in prime

locations, with prices starting from £625,000 – rising to over £20 million.

BISHOPS ROW

Fulham

EAGLE HOUSE

Wimbledon Village

BROADOAKS PARK

West Byfleet

Contact our team for more information on

our award winning homes and service.

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK

auctions@cliveemson.co.uk

cliveemson.co.uk

01622 608400

Online Auctions

Since lockdown has been in effect, we here at Clive Emson

Auctioneers took the decision to move all of our upcoming

auctions online for the time being. This was a decision we

did not take lightly as we know a big part of an auction is

being able to attend and participate on the big day itself.

However, while there were discussions around the possibility

of hosting socially distanced auctions, we felt the logistics of

doing so would make managing the auction a difficult and

less inclusive experience for all.

More importantly, with the normal number of attendees,

as well as the issue of needing to sign contracts, we would

not be able to guarantee the safety of both of our staff and

visitors.

Now almost five months on, we are overwhelmed with the

positive response we have received.

We understand for many that it could be difficult to get

accustomed to the change, which is why we aim to make

the process as easy as possible. Once registered online, all

lots are easily accessible, with all the relevant documentation

and information to browse before auction day itself. Once

the day arrives, users can then place bids on the lots as they

wish at the click of a button. Our next catalogues will be

available online on 4th September and 16th October.

Speed

Competitive High Profile

Bidding Marketing

Great

Chance of

Success

Transparent

Selling By Auction is often the BEST method of sale. Each

property benefits from competitive bidding followed by a

legally binding contract at the fall of the Auctioneer’s gavel.

Over 1,000 clients benefit from our services every year

recognising that selling under the hammer achieves the best

possible price.

Many properties are sold by executors, trustees, power

of attorneys, beneficiaries, receivers, companies, local

authorities and government bodies as well as private sellers.

ENTRIES CONTINUALLY INVITED FOR OUR UPCOMING AUCTIONS

SUITABLE LOTS INCLUDE:

Vacant Residential for Improvement; Residential and Commercial Investments; Vacant Commercial; All Types of Land;

Development Sites & Conversion Projects; Garages (lock-up & compounds); Freehold Ground Rents and the Unique and Unusual.

Contact us to discuss available Lots

or to arrange a no obligation auction

appraisal on 01622 608400 or at

auctions@cliveemson.co.uk.

Upcoming Online Auctions

Wednesday 23rd September (bidding live 21st September)

Wednesday 4th November (bidding live 2nd November)

Join us on:

WHY BUY A BESPOKE HOME?

‘Looking for the convenience of a new build but wanting design choice?

– Why not have both’

Buying a bespoke home gives the prospective home owner the

opportunity to work with the developer to take on the design and

construction of their new home. Although the external elevations are a

fixed design (due to planning stipulations), the scope for personalising the

home is endless.

How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you want?

Open Plan living or do you want your own space?

Do you work from home and require a large office space?

Do you have a special requirement – for example adaptation for hoists

or bedroom facilities on the ground floor.

Are you a multi-generational family who need a home to suit individual

family requirements.

Bespoke build offers your vision to become a reality using our expertise

to create the home of your dreams.

Current plot availability

Linton Hill ME17 4AP

1/4 acre plot

Turnkey price £920,000

Call now for more information

bespokehomebuild.co.uk

01732 379947

bespoke@fernham-homes.co.uk

YOUR VISION OUR EXPERTISE

House

Month

of the

£4,250,000

Water Features

Maggie Alderson picks her favourite homes on the market

Hales Place

The dream: This is a house of

such rare character – and Grade

II* listed to prove it – it includes

a listed cottage (attached by a

striking archway), a listed barn

and listed 16 th century turrets

and well house in the garden.

Where: Quite astonishingly, this

country house with 27 acres of

formal gardens, orchards, fields and

grounds, is at the end of a long

drive in the middle of Tenterden.

Setting: In its own green paradise,

within this picturesque small town.

Beds: 8 (three more in the

adjoining cottage) Baths: 3

Special features: Glorious beams,

panelling, carved wood and stone

fireplaces and a splendid oak staircase.

Pleasing details: There are two

staircases up to the first floor.

Outside: Stunning walled gardens,

further grounds with specimen

trees, swimming pool, tennis court,

pond and a lovely orchard.

Time to town: About an hour

from Headcorn (fifteen minutes’

drive), to Charing Cross, London

Bridge or Cannon Street.

Agent: Savills, Cranbrook

01580 720161 savills.com


14

Darling Buds Farm

£800,000

The dream: A striking barn conversion

so-named because it sits on the farm

where the popular TV series was

filmed. It has an exceptional doubleheight

vaulted oak-beamed reception

room, with the kitchen and dining area

running off it. There is also a brickbuilt

shepherd’s hut in the garden.

Where: Just outside Bethersden.

Setting: On a quiet farmstead.

Beds: 3 Baths: 3

Special features: The beautiful beams are

a particularly lovely honey shade of oak.

Pleasing details: There is a groundfloor

en suite bedroom with an

external door, which can be let

as holiday accommodation.

Outside: A cottage garden, plus

expansive lawns with mature

trees and pastures, and a deck

overlooking the pond.

Time to town: It’s only seven miles

to Ashford, from where it’s 36

high-speed minutes to St Pancras.

Agent: Jackson-Stops, Cranbrook

01580 720000 jackson-stops.co.uk

Thornsdale Farm

£1,400,000

The dream: Three uses of the word ‘location’

wouldn’t be enough for this gem, on three acres

in an AONB with beautiful views over the

tranquil River Rother and 100 yards of private

river frontage with a mooring and fishing

rights. The house is special too – a Grade

II listed Sussex Farmhouse, with generous

accommodation perfect for family life.

Where: At the end of a long private lane

outside Iden, ten minutes from Rye.

Setting: A peaceful idyll.

Beds: 4 on the first floor, with three more

rooms at the upper level Baths: 2

Special features: The triple aspect family

room is really lovely with doors out to

patios on both sides of the house.

Pleasing details: Beams,

inglenook, red brick floors…

Outside: As well as the river, there’s

a swimming pool and a large

pond, in mature gardens.

Time to town: Just over an hour

to St Pancras from Rye.

Agent: Warner Grey, Tenterden

01580 766044 warnergrey.co.uk


MAXIMISE THE VALUE

OF YOUR LAND

Have you got a large

garden or plot of land?

We are experts at working

with owners to maximise

the full value of their land

Industry leading experts

We take care of the planning permission!

The risk-free way to maximise your land

Zero cost to you!

Planning laws are changing

Act now before its too late!

What our clients say…

"The team had a huge amount of

knowledge and every step was handled

in a professional manner. Their excellent

relationship with the local planning

department helped achieve a fantastic

result for us. We would have no

hesitation in recommending them to

anyone who wants to achieve planning".

Amanda and Robert Petch

June 2016

"The cost involved to try and

get planning on our land

were just not feasible for us.

Working with Country House

meant we didn’t have to risk

our money as they took care

of everything"

Mr C Partridge (Loose, Kent)

September 2016

For a free appraisal call 0843 557 4080

www.maximisemyland.co.uk

sales@countryhousehomes.co.uk

“Guy and team at CHH did a fantastic

job securing planning permission on

our rear garden plot. Although a fairly

problematic application (which took

over 18 months), they kept us informed

throughout the entire process.

I would certainly use them again”

David J (Oxted, Surrey)

January 2017

‘Our Focus Determines Your Reality’

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM

MARDEN THORN £1,495,000

ELEGANT GRADE II LISTED FARMHOUSE

• Entrance hall • Four reception rooms • Kitchen and

breakfast room • Utility room • Six bedrooms (three

ensuite) • Partially walled garden • Summer house •

Garden w.c. • Garaging • EPC: n/a

Cranbrook School Catchment Area

CRANBROOK £1,295,000

UNIQUE FORMER 15TH CENTURY CLOTH

HALL • Reception hall • Two reception rooms •

Kitchen/breakfast/sitting room • Utility room •

Cellar • Five bedrooms (two ensuite) • Enclosed

garden • Garaging • EPC: n/a


HAWKHURST £1,250,000

ATTRACTIVE GRANARY CONVERSION

• Three reception rooms • Conservatory • Study

area • Kitchen/breakfast room • Five bedrooms (two

ensuite) • Attractive garden • Swimming pool with

pool house • EPC: F


RURAL STAPLEHURST £1,250,000

STUNNING NEWLY CONVERTED FARM

BUILDING • Vaulted living/dining room with

mezzanine • Handmade kitchen/breakfast room •

Four bedrooms (one ensuite) • Garden • Parking

with charging point • EPC: n/a


Harpers&Hurlingham

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook

01580 715400

www.harpersandhurlingham.com

Sales & Lettings Team

Jane Emilie Chez Cathy Sara Debbie Debbie S Sharon Caroline Dianne

Wendy

Partners

for life

In uncertain times a

trusted helping hand

can be all you need.

Call us to learn how our investment and

wealth planning services can help you.

Follow us on: +44 (0) 20 7600 1660

info@jmfinn.com

www.jmfinn.com

The value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up and investors

may not get back the amount originally invested.

JM Finn and JM Finn & Co are trading names of J.M. Finn & Co. Ltd which is registered in England with number 05772581. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

SALES / LETTINGS / MANAGEMENT

VISIT US AT HUNTERS.COM

HERE TO GET you THERE

HIGH HALDEN £695,000

An individual three bedroom detached chalet bungalow which sits on

an approximate 2-acre plot with detached stable block and views over

open countryside, located on the outskirts of the desirable village of High

Halden. EPC TBC

HEADCORN £600,000 - £625,000

A delightful detached barn conversion with three bedrooms offering

a wealth of features including vaulted ceilings and exposed beams and

forming part of a farm hamlet situated on a country lane in the rural

outskirts of Headcorn, within easy access to the mainline station. EPC D

TENTERDEN £565,000

NO CHAIN. A well presented four bedroom detached family home with

two reception rooms and detached double garage, located in a popular cul

de sac just off the picturesque tree-lined High Street of Tenterden. EPC TBC

ROLVENDEN £550,000

Four bedroom detached period family home with a wealth of period

features, detached large four bay garage, self contained home offi ce and

views over the village cricket ground, located within the CSCA and in the

heart of the popular village of Rolvenden. EPC TBC

TENTERDEN £550,000 HEADCORN £650,000

A charming Grade II listed three bedroom cottage with a wealth of 1930’s detached family home which retains many of its original features, two

period features, together with the benefi t of off-road parking space, reception rooms and is ideally situated close to the local schools and within

located in an enviable position offering convenient access to the

easy access to Headcorn’s Village and Mainline Station to London. EPC E

picturesque High Street of Tenterden. EPC EXEMPT

MEET YOUR LOCAL Tenterden Team!

HERE TO GET you THERE

Over 150 independently owned branches across the UK. Jake, Andrew & Laura

TENTERDEN

HYTHE

01580 763 278

ASHFORD

01233 613 613

01303 261 557

FOLKESTONE

01303 210 335

Over 200 independently owned branches across the UK.

THE LEADING AUCTIONEERS IN THE SOUTH EAST

A Rene Lalique ‘Perruches’ bluestained

opalescent glass bowl,

circa 1931, model 419

SOLD FOR £1,900

• Regular selected sales including

Fine Art, Asian Art, Jewellery, Silver,

Clocks, Medals, Watches, Wines

and Furniture

• Weekly sales of antiques, collectables

and general items from £50 to £1,000

(Payment made in two working days)

• Free internet listing for all sales

• Free auction estimates

• Valuations for Insurance

and Probate

For a FREE valuation on items you would like

to auction, simply email your images to:

tunbridge.wells@gorringes.co.uk

To arrange an appointment call:

01892 556 860

www.gorringesauctions.co.uk

PLOT OR NOT?

Grosvenor House, Grosvenor Park, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2BF

5532-Gorringes (WT) (Aug2020) 130x185b.indd 1 10/08/2020 17:25

If you think your land or property has development potential,

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

GorringesWT223.indd 1 17/08/2020 17:26

WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR LAND AND PROPERTY WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

Many of our clients retain our services and, in the majority of

cases, pay our fees saving property owners significant costs.

Commercial buildings for residential conversion, former public houses, redundant

buildings for redevelopment, buildings for conversion or replacement, houses

for improvement, large sites on the edge of town, barn conversions, large

gardens in residential areas and major regeneration projects.

Contact Stephen Donnelly on

07739 514350 or 01892 579937

website: sjd-projects.com

email: steve@sjd-projects.com

For regular updates, visit us at

twitter.com/projects


22

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

UP TO

2 YEARS’ SERVICE

CHARGE PAID

Ready

WHEN YOU ARE

Ready to embrace life in a vibrant,

supportive community? Ready for easy

living in a beautiful home designed with

the future in mind? Ready to enjoy peace

of mind knowing help is at hand should

you ever need it? Then you’re ready to

move to Lynwood Village.

With virtual tours on our website,

real-life viewings (strictly in accordance

with guidelines) and our helpful sales team

available from 10am to 4pm seven days

a week, we’re ready when you are.

A

RE

VIDEO TOURS

AVAILABLE

CALL US NOW TO FIND OUT MORE

ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF LYNWOOD

VILLAGE LIFE, AVAILABLE PROPERTIES

AND TO ARRANGE A VIEWING.

WE’LL PAY YOUR SERVICE CHARGE FOR UP TO TWO YEARS

Terms and Conditions apply. Call our sales team on 01344 797830 for details.

Independent living made easy for the over 65s

SUNNINGHILL | ASCOT | BERKSHIRE

Owned and operated by Ben

Ben – Motor and Allied Trades Benevolent Fund. Lynwood Court, Lynwood Village, Rise Road, Ascot,

SL5 0FG. A charity registered in England and Wales (no.297877) and Scotland (no.SC039842). A company

limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales (no.02163894). Registered with the Homes and

Communities Agency (no. LH 3766).

To arrange a visit, please call: 01344 797830

visit: lynwoodvillage.co.uk or

email: sales@lynwoodvillage.co.uk

Surrey, Sussex

& Hampshire’s

Premier Oak

Framed Specialist

Surrey Oak Barns is a specialist

oak frame contractor offering a

complete and seamless multitrade

service, from simple garages

and garden rooms to fully finished

buildings, all tailored to meet our

client’s specific requirements.

We offer a complete service from

design, planning and construction

through to completion, ensuring

our clients achieve their aspirations

for oak buildings from a single source.

Surrey Oak Barns is the only oak

framed contractor to be awarded

Chartered Building Company

status which identifies those

businesses that are committed

to quality of product and service,

integrity of conduct and concern

for client’s needs.

01483 420 258

info@surreyoakbarns.co.uk

www.surreyoakbarns.co.uk

UNTO

THIS

LAST

Two Hundred Years

of John Ruskin

17 August -

102 November 2020

Including works by J. M. W.

Turner, John Everett Millais,

and Edward Burne-Jones.

Produced by YCBA.

Pre-booking required

for timed admission

wattsgallery.org.uk

Ruskin Ad.indd 1 08/09/2020 17:10:51

WattsGalleryWT223.indd 1 08/09/2020 07/09/2020 17:28 18:32


26

WellersOfGuildfordWT223.indd 1 03/09/2020 17:01

Notebook

What to do and see near you this month

House Calls

Renowned Sussex-based artist Eli Ofir is offering

free house visits for South East residents until the end of

November, in line with Wealden Times Midwinter Fair Online.

If you’re interested in commissioning a portrait of your house in

Kent, Sussex or Surrey, you couldn’t ask for better. Eli is a full-time

professional House Portrait Artist, specialising in detailed English

period and current architecture. Last year he was commissioned

by Hever Castle to create a series of ‘Then & Now’ portraits that

will soon be made available as prints and stationery. With over

1,700 commissions for portraits of private homes over the past

decade in the South East alone, Eli is considered one of the

most sought-after and busiest artists in his field (and one of our

favorite Wealden Times Midsummer Fair exhibitors). These

days, in line with social-distancing restrictions, Eli is offering

to take photos of your house from the outside, and then

conduct a Zoom consultation a few days later to present his

thoughts and ideas. If you’d like to see if Eli can work his

magic on your property, the first step is to send him a few

initial photos to see if the house will benefit and be suitable

for his technique and artistic style. For more information and

consultation, please visit Eli’s website at homeportraits4u.co.uk

AUTUMN

REFRESH

21... in Tunbridge Wells is back

and is kicking things off by offering

a 15% discount on any Hair and

Beauty combinations over £80 up

until Saturday 31 October (not in

conjunction with other offers and

not including retail products). This

little Georgian haven near The

Pantiles is filled with award-winning

stylists and beauty therapists who

are great at pampering and listening

to exactly what you want, all while

using enviromentally kind Aveda

products and (major bonus) they

even serve homemade cake with their

teas and coffees! 21londonroad.co.uk

Nature

Refocused

Nature Refocused is an exhibition

hosted by Scarlett Woodman and

Hannah Buchanan at The Red Door

Gallery in Rye, between Wednesday

30 September and Monday 12 October.

The exhibition celebrates the South

East, where Scarlett and Hannah have

lived all their lives, and how they

reconnected with their surroundings

over lockdown. reddoorrye.com /

hannahbuchanan.com /

scarlettwoodman.co.uk


Notebook

Top of the Crops

For three weekends in August, September and

October, Brogdale Collections is holding Heritage

Orchard Days to help save the Charity’s orchards.

Enjoy an orchard walk, fruit displays, juice

tastings, a family apple trail, cider sales and more.

Plus, included in the ticket price, for

the first time, you can harvest your

own apples and enjoy the use of

Brogdale’s lovely picnic field.

brogdalecollections.org

Learning

Curves

From September, The Bell in Ticehurst is teaming

up with Sussex’ premier creative course specialists,

Curious House, to run a series of one and two

day courses. The first course, from Monday 21 to

Tuesday 22 September, combines a picturesque walk

with creative writing. Other upcoming

courses include topics such as

modern calligraphy,

sculpting with wire

Hannah Peschar

Sculpture Garden

September is set to be a beautiful month

at The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden.

With weekends booking up quickly, be

sure to check ahead to book your slot.

They hope to partner up with some

local creatives for a few interesting

events through the month as well!

hannahpescharsculpture.com

and lampshade

painting. Courses

are £95 a day and

attendees can enjoy special

rates on accommodation

at The Bell the night

before or after. A classic

double room including

breakfast costs £110 for

single occupancy or £125

for double. (These rates can

be extended for up to 4 days

if booking a course, subject to

availability.) curioushouse.net

Green and Pleasant

Nostalgic for home after travelling Europe,

Andrew Lansley returned to the UK to paint the

“green rolling hills of home,” with new appreciation of

them as “a symbol of comfort and contentment.” His

solo exhibition, Green and Pleasant Lands, opens at

McAllister Thomas Fine Art of Godalming on Saturday

19 September. For more information and an exhibition

catalogue contact the gallery. mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk

FOREST LISTENING

A real breath of fresh air. In collaboration with Watts

Gallery Trust, Surrey Hills Arts presents the Forest Listening

project by artist Liz K Miller. Wander through Limnerslease

woodland to hear the hidden sounds of a rainstorm recorded

from beneath the forest floor and see a display of blueprints

hanging from the trees, each one a visualisation of the forest

rainstorm sounds. It’s free with admission to Watts Gallery

Artists Village and will run from Monday 7 September to

Sunday 4 October. wattsgallery.org.uk


28

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Cover Girl

Former Fashion Director turned upholsterer,

Sadie Dorchester takes Antonia Methuen

on a tour of the interior of her spacious

Victorian terrace, the gorgeous result

of a seven-year renovation project

Words: Antonia Methuen

Photographs: David Merewether

Styling: Holly Levett

ART FOR THE HOME AND OFFICE

Sculpture | Paintings | Prints | Art Advisory | Installation

Belgravia Gallery specialises in art by Nelson Mandela and HRH The Prince of Wales, and also has

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Contact us to arrange an appointment. We are happy to offer home or office visits

Previous pages & this page: The cabinet work and cupboards

in the kitchen have all been painted in a bright grass green,

Sadie’s favourite colour, with black accent walls around the range

cooker and the picture window Right: The family sitting room

Like many people who move to Hastings, Sadie

Dorchester and her family were only intending

to stay for a few months. Sadie and her husband

had spent nine years living in South Africa. In 2011 they

made the decision to return to the UK with their two

young children. “We rented a house as we had family

nearby, thinking we would end up in Brighton or Hove,

but in the end we really liked it and so we decided to

put our new roots in Hastings instead,” explains Sadie.

We are sitting at the well-loved pine table in her kitchen,

swathed in the sunshine pouring through the large Crittallstyle

picture window at the far end of the room. Sadie

is explaining the seven-year renovation and decoration

process that has transformed a large unloved Victorian

terraced house into her stunning family home. “We were

lucky, as we were renting a house a few doors down when

we first arrived. So when we bought this place, and were

gutting it from top to bottom, I was able to easily visualise

each room and what to do with it, as I was living in the

blueprint of the same space just a few doors down!”

Sadie decided the easiest thing to do, due to the size

and scope of the renovation, was to strip and re-plaster the

walls and strip the floors across the entire house and


A stunning etched glass light fitting, comprising five glass baubles hangs over

the dining table. “I wanted a light like this for ages. Then one day I popped

into a local shop and there it was!” says Sadie. “I had to get the wiring re-done

to make the drops longer, but it was exactly what I had imagined.”

then paint all the walls and the stairs white. She could then

move her young family in and begin to add colour and

personality without any pressure. Pregnant with her third

child, moving into the new house was a priority for the

family, but a new baby meant that Sadie’s interior design

ideas had to be put on hold for a few years whilst she

focused on being a mum. “I had been very sick in South

Africa, and had to stop work having contracted bacterial

meningitis when my second child was very young. I wanted

to focus on family life after moving back from South Africa.”

Slowly taking her time, Sadie eventually began to add her

unique style and eye for design to the house. “The kitchen

and garden renovation was finished three years ago,” says

Sadie. “At the back of the house was a loo, a utility room

and the kitchen. It all felt very removed from the rest of

the house as well as from the garden. It was that very old

fashioned sort of layout where everything was hidden away.

Also the house is on a hill so we had to have the garden

terraced, to push it back from the house and give us more

light and space at the back and a better working garden. We

then opened up the whole area around the old kitchen,

knocking it all through and added the large window


44

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This particular piece has been

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fashion houses over the years

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In the dining room, the colour palette is also in tonal greens, like the

kitchen, and a dark slate grey. An accent wall in House of Hackney

palm print wallpaper gives the room a fashionable edge


This page: Houseplants and flowers are found in almost every room, from the bathroom to the bedrooms, the kitchen to the living rooms

at the back to flood the new room with sunlight. I really

wanted a kitchen that could be the heart of the home,

where we could all eat and live as a family. It’s always tricky

trying to make a Victorian house work in a modern way

to suit our lifestyle, but I think we have achieved it now.”

The cabinet work and cupboards have all been painted

in a bright grass green, Sadie’s favourite colour, with black

accent walls around the range cooker and the picture

window. “I wanted an island but I knew that in the

space we had available, any off-the-shelf kitchen wouldn’t

work. There are also very few right-angles in this house,

everything runs off, so we had to have the kitchen handmade.”

The expense was however entirely worth it, as all

the cupboards seem to disappear, with the bright green

echoing the garden outside, allowing the room to be more

like the family entertaining and living space that Sadie

had desired, than a functional and utilitarian kitchen.

“I love sourcing things,” says Sadie. “So much of the

furniture and accessories in the house I found on Ebay or

in local antique shops. The Hastings Antique Centre on

Norman Road is one of my go-to places. I also love mixing

the old with the new.” In the kitchen – where the vintage

pine table and kitchen chairs and armchair sit next to slick

contemporary Philippe Starck dining chairs, Carrera marble

worktops and three large industrial BTC lights – and next

door in the dining room, the same mix and match style

continues. The colour palette is also in tonal greens, like the

kitchen, this time with accents of Farrow & Ball Nearly


48

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This page: Sadie’s own bedroom is decorated in a palette of dark and light greys, golds and leather

ALECROPFOEGNARBREPUS

Black. A wall papered in House of Hackney Palmeral gives

the room a fashionable edge. Sadie has picked up an apricot

colour in a piece of artwork by local artist John Lipsham and

dotted it around the room in the Love Frankie lampshade

on the standard lamp, the leather upholstered armchair

that is also mimicked in the piano and stool. A stunning

etched glass light fitting, comprising five glass baubles

hangs over the dining table. “I wanted a light like this for

ages. Then one day I popped into a local shop and there it

was!” says Sadie. “I had to get the wiring re-done to make

the drops longer, but it was exactly what I had imagined.”

Just like all the other rooms in the house, light floods

in to every room. A set of glazed double doors lead

into the garden to the rear of the house. Indeed the

inside-outside conversation is apparent throughout the

entire house that is blessed with views to the rear of the

terraced private garden and to the front of the house over

the leafy Alexandra Park. Sadie also keeps this theme

flowing with the use of houseplants and flowers that

are found in almost every room, from the bathroom

to the bedrooms, the kitchen to the living rooms.

The dining room leads directly into the large family

sitting room. Sadie explains that she uses the designer

Abigail Ahern’s 60/30/10 colour ratio in each room.

Inspired by the William Morris fabric on an armchair, the

room follows the perfect ratio of Farrow & Ball Drawing

Room Blue on the walls, blue accessories and upholstery,

Farrow & Ball Old White on the oppositional walls,


This page A cluster of mismatched floral lampshades that Sadie found on notonthehighstreet.com hangs from the soaring ceiling in this

peaceful bedroom

and a soft pink as the accent. Also applying her love of

mixing old and new, Sadie re-upholstered an antique

chaise in soft pink velvet which she trimmed herself. A

contemporary sofa that the family brought back from South

Africa sits under a Cameron Design sculptural lampshade.

“I bought that lampshade when the designers had just

launched at London Design Week. They are huge now,

but back then they drove all the way down from Camden

and installed it themselves!” Artwork on the walls were

gathered during the family’s travels in South Africa as well

as from Zimbabwe and other pieces from closer to home.

Although Sadie had been a high-flying Fashion Director

back in South Africa, on her return to the UK she decided

she wanted to follow a less pressurised career path. With

three young children and a new home, she didn’t want

to return to commuting up to the city. She explains how

her new career blossomed. “My former neighbour was a

surface print designer and so we decided to collaborate

on repurposing some old chairs with her fabrics. The only

trouble was the cost of upholstery was taking up all our

profit margin. I had always loved sewing, knitting and

crochet, so I thought, why not try it myself, and so I decided

to re-train as an upholsterer. I spent a year on a course

in Shoreditch and then found myself in a basement in


52

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Our beautiful award-winning canopies

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This page: The family bathroom’s bespoke vanity unit was created from an eBay find sink, a metal trolley from Rusty’s Reclamation,

some scaffolding boards and a chunk of slate

Tunbridge Wells working as an apprentice. I used to laugh

when I looked at myself, working away for nothing after

my life in fashion. How things had changed since South

Africa!” However Sadie’s hard work paid off and over the

past two years she has set up her own upholstery business,

Sadie Dorchester, creating contemporary upholstered

storage pieces and cushions inspired by artists like Georgia

O’Keeffe and the Russian artist Kasimir Malevich.

“It’s been great, having set down roots in Hastings I now

feel my family are settled and I can begin to focus again

on my career. The new business has taken over 18 months

of experimentation, creating and developing designs,

building a website (sadiedorchester.com) and attending

retail fairs, but now I am really excited by the future. I

want to develop the storage range and my designs and also

look at possible collaborations and consultancy. I have

started doing cushions as well, and I think the designs are

strong and unique and really reflect my overall aesthetic.

I would love to work on a hotel project for instance.”

Throughout the house Sadie’s own designs are dotted

around the rooms. Beautifully upholstered inside and out

with her signature wool fabric in abstract patterns, strong

colour combinations and bespoke feet, Sadie’s storage pieces

provide the perfect combination of style and practicality.

In the hallway and in each of the bedrooms, her boxes sit

elegantly, working effortlessly with the different styles


Sadie decided the

easiest thing to do, due

to the size and scope

of the renovation, was

to strip and re-plaster

the walls and strip the

floors across the entire

house and then paint

all the walls and the

stairs white. She could

then move her young

family in and begin

to add colour and

personality without

any pressure.

she has created within each space. From the hallway, where

brass feet sit under a chic pink, cream and black design

to her son’s top floor bedroom where the box of blues

and greys sits under an explosion of abstracted shards of

red and blue (inspired by a pet pygmy hedgehog and a

splash of futurist graffiti). Within the other bedrooms,

the boxes again add a contemporary touch. In Sadie’s own

bedroom, with its palette of dark and light greys, golds

and leather, there are two upholstered boxes in a range

of contrasting colours, adding the perfect counter to the

colours and textures she has curated within each room.

Sadie Dorchester took a blank white canvas and roomby-room,

floor by floor, has transformed a vast Victorian

house into a family home bubbling with character and

life. From the bright green hand-made kitchen to the vast

family bathroom, with her bespoke vanity unit (created


56

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GrahamClarkeWT223.indd 1 07/09/2020 OakGlasshouseWT223A.indd 11:14

1 04/09/2020 11:00

• Automation, repairs, servicing

and installation

• Entry phones and access control

• Repairs and servicing of

• existing systems

• Hardwood and metal gates made

to order for automation and

non-automation purposes

• Supply-and-fit service for fully

automated electric garage doors

FREE SURVEYS &

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TEL: 01483 379954

info@harriergates.co.uk

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HarrierGatesS60.indd 1 20/09/2019 11:11

Architectural

Interiors

+44 (0)1892 574 576

studio@sgsdesign.co.uk

sgsdesign.co.uk

Sadie’s storage pieces provide the

perfect combination of style and

practicality. Her designs are dotted

around the rooms, beautifully

upholstered inside and out with her

signature wool fabric in abstract

patterns, strong colour combinations

and bespoke feet

from an ebay find sink, a metal trolley from Rusty’s

Reclamation, some scaffolding boards and a chunk of slate).

Sadie’s unique eye for colour, shape, design and texture

is apparent throughout. The blending of the old and the

new, the neutral and the bold, the soft and the angular is

also fully reflected in her own storage and cushion designs.

Hastings has provided a home and a sanctuary to the

family and has in turn allowed Sadie the space and time

not only to raise her young family, but also to develop her

new career. It is a journey that I for one, cannot wait to

see develop and perhaps stay in the first Sadie Dorchester

interior designed hotel in the not-too-distant future.

Address Book:

To find out more about Sadie Dorchester’s

furniture designs and to speak to her about

bespoke commissions, visit sadiedorchester.com

Cameron Design camerondesignhouse.com

The Hastings Antique Centre St Leonards 01424 428561

House of Hackney houseofhackney.com

Love Frankie lovefrankie.com

Rusty’s Reclamation Bexhill 07970 349199


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Log in online anytime, anywhere on your Mac, PC,

tablet or phone to see up-to-date financials.

HILDEN PARK ARE PLATINUM PARTNERS

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to move to Xero then do get in touch.

Hilden Park Accountants Limited are a Xero Platinum Partner. This means that we are in the top

2% of all Xero advisers and are the fi rst to achieve this in the Tonbridge area.

Xero is online accounting software that helps you to save time on your paperwork

and get paid faster. Log in online anytime, anywhere on your Mac, PC, tablet

or phone to see up-to-date fi nancials.

If you need advice on how to get the most out of Xero for your business

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TenterdenRoofingWT202.indd 1 22/01/2019 15:08

• Interior Design

& Styling

• Bespoke curtains

& Roman

blinds

• Upholstery

• Lampshades

• Unique gifts

& cards

• Creative classes

starting soon

Call us for an appointment, we’d love to

help you create a comfortable, fabulous

home full of personality and charm

01580 848303 / 07400 522081

The Corner Shop,

Hawkhurst TN18 4ER

oohhowlovely.co.uk


60

HildenParkAccountantsWT223.indd 1 02/09/2020 OohHowLovelyWT223.indd 13:05

1 04/09/2020 13:06

Get the

LOOK

1 Paints in Urbane Grey, Smalt and Atomic Red, £47 for 2.5L (Absolute Matt Emulsion), Little Greene littlegreene.com

2 Drift pendant, £385, Tom Raffield tomraffield.com 3 Amelia pendant £375, Elstead Lighting elsteadlighting.com

4 Franklin pendant, £135, Elstead Lighting elsteadlighting.com 5 Saloon cluster pendant, £129, Wayfair wayfair.co.uk

6 Marquis Mirror, £175, Respire Living respireliving.com 7 Sketches, from £170, Neptune neptune.com 8 Bongy

Gorilla, £29.99, Steiff steiffteddybears.co.uk 9 Leather chair, £575, Woodcocks woodcocksinteriors.co.uk 10 Tileworks

Mediterraneo, £49.95/m 2 , Original Style originalstyle.com 11 Osaka footstall, £1,024, BoConcept boconcept.com


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Wealden Times

Midwinter

Fair

O nline

12-15 November

JOIN US FOR OUR VIP

ONLINE SHOPPING EVENT

After making the incredibly difficult decision to postpone this year’s Midwinter Fair to

2021, we are thrilled to announce that we will be running our very first Wealden Times

Midwinter Fair Online from Thursday 12th – Sunday 15th November 2020.

SIGN UP

Visit midwinterfair-online.com to

register for VIP shopping access

and be one of the first to receive an

early-bird discount code to shop with.

During the weekend we will also be

bringing you exclusive interviews

for inspiration and festive gift ideas.

Follow us @wealdentimes for up to

date information and sneak previews

of what will be on offer.

SAVE

Browse our handpicked mix of

exhibitors across fashion, jewellery,

homewares and foodie treats and use

the special code to unlock discounts

and offers unique to our four-day

online event. We’ve got all the

ingredients to ensure Wealden Times

Midwinter Fair Online is the perfect

start to your Christmas.

SHOP

With many of your favourite

exhibitors joining us – and of course

we’ve handpicked some gorgeous new

ones, too – get Christmas sorted,

all from the comfort of your own

home. With purchases delivered to

your door, they’ll be ready for you to

beautifully wrap at your leisure.

midwinterfair-online.com

“The most spectacular open skies

and an opportunity to get close to

nature in the cosy comfort of our

Shepherds Huts on the beautiful

Romney Marsh”

Romney Marsh Shepherds Huts,

Aldington, Kent TN25 7BT

01233 721800

www.romneymarshwools.co.uk

01580 713778

www.everndeninteriors.co.uk

info@everndeninteriors.co.uk

Stone Street • Cranbrook • TN17 3HF

RomneyMarshWoolsWT223.indd 1 14/08/2020 EverndenInteriorsWT223.indd 15:40

1 26/08/2020 15:31

Come visit us in store

for a warm, friendly

welcome, stocking

all your needs for

outdoor pursuits.

Our store is open 5

days a week, visit us at

IN THE COUNTRY

ASHFORD ROAD

BADLESMERE

KENT

ME13 0NX

Wed Sat 10am - 4pm

inthecountrykent.co.uk

01233 742700


64

IntheCountryWT223.indd 1 02/09/2020 12:55

Love where we live

Explore a wealth of unique staycation choices right on your doorstep

Escape from it all... Wealden Times fair favourites,

Romney Marsh Wools recently opened up their traditional

shepherds huts with a touch of luxury, situated at the heart of

the family farm on the Romney Marsh. Savour vast open skies,

miles of Kent countryside and beautiful, peaceful surroundings

which make this the perfect rural retreat to relax and recharge.

The huts are fully equipped with a double bed, kitchen and

outdoor fire pit plus a built in loo and shower room. Settle

in for a night under the stars, or cosied up with the log

burner, you can enjoy the huts in all seasons, experiencing

summer sunsets and crisp winter mornings, as well as all

the colours of autumn and the famous marsh mists in the

spring. Find out more at romneymarshshepherdshuts.co.uk

and book online at kentandsussexcottages.co.uk.

Quirky credentials... The Bell in Ticehurst, East

Sussex has proven that a global pandemic won’t dim their aesthetic

ambition. Mustering a local workforce, who had just finished a

fabulous refurbishment of their function rooms prior to lockdown,

the already gorgeous garden at The Bell has been lavished with love

to create counter-Covid spaces to eat and drink. The Potting Shed

platform’s corrugated iron pods, reminiscent of allotment sheds,

for groups of 4 to 6, will delight customers as catering is taken al

fresco for the summer to enjoy food by Head Chef, Oscar, who

will be cooking up a storm on an industrial sized barbecue. Whilst

inside, The Bell’s seven beautifully decorated hotel bedrooms

and four rustic lodges offer an ideal base from which to explore

the gems of the South East or to settle down to enjoy a blissful

five minutes’ peace. The Bell is currently open for drinks from

12 noon to 10pm daily, serving food on Friday, Saturday and

Sunday from 12 noon until 8.30pm. thebellinticehurst.com

Family-friendly luxury... Once home to celebrated publisher

and backstage politician 1st Baron Beaverbrook, the quintessentially

English Beaverbook estate in Leatherhead overlooks the picturesque

Surrey Hills. This beautiful 470 acre estate boasts a stunning spa,

several places to eat, a cookery school and a private cinema. Opt to stay

in either The House, The Garden House or The Coach House where

you can expect warm hospitality coupled with impeccable design. Relax

in spacious, interconnecting rooms and take advantage of a dedicated

kids’ club for over 5s, woodland outdoor area (complete with tree house

and teepee) and endless on-site activities which make the Beaverbrook

Estate the perfect destination for a family getaway, without having to

compromise on luxury and style. beaverbrook.co.uk

A romantic escape... With 12 boutique

bedrooms to choose from, Weybridge’s Hand &

Spear is the perfect retreat for immersing yourself

in an indulgent staycation. Order room service to

deliver your freshly cooked breakfast to your room

and enjoy hearty British classics, seasonal vegan dishes

and lighter nibbles in the stylish pub and garden.

Take advantage of Hand & Spear’s summer promotion,

where you can enjoy two nights’ bed and breakfast, with

complimentary Warner’s Rhubarb Gin and Fever-Tree

Mediterranean tonics, plus dinner included on the first

night, for just £95 per person. handandspear.co.uk


66

Making your party dreams come true

Bespoke Planning Advice

for your planning journey

Creating and delivering luxury

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SlumberBoutiqueWT223.indd 1 03/09/2020 RuralPlanningPracticeWT223.indd 17:46

1 28/08/2020 12:19

Stay Home and Release Equity – is this a way forward?

The last few months have seen such

immeasurable changes in every element

of our lives and the Equity Release

market has certainly adapted to try and

cope with the ongoing demand for applications.

Local adviser, Sarah Ferrell, has been speaking

with an increased number of people who

are concerned about their own finances but

who are also looking at their properties as a

means of helping their children financially as

a result of the impact of the coronavirus.

How might Equity Release be a solution?

There are two “new” reasons why people

may be considering Equity Release.

In order to be eligible for Equity Release you need

to be 55. Many people who have been furloughed

or whose businesses have taken a downturn are

worried about how they are going to continue

to pay their mortgage. Whilst it is generally

advisable not to consider Equity Release at too

young an age, there are a number of routes

available that will enable people to continue

to service the loan and for those home owners

over age 55 who are concerned about their

ongoing mortgage and the affordability of this,

Equity Release may be an option to consider.

Not only are people finding they need financial

assistance for themselves but many retired people

have seen their children struggle financially over

the last few months and are looking at using the

equity in their own homes to help their children.

Whatever the reason for considering Equity

Release it isn’t right for everybody. Many schemes

allow ongoing payment of interest and capital

and the long-term figures do not have to be as

“scary” as many people think. This said, in many

situations Equity Release will have a longer-term

impact on the equity remaining in a property

and should only be considered after seeking full

advice as to the variety of routes available.

Sarah says, “I have seen Equity Release do

so much good for so many clients however I

have also spoken to people who have entered

into schemes without seeking appropriate

advice and have been confused”.

In Sarah’s opinion somebody considering

Equity Release needs advice, guidance and

information that is relevant to their particular

situation and with over 27 years’ experience

in finance Sarah takes pride in the time

and care she takes with her clients.

Call Sarah on

07789 007447 / 01622 631372

info@sarahferrell-equityrelease.co.uk

www.sarahferrell-equityrelease.co.uk

Equity Release can reduce the value of your estate and can affect your eligibility for means tested benefits.

MORTGAGES

EQUITY RELEASE

RE-MORTGAGE

BUY-TO-LET

FIRST TIME BUYERS


Sarah Ferrell, local Equity Release Adviser,

spends much of her time talking to people

SarahFerrellWT223.indd 1 01/09/2020 17:52

who are retired, or approaching retirement,

and are considering their financial options.


68

Interior Vocation

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Holly Levett

With an eye for design that she has honed working

on the complete renovation of her own period

cottage, and following a career in events management,

interiors lover Rebecca Middleton has hit the ground

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GardenFlooringCompanyS59.indd 1 28/08/2019 15:34

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70

Urban&GreyWT223.indd 1 18/08/2020 14:23

“I wanted a statement

floor with a pop of colour.

I have collected things

over a long period of time

and pink just seems to run

through most of the rooms”

Previous pages & above: A huge pink lampshade by Anthropologie hovers over the dining table. The tiles on the walls in the

kitchen, from Bert & May, miraculously match the floor tiles

Give me a child who constantly changes their

room around and organises ‘photoshoots’ of

the results and I’ll show you a future interior

designer. Except that life is never quite that simple. All too

often in our lives other influences take precedence over

formative ideas and we find ourselves far from our early

dreams. It takes courage and determination to listen to

those inner thoughts and allow our dreams to flourish.

We are at the home of Rebecca Middleton and it has

now been a year since Rebecca gave up her career in

events management and officially came out as the interior

designer she always knew she was. As we step over the

threshold of her period cottage she makes it clear that

this is not the interior of a show house, but her own

lovingly curated and characterful home – dear to her heart

and very different in style to the interiors she designs

for her business, Rebecca Middleton Refined Luxe.

“The style of this house is not at all the style of my clients

or even my partner’s house – there it is more neutral, with

greys, navy and marble tiles.” Rebecca stresses that this is not

a prescriptive look; she is flexible in her approach and tries to

reflect her clients’ tastes within her designs. “I’m not like


Above: A cosy macrame-style swinging chair is adorned with blankets and suspended from the ceiling in the dining room

Kelly Hoppen or Abigail Ahern, where you either like their

style or not and you know what you are getting before you

approach them. Homes are personal. People have to go through

a process and have to bring their own personality into it.”

Rebecca has lived in her house for 10 years, auspiciously,

she says with a smile, moving in on Friday 13 August 2010.

Since that fateful day, she has lovingly modified and updated

the whole house, building a kitchen extension, relocating

the bathroom and reinstating some of the period features to

the cottage. “The bathroom was downstairs,” she explains.

“There was an outhouse for the washer-drier and the people

who lived here were using gas heaters.” The ground floor

needed some serious updating and a priority was to move

the bathroom upstairs. “I didn’t want to traipse up and down

the stairs,” she says, “the bathroom should be near to the

bedrooms.” Rebecca also felt that the ground floor needed


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to be expanded to balance the house. “The downstairs was

too small and didn’t reflect the three bedroom home, so we

opened it up and extended the kitchen to make it all more

suitable for a family.” As a result there is now a spacious

kitchen diner and separate sitting room on the ground floor.

The property is part of a terrace that was built to house

mill workers and their families. The original mill looms

quietly at the end of the street, transformed from a place of

industry and toil into luxury apartments, overlooking the

now tranquil mill pond. The line of terraced houses was built

all at once – for economy and ease of construction, and the

original floorboards run right through all the houses. “You

can see them continue upstairs, through the wall into next

door,” Rebecca explains. Each front door opens straight into

what would have been the parlour and the stairs are tucked

into the middle of the building. At first glance, it’s as if there

are no stairs, just a small cupboard in the wall. “People always

think the door to the stairs is just a cupboard,” she laughs,

There is a subtle Alice in Wonderland theme in here, highlighted by a

neon ‘Follow the White Rabbit’ sign next to the imposing fireplace


Above: Dusky pinks and vibrant yellows are an eye-pleasing contrast in the sitting room

opening the narrow louvred door to reveal an unusually steep,

but space efficient staircase that teeters (unnervingly for those

with vertigo) up two flights to the very top of the house.

Rebecca’s instinctive and long held love of interiors came

to the fore as she began to renovate the cottage. “I did most

of it on my own – with help from my dad,” an electrician –

and all round handy person it turns out. “There was carpet

in the bathroom and the kitchen,” she grimaces, “the decor

was very dated – there was even horsehair in the plasterwork

on the walls.” They stripped out the interior, installed central

heating and replaced the original fireplaces, finding the

surrounds from various places, often in the north of England,

as this is where Rebecca’s family are from. “One came from

a skip,” she remembers. “My dad retrieved it – he asked the

owners first, then other items came from places like Hornsea

Pottery up north – it’s a real treasure-trove.” The hearth

in the sitting room is from Wright Stone and she sourced

the reclaimed radiators from Bygones in Canterbury.

Rebecca decorated the whole house herself, even

painting the reclaimed radiators and incorporating them

into her colour scheme. “I try to use good paint,” she

says. “The furniture is painted with Annie Sloan and

I use Little Greene, as their range has less toxins.”

The colours on the ground floor are dusky pastels, mainly

pink and pale blue and underpinned by the amazing pink

tiled floor by Bert and May. “I wanted a statement floor

with a pop of colour,” she explains. A pink theme was

becoming apparent through the house; “I have collected

things over a long period of time and pink just seems

to run through most of the rooms.” There’s a huge pink

lampshade hovering over the dining table by Anthropologie

and a whimsical swing chair dangling from the ceiling.


76

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This page: In the restful master bedroom an inky-blue wall and

period fireplace have replaced built-in wardrobes

The tiles on the walls in the kitchen, also from Bert & May,

miraculously match with the floor tiles, although Rebecca

had to paint the tops of them with Valspar masonry paint

from B&Q. There is a similar attention to detail in here –

even down to the pastel kitchenware from Bloomingville.

“The clear splash back was the thing that made me

choose Wren kitchens, as they were the only people

who seem to do a clear perspex splash back I didn’t

want to hide the exposed brick wall behind.”

Rebecca has been savvy in her choice of oven too.

“The Rangemaster cooker came from a friend of my

father’s. It was green, but I just changed the panels on the

doors – they have a service that enables you to do that,

so I chose cream. I try to up-cycle whenever I can.”

The back door was custom made by Sanderson Brothers

in Preston. Rebecca has big plans for the garden – which

seems to stretch an impossibly long way for a modest

cottage. Midway into the space a huge and joyous cherry

tree fills the view from the kitchen window, its pale pink

blossom drifting prettily into the kitchen’s colour scheme.

A pair of enormous insulating yellow curtains have

been designed to pull right across the front of the house,

engulfing the windows and the front door, creating a swathe

of comfort on a winter’s night – like wrapping the house

in a warm yellow blanket. “I settled on the yellow curtains

because they were cheap – the place I got them from


This page: The bathroom, previously a bedroom, is now a sleek and luxurious space with pale, olive green tiles

and gleaming sanitaryware

was closing down,” smiles Rebecca. The yellow colour now

cascades from the curtains as an accent throughout the

room. There is a subtle Alice in Wonderland theme in here,

highlighted by a neon ‘Follow the White Rabbit’ sign next

to the imposing fireplace. A pink occasional table has been

hand-painted to match the theme by Cathy McClymont. She

also painted the table and the picture in the kitchen diner.

“I like to source locally and support local businesses,”

Rebecca says. “I love the Wealden Times Fairs. Not

only is it a great day out, but I’m able to meet up with

entrepreneurs and local suppliers, make contacts and

source accessories and furniture for clients. My mum

comes down for them – and we always go on the

Thursday, have a glass of bubbly and go shopping.”

Sustainability is another key theme in Rebecca’s approach.

Up-cycling wherever she can, painting her grandmother’s

hall table, designing her own lights, made and installed

by her father. The set of three hanging lamps in the front

room were ingeniously turned into a single piece by

simply wiring them into a ceiling rose. Elsewhere there are

lamps made from a teapot and a bowler hat. It’s all a bit

Alice in Wonderland – which is a part of the theme.

“I wanted the decor to look eclectic, but still in keeping

with the stye of the house – this is not a modern house,

so I can install an authentic look, but with a twist. It’s

all about utilising the space,” Rebecca explains, adding

that clever storage can be a key to success. That and the

dreaded word de-cluttering. “There is not much storage

in this house, so I’ve had to streamline a lot. That can

be hard, especially with clients – I have a friend who

does wardrobe de-cluttering, which is very useful.”

There’s streamlining from an ease of living point of view

too; “flow-through ergonomics” says Rebecca, demonstrating

the concept in the kitchen with a handy water tap that’s been

plumbed in away from the sink. “Everything needs to be

nearby, so that there’s no stretch. I can fill a saucepan near to

the cooker while standing in one place,” she says. “I keep the

glasses next to the drinks fridge, with a chopping board above

it ready on the surface for slicing lemons. I like to make it so

that living in the space is as simple as hanging your keys by the

front door when you come in; having a place for everything

so that you’re not scrabbling around searching for things.”


80

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OrlestoneOakS57.indd 1 21/06/2019 14:14

This page: Up on the top floor, the space has been divided in two to

provide a guest bedroom and home office – handily combined with a

walk-in wardrobe and dressing room

As we go up those precipitously steep stairs to the first

floor bathroom, the cosy up-cycled look becomes one

of sleek comfort and luxury. This former bedroom was

transformed into a spacious bathroom seven years ago, but

has a timeless elegance and a retro, yet contemporary look.

The master bedroom continues the understated theme. One

wall – originally a wardrobe, but now re-instated as a wall complete

with a handsome period fireplace, makes a statement. “I chose a

feature wall, installed the master suite fireplace and wanted it to

be an inky blue colour – it came out purple when we first put it

on – and my dad said, ‘are you sure?’” Rebecca laughs. “The thing

is, if it doesn’t work you can always paint over it and cover it up

– don’t be scared. I do use tester pots with my clients, however at

home I have more conviction and trust in my instincts. I haven’t

had to paint a wall again yet.” The large framed photographs on

the walls are scenes and views from Rebecca’s childhood, taken

by photographer Christine Middleton (Rebecca’s mum).

Up on the top floor, the space has been radically altered. “It was

all one big room with a giant closet in the corner,” she explains.

“You had to walk through one room to get to the other, so I

opened out the staircase and made two rooms on either side.”

One of these has become a guest bedroom, painted a serene and

restful blue, eyelash lights winking sleepily under the roof of


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Above left: The pale pink conveniently continues outside with the beautiful blossom of a mature cherry tree Above right: The guest

bedroom features a dreamy pink tassel pendant light from Homary

the house. The other is her home office – handily combined

with a walk-in wardrobe and dressing room. A feature wall at

the office end is papered with a Laura Ashley design, where

the wallpaper birds even have their own tiny birdhouses.

Rebecca is really enjoying being able to be working from

home. “Working for myself is much better. It suits my

temperament and gives me more flexibility – inspiration

comes at all different times of the day, so you can seize the

moment.” It also means that she can hone her practical

skills too. “I change things all the time. I enjoy re-styling the

interior on a daily basis; pottering around. I love being here,

it’s a proper home. And we’re doing the same in my partner’s

house in Surrey. I feel at peace – you need to feel safe in a

place, you know – relaxed and calm in your own rooms.”

The process of interior design incorporates an understanding

of how people use the spaces they live in and a respect

for that environment. “It’s an honour being invited into

somebody’s home – to be curating part of their life. For

me it’s about how people interact with their interior

and what makes it into such a joy.” It is clear that all the

practice Rebecca has had helping friends and family –

and in transforming this house – is going to pay off.

Address Book:

Find out more about Rebecca Middleton

Refined Luxe and her design services at

rebeccamiddletonrefinedluxe.com or call 07931 920566

Annie Sloan anniesloan.com

Anthropologie anthropologie.com/en-gb

Bert & May bertandmay.com

Bloomingville bloomingville.com

Bygones Canterbury 01227 767453

Find out more about Cathy McClymont’s

paintings by searching her name on facebook

or see Instagram @cathymcclymont

Homary homary.com

Hornsea Pottery can be sourced through

various websites including Etsy

Little Greene littlegreene.com

Rangemaster rangemaster.co.uk

Sanderson Brothers Preston sandersonbros.co.uk

Valspar valsparpaint.co.uk

Wright Stone graniteshowroom.co.uk


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Modern Woods

Emily Rowland, Director and

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“The client runs her own business as a Nutritional

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Time for texture

Charné Achterberg, founder of Ganz Interiors

“This client approached me with architectural plans

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WoodworkWT216.indd 1 06/01/2020 14:06

Luxury Kitchens since 1892

Clear structures, sensible space. +SEGMENTO Y

Poggenpohl Tunbridge Wells

39-41 The Pantiles | Tunbridge Wells | TN2 5TE

phone 01892 240745 | tunbridgewells@poggenpohl.com

www.tunbridgewells.poggenpohl.com

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Cool Shades

Achieve timeless style in Classic Blue

10

11

1 Handpainted plate, £96, Rebecca Udall rebeccaudall.com

2 Salt Mill, £32,

Le Creuset lecreuset.co.uk 3 Sorrento rectangle tray, £78, Jonathan Adler

uk.jonathanadler.com 4 Drops Persian Blue tiles, £89.10/m 2 , Porcelain

Superstore porcelainsuperstore.co.uk 5 Blue lobster seafood bib, £9, Sous Chef

souschef.co.uk 6 Hand-painted ceramic doorknobs, £3.60, Blue & White

Company blueandwhitecompany.com 7 Traditional Kettle, £99, Le Creuset

lecreuset.co.uk 8 Smeg freestanding fridge icebox, £1,299, RDO rdo.co.uk

9 The Classic Blue Poster, £8.95, Desenio desenio.co.uk 10 b’Lure colour

change cocktail concentrate, £7.99, Lakeland lakeland.co.uk 11 Melamine salad

bowl, £24, Blue & White Company blueandwhitecompany.com

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serving London and the South-East for 25 years

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HandpaintedkitchensplusWT216.indd 1 20/01/2020 KitchenDoctorS52.indd 17:27

1 18/01/2019 09:58


can’t touch this

Invest in kitchen and bathroom pieces

with the latest touchless technology

Geberit’s

Sigma80

touchless flush plate

is activated by a simple

wave of the hand and features

a coloured field which is

available in various colours

and illuminates when

activated. geberit.co.uk

With

a cylindrical

body and L-shaped

spout, Grohe’s Essence

FootControl kitchen mixer

is operated using a sensor

placed on the kitchen

plinth. RRP £768.52

grohe.co.uk

rmeup.co.uk

Laufen

offer two

ranges of domestic

electronic basin mixers:

Curvetronic, RRP from

£614.24 ex. VAT, and

Twintronic, RRP from

£661.72 ex. VAT.

laufen.co.uk

www.shuttermeup.co.uk

ll

Competitive Prices.

Exceptional Design.

Extraordinary Service.

Studio Two - Linton Hill - Maidstone - ME17 4AL - 01622 277100

PLANTATION SHUTTERS - SUPPLIED & FITTED


10

Wood&StoneFloorsWT223b.indd 1 18/08/2020 17:38

• German engineered and manufactured

luxury kitchens

• Direct from the factory prices

• Full installation service or supply only

• 12 months ‘buy now’ and ‘pay later’ option

• Kitchens designed and built to order

• Up to 3 years 0% Interest Free Credit

• Free in showroom design consultation

• Trade enquiries welcome

BUY NOW

PAY 2021

10% Deposit Only

* Terms & Conditions apply

Farnborough > 70 Kingsmead, The Meads Shopping Centre, Farnborough GU14 7SL

01252 239051 showroom@farnborough.kutchenhaus.co.uk

Credit is subject to status and affordability. Terms and Conditions apply. (German Kitchens Limited (01910199) is an appointed representative of

Kutchenhaus Ltd, Unit 704 Kings Park, Severnside Trading Estate, Textilose Road, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1 WA (Register no. 05012625)

is a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a trading style of

Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Register no. 704348).

RDO

Kitchen Studio

Offering the

combination of

contemporary

and classic kitchen

design using fine

furniture made

in England by

www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk info@rdokitchenstudio.co.uk

Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RP 01737 240403


Rock Solid

Make a statement with a moody monochromatic stone island

This Stealth island from Wren Kitchens makes a

real statement in glossy veined quartz. The Black

Magic colour is naturally beautiful but also has

the added benefit of manmade resins to make it

last a lifetime, and alongside the natural-effect

cabinetry and gold profiling, creates a moody

metallic look. wrenkitchens.com

In this Poggenpohl +MODO kitchen,

the solid worktop in Vanilla Noir seems

to float above the rest of its structural

components. It is an exciting contrast of

open and closed, solid and delicate with

luxe touches throughout including tall

cupboards in Champagne Aluminium.

Clean, open spaces allow plenty of

opportunities for displaying favourite

pieces, while doors and drawers with

open, pull-out trays in dark oak wood

veneer still allow you to pack away

everything else practically. poggenpohl.com

New for 2020, Cosentino’s

Dekton Avant Garde in Khalo is

inspired by Patagonia Granite, one

of the world’s most sought-after

stones, but with superior technical

properties, a super high shine

that emphasises its complex and

colourful structure. cosentino.com

This stunning worktop is made from

polished Brazilian quartzite supplied by

Gerald Culliford and fitted by Mario Marble.

It complements the grey units and pale grey

floor beautifully and provides a really striking

centrepiece to the large kitchen-diner. The

kitchen was designed and supplied by

Chisholm Design, based in Farnham, Surrey,

with units by Rempp. chisholmdesign.co.uk


Kütchenhaus


Smooth Operators

Create clean lines in your kitchen with these handle-free options

Kütchenhaus handleless kitchens are

truly handleless. There is a recessed

channel within the cabinets so that

your fingers can get behind the doors

to open them, making them far easier

to use than other systems. The metal

rail which creates the handleless

look comes in various colours, but

is often colour coded to match the

doors in seamless style. They look

especially stunning with lighting

added underneath the worktops to

create an ambient effect. Kütchenhaus

offer handleless kitchens to suit most

budgets. Kitchens are priced in groups

1 to 9, and handleless kitchens are

from group 2 upwards.

kutchenhaus.co.uk

Above: Lux White handleless kitchen

Left: Lux Alpine White kitchen

cupboard, both by Kütchenhaus

Collins Bespoke

Above & Left: The Kenwood

kitchen by Collins Bespoke

The Kenwood kitchen by Collins

Bespoke is both modern and beautiful.

We love its in-frame, minimalist,

flat-panelled design and integrated

handles. This particular example

features a large Fisher & Paykel

American fridge-freezer, an Abode

Zorb tap and integrated appliances,

for a really impressive living-space.

Plus the under-counter lighting on

the island adds to Kenwood’s sleek

and contemporary feel, and brings

a lovely sense of warmth to the

room. But possibly our favourite

feature is the larder, with light-oak

internals, and bespoke wine storage.

collinsbespoke.com


14

IH. 131

fluted glass, smart tony, big family

T H E K I T C H E N M A K E R

inglishall.com

SurreyHms_Sept_Oct.qxp_SurreyHomesHlfVert 02/09/2020 17:49 Page 1

Available

for the home,

Pillow and

Mattress

protectors that

kill all

known Bacteria

Antibacterial and anti-dust mite these protectors are

proving to be a real game changer within the hotel

industry right now.

The active ingredient C14 Dimonium Silan kills all

viral bacteria.

Waterproof and breathable these

protectors are just what you need, adding

to the comfort and security of your home.

Order online or call now on 020 8332 7999.

EST 1880

KING OF COTTON

The world’s finest linen and towelling

www.kingofcotton.com

LONDON . PARIS . BRUSSELS . NICE . MARBELLA

AstonMatthewsWT223.indd 1 27/08/2020 15:16


Little but Fierce

Struggling with how to style a small bathroom? Here’s 4 top tips to get you started

Use your walls

Don’t be afraid of colour,

pattern or texture on your

walls – if you’re short on

space it’s a prime spot to

add personality. Painter/decorator

Annemarie St Vincent Farr chose

this Pip wallpaper from Vintage

Bird in her own bathroom. Using a

busy pattern like this above a block

colour will draw the eye upwards

and her colourful accessories are

another source of her unique style.

Open Air

If a space is

tight, keep as

many open

sight lines as

possible. Zoe Joannou’s

Tunbridge Wells en suite

uses this idea perfectly

with its walnut floating

cabinet and glass shower

screen. Plus the bright

white walls keep the room

feeling light and airy.

Cut Corners

Rounded edges on pieces

like sinks, baths or toilets

will give you a little more

space and make the room

easier to manoeuvre.

The double shower doors are also

a space-saving stroke of genius

by interiors stylist Kimberley

Watson in her seaside flat.

Ask the experts

If all else fails talk to the professionals – small bathrooms are

often unique spaces and need a pro to sort them out. This

Aston Matthews design has maintained a simple black and

white scheme resulting in a sleek, modern sanctuary. Spacesaving

features include a built in steel bath, folding over-bath

glass shower screen and wall hung WC. The taps and shower fittings are

all black to complement the geometric floor tiles and a mirror runs the

length of one wall to create a sense of space and light.

01483 478826 / astonmatthews.co.uk

Visit priceless-magazines.com for more inspiration

from past issues and interiors features!



Geo Pink Porcelain tiles (back

wall) and Geo Mono Porcelain

(floor and left wall), both

£43.13/m 2 , Mandarin Stone

mandarinstone.com

Marais Aqua ceramic tiles,

£45.6, Porcelain Superstore

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk

Antique floral tiles in one of The

Bell in Ticehurst’s quirky and

stylish en-suites, available for

booking at thebellinticehurst.com

Tile

it out

Zappa hexagon porcelain tile,

£46.65/m 2 , Mandarin Stone

mandarinstone.com

Make a splash with colourful

and patterned tiles

Arbour Wisteria wall tiles,

£79.95, Original Style

originalstyle.com

Village Rose Gold wall tiles,

£26.99, Tile Mountain,

tilemountain.co.uk

Moroccan encaustic cement

hexagonal lines tiles, £2.03

perpiece insta @____beespace

besttile.boutique

Drops Persian Blue

ceramic tiles, £89.10

Porcelain Superstore

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk


18

L O N D O N

Tunbridge Wells . 79 Calverley Road . TN1 2UY . 01892 548111

Oxshott . 1 High Street . KT22 0JN . 01372 841730

AWARD

WINNING | LUXURY

| SWIMMING

POOLS

WWW.XLPOOLS.COM

01233 840336

1.

2. 3. 4.

5.

6. 7.

relaxing

bathing

beautiful products for an indulgent 5 minutes’ peace

1. Perfect Night’s Sleep Magnesium Body Butter, £36 for 200ml, NEOM neomorganics.com

2. Blissful Bath Salts, £8 for 250g, The Kentish Soap Co kentishsoap.com

3. Flora No.1 Bath Oil, £46 for 100ml, Mitchell & Peach mitchellandpeach.com

4. Eastern Spa Natural Wax Candle, £12 for 200g, Lower Lodge lowerlodgecandles.com

5. Sea Kelp Marine Spa Smoothing Body Polish, £9 for 150ml, The Scottish Fine

Soaps Company scottishfinesoaps.com 6. Lemongrass & Lime Soap, £5 for 120g,

Authentic House authentichouse.co.uk 7. Pelargonium & Grapefruit Aromatherapy

Gift Set, £28 (inc. bath oil, votive, bath mitt), Denys & Fielding denysandfielding.co.uk

8.

8. Chalk Paint in ‘Greek Blue’, from £21.95 for 1L, Annie Sloan anniesloan.com

9. Natural Kentish Lavender Essential Oil, £8 for 10ml, Romney Marsh Wools

romneymarshwools.co.uk 10. Shea Soap, £12 for 113g, Sussex Soap House

sussexsoaphouse.co.uk 11. Boutique Spa 300gsm Cotton Bathrobe, £32.95,

King of Cotton kingofcotton.com 12. Dook Rosemary and Frankincense

salt soap, £9 (available from October), Rose & Grey roseandgrey.co.uk

13. Rose Cotton towels, £38 for a set of 2, mondayonline.co.uk 14. Beauty Kitchen

Botanic Bliss Organic Vegan Hand Wash, £7 for 300ml beautykitchen.co.uk

14.

9.

10.

11.

13.

12.



CLEAN LIVING

Make your cleanliness routine easier and more effective with these smart picks

Fisher & Paykel’s

DishDrawer has a

sanitise mode which

raises the temperature

during the rinse

phase to kill 99.9%

of bacteria when

washing dishes. Plus

the modular drawer

design is sleek and

can blend seemlessly

into your cabinetry.

fisherpaykel.com

Between their splashfree

DirectFlush,

anti-bacterial

surface technology,

CeramicPlus coating,

and rimless design for

quick and thorough

cleaning, Villeroy

& Boch’s WCs are

super-hygenic.

villeroy-boch.co.uk

The Kärcher SC

3 Upright steam

mop is ready to use

in 30 seconds, and

removes 99.999%

of enveloped viruses,

killing 99.99% of

common household

bacteria.

kaercher.com

Scout RX2 Home

Vision SLQL0 30

Robot Vacuum

Cleaner (£850) has a

high-tech four-stage

cleaning system, and

connects to WiFi so

it can be controlled

using a free app.

You can turn it on,

programme it to turn

on at another time,

and even track its

progress.

miele.co.uk

Bosch Serie 6 built-in

oven (RRP £879) uses

a Pyrolytic cleaning

program, which will

heat up to a max of

480ºC to burn away

any grease or food

residue. All that’s left

is dust, which can be

easily wiped away.

bosch-home.co.uk

The International Tile Store

The Warehouse, Tunnel Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2BT

T : 01892 514004 | W : www.tilematesgroup.com

n Experienced & professional

n Extensive showroom over two floors

n Easy parking

n Free local delivery (over 15 sqm)

WealdonTimes 1/2 Page.indd 1 08/09/2020 10:59


22

TilematesWT223.indd 1 08/09/2020 11:09

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OF YOUR HOME...

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& WINDOWS, TIMBER SASH AND

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ers

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE

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LakeElectrical&LarreHomeAvWT223.indd 1 07/08/2020 11:56


Basin

Instincts

1 2

Clean, rounded shapes, framed

washstands and elongated

rectangles. Give your bathroom

an update with a fresh basin.

4

3

5

7

6

8

9

1 Milano Richmond traditional basin and

washstand in brushed gold, £239.99, Big

Bathroom Shop bigbathroomshop.co.uk

2 Malmo wall hung basin, £304, Aston

Matthews astonmatthews.co.uk 3 Bryony basin,

£900, with Finn Copper wall bracket, £380.40,

London Basin Company londonbasincompany.com

4 The Double Locky in Antique Nickel finish,

£7,140, Drummonds drummonds-uk.com

5 Haze countertop basin, £365, Waters

Baths of Ashbourne watersbaths.co.uk

6 Glass Design Venice washbowl, £786, C.P.

Hart cphart.co.uk 7 Happy D2 Plus C-Shaped

console unit in brushed walnut with drawer/

seat, £3,183, Duravit duravit.co.uk

8 Essence Ceramic Range Vessel Basin,

£463.92, GROHE grohe.co.uk 9 Cielo Siwa

basin, from £2,089, C.P. Hart cphart.co.uk


24

A different perspective

Some furniture is made for the here and now. Some is built to stand the test of time.

At Neptune, we believe that the best can do both.

Because good design never gets old.

Neptune Canterbury, 01227 209300 Neptune Tonbridge, 01732 351866

Book an appointment to chat to one of our friendly designers – on us.

neptune.com

m sk up

Whilst face coverings remain mandatory in certain

situations, we’ve picked our favourite designs

Handmade in

Brighton, Leftover

Threads designs

are made to fit the

face comfortably

without squishing

your nose and can

accommodate a

filter. Turquoise

and Tartan, £13

each leftover.co.uk

Lily King’s Floral

Crane Face Mask

features a traditional

Japanese floral print

with crane birds

and gold detailing

£14 lilyking.co.uk

Stand out from

the crowd in

Dilly Daydream’s fun

designs, which come

in two styles and four

different sizes with an

internal pocket, so that

you can add an additional

filter should you wish.

Sparkle Gold adjustable

Face Mask, £14.95,

Wild Thing Face Mask

£9.95 dillydaydream.com

St. Leonards-based Pearl &

Queenie’s stunning facemasks

are completely freehand

embroidered and appliqued

with beautiful flower motifs.

They’re triple layered – 2

x cotton layers and 1 x

cotton fusing and cost £58

pearlandqueenie.com

Trained seamstress

Helen Barton makes

her super-comfortable

designs, available in a

range of fabrics, from

her home in Kent.

Simple shape mask,

£6.50, contoured mask

£10.50 and keepsafe

drawstring pouch £4.50.

They’re available on

etsy with free delivery

etsy.com/uk/shop/

Seamstresss and Helen

can be contacted for

large bespoke orders on

07545 454978 or email

helen@helenbarton.co.uk


90

dressing undeniable beauty

35 High St,

Cranbrook

www.odyl.co.uk

01580 714907

Hawkhurst - Rye - Lewes

cordeliajames.com

OdylWT223.indd 1 08/09/2020 CordeliaJamesWT223.indd 09:55

1 26/08/2020 16:21

Find us on

Facebook

www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk

Photography by @LWNaturalisticPhotography

Contact stores for availability.


CountyClothesWT223.indd 1 26/08/2020 10:44

Private Care Service

at Mealtimes

Concept

Hair

salon

Our Private Care Service carers can come

to your house and help to prepare fresh,

ready made or light meals. This help can

form part of a tailored package of care

that could help you stay in your own

home for longer, rather than going into

a care home before its really needed.

We can assist those who need help due

to frailty, disability or illness to live as

independently as possible, with comfort

and dignity, in their own home.

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk

Domestic

Care

£9.77

per hour

For a free assessment

of your care needs or to

receive your brochure

Call us on 01580 762244

Town & Country Homecare Limited

102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT

50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564

Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk

or through our facebook page

Put your best

TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 4 04/02/2013 WilliamCharlesWT216.indd 16:20

1 06/01/2020 16:50

face

forward

Dr Christine Or is an Award-winning Aesthetic Doctor, a member of B.C.A.M.

& trained in Harley street. She offers a range of treatments, including:

• Advanced Wrinkle Relaxing Injections

• Dermal Filler Treatments • 8 Point Lift

• Lip Enhancement • Treatment of Excessive Sweating

www.drchristine.co.uk

07928 971683 | christine@drchristine.co.uk

Culverden Down, Tunbridge Wells Kent TN4 9SG

BESPOKE AESTHETIC

TREATMENTS WITH A

WHOLE FACE APPROACH

Aesthetic Practitioner of the

Year 2016


92

DrChristineWT223.indd 1 07/08/2020 09:45

My Lockdown Loves

& The New Beauty ‘Normal’

Josephine Fairley gives us a run down of the gems she’s discovered

Oh, it’s so nice to be back. What a lot

has happened since I last shared my

beauty finds with you – but what an

extraordinary opportunity the last few months

have offered, as a beauty editor, to spend much

more time than usual trying out products, not to

mention perfecting my at-home beauty skills.

I wouldn’t say I’ve been lazy, over the past few

years – but I realised I have come very much to

rely on other people to dry my hair, paint my

nails and smooth my 10,000-steps-a-day feet to a

marble-like finish, so it’s been one of my proudest

achievements of the last few months that I am now

completely self-sufficient, on that front. I drew the

line at colouring my hair myself – although I do

rather wish that I’d been brave enough to go pink

or blue or mauve for a few months, as so many

people have done. Because really, anything goes

now, doesn’t it? (I also rather wish I had shares

in Bleach London, which has become everyone’s

go-to brand for crazy hair transformations.)

Anyway, I thought I’d share with you some

of my ‘lockdown loves’ – the products which

kept me going, and kept me looking more than

OK. I will never be without them again.

Dyson Airwrap Styler Volume+Shape, £399.

This is an arm and three legs – but amortised over

the last few months, I more than saved in blow-dries

what this cost me right at the start of lockdown.

It’s just so, so easy to use. If I want something easypeasy,

I can literally brush through my hair and

dry it. There’s no damaging high heat, and initially

I use the pre-styling drier to get out most of the

moisture, leaving it just damp. But to style into the

slightly flicked-out, tousled style I like, I use the

styling brushes and attachments that come with the

gadget, including curling ‘tongs’ using a super-clever

technology which ‘attracts’ the hair to the barrel (but

without tangling) to wave or curl. The Airwrap Styler

leaves hair unbelievably smooth, shiny – and I don’t

use the words ‘life-changing’ lightly, but this is.

Micro-Pedi, £39.99. Astonishingly, I walked 500

miles in lockdown. Only in local bursts as my ‘daily

exercise’, for sure, but that still took its toll on my

feet. So this truly came into its own as an alternative

to my Margaret Dabbs medi-pedis, so brilliant at

removing hard skin. Simply press the button,

and the roller at the top starts rotating.

Hold it against areas of hard skin

and it literally sandpapers them

Dyson

Airwrap

Styler

Volume+Shape,

£399

Body

Guard

Fragranced

Hand Sanitiser,

£5

L’Oréal

Paris Rouge

Signature

Lipstick,

£9.99

Chanel

Allure

Rouge Lip

Ink, £31

93

Printed

Silk Face

Mask by

Edina Ronay,

£30

to smoothness. Just takes a bit of practise to get

the pressure right: too hard, and it stops rotating

– because you’re doing it too hard. Lighten up a

bit, and whizz, whizz! Hard skin and calluses are

history, my feet have remained baby-soft, 24/7, and

walking is comfy as anything – so I can lace up my

trainers and hit the Hastings promenade once more.

L’Oréal Paris Rouge Signature Lipstick, £9.99.

So many Zoom calls… So many hours spent

staring at my face on screen (not something I love

at the best of times). What I found I needed was

a really long-lasting lipcolour, so that by the end

of the Zoom hour I didn’t look completely palelipped

and washed out (even though after these

endless Zooms of Doom, I felt it). This absolutely

bargain lip product is super-comfortable on the

lips; you honestly can’t feel it’s there, and there’s

none of the dryness so often associated with longlasting

lipsticks. I fell for a brick-y red called

Parisian Sunset – and that’s when I made my great

discovery, which is that it also does double-duty as

a brilliant, budge-proof cheek stain. I keep it on

my desk and do a quick touch-up, before calls.

Another great lip product has come into its own

lately: Chanel Allure Rouge Lip Ink, £31. This is

another long-lasting lip treat that I apply before I

need a bit of Chanel ‘armour’ to head outdoors into

the world of face masks and hand sanitisers, patting it

into lips to leave a stain. It sinks in, so that it doesn’t

stain my (gorgeous silk Edina Ronay) masks – check

out edinaronay.com for swoon-worthy styles – but

the tint’s still there when I un-mask later. Lip glosses

and lipsticks are pretty useless, at the moment,

because they stick to fabric – but this is perfect. (NB

I don’t apply it thickly, but pat the stain into lips.)

It’s A 10 Minute Miracle Hair Mask, £29 for

240ml (victoriahealth.com). I’m not sure of the

physiology behind the fact that everyone’s hair seemed

suddenly so dry in lockdown – perhaps linked to

being unable to get it trimmed. Thank heavens then,

for this pot of hair wonder, which worked minor

miracles. I slathered it onto seriously highlighted

hair that had lost its lustre and bounce, big-time;

it can be used as a 2-3 minute treatment, but I

actually left it on for 15 minutes, post-shampooing,

underneath a warm towel. The natural ingredients

which help to power this mask include apricot

kernel and sweet almond oils, linseed and oat kernel

extracts; there are silicones in there, too, and this

isn’t what I’d call a ‘natural’ product, but I honestly

couldn’t have cared less at that point. ‘Miracle’?

Always an ambitious claim, but not in this case.

Calm.com (iTunes). I’ve been tuning into this

app every morning for a couple of years but have

never needed it more than over the past few months.

Whenever things felt a tad overwhelming – as they

often did – I tapped the Breathe Bubble, following

instructions to breathe in and out while looking at a

kind of balloon inflating and deflating, to slow the

breath right down. There are all sorts of meditations

on breaking bad habits, focus, anxiety – you name

it. And you’ve got to love any website or app which

offers a Winnie the Pooh series, with episodes on

worry (that’ll be Piglet), pessimism (Eeyore), busyness.

Body Guard Fragranced Hand Sanitiser, £5

(bodyguardprotect.co.uk). We all need sanitisers in

our bags right now, and having trialled what felt

like a gazillion since they became de rigueur, Body

Guard’s are my faves. They’ve been created at a

perfumery in Provence, so you can tell that the focus

really is on fragrance. These exceed the required

alcohol level of 60% alcohol – but what I love is the

choice of four fab scents; my choices are Moringa

Blossom, a mix of divine white flowers that smell

very exotic, and Citrus – like a fresh, classic eau de

Cologne scent: uplifting, fresh, zesty and instantly

clean-feeling. Best of all? Super-affordable too.

For more of Jo’s beauty writing, visit beautybible.com

for daily ‘loves’ and features.


94


5 reasons why

your lockdown

love-handles

may be lingering

Losing weight can be a simple exercise for a lucky few,

but for many people, weight loss is far more complex.

Weight loss is influenced by multiple factors and understanding some of

these can help you win what sometimes feels like a losing battle.

Dr Kim Prescott discusses a few reasons you may be

struggling to get rid of those last few pounds.

1YOU’RE EATING TOO MUCH

Just because something is healthy, doesn’t mean

you can eat it excessively. Avocados, nuts, fruit

and olive oil are essential components of a healthy

lifestyle, but when eaten out of balance with the

rest of your diet, they will contribute to weight gain.

It’s good to include healthy oils and fats in your diet but

watch the calories if you’re not on a strict keto programme.

2YOU’RE NOT EATING ENOUGH

On the other hand, eating too little can also make

it harder to shift those extra pounds. Your body

is fi nely tuned to protect itself, and when it feels

deprived of nutrients, it goes into starvation mode.

Your metabolism slows and your body will hoard anything

you eat as fat. If this goes on for a while, the body will

make every effort to slow down your weight loss in order

to conserve energy.

Your body functions most effi ciently with all the required

nutrients and minerals on board, so make sure you follow

a balanced nutrition programme, even when you’re cutting

calories.

Low calorie programmes can be highly effective for weight

loss, but should be carefully managed in order to avoid

metabolic slow-down and weight re-gain.

3YOU’RE NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP

It seems to make sense to wake up early for a

workout, but only do this if you are getting to bed

early the night before. A lack of sleep not only

minimises the benefi ts of exercise, but endurance

is reduced as is your capacity for recovery after a hard

workout. Over time, you will start to exhibit the signs of

stress with prolonged increases in cortisol, a powerful

appetite stimulant, and infl ammatory changes in the brain

that result in memory loss and decreased mental acuity.

When you have a period of poor sleep, you get increased

ghrelin, the hormone that tells the brain you need to eat, and

decreased leptin, the hormone that signals you when you

are feeling full. This results in a voracious appetite that is

made worse by cravings and a slowing of your metabolism.

Place a particular emphasis on ways to manage your stress

and make sure you make an effort to get enough sleep!

4YOU HAVE INSULIN RESISTANCE

One of the most common reasons for difficulty

losing weight is insulin resistance. Your cells

essentially become less responsive to insulin,

the hormone that enables the body to convert

the food you eat into the fuel you need for energy. Excess

glucose builds up in the blood and your body quickly stores

this as fat.

Some of the implications of insulin resistance are:

• you feel sluggish and low in energy

so you fi nd it difficult to exercise

• your body receives the message that you

need more food so you feel hungry all

the time – even after eating a meal

• Your brain doesn’t function as efficiently with

high blood sugar so you experience “brain fog”

You are at higher risk for diabetes and other chronic health

conditions if your waist circumference is greater than 37

inches (94 cm) for men, or 31.5 inches (80 cm) for women.

If this is you, speak to your doctor about the best ways

to prevent diabetes and future ill-health. Eating plans

for insulin resistance should be customised as certain

programmes are better than others - but need to be

appropriate for you as an individual.

5YOUR HORMONES HAVE GONE AWRY

Growing older, belly fat, nutritional deficiencies,

genetics and ill-health can all lead to a decline in

the effectiveness of your hormones, contributing to

an inability to lose weight. When you do succeed

in losing weight, however, your body is quick to respond to

changes that it perceives as harmful through a series of

“metabolic adaptations”.

Your thyroid hormones decline causing your resting

metabolic rate to slow down. Testosterone decreases, and

your stress hormones – particularly cortisol – are increased

leading your body to store fat. Just to add to this, you end

up with a constant feeling of hunger due to a number of

mechanisms mentioned earlier.

This cascade of events is exactly what you don’t want for

successful long term weight loss, and needs to be avoided

by including researched dietary principles like intermittent

fasting and calorie cycling to help prevent weight loss

plateaus and rapid weight re-gain.

HOW CAN A MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAMME

HELP YOU?

Studies have shown that the majority of people who do

successfully shed pounds will regain around 60% of that

weight within 12 months. A specialist can help design a

programme that is tailored to your individual needs, and

that incorporates lifestyle changes and scientific principles

to help you to lose the weight and to keep it off.

There are a number of drugs that are licensed for weight

loss in the UK, and in some cases, your doctor may

consider it appropriate to prescribe one of these alongside

your diet and lifestyle programme in order to improve your

outcome and overall health. Drugs for weight loss should

never be used without medical oversight.

Dr Kim Prescott is a highly trained medical doctor with

a special interest in Lifestyle and Aesthetic medicine.

She has a particular focus on optimising health, weight

and hormonal balance alongside her aesthetic medicine

practice. For weight loss and lifestyle programmes, she

works alongside a team of specialists in exercise, medical

weight loss, nutrition and nutrigenomics to optimise long

term results of lifestyle programmes.

For more information, please send your questions to

Dr Kim: info@drkpclinic.co.uk or drkim@psmd.co.uk

www.drkpclinic.co.uk

Tel: 07394 567325

Techno-fit

Sarah Maxwell explains how lockdown

has forced a fitness revolution

Prior to lockdown, just thinking

about exercise brought many

out into a cold sweat! Staying

fit and healthy meant you went

along to the gym, worked through

a stack of celebrity fitness dvds or

fitted a Pilates or Zumba class into

your already packed out schedule.

Between free online fitness sessions

on social media, to attending your

favourite instructor’s online Zoom

workouts (which we loved, after the

initial stresses of learning how to

use Zoom!), regular walks, cycling

and running started being a normal

part of many people’s daily lives.

It certainly made a huge

difference to overall health and

wellbeing for those who viewed it

as an essential part of their day.

One of my clients was training, as

we went into lockdown, for a 70 mile

running event which was to take place

over 24 hours in June. Like everything

else it was cancelled and as she was

using it as the basis to raise money

for four charities to celebrate her 60th

birthday she decided to take the event

virtual by running the distance locally,

so we took her training online early on.

Normally preparing for such an

event would involve a lot of running

in addition to the training I provided,

but this would have been difficult

with the various rules about exercise

outside of the home put in place by

the Government. We therefore had

to adapt the one-to-one training to

take this into account. She did already

have some exercise equipment at home

and bought a few weights, so it was

fairly easy to train her as if she was

in my studio. Having said that, it’s

easy to adapt what you already have

and before the arrival of the weights

tins and wine bottles were used!

In the end she completed the

virtual event successfully and, as she

said, “Online training can actually

be more intense and even more

effective as it really concentrates the

mind. It is still fun and we still had

a laugh as we would have done in

the studio but it is testament to that

training that I went into the virtual

event fit, strong and ready and I

completed it without a problem!”

This approach, of course, isn’t

for everyone – many people prefer

in-person training. Going forward,

as gyms and studios reopen, I

think there will be a real mix and

combination of in-person and online

training. Online has opened up a

whole new world of possibilities and

I, for one, am embracing it fully.

Sarah’s Lockdown Saviours

In my quest to explore the range of

online opportunities and branch out

of my comfort zone this is what I did

during lockdown to keep my spirits up.

Online experience 1

An online beginner’s flamenco class

in Seville with one of Spain’s top

instructors. I am only grateful that

this wasn’t videoed and hasn’t been

made public!

Online experience 2

A group taco making experience in

Mexico with my family and many

other families around the word. This

was hilarious because we failed to get

the correct ingredients and had to keep

muting ourselves as we shouted at each

other for not being organised.

Online experience 3

I decided that I needed to cheer my

daughter up, so booked us into a

Booty Shake class in Chile. I was

the oldest by about 30 years and

by far the most uncoordinated!

Lockdown pushed me way out of

my comfort zone and I needed it.

I now know that at the tip of my

fingers I can access opportunities

to train with whoever I like and try

so many things that I didn’t have

the opportunity to do before.

This is a whole new world for

us all. (You are so lucky that this is

print, not video because, I sing it

on video regularly – so badly!)

Online/offline and everything

in between, is something to

embrace and carry forward to

ensure a better and healthier future

for us and our loved ones.

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


Autumnal

warmth

The change in season means we’re seeking

comfort and warmth. Curries are flavoursome

and invigorating, helping to keep us bright

through the darkening days. International

Coffee Day falls on 1st October and National

Curry Week later in the month; welcome them

in with these fragrant and spicy recipes.

Recipes: Jo Arnell

Photographs: David Merewether

Styling: Lucy Fleming

Onion and courgette bhajis

The hardest bit in this recipe is the eye-watering process of

slicing the onions. These bhajis are so simple to prepare and

may help to use up any courgettes still lurking out there.

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 15 mins

• 2 free-range eggs

• 4 medium onions, thinly sliced

• 1 courgette, roughly grated

• 120g plain flour

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 3 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 level tsp sea salt

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra if required*

For the mint raita:

• 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves

• 2 tbsp finely sliced cucumber

• 150g natural yoghurt

1 Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.

2 Heat the oil in a heavy-based frying pan, then spoon out

the mixture carefully into small rounds, cooking 4 at a time.

3 As the bhajis crisp, transfer to a baking tray and keep warm.

4 Serve with lemon wedges, and cucumber and mint

raita (mix 1 tbsp chopped mint leaves, 2 tbsp finely

sliced cucumber and 150g natural yoghurt).


Bull Green,

Bethersden TN26 3LB

Tel: 01233 822463

Bether

Tel

Email: Shop@BullGreenFarm.co.uk

Email: Shop@BullG

We are a family-run farm rearing Dexter

cows, sheep and chickens. We believe

animals should be able to roam free in the

fields and enjoy fresh air and green grass.

We have a nicely stocked shop with fresh

eggs daily, home grown veg, and a variety

of local products such as Kentish honey,

WE ARE NOW TAKING BOOKINGS FOR

jams, and occasionally freshly baked cakes.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH

&

BOXING DAY

We also have a freezer packed with locally

made pies and tasty treats.

TEL: 01580 890420 / 895320

17 The Parade,

High Street,

Staplehurst

TN12 0LA











Bull Green,

Bethersden TN26 3LB

Tel: 01233 822463

Email: Shop@BullGreenFarm.co.uk

We are a family-run farm rearing Dexter cows, sheep and

chickens. We believe animals should be able to roam

free in the fields and enjoy fresh air and green grass.





We have a nicely stocked shop with fresh eggs daily, home

grown we veg, are and OPEN a variety CHRISTMAS of local products DAY such (SET as MENU) Kentish

honey, jams, and occasionally freshly baked cakes. We also

OPEN have a freezer AS USUAL packed ON with CHRISTMAS locally made pies EVE and & BOXING tasty treats. DAY





Bull Green, Bethersden TN26 3LB

Tel: 01233 822463 Email: Shop@BullGreenFarm.co.uk



JumeiraIndianRestaurantWT223.indd 1 07/09/2020 BullGreenFarmWT223.indd 18:02

1 19/08/2020 14:14

Reasons to visit

The Queen’s Inn

• A warm, friendly, relaxed atmosphere awaits you

• 1 AA rosette restaurant

• Covid precautions are fully in place

• New tapas menu available

• Delicious homemade sourdough pizzas

cooked in our wood fired oven

• 7 newly refurbished Luxury bespoke guest rooms

• Al fresco dining available

• Private dining room for hire

• Takeaway service available

• Fully stocked bar with gin and cocktail menu

• Large free car park for all hotel

and restaurant guests

• Large inglenook fire in our bar area

for those cozy winter nights

We look forward to welcoming you, all that’s

left for you to do is sit back, relax and enjoy

The Queen’s Inn, Rye Road, Hawkhurst, Kent, TN18 4EY | 01580 754233 |

www.thequeensinnhawkhurst.co.uk


100

QueensInnWT223.indd 1 03/09/2020 16:48

Easy Monkfish curry

This curry can be made with any firm white fish and if you make the

sauce in advance and refrigerate overnight (or freeze until needed)

it can be made very quickly.

Serves 4 Prep time: 20mins

Cooking time: approx 30mins

• 1 tsp

coriander

seeds

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp dried red chilli

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 2 sq cm piece root ginger,

peeled and grated

• 4 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 1 tbsp tomato puree

• ½ tin chopped tomatoes

• 1 x 400ml tin coconut milk

• 1 tbsp soft brown sugar

• 800g firm white fish fillets,

cut into chunks

• 2 tbsp groundnut or vegetable oil

• handful chopped coriander (1-2 tbsp)

1 Add all the spices and oil

to a heavy-based pan and fry

lightly for 2-3 minutes.

2 Add onion and cook for

5 mins until soft.

3 Add in the tomato puree, tomatoes,

coconut milk and sugar and simmer

for 15 minutes until the mixture

thickens and reduces a little. At this

stage you can refrigerate or freeze

the sauce until ready to use.

4 Gently add the fish (try not to stir

too much or less firm-fleshed fish will

fall apart) and cook for a further 10

minutes, until the fish is just cooked

through, but not overcooked.

5 Garnish with fresh coriander

leaves and serve with rice.

Coffee and cardamon

(no-churn) ice-cream

This is adapted from Diana Henry’s

recipe and is the simplest ice cream I’ve

ever made. Actually, I don’t make much

ice-cream, as the thought of having

another kitchen-clogging machine puts

me off, but the addition of a single

ingredient means that you don’t need

an ice-cream maker: condensed milk

sweetens the ice-cream, but also keeps

it smooth and creamy – as if you’ve

gone to the trouble of churning.

1 Simply whisk 300ml of double cream

until it thickens to ‘soft peak’ stage.

2 Gradually add the condensed

milk and other ingredients,

whisking gently all the while.

3 Pour into a container and

freeze for at least 4 hours.

4 Leave out for a few minutes

to soften, then serve.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 mins plus freezing time

• 4tsp instant coffee dissolved

in 2tbsp water

• 15 cardamom pods – remove

seeds and lightly grind

• 400ml double cream

• 200ml condensed milk

Quality fruit & vegetable boxes delivered to your door

the green way.

Sign up now and receive great quality produce delivered either as a

one-off or as a subscription service in with either reusable or zero

plastic packaging. From field to fork in under 24 hours, your veggies

have never been so fresh.

To find out more, see our website or email us directly!

www.cherriesandcarrottops.com

@cherriesandcarrottops

vegbox@perrycourt.farm

WealdSmokeryWT223.indd 1 17/08/2020 PerryCourtFarmWT223.indd 17:16

1 27/08/2020 14:11

PEPPERBOX INN

Visit our charming pub situated in beautiful countryside

with outstanding views of the Weald of Kent

Full á la carte menu and traditional pub food served lunch times and evenings

Sunday Lunches from £13 per person

Served 12 noon - 3pm

Outside terrace | Ample parking

Walkers & Riders welcome

Warm & welcoming open log fires

Opening Times:

Tuesday to Saturday

from 11am - 3pm | 6pm - 11.30pm

Food Served: Lunch 12noon - 2pm

Evening 6.30pm - 9.30pm

Sunday Lunches: 12noon - 3pm

Closed Sunday Evenings

01622842558

www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk

Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1LP


PepperboxInnWT223.indd 1 02/09/2020 14:12

Buy direct from the

grower for quality

and value

Signature Hydrangeas

from Golden Hill Nurseries

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm | Sun 11am-4pm

Lordsfield, Goudhurst Road,

Marden, Kent TN12 9LT

01622 833218

signaturehydrangeas.co.uk

Kate Ball

Garden Design & Planting Plans

Individual and bespoke garden spaces

07870 627145

www.kateballgardendesign.co.uk

GoldenHillNurseriesWT223.indd 1 03/09/2020 KateBallWT223.indd 12:39

1 18/08/2020 14:09

We’ve got designs on your garden

We’ve got designs on your garden

Tradi'onal or contemporary, large or small, the team at Gardenproud can help you create a garden you’ll be proud of.

Established in 2007, we design, build and maintain gardens throughout Kent, East Sussex and HerDordshire. See our

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Tradi'onal Tradi'onal or or contemporary, contemporary, large large or or small, small, the the team team at at Gardenproud Gardenproud can can help help you you create create a garden garden you’ll you’ll be be proud proud of. of.

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104

GardenproudWT223.indd 1 03/09/2020 09:27

Strange

New

World

Sue Whigham reflects on

her garden experiences

during lockdown

Peach Blossom Moth Thyatira batis

This year has been a roller

coaster in more ways than

one. And that really is an

understatement. March, of course,

brought the lockdown during

which all our lives changed.

Incessant rain earlier in the year

was closely followed by weeks of

glorious sunshine and latterly,

soaring temperatures, high humidity

levels and ‘tropical nights’.

And the sunshine brought bumper

crops of the less usual fruit and

vegetables. I swapped a bag of plums

for a beautiful bowl of mulberries.

Unfortunately for me the mulberries’

arrival in the house coincided with a

weekend visit from the grandchildren

who buried them deep into their

cereal and then wanted more.

Very early this morning when I was

out visiting friends whilst they opened

their moth trap, they showed me a

tweet they’d had from a neighbour

which went like this: ‘OK, rustic types

of Twitter, suggestions for what to do

with around 1,000 peaches all ripe at

the same time please’. He has only had

his peach tree for five years. This must

be some sort of record in Kent surely.

The moths, meanwhile, were being

taken out of the trap, identified

and then put carefully into a Wine

Society cardboard box to rest

until the evening when they fly

off. One of the two prettiest this

morning were ‘Peach Blossom’ and

my favourite, ‘Mother of Pearl’.

Moths are so interesting;

wonderfully marked and fancifully

named. It’s fascinating to learn about

them and get to see them so close up.

One thing I didn’t know until this

morning was that wasps absolutely

love them, too, but as prey and so it

was a bit disconcerting to see these

gorgeous creatures being dive bombed

and decapitated in one fairly quick

movement. But I suppose that they

are all part of nature’s food chain.

In early July when the hairdressers

reopened, the talk in there was all

about what people were growing.

Two of the young hairdressers said

how much fun they were having

with their first horticultural efforts.

One of them now owns her first

ever plant – a sunflower in a pot.

And despite it not having produced

a flower yet, she is enjoying its

company. Then someone else chipped

in and said that she had raided her

store cupboard at the beginning of

lockdown when the garden centres

were closed; the online seed suppliers

were inundated and it was difficult

to even buy a bag of compost. She

decided to grow quinoa. I hope she

has a lot of space as these plants

definitely need to be socially distanced

as, planted out in May, they should

reach heights of six foot by August!

It’s interesting to read about quinoa

as although it is very much recognised

as a source of pure protein now, it was

known as ‘the gold of the Incas’ and

it was obviously grown for its health

giving qualities centuries ago. It is


Bees enjoying an artichoke flower

Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta

in the Chenopodium family which

includes spinach, beet and chard. The

Real Seeds Catalogue (realseeds.co.uk)

lists Rainbow Quinoa which has

seed heads tinged with traffic light

shades of red, amber and green.

Their catalogue looks interesting

and with an eye to next year, I

thought it would be fun to try one

of their ‘very, very big sunflowers’

with heads measuring between 18”

and 24” in diameter. Wow. You

might need a bit of space. They get

to 10 feet in height too. The other

thing I spotted in the catalogue was

Yacon, another rather spectacular

edible South American plant. There

is a large specimen up in the High

Garden at Great Dixter. Visitor

numbers there and at other charities

such as the National Trust and the

RHS and the National Garden

Scheme have of course plummeted

this year. It doesn’t matter how big

or small the charity, everyone has

been affected in the same way.

Many of our local nurseries took

to taking orders online and many

delivered plants or organised times

and dates for plant collection once

they were allowed to reopen. I know

one locally where the couple running

the nursery were working a twelve

hour day in order to fulfil orders

and keep their heads above water.

So during these past few months

between working from home, coping

with home schooling and trying

to get on to the online system of

supermarket shopping, it’s been an

ideal opportunity for us to be outside,

to reconnect with nature and see how

wildlife thrives when there are fewer

cars and fewer people around. It was

liberating to be able to wander down

the road without the fear of being

mown down by cars in a hurry and

then get to the woods where, in the

spring, the birds were singing their

hearts out. We recorded bird song

in the early mornings and pinged

it up to London where we thought

people were deprived of the sounds of

spring only to find that they had just

as much going on up there without

any traffic or much movement in

their area. And we have seen owls

close up (pretending to be asleep in

the hope that we’d pass by quickly),

young fox cubs ambling through the

long grass, all manner of chirruping

grasshoppers in the meadows as

well as, for the first time, the sight

of Marbled White butterflies, grass

snakes and Privet Hawk Moths.

Requests for allotments have

soared with many mentioning their

mental wellbeing as a reason for their

application. One of the national

newspapers recently held a Lockdown

Gardening competition which had

eight hundred entrants, with different

categories such as Family, Sanctuary

and Vegetable Growing. The overall

winner, a novice gardener, turned her

‘muddy patch’ in Peckham into a space

growing over sixty edible plants. This

led to a community garden accessible

to locals who can come and ‘pick your

own’ and contribute to an honesty

box. It seems that the most popular

produce were ‘wonky’ cucumbers.

A succulent soaking up the sunshine

Supermarkets take heed! She is now

doing plant swaps, and exchanging

excess produce for local artwork.

The ‘Sanctuary’ category was

particularly popular with gardeners

finding peace and seclusion. Even a

little patch of nature seems to help

make things better. I particularly

like this quote by one May Sarton.

“Everything that slows us down

and forces patience, everything that

sets us back into the slow circles

of nature, is a help. Gardening

is an instrument of grace.”

Sue Whigham can be contacted

on 07810 457948 for gardening

advice and help in the sourcing and

supply of interesting garden plants.


106

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses

and elevated platforms.

Commercial & International commissions welcomed

Tel: 01403 262219

www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk

ADLLearningWT223.indd 1 28/08/2020 CheekyMonkeyS40.indd 14:19

1 25/01/2018 15:42

4 Yard Skip £200 inc Vat





GreenBoxRecyclingWT210.indd 1 15/07/2019 10:29

SALES AND SERVICE

M&A Brown & Sons Ltd, Iden Green Farm, Cranbrook Road, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2PA

info@mabg.co.uk 01580 211599 www.mabg.co.uk

Traditional Craftsmanship

for Modern Applications

MABrownSonsLtdWT218.indd 1 25/02/2020 15:44

Garages, Outbuildings

and Garden Rooms

Quality Buildings at

Competitive Prices

chartwelloakbuildings.co.uk

Call for a quote 01959 447477

Filston Farm, Filston Lane, Sevenoaks,

Kent TN14 5JU


108

PetalsForPlantsWT223.indd 1 09/09/2020 ChartwellOakBuildingsWT214.indd 13:04

1 06/11/2019 11:06

Forever

Autumn

Jo Arnell’s tips to keep your garden

blooming all year round

I’m humming along with a wistful (and if I’m honest,

slightly depressing) tune as I type this. I do know that the

summer sun is fading as the year grows old, and darker

days are drawing near. But hey, Mr Haywood, cheer up –

autumn is a beautiful and golden season. It’s my favourite.

And the sun isn’t really fading, it’s just that as the earth tilts

on its axis the sun appears lower in the sky – and that makes

for gorgeous backlit effects through the grasses and lateflowering

perennials. Darker days are drawing near, true,

but that should spur us to seize the moment and squeeze

the most out of the shortening days. Autumn is such a busy

time for gardeners; a time to take stock, to look back at

the year, to see what worked – and what didn’t. A time to

make, prepare for and implement plans and the very best

time to be planting all but the most tender, easily frosted

plants. The one thing that we don’t do so much any more is

put the garden ‘to bed’. These days autumns are milder; the

cold weather often doesn’t arrive until the end of December;

plants stay looking good for longer and some will even

keep flowering until then, if we don’t get an early frost.

Wildlife

Planting shrubs and trees that produce fruit, nuts or

berries will attract insects, birds and small mammals into

the garden at this time of the year. A tree is an ecosystem

in its own right and there are plenty of small trees that

are both pretty and useful to wildlife. A mountain

ash or rowan will have blossom, berries and autumn

colour, as will crabapple, cherry and Amelanchier.

Bug hotels, log piles, hollow stems, fallen leaves and

compost heaps make snug homes for creatures to burrow into

and eke out the winter months. We garden more for wildlife

now and the creatures don’t appreciate it when we sweep away

their overwintering places. Untidy gardens have now been

renamed wildlife havens – a big relief to this untidy gardener.

Annuals and biennials

Many annuals will go on flowering into winter if the weather’s

mild, so do keep deadheading if you want to extend the

display. I’m usually happy for the seed to set by this time, as

this ensures some new plants for next year. If the weather’s

dry it can be very satisfying collecting the seeds of annuals to

sow again. Hardy annuals can be sown now, either straight

into the garden where they are going to flower, or into small

pots and kept in a sheltered place until they’re ready to

be planted out next spring. Many seeds will store

until spring, but remember to keep them in a

cool dry place. Any biennials sown earlier

in the year can be planted out now

into their flowering positions.

Perennials and grasses

The late summer flowers will extend right into November

providing there aren’t any early frosts and the weather

stays calm. You may be tidier than me – I like to let

everything gently subside before clearing up – it’s like

the end of a glorious party when everyone starts drifting

home. Seed heads can look as lovely as the flowers,

are great in arrangements and rather poetic when

left to be dusted with frost or snow in the winter.

Grasses are at their very best now and will persist

through the winter, bringing an airy, ethereal presence

in the borders until the spring. They mix well with late

summer flowers and I often use the bigger varieties,

like Miscanthus, Molinia and Calamagrostis in place of

shrubs to lighten up a space. Grasses are fairly easy to

maintain – cut back the growth on deciduous varieties in

early spring. Evergreens will shed old foliage, so should

just need a comb through before growth starts again.

Dahlias will keep going if deadheaded, but they are

tender and once the temperatures begin to fall, they’ll

show the effects. The slightest frost will kill the top

growth, as if a bad fairy has visited them in the night.

Then comes the dilemma of whether to lift the tubers.

I don’t lift as my soil is light and free-draining, but it

might be a different matter if your soil is heavy clay – this

tends to be wet over the winter and not appreciated by

a tender bulb or dahlia tuber. If you are leaving them in

the ground, cut the foliage back once we’ve had the first

frost and then put a good layer of mulch over the space

(and maybe a stick or label incase you don’t remember

where they are buried). Most of my Dahlias come back

the following year, but I have to keep a vigilant eye out for

slugs and snails in the spring as the new foliage appears.

Bulbs

Planting bulbs is an act of faith; spring will return –

and with it a spectacular reward for your hard work

and patience. Start with the early flowering bulbs like

crocus, narcissus and anemones, then plant alliums and

leave the tulips until last. You can leave tulips as late


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110

KibblewhiteWT223.indd 1 13/08/2020 10:02

as January before you need to plant them, but by then

the ground could be frozen, or too wet. Tulips need to be

planted once the soil has cooled down, as this suppresses

some of the many viruses that they’re prone to. Woodland

bulbs such as snowdrops and anemones will appreciate

moist, humus-rich soils and a semi-shaded position, but

most other bulbs – and especially tulips, which may rot

in the wet, prefer the ground to be free-draining.

Vegetables to sow and grow in autumn

It is too late to sow many vegetables now, but quick crops

such as pak choi, spinach, chard and oriental vegetables

will be ready to pick in just a few weeks. These leafy

vegetables prefer to grow during the cooler months and

are hardy enough to harvest through the winter. You

could also sow micro-greens – basically just veg plants

sown close together and harvested at seedling stage.

Broad beans and the hardier pea varieties can also be

sown now. They will spend the winter as small plants

and start growing again in the spring. The advantage of

autumn sowing is that the plants have time to develop a

good root system, tend to be sturdier, stronger and will

be ready to harvest earlier than those sown in spring.

Onion sets (basically baby onions) and garlic can

be planted now. Again, these will spend the winter

developing roots and start growing top growth

ready to swell their bulbs the following year.

Some plants at their best in autumn:

Trees and shrubs for autumn

colour, berries and fruits:

• Malus – in variety

(Crabapples)

• Sorbus aucuparia (Rowan)

– varieties with red, pink,

orange or cream berries

• Euonymous alatus

(Wayfairing tree)

• Callicarpa bodenieri – with

weird metallic purple berries

• Pyracantha, Cotoneaster

horizontalis – scarlet

berries and foliage

• Prunus subhirtella –

autumnalis, a cherry tree

that flowers in November

and December

• Hydrangeas; paniculata – for

early autumn, followed by

mophead Hydrangeas and

the oak leaved H. quercifoia

which also has reddish leaves

• Cotinus coggyra – has

attractively coloured

leaves all year, turning

fiery scarlet in autumn

Perennials and grasses with

attractive seed heads:

• Pennisetum – fluffy,

tactile seed heads on

a medium-sized grass,

some are not hardy

• Physalis (Chinese lanterns)

– keep their lovely orange

colour well and look good

in seasonal arrangements

• Phlomis – whorls of seeds

heads on stiff stems persist

well right through the winter

• Lunaria annua (Honesty),

poppies and Nigella (Lovein-a-mist)

– very decorative

Contact Jo for border designs, planting and garden

advice: 01233 861149 hornbrookmanor.co.uk

ENRICH YOUR BEDS & BORDERS OVER WINTER WITH

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Freephone 0800 854663

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GardenscapeWT223.indd 1 12/08/2020 CityEscapesWT204.indd 15:45

1 24/01/2019 10:40

Love Love Learning,

Learning,

Love Life

Love Life

Open Day

Our excellent teaching team

understands 9th October how to draw the best

from every individual boy; inspiring

9am-12pm

confidence, nurturing a love of

learning and exploring new ideas.

"

We were right to entrust

Prep School is the time to build firm

foundations, The New Beacon when boys with are happy,

growing these important in confidence, years enjoying a

full and fulfilling school life.

our child’s education.

newbeacon.org.uk

PARENT

"

"

“

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

Noticeboard

New Head for

Spring Grove

September sees a new Head

for Spring Grove School in

Wye as Therésa Jaggard takes

over from Bill Jones, who

is retiring after 12 years at

the school. Mrs Jaggard is

already well-known to the

Spring Grove community,

having spent a ‘handover’

term at the school since

Easter, teaching online as part

of the team that delivered

the SG Home Learning

programme during lockdown.

Mrs Jaggard has experience

in both state and independent

education, and was most

recently Deputy Head Teacher

We were at Leybourne right Ss Peter and

Paul CEP Academy. As Spring

to entrust Grove’s new The Head she plans

to continue to grow the

New culture Beacon of the school, where

wellbeing and academic

with

rigour

these

go hand-in-hand, while

preserving the school’s strong

important years

foundations and traditions.

in our Mrs child’s Jaggard commented:

“The children at Spring Grove

education. are curious, confident and

creative – and they clearly

PARENT love 2018 learning and enjoy living!

After one term at the school

I can confidently say that

it’s a ‘great place to grow’!”

springgroveschool.co.uk

“

Exam Success

Claremont Senior School is celebrating the success of its 2020 graduating class

following the publication of this year’s A Level results. Despite the uncertainties

surrounding the awarding system this year, the school managed to see significant

rises in its A Level performance, with close to two thirds (66%) of results graded

between A* and B. Ed Dickie, the Head of the Senior School commented: “It

has been a very difficult six months for these students since their schooling came

to an end so abruptly on March 21st. I am thrilled that so many of them have

seen their efforts in the Sixth Form rewarded.” claremontschool.co.uk

Action Packed

Pupils at Cranleigh enjoyed a full

distance learning programme last

term, with everything on offer to

accompany academic lessons – from

sports to chapel. Lessons were

mostly live in class groups, taught via

Google Classroom and assessed with

submitted prep as usual. However, as

a boarding community Cranleigh also

prioritised keeping pupils engaged

socially as well as in a co-curricular and

cultural programme. The school held

online sport and fitness sessions and

challenges, alongside art, music and

drama – all the co-curricular elements

that are so important as part of day-today

education – and pastoral leaders

kept going with contact, challenges

and support through the lockdown

journey. The school is looking forward

to opening in a socially distanced way

in September, but fully prepared in

the event that further remote learning

programmes are needed. cranleigh.org

Open days

Please check and register

for the following open

events before attending

Sat 26 Sept

Mayfield

mayfieldgirls.org

Virtual Open Morning

Sat 3 Oct 10am-12noon

Open Events on Campus

throughout Sept, Oct & Nov

Box hill School

boxhillschool.com

Virtual Open Day Sat

3 Oct Cranleigh

cranleigh.org

Sat 3 Oct, 10am

Manor House

BOOKHAM

manorhouseschool.org

9 Oct 9am-12pm

THE New BEacon

newbeacon.org.uk

Sat 10 Oct, 9am-12noon

Babington

House School

babingtonhouse.com

Sat 10 Oct,

9.30am-12noon

Spring Grove

School

springgroveschool.co.uk

Find out about

Ashford School’s

Virtual Open Mornings

at ashfordschool.co.uk

Battle Abbey PREP

SCHOOL will be

conducting a series of

bespoke tours. Register

at battleabbeyschool.com

Hurstpierpoint

College

will be offering a

personal virtual visit

and online meeting.

Register at

hppc.co.uk

Book a private online

appointment with TASIS’s

admissions team by phone,

Skype, Zoom, or Google

Meet tasisengland.org


Opening Times:

4th April to 1st November - 10am to 4pm

but May to September - 10am to 5pm

Last entry one hour before closing.

We are closed on:

Mondays, except Bank Holiday Monday.

KENT

BATTLE OF BRITAIN

MUSEUM

The Premier Collection of

Battle of Britain Artefacts

Aircraft ·Vehicles · Weapons ·

Flying Equipment · Fine Art Prints ·

Relics from over 700 crashed aircraft

Adults: £10.00 £8.00

OAPs: £7.50 £9.00

Children: £4.00

Museum Shop, No.25

Squadron Squadron Mess Mess and and Tea Tea Room

Room Free parking Free parking for cars for and cars

and coaches coaches

On the grounds of both security

and copyright, we regret that no

cameras, video recorders, mobile

phones or any other type of

electronic recording equipment is

allowed in the museum.

Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge, Nr. Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7AG

www.kbobm.org

)01303 893140

KentBattleofBritainWT223.indd 1 01/09/2020 15:43

DON’T

THINK

ALIKE

Learners Today, Leaders Tomorrow

Situated in the heart of Surrey with

a wide range of transport options

serving the area.

Virtual Open Morning

Saturday 3rd October, 10am - 11.30am

Open Events on campus

Tuesday 29th September, 9.15am - 11am

and 1.30pm - 3.15pm

Wednesday 30th September, 9.15am - 11am

Friday 2nd October, 9.15am - 11am and

1.30pm - 3.15pm

Friday 9th October, 9.15am - 11am

Tuesday 13th October, 9.15am - 11am

Tuesday 3rd November, 9.15am - 11am

Wednesday 11th November, 9.15am - 11am

Our open events have limited places available,

therefore please book early to avoid disappointment

at boxhillschool.com. All attendees must book in

advance, unfortunately due to current circumstances

we are not able to accommodate walk-ins on the day.

Scholarships available for Year 7, Year 9 and Sixth Form

At Box Hill School, we understand all students are individuals and approach learning in

different ways. Our holistic approach to education develops our children’s intellectual,

social, physical and artistic talents.

It encourages them to explore a path of self discovery thus stimulating the unique

abilities within each child to achieve success.

DAY, WEEKLY & FULL BOARDING

Box Hill School | London Road | Mickleham

Dorking | +44 (0)1372 373382

boxhillschool.com


114

BoxHillSchoolWT223.indd 1 07/09/2020 16:03

SIXTH FORM

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

*Deadline for September 2021 entry is 28 October 2020

01233 739 030 | registrar@ashfordschool.co.uk | ashfordschool.co.uk

N U R S E R Y | P R E P S C H O O L | S E N I O R S C H O O L | S I X T H F O R M | B O A R D I N G

FREWEN

The Dyslexia School

Since 1910

COLLEGE

Celebrating our three

expanding Nurseries

across Kent

TONBRIDGE

TONBRIDGE 01732 365188 / tonbridge@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

CRANBROOK 01580 713033 / cranbrook@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

HEADCORN 01622 891422 / headcorn@juniorsdaynursery.co.uk

Op

Adjac

Full daycar

For more

Email: tonbri

www

Dan Goldsmith Photography

SPACES NOW AVAILABLE

Recruiting for qualified and experienced staff across all three Nurseries.

We offer numerous opportunities for career progression and training.

Prep

School

Senior

• •

School

Sixth

Form

JuniorsDayNurseryWT223.indd 1 19/08/2020 12:36

Frewen College is a leading Day and Boarding

School for boys and girls aged 7-19 with Dyslexia

and Dyspraxia and associated Specific Learning

Difficulties. We are proud to be different:

Frewen is the oldest specialist

dyslexia school in the UK

Best GCSE grades in 2020 and pupil

progress for the 6th consecutive year

All classroom staff have specialist

dyslexia qualifications

Assistive Technology is used

throughout the school

monarchoak

Oak Frame Buildings

Over 50 years’ experience making oak frame buildings

Winner of the BDA’s

‘Best Dyslexia-Friendly School’ 2018

Email: office@frewencollege.co.uk

Tel: 01797 252494

Frewen College, Northiam, East Sussex, TN31 6NL

www.frewencollege.co.uk

• Garages

• Garden Rooms

• Complexes

• Gazebos

• Bespoke Buildings

01323 765410 Quality in its finest form

www.monarchoak.co.uk


116

FrewenCollegeWT223.indd 1 04/09/2020 MonarchOakWT147.indd 17:03

1 26/07/2018 12:30

Help is at Hand

Mr Nick Goodman, Principal at Frewen College in Northiam, East Sussex, explains how

to identify and support pupils who are experiencing difficulties with dyslexia

It is widely accepted that defining dyslexia is complex and

that there is not one universally recognised definition.

Every student who has dyslexia will have a unique

range of abilities related to their literacy learning. In 2009,

Sir Jim Rose gave the following definition, which was

subsequently adopted by the British Dyslexia Association:

‘Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills

involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.’

Although commonly regarded as a difficulty with reading

or writing, there are many other symptoms which can

help parents to spot dyslexia much earlier – being slow to

start talking, or reversing sounds in multi-syllable words.

Then, later, displaying difficulty identifying ‘directional’

opposites such as over/under, right/left, before/after, enjoying

stories but showing no interest in trying to read the words;

difficulty learning the names of letters or sounds; or learning

the alphabet, or telling the time by a clock with hands.

As well as problems with literacy, and the organisational

problems outlined above, many dyslexics have co-occurring

conditions such as dyscalculia, DCD or ADD and this can

affect the severity of their learning difficulties (e.g. in terms

of concentration, arithmetic and motor coordination).

Parents will want to support their children as much as

possible, and this will need patience and understanding.

Before making progress, a dyslexic child needs to believe

that they can succeed. Never compare their work with

that of their brother or sister; don’t get angry when they

lose or forget things, and be prepared to go over things

several times before it becomes embedded. If you have

reason to suspect your child is dyslexic, you should get

them assessed, in order to understand the nature of the

dyslexia and to inform the school, who should be able

to support them through 1:1 sessions with a dyslexia

specialist, and by ensuring teachers are aware.

Teachers need to use a range of specialist approaches. For

example, at Frewen College these include multi-sensory

teaching (sitting still, listening to the teacher and taking notes

will not work); constantly referring back to, and reinforcing

previous learning; modifying learning resources through use

of specific fonts, coloured paper etc; and the use of suitable

assistive technology.

Frewen College is a dyslexia school for young people

between the ages of 7 and 19, with Specific Learning

Difficulties (SpLD) such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and

dyscalculia, and speech, language and communication

needs. Further information, advice and instructional

videos can be found at frewencollege.co.uk.


Meet the

Former

Head Girl

Gabriella reflects on her experiences

at Ashford School and what being

Head Girl has taught her

Being the Head Girl of Ashford School was without

doubt the best way I could challenge myself to

develop invaluable skills and inspire my peers.

I feel a strong will to give back to school, and the best

way I can do this is by being a role model to the student

body and by motivating not only

them but my teachers as well.

I have led an amazing team and had

the chance to be proactive in assigning

tasks that match each individual, coping

with challenges that arise unexpectedly

as well as improving our strategic

thinking and time-management skills

as a group. What I enjoyed the most is

that the position allowed me to always develop new ways

of operating, to take time to communicate with the others

to ensure that everybody is moving forward and to drive

people to reach success. I know people tend to look up to

someone who is honest and full of life and this is what I am

always willing to do, be who I am, be genuine and positive.

“I was given the courage to

step outside my comfort zone

and this is a skill which will

come in very useful as I go

on to study at University”

At the same time, I have achieved so many transferable

skills at my school by trying something I’ve never tried

before such as netball and hockey. I was given the courage

to step outside my comfort zone and this is a skill which

will come in very useful as I go on to study Liberal Arts

and Science at Maastricht University,

and also will hopefully stand me in

good stead in future employment.

Lastly, I was ready to expect the

unexpected and I did experience

mixed feelings as I faced different

challenges, but I could see myself

growing and discovering how to

thrive. From holding a speech in

front of an entire school for the first time to growing

into a responsible individual, the position of Head

Girl at Ashford School has offered me opportunities

at every turn to be the best version of myself.

To find out more about Ashford School, see ashfordschool.co.uk


Babington House School

Independent Day School from 3 to 18 years

Grange Drive, Chislehurst, Kent BR7 5ES

Headmaster: Mr T Lello, MA, FRSA, NPQH, PGCE

Inspiring Teachers, Inspiring Children

You are invited to an

Open Morning

(If we are unable to open the School this will be a Virtual Open Morning)

Saturday, 10th October 2020

Register Now

www.babingtonhouse.com

A Parents’ Guide to Teenagers

by Hilary Wilce

Why are teenagers so, you know, teenager-y? Why

are they so messy, angry and impulsive? And

so funny, irreverent and interesting? Mainly, of

course, because this is a time of massive social, physical and

mental growth as children get ready to fly the nest and launch

out into life on their own. To do this, they need to acquire all

sorts of things, from physical strength to the ability to make

logical decisions, and they need to do it

fast because the bulk of these changes

are squashed into just a handful of hectic

years. Change and development carries

on – the adult brain isn’t fully cooked

until we hit our mid-twenties – but if

you consider the difference between

a spindly, biddable ten-year-old and

a developed, bolshy sixteen-year-old,

you can see how much happens fast.

THE TEENAGE BODY

The teenage body is morphing rapidly from a child’s body

to an adult one. Emerging sexual maturity throws teens into

a world of turbulent hormones and violent mood swings,

while sudden growth spurts mean that many young teens

simply don’t know where they are in the world. They take

up more space than they used to, trip over their own feet,

and maybe even talk more loudly than before. They’re

beset by new problems – acne, body odour – and, at the

same time, they and their friends are coming to these

changes at different rates, so a teen may feel awkwardly

ahead of the body curve, or shamingly behind it.

“Teens are painfully aware

of their peers. Uncertain

about their adult selves,

they suffer and burn as they

try and fit in with others”

THE TEENAGE BRAIN

We now know much more about the teenage

brain than we used to, and this new knowledge

explains much about teenage behavior.

The teenage brain is programmed to start exploring

and pushing limits and as it does so it prunes synapses

and builds more efficient neural networks.

Scientists believe this is nature’s

way of helping young adults learn to

confront the world on their own – and

if laboratory mice are anything to go

by, healthy teenage exploration seems

to lead to a longer life later on.

The teenage brain is also busy releasing

dopamine, the ‘feel-good’ hormone,

which is why teens are more likely than

adults to give into impulsive desires.

But this ‘reward’ centre in the brain is in a constant tussle

with the more sensible ‘planning and organising’ part. The

reward centre says ‘Yay! Let’s do it! It’ll be brilliant!’ The

logic centre says, ‘But if we do, we could get drunk/hurt/

pregnant/picked up by the police.’ Unfortunately, the logic

centre lags behind in development, so the early teenage years

can be short on things like empathy, risk analysis and insight

– although thankfully they start to kick in after about 17.

The teenage brain is also fabulously plastic. It

is ready to learn, adapt and change according to

anything thrown at it, which means this can be a

peak time for academic engagement, as well as for

creative development and sporting challenges.


THE TEENAGE EMOTIONS

All this rapid change makes teenagers more susceptible

to stress and mental illness than adults. Conditions

like anxiety and depression can emerge in these years,

as can problems with eating or self-harming.

Teens are also painfully aware of their peers.

Uncertain about their adult selves, they suffer

and burn as they try and fit in with others, or

attempt to stand firm against peer judgments.

And they can find it hard to understand themselves

– their mood swings and intense

emotions – which in turn can

make them angry and confused.

Teenagers also see the world they are

growing up into with the fresh eyes

of youth. This is one reason so many

young people are passionate and angry

about issues like climate change and

homelessness. They are waking up to

problems that we’ve lived with for a

long time, and tend to see through a weary adult gaze.

WHAT OUR TEENAGERS NEED FROM US

As in all stages of parenting, our teenagers need us to be

as understanding and supportive as possible. They need

us to allow them a looser rein, while also maintaining

boundaries that help them feel safe and loved. They need

us to be there for them, even if they don’t want us there,

they need us to pick them up if they stumble, and above

all else they need us NOT TO BE EMBARRASSING!

On a practical level, they very much need us to help them

get enough sleep. Teenagers need between eight and ten

hours a night, to process all their brain changes, but since

they tend to be wakeful at night and slow to wake up in the

morning, few teenagers get the sleep they need. Our job is to

do everything possible to help them – maybe by encouraging

a slow wind-down to bed and banning devices from the

bedroom at night – while at the same time acknowledging

that their natural body rhythms make this hard for them.

They also need us to try and steer them away from drugs

or alcohol, and to talk to them about why it’s good to be

cautious in these areas. Both are far more damaging and

addictive to the sensitive teenage brain than to an adult’s. For

example, studies show that regular weed smoking in the teen

years can damage both IQ and memory.

“The teenage brain is Teenagers also need us to watch

programmed to start out for problems and take action if

it’s needed. All teenagers are naturally

exploring and pushing limits

prone to obsession, for instance.

and as it does so it prunes This goes back, again, to the way

the brain develops. But the boy who

synapses and builds more

shuts himself off to play video games

efficient neural networks” all the time, or the girl whose crush

on a rock star edges into fanaticism,

needs your help to stay connected with family,

friends and the real world around them.

They also need you to move fast and decisively if

they develop an eating disorder, or other evident mental

distress. There are services to help but they are badly

over-stretched, so if this is the case, you may have to

roll your sleeves up for a long, stubborn battle.

Of course, the best possible way to guard against

serious problems is to encourage your teenager to feel

secure, confident and well-grounded. But the honest

truth is that this is something that has its roots way back

in childhood. So if your children haven’t yet hit the teen

years, you can be confident that any good parenting

work you put in now will reap great rewards later.


122

OPEN MORNING

Saturday 3 October 2020 at 10am

Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport Scholarships available at Year 7

Academic and Performing Arts Scholarships available at Year 3

“Unpressured (for the most part) and friendly, but this is no soft option

... the girls both work hard and play hard, with results to match.” The Good Schools Guide

Celebrating 100 Years in 2020-21

www.manorhouseschool.org | 01372 457077 | admissions@manorhouseschool.org

‘A great place to grow’

for children aged 2 to 11 years

Open Morning

Saturday 10 October 2020

9.30am-12 noon · call 01233 812337 to register

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

M ay fi eld

SpringGroveSchoolWT223.indd 1 03/09/2020 17:26

AN INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL

FOR GIRLS AGED 11 TO 18

OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC RESULTS • SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

EXTENSIVE CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

EXEMPLARY PASTORAL CARE & NURTURING ENVIRONMENT

STATE OF THE ART EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

SET IN THE BEAUTIFUL SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE

FLEXI, WEEKLY AND FULL BOARDING OPTIONS

50 MINUTES FROM CENTRAL LONDON BY TRAIN

WEEKEND RETURN BUS TO LONDON

MINIBUS SERVICE ACROSS SUSSEX AND KENT

Virtual Open Morning SATURDAY 26 TH SEPTEMBER 2020

TO REGISTER FOR OUR OPEN MORNING PLEASE CONTACT OUR REGISTRAR,

MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG


124

MayfieldSchoolWT223.indd 1 08/09/2020 09:50

Ahead of the Game

If you’re thinking of budgeting for private school fees, then the sooner the

better, as Chartered Financial Planner Simon Wong explains

The information provided in this article is of a general nature. It is not a substitute for specific advice with regard to your own circumstances. You

are recommended to obtain professional advice from a professional accountant or solicitor before you take any action or refrain from action.

Any aspiring parent wishing to send their children

to private school will be fully aware of the huge

cost to do so, with the average annual fees of a

private day school at around £14,000 rising to £34,000 for

boarding according to the Independent Schools Council.

And these figures are set to rise further as schools grapple

with the need to enhance their teachers’ pension pots as

part of the Treasury’s shake-up of public sector pensions.

Are there any ways to cut the cost of a private school

education? There are limited ways to reduce the cost but

it is always worth exploring with the school if there are any

relevant bursaries or scholarships available, which can range

from 5-50% discounts depending on the school; it can be

worth nurturing that musical or sporting talent. Secondly,

many schools offer a discount for paying all the fees up

front. This only works if you have the capital available but

sometimes the discount is not attractive enough to make

it worthwhile and you may be better off investing the

money elsewhere. Alternatively, retrain as a teacher and

seek employment at a private school. The only real way

to reduce the cost of educating your children is to plan

for it and to ensure you are as tax efficient as possible.

How far in advance should you be planning financially

for your child’s educational needs? As ever, the sooner you

start planning the better. I would always recommend a young

couple to start saving for school fees if they are planning to

have children, as the sooner you start saving the more benefit

you achieve from compounding your returns. I also regularly

have conversations with grandparents regarding their estate

planning and more often than not, there is a desire to help

with private school fee funding. This can be an extremely

tax efficient way to cover the costs either by making a gift or

setting up a trust, most likely a Bare Trust. These options can,

if correctly structured, reduce the inheritance tax burden, but

all require forward planning and above all, expert advice.

Are there any risks of school fee planning? Depending

on the route chosen, whether it’s to invest your capital in

a growth strategy or to focus on reducing a tax burden to

increase a future inheritance, there are always risks. Investing

puts your assets at the risk of stock market movements and

it must always be remembered that past performance is

no guide to future performance and as such it is possible

you could end up with less than you started. Tax efficient

strategies are at the mercy of HMRC as tax rules can

and do change often without notice and in the current

political environment prudence in this regard is essential.

Another risk is that school fee payments are interrupted

due to the death of the primary provider. This can be

mitigated by insuring the appropriate person(s). The key is

ensuring you take appropriate advice from a wealth planner

or tax expert who can help put your school fee funding

plans into the context of your wider financial situation.

What are the pros/cons of parents/grandparents paying

the school fees? Setting up a bare trust is the most tax

efficient method for grandparents to pay the fees. The

pros for this are that it is potentially inheritance tax free,

can be relatively straightforward to set up and makes use

of the child’s tax allowances with any growth held outside

of the grandparent’s estate. The cons are the exposure to

investment risk and the fact that the child has access to the

trust aged 18 which means the assets cannot be preserved

in trust for future generations. Gifting is advantageous as

it contributes to fees immediately and can be tax efficient

by using annual gift exemptions. However, these gifts are

limited to £3,000 a year per grandparent and any gifts

above this level may be taxable upon death, unless the

gift is using gifts out of normal income exemption.

Simon Wong is a Senior Wealth Planner at JM Finn. To

contact one of JM Finn’s Chartered Financial Planners to

discuss tax, estate or wealth planning, see jmfinn.com.


art for

all ages

A creative showcase from schools around the Weald

Camouflaged Ant, Zane C, Y8, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook

Joyce, Y13, Ashford School

Roman mosaic print, Rupert, Y4, Junior King’s Canterbury

Jack, U6, Sutton Valence

Y7, Dulwich Prep Cranbrook. Papier mâché birds.

Lilirose, Y8, Claremont

Nuri, Y11, Frewen College. Photographs of cells under a microscope

manipulated in Photoshop, and combined with photographs of light trails.

The more they learn,

The more they grow,

The more they know,

THE FURTHER

THEY WILL GO!

Contact us to arrange

your tour of the school.

e: info@battleabbeyschool.com

t: 01424 219674

Battle Abbey School

Founded 1912

Battle Abbey Prep School

Tel: 01424 219674 www.battleabbeyschool.com/prep

Exciting New

Nursery

Opportunity

from age 2 and up

Quality Mark

EARLY YEARS

AWARD

Sutton Valence School

Get in touch to find out more:

01622 842117 | office@littlelambsnursery.org.uk

littlelambsnursery.org.uk

SuttonValenceWT223.indd 1 07/09/2020 15:07

A hidden gem of a school and

nursery, just 15 minutes from

Tunbridge Wells in rural Wadhurst.

An Independent Catholic primary

school and nursery welcoming

boys and girls aged 2-11.

ISI rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas.

Individual and exceptionally high

level of care and education

READY SET

BACK TO SCHOOL WE GO!

Scholarship and 11+ success

Small classes

Surprisingly affordable fees

Contact us to book a personal tour

01892 783414 admin@sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk

www.sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk

TOP 100 PREP SCHOOLS 2019


SacredHeartSchoolWT223.indd 1 01/09/2020 12:19

What’s On in Sept & Oct

ART

Various dates

Up the Garden Studio, Green

Lane, Boughton Monchelsea,

Maidstone, Kent, ME17 4LF

Up the Garden Studio

Graham Clarke’s Studio Gallery

in Boughton Monchelsea is well

worth a visit. Just like his prints,

there’s something fascinating

or funny wherever you look.

Bookings are being taken for

one party at a time to aid social

distancing. To book your

visit please call Wendy on

01622 743938 or email

wendy@grahamclarke.co.uk. Every

measure will be taken to protect

the health of visitors and staff.

grahamclarke.co.uk

Children & Families

Sat 26 – Sun 27 Sep &

Sat 17 – Sun 18 Oct

Brogdale Collections,

Brogdale Road, Faversham,

Kent, ME13 8XZ

HERITAGE ORCHARD DAYS

For three weekends in August,

September and October, Brogdale

Collections is holding Heritage

Orchard Days to help save the

Charity’s heritage orchards. Each

day visitors will be able to enjoy

orchard walks, fruit displays, juice

tastings, a family apple trail, cider

sales and more. Included in the

ticket price, for the first time,

visitors will also be able to harvest

their own apples and enjoy the use

of Brogdale’s lovely picnic field.

Entry: Children £4.50 Concessions

£9, Adults £10, Families £25

(including fruit to take home)

brogdalecollections.org

Wed 28 Oct 10am-3pm

The Salt Box, Red Oak Barn,

Priory Farm Estate, South

Nutfield, Surrey RH1 4EJ

Family Fire Cooker

A family day of wild cookery,

beneath the trees, using

ingredients you’ll forage yourself

in a walk to the woodland glen.

Suitable for children aged 9+.

Entry: Children £30, Adults £50

wearethesaltbox.co.uk

Food & Drink

Saturdays 5 Sep – 10 Oct

Spa Valley Railway

Gin & Steam

On these rather special Saturdays,

catch the 14:30 train from

Tunbridge Wells West for a return

trip to Groombridge, and you’ll

be swept off in a heritage carriage

and treated to three different Gins

from Marden’s fabulous Anno

Distillery along the way. Waiting

staff will all wear appropriate PPE,

including masks to serve your gins

and you will be seated 1m+ from

other bookings with protective

screens between bays of seats.

Entry: £30

spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Sat 19 – Sun 20 Sep

Eridge Park, Eridge Green

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9JT

Pub in the Park’s Drive

in Garden Party

Keane, Gabrielle, Squeeze, plus

gorgeous food from a whole host

of cracking pubs and restaurants

serving up tasty dishes for you

to enjoy in your enclosed private

garden! You can book a parking

spot or, if you live nearby, you

can walk in, either way you get a

private garden for you and your

bubble to sit in the park and enjoy

some good food and great tunes.

driveingardenparty.com

Garden

Sun 4 Oct 5-6.30pm

Online

Virtual tour of the

World Garden with

Tom Hart Dyke

A Zoom chat with Tom Hart

Dyke as he gives an exclusive

virtual tour of his glorious World

Garden at Lullingstone Castle in

Kent. He will be talking about

growing up at Lullingstone

Castle, his time in captivity in

Colombia and fulfilling his dream

of creating the World Garden

followed by a live Q and A session.

Entry: Free, but donations happily

welcomed to support hospice

work in south east Europe.

hospicesofhope.co.uk

Marden Cricket & Hockey Club

KentPaintersGroupWT223.indd 1 18/08/2020 10:54

PUBLIC NOTICE ● LICENSING ACT 2003

A Variation application has been made by: Marden Cricket and Hockey

Club for the premises Marden Cricket and Hockey Club, Maidstone

Road, Marden, Kent, TN12 9AG on the date of the 14 th September 2020.

Summary of proposed licensable activities & proposed hours of opening:

Type of Activity Day(s) of the Week Start Time End Time

Opening Hours Mon-Thurs 08:00 23:59

Fri 08:00 01:00

Sat 08:00 02:00

Sun 08:00 23:00

New Year’s Eve 08:00 03:00

Exhibition of films Mon-Thurs 08:00 23:59

Fri 08:00 01:00

Sat 08:00 02:00

Sun 08:00 23:00

Performance of Live Music Mon to Fri 18:00 23:00

Sat to Sun 11:00 23:00


Playing of Recorded Music Mon to Sun 09:00 23:00


Supply of Alcohol Mon to Fri & Sun 11:00 23:00

Sat 10:00 23:00


Any person wishing to view details of an application may contact the

Licensing Partnership on 01732 227004. Any person wishing to make

representation about the application should make them in writing on or before

the 12 th October 2020 Licensing Partnership, PO BOX 182, Sevenoaks, Kent

TN13 1GP. licensing@sevenoaks.gov.uk. http://pa.sevenoaks.gov.uk/onlinelicensing.

It is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in

connection with an application. The maximum fine for which a person is liable

on summary of conviction for the offence is £5000.


MardenSportsClubWT223.indd 1 09/09/2020 17:23

The Auctioneer's Primary Next logo Sale Will Be On

secondary Primary logo logo & pattern

IbbettMoselyWT223.indd 1 07/08/2020 12:30

lare langdon clare langdon clare langdon

I N T E R I O R S

Ibbett Mosely

AUCTIONEERS & VALUERS

Limited Liability Partnership

Wednesday 28th October 2020

clare

Currently to

langdon

be held online only at

easyliveauction.com/ibbettmosely at 12.30.

Viewing by appointment only, please contact us for more information.

I N T E R I O R S

secondary logo & pattern

clare langdon

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

I N T E R I O R S

Showroom by appointment

clare langdon

I N T E R I O R S

I N T E R I O R S

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

clare langdon

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

C = 20

C = 0

M = 15

M = 5

Y = 72 colour palette Y = 5

K = 5

K = 60

Clare Langdon business card 3 heavier font.indd 1 15/05/2018 21:49

Clare Langdon business card 3 heavier font.indd 1 15/05/2018 21:49

Gotham Book

fonts

clare langdon

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

Cranbrook,

House,

Kent,

St David’s

TN17 3HL

Bridge,

Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HL

fonts

Caleigh

I N T E R I O R S

I N T E R I O R S

Wood Floor

Sanding

- Family

C = 20

Business

C = 0

-

M = 15

M = 5

Gotham Book Caleigh

Y = 72

Y = 5

We also restore K = 5 wooden K = 60 kitchen tops

FREE estimates - call any time

07794953597 gerardgrover@gmail.com

David Hall

AllWoodsSandingServicesWT2171/8.indd 1 21/02/2020 12:55

www.dhallcabinetmaker.co.uk

Cabinet Maker

&

Antique Restorer

* High Quality Bespoke Furniture

* Antique Restoration of all types

* Carving and Copy Carving

* Polishing

NO VAT

Phone 01797 270761

Email: hallcrocket@aol.com

What’s On in Sept & Oct

Halloween

Sat 17 Oct – Sun 1 Nov

Borde Hill Garden, Borde

Hill Lane, Haywards Heath,

West Sussex RH16 1XP

A Spellbinding

Halloween

Explore the Garden on a

bewitching trail full of spells,

potions and mystery.

bordehill.co.uk

Shopping

31 Aug – Oct 11

Royal Victoria Place,

Tunbridge Wells TN1 2SS

Support Local’s

First Pop-up Shop

Support Local, the brand behind

the hugely popular Support Local

Pop Up events has launched its

first pop up shop in Royal Victoria

Place. It will operate on a ‘rent a

shelf’ system and aims to support

small independent businesses as

they weather the effects of the

ongoing coronavirus pandemic,

and is sure to be filled with all

sorts of wonderful goodies.

supportlocalpopup.co.uk

Sports & Leisure

19 Aug - 23 Oct

Leeds Castle, Broomfield,

Maidstone ME17 1PL

The Leeds Castle

Trail App

Explore the grounds of Leeds

Castle with the help of their app.

It has a selection of brand new

fun activity trails, and, as you go,

you simply scan codes to complete

them and collect keys. If you

manage to find all the keys within

the app then you will be entered

into a prize draw to win a family

half-day Bird of Prey Experience!

leeds-castle.com

September

Various locations across

Kent and Sussex

HIGH WEALD

WALKING FESTIVAL

High Weald Walking Festival

has curated fifty self-guided

walks which will be available to

download free from their website

during September. They are a

fantastic opportunity to get off the

beaten track, discover hidden gems

and explore safely, responsibly

and at your own pace. From the

beginning of September you

can download the walking route

pdfs including clear printable

directions and a map. They’ll

only be available for one month

and will disappear on Thursday

1 October, so don’t miss out!

Entry: Free

highwealdwalks.org

From Wed 23 Sep

Blenheim School Sports Hall,

Longmead Road, Epsom,

Surrey KT18 7SR

Olympic Fencing

The ideal Covid-friendly sport

– you have to wear a mask and

gloves, and if your opponent gets

within two meters you can poke

them with a stick! Epsom Fencing

Club’s new ten week beginners

class will start on Wednesday 23

September.

epsomfencingclub.org

Please note that most events will

require pre-booking and we advise

checking with event organisers and

the latest government advice before

travelling to events.

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 or Surrey Homes

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@pricelessgroup.com

or send with payment

(cheques payable to Priceless Media

Ltd.) to What’s On, Priceless Media,

Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless

Media 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 November/

December issue is 31 September 2020.


DavidHallWT108.indd 1 14/01/2011 15:27

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134

CurveGardenRoomsWT212.indd 1 02/09/2019 10:44

Competition

WIN A 24cm LE CREUSET®

ROUND CASSEROLE

Le Creuset is proud to introduce

their new colour for the AW20

season. Deep Teal combines

the calming properties of blue with

the renewal qualities of green, making

it a revitalising and rejuvenating

shade: and the perfect addition to Le

Creuset’s iconic colour offering.

Velvety and vibrant, the stylish new

colour will add a touch of class and

sophistication to any kitchen. With

shades of blue set to continue to be the

on-trend interiors choice, darker, moody

hues embody an inviting atmosphere

in the home encouraging relaxation.

Le Creuset began producing its

first enamelled cast iron pots in 1925

from its foundry in Fresnoy le Grand,

France. It is from here that Le Creuset

continues to produce its world famous

cast iron casseroles. While Le Creuset

has expanded its range and has taken

advantage of many technological advances

since its beginnings in 1925, some things

have not changed in the manufacture

of Le Creuset’s cast iron. Le Creuset

has continued to use the hand-crafted

techniques and the original process of

forging and casting in the manufacturing

of its cookware. This attention to its

heritage is also characteristic of the

design. The Cocotte, or French Oven,

was one of the first cast iron items

produced by Le Creuset and is still the

most popular item sold in a range today.

With their high-performing and

timeless cookware, Le Creuset offer

quality products that are the ultimate

kitchen companion. From their Signature

Cast Iron and Stoneware that will add

a pop of colour to your home to their

stylishly designed Toughened Non-Stick

and 3-ply Stainless Steel, a lifetime

guarantee is offered across all their

cookware ranges. Each Le Creuset piece

marries everyday functionality with

elevated style, perfect for making simple

suppers for one or a feast for loved

ones. With Le Creuset your culinary

creations will speak for themselves.

HOW TO ENTER: For

your chance to win a 24cm

Le Creuset Round Casserole,

just answer the following

question: What is the name

of Le Creuset’s new colour

for AW20? Enter your

answer with your contact

details in the online form at

priceless-group.com/competition

by 31 October 2020. There

is no cash alternative and the

prize must be taken by 31

December 2020. You must be

over the age of 18 to enter.


Jane Howard’s

Fables from

the Farm

Jane and the family go pond dipping

Back in March, when the UK went into lockdown we

were just about to start lambing which means twelve

hours on and twelve hours off seven days a week for

about six weeks. And after a busy session in the lambing shed

there is very little desire for gadding about anyway. And since

the farm and all the animals have carried on with their utterly

reliable seasonal rhythms blissfully ignorant of the global chaos

unfolding all around them, life at Coopers Farm in the past

few months has been little changed. We are incredibly lucky.

But while it has been business as usual in work terms,

like many others this new order has given us much

more time to stop and stare and enjoy the natural

world, one that is so fantastic in the Weald.

I have especially enjoyed the ponds – I still collect frog spawn

every year and am ridiculously thrilled when the baby frogs,

“my baby frogs”, eventually pack their bags and set off into

the big wide world. So with plenty of spare time I decided

to learn more about these watery worlds, officially called

Limnology, and I could easily – it might have happened already

– become an obsessive but please read on!

The first thing I didn’t know is that defining

what is and what is not a pond is a hotly debated

topic. But having read widely I’m going to stick

my neck out on this and say it’s an area of water at

least a metre square, less than that and it’s a lowly

puddle, more than 2 hectares and it’s a lake – and

it must hold water for at least four months a year.

There are lots of ponds in The Weald –

13,408 mapped ones to be precise – and most

of them have been made by humans. And

there are lots of different types such as Dew

ponds which were dug out of the Wealden clay to provide year

Pond numbers

were at their

peak in 1840

but around 75%

have been lost in

the last 100 years

round drinking water for livestock while Hammer ponds were

made by the Tudors who damned streams to power the forge

hammers that pounded the iron into shape. Pond numbers were

at their peak in 1840 but around 75% have been lost in the

last 100 years and of those that remain many are in trouble

So I decided to look in more detail at all the ponds on this

farm and try and find out more about what

was living in them and how they might be

improved. I particularly wanted to know if we

had newts and especially Great Crested ones.

Amazingly the idea of a newt finding

expedition was more popular with my “stuck at

home” daughters than I imagined, or could it

be there wasn’t much, indeed any competition

in lockdown Stonegate? Whatever, one evening

armed with an Observer Pocket Guide to Pond

Life (me) and downloaded Apps (them) we set

off after dark to see what we could find. We

all had a torch and wandered around various ponds sending

beams into the margins to investigate what might be lurking.

And yes, there were plenty of them. Using our printed and

digital guides we all agreed they were Smooth newts rather

than the much rarer Great Crested and many of them were

Efts, i.e. juveniles, and then we got the giggles as we tried to

pronounce Smooth Newt Efts (try it and you’ll see what I

mean) and decided it was time to go home for a glass of wine.

In the meantime, the hay is made and in the barn,

the hedges are laden with blackberries and sloes, the

cows and calves are looking fat and sleek after a long

hot summer and the pigs are tucking into the acorns.

Thank goodness some things never change.

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


136

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WWW.W O O DCO C K S I N T E R I O R S .C O.U K

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