Wealden Times | WT246 | November 2022

CHRISTMAS GIFT SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes 

PRICELESS 

NOVEMBER 2022

MINTERIORS 

JFine hand crafted kitchens and bespoke furniture 

jminteriorsuk.uk 

Please email or call to make a showroom appointment 

info@jminteriorsuk.uk 01580 291221

Immerse yourself in this wonderland of festivities 

between 8th -20th december 

PERFORMANCES AT 

THE IGLOO THEATRE 

The Snow Queen 

Various Dates 

Various Times 

Rock the Tots 

Thursday 8th December 2022 

11:00am | 1:00pm 

Attenborough and his Animals 

Thursday 8th December 

4:30pm 

Massaoke 


8:00pm (18+) 

Baby Gospel 

Friday 9th December 

10:00am | 11:00am 

Frankie’s Guys 


7:30pm | 9:00pm 

The Bubble Wizard 

Saturuday 10th December 

9:30am | 11:00am | 12:30pm 

The Best of Burlesque 

Saturday 10th December 

8:30pm | 10:00pm (18+) 

The Gingerbread Man 

Sunday 11th December 

10:00am | 12:00pm

Masters of the Musicals 


4:00pm | 7:30pm 

Princess and the Dragon 

Monday 12th December 

10:00am | 11:30am 

Hotsie Totsie Wartime Trio 


2:30pm 

The Gift 

Tuesday 13th December 

10:00am | 11:30am 

Queenz 


7:30pm | 9:00pm (14+) 

Mischief & Mystery in 

Moominvalley 


Shake it up Shakespeare 


10:00am | 11:00am 

Exciting Science 


10:00am | 11:30am 

Ultimate Earth Wind & Fire 

Tuesday 20th December 

8:00pm 

To view the full programme and to book your experience, visit: 

www.castlemas.com

CREATIVE DESIGN FOR 21 

www.jamesclague.co.uk 

ST 

CENTURY LIVING 

01227 649073 

info@jamesclague.co.uk 

40/41 Castle Row, Canterbury, CT1 2QY 

Extensions | Restorations | Conversions | Refurbishments | Listed Buildings 

Our offi ces are in 

Ashford, Cranbrook and Hythe 

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JamesClagueArchitectsWT246.indd 1 18/10/2022 10:23 

“A personal service 

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Conveyancing | Wills & Estates | Commercial Law | Matrimonial Law | Prenuptial 

Agreements | Litigation | Employment Law | Family Law | French Property 

Litigation Solicitor from £200 * 

Conveyancing Services from £550 * 

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA’s) from £350 * * 

all prices exclude VAT 

Wills from £250.00 / Mirror Wills from £395 * Matrimonial Solicitor from £150 * 

Ashford 01233 624545 Cranbrook 01580 715144 Hythe 01303 268775 

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

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 621466 

We will 

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4 

KingsfordSolicitorsWT238.indd 1 03/02/2022 15:24

Contents 

November 2022 

10 

25 

30 

51 

30 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

November events for your diary 

LIVING OVER THE SHOP 

Vibrant yellows abound in 

this arty seaside home 

GET THE LOOK 

Be bold with accessories to 

show your persoanlity 

95 

101 

103 

84 

THE BEAUTY OF 

A GREAT GIFT 

Shop Jo Fairley’s ultimate 

Christmas list 

SOOTHING SOUNDS 

Sarah Maxwell tries 

out a gong bath 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau addresses 

confusing information 

surrounding the effects of sugar 

115 

117 

119 

54 

SCHOOL NEWS 

The latest from our wealth of 

education establishments 

GETTING OUT & ABOUT 

Manor House School explains 

why prioritising school trips 

enriches their pupils’ education 

LAW & BORDERS 

Keep up to date with the 

latest information from 

our local legal experts 

54 

75 

79 

THE FABRIC OF LIFE 

Explore the fascinating 

home of a textile artist 

GET THE LOOK 

Celebrating an eclectic 

interior mix 

REACH FOR THE STARS 

Stellar accessories 

104 

111 

DUCHESS DIARIES 

Jo Arnell chats to Emma Manners, 

the 11th Duchess of Rutland, 

about her transformation of 

the grounds of Belvoir Castle 

EMERALD CITY 

Sue Whigham highlights 

drought-tolerant trees and shrubs 

for a green garden all year round 

121 

125 

126 

WHAT’S ON 

Events throughout the month 

PANTO TIME 

Fun for all the family 

FARM FABLES 

Jane preps for 2023 

Christmas Gifts 

84 

SUGAR & SPICE 

Marie Briley bakes us 

some sweet treats 

114 

MEET THE HEAD 

Five minutes with ACS Egham’s 

new head of school, Mark Wilson 

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 © 2022 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the 

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

5 

CHRISTMAS GIFT 

SUPPLEMENT 

Our go-to guide 

for the best 

presents around. 

After page 76

Grow 

with us 

We’re expanding to GCSE 

Find out more about our forward-looking, 

academically ambitious and dynamic curriculum 

The Dulwich School 

Cranbrook 

Contact Admissions on 01580 712179 

or admissions@dulwichprepcranbrook.org 

Find us at @DPCranbrook 

www.dulwichprepcranbrook.org

It’s finally arrived – Midwinter Fair month! We can’t wait to open 

the doors to our three-day shopping extravaganza at The Hop 

Farm to blitz our Christmas shopping lists. Avoid the queues 

and book your tickets online at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk – there will 

be plenty available to buy on the door, too. Choose from Thursday 

17th, Friday 18th or Saturday 19th and make a real day of it with 

plenty of food and drink options to explore whilst you’re there. 

Back to the magazine, be sure to explore our 

comprehensive Christmas Gift Supplement from page 

76 in the meantime. Cleverly categorised by recipient 

and theme, there really is something for everyone. 

We’re delighted to share another picture-perfect duo of stylish 

homes with you in this issue. From boutique owner Shelley’s 

house, adorned with artwork from myriad British artists, to artist 

Izaskun’s airy Victorian place spread over several floors, there’s a 

real focus on creativity, that expresses each woman’s unique style. 

We wanted to make sure we got a bit festive with our food 

offering this month, so approached Staplehurst baker Marie 

Briley, whose ridiculously tasty creations we recently discovered 

appearing at various local town and village events. She’s put 

together three gorgeous recipes to satisfy any sweet cravings you 

may have as the days get colder. Go on – have a little indulge. 

If you’re looking for striking accessories for a winter party, 

then turn to our celestial-inspired fashion pages to track 

down some satisfying sparkle to complete your look. 

In health and beauty news, Sarah Maxwell relaxes into 

the world of gong bathing, and Charlotte Lau clarifies 

conflicting information surrounding sugar. Plus, don’t 

miss Jo Fairley’s edit of the best beauty gifts around. 

Enjoy your Wealden Times! 

Editor’s 

Letter 

Wealden Times & Surrey Homes Team 

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

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

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

Design Assistant...........................................................................Phoebe O’Leary 

Sales Managers ..............................................................................Rachel Norrie 

Lisa Gordon-Hughes 

Senior Account Managers ............................................................... Sara Henslow 

Maria Hurley 

Sarah Norwood 

Sub Editor/Features Writer/Social Media ..........................................Emily Pavey 

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

Events Manager .............................................................................. Liz Copping 

Senior Account Manager, Events ....................................................... Jude Brown 

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

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

“ABMV - 

Partners 

in Business, 

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Company Number: 04979103 VAT Number 826288993 

Registered Office: 175 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BX 

7 priceless-magazines.com 

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GermanMade 

kitchens | wardrobes | home furniture 

krieder.com | info@krieder.com | 01892 619721

Find your copy 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest 

distributor of Wealden Times or to get free copies 

delivered for a year for just £25 postage 

18,000 copies of Wealden Times are printed every month. 

We are available in the following outlets and are the only 

local magazine available at key commuter stations. If you 

have any questions re our distribution please contact 

Rachel Norrie – Distribution Manager 

rachel.norrie@priceless-group.com 

Alfriston 

• Emmett & 

White Antiques 

& Interiors 

Ashford 

• Ashford Designer 

Outlet 

• Eastwell Manor 

• Hunters 

• Kingsfords 

Solicitors 

• Northwood 

• Perry Court Farm 

• Sainsbury’s 

• Secret Garden, 

Kent 

• Waterstones 

• The Wife of Bath 

Aylesford 

• Tesco Extra 

Battle 

• British Design 

British Made 

• Jempson’s 

• Trinity of Battle 

Benenden 

• Village Shop 

Bexhill 

• Sivyers Antique 

Emporium 

• Wards 

Biddenden 

• The Bakehouse 

• Bloomsburys 

• Costcutter 

Boughton 

Monchelsea 

• The Cock Inn 

Broadstairs 


Bromley 

• The Glades 

Burwash 

• Londis 

Canterbury 

• Asda Superstore 

• Benton Kitchens 

• The Duke William 

• Fenwick 

• Gibson’s Farm Shop 

• The Goods Shed 


• Whitefriars 

Charing 

• Post Office 

Chiddingstone 

• Chiddingstone 

Castle 

Chilham 

• Bagham Barn 

Antiques 

Chislehurst 


Cranbrook 

• Ashwal Garage 

• Hartley Coffee 

House 

• Hartley Dyke 

Farmshop 

• The Hive 

• Kingsfords 

Solicitors 

• Pages 

• The Wendy House 

Crowborough 

• Costa Coffee 

Eastbourne 


Eridge 

• Fuller’s Farm Shop 

Faversham 

• Macknade 

Fine Foods 


Flimwell 

• The Weald 

Smokery 

Folkestone 

• Hunters 

• Loaf 

• Moda 

• Quarterhouse 

• Rocksalt 


• Steep Street 

Coffee House 

Goudhurst 

• Burfields 

House Wealth 

Management Ltd 

• Goudhurst Inn 

• Goudhurst 

Newsagents 

• Furnish & Feather 

Greenhithe 

• John Lewis 

Food Hall 

Hastings 

• Judges Bakery 

• Morrisons 

• Respire Living 

• Wellington Centre 

Hawkhurst 

• Kino Cinema 

• Park Farm Butchers 

• Two Chicks 

Headcorn 

• Foodie’s Emporium 

Heathfield 

• Cuculo Deli 

• The Stores 

Horsham 

• Cook 


Hurst Green 

• Eggs to Apples 

• Merriments 

Hythe 

• The Chair Lady 

• The Flower Shop 

• Halcyon Days 

• Hunters 

• Hythe Bay Seafood 

Restaurant 

• Hythe Imperial 

Health Club & Spa 

• Hythe Imperial 

Hotel 

• Nutmeg Café 

• Oaks Hair & 

Beauty Retreat 


Ickham 

• The Duke William 

Kings Hill 

• Costa 

Lenham 

• Corner House 

Antiques 

Lewes 

• Middle Farm 

• Riverside 

Shopping Hall 

Maidstone 

• House of Fraser 

• Leeds Castle 

• Tesco 


Marden 

• Marden Village 

Store 

Mayfield 

• The Pink Cabbage 

Produce Co. 

Northiam 

• Country Property 

Group 

• Jempson’s Local 

• Will’s Bakery 

and Café 

Nutley 

• Nutley Antiques 

Orpington 


Otford 

• Hall & Co 

Peasmarsh 


Pluckley 

• Pluckley 

Farm Shop 

Robertsbridge 

• Vinehall School 

Rolvenden 

• KM & JM 

Linklater 

Rushlake Green 

• The Stores 

Rye 

• Adams of Rye 

• Ferry Road Store 


• Kino Cinema 

• Phillips & Stubbs 

• The Rye Retreat 

• The White House 

Sandhurst 

• Johnson’s of 

Sandhurst 

Sedlescombe 

• Sedlescombe Post 

Office and Stores 

Sellindge 

• Hobbs & Hearts 

Sevenoaks 

• Cook 

• County Clothes 


Sheffield Green 

• Trading Boundaries 

Sissinghurst 

• TN17 Food 

& Wine 

Smarden 

• West End House 

Gallery 

St. Leonards-on-Sea 


• Shop 

• Who’s Wearing 

What 

Staplehurst 

• Frankie’s 

Farm Shop 

Stone Cross 

• Sharnfold Farm 

& Shop 

Tenterden 

• County Clothes 

• Hunters Estate 

Agents 

• London Beach 

Hotel 

• Tenterden House 

Interiors 

• Tesco Superstore 

• Warner Gray 


• Webbs of 

Tenterden 

• White Lion 

• Woodcocks 

Ticehurst 

• Dale Hill Golf Club 

• Londis 

Tonbridge 

• Cook 

Tunbridge Wells 

• Fenwick 

• Hoopers 

• Maddisons 

Residential 

• Notcutts 

• Poggenpohl 


• Truffle 

Wadhurst 


• Wadhurst Castle 

West Malling 

• The Swan 

Westerham 

• Costa 

• Nisa 

Whitstable 

• Hotel Continental 

• Tea & Times 


• The Whiting Post 

Winchelsea 

• Winchelsea 

Farm Kitchen 

Wye 

• The Wife of Bath 

STATIONS: 

• Ashford 

International 

• Hildenborough 

• Maidstone East 

• Orpington 

• Paddock Wood 

• Sevenoaks 

• Staplehurst 

• Tonbridge 

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• Wadhurst 

• West Malling 

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GUILDFORD TUNBRIDGE GUILDFORD GUILDFORD WOKING WELLS WOKING WOKING WEYBRIDGE LONDON WEYBRIDGE ESHER SEVENOAKS LEATHERHEAD ESHER LEATHERHEAD TONBRIDGE FARNHAM FARNHAM BASINGSTOKE 

FARNHAM MAIDSTONE BASINGSTOKE BASINGSTOKE 


ThomasMansfieldWT240- WEALD (Family Law).indd 1 06/04/2022 09:42

House 

Month 

of the 

£1,750,000 

Damien Pestell picks his favourite homes on 

the market in Kent and Sussex this month 

Hollingbourne 

The dream: A Grade II 

listed farmhouse packed 

with character features 

throughout and set in the 

heart of the North Downs 

AONB. Scragged Oak Farm 

not only has a fantastic name 

but also comes with the 

potential income from three 

holiday lets on the property, 

along with the possibility of 

further development of the 

barn and adjacent land. 

Where: Just 5 miles from 

Maidstone, overlooking the 

Weald of Kent with views as far 

south as the Romney Marsh. 

Setting: In a sought after 

yet isolated rural location 

at the end of a country lane 

and in grounds of 8 acres. 

Beds: 2 (+ 5) Baths: 1 (+ 4) 

Special features: Planning 

permission has been applied 

for to transform the barn into 

a three bedroom dwelling. 

Pleasing details: The beautiful 

lounge with oak beams 

and inglenook fireplace. 

Outside: There are lawned, 

bedded and patioed gardens 

to the front, sides and rear 

with ample parking spaces for 

several vehicles. To the north 

paddock land extends to five 

acres with the potential for 

glamping or camping as part 

of the holiday let business. 

Time to town: From Bearstead 

station 4 miles away to London 

Victoria in 1 hour 15 mins. 

Agent: BTF Partnership 

01233 740077 

btfpartnership.co.uk 


10

£485,000 


The dream: A stunning new home and a 

recent winner of a 2022 Tunbridge Wells 

Civic Society Award, this luxury two 

bedroom apartment is one of just a handful 

of prestigious homes and comes with a private 

balcony and stunning woodland views. 

Where: Just 1 mile away from the Pantiles, 

with its wonderful range restaurants, 

tea rooms, bars and boutiques. 

Setting: Off a leafy tree-lined 

avenue, the complex is set back in 

its own area of peaceful land. 

Beds: 2 Baths: 1 

Special features: The fabulous kitchen/living/ 

dining room with hardwood herringbone 

flooring, large window and double sliding 

doors which open out onto the terrace. 

Pleasing details: Set within a fantastic 

architectural building which has become 

part of the fabric of the local area. 

Outside: A large private terrace 

is ideal for entertaining. 

Time to town: From Tunbridge 

Wells station, just over a mile away, to 

London Bridge in just 47 minutes. 

Agent: Batcheller Monkhouse 

01892 512020 batchellermonkhouse.com 

Aylesford 

£700,000 

- £750,000 

The dream: A converted farm building 

constructed in 2002 on a former farm complex, 

set amongst a cluster of buildings around a 

central courtyard with breathtaking views. 

Where: One mile away from Aylesford village 

with fine dining and riverside views. 

Setting: The home benefits from a real 

sense of rural seclusion, perfect for active 

outdoor types – the scenic North Downs Way 

National Trail is just 750 metres away. 

Beds: 3 Baths: 2 

Special features: The spacious open plan living/ 

dining room is ideal for entertaining and equally cosy 

on a winter’s evening with the log burner glowing. 

Pleasing details: The pretty courtyard 

surrounded by gorgeous flint buildings. 

Outside: The serene rear garden boasts a 

sandstone patio, raised garden area with views 

over neighbouring fields and a useful garden 

room that could be a handy home office. 

Time to town: From Ebbsfleet 

International, a 20 min drive away, to 

London St Pancras in just 17 minutes. 

Agent: Rafferty and Pickard 

01732 905499 raffertyandpickard.co.uk 

11 priceless-magazines.com

PLOT OR NOT? 

If you think your land or 

property has development 

potential, then give us 

a call without obligation 

and in confidence. 

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 

LAND AND significant PROPERTY costs. WITH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL 

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. 

e majority of 

ificant costs. 

houses, redundant 

acement, houses 

ersions, large 

. 

Contact Stephen Donnelly on 

07739 514350 or 01892 579937 

website: sjd-projects.com 

email: steve@sjd-projects.com 

For more information contact 

Stephen Donnelly on: 

07739 514350 / 01892 579937 

steve@sjd-projects.com 

For regular updates, visit us at 

twitter.com/projects 

sjd-projects.com 

SJDprojectsWT245.indd 1 08/09/2022 12:04 

Luxury Lodges, great fun and 

a great return on investment! 

Visit our four fantastic locations today.... 

www.goodlifelodge.com • info@goodlifelodge.com • 0800 564 2266 


12 

GoodlifeLodgeCoWT242.indd 1 07/06/2022 09:28

‘Our Focus Determines Your Reality’ 

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

STAPLEHURST £1,795,000 

STRIKING DETACHED FAMILY HOME 

• Three reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room 

• Utility room • Cloakroom • Six bedrooms, one ensuite 

• Family bath/shower room • Shower room • Delightful 

garden and terrace • Double garage • Storage • Off road 

parking • EPC: E 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area 

HORSMONDEN OIEO £1,395,000 

STUNNING PERIOD DETACHED FARMHOUSE 

• Three receptions • Fully fitted kitchen/breakfast room 

• Principal bedroom ensuite • Four further bedrooms 

• Family bathroom and shower room • Manicured 

gardens with far reaching views • Garaging 

• Outbuilding • Garden store • EPC: n/a 


CRANBROOK £1,195,000 

SUBSTANTIAL VICTORIAN TOWN HOUSE 

• Three receptions • Study • Kitchen/breakfast room 

• Utility room • Cloakroom • Cellar • Five bedrooms 

• Office • Kitchenette • Two bathrooms • Cloakroom 

• Enclosed gardens • Double car port • Ample parking 

• EPC: E 


HAWKHURST £1,095,000 

STRIKING GRADE II LISTED FAMILY HOME 

• Sitting room • Dining room • Kitchen/breakfast 

room • Utility room • Cloakroom • Principal bedroom 

• Four further bedrooms • Jack ‘n’ Jill bath/shower room 

• Stunning mature garden • Detached double garage 

• Garden store • EPC: n/a 


Harpers&Hurlingham 

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 715400 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

Sales & Lettings Team 

Jane Emilie Chez Cathy Debbie Debbie S Sharon Caroline Dianne 

Wendy

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•

R 

Land & Property Experts 

FO R S A L E 

Frittenden, Kent 

Development Opportunity 

A site comprising of two detached barns with planning permission for conversion into four semi-detached cottages. Both barns within good sized plots 

with far reaching views to the south. 

Planning Permission for conversion into four residential dwellings. 

Consent granted under Planning Reference: 19-03080-FULL and 

20-03360-FULL - Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. 

Total Area extends to 1.02 acres. 

Rural yet accessible location with far reaching views within the 

Cranbrook School Catchment Area. 

For sale by private treaty as a whole or as two individual barns. 

Guide Price : £795,000 

E challock@btfpartnership.co.uk T 01233 740077 

www.btfpartnership.co.uk 

BTF-Rural-WT246.indd 1 18/10/2022 12:53 

Planning solutions for the good, 

the bad and the unauthorised 

CRANBROOK 

01580 201888 Chartered Town Planner 

CIRENCESTER 

01285 323200 office@therpp.co.uk 

www.therpp.co.uk 


RuralPlanningPracticeWT246.indd 1 14/10/2022 11:16

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

Above: One of Sibley Pares’ recently let and managed properties. 

Left: One of our recently sold properties in Kent. 

Below: Our convenient Town Centre location that has 

been home to our team for over 20 years. 

We are in 

turbulent 

times with, 

what is 

for many a new experience, 

of high inflation and 

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rates. For some this brings 

back memories of past 

economic downturns and, 

for us all, understandable 

fears for the future. There 

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We are highly regulated 

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01622 673 086 

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1 Ashford Road, Maidstone, 

ME14 5BJ

NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE 

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As the autumn days and 

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With developments all over the country, we have 

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*T&C’s apply. Visit our website to find out more. †Comparison between “typical 3 bed house” from EPC data and typical one and two bedroom Churchill apartment 

average EPC/Service Charge data 

Why not pop in and receive a £20 M&S gift card * when you visit?

Does your 

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www.curchods.com/land 

Land advert.indd 4 26/10/2022 12:05:52 

UP TO 

CurchodsWT246.indd 1 26/10/2022 12:22 

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Making a wish 

How to carry out successful succession planning and ensure your personal wishes are followed 

The holiday season is typically 

a time when children make 

wish lists for Santa, family and 

friends gather together and, 

once the tinsel is packed away for another 

year, we make resolutions for the year ahead. 

In thinking about the future, we naturally 

want the best for our loved ones, so 

writing down our personal wishes for 

how we’d like our estate managed 

after we’re gone is time well spent. 

A letter of wishes – what 

is it and why create one? 

While a Will is essential for ensuring your 

estate passes in accordance with your wishes, 

a letter of wishes can be equally important. 

A letter of wishes is exactly what it sounds 

like - a document read in conjunction with 

your Will, directing your executors to act in 

accordance with what you want to happen. 

For example, a letter of wishes may contain 

instructions for distributing specific personal 

items such as jewellery, or cash gifts to 

particular individuals or charities. You may 

wish to state circumstances where trustees 

can pay money to particular beneficiaries (if 

they have settled down or reached a certain 

age), or how you would like money to be used 

(house deposits, school fees, or a round- 

the-world trip, for example). You can also 

leave guidance such as how certain assets 

should be sold, or businesses continued. 

These wishes can sometimes be detailed 

in your Will, but if you change your mind 

you would incur costs in updating your 

Will. A letter of wishes, however, can be 

updated at any time without needing to 

change your Will, and it remains private 

after death (unlike a Will). It is a highly 

personal document, but a legal adviser can 

provide expertise and guidance on how to 

structure it and what might be included. 

Why do I need a Will? 

You may be thinking that writing a letter 

could substitute a Will and save costs. 

While a letter of wishes is a great tool 

for succession planning, providing you 

with flexibility to distribute your estate 

as you please,any non-binding statements 

must support, not replace, a formal Will. 

The letter of wishes is not legally binding 

and simply provides your executors with 

guidance on specific points. This is one 

reason that you should completely trust 

those appointed as executors and trustees. 

A Will also ensures that your executors 

have appropriate powers to deal with 

the administration of your estate. 

How can Cripps help? 

Taking the time to set up flexible 

succession structures now 

will help to prevent potential 

difficulties arising in the future. 

If you would like to find out 

more about how to structure your 

Will and the most effective way 

to communicate your wishes, 

please contact Jessica Jamieson 

on Jessica.jamieson@cripps.co.uk 

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Notebook 

What to do and see near you this month 

istockphoto.com / Barloc / Povareshka / Alinakho / _human 

The Fairest 

of them all 

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a team of people with great taste and a 

dedication to supporting independent, local business got together and 

selected the most fabulous exhibitors (260 plus would be ideal) and 

put them under one (fresh-air heated) roof, creating an irresistible 

Christmassy atmosphere. You could do all your gift shopping 

in one go, putting a smile on the faces of makers and sellers, 

spending a day with friends and enjoying delicious street 

food, coffee, bakes and maybe a glass of fizz. How about 

school children singing carols, just for good measure. 

Your luck is in! Our Fairs Team have brought together 

the perfect collection of gifts, fashion, homeware, 

eco products, artwork, jewellery, beauty and 

Christmas decor. From Thursday 17 to Saturday 

19 November you’ll find all this and more at The 

Hop Farm. You can book online with a handy 

discount (please quote MWF) or buy tickets on the 

day on the door. We can’t wait to welcome you. 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

Mistletoe 

& Rye 

Rye is really pushing the boat out 

this festive season. On Friday 18 

November the town will be all-ofa-sparkle 

when the Christmas lights 

are switched on. There will also 

be late night shopping until 8pm 

on Friday 2 December. Then, as 

part of the Christmas in Rye main 

event on Saturday 3 December, 

destination store Ethel Loves Me will 

be holding immersive storytelling 

events to celebrate the launch of 

the new children’s book, ‘Daisy 

and the Sneezee’, by local writer 

David Angell and illustrator Oliver 

Brooks. The festival will have 

plenty more besides – including 

Santa’s Grotto, street stalls and 

entertainment, a parade and carols 

in St. Mary’s church. For further 

information, visit ethelloves.me 

Music lovers will 

be delighted to hear that 

world class musicians will gather 

once again for the Wimbledon 

International Music Festival, spreading 

the joy of live music. From ‘L’Enfance 

du Christ’ by Berlioz to ‘Carmen’ by 

Bizet, and from an evening of Chopin 

to jazz with the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. 

The festival starts on 5 November and 

takes place at various locations around 

Wimbledon throughout the month of 

November. You can find out more about 

these thrilling performances and how 

to book tickets at the event website. 

wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk 

World Class 

Performance 


Notebook 

Show Time 

TWODS (Tunbridge Wells 

Operatic & Dramatic Society) will 

whisk you away to the frolicking 

1930s with ‘Me and My Girl’, 

taking place at the Assembly Hall 

Theatre in Tunbridge Wells from 

15-19 November. This uplifting 

rags-to-riches show will have the 

whole family doing the ‘Lambeth 

Walk’ in the aisles. When original 

cockney geezer, Bill Snibson, 

discovers he is the true heir to 

the Earl of Hareford, his newlyacquired 

aristocratic relations try 

to educate him in the ways of the 

gentry and separate him from his 

beloved Lambeth girl, Sally. The 

result is comical mayhem with toetapping 

songs including ‘The Sun 

Has Got His Hat On’, ‘Leaning 

on a Lamp Post’ and of course ‘Me 

and My Girl’. With music by 

Noel Gay, based on the book by 

Arthur Rose and Douglas Furber 

and revised by the sublime Stephen 

Fry, Me and My Girl is an awardwinning 

treat of a show for all ages. 

To book visit twods.org/book-now 

True 

Originals 

In the Swing 

Nothing says Christmas like Bing Crosby, Michael 

Bublé and the classic sound of a big band. This 

year, the Len Phillips Swing Orchestra is back 

to celebrate in style with A Swingin’ Christmas. 

Dance the night away with some of the best loved 

Christmas tunes of all time on 10 and 11 December 

at 7.30pm. Join them at the new stand-out venue, Benenden 

School’s Centenary Hall. The Len Phillips Swing Orchestra have an international 

reputation with dancers for getting the tempo just right; playing everywhere from the 

Blackpool Tower Ballroom to London’s Ritz Hotel. This really is the most wonderful time of 

the year, so put on your dancing shoes and bring in the holiday season with this iTunes Jazz 

Chart topping orchestra. Tickets £25. Full details and booking at benenden.school/events 

McAllister Thomas Fine Art Winter Exhibition 

starts on the 12 November with an exciting array 

of paintings and sculptures by Stephen Page. New 

artists this forthcoming exhibition include Rachel Arif, 

Rupert Aker, Elaine Kazimiercz and Tin Odescalchi. 

You can sign up to their emailing list via ‘Contact 

Us’ on their website or simply contact the 

gallery: McAllister Thomas Fine Art, 117 

High Street, Godalming GU7 1AQ 

mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk 

Rural Crafts 

The ever-popular Loseley House 

Christmas Fair is returning again to 

the Tithe Barn and Special Pavilions, 

on the 17, 18, 19 and 20 

November. The Rural Crafts 

Association presents up to 65 

craftsmen and women showing 

their natural creative talents 

and enthusiasm in a vast 

range of inspirational gifts. 

Refreshments will be available 

all day – delicious cakes, tea and 

coffee, light bites and mulled 

wine – an ideal way to take a 

break and work out the Christmas 

list. ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk/ 

loseley-house-christmas-fair/ 

Sale Away 

Parker Fine Art Auctions are holding an 

in-person auction of fine art and frames on 

3 November along with an online auction 

of decorative pictures and frames from 31 

October until 10 November. You can find 

out more and how to view the works at 

their website. parkerfineartauctions.com 

A Side of Bacon 

The Stables at The Bell in Ticehurst has been transformed into a fine-dining 

experience. Created by head chef Mark Charker, the pop up will run for a 

limited time only, offering a five-course tasting menu, paired wines, and bespoke 

cocktails. The special occasion menu will take guests on a journey from the 

sea to the best lands in Sussex and the garden of England, including locally 

sourced meat, fantastic day boat fish, seasonal fruits from Maynards Farm, 

wines and cheeses. Start dinner with a day at the races themed cocktail, such as 

the racy ‘Grand National’ with coconut rum and cherry liqueur or an on-thehome-straight 

‘Kentucky Derby’, made with bourbon, sherry and violet liqueur. 

Fancy dinner with an extra side helping of Bacon? In honour of this special 

experience, a limited edition signed print by Francis Bacon has been hung in 

the Stables. A triptych in a riot of reds and oranges, the magnificent work is 

a guaranteed conversation starter. The tasting menu costs £65 for five courses 

and £30 for the wine flight pairing, per person. Reservations can be made via 

thebellinticehurst.com or by calling 01580 200300.

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Words: Maggie Alderson 

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30

Living 

Over 

THE 

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A creative couple found the perfect spot 

for their home – and their boutique 

– in the very centre of Hastings 


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Previous pages & above: Bright yellow sofas dictate the bold colour accent of the open plan dining and sitting area. “We saw this Habitat 

sofa and it was so great I said, ‘Let’s get two…’,” says Shelley. “I’m so glad we did that.” An Age of Reason Hot Lips cushion adds a 

complementary pop of red, whilst an image of Marlene Dietrich by local artist Michelle Mildenhall hangs above the palm 

In a first for all the many (lovely) houses I have written 

about for this magazine, my visit to Shelley Kenton- 

Cooper’s five-storey Georgian dwelling resulted not only 

in the notes for this article, but also a fabulous new dress. 

When Shelley opened her front door wearing a shocking 

pink broderie Anglaise tiered maxi frock, all thoughts 

of interiors fled, to be replaced with asking “Where 

can I get one of those…?” “In the shop,” said Shelley, 

nodding to the right, where her boutique Flot & Jetsam 

is located, on the ground floor level of the house. 

It’s in central Hastings – the bit between the established 

Old Town and so-cool St Leonards – in a new up and coming 

area, which has been rebranded the ‘Trinity triangle’, in 

reference to the three roads that surround Trinity Church. 

As well as the lovely old shopfronts, this little pocket, with 

the pointy end of the triangle meeting the seafront, boasts 


This page: The pristine white walls act 

as the perfect blank canvas on which 

to display accents of neons and golds 

Left: A lightbox by artist Shuby and a 

pair of pink prints by Luke Frost nestled 

in the alcove to the right of the fireplace 

Below: Neon works by Tiff McGinnis 

(AKA Grande Dame) hang to the 

right of the yellow gnome, alongside 

depictions of lemons and pears 

by Cornish artist Mary Ford 

The couple’s creative flair 

– Shelley travelled around 

the world as Senior Creative 

Director of Vidal Sassoon 

for many years and Justin 

is a packaging designer – 

jumps out here, with yellow 

features making the eye 

dance around the room 

some of the most interesting buildings 

in the whole combined town. There’s 

the splendid Victorian library, with its 

lobby mosaic of the Bayeux Tapestry, 

and the original Observer newspaper 

building, with a splendid moulded 

terracotta frontage, which houses Dyke 

& Dean homewares (they have the 

best light switches I’ve ever seen). 

Shelley’s shop, Flot & Jetsam, is 

right opposite, selling a mix of bright, 

witty clothes (like my new dress) and 

quirky homewares. This is Shelley’s 

permanent shop, but we first met 

when I bought a jumper from her at 

a Wealden Times Midwinter Fair – 

so, as a reader of this magazine, you 

might have come across her too. 

I next encountered Shelley in St 

Leonards, at an auction of artworks in 

aid of funds for Ukraine, and was so 

impressed by the array of wonderfully 

vivid paintings she bought, I asked her 

if she has a house as appealing as her 

taste in art and the clothes she sells… 

The answer is a resounding yes. So, 

how did they come to find this gem in 

the still-emerging quarter of Hastings? 

Shelley, husband Justin and their 

daughter started off renting in St 

Leonards – and came there by a more 

circuitous route than most newbies 


34

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This page: The two leather club chairs are Laura 

Ashley, and the large paper lampshades are from 

Hay. Many of the artworks on display are by 

Hastings’ artists, others by Cornish painters that 

Shelley and Justin have collected over the years 

Right: Above a cowhide chair hangs an 

antique French mirror and paintings by Eileen 

Grey and Scottish artist Jeka Kemp 

in the seaside town, who usually slide straight down 

from London (and have so earned the nickname 

DFLs – Down From London). This family are 

more interesting OFSs – Over From Somerset. 

“We left London when I was expecting our 

daughter,” says Shelley. “And lived in Frome and 

then Bruton for 20 years. But in our early days 

together, when we were living in a shared house in 

London, Justin and I would come down to Hastings 

at weekends and go to dances in the ballroom 

on the pier. So we already knew it and when our 

daughter went to uni, we decided to move to here. 

“We’d had enough of landlocked country 

living and wanted a massive change. We used 

to live in Camden, which was so colourful 

and vibrant and we wanted that again.” 

So that was a more roundabout version of the 

usual move-to-Hastings story, but then comes a 

theme common to so many houses featured in these 

pages – the lucky chance that leads to finding the 

perfect place. “We were renting in St Leonards’ lovely 

Shepherd Street, looking for a house to buy and 


Above left: A giant gold Anglepoise-style lamp is from Graham & Green. The glittery lips editioned print is by Brighton-based Sara Pope 

Above right: American Dream, a print by London artist Rugman, hangs above a zebra-print obelisk lamp 

for shop premises – I’d had homewares shops in Frome and 

Warminster and I wanted to open another one in Hastings. 

“Then our landlord told us he was doing a project in this 

area, which he thought would be right for us – it was this 

building. The moment we saw it we knew it was the one. 

“He had to get rid of a lot of asbestos and convert 

it back into one dwelling from flats, but the Georgian 

bones and high ceilings were all here – and the corner 

window with a view right down the street to the sea.” 

And of course, the shop was already right there too – 

with no commute to work. Saving a visit to that tempting 

emporium for after looking at the house, I head up the stairs 

with Shelley (and Sailor, the adorable Affenpinscher) and at 

the first landing the tone of the place is set – with the biggest 

banana plant I’ve ever seen, tucked in the corner, in front of 

an artwork as vivid as the ones I watched Shelley bid for. 

Opposite that is the door to an outside terrace, 

with a large board propped against the wall, decorated 

with very cool urban graffiti. “It’s by a Mexican artist, 

called Pedro,” says Shelley. “He also did the metal 

shutters that goes over the shop window at night.” 

Which reminds me that I’ve seen them and they fit perfectly 

with the very cool Gotham Alley bar, opposite, which is 

entered via a grafittied passageway. It’s all very Brooklyn. 

Back on the landing it’s through to the kitchen, a 

simple, white space, with black accents, greatly enhanced 

by the vivid art, with bright graphic works on every wall. 

“We let the developer put the kitchen in,” says Shelley. 

“We just told him we wanted white, with a modern look, 

without wall cupboards. It looks much bigger that way. 

We’ve added the breakfast bar and another shelf.” 

There is also a wall with floor-to-ceiling cupboards 


38

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“We’d had enough 

of landlocked 

country living 

and wanted a 

massive change. 

We used to live in 

Camden, which 

was so colourful 

and vibrant 

and we wanted 

that again.” 

Above: A work by Mexican graffiti artist Petro is the perfect fit for this space. Several Shelley’s Scheurich vases add to the gallery feel 

 


This page: The kitchen is a simple, white space, with black accents 

and vivid art by local artists Shuby and Mary Ford. The Wanted poster 

(left) is by Shuby, too 

which is the modern solution to not having those spaceinvading 

over-counter wall cupboards, which look so dated. 

Also giving it a fresh contemporary feel, the fridge is black. 

From here, we head back out onto the landing, past the 

banana plant and I see the painting it’s nearly covering 

is a technicolour collage of old film stills by Hastings 

artist, Tiff McGinnis, also known as ‘Grande Dame’. 

“We like to support local artists,” says Shelley. 

Then it’s on into the ‘wow’ space, the amazing sitting/ 

dining room, with windows on three sides – the middle 

of which, on the corner, looks straight down the street 

to the sea. With high ceilings and light pouring in and 

bouncing off the while walls, it’s very impressive. 

The couple’s creative flair – Shelley travelled around the 

world as Senior Creative Director of Vidal Sassoon for many 

years and Justin is a packaging designer – jumps out here, with 

yellow features making the eye dance around the room. 

There are four egg-yolk yellow dining chairs at the 

contemporary white table, a yellow lampshade to the 

side, artworks with yellow themes on three walls, a bright 

yellow plastic gnome and two yellow velvet sofas. “We 

saw this Habitat sofa and it was so great I said, ‘Let’s 

get two…’,” says Shelley. “I’m so glad we did that.” 

What I particularly like about these two brilliantly bold 

sofas, is that they’re not pushed against the walls, but are placed 

in the middle of the room, creating the sense of different 


42

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This page: Shelley and Justin wanted to keep the kitchen design as pared-back as possible. “We just told [the developer] we wanted white, 

with a modern look. It looks much bigger that way.” A letterpress print of a banana by Shuby adds a whimsical touch 

‘areas’. It articulates the space, making it look even bigger. 

The two leather club chairs are from Laura Ashley, 

but a lovely mid-century sideboard has a more unusual 

provenance – Hastings dump. “They have a little area with 

things to sell,” says Shelley. “It was £10. I restored it, with 

a light sanding with very fine zero-grade wire wool and 

teak oil. I have done furniture restoration before, so I knew 

what to do.” The marble fireplace was also restored. 

There are more amazing artworks on every wall – 

many of them by Hastings’ artists, others by painters 

in Cornwall they have collected for many years, from 

galleries they have grown relationships with. 

It’s clear that for this family art isn’t just something pretty 

for the wall, but a serious commitment and the extent of 

the collection, plus Shelley’s vases by the very collectable 

German brand, Scheurich, gives the room a gallery feel. 

But while there’s a lot to look at, it doesn’t feel busy. This 

is partly the cool effect of the white plantation shutters, 

which come just halfway up the windows, allowing the 

light to pour in above, but also the scale of three huge 

old gold French mirrors – “bought in Rye, we’ve had 

them for years” – and a giant Anglepoise-style lamp. 

Having these oversized pieces somehow ‘calms’ the 

space. Shelley said her use of large-scale objects was 

inspired by legendary decorator Nicky Haslam and 

features again in two huge Noguchi-style lantern-look 

paper lampshades, from Hay. “They aren’t cheap, but 

they are worth it,” says Shelley. “They soften the light and 

at night you can see them glowing from the street.” 

And talking of the streets outside, I wonder whether it ever 

gets noisy at night, living in such a central part of town, with 

at least two of the best bars in Hastings within yards of their 

front door. “It’s very quiet, apart from the seagulls,” says Shelley, 

“except on Friday and Saturday evenings when it can get a bit 

raucous, but double glazing keeps the worst of the noise out.” 

From here we head up stairs, past Justin’s home office 

and another flight up of the lovely restored staircase, 

leading to the master bedroom and a spare room, to the 

master bedroom, which has the corner space over 

the sitting room, with the view down to the sea. 

 


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This page: Like the rest of the house, the main colour in 

the master bedroom is white – walls, ceilings, a bank of 

built-in wardrobes, a stretch of drawer units and another 

huge paper lampshade – lifted with touches of pink and teal 

Like the rest of the house, the main colour in here 

is white – walls, ceilings, a bank of built-in wardrobes, 

a stretch of drawer units and another of those huge 

paper lampshades – lifted with thematic notes of pink 

and brightened up by two vivid bullfight posters over 

the bed, a present from when Shelley lived in LA. “We 

wanted it to be completely calm and simple in here,” she 

says. “We’ve got enough going on in the other rooms.” 

With the tour of the house complete, it was time to 

head back down to the ground floor and the marvellous 

shop, where I snapped up a dress like Shelley’s in vivid 

green – and drooled over all the other merchandise. 

There is jewellery by Julie Tucker-Williams – who 

is a Wealden Times fair regular – and clothes from 

Brighton-based label Sugar Hill and Religion, from near 

Lewes. Greetings cards are made in St Leonards and, 

apart from some Moroccan hand-painted enamelware, 

the most far-flung supplier sends printed sweatshirts 

from Wales. This proximity is no accident. “I want 

to sell things that are locally sourced, not stuff that’s 

come from China,” says Shelley. “I want to bring into 

the town clothes that are about prolonged fashion, 


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This page, clockwise: The staircase snakes up 

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’Twas Brillig 

A family home over a shop in St Leonards is as otherworldly 

as its Lewis Carroll-inspired name 

Words: Maggie Alderson Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Peggy Alderson-Popovic 

The first time I noticed the name painted over 

the windows of a new shop in St Leonards’ 

London Road, (right by my favourite café, 

Sugar Pie Honey Bun), I had to stop and look. 

‘Gyre & Gimble’ made me smile – a reference to 

Lewis Carroll’s poem Jabberwocky, written in what 

in literary terms is called ‘nonsense’ language, but 

which the generations of children who have come 

across it within the pages of Alice Through the 

Looking Glass, find perfectly easy to understand. 

‘Twas brillig and the slithy tothes, did gyre and 

gimble in the wabe…’ as the first two lines go, has 

always made total sense to me – while evoking 

a uniquely mysterious atmosphere, that only an 

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How very special then, that if Mr Carroll 

were to come back and visit St Leonards – as 

he did often in his lifetime to see his aunts who 

lived in Wellington Square – he would find 

inside this building a domestic kingdom as 

otherworldly as the domains he dreamed up. 

It’s the combined creation of artist Izaskun 

Gonzales and her husband Toby Coe, a painter 

who also does welding and carpentry (working on 

exhibitions at the Natural History Museum). 

This marriage of unbridled imagination 

and practical skills, brought to work on a 

Victorian building that had been empty 

 

These pages: Iza and Toby were keen to maintain as many of the original fittings in the house as possible, but had to replace 

nearly every window. They also added an additional internal window in the kitchen, to carry light out into the dark landing 


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for 20 years before they bought it, has created a 

family home like no other I have ever visited. 

Even my arrival to talk to Iza (as everyone calls her) 

about the house is special. Entering via the shop door I’m 

greeted by 9-year-old daughter Uma and with a chorus of 

musical howls from white malamute, Kipo, who continues 

to comment enthusiastically on our conversation, as I sit 

down at a small desk, with a horse’s skull beneath it. 

There is so much to take in within the shop – 

a magnificent headboard from Venice, propped 

against an Indian cabinet, African beaded 

figurines, dried grasses and fascinating objects by 

the many makers living nearby in this town that 

has become such a nexus for creative people. 

In the end, leaving Uma with chatty Kipo, we head 

upstairs to the combined sitting/dining room and 

kitchen area – where there is more space, but still 

distractingly fascinating things wherever you look. 

 

“Originally we had varnished grey 

plaster walls throughout the house 

but during lockdown we decided to 

brighten it up. When we moved in the 

whole house was pink and green, so we 

have kept to combinations of that.” 


This page: A sectional Louis Fooey sofa, which is American in origin, is the centrepiece of the sitting area. Iza has 

painted a free-hand diamond pattern at picture rail level and a series of very unusual art works made from padded 

and collaged textiles are mounted above low book shelves that stretch the entire length of one wall 

I deliberately choose a seat at the dining table facing 

towards the window, so I won’t be distracted by curiosities, 

as I talk to Iza – only to find the window itself is a 

thing of fascination, dressed with a collage of old lace 

curtains, some of them discoloured and quite ragged. 

It’s beautiful. Iza smiles. “I love reusing things,” she says, 

then points at the fabric tablemat in front of her, with 

a plant sitting on it. “I made this from the cloths you 

use to clean brasses. I like to give them a second life.” 

It’s all gripping, but first things first, I have to 

make sure I have the correct spelling of Iza’s unusual 

first name. “It’s Basque,” she tells me. “I’m from 

Saint Sebastián, on Spain’s Atlantic coast.” 

And with this information, the extraordinary space 

I’m sitting in – painted the most wonderful shade 

of raspberries-and-cream pink, with a wonderfully 

free-hand diamond pattern at picture rail level and a 

series of very unusual art works made from padded 

and collaged textiles – starts to make sense. 

The Basque country, which straddles an area of north 

west Spain and south west France, is a specific ethnic zone 

with its own cultural history – now recognised by the 

Spanish government. It also has its own ancient language, 

one of a rare group of ‘language isolates’ in the world – 

which means they are related to no other languages. To 

give an idea of the rarity of such a mother tongue, Basque 

is the only one in Europe and there are only six of them 

in the whole African continent. And, as it is accepted that 

languages define cultures, it’s not surprising to find that 

Basque people think differently from the rest of us. 


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Above: Iza has kept the original untouched Victorian kitchen as close to its original state as possible. With bare brick walls, dim lighting and 

the old range still in position, this rather eerie room right at the bottom of the house looks out into the ground floor of the ruined orangery 

 


“I came to do a BA in Graphics at Middlesex University, but I ended up doing 

everything but graphics – photography, painting, textiles…” Which is gloriously 

apparent in the textile works and free-style painting throughout the house 

Mind you, Iza has lived in the UK for 30 years. “I 

came to do a BA in Graphics at Middlesex University, 

but I ended up doing everything but graphics – 

photography, painting, textiles…” Which is gloriously 

apparent in the textile works and free-style painting 

on every wall of the room we are sitting in. 

The family’s move to St Leonards is about the only 

conventional thing about them – moving down from 

London when Uma was born to find a larger property 

within their budget. “First we did another project 

 


62

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This page: Paintwork throughout is sponged, with a deliberately rough texture, and much of the woodwork is scraped back to reveal 

colourful layers. This nonconformity with traditional ‘perfect’ decorating trends is what makes the whole house so interesting to look at 

on the outskirts of the Old Town,” says Iza. “We had 

seen this building, but we thought it was too much 

to take on. It had been empty for 20 years, so it 

was a big project, but then the price dropped… 

“We wanted to do something with a business incorporated 

and it had the shop on the ground floor, which I knew 

would work well for home-schooling Uma, as I could 

be there with her, while running the shop.” 

 


This page: Daughter Uma’s den, complete with a pet rat, hamster and lizard, has a raised platform bed built by Toby and is one room 

that an off-the-shelf wallpaper has managed to infiltrate – Albany’s ‘Reverie’ covers the chimney breast with a fantastical jungle scene 

Adding to the complexity of the project, they weren’t 

the first people to take on the 1855 building after its 

long stretch empty. “Before us a developer had bought 

it and was going to make it into three flats. They 

had stripped everything out – and literally thrown 

it all through the back window…” Which meant 

it fell into the amazing 1920s two-storey orangery 

extension on the back of the building – wrecking it. 

Iza shows me out of the window of the kitchen at the far 

end of the sitting room, where the outer walls of the curved 

back orangery still stand, the roof and first-storey floor gone. 

It’s like a ghost building – eery and astonishing and entirely 

at one with the atmosphere of the house. Quite magical. 

Adding to Iza’s frustration about the builders’ thoughtless 

destruction was what they did with the contents of the 

shop. “It had been a haberdashery and all the old stock 

was still there. They threw it all away…” For an artist 

in textiles, Iza’s main medium, this must be uniquely 

frustrating, but the fabric connection is still lovely – and 

she’s also fascinated by the first owner of the shop. 

“The original owner was a Victorian lady called 

Flora Verral, a photographer. 

 


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Above left: A smaller room provides a cosy bedroom, with a raised bed that looks out through the tree canopy 

Above right: Another spare room was one of Iza’s lockdown projects. She has adorned the walls with astonishing 

murals of phantasmagorical creatures and created a home for some of her large, collaged fabric hangings 

She had a business with her sister who was also a 

photographer, which was unusual for women then. 

“In those days St Leonards was a very smart seaside 

resort and there were a lot of costume parties – the 

sisters would take photographs of people in their 

outfits. We have some of the photos. I am still 

researching to find out more about her.” I sense future 

art projects humming in the back of Iza’s brain. 

Still looking out of the back of the house, I comment 

how nice the three-section kitchen window is. “We 

maintained as much as we could of the original fittings, 

but we have put in every window in the house – the 

only one that is original is the shopfront. They were all 

hopelessly rotten. We had them all made to size in Poland.” 

They also added an additional internal window 

from the kitchen carrying light out to the landing, 

which otherwise would have been quite dark. 

Walking back through the sitting room – past the 

wonderful sectional Louis Fooey sofa, which is American 

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had varnished grey plaster walls throughout the house 

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FoxFramingWT246 1 28/09/2022 11:26

The bathroom has a huge walk-in shower, behind two Crittall-style 

glass panels, with mixed geometric floor tiles and porthole windows. 

“It was inspired by the film The Shape of Water,” says Iza 

On the stairs and landings this combination features in 

sponged paint with a deliberately rough texture, which 

is so interesting to look at – and one of the many details 

in this house which made me question my predictable 

standards, in this case that paintwork should be ‘perfect’. 

Up on the second floor there are three bedrooms, 

including the master and Uma’s den, complete with 

companion rat, hamster and lizard and a raised platform 

bed built by Toby. Then we go up again, to another large 

landing – almost like a room in itself – and the second 

bathroom. Which just might be my favourite bathroom ever. 

Needless to say the décor wasn’t suggested the normal 


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www.ethelloves.me 

OUR NEXT SALE IS TO BE HELD ON 

OUR NEXT SALE IS TO BE HELD ON 

Wednesday Wednesday 7th 27th December April 2022 2022 at 11am at 11am 

With With live live in in room bidding and and online online via via 

easyliveauction.com/ibbettmosely 

Viewing of Viewing the sale of strictly the sale by appointment is on Monday Monday 5th 25th 

and and Tuesday Tuesday 6th 26th December, April, between between 10:30am-4.30pm 

For all enquires, please contact us by email or telephone: 

auctions@ibbettmosely.co.uk 01732 456731 

EthelLovesMeWT246.indd 1 11/10/2022 IbbettMoselyWT246.indd 11:45 

1 03/10/2022 10:56 

EQUITY RELEASE - Good or Bad? 

Equity Release is attracting more publicity 

and advertising than ever however local 

adviser Sarah Ferrell is concerned that 

this doesn’t necessarily mean that people 

are better informed. “I find many of the people 

I speak to are confused.” says Sarah. “There are 

so many options available these days that clients 

are bombarded with information – much of which 

may not be suitable for their circumstances” 

There are massive benefits to Equity Release 

when done in the right circumstances 

however there can be long term implications 

that clients need to be aware of. 

Some key questions I would encourage 

clients to consider before deciding if Equity 

Release is right for them would include: 

How much do you REALLY need? There is 

no benefit in drawing more than is needed 

as interest is charged from the outset and 

may be unnecessarily costly longer term 

How much do you need NOW? Many clients 

can benefit from releasing a smaller amount “up 

front” but creating a drawdown/reserve facility 

meaning they have access to money for the 

future but don’t pay interest until it is drawn 

Do you plan to move house? Many schemes are 

portable but the implications of moving need 

to be discussed so we can establish which 

scheme has the right amount of flexibility 

Would you like to be able to pay intertest 

on the mortgage? It is still a surprise to 

many people that most of today’s schemes 

allow the payment of interest. For many 

clients this allows them the capital they 

need without the longer-term costs they 

have potentially been worried about. 

I am a great advocate of Equity Release 

as I have seen people’s lives change when 

financial pressures have been relieved. I have 

seen how it has paid for home improvements 

and how it has kept people in their homes 

when they felt the only option was to sell. 

I have also helped a number of parents 

release equity to enable their children buy 

homes or to help family in other ways. 

“With over 27 years’ experience in finance 

and over 6 years specialising in Equity 

Release I take pride in the time and care 

I take when speaking with clients. It is 

absolutely essential to understand what a 

client needs and what their plans are for the 

future before I can even begin to advise” 

Sarah is happy to visit your home and, unlike 

many banks, she is not just available 9-5 but 

will offer flexible times to suit her clients. 

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


Call Sarah on 

07789 007447 / 01622 631372 

sarah@ferrellfinancial.co.uk 

www.ferrellfinancial.co.uk 

MORTGAGES 

EQUITY RELEASE 

RE-MORTGAGE 

BUY-TO-LET 

FIRST TIME BUYERS 


72 

SarahFerrellWT246.indd 1 03/10/2022 12:27

This page: Just when you think there are no further floors to ascend to, a wooden step ladder leads from a bedroom up into an attic room, 

with Velux windows that look out onto magnificent sea views 

way, from looking at pictures in magazines and catalogues… 

“It was inspired by the film The Shape of Water,” says 

Iza, referencing the romantic sci-fi fantasy film about a 

woman who falls in love with a captured humanoid sea 

creature… I wouldn’t be surprised to find one living here. 

It has a huge walk-in shower, behind two Crittallstyle 

glass panels, with mixed geometric floor 

tiles and porthole windows. The other walls are 

panelled with waxed scaffolding boards and the 

reclaimed sink sits on top of an old desk. 

There are so many interesting details to take in, it’s 

hard to leave it, but I’m glad I did, because next door 

is my favourite spot in the whole house – the spare 

room that Iza has painted with astonishing murals of 

phantasmagorical – and rather adorably cute – creatures. 

“It was a lock down project,” she says, smiling – and when 

I express surprise that some of the wonderful paintings 

are currently obscured by large, collaged fabric hangings, 

she shrugs: “I needed somewhere to work on them.” 

Adding to the atmosphere in this special room, the old 

wooden double bed is positioned in the middle of it, not 

in the usual spot against a back wall – so you can look 

straight out into the canopy of the mature trees outside. 

From here we head next door to another bedroom 

and then up a wooden step ladder to an attic room, 

with Velux windows onto magnificent sea views. 

I think that made seven bedrooms, but it was 

hard to keep count, as the house just seems to keep 

rambling on. It wouldn’t surprise me if additional 

rooms sometimes appeared on their own, over night. 

Back down all those stairs, in the basement, is a room I 

wouldn’t want to be in during the small hours: the original 

Victorian kitchen, which Iza has kept practically untouched. 

With bare brick walls and dim lighting – with amazing 

original light switches – and the old range still in 

position, looking out into the ground floor of the ruined 

orangery and with bits of old Victorian clothing strewn 

around by Iza, it’s like a brilliantly spooky film set. 

Where anyone else would have put a utility 

room, storage and useful broom cupboards, it’s an 

art installation – nothing more, nothing less. 

Lewis Carroll would have loved it. 

Address Book: 

For more information on Iza’s artworks, 

visit izaskungonzalez.com 

You can find out about Gyre & Gimble on 

Instagram @gyreandgimbleinteriors 

Iza and Toby also rent out rooms on airbnb. 

Book a stay through airbnb.co.uk/rooms/49137871 


0% 

INTEREST FREE 

CREDIT 

AVAILABLE * 

For those who want to create space 

in everyday living. 

Book a free, no obligation design appointment at sliderobes.co.uk 

or call our free phone number 0800 454 465 

*Credit is subject to status and affordability. Terms & Conditions Apply. Reddington Jordan Limited FRN: No. 728723 trading as Sliderobes Maidstone is a credit broker, not the lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial 

Conduct Authority. Credit is provided by Novuna Personal Finance, a trading style of Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Get the 

LOOK 

1 Leaf trail wallpaper border in mist £14/roll Fiona Howard fionahoward.com 2 Drake wall fitting £45 with Lisboa pendant 

£84 Pooky pooky.com 3 Lion & Peacock Tent limited edition print from an original painting by Raphael Balme £245 The 

Shop Floor Project theshopfloorproject.com 4 Pointe silk wall paint £55.95/2.5l Annie Sloan anniesloan.com 5 Tree of Eyes 

beaded cushion £260 Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com 6 Fastnet stripe cushion in navy £80 Tori Murphy torimurphy.com 

7 Tiffany corner sofa in Cosmopolitan £3,000 sofa.com 8 Tall beige terracotta vase £44 Heavenly Homes and Gardens 

heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk 9 Painted Jhula coffee table £325 Scaramanga scaramangashop.co.uk 10 Soho marble effect tiles 

£41.95/m 2 Walls and Floors wallsandfloors.co.uk 11 Rustic dipped stool £79 Vincent and Barn vincentandbarn.co.uk 


Introducing Our 

Ladies Collection 

In-store now 

When fashion meets interiors 

Inspirational Showroom | Home Interiors | Ladies Fashion & Gifts 

72 George Street, Old Town Hastings, East Sussex, TN34 3EE 

www.respireliving.com | hello@respireliving.com | +44 (0) 1424 43300 

Stockists of : John Sankey Furniture, Little Greene Paint & Wallpaper

Christmas Gifts

DUE TO RETIREMENT 

• CORNELL FINE JEWELLERS • 

CLOSING DOWN SALE 

A unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to buy Diamond Rings, Quality Diamond Jewellery and Jewellery of all descriptions 

ALL JEWELLERY 

EXAMPLE 

18ct White Gold 

0.50ct Diamond 

Stud Earrings 

WAS £1695 

NOW 

£848 

50 % OFF 

MUST BE CLEARED 

EXAMPLE 

Platinum Seven 

Stone 1.04ct Diamond 

Eternity Ring 

WAS £3495 

NOW 

£1748 

Opening Hours: 

Mon - Sat 9.30am - 5.00pm 

Sun 11.00am - 4.00pm 

Cornell Fine Jewellers 

12-14 Gabriel’s Hill 

Maidstone ME15 6JG 

SALE NOW ON 

www.cornelljewellers.co.uk 

CornellWT246.indd 1 24/10/2022 12:12 

Jewellery Studio & Art Gallery 

Now Open 

48C St. John’s Road 


TN4 9NY 

Jewellery Collection . Bespoke Design 

. Jewellery Remodelling . 

. Refurbished Old to New . 

. Repairs & Alterations . 


2 

KataJewelleryWT246 1 18/10/2022 14:39

Christmas Gift Supplement 

Sparkle 

& 

Shine 

1 Silver locket £275 Lily Blanche lilyblanche.com 2 Dune earrings £42 One & Eight oneandeight.co.uk 3 Celestial locket £75 Scream Pretty screampretty.com 

4 Star tennis bracelet £99 Latelita latelita.com 5 Signet ring from £625 The Gentle Rose thegentlerosejewelleryco.com 6 Polaris hoops £125 Astley Clarke 

astleyclarke.com 7 Tine Bladbjerg ring £850 Craft in Focus craftinfocus.com 8 Rana pendant £180 Pearls & Pomegranates pearlsandpomegranates.com 

9 Amore charm £99 Atelier Romy atelierromy.com 10 Captain pendant £750 Pearls & Pomegranates pearlsandpomegranates.com 11 Lightning earrings 

£49 ChloBo chlobo.co.uk 12 Polaris ring £125 Astley Clarke astleyclarke.com 13 Ammonite cufflinks £260 KATA Jewellery katajewellery.com 14 Quo Vadis 

ring £5,800 Rural Crafts Assosiation ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk 15 Wishbone earrings £25 Rikke Line rikkeline.com 16 Zodiac necklace £75 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 17 Rose and thorn studs £650 Baroque baroquejewellery.com 18 Pearl hoop earrings £105 Coeur de Lion coeur-de-lion.org 19 Milgrain detail 

diamond studs £570 Chloe May Jewellery chloemayjewellery.co.uk 20 Pearl floral earrings £95 Charlotte Reid charlottereid.com 21 Elodie opal ring £59 Luna 

Charles lunacharles.co.uk 22 Diamond dozen ring from £680 Budrevich budrevich.co.uk 23 Primrose antique diamond daisy ring £1,820 The Vintage Ring 

Company thevintageringco.com 24 Engravable ID tag pendant £165 Dower & Hall dowerandhall.com 25 Jil Sander Plumaje brass hoops £340 Selfridges 

selfridges.com 26 Stacking ring £175 (set of three) Charlotte Reid charlottereid.com 27 Green zirconia bangle £139 Sif Jakobs Jewellery sifjakobs.uk 

28 Personalised locket necklace £90 Molly Brown London mollybrownlondon.com 29 Lucy silver and rose gold bracelet £25 Flutterby flutterbyonline.co.uk 


Located on 

Hawhurst Fish Farm 

Individuals or Groups 

Parties 

Keepsakes 

Gift Shop 

Located on 



Parties 

Keepsakes 


Disabled Access 

Ample Parking 

Cafe on Site 

www.slapndash.com 

01580 755674 

Located on 



Parties 

Keepsakes 


Located on Hawhurst Fish Farm 

• Individuals 

Disabled 

• 

Access 


or Groups Ample Parking • Disabled Access 

• Parties • Ample Parking 

• Keepsakes Cafe on Site • Cafe on Site 


01580 755674 

Disabled Access 

Ample Parking 

Cafe on Site 


01580 755674 

SlapNDashWT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 ThamesandKosmosWT246.indd 16:52 

1 17/10/2022 12:09 

15% off any purchase over £30*when you enter ’SH30’ at checkout or present this advert in the gallery 

*Excludes private commissions & workshops. Not available in conjunction with any other offers. 

1 Station Parade, London Road, Sunningdale, SL5 0EP 

www.jodowns.com 


4 

JoDownsWT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 16:18


the Young Ones 

1 Longboard £79.99 John Lewis johnlewis.com 2 Logitech racing wheel for Playstation or PC £239 John Lewis johnlewis.com 3 The cottage garden 

den kit £45 The Den Kit Company thedenkitco.com 4 My discovery telescope £18 Thames & Kosmos thamesandkosmos.co.uk 5 Personalised kids 

apron £16 Sophie Allport sophieallport.com 6 Musical ballerina jewellery box £16 Nia Ballerina niaballerina.co.uk 7 Jellycat hibernating penguin 

£16 Contempo contempoonline.co.uk 8 Folk art scrapbook £14 Paperchase paperchase.com 9 Felt mobile £30 Degiorgis Baby degiorgisbaby.com 

10 Gold vermeil diamond bangle £145 Molly Brown London mollybrownlondon.com 11 Tender leaf rainbow tunnel £20 RHS shop.rhs.org.uk 

12 Nintendo Switch OLED £309.99 Nintendo nintendo.co.uk 13 Checked dress from £28 Polarn O Pyret polarnopyret.co.uk 14 Hand crochet 

Father Christmas £16 Sida Says sidasays.com 15 Instax link wide printer £129.99 John Lewis johnlewis.com 16 Personalised sleepsuit £15 Sundays 

Daughter sundaysdaughter.com 17 Fairisle jumper £12 M&S marksandspencer.com 18 Silver star boots £155 Kathryns Designer Childrenswear 

kathryns.co.uk 19 Personalised Tidy Books Bunk Bed Buddy from £63.20 Tidy Books uk.tidybooks.com 20 Wild Wonders nail stickers £2.95 

Rex London rexlondon.com 21 Fairy wings £8.95 Rex London rexlondon.com 22 Handmade glitter crown £15 Sida Says sidasays.com 23 Bunny 

playhouse Plaid Tidings £32 plaidtidings.co.uk 24 Personalised wooden drum sticks £20 Oakdene Designs oakdenedesigns.com 


Dominic Walmsley 

The Autumn 

Earrings 

3 The Square • Riverhead 

01732 779 555 www.dominicwalmsley.com 

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STOCKISTS OF: 

• Laksen 

• Deerhunter 

• Hoggs of Fife 

• Gumleaf 

• Bonart 

• Percussion 

• Stetson 

• Ariat 

• Alan Paine 

• Redback Boots 

• Dog training equipment 

by Sporting Saint 

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 - Sun: 10am - 4pm 

inthecountrykent.co.uk 

01233 742700 


6 

IntheCountryWT246.indd 1 21/10/2022 15:37


the Fashionistas 

1 Check overshirt £45 M&S marksandspencer.com 2 Beanie made with recycled fibres £35 Betterfullstop betterfullstop.co.uk 3 Star tulle child’s dress 

£22 marksandspencer.com 4 Mackellar tartan lambswool scarf £32 Tartan Blanket Co tartanblanketco.com 5 Botanical pumpkin tote £65 Fable England 

fableengland.com 6 Turtle conservation day bag (every sale protects 2 sea turtle hatchlings) £45 Elizabeth Scarlett elizabethscarlett.com 7 Art Deco star drop 

studs £65 Scream Pretty screampretty.com 8 Harris tweed satchel £46 Contempo contempoonline.co.uk 9 Celeste diamond star ring €450 Perle de Lune 

perledelune.com 10 Eddris star trainers £70 Dune dunelondon.com 11 DIY Stitch your star sign envelope pouch £25 Chasing Threads chasingthreads.com 

12 Suede Chelsea boots £215 Welligogs welligogs.com 13 Personalised suitcase £135 Koko Blossom kokoblossom.co.uk 14 Barbour Blair tartan scarf £29.95 

Fenwick fenwick.co.uk 15 Cece sequin jumper £59 Sugarhill Brighton sugarhillbrighton.com 16 Night Armonia earrings £100 Omega Studio instagram@ 

omegastudiostleonards 17 Green touchscreen gloves £6 Accessorize accessorize.com 18 Shearling shawl scarf £265 Gushlow & Cole gushlowandcole.com 

19 Green faux fur scarf £39.50 Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com 20 Socon cardholder in rosa leather £25 M. Hulot mhulot.co.uk 21 Rose gold handbag £48 

The Find Store thefindstore.co.uk 22 Bella star studded headband £18 Luna Charles lunacharles.co.uk 23 La Paz jumper £100 John Lewis johnlewis.com 


Beautiful bespoke shop in a gorgeous setting. Full of quirky 

items including gifts & cards, furniture, ladies’ clothing, 

jewellery, handbags, scarves and indoor & outdoor accessories. 

At BRITISH design BRITISH made, we are passionate 

about British design made right here in the British 

Isles and source, where possible, products made 

with sustainable or recycled materials, contributing 

positively to our environment and the UK economy. 

Visit our bricks & mortar store where we have something 

for everyone and listen to great British music. 

A warm welcome is guaranteed. 

Open Mon - Sat 9am-5pm & Sun 10am - 4pm 

Complimentary wrapping. 

Please also follow us on Facebook where we showcase a 

wealth of unique, quirky & gorgeous items available 24/7. 

07503 287632 

The Granary, Potten Farm, Main Road, Sellindge, Nr Ashford, TN25 6EQ 

Open Monday to Saturday 10 -5 

64 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AG 

01424 777711 | www.britishdesignbritishmade.com 

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1 18/10/2022 11:24 

Family business since 1996 

Christmas Gifts 

Vintage Furniture 

Textiles & More ... 

Enjoy a Glass of Wine in 

our Cafe-Bar too! 

Discover the Magic of Christmas! 

Stunning Vintage World Furniture • Christmas Gifts, Textiles & Decorations 

Candles & Homeware • Fully Licensed Café-Bar • Live Music & Events 

Roger Dean Gallery • Weddings & Receptions • Christmas & Staff Parties 

Front Desk: 01825 790 200 | E: showroom@tradingboundaries.com | www.tradingboundaries.com 

Trading Boundaries, Sheffield Green, East Sussex, TN22 3RB | On the A275 just 10 minutes from Haywards Heath & Lindfield! 

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& 

Homes Households 

1 Dandelion canvas wall art £48 Attica Press atticapress.com 2 Denim & Bone “You Got This” cotton throw £150 Greenfinch greenfinchshop.co.uk 

3 Delicious platter £105 Tatiana Alida tatianaalida.co.uk 4 Enkel cushion £65 Sailors of Rye sailorsofrye.com 5 Floral diffuser set £48 Ethel Loves. Me 

ethelloves.me 6 Scottie dog sheepskin cushion £245 Gushlow & Cole gushlowandcole.com 7 Gold hands candle holder £150 Rockett St George 

rockettstgeorge.co.uk 8 Winter berries metallic candle £47 Atelier 38 atelier38.co.uk 9 Mouth-blown glass Amass vase £239 BoConcept boconcept.com 

10 Once Upon a Christmas macarons from £32 for 6 Emma Dodi Cakes emmadodicakes.com 11 Neom Organics London Perfect Night’s Sleep candle 

£48 (minimum £5 donated to The Mental Health Foundation) John Lewis johnlewis.com 12 Dora lampshade £200 and painted chunky base £130 

Bloomsbury Revisited bloomsburyrevisited.co.uk 13 Tonbridge castle illustration £20 Imogen Partridge imogenpartridge.com 14 Carousel tea set £125 Maid 

in China maidinchinadesign.com 15 Set of four gold rimmed martini glasses £70 Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk 16 Lech poster £420 Pullman 

Editions pullmaneditions.com 17 Gold ornate mirror £12.99 Auburn Fox auburnfox.co.uk 18 The man in the moon embroidery craft sewing kit £25.99 

(from a set of two) MakeBox & Co makebox.co 19 Spode Christmas tree musical snow globe £40.80 Portmeirion portmeirion.co.uk 20 Rander ceramic 

stool £225 OKA oka.com 21 Antique hand painted writing chest from Rajasthan, India £295 Trading Boundaries tradingboundaries.com 


Homeware Candles Candles & Candle Gifts & Holders Accessories Gifts Jewellery Accessories 

Bath Jewellery & Body Bath Baby & Body & Child Baby Read & Child Write Wrap Cards & Gift Stationery Vouchers 

145 Bridge Street Wye TN25 5DP 

07739 885609 

www.ticketybooshop.com @ ticketybooshop 

TicketyBooWT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 11:38 

West End House 

Art Gallery 

Contemporary gallery in beautiful 

Smarden. A glorious mix of artworks 

at all prices from artists near and far 

www.westendhousegallery.co.uk 

Best Art Gallery in Kent Winner 

Water Lane, Smarden, TN27 8QB, 01233 770261 

email: girls@westendhousegallery.co.uk 

Electro Studios, Seaside Rd., St Leonards on Sea TN38 0AL 

T 07769 800321 


10 

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& 

Homes Households 

1 St Paul’s 2020 mounted, signed and numbered A3 print £75 Luke Adam Hawker lukeadamhawker.com 2 Red hearts pure wool throw £104 JJ Textile 

jjtextile.co.uk 3 Blue Jay serving tray £59.99 Crackpots crack-pots.co.uk 4 Gold rocket candle £9 Rockett St George rockettstgeorge.co.uk 5 Personalised 

stainless steel photo print £23 Oakdene Designs oakdenedesigns.com 6 Saturn and Stars cream velvet cushion £125 Jan Constantine janconstantine.com 

7 Lasse glass bowl £15 JYSK jysk.co.uk 8 Roberts petite radio in sunburst yellow £99 John Lewis johnlewis.com 9 Project Earth Moro Dabron of Gardens 

twin handle scented candle £155 Selfridges selfridges.com 10 Westminster Abbey PopArc wall sculpture £125 Chisel & Mouse chiselandmouse.com 

11 Copper gluggle jug £75 Brit Locker britlocker.com 12 Festivum scented candle £60 Ferry Road Store ferryroadstore.com 13 Rainbow mirror £49 

Doodlemoo doodlemoo.com 14 Coffee Please print £80 and frame £78 Tatiana Alida tatianaalida.co.uk 15 Aqua merino herringbone throw £89 Country 

Mouse countrymouse.co.uk 16 Luna metal dish £89 BoConcept boconcept.com 17 Personalised velvet Christmas wreath cushion £35 Sundays Daughter 

sundaysdaughter.com 18 Icy Christmas luxe biscuit tin £48 Biscuiteers biscuiteers.com 19 Prospect Cottage, Dungeness original framed collage by Amanda 

White £525 The Shop Floor Project theshopfloorproject.com 20 UP ceramic uplighter lamp £1,200 Henry Holland Studio henryhollandstudio.com 


Share the joy of the season 

with the mark of a truly delicious gift 

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WHEN YOU VISIT A LE CREUSET STORE • BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICE • EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT RANGES AND OFFERS • 

PRODUCT EXPERTISE AND AFTERCARE • FREE DELIVERY OVER £50 • LOYALTY REWARDS • FREE RECIPE CARDS 

CALL & DELIVER | PAY BY LINK | FREE UK DELIVERY WHEN YOU SPEND £50 OR MORE | CONTACT THE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS 

LE CREUSET BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE | UNIT U012 UPPER ROSE 

GALLERY, BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRE, GREENHITHE, KENT. DA9 9ST. 

TELEPHONE: 01322 381997 • E-MAIL: BLUEWATER.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM 

LE CREUSET GUILDFORD | 143 HIGH STREET, GUILDFORD, GU1 3AD. 

TELEPHONE: 01483 452689 • E-MAIL: GUILDFORD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM 

LE CREUSET WINDSOR | UNIT 45 , WINDSOR ROYAL STATION, SL4 1PJ. 

TELEPHONE: 01753 852205 • E-MAIL: WINDSOR.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM 

LE CREUSET WIMBLEDON | 4 CHURCH RD, WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, LONDON. SW19 5DL 

TELEPHONE: 0208 9440624 • E-MAIL: WIMBLEDON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM


& 

Luxury Indulgence 

1 Copper Oak by Helen Barnard (mixed media on canvas) £550 West End House Art Gallery westendhousegallery.co.uk 2 Deco rose earrings £3,500 

Budrevich budrevich.co.uk 3 Westminster bramble fitted jacket £305 Welligogs welligogs.com 4 View From The Shard, Night by Nessie Ramm £3,300 

Greenfinch greenfinchshop.co.uk 5 Shian vase £795 OKA oka.com 6 Gucci Beauté Des Yeux limited edition eyeshadow palette £145 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 7 Roam portable speaker in sunset £179 Sonos sonos.com 8 Dyson Special edition cordless straightener £399 John Lewis johnlewis.com 

9 Project Earth pre-loved Rolex Explorer stainless steel automatic watch £8,000 Selfridges selfridges.com 10 Carnation slingback £125 Dune dunelondon.com 

11 18ct white gold and blue sapphire rose and thorn ring £1,300 Baroque baroquejewellery.com 12 Milano backgammon £425 Jonathan Adler 

uk.jonathanadler.com 13 Blossom Design Series 2022 stand mixer £749 KitchenAid kitchenaid.co.uk 14 Best of British original oil on 90cm canvas by 

Hettie Pittman £895 The Wey Gallery theweygallery.com 15 Philips perfect draft beer pump £249.99 John Lewis johnlewis.com 16 Gold and diamond drop 

earrings £1,150 Astley Clarke astleyclarke.com 17 White Moss & Snowdrop Cologne £115 Jo Malone jomalone.co.uk 18 YSL Le Vestiaire Des Parfums 

Lavalliere EDP 125ml £215 Fenwick fenwick.co.uk 19 Love Stories 100% cashmere blanket £375 Heating & Plumbing London heating-and-plumbing.com 


Alsop & Walker 

Artists in Cheesemaking 

Only Coco 

Chocolates 

Handmade 

chocolates with 

a twist. Made 

with only the 

best ingredients 

& single origin 

chocolate. 

20 George Street, 

Hastings, TN34 3EG 

www.only-coco.co.uk 

/onlycocochocolates 

/onlycocochocolates 

You can find our fine handcrafted artisan cheeses 

at Borough Market, London and also in 

many local farmshops and delis. 

Alternatively look on our online store to browse 

and purchase from our selection. 

www.alsopandwalker.co.uk 

AlsopandWalkerWT246-QRT.indd 1 10/10/2022 OnlyCocoWT246 15:34 1 06/10/2022 10:12 


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& Foodies Chefs 

1 “You Are My Little Cupcake” plate £22.50 Jimbobart jimbobart.com 2 Victoria sponge sweets £5.99 Mr Stanley’s mrstanleys.co.uk 3 Kin 21 wine 

£25 Kinsbrook kinsbrookvineyard.com 4 Heather quilted oven gloves £32 Neve & Noor neveandnoor.com 5 Pizza charm necklace £14.95 Little Moose 

littlemoose.co.uk 6 Cocktail shaker with recipes £19.50 M&S marksandspencer.com 7 Mixed three beer giftpack £10 Titsey titseybrewingco.com 8 Coffee 

pot £65 Le Creuset lecreuset.co.uk 9 Alice In Wonderland cup and saucer £19.99 Kitchen Craft kitchencraft.co.uk 10 Personalised pizza peel £34 Oakdene 

Designs oakdenedesigns.com 11 Forge Creative oak chopping board £59 Objects and Finds objectsandfinds.com 12 Speckled cake stand £39.95 Cielshop 

cielshopinteriors.com 13 Kraak teapot £95 OKA oka.com14 Seconds Jan Constantine sugar jar £3.08 Portmeirion portmeirion.co.uk 15 Recipe file £20 

Paperchase paperchase.com 16 Dolce & Gabbana 2022 panettone tin £60.60 Marco Alimentari marcoalimentari.com 17 It’s Hot hot sauce apron £25 

Corinne Alexander corinnealexander.co.uk 18 Cooking classes gift voucher from £65 Kent Cookery School kentcookeryschool.co.uk 19 Orange milk chocolate 

bar £5 Only Coco only-coco.co.uk 20 Magnetic knife block £350 TOG Knives togknives.com 21 Cure your own smoky bacon kit £17.50 Ross & Ross Gifts 

rossandrossgifts.co.uk 22 Personalised chopping board £14.95 Tabethas Touch tabethastouch.co.uk 23 Orange Solaris orange wine £25 Denbies denbies.co.uk 


Put your best 

face 

forward 

Dr Dr Christine Or is 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 Reducing Injections 

Advanced Wrinkle Relaxing Injections 

• Dermal Filler Treatments • 8 Point Lift 

Dermal Filler Treatments Point Lift 

• Lip Enhancement • Medical Grade Skincare 

• Lip Enhancement • Treatment of Excessive Sweating 

www.drchristine.co.uk 

www.drchristine.co.uk christine@drchristine.co.uk 

01892 956688 | hello@drchristine.co.uk 

07928 971683 Culverden 17 Down High Street, Tunbridge Tunbridge Wells Wells, Kent TN4 Kent 9SG TN1 1UT 

BESPOKE AESTHETIC 

TREATMENTS WITH A 

WHOLE FACE APPROACH 

Aesthetic Aesthetic Practitioner Doctor of of the the 

Year 2016 2020 

Pamper Your Pets This Christmas 

Helios is a specialist homeopathic pharmacy 

based in the heart of Tunbridge Wells. 

DrChristineWT204.indd DrChristineWT246.indd 1 27/09/2022 22/01/2019 09:43 12:31 

Alongside our remedies we stock a wide range of organic 

and natural skin and hair care products, flower essences 

and vitamin and mineral supplements for all the family and 

a wide range of books, we like to look after your pets too. 

Why not treat your four legged friends to a Helios First 

Aid Kit for Pets which contains 24 homeopathic remedies 

covering a wide range of common complaints and first 

aid situations and our specially formulated SOeSsence 

flower essence for those emergency situations. There is 

a comprehensive booklet to help you choose the right 

remedy too. In addition our SOeSsence healing beeswax 

balm contains botanicals and essential oils to help heal 

sore paws and minor cuts and abrasions and our SLS 

free shampoo contains soothing plant based ingredients, 

particularly good for itchy and scurfy skin. Buy all three 

products and get 20% off. 

Our homeopaths and pharmacists are on hand to offer you 

a warm welcome and expert advice for all your health care 

needs. 

We look forward to seeing you soon. 

Helios Homeopathy Ltd, 97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2QR 

Open Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm 

01892 537254 www.helios.co.uk 


16 

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& 

Pamper Spoil 

1 Personalised bath caddy £45 Sundays Daughter sundaysdaughter.com 2 Jasmine bath essence £16 Brit Locker britlocker.com 3 Aromatherapy calm spa 

candle £13 M&S marksandspencer.com 4 Calming cleansing balm £58 d’still dstill.co.uk 5 Carolina Herrera lipstick from £25 John Lewis johnlewis.com 

6 Hand crocheted wool hot water bottle £25 Tickety Boo ticketybooshop.com 7 Midnight musk and amber cologne £115 Jo Malone London jomalone.co.uk 

8 Kayali Lovefest Burning Cherry perfume from £91 Huda Beauty hudabeauty.com 9 Rose gold brightening facial mask £22 Selfridges selfridges.com 

10 Hand and body lotion £15 Romney Marsh Wools romneymarshwools.co.uk 11 Silk eye mask £32 Pam Weinstock pamweinstock.com 12 Gabrielle 

Chanel Eau de Parfum spray £126 Chanel chanel.com 13 Supernatural star eco shampoo £10.50 Arthouse Limited arthouseunlimited.org 14 The flower bed 

socks £60 Velvet Linen velvetlinen.co.uk 15 Pink linen pyjamas £99 Piglet in Bed pigletinbed.com 16 Dolly sheepskin slippers £42 Tessie tessieclothing.com 

17 Pink stork crepe gown £119 Respire Living respireliving.com 18 Blue dotty batik cotton dressing gown £49 Helen Loveday helenloveday.com 19 L’Oréal 

Paris color riche satin lipstick is not a yes in Le Rouge Liberté £9.99 Superdrug superdrug.com 20 Rose radiance clay mask £12.95 Shaloah Skincare 

shaloahskincare.co.uk 21 Full shebang shaving set £45 Fuss Free Shaving ffs.co.uk 22 GHD Glide hot brush gift set £179 Selfridges selfridges.com 23 Clarity 

blend aromatherapy bath salts £12 Ocean & Bee oceanandbee.co.uk 24 Soap and hand cream with tray Oast & Rye oastandrye.co.uk 


ENTERDEN 

GARDEN CENTRE 

, 

Father Christmas 

GROTTO 

Visit Father Christmas in his elf-built grotto 

EVERY WEEKEND from 19th Nov until 24th Dec. 

Entry £12 per child, includes magical Christmas tree experience, 

age-appropriate gift and activity trail 

BOOKING REQUIRED 

SEN GROTTO OPENING 

WE BELIEVE CHRISTMAS SHOULD BE FUN, 

SAFE AND MAGICAL FOR ALL. 

This year for SEN children and their families we are 

offering grotto visits between 9am - 10am 

Saturday 10th & Monday 19th December, 

sessions are marked gold in the booking system. 

BOOKING REQUIRED 

APPLEDORE RD, READING STREET, NR. TENTERDEN, KENT, TN30 7HT 

CALL : 01233 758510 | INFO@TENTERDENGC.CO.UK 

WWW.GROVEWELLGC.CO.UK 

2 Events • 1 Admission • 1 Fabulous Garden 

WestKentTradingWT246.indd 1 05/10/2022 GrovewellGardenCentresWT246 09:18 

1 17/10/2022 11:55 

Jewellery & Silversmithing Fair 

Craft & Design Fair 

9 – 13 November 

RHS Garden Wisley 

9am – 4.30pm Daily • Admission to Garden also gives entry to both events • Normal Garden admission charges apply • Free entry for RHS members 


desirefair.com 

18 

craftinfocus.com 

wisley_nov22_130x185.indd 1 30/08/2022 11:20 

CraftInFocusWT245.indd 1 31/08/2022 10:19


e 

the Green ingered 

1 Waist apron £45 The Country Crib Somerset thecountrycrib.co.uk 2 Watering can necklace £12.95 Little Moose littlemoose.co.uk 3 Wellington boots 

decoration £14 Dan Cooper Garden dancoopergarden.com 4 Sparrow bird house £25 Portmeirion portmeirion.co.uk 5 Personalised wooden crate £47 

Plantabox plantabox.co.uk 6 Sunflower planter £14.99 Dobbies dobbies.com 7 British Wildflowers Limited edition signed art print (run of 250) from 

£30 Wildflower Illustration Co wildflowerillustrationco.com 8 Stoneware planter £34.99 Ivyline ivylinegb.co.uk 9 Rowley ripple copper watering can £49 

Sir Gordon Bennett sirgordonbennett.com 10 Beepot £39 British Design British Made britishdesignbritishmade.com 11 Lime tree £55 Plants4Presents 

plants4presents.co.uk 12 Glass plant mister £20 John Lewis johnlewis.com 13 Wrendale gardening gloves £14.99 Grovewell Gardening Centres 

grovewellgc.co.uk 14 Bedside Companion for Gardeners book £20 RHS shop.rhs.org.uk 15 7 Pod indoor smart garden £75 West Kent west-kent.com 16 The 

Accidental Duchess by Emma Manners, Duchess of Rutland £22 Pan Macmillan panmacmillan.com 17 Pollinator beebom wildflower seed mix £4.50 

National Trust shop.nationaltrust.org.uk 18 Bees ankle wellies £56 Sophie Allport sophieallport.com 19 Chocolate wellies £7.99 Mr Stanley’s mrstanleys.co.uk 

20 Wooden flower trug £25 Farrar & Tanner farrar-tanner.co.uk 21 Calathea Whitestar with Windsor planter in rust £40 Leaf Envy leafenvy.co.uk 



Pets & their Owners 

1 Rococo cat collar with bow from £62 Cheshire & Wain cheshireandwain.com 2 Silver Tabby print by Annabel Pearl £40 Cheshire & Wain 

cheshireandwain.com 3 Sausage dog brooch £24.95 Little Moose littlemoose.co.uk 4 Pet-friendly travel voucher from £25 PetsPyjamas petspyjamas.com 5 Pet 

carrier bag £75 Initially London initiallylondon.com 6 Fenella Smith dog bowl £22 RHS shop.rhs.org.uk 7 Oval natural rattan dog basket and reversible 

mattress set from £139.50 Charley Chau charleychau.com 8 Personalised paw print pet bowl £22 Sundays Daughter sundaysdaughter.com 9 Hedgehog dog 

toy £12.50 Sophie Allport sophieallport.com 10 Pet portrait from £200 Jina Gelder Illustration geegeedesigns.co.uk 11 Helios First Aid Kit of homeopathic 

remedies £40.80 Helios helios.co.uk 12 Chill deluxe cat wall bed wenge with light grey cushion £155 Fabio The Cat fabiothecat.com 13 Luxury leather dog 

collar £35 SNUGBUMS snugbums.co.uk 14 Hand-knitted dog jumper £43 LISH London lishlondon.com 15 Stripe print pet teepee £59.50 Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 16 Vice meow pet bowl £125 Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com 17 Cat in prince wig coaster £4.50 Jo Clark Design joclarkdesign.co.uk 

18 P&L heavy duty country dog bed £72.99-£113.99 (3 sizes) Charity Farm charityfarm.co.uk 19 Eco leather dog lead £59 LISH London lishlondon.com 

20 Personalised pet bed crate £58.95 Plantabox plantabox.co.uk 21 Battersea Snuggly Stripes cat cosy bed, from £39.99 John Lewis johnlewis.com 


20 

20

V I S I T U S A N D F I N D 

A GIFT FOR 

EVERYONE 

Even just a small donation can help 

us improve the lives of our animals 

You can make 

a difference 

Whatever you give, your donation will help us care for our 

cats and contribute to our conservation work 

membership 

Join the Big Cat Sanctuary Family and become part of the team. 

Choose from £6 / £8 / £10 or your own amount per month or why not 

Gift Membership to a friend or loved one. 

P E T | A N I M A L | W I L D L I F E | E Q U E S T R I A N | 

F I R E S I D E | H O M E & G I F T S | C L O T H I N G | 

C O U N T R Y P U R S U I T S | O U T S I D E L I V I N G | 

01580 713189 info@charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk 

Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, TN17 3PS 

Please call: 01233 439150 

Email: enquiries@thebigcatsanctuary.org 

www.thebigcatsanctuary.org 

Charity Reg No: 1104420 

CharityFarmWT246.indd 1 18/10/2022 BigCatSanctuaryWT246.indd 16:05 

1 26/10/2022 16:13 

Providers of Equine Surfaces, Facilities and their Maintenance 

01580 292 444 

info@markscottarenas.com 

markscottarenas.com 


MarkScottArenasWT246.indd 1 21/10/2022 15:02

Bespoke 

made simple 

www.justinrichardson.co.uk 

justin@justinrichardson.co.uk 

23 Sun Street, Canterbury, CT12HX | 01227 471 693 

JustinRichardsonJewellerWT237.indd 1 19/01/2022 11:03 

Dreams 

and 

Stories 

Modern Pre-Raphaelite 

Visionaries 

18 October 2022 - 

26 February 2023 

wattsgallery.org.uk 

Compton, GU3 1DQ 

Frederick Cayley Robinson, The Blue Bird, 1911, watercolour on board © Leamington Spa Art Gallery & Museum 

Surrey Homes ad.indd 6 17/10/2022 09:22:07 


22 

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Interior design 

Curtain & Blind making 

Upholstery 

Lighting 

Colour scheming 

The 

Festive Season 

2022 

Ooh How Lovely 

The Corner Shop 

Highgate, 

High Street 

Hawkhurst, 

TN18 4AD 

We are open: 

Tuesday to Saturday 

10am to 5pm 

Late night shopping 

until 8pm 

24th Nov and 1st Dec 

Old Hay 

(Off Pearsons Green Road) 

Brenchley, Paddock Wood Kent TN12 7DG 

01892 83 4306 info@westkentshooting.co.uk 

www.westkentshooting.co.uk 

❖ Cards 

❖ Chocolate 

❖ Candles 

❖ Gift Vouchers 

❖ Decorations 

❖ Beautiful handmade gifts 

❖ Jewellery and so much more 

Contact us 

01580 848303 

07400 522081 

oohhowlovely.co.uk 

Model Railway Shop 

WestKentShootingWT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 OohHowLovelyWT246.indd 12:57 

1 25/10/2022 09:48 

www.dreamsteam.co.uk 

We stock what you need for modelling in miniature 

We Are Open 

Monday - Friday10am - 4:30pm 

Saturday 10am - 1pm 

Vanguard House 

Quarry Wood Industrial Estate 

Mills Road Aylesford 

Kent 

ME20 7NA 

On the main road look out for our flag and 

swing sign! 

Call us on 0800 022 4473 

Or email us at sales@dream-steam.com 

We Stock 16mm OO OO-9 N Gauge 

You can visit our showroom or order online and over the phone 

These are just an example of brands we stock 

Studio Open Days 2022 

Fri 18 Sat 19 Sun 20 November 

Fri 2 Sat 3 Sun 4 December 

12 noon until 4pm 

Etchings, watercolours, posters, books, cards and more... 

Up The Garden Studio 

White Cottage, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, 

Kent, ME17 4LF 

We are open by appointment throughout the year, 

wendy@grahamclarke.co.uk 07801 922081 

www.grahamclarke.co.uk 


DreamSteamLtdWT246.indd 1 13/10/2022 GrahamClarkeWT246.indd 15:14 

1 19/10/2022 12:13

This truly chic option from Jo Malone is a real 

festive luxury. Inside you’ll find mood-boosting 

home fragrances, miniature colognes, seasonal 

adornments and even a couple of full-sized 

surprises including a full-sized 30ml cologne in 

box 25. This one is bound to sell out so order 

fast or you may miss out! 

Price: £350 

What’s included: 25 days of scented treats 

Find at: jomalone.co.uk 

Counting 

Down the 

Days 

Get set for the build up to 

Christmas Day with our top 

twelve Advent Calendar picks to 

suit everyone this year 

One for the dogs – JR’s Premium 

Turkey and Venison calendar 

is filled with pure venison 

and turkey meat, free of any 

preservatives and additives. 

Price: £14.99 

What’s included: Roughly 200 

treats and a packet of pure turkey 

and venison sticks for the 25th 

Find at: jollyes.co.uk 

Melt London’s Notting 

Hill House advent 

is as beautiful as they 

come. Inspired by the 

picturesque architecture 

of the company’s home 

neighbourhood, it holds 24 sweet 

pouches in the shape of little houses, 

inside which are some delicious 

gourmet chocs! It’s completely plastic 

free and supports a family-owned 

independent British business. The 

perfect choice for those wanting to 

upgrade to a more luxurious advent 

without deviating from the traditional 

chocolate filling! 

Price: £69 

What’s included: 24 delicious, fresh, 

organic, bespoke chocolates 

Find at: meltchocolates.com 

Inspired by Clivenden, this 

National Trust calendar is an 

inexpensive way to countdown, 

while supporting special places 

across the country. 

Price: £6 

What’s included: 24 adorable 

festive illustrations 

Find at: shop.nationaltrust.org.uk 

This wax melt calendar will give you a 

different scent to fill your home with every 

day up till Christmas. Behind each door is 

a melt that was hand poured in Atelier 38’s 

Surrey Hills Studio, each one a lovely scent 

from fruity and floral to festive and fun. 

Price: £35 

What’s included: 24 soy wax melts 

Find at: atelier38.co.uk 

This vegan option from Hotel Chocolat 

is filled with yummy child-friendly chocs 

made with 45% nutmilk. The Up to 

Snow Good Advent Calendar is made in 

the UK, has a fun design, low price tag 

and lots of scrumptious vegan chocolate 

– making it a great crowd-pleaser for 

the whole family. The chocolate recipe 

is even made with the mantra of ‘more 

cocoa, less sugar’ – so it won’t overload 

kids with sweetness and still tastes great! 

Price: £8.50 

What’s included: 24 vegan 45% nutmilk 

chocolates with fun illustrations 

Find at: hotelchocolat.com 


24

British jewellery brand Scream Pretty has an advent 

out this year – the perfect way to build your ear 

stack collection ready for party season! 

Price: £250 (contents worth over £330) 

What’s included: 12 best-selling earring designs 

Find at: screampretty.com 

Biscuiteers’ advent 

calendar, designed by 

Sophie Conran, is an 

adorable hand-finished 

embroidered treasure that 

you can hang proudly year 

after year. It has 24 pockets 

that can be filled either 

with hand-iced vanilla 

biscuits from Biscuiteers’ 

advent tin, or your own 

choice of whatever else you 

choose! 

Price: £135 (a tin of advent 

biscuits is £60) 

What’s included: A 100x 

60cm cloth calendar 

Find at: biscuiteers.com 

For the beauty enthusiasts, this calendar from 

John Lewis is our pick. Featuring 14 full-size 

favourites from brands including Aromatherapy 

Associates, Charlotte Tilbury and Neom, it’s 

designed to kit you out with a full skincare 

regime, a versatile makeup look, a moment of 

calm, some hair essentials and three fragrances. 

The box itself is beautiful too and you can recycle 

it as a pretty jewellery or keepsake box by simply 

reversing the drawers. Plus ten lucky customers 

will find a £500 John Lewis gift voucher behind 

door number 25! 

Price: £179 

What’s included: 27 full and deluxe-size products 

Find at: johnlewis.com 

This pretty 24 days of stationery option from 

Martha Brook is every stationery lover’s dream. 

The packaging is 100% recyclable with no 

plastics, and is designed to be reusable – and it’s 

personalisable too! The main box’s lid and three 

of the daily items feature your name and initials, 

which are entered online when ordering. 

Price: £95 

What’s included: 24 foil embossed boxes, each 

containing a unique piece of stationery. 

Find at: marthabrook.com 

If you want a change from all the chocolate but would 

still like a sugary treat, try SugarSin’s offering. The box 

itself is inspired by their very sweet Covent Garden 

shop and inside it’s filled with 24 draws of fabulous 

luxury sweets. You can get it pre-filled or you can 

personalise it by picking out all your favourite sweets to 

add in yourself so you never have a disappointing day! 

Price: From £30 (pre-filled) 

What’s included: 24 drawers of scrumptious sweeties 

Find it at: sugarsin.co.uk 

Artisan Chocolatier Creative 

Chocoart’s advent is filled with 

inventive flavours for those 

looking to try something new 

and support a small British 

business. The cut off for 

ordering this one is Friday 

18th November so don’t leave 

it till too late! 

Price: £24 

What’s included: 24 colourful 

artisan chocolates 

Find at: creativechocoart.com 


Joytothe 

World 

This year’s biggest Christmas homeware trend? Make your decorations more planet friendly! 

A festive dinner table wouldn’t be complete 

without Christmas crackers, but they are 

often filled with lots of plastic and the shiny 

or glittery ones aren’t recyclable. Lots of 

eco-friendly alternatives are now popping 

up – this trendy pink one from 2 Green 

Monkeys comes in all sorts of colours, can 

be personalised with gold embroidery and 

doubles as a re-usable napkin. They come 

empty so get your creative hat on to add your 

own jokes, gifts, fun facts or whatever else 

you may wish to include for a fun personal 

approach to the tradition! £60 for a set of 5. 

2greenmonkeys.co.uk 

Decorations from Fred & Robin are all 

made from FSC accredited wood, which 

would otherwise be destroyed. Plus for 

each item purchased through their website, 

a tree is planted in one of a number of 

reforestation projects! This sweet elf door 

is personalisable and can really spark little 

ones’ imaginations with some festive magic. 

You can also find them at our Midwinter 

Fair this month from 17 -19 November! 

£17 at fredandrobin.com 

Why not have some fun with the whole 

family making your own decorations? 

MakeBox has a craft kit to create seven 

air-dry clay houses which can be a lovely 

festive family activity and will leave you 

with a few priceless decorations that you 

can treasure for years to come without 

any naughty-list materials in sight. £24.99 

makebox.co 

Christmas cards are an easy place where a 

lot of us could make our Christmas more 

eco friendly. Start by sending out cards on 

recycled and/or recyclable options – this 

modern design is made in England by Osity 

with 100% recycled card stock. Then start 

looking at the ones you’re sent too; many can 

be recycled as gift labels, tree decorations or 

even festive wall art! £3.50 osity.co.uk 

If you’re thinking of sprucing up 

your tree with some new decs, 

consider paper baubles. This one from 

Cielshop is handcrafted, comes in a 

selection of earthy colours and could 

be used in lots of ways aside from on 

your tree; hang from the ceiling, add 

to a window, or pop a few in a glass 

for a stylish mantel accessory! Plus 

each paper lantern or glass bauble you 

buy plants a tree! cielshopinteriors.com 

Making your own wrapping paper 

and gift tags is wonderfully personal 

and great for the environment. Skull 

and Cross Buns is a small British 

company that has loads of options 

of handmade rubber stamps that 

will make the job easy – all you 

need is a stamp or two, some ink 

and a bit of good old brown parcel 

paper! £14 skullandcrossbuns.com 

Wooden gift tags are a great way 

to make your gift wrap a bit more 

reusable. A selection labelled with the 

names of immediate family can be 

used year after year while adding some 

rustic luxury style to your gifts. When 

all the presents have been opened 

they can even be used as a bauble to 

hang on the Christmas tree or added 

to place settings around the table. £4 

each sundaysdaughter.com 

Decorated with traditional Japanese 

patterns, these furoshiki style 

wrapping cloths can be tied and 

folded to wrap up your gifts with 

no need for scissors, Sellotape or 

ribbon, and once your recipient 

has unwrapped it they can reuse 

it themselves – a brilliant way to 

spread the eco-friendly bug! £5.50 

for two nishuraeast.com 

Supplement cover: istockphoto.com/ ellemarien Border: istockphoto.com/Muenz Background: istockphoto.com/voskrestock 


26

W i n t e r 

W iin tteerr 

AT BALFOUR WINERY 

Join Join us us this this winter winter as as we we welcome you you to to take take a long a long walk walk on on our 

our 

beautiful 400-acre Estate Estate - don't - don't forget forget to to bring bring wellies! Then, Then, warm 

warm 

up up in in our our tasting tasting room, room, The The View, View, where where you you can can enjoy enjoy a delicious a Kentish baked baked Camembert platter platter with with a glass a glass of of Balfour Wine. 

Wine. 

WHAT'S ON 

ON 

Coming up up at at Balfour Winery Winery this this 

winter: winter: 

Dining Dining Club Club Music Music Sessions - - 

various Saturdays throughout 

October to to December 

Murder Murder Mystery - 22nd - 22nd Oct Oct 

Cocktail Evening - 5th - 5th Nov Nov 

Winemakers' Dinner Dinner - 11th - 11th Nov Nov 

And And so so much much more! more! 

Visit Visit www.balfourwinery.com for for more more 

information and and details details on on upcoming 

events. 

CHRISTMAS 

SHOPPING EVENING 

From From 24th 24th November, visit visit our our shop shop 

full full of of Christmas offers offers including: 

25% 25% off off selected cases cases of of Balfour 

Wine Wine 

Christmas Hampers, filled filled with with an an 

impressive collection of of gifts gifts 

including Balfour Wine Wine 

Gift Gift ideas ideas including our our bespoke 

candles, tour tour experience vouchers 

and and beautiful gift gift boxes boxes 

Our Our fabulous wine wine club club 

memberships 

Open Open daily daily from from 10am 10am | | 01622 | 01622 832794 

832794 

Balfour Balfour Winery, Winery, Five Five Oak Oak Lane, Lane, Staplehurst, Kent, Kent, TN12 TN12 0HT 

0HT

NO.3 SHOP VINYLS — WINDOW VINYL 02 

VINYL ARTWORK @ 100% SCALE 

• COLOUR: TBD 

377mm 

130mm 

WINDOW PLACEMENT 

SCALE 1:10 

GLAZING DIMS (RIGHT PANE) 

W 870 x H 1620mm 

246.5mm 

732.5mm 

WOMENSWEAR/ 

HOMEWARE/ 

GIFTING 

3 HIGH STREET, LENHAM, ME17 2QD 

01622 859 844/ NO.3__SHOP/NO3LENHAM.CO.UK 

No3-WT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 09:10 

OMEGA 

14 GRAND PARADE • ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA • TN37 6DN 

CONTEMPORARY MOB: 07950 011611 VINTAGE • TEL: 01424 FUSION 552237 

EMAIL: TESSAROKZ@YAHOO.CO.UK 

14 GRAND PARADE • ST LEONARDS-ON-SEA • TN37 6DN 

MOB 07950 011611 • TEL 01424 552237 

EMAIL TESSAROKZ@YAHOO.CO.UK 

OMEGASTUDIOUK OMEGASTUDIOSTLEONARDS 

OMEGASTUDIOUK OMEGASTUDIOSTLEONARDS 

ZEPPELIN, BAUHAUS, IRON ANNIE & DANISH DESIGN WATCHES IN STOCK 

dressing undeniable beauty 

35 High St, Cranbrook 

www.odyl.co.uk 

01580 714907 


78 

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Reach for 

the stars 


From left to right: Bubblegum gold necklace in 22 carat gold plated sterling silver with amethyst and rose 

quartz £150; Sunburst Amulet T-bar necklace in 22 carat gold plated sterling silver with garnets (you can 

choose up to 4 different birthstones to personalise this necklace) £275; Baguette edged North Star necklace in 

22 carat gold plated sterling silver with white topaz £390 – Rachel Jackson racheljacksonlondon.com

Bring some of your 

personality to your wardrobe 

with a personally tailored 

suit or jacket with a choice 

of fabrics, linings and trims. 

Complement your look 

with our stylish footwear. 

48 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS | 01732 902019 | www.suitsshoessir.com 

CountyClothesWT246.indd 1 29/09/2022 11:37 

County Clothes Menswear 

Autumn Winter collection 

now in stores 

New store opening in Tunbridge Wells this December 

www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk 


80 

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Star pearl tiara 

£60 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 

Zodiac lapis 

lazuli necklace 

£79 Latelita 

latelita.com 

Sparkle boots 

£59 M&S 

marksandspencer.com 

Ottima lapis 

slice ring £145 

Astley Clarke 

astleyclarke.com 

Nova star studded handbag 

Celestial dome ring £225 Luna Charles 

£65 Scream Pretty lunacharles.co.uk 

screampretty.com 

Lace & Beads Safa 

star print maxi dress 

£81 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 

Tranquil Journey 

hoops £72 ChloBo 

chlobo.co.uk 

Precious Moon 

necklace €470 

Perle de Lune 

perledelune.com 

ASky 

full of 

Silver star studs 

£24 Flutterby 

flutterbyonline.co.uk 

Stars 

Velvet 

blazer £70 

River Island 

riverisland.com 

Moon and star clutch 

£55 Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 

Petite star burst 

drop earrings £59 

Latelita latelita.com 

Be inspired by the night 

skies to add some celestial 

glamour to your wardrobe 

Serena Star planet 

drop earrings £59 

Luna Charles 

lunacharles.co.uk 

Gold starlight 

earrings £31 

One & Eight 

oneandeight.co.uk 

Astronaut pendant 

£29.95 Little Moose 

littlemoose.co.uk 

Sequin 

jumpsuit £125 

Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 

Lorelei rainbow 

stars dress £69 

Sugarhill Brighton 

sugarhillbrighton.com 

Holly velvet star 

wrap dress £159 

Phase Eight 

phase-eight.com 

Star studs 

£39 ChloBo 

chlobo.co.uk 

Odisha boots £160 

Dune dunelondon.com 

istockphoto.com/ lavendertime 

Heart compass ring 

£70 Scream Pretty 

screampretty.com 

Starry sky alphabet everyday 

pouch £35 Elizabeth Scarlett 

elizabethscarlett.com 

Sequin drawstring bag £35 

Accessorize accessorize.com 


Don’t miss our December issue 

Christmas 

Supplement 

To help you plan a day to truly look forward to 

with decoration, gifting, food and drink 

ideas to thrill the whole family 

priceless-magazines.com

A pop up fine dining experience at The Bell ~ For a limited time only 

“An incredible feast served with infectious enthusiasm and excitement.” 

BellinTicehurstWT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 10:35 

FESTIVITIES AT 

THE RUNNYMEDE 

ON THAMES 

THE RUNNYMEDE 

ON THAMES 

From a relaxing Festive Break to get you into 

the spirit to a two night Christmas Getaway 

for the whole family, escape to our riverside 

bolthole and revel in all things yuletide! This 

year, we also have an adults-only New Year’s 

Getaway with entertainment from highenergy 

show-band, Royal Beats, so prepare 

to ‘get glam’ to see in the New Year in style. 

Those visiting for the day can expect 

foodie feasts aplenty. At Leftbank, our 

iconic buffet will feature tasty seasonal 

dishes and on Sundays, we will be hosting 

a Bottomless Fizz Feast. Over at The Lock, 

our classic afternoon tea will be given a 

festive makeover to mark the occasion. For 

just £32 per person, our Festive Afternoon 

Tea promises seasonal sandwiches, cakes and 

pastries as well as a glass of Champagne! 

WINDSOR ROAD, EGHAM, SURREY, TW20 0AG | 01784 220600 | WWW.RUNNYMEDEHOTEL.COM/CHRISTMAS-2022/ 


RunnymedeOnThamesHotel&SpaWT246.indd 1 24/10/2022 11:16


84

Sugar 

& Spice 

Baker Marie Briley has spent the last few years getting 

creative with traybakes and cakes in her kitchen in 

Staplehurst. She’s now turned her passion for sweet 

treats into a thriving business – Bakes by Briley – 

appearing at local markets and experimenting with 

lashings of flavour combinations to satisfy her evergrowing 

client base. Here she indulges us with some 

of her moreish and fun creations, perfect to make 

together as a family in the run-up to Christmas. 

Find out about Marie’s bespoke creations on Instagram 

@bakesbybriley_ and her website bakesbybriley.com 


Gingerbread 

Prep time: 15 minutes, 

plus 1 hour to chill 

Cooking time: 8-10 minutes 

Makes 25 servings 

(depending on size) 

• 110g unsalted butter 

• 90g brown sugar 

• 180g golden syrup 

• 340g plain flour 

• ¾ tsp bicarbonate soda 

• 1½ tsp ground ginger 

• 1 tsp cinnamon 

• 1 tsp mixed spice 

1. Melt the butter, sugar and 

golden syrup on a low heat in 

a saucepan until combined. 

Allow to cool slightly. 

2. While the melted mixture 

cools, sift the flour, bicarb and 

spices into a bowl and mix. 

3. Pour the liquid mixture 

into the combined dry 

ingredients and combine 

until a dough is formed. 

4. You will then need a sheet 

of cling film to wrap the 

dough up. Chill your dough 

in the fridge for at least 1 hour. 

5. Once chilling time is up, 

preheat a fan oven to 160°C 

and line a couple of baking 

tray with greaseproof paper. 

6. Prepare a clean surface. 

Sprinkle a little plain flour 

onto the surface to prevent 

your dough from sticking. 

Remove your dough from the 

fridge and, using a rolling pin, 

roll to around ½cm thick. 

7. Take a cookie cutter of 

your desired shape and cut the 

dough into shapes. Place your 

dough shapes onto the lined 

baking trays and bake for 8-10 

minutes depending on the size 

of your gingerbread. Re-roll 

any left-over dough and repeat. 

8. Once cooked, leave your 

gingerbread to cool on a 

wire rack before decorating 

or enjoy as it is. 

 


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BottleOfHastingsWT246.indd 1 11/10/2022 ViewHotelWT246.indd 11:15 

1 04/10/2022 11:48 

Garden Café 

At Planters Farm Shop - North of Hurst Green, 

on A21 - TN19 7QS - plantersa21.com 

Make this Festive Season a special one 

with our Fabulous Christmas Menu. 

Christmas menu 2022 

Available from 1st December to 23rd December. 

Starters 

Cream of sweetcorn chowder served with toasted corn and feta loaf. 

Classic prawn cocktail with smoked salmon Marie Rose sauce. 

Tempura halloumi and avocado presented with 

a salad garnish and spiced mayonnaise. 

Italian garlic mushrooms on toasted sourdough 

and topped with chilli cheese. 

Main dishes 

Stuffed supreme of chicken with a chestnut stuffing, 

wrapped in bacon and served with a rich red wine sauce. 

Cauliflower, onion and cheese flan served with a winter salad. 

Beef and winter vegetables stew cooked in Sussex 

Ale and crowned with herb dumplings. 

Smoked haddock cake with wilted spinach and 

potatoes, topped with a poached egg. 

Desserts 

Christmas plum pudding with brandy sauce. 

Profiteroles filled with Chantilly cream and 

served with chocolate sauce. 

Biscoff cheesecake on a ginger crumb served with a caramel sauce. 

Warm mincemeat Bakewell tart and cream. 

2 course £20.50 3 course £24.95 

Open 10am - 4pm 7 days a week. Tel: 01580 860959 / 0789 406 4327 Email: spicercatering@gmail.com 


86 

SpicerCateringWT246.indd 1 12/10/2022 09:45

Marble 

plate, £120, 

Kagu kagu-shop.co.uk; 

Linwood Neo velvet 

in Melon, £77.90/m, 

Bell House Fabrics 

bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

TopTips: I love my gingerbread 

soft and chewy in the middle, but 

if you’d like a crunchy gingerbread 

wait for them to turn golden 

before removing from the oven. 

Dough can be frozen for up to 2 

months. You will need to thaw 

the dough before rolling. 

Once cooled, store your gingerbread 

in an airtight container at room 

temperature for 3-4 weeks. 

To make your gingerbread 

vegan, replace dairy butter 

with vegan butter.

Mint Aero Rocky Road 

Prep time: 10 minutes 

plus 2 hours to chill 

Cooking time: 10 minutes 

Servings: Up to 25 (depending on size) 

• 450g milk chocolate 

• 125g golden syrup 

• 125g Stork 

• 200g digestives 

• 100g mini marshmallows 

• 300g Mint Aero, crushed 

• 70g white chocolate 

• green food colouring 

• extra Mint Aero, to decorate 

3. Once melted and combined, leave 

the chocolate mix to cool a little. While 

it cools, roughly crush the biscuits into 

small and medium chunks. Add the 

biscuits into a large bowl along with the 

mini marshmallows and crushed Aero. 

4. Pour the chocolate mixture into 

the dry ingredients and quickly fold 

together. Once combined, pour the 

mixture into the prepared 

tin and evenly spread. 

Refrigerate until set. 

1. Line a 9 × 9 inch square tin with 

parchment paper and set aside for later. 

2. In a non-stick saucepan, over 

a low heat, melt together the 

chocolate, golden syrup 

and Stork – or use the 

microwave on low, in 

short bursts until 

fully melted – stir 

until smooth. 

Large 

glass fish 

platter, £45, 

wallpaper, from a 

selection, Kagu 

kagu-shop.co.uk 

5. Melt the white chocolate in short 20 second 

bursts in the microwave until melted. 

6. Add a dash of green food colouring 

to the melted white chocolate to make 

a ‘minty’ colour and drizzle it all over 

the set Rocky Road. (Supermarket 

colouring doesn’t work – see page 90). 

7. Crush the spare Mint Aero pieces and 

sprinkle over the melted chocolate. 

8. Pop the traybake back into the fridge again 

until set, before chopping into the desired size. 

Top Tips: I chop my rocky road into either 

16 larger pieces, or 25 smaller pieces. This 

traybake will store in the fridge for up to 

two weeks in an airtight container. 


88

CHRISTMAS MENU 

Christmas at 

Trinity of Battle 

Presenting our Christmas, all hand-made, Chef ’s Specials 

board. Available from 1st December 2022 to lunch time of 

Christmas Eve (Wednesday - Saturday, 12 noon - 9pm). 


CHRISTMAS STARTERS 

In house smoked camembert. Spiced apple 

chutney, roasted walnuts. Breadsticks - £7.50 

Carrot & butternut squash spiced soup. 

Croutons & crispy sage leaf - £6.50 

Truffled porcini & chicken liver pate. Madeira 

jelly, toasted sourdough & cornichons £7.95 

Coquilles St Jacque. Rye bay scallops in a cream sauce, 

duchess potatoes, melted Gruyère cheese - £9.00 

Roasted figs with parma ham. Capricorn goats 

cheese, rocket & balsamic glaze - £7.25 


KentTurkeysGroupWT246.indd 1 27/09/2022 11:43 

SATURDAY 

NOV 19TH 

10AM-5PM 

CHRISTMAS 

SHOPPING 

EVENT 

Christmas 

SHOP LOCAL. SUPPORT LOCAL. LEAVE WITH A SMILE. 

Turkeys, Christmas Hams & More. 

Seasonal Fruit & Vegetables. 

Cheese & Charcuterie. 

Fresh & Smoked Fish. Hampers & Foodie Gifts. 

Trees, Wreaths & Flowers. Party Nibbles. 

English Wines, Craft Beers & Spirits. 

Puddings, Cakes, Mince Pies, & Panettone. 

Free From Alternatives. 

Hard to find ingredients & all the essentials. 

CHRISTMAS ORDERS NOW BEING 

TAKEN IN-STORE & ONLINE. 

OPENING TIMES: MON/TUE/WED 8-5.30 

THU/FRI/SAT 8-6 SUN 10-4 

A21, HURST GREEN, EAST SUSSEX, TN19 7QP 

www.eggstoapples.co.uk | hello@eggstoapples.co.uk | 01580 860566 

CHRISTMAS MAIN COURSE 

Traditional Trinity Christmas dinner. Choose from slow 

roasted, free range, turkey crown or belly pork. Served 

with chestnut stuffing, Cumberland pigs in blankets, 

honey roasted parsnips, pancetta sprouts, duck fat 

roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding & rich gravy. 

Trinity nut roast also available with vegetarian 

alternatives for the trimmings - £17.50 

Salmon & spinach en croûte. Parmentier potatoes, charred 

tender-stem broccoli, lemon, garlic cream - £15.95 

Game pie. Slow stewed venison, pheasant, partridge & rabbit, 

in a puff pastry case, with buttered chantenay carrots - £16.50 

Chestnut & brioche portabello mushroom. Root 

vegetable mash & rocket garnish - £13.95 


HANDMADE DESSERTS - ALL AT £7.95 

Brandy brioche bread and butter pudding with custard. 

Dark chocolate & clementine mousse 

with spiced brandy snap cigars. 

Fig and marsala trifle with toasted Italian meringue. 

Vegan chocolate, orange & sea salt brownie. 

Vegan chocolate ice cream & sauce. 

Trinity cheeseboard. A selection of 3 British cheeses, 

with celery, apple sticks, winter chutney frosted 

grapes, digestives and crackers - £11.50 

For bookings of 6 plus persons we require a £lOpp deposit and 


for bookings of 10 or more a pre-order is required (Groups of 

less than 6 people need not book - but are advised to do so). 

The Chapel, 55 High Street, Battle, 

East Sussex, TN33 0EN 

01424 772357 

www.trinityofbattle.co.uk 

Invited! 

You’re 


EggstoApplesWT246.indd 1 19/10/2022 TrinityOfBattle-TheChapelWT246.indd 10:37 

1 30/09/2022 11:41

Champagne 

saucers, £40 a pair, 

Kagu kagu-shop.co.uk; 

Linwood Kami velvet 

in Chilli, £77.90/m, 

Bell House Fabrics 

bellhousefabrics. 

co.uk 

Chocolate Orange Fudge 

Prep time: 10 minutes, 

plus chilling and setting time 

Cooking time: 10 minutes 

Makes 36 servings (depending on size) 

• 397g condensed milk (one tin) 

• 130g icing sugar 

• 500g Chocolate Orange (I use Terry’s) 

• 80g white chocolate 

• orange food colouring 

• Terry’s Chocolate Orange 

mini segments pouch 

• Christmas sprinkles 

1. Line a 9 x 9 inch tin 

with parchment paper. 

2. Sift the icing sugar into a bowl. 

3. In a deep, heavy based pan 

add in the condensed milk and 

chocolate orange. Heat together 

on a low heat and constantly stir 

until well mixed together. 

4. Next add in the sifted icing sugar 

and beat until fully combined. Once 

smooth, pour the mixture into the 

prepared tin. Place into the fridge 

for roughly an hour to set slightly. 

5. When set, melt the white chocolate 

in short 20 second bursts in the 

microwave, and mix with a dash of 

orange food colouring. Drizzle the 

orange chocolate over the fudge, and 

decorate as desired with the chocolate 

orange segments and sprinkles, 

then place back in the fridge. 

6. The fudge should take roughly 

3-4 hours to set, but I like to leave 

it overnight. Once set, remove 

from the tin and slice as desired. 

Top Tips: For the food colouring 

I recommend using a good quality 

brand such as Sugarflair, rather than 

supermarket-bought. I recommend storing 

fudge in the fridge and it will last for up 

to 2-3 weeks in an airtight container. I 

like to slice mine into 6 x 6cm pieces.

THE PEPPERBOX INN 

WINDMILL HILL, HARRIETSHAM, MAIDSTONE ME17 1LP 

Opening Hours: Closed Mondays (except Bank Holidays) 

Tues- Sat 11.30-3pm (food 12-2.15pm) 

6pm-11pm (food 6pm-9pm) 

Sun 12pm-5pm (food 12pm-3pm) 

MERRY & BRIGHT 

Come celebrate the festive season with us, with open log 

fires and twinkling lights amongst the oak beams, there is 

nothing quite like Christmas at the Pepperbox Inn. 

STARTERS 

Spiced pumpkin soup, toasted seeds & crème fraiche 

Potted salmon, cucumber relish & blinis 

Pressed ham hock terrine, sauce gribiche, toast 

Baked camembert, toasted hazelnuts & grapes, crostini 

MAIN COURSES 

Traditional roast turkey, stuffing, duck fat roast potatoes & gravy 

Slow cooked beef feather blade, red wine sauce, colcannon mash, parsnip crisps 

Pan fried pheasant breast, Drambuie, mushroom & chervil cream sauce, potato terrine 

Pan fried seabass, buttered leeks, prawn bisque & risotto cake 

Roast squash & chestnut nut roast, Madeira gravy, roast potatoes 

DESSERTS 

Christmas pudding & brandy sauce 

Passionfruit & lime tart, coconut ice cream 

Chocolate delice, honeycomb, popcorn ice cream 

Warm clementine & almond cake, orange syrup, cream 

Cheeseboard, biscuits, plum chutney (£2 supplement) 

01622842558 

Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, Maidstone ME17 1LP 

www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk 

Pricing per head 

Lunch Tuesday to Saturday 

Dinner Tuesday to Thursday 

3 course £30.00 

2 course £23.00 

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 

Dinner Friday & Saturday 

3 course £32.50 

Menu available 

1st to 24th December, excludes Sundays 

A non-refundable deposit of £10 per head is required to secure all bookings. A discretional 

10% service charge is added to parties of 8 or more. Bookings should be provisionally made 

via telephone and confirmed with a deposit (within 7 days) & completed order form. 

PepperboxInnWT246.indd 1 11/10/2022 10:53 

N E W H E A D B U T C HE R 

Buy delicious grass fed meat. Reared to 

the highest welfare and nutritional standards. 

Shop online or in-store at the farm. 

Taking Christmas Orders. 

Paley Lane, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 2LX 

01580 891046 

paleyfarm.co.uk 


PaleyFarmLtdWT246.indd 1 18/10/2022 10:44

Christmas celebrations at Acre 

Celebrate Christmas at The Small Holding, 

The Curlew and Birchwood, part of the 

Acre Group, an award-winning collection 

of restaurants in Kent and East Sussex, led 

by chef owner Will Devlin. 

Book now for festive menus and 

private parties. 

Seasonal, sustainable, local. 

Reservations 

Scan this code 

theacregroup.co.uk 

@_the_acre_group_

Join us for a decadent wine lunch at Gusbourne Estate in 

Appledore, Kent. Available throughout the autumn and winter, 

enjoy a relaxed, seasonal three-course meal perfectly paired 

with a generous selection of award-winning Gusbourne wines. 

GUSBOURNE.COM/TOURS

KentHearingWT246 1 21/10/2022 12:31 

New 

patients 

welcome * 

Who makes you smile? 

DUK08928 | July22 

Everyone’s welcome at Bupa Dental Care Cranbrook - 

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DUK08926-8_BDC_Cranbrook_New_Patient_Ads_July22.indd 3 12/07/2022 08:21 

BupaUkWT246.indd 1 26/09/2022 15:05 

94

There’s a little extra gift-withpurchase 

when you give 

someone a beauty (or grooming) 

gift, I always think. Because what 

you’re really saying is: ‘Take a little 

time for yourself. And for once, put 

yourself at the top of the priority 

list.’ A treat to be enjoyed behind a 

locked bathroom door, a new makeup 

indulgence, some aromatherapy 

goodies: they’re all about self-care, at 

the end of the day. Looking after No.1, 

rather than just kids, partners, friends, 

aged parents, the dog, the laundry, the 

compost heap; all the responsibilities 

any of us have to juggle (and sometimes 

in the space of a single day). 

Well, turns out this is a bumper year 

for beauty gifting. As ever, the following 

recommendations are all going to be 

things I’d love to receive myself, because 

at the end of the day, don’t you know, 

I’m a pro. As a beauty editor, I’ve seen 

countless coffrets, kits and special 

editions unveiled over turkey vol-auvents 

and mince pies on sweltering 

July days, and – beyond that – I also 

consider myself a world-class gift giver, 

regarding present-choosing as akin to 

an advanced form of psychology. So, 

let me tell you: I’d be happy with ANY 

of the gifts that are coming up below. 

And if the budget’s not quite right? 

My best advice is to look at the 

other gifts in their ranges, which are 

almost certainly equally fool proof; 

most brands have taken on the fact 

that money’s tight, for so many, 

and are offering more accessibly 

priced gift ideas than ever before. 

But the bottom line is that some 

brands just nail it, on the gifting 

front. And these are they… 

Heathcote & Ivory Velvety Soft 

Handbag Essentials, £14. H&I have 

brilliant gifts at every price-point, 

starting at just six quid, but I could 

stroke all day this velvet zip-up bag, 

featuring two seriously silkifying hand 

creams, in 2022’s Christmas Magic, 

Myth, Marvel collection, which is 

gorgeously fragranced with lavender, 

eucalyptus, sandalwood and lily of 

the valley. (Happenstance I will be 

treating myself to the Scented 

Drawer Liners, £10, because I 

am a scented drawer liner sort 

of a person, and good ones 

are seriously hard to find.) 

Bobbi Brown Mini 

Crushed Lip Trio 

– Effortless Nude, 

£29.50. A limitededition 

lip set 

showcasing Crushed 

Oil-Infused Gloss, 

bold-finish Crushed 

Liquid Lip and more 

matte Crushed Lip 

Color, offering a more 

blotted-down effect, 

The beauty of 

a great gift 

x 

Josephine Fairley shops the ultimate beauty gifts for all budgets 

in a mid-nude shade that literally 

flatters every complexion, so you can’t 

go wrong. There are skincare sets, 

elsewhere in the collection, and some 

glow-y palettes that will give Charlotte 

Tilbury a run for her money, this year. 

Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk On The 

Go Kit, £42. So, if we’re talking about 

Charlotte, she always aces Christmas 

in a totally glam way. The Pillow Talk 

line-up – a bestseller because again, it 

works with every skintone – features 

a full-size Eyes to Mesmerise sparkly 

eye treat, with a rose gold sparkle, plus 

travel sizes of berry-brown Pillow Talk 

Eyeliner, Matte Revolution lipstick 

and Lip Cheat lip-liner (a multi- 

Beauty Bible Award-winning product, 

FYI). Skincare sets are a bit more of a 

splurge, but always go down a storm. 

Molton Brown Festive Baubles, £12- 

14 for 75ml. With these globes – which 

can be dangled from a Christmas tree, 

or their outer boxes neatly wrapped, 

and placed beneath it – you’re basically 

giving someone the gift of a few 

heavenly, peaceful baths. Great for 

a harried mother, accompanied by a 

promise to babysit while she lies back in 

waters, which might be fragranced with 

Rhubarb & Rose, Fiery Pink Pepper, 

Re-charge Black Pepper... Again, the 

tip of the iceberg, however, as far as 

Molton Brown’s goodies are concerned 

– so, so much to choose from. 


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96 

WilsonWilsonHancockWT235.indd 1 12/11/2021 17:03

SITUATION VACANT 

Jasmine Homecare Services 

Caring for people in their homes 

We are a long established care company providing care 

in Cranbrook, Maidstone and surrounding areas. 

We have celebrated our 10 year anniversary in December 2021. 

Due to continuous expansion of our clientele we are looking to recruit 

suitable people to join our fabulous team of carers. If you are caring, 

enthusiastic and a good time keeper we would like to hear from you. Clear 

DBS and excellent references required. Non-drivers welcome to apply. 

In return for high quality work we pay very competitive hourly rates, 

£13.00 per hour, hours to suit you, anything from 10 hours per week to 

full time hours. If working on your day off there is a £30 per day bonus. 

Our full time carers are paid in between £500 to £800 per week. 

We appreciate you working time away from home, that is why our 

care staff are paid from the first to their last call on their rota (not per 

call as most companies pay but full payment as mentioned above). 

We are facilitating further education in Health and Social Care 

(NVQ2- NVQ5). We are an equal opportunities employer. 

• Pension scheme & annual leave paid • Transport provided 

for non drivers • Mileage & Travel Time paid for 

drivers • Loyalty incentives • Full training given 

Call 01580 713533 or email team.jasminecare@gmail.com 

L’Occitane Men’s Shower Gel Quattro, £22.50. L’Occitane 

are another go-to brand for me, come Christmas – the 

packaging’s always beautiful, the sets are great value and, 

in my experience, invariably received gratefully. They also 

cater to men very well, here with four classic masculine 

fragrances in skin-friendly shower gel format; you could 

always bump the value up by saying you’ll buy the full 

size of his favourite, from Cap Cedrat, Eau de Cedrat, 

L’Occitan and Eau des Beaux fragrances. There’s an 

equivalent set for women, with other gifts starting at £12 

– and going right up to the one that would definitely top 

my ‘Dear Santa’ list, the Immortelle Divine Trilogy Gift 

Set, priced £165 – but worth £217. (Have I been good 

enough? Just a few weeks to wait before I find out…) 

JasmineHomecareWT246.indd 1 19/10/2022 10:48 

Hair 

Concept 

salon 

This Works Space to Dream, £50. Is there honestly a 

nicer present than wishing someone a marvellous night’s 

sleep? I know so many people (including menopausal 

women) for whom Deep Sleep is akin to knockout 

drops, here in a Pillow Spray, Bath Soak, Sleep Balm 

and Stress Check Roll-On, all gorgeously boxed. (This 

Works’ Christmas offerings start at just £6 for a little 

tree decoration of hand cream. Can’t argue with that.) 

Floral Street Mini Candle Discovery Set, £20. 

Floral Street create fab fragrances for people and for 

homes, at not-at-all-silly prices, and this is just a 

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IDD Therapy has changed Paul’s life 

Paul even completed the 

punishing Tough Mudder 

obstacle race, finishing 60th 

out of 260 competitors. 

Non-invasive treatment solves 

Paul’s back pain agony 


Paul Bowman has always lived an 

active life. A regular in his local 

gym, he runs his own construction 

business, and loves the physical 

side of the job. “Occasional aches 

and pains go with the territory,” 

Paul explains, “but gradually as I 

got older, low back pain started to 

become a real problem, and about 

three years ago I was referred 

for an MRI scan on my back.” 

The scan revealed two compressed 

and bulging discs in Paul’s lower 

spine. “Back then, I was just 

about managing,” says Paul. “My 

back ached quite a lot, and I was 

losing some of my mobility.” 

Things steadily got worse, and 

Paul started to suffer from sciatica 

radiating down his legs. Another 

scan revealed a nodule in his spine, 

pressing against a spinal nerve root. 

“The sciatica was shooting down 

both legs. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t 

sleep, I could hardly work. The pain 

was unbearable, and a consultant 

advised surgery on my spine, 

which can be risky of course.” 

Paul decided to take matters into 

his own hands, and discovered 

IDD Therapy, a targeted spinal 

disc treatment, which was being 

offered at Wealden Osteopaths 

& Spine Centre in Goudhurst. 

“I made an appointment with 

James Pickering, the Clinical 

Director. He examined me, and 

recommended 20 sessions of 

gentle treatment on the IDD 

machine. James explained that this 

would gradually decompress the 

bulging discs, and take pressure 

off the nerve root, which was 

causing my terrible sciatica.” 

Because of the severe nature of 

his pain, Paul knew that he needed 

a series of treatments, but actually 

started to feel considerable 

relief after the first four. Within 

a couple of weeks, he was even 

back in the gym, swimming and 

walking for pleasure again. 

“I walked all the way 

around Herm island in a 

single afternoon. There 

was once a time when 

the sciatica was so 

intense it made me fall 

over. Not any more.” 

“Today, I feel fine and I’m near 

enough pain-free. Best of all, I can 

walk long distances again and 

things just keep getting better.” 

“A few months after my course 

of IDD Therapy, my partner and 

I went on holiday to the Channel 

Islands, and I walked all the way 

around Herm island in a single 

afternoon. There was once a time 

when the sciatica was so intense it 

made me fall over. Not any more.” 

“I no longer need the surgery, and 

I’ve avoided all the after-effects 

of that. I would recommend 

this treatment to anyone.” 

James Pickering is delighted with 

Paul’s progress. “We see so many 

patients like Paul, who’ve been 

taking painkillers long term, and 

struggling with other forms of 

treatment, such as physiotherapy. 

People often feel like they’ve 

run out of options, but we offer 

a non-invasive solution that’s 

safe, gentle and effective.” 

“IDD Therapy is an invaluable 

part of our service now, and 

our first choice for long term 

back, neck and sciatic pain.” 

To find out about IDD Therapy 

and other treatments offered at 

Wealden Osteopaths & Spine 

Centre, call: 01580 212833 or visit 

www.wealdenosteopaths.co.uk

Chanel – well, anything really! From their sparkly No5 The 

Gold Body Oil, £85 for 250ml, through to Les 4 Ombres 

– Ombre de Lune eyeshadow palette, £50, with its gleaming 

shades embossed with a quintessential ‘icon’ of the Chanel 

house, via the Étoile Le Vernis, £25, a shimmering amber-y 

topcoat, the shimmer-kissed Christmas collection is pure 

fairy-tale joy. (I’ve never known a recipient’s heart not to beat 

a little faster when unwrapping a Chanel package. Fact.) 

Aromatherapy Associates Discovery Wellbeing Miniature 

Collection, £40 for 10 x 3ml. This ‘sampler’ of AA oils 

is a gift I’ve given so often, they ought to have me on 

commission. They don’t (natch) – but the reason I give this 

curation of 10 bath and shower oils is simple: it has never, 

ever failed to be a wow. Each vial is enough not only to fill a 

bath, but fill your entire house with scent (well, an averagesized 

house), and the potent oils deliver on their promises 

to beckon sleep, wake you up, clear your mind. A sure-fire 

wellness reset, though if money is no object, I’d point you 

in the direction of their £150 Moments to Treasure gift 

box, contents worth £295.50, and containing 16 of this 

amazing aromatherapy name’s wellbeing hero products. 

Residential Care Home for the 

Elderly in Headcorn, Kent 

We provide both long-term 

accommodation and short stay respite stays. 

Small friendly residential care home that can offer 

24 hour care that is provided by fully trained staff 

led by registered manager, Donna Bratton. 

All rooms are comfortable and fully furnished 

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We can also offer day care, where we have a bathing service 

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YewTreeCareHome240.indd 1 21/04/2022 10:23 

But just do remember to buy something for 

yourself, too, won’t you? Remember what I said 

about looking after No.1, for a change…? 

See beautybible.com for more of Jo’s tried 

and tested beauty reviews. 

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100 

job-poster- 185MM X 130MM.indd 1 25/10/2022 12:25

Wellbeing 

Soothing 

sounds 

Sarah Maxwell melts away feelings of stress 

with the help of a healing gong bath 

istockphoto.com/ microgen 

If anyone had told me that I was about to have the most 

relaxing experience and the BEST sleep I’ve had in my 

entire life, I would have been sceptical to say the least. 

The ancient art of sound healing has been used by 

shamans, healers, and yoga practitioners for centuries. 

The healing works on the principles of energy and 

vibration and has successfully transferred online 

as well as in person, to reach many people who 

would have been unable to experience the positive 

effects of such an ancient method of healing. 

Sound baths (also known as gong baths) are highly 

rejuvenating for the body and bring about an overall sense 

of relaxation which can reduce stress, this is due to the 

high-frequency of the sounds. A sound ‘bath’ can assist with 

helping the body to develop a better ability to cope with 

stress and help move emotional blockages from trauma. 

It can enable you to regain focus in your life by lowering 

brain-wave frequency – this has real benefits in the day 

to day but also with performance (athletic or at work!). 

Regular sound bathing is reported to lower 

blood pressure and improve cognitive skills, it can 

also promote feelings of calmness and grounding 

which can greatly enhance sleep quality. 

I had been invited to a sound healing/gong bath at 

my local village hall and was told to bring a comfortable 

mat to lie on, a blanket and pillow and a bottle of 

water (making sure you hydrate before and after your 

session enhances the effect of the sound bath). 

On entering the warm, darkened and packed hall – so 

popular, they had a large waiting list – the sight of an 

incredible array of Tibetan bowls and gongs at the front 

of the room was something to behold. Our teacher 

had a calm and reassuring voice as we settled onto the 

floor for the next 90 minutes. I lay down listening to 

the sounds and feeling myself relax: I was floating on 

a cloud of calm... 90 minutes had gone in a flash! 

What exactly is a sound bath? 

A sound bath is a form of sound healing meditation, it is 

referred to as a ‘bath’ due to participants being immersed in 

the vibrations of the instruments during a session. Participants 

lay down comfortably under a blanket and the gong 

session is often preceded by breathing exercises or mantra 

chanting to relax and prepare you for the experience (this 

depends on how your teacher runs the session). 

The gongs are then gradually introduced, and the vibrations 

of the gongs are absorbed throughout the entire body. 

In addition to gongs – crystal bowls, chimes, drums 

and rattles are among many instruments that may also 

be used to create healing sounds and vibrations. 

How often should you sound bath? 

1-2 sessions a month are recommended, however if you’re 

experiencing exceptional emotional, physical or mental challenges, 

discussing a plan to fit in with you will reap the most rewards. 

How to maximise your sound bath experience... 

Wear loose comfortable clothing and remember to 

hydrate well before and after your session. You’ll need 

a padded mat or something similar to lie on, and a 

blanket and pillow are a great addition to make the 

experience as relaxing and comfortable as possible. 

No knowledge or experience is needed and from start to 

finish it’s one of the most welcoming and gently holistic 

therapies I’ve had the pleasure to experience. If you’d like 

to give it a go there are a variety of online and in-person 

sessions and practitioners available (see websites below). 

Some useful websites: 

touchedwithsound.co.uk/monthly-workshops 

heronmoon.co.uk/sound-healing 

collegeofsoundhealing.co.uk/local_groups.php 

Sarah Maxwell is a multi award-winning weight loss, lifestyle and fitness coach. Find out more about her work... 

Facebook & Instagram: @sarahmaxlife Twitter: @sarahmax100 sarahmaxwell.com 


UNITED AGAINST 

FEELING 

ALONE 

UNITED AGAINST SUICIDE 

YOU’RE NEVER ALONE 

Charity Reg No: 1110621 & Scot SC044347

Nourish to 

Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle 

Coach Charlotte Lau gives 

us the lowdown on sugar 

There are so many different types and 

classifications of sugar that it can be very 

confusing trying to figure out what it all 

means and how it affects our health. Sugar is a 

type of carbohydrate which provides the body 

with glucose to use for energy. Simple sugars are 

found naturally in dairy products, fruit and certain 

vegetables, as well as in processed products such 

as table sugar, sugar-sweetened soft drinks, cakes, 

biscuits, sweets and chocolate. Unrefined sugar 

is a term used in the wellness world to describe 

sugar that is naturally present in food, rather 

than being added as part of food manufacturing, 

for example; honey, maple syrup and coconut 

sugar. However to the body, sugar is sugar, and 

whilst it does have a place in the diet, attention 

should be paid to the quantity and source. 

Step away from… LIQUID SUGAR 

Nearly a quarter of the free sugar in our diets 

comes from sugar-sweetened beverages; fizzy 

drinks, sweetened juices, squashes and cordials. Orange juice 

is an example of a free sugar. Once the sugar it contains is 

separated from the fruits pulp, the fibre is lost. A 500ml 

serving contains 0.2g of fibre and 44g of sugar compared to 

1.8g of fibre and 12.3g of sugar if you swapped the juice for 

the whole orange. Swapping fruits juices for whole fruits and 

sugary drinks for water is a great place to start. If you drink 

sugar sweetened beverages, consider using sweeteners to help 

gradually wean yourself off adding sugar to tea and coffee. 

istockphoto.com/ Mizina / rez-art 

Learn to… FIND BALANCE 

This ‘sweet spot’ when it comes to sugar intake 

involves acknowledging that too much sugar is 

usually not a good idea for our health, but at the 

same time it is entirely normal to enjoy sweet food 

as part of a balanced diet! Sugar affects the ‘feelgood’ 

reward centre of our brain and this perhaps 

explains why sugar provides more calories in our 

diet than is advisable. As is often the case when it 

comes to nutrition, the answer lies in the balanced 

middle ground, and being aware of how much sugar 

you are consuming is a good place to start. In the 

UK we are advised to limit sugar intake to 90g per 

day and no more than 30g of that should be in the 

form of free sugars, this is roughly 7 teaspoons. 

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers 

support and advice for weight management, 

controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress and increasing 

energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com 

Give it a go… ADD PROTEIN AND FATS 

When we eat carbohydrates our body breaks them down 

into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. 

As the sugar level rises in our body, the pancreas releases a 

hormone called insulin. Insulin is needed to move sugar from 

the blood into the cells, where the sugar can be used as a 

source of energy. Flattening our glucose spikes is beneficial 

for many reasons; from maintaining a healthy weight and 

energy levels, to skin and heart health, supporting our mood 

and much more! Adding a source of protein and healthy 

fats to our carbohydrates actually reduces how quickly 

glucose is absorbed by our body and supports balanced 

blood sugars. So add some nuts to your home baked cookies, 

enjoy cream on your apple crumble, spread nut butter on 

your rice cakes or eat some almonds before your croissant! 


Duchess 

Diaries 

Jo Arnell goes behind the scenes at Belvior 

Castle to find out how Emma Manners, the 

11th Duchess of Rutland, has tranformed its 

formal gardens in line with a treasure trove 

of plans rediscovered in the castle’s archives 

Imagine plunging headlong from 

your ordinary days into the life 

of a duchess, living in a castle 

set within the idyllic landscape of a 

country park. This is the very stuff 

that fairy tales are made from, surely? 

Emma Manners, the farmer’s 

daughter who married a duke, the 

11th Duchess of Rutland, says that 

the life of a duchess is not all taffeta 

and tiaras – in fact, that couldn’t be 

further from the truth. “For the ten 

duchesses that came before me,” says 

Her Grace, “they might have spent their 

time putting on frocks and hosting 

glamorous parties, riding to hounds and 

giving orders to the gardener – I don’t.” 

Nor, according to the podcast the 

Duchess has made with her daughter, 

do many of the owners of Britain’s 

heritage houses and gardens. “We 

have travelled around Britain; taking a 

behind-the-scenes peek at the women 

who keep our great estates on the 

rails. They may have titles and their 

contribution as guardians of British 

heritage is immeasurable, but all too 

often, today and in the past as well, 

their stories have gone untold.” 

These days, it appears, inheriting a 

large country estate is not quite the 

dream ticket we might imagine. A 

fabulous, fairytale castle has a roof that 

always needs patching up, walls that 

require prevention from crumbling, 

woodwork that must be protected 


104

from pests and damp. As for the park, 

well, that is no bed of roses either – 

although roses became a large part 

of this Duchess’s life as she took on 

the formidable task of restoring her 

wonderful gardens at Belvoir Castle. 

“I was not a gardener,” admits the 

Duchess. Faced with the prospect 

of replanting the elderly rose garden 

– “I was terrified, I had no idea of 

what even a delphinium was and 

made daunting trips to places with 

my mother-in-law – to nurseries like 

Peter Beales roses and David Austin. 

“I then employed a rose gardener 

who said we needed to change the 

soil when we had to take out the old 

roses – apparently it’s well known 

that you shouldn’t grow new roses 

where old roses have been growing, 

because of the build up of disease and 

the depletion of goodness in the soil. 

So we replaced all the soil in the rose 

garden, but it turned out that the 

new soil was a horrible heavy clay.” 

Luckily help was at hand – enter 

Charles Williams, an experienced 

nurseryman with whom the Duchess 

has worked closely with over the years. 

Charles runs Burnoose Nurseries 

in Cornwall and, funnily enough, 

he is the owner of a castle too – 

Caerhays Castle, which also boasts a 

fabulous spring garden and is home 

to a national collection of glorious 

magnolia trees. Charles’s knowledge 


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and experience has been invaluable 

in the Belvoir Castle gardens. 

The conditions – sheltered and 

damp – are well suited to hardy 

exotics, so it’s almost as if a piece of 

Cornwall has been dropped into the 

Leicestershire countryside. In fact many 

of the magnolias, rhododendrons and 

camellias were sourced from the original 

seed collection of from Caerhays. 

“The gardens lie in a natural 

amphitheatre fed by springs and 

streams,” she explains, “so it is usually 

quite damp. The soil here is acidic 

and just perfect for acid-loving plants, 

and also for woodland and shade. In 

the last few years we have put in half 

a million trees, and planted around 

eight hundred thousand camellias, 

rhododendrons and azaleas.” 

Over the centuries, Belvoir’s formal 

gardens have undergone some major 

changes, with most Duchesses leaving 

their mark. Elizabeth (5th Duchess 

of Rutland) commissioned the Rev 

Sir John Thoroton to terrace the 

gardens in 1815 – and later on, Violet, 

the 8th Duchess, commissioned the 

renowned Edwardian garden designer 

Harold Peto (1854-1933) to create 

the gardens as they are laid out today. 

Peto’s plans have only recently been 

rediscovered in the Castle archives. 

In 2013 they discovered some more 

original plans for the gardens – thought 

to have been lost in a terrible fire at 

the castle in 1816. These were plans 

designed and drawn up in 1780 by 

none other than Lancelot ‘Capability’ 

Brown, the most revered and esteemed 

landscape gardener ever to roam and 

reorder the land. Capability Brown 

– so called, apparently, because he 

had a habit of surveying an area and 

suggesting that it had ‘capabilities’ 

– was famous for creating sweeping 

vistas and views, and often moving 

an existing landscape around, digging 

lakes, creating slopes and reshaping 

natural spaces into idealised versions 

that suited his vision. The Duchess 

has spent the last fifteen years putting 

in the last part of Brown’s grand plan, 

completing the vistas and views that 

he devised over 250 years ago. 

Visitors can now enjoy a series of 

walks through the grounds and the 

landscape and get a sense of the Castle’s 

original majesty – and majestic is the 

appropriate word, as the exterior of 

Belvoir Castle – of a similar design 

and built at around the same time as 

Windsor Castle – was used in series 

3 of Netflix’s The Crown. “We do 

enjoy having shoots and film sets 

here,” she says, “as it means that we 

can use the fee to do some repairs and 

get a bit more of the roof done.” 

“This is a perfect spring garden,” 

the Duchess continues – “and not 

just because it is the natural place 

topographically for woodland plants 

but also historically: the garden had 

been designed to be at its best in the 

spring,” she explains, “as the family 

would have moved from the castle at 

the end of the spring, moving on to 

spend the summer at another residence 

or they would even have gone abroad.” 

“The last Duchess planted a 

beautiful collection of heritage 


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108 

WCLandcraftWT223.indd 1 28/08/2020 10:20

Garden Perfection 

City Escapes provide domestic & commercial garden solutions 

■ 

■ 

■ 

■ 

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Regular Maintenance 

Design & Construction 

Small one off works 

Turf care management 

Problem area Solutions 

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daffodils and we have 

added to this – and as with 

everything at Belvoir Castle, 

it had to be done on a grand 

scale, using a digger.” The spring 

bulbs have been planted en masse and 

they will quickly naturalise too, spreading out in swathes 

among the shrubs and under the trees in the woodland. It 

is set to be a magnificent sight for many years to come. 

Woodland gardens need careful management. Selfsown 

saplings can overcrowd spaces, trees mature and 

die, are felled by storms and weakened by periods of 

drought. “It is an ever-changing – and occasionally 

dangerous – situation. Trees must be checked regularly, as 

they have a habit of dropping branches unexpectedly. 

“It is an ancient woodland, so there are many very 

old trees here. Charles says that you have to be ruthless. 

Sadly there’s Ash dieback in some of the trees and 

Japanese knotweed that keeps reappearing. The good 

news is that we are able to heat the castle with biomass 

wood chip from the trees that have to be cut down. We 

are also trying to plant drought-resistant trees too.” 

Read more about the Duchess of Rutland and life at Belvoir 

Castle in her new book, The Accidental Duchess (published 

by Pan Macmillan) – a memoir, which explores the history 

of the gardens at Belvoir, the Duchess’s own passion for 

gardening and the projects that she has been involved in 

instigating, and – perhaps most interesting of all – gives us 

a peek into her private world and her fascinating life story. 

Join Jo for Garden Design Courses at her garden in 

Woodchurch, Kent 07923 969634 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

Tel: 01435 868211 | M: 07831 302107 | E: gardensmanager@gmail.com 

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110 

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Quercus ilex in bloom and 

its acorns (below) 

Emerald City 

Sue Whigham looks into evergreen trees and shrubs that can cope with drought conditions 

istockphoto.com/ pcturner71 / hjklio / Alina Marasca / Marina Denisenko 

In the 1980s we were custodians of an absolutely 

enormous holm oak (Quercus ilex). First introduced in 

the 1500s, these evergreen trees grow to a considerable 

height and width and I remember that ours was so huge 

that it was a landmark in what is a rather flat part of the 

East Kent countryside. The young leaves had spines rather 

like holly, hence the name, but with their shiny surfaces 

and hairs on the underside, they were perfectly adapted 

to the tree’s native conditions in the Mediterranean. 

I don’t remember summers as hot as the ones we 

experience now, but certainly it seems to me that we 

might well have to mimic Mediterranean conditions 

when planning and planting our gardens in the future. 

And of course enterprising plant and tree nurseries are 

already adapting and stocking plants that will cope with 

such conditions, rather like our gentle giant down in 

Sandwich. I think that it would be great if nurseries could 

have plant sale areas specifically related to the conditions 

that plants prefer. Beth Chatto’s nursery is such a good 

example of this as, of course, she was a pioneer as far 

as growing plants for dry conditions is concerned. 

And now that in October many of us still have hosepipe 

bans and the rainfall is currently far less than usual in the 

South East, it certainly concentrates the mind. It seems 

that we can no longer rely on the winter months to fill up 

our reservoirs and replenish the moisture in our soils. So 

take time to seek out plants that cope with or prefer dry 

soils. There are such wonderful varieties to choose from. 

Having said that, it is not just a matter of buying the ‘right 

plants for the right place’ but improving conditions before 

you plant. The initial help you give plants by improving the 

soil will pay dividends. Don’t be tempted to dig everything 

out and start again. Try adding gravel, sand and organic 

matter into a heavy soil to break down clods and create free 

draining conditions. This will also help with water retention. 

When planting, add fertiliser to help plants use available water 

efficiently as they do this when their nutrient 

needs are fulfilled. Overdo it and you’ll 

have a lot of lush growth which will 

probably collapse in the 

summer and then 

get frosted during 

the following 

winter. Think 

about where you’re 

planting 


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and what sort of soil you have. Pine trees, for instance, 

are adapted to hotter, drier conditions and manage 

very well on a light acidic soil. Their needles have 

a waxy coating which help to retain moisture. 

So how do you recognise plants that can cope with dry 

conditions? A few examples might include: waxy leaves, 

narrow leaves, small leaves, hairy leaves, spiky leaves, silver 

leaves and stems, fragrant leaves and flowers and so on. 

A good tip is to plant things small which will give them 

added resilience as they grow on. Plonking a good sized 

tree into a new position may result in the need for a lot of 

tender care and attention – and watering – until it becomes 

accustomed to its new home and there is a chance that it will 

curl up its toes if it isn’t thoroughly mollycoddled. Looking 

after a small plant or tree is so much easier in its first few 

seasons. Give it a good start by thoroughly watering before 

you plant and keep watering for a couple of years. Add a good 

mulch of compost or gravel to retain moisture in the early days. 

We were clambering around the Martello tower at Rye 

Harbour yesterday in the search for insects that feed off ivy. 

The entomologist who was guiding the session has an amazing 

memory for the names and the characteristics of the tiniest 

of creatures. Some of the ivy had already flowered; tending 

to be those that have been exposed to the most sunlight, 

but we were in luck as we found several plants absolutely 

covered in flower which were hosting any number of small 

creatures. I didn’t know that there was an ivy bee. And yes, 

we did see several. But also worth noting was how healthy 

and well the actual plants, possibly the non climbing form, 

(Hedera helix ‘Arborescens’) were after months of severe 

drought. Evergreen glossy leaves and a profusion of charming 

green/white flowers make this a perfect shrub for attracting 

pollinators at a time when the supply of pollen is reduced. 

Another interesting form is Hedera helix f. poetarum ‘Poetica 


112 

SBIWT244.indd 1 27/07/2022 11:26

A red admiral butterfly on a flower 

of Hedera helix ‘Arborescens’ 

Arborea’. What a mouthful of a name but it is also known 

as Poet’s Ivy! Non climbing and slow growing with fruits, 

that are, by spring, orange rather than black. Just to add to 

the various ivy thriving on this site, there was also a healthy 

looking Viburnum tinus absolutely covered in clusters of 

pink buds. This is a plant that we rather take for granted. 

Interestingly, it is native to both southern Europe and 

surprisingly, North Africa. No wonder it is so accommodating 

putting up with wind, shade, coastal sites and a considerable 

amount of urban pollution. And drought too, it seems. 

Another Mediterranean shrub and all-year-round evergreen 

performer is Luma apiculata, or Myrtus luma, and what a 

beautiful plant it is. Once established, it adapts well to hot 

conditions and little water. I think the secret is to provide a 

sheltered spot where it will reward you with gorgeous, white 

and exceedingly fragrant flowers amongst glossy dark green 

leaves. Mature specimens have a bark that peels with age 

revealing a fresh, creamy colour underneath. I know that 

Ischia in the Bay of Naples is covered with myrtle shrubs 

growing in the thinnest of rocky soils and the thought of 

being there when the myrtle is flowering is mouthwatering. 

Finally, most of us know magnolias and that there are so 

many to choose from. However, Magnolia grandiflora and 

its cultivars are well known for their huge, leathery, shiny 

leaves and large creamy fragrant flowers late in the season. 

Rather like the myrtle, it thrives and flowers best in a warm, 

sunny site and, provided that it is able to have space for 

its roots to expand, it can be ‘very drought tolerant’ – so 

as long as it is given a good start, is a candidate for coping 

with any future drought conditions that we may have. 

Luma apiculata adapts 

well to hot conditions 

and little water 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 

for gardening advice and help in the sourcing 

and supply of interesting garden plants. 


Education 

Meet the Head 

ACS Egham’s new head of school Mark Wilson 

talks us through his own teaching journey 

How are you settling into life 

at ACS Egham? It has been a 

fantastic start. I have been made to 

feel so welcome by students, staff, the 

school community and the wider ACS 

International School group. From the 

very moment you step inside ACS 

International School Egham, you can 

feel this enthusiasm for learning – and it 

is great to be a part of this extra-special 

family of ACS International Schools. 

What do you enjoy most about 

the school? For me, it’s the students 

– they are inspirational, innovative, 

dynamic, engaging and have a real 

passional for learning. Coupled with 

the dedicated, hardworking staff we 

have at the school, ACS Egham delivers 

an exceptional learning environment, 

which allows young people to take 

command of their own learning journey. 

Are you planning on making 

any changes? Ultimately, I want 

to build on the successful foundations 

the school already has. Part of this 

is trying to blend the beautiful, 

traditional 20-acre campus we have 

with increased innovation and 

dynamism so that we have the best of 

both, and can go above and beyond 

with our educational delivery. 

How does your background in 

drama influence your work? 

Drama has taught me that life is all 

about people and relationships. Through 

communication and collaboration – key 

skills and abilities needed in drama – we 

are stronger and can achieve so much 

more. I also took part in lots of team 

sport when I was younger, which again, 

relies on the same principles for success. 

What is the best thing about 

working in an international 

school? It is difficult to pinpoint it 

to just one thing. However, I think it 

has to be the diversity of the learning 

community. Embracing diversity, 

be it a different culture, religion or 

country, and recognising that people 

have different experiences, enriches our 

students’ lives for the better. At ACS 

Egham, we also instil internationalmindedness 

into our young people, 

which means we embrace diversity 

and welcome different perspectives. 

Tell us about your time working 

in international schools abroad. 

I started my career in education 

in England, but have worked at 

international schools around the world; 

from Shanghai, China to Texas, USA. 

Both were British education schools, 

so we needed to ensure we embraced 

the host nation, while bringing the 

standards and practices that British 

education is respected for. Both schools 

had 70 plus nationalities so it made for 

an incredibly unique environment and 

it was an absolute pleasure to be able to 

bring what I learnt to ACS Egham. 

What is your favourite play 

or who is your favourite 

playwright? An all-time favourite play 

of mine has got to be Waiting for Godot 

by Samuel Beckett. It tackles some of 

life’s important questions with humour, 

in a way that is engaging and appealing 

for the audience. I believe that humour 

and comedy are very powerful tools and 

can be used to tackle serious issues. 

Tell us about a school memory or 

teacher who made an impression 

on you. I had a PE teacher called Mr 

Sykes and a dance teacher called Mrs 

Johnson, both of whom had a balance 

of being encouraging and supportive, 

but still wanted me to do better and 

push myself. In my view, people who 

give you confidence, but always want 

to challenge you to go beyond what 

you think you are capable of, are the 

best, most inspiring type of teacher. 

acs-schools.com/egham 


114

Thomas 

Mansfield 

Wills Wills & Inheritance & Wills & Inheritance Planning 

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ACS International School 

Cobham is named an 

Apple Distinguished School 

ACS International School Cobham has been 

named as a prestigious Apple Distinguished School for 

2022-2025 in recognition of innovative one-to-one iPad 

and MacBook Air provision. Apple Distinguished Schools use 

Apple technology to inspire creativity, collaboration and critical 

thinking in learning, teaching and the school environment, and have 

documented results of academic accomplishment. ACS Cobham 

was recognised for its focus on augmented reality (AR), 

and for giving students the opportunity to use Apple 

technology to facilitate learning and understanding. 

In the Early Childhood and Lower School, 

iPads are used daily by all students and 

have been at the centre of educational 

projects. acs-schools.com/cobham 

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GUILDFORD TUNBRIDGE GUILDFORD WOKING WELLS LONDON WEYBRIDGE WOKING SEVENOAKS WEYBRIDGE ESHER TONBRIDGE LEATHERHEAD 

ESHER MAIDSTONE LEATHERHEAD 

Ashford Prep is in pursuit 

of ‘Roundedness’ 

Busy 

Some news from 

our thriving 

education providers 

“To my mind being described as an ‘all-rounder’ is 

the ultimate compliment. The primary years of education 

should not only provide a firm foundation in an academic 

core, but moreover should give young children the opportunity 

to experience as much as possible – in turn unlocking the door to 

their potential. It is for this reason that at Ashford Prep School the pursuit 

of ‘well-roundedness’ is at the heart of what we seek to do for every child 

in our care. We are proud to have recently become part of the Pre-Senior 

Baccalaureate (PSB), a growing group of over 40 leading schools that 

firmly believe in the value of an education that not only has exceptional 

breadth and depth, but also focuses on developing six core skills. The 6 

core skills at the heart of the PSB are thinking and learning; reviewing and 

improving; communicating; independence; collaborating and leadership. 

These core skills can be applied to learning across the curriculum 

and in doing so ensure that pupils become increasingly skilful 

all-round learners. We look forward to celebrating the 

‘roundedness’ of our pupils when we award our first 

batch of PSB Certificates to Year 6 at the end of this 

academic year.” Mr Nick Tiley-Nunn, Head of 

Ashford Prep School ashfordschool.co.uk 


ThomasMansfieldWT246-WEALD (Private Law).indd 1 21/10/2022 10:00

SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL

Education 

Getting Out & About 

Independent girls’ school, Manor House, explains why prioritising 

school trips enriches their pupils’ education 

Speak to any past pupil and a 

school trip is often one of their 

fondest memories, a time to 

stretch their muscles of independence 

and venture out of their comfort 

zone. Following the lifting of Covid 

restrictions, Manor House School 

has made a priority to relaunch its 

portfolio of school trips from the 

Nursery up to the Senior School. 

School trips are the logical extension 

to classroom teaching, bringing 

children out of their daily learning 

environment and immersing them 

in real-world experiences which can 

be recalled later in work and exams. 

The shared experience can add to the 

pupil teacher relationship which has 

a positive and enduring impact. 

To this end, this year, Prep pupils 

visited the Toy Museum in Chertsey, 

tackled the high ropes at Sayers Croft, 

surveyed the river Tillingbourne and 

kayaked on their residential in the Isle 

of Wight. They also discovered Sutton 

Hoo treasures at the British Museum. 

Our Year 4 immersed themselves in 

Tudor life for 2 days in full costume 

at Hooke Court and Year 5 spent 

the day in a Victorian School, with 

both coming to realise school today 

is preferable and not so strict! 

A highlight for some of our Seniors 

was the ski trip to Switzerland. 

Pioneering the way forward post Covid, 

66 girls and 8 staff completed the 

necessary and extensive paperwork, 

avoided Covid and arrived on the 

sunny slopes for the February Half 

Term break. In the words of one of the 

party members “this ski trip made me 

think differently about school trips. 

It gave me so many new memories 

and so much more confidence.” 

Iceland (known as the land of 

fire and ice) is arguably the best 

place in the world to see a variety 

of geographical landscapes. That 

is why, in February 2023, GCSE 

pupils will get to see waterfalls, 

walk on a glacier, and experience 

the geothermally heated pools. 

At the Girls Go Gold GSA (Girls 

Schools Association) Conference, 

GCSE Physical Education pupils 

were inspired by Sue Anstiss MBE on 

Women in the World of Sport and 

Professor Greg Whyte OBE, a lead 

expert in the world of physical activity. 

This group also gained an insight into 

undergraduate sports science at the 

Surrey Human Performance Institute. 

The Physical Education department 

are taking senior netball squads to a 

tournament in Holland this autumn 

which will provide a wonderful 

opportunity to strengthen team bonds 

as well as experience a different culture. 

Closer to home, the annual trip to ‘Top 

Golf’ is, for many, an opportunity to 

try a new sport. 

Manor House School is committed 

to unforgettable experiences. Find 

out more at manorhouseschool.org 


Pre-nuptial agreements: Essential Wedmin? 

Nobody gets married with separation 

in mind, but sadly, more than 

100,000 marriages per year end 

in divorce in the UK, according to 

the most recent Office for National 

Statistics gures. 

With people choosing to marry later 

in life, having already purchased a 

property, received an inheritance 

or accrued signicant wealth, it is 

becoming increasingly common that 

couples are taking a pragmatic approach 

and setting out how they might organise 

their separation should it ever become 

necessary. 

One way of doing this is through the use 

of a pre-nuptial agreement (pre-nup). 

Rebecca Massam, family law expert at 

Warners Solicitors in Kent explains the 

benets of a pre-nuptial agreement. 

What is a pre-nuptial agreement? 

A pre-nuptial agreement is a document, 

agreed by a couple before their wedding, 

which sets out how their various assets 

would be shared if their marriage breaks 

down. Pre-nups are not binding in 

England and Wales, but the existence of 

such a document, if certain condition are 

met regarding its creation, can be very 

persuasive to a court when dealing with 

marital assets upon divorce. 

When a couple divorce without a prenup, 

the starting point is that everything 

held by either spouse will go into the 

“matrimonial pot” and then divided 

equally, or based upon the needs of each 

person at the time of the separation. 

Entering into a pre-nup before getting 

married allows couples to discuss their 

views and express their wishes for how 

nancial matters would be resolved in 

the event of a divorce. This can avoid 

lengthy and costly disputes arising in the 

future. 

Pre-nups are particularly useful where 

one party might want to protect family 

wealth, whether this be the existence 

of a family business or a substantial 

inheritance. It may be that one party has 

children from a previous relationship 

they want to provide for, or that this is 

a second marriage and the protection of 

a share of assets received in a previous 

divorce in required. Either way, giving 

some consideration to how you might 

best protect yourself and your family 

should divorce occur is becoming more 

common place in couples planning to 

marry. In many European countries, 

it is no more than a standard piece of 

wedding admin which is required before 

a marriage can go ahead. 

What can a pre-nup include? 

Pre-nups should be specically drafted 

to reect your personal circumstances 

but could include clauses covering: 

• what happens to a family business 

and any wealth derived from it; 

• what happens to the family home 

and any other property you 

may own prior to or during the 

marriage; 

• whether one spouse ought to retain 

inherited wealth; 

• arrangements for the children and 

any maintenance issues; 

• arrangements for pets; and 

• the allocation of personal 

belongings, such as cars and 

furniture. 

Conditions 

The pre-nuptial agreement must be 

freely entered into at least 28 days 

before the wedding- preferably more. 

Both parties to it must have had the 

time to fully understand the implications 

of the agreement and some disclosure 

of the prospective spouses nancial 

positions must be provided to the other. 

It is essential that you take independent 

legal advice upon the contents of the 

agreement before you sign it, and your 

lawyer will need to counter sign the 

document with you. The agreement 

will also need to take into account both 

parties’ needs, and will need to be fair. 

How we can help 

The specialist family law solicitors at 

Warners have a wealth of experience 

in drawing up bespoke pre-nuptial 

agreements to t the needs of particular 

couples. We will work alongside you to 

create a fair agreement, whilst meeting 

all the conditions to establish a watertight 

agreement. 

Contact Warners Solicitors on 01732 747900 to nd out more about how they 

can help you plan for your family’s future. 

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk 

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have 

changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice.

Law & Borders 

Local legal firms keep us up 

to date with their news 

Whitehead Monkton are 

getting the word out about new 

legislation and the importance 

of taking positive action during 

the tricky time of a divorce 

istockphoto.com/ Naddiya 

“ 

When the chips are down and 

divorce is the only card left to 

play, tax planning is unlikely 

to be top of the list for many couples. But 

failing to transfer assets at the right time 

may result in unexpected charges for capital 

gains tax, eating into much-needed capital. 

Transfers and disposals made during 

the tax year of separation, can be on a 

‘no gain, no loss’ basis. Those made 

outside the tax year of separation, could 

involve tax charges on the spouse/ 

civil partner transferring the asset. 

The Office of Tax Simplification 

has recommended that the tax rules be 

updated. The Government is proposing to 

introduce legislation to change the rules for 

disposals made on or after 6 April 2023: 

‘no gain, no loss’ transfers/disposals to be 

extended to three tax years after the end 

of the tax year of separation, or no time 

limit where there is a formal court order. 

Unexpected tax bills can turn a difficult 

situation into a crisis. This proposal would 

provide flexibility, although specialist 

advice and timing will remain important. 

It may be a good idea to delay some asset 

transfers until the proposals take effect. 

The Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 

covers the tax position when spouses live 

together and dispose of assets on divorce, 

including CGT relief on the primary 

marital home. With house prices rising, 

more couples are agreeing to retain the 

family home until the children are adult. 

The proposals would help in this situation.” 

whitehead-monckton.co.uk 

Warners Solicitors celebrates 25 years in 

Sevenoaks with gift for the community 

A 

new parklet has been unveiled by Sevenoaks Town 

Mayor thanks to Warners Solicitors, which has dedicated 

the 25th anniversary of its Sevenoaks residency to 

the local community. Partnering with Sevenoaks Town 

Team, Warners has donated towards the installation of two 

of these new wellbeing-inspired green spaces. The parklets’ 

sustainable design combines seating and planters to enhance 

the look and community feel of the town centre, in addition 

to providing a spot for passers-by to relax and socialise. 

The Mayor officially opened the first parklet for public 

use at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 20th September 

hosted by Warners Solicitors and Sevenoaks Town Council. 

The parklets are part of a wider programme to improve 

the appearance and ambience of the town centre. 

Elizabeth Dolding, Partner at Warners Solicitors, 

comments: “We are proud to have been part of the Sevenoaks 

community for 25 years, so it felt only fitting to mark the 

occasion by giving the town something residents, workers 

and visitors can enjoy. Caring for our employees, clients, 

neighbours and our environment is incredibly important to 

us. Therefore, we wanted our donation to provide nurturing, 

peaceful spaces in the town that promote wellbeing.” 

warners-solicitors.co.uk 


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COURSES & TALKS 

Fri 11 Nov & Sat 26 Nov 

6.30pm – 11.00pm 

The Observatory Science Centre, 

Wartling Road, Herstmonceux, 

East Sussex BN27 1RN 

STARGAZING EVENING 

AT THE OBSERVATORY 

SCIENCE CENTRE 

Enjoy the fabulous atmosphere 

that surrounds the Observatory 

at night and, weather permitting, 

see some extraordinary night 

sky objects through some of 

the largest telescopes in the 

country. If it is cloudy they 

have a contingency. Stargazing 

evenings are suitable for families 

unless it is specifically an adults 

only evening. Recommended for 

children of 7 years and older. 

Not suitable for very young 

children or babies requiring 

pushchairs. Booking essential. 

the-observatory.org 

Sat 12 Nov 1-2.30pm 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB 

JULIET SARGEANT: 

NATURAL CONNECTIONS 

Award-winning garden designer 

Juliet Sargeant explores the 

positive effects gardening can 

have on our physical health and 

mental wellbeing by connecting 

creativity to nature. Please arrive 

at 12:45 for a 13:00 start. The 

lecture will finish at 14:15 but 

your ticket includes entry to 

the garden and collection spaces 

for you to enjoy afterwards. 

Entry: £50 (includes exclusive 

access to the garden at Sissinghurst 

Castle Garden, sparkling wine, 

soft drinks and finger buffet) 

nationaltrust.org.uk/events 

EXHIBITIONS 

Open until 22 Nov 

10am-4.30pm daily 

The Stables Gallery, Hall 

Place, Bourne Road, Bexley 

Kent DA5 1PQ 

TEXTILE STUDIO 

EXHIBITION 

An exciting group of mixed 

media artists and makers with 

an emphasis on textiles based 

in the Orpington area. See an 

extensive range of traditional 

and contemporary embroidery 

and stitch work used by Textile 

Studio artists, inspired by the 

natural world, animals and other 

creatures, historical buildings, 

memories and other sources. 

Visitors to the exhibition can 

go on to explore Hall Place 

House and Gardens which are 

described as one of the South 

East’s best kept secrets. 

Entry: Free 

textilestudioartists.co.uk 

hallplace.org.uk 

Open until Fri 25 Nov 

The Amelia Scott Exhibition 

Space, Civic Way, 

Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JN 

BODY BEAUTIFUL 

— DIVERSITY ON 

THE CATWALK 

Body Beautiful examines how 

fashion creatives are embracing 

inclusivity and body positivity, 

exploring themes such as size, 

gender, age, race, and disability. 

Learn how the industry is 

calling into question existing 

practice and why becoming more 

inclusive behind the scenes will 

ensure a genuine reappraisal of 

contemporary ideals of beauty. 

See pivotal garments from 

designers including Max Mara, 

Ferragamo, Ashish, Vivienne 

Westwood, Pam Hogg, Dries 

Van Noten and Jean Paul 

Gaultier. Body Beautiful is a 

touring exhibition produced by 

National Museums Scotland. 

Entry: Free 

theamelia.co.uk 

Fri 18, Sat 19 & 

Sun 20 Nov 12-4pm 

Up the Garden Studio 

Green Lane, Boughton 

Monchelsea, Kent ME17 4LF 

GRAHAM CLARKE 

OPEN DAYS 

Step into the world of Graham 

Clarke. Explore a large collection 

of etchings produced entirely 

by hand, often humorously 

celebrating Kentish rural life, 

boats and the sea, Cornwall, 

France, history, wine and 

What’s On in November 

much else besides. You’ll also 

find books, posters, greetings 

cards and a warm welcome. 

Entry: Free 

grahamclarke.co.uk 

FAIRS & MARKETS 

Sat 5 Nov 10am-4pm 

Tenterden Market 

Square TN30 6BN 

THE CREATIVE MARKET 

Art and craft lovers come and 

meet your local artists and craft 

makers. Free entry to an outdoor 

but undercover venue in the 

centre of Tenterden, with nearby 

independent shops and cafes to 

enjoy. The Market comprises 

of 25 stalls of fabulous local 

handmade arts, crafts, jewellery 

and eco-friendly items. You will 

find an array of gifts including 

glassware, pottery, jewellery, 

soft furnishings, organic face 

creams, paintings, gift wrap and 

cards – there is something for 

everyone. If you haven’t started 

buying for Christmas, now is 

your chance to find a unique, 

handmade present supporting a 

local artist or craftsperson. Located 

to the front of Waitrose carpark 

for ease of parking, enabling 

you to browse the market and 

experience the beautiful town. 

Entry: Free 

Wed 9 – Sun 13 Nov 

9am-4.30pm 

RHS Garden Wisley, Near 

Woking GU23 6QB 

DESIRE JEWELLERY AND 

SILVERSMITHING FAIR 

& CONTEMPORARY 

CRAFT FAIR 

For those who wish to make 

a start on their Christmas 

shopping, these two events 

provide a perfect opportunity 

– or just treat yourself! Both 

events offer a calibre of exhibitor 

rarely seen at other fairs, 

offering a perfect opportunity 

to see outstanding work and 

craftsmanship from a selection 

of talented British makers. 

Admission to Wisley Garden 

gives admission to both events. 

craftinfocus.com 

Thur 17 – Sat 19 Nov 

9am-4.30pm 

The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, 

Beltring, Tonbridge TN12 6QF 

WEALDEN TIMES 

MIDWINTER FAIR 

Have you been wondering where 

you could find 260 fabulous 

independent exhibitors selling 

the ultimate collection of gifts, 

fashion, homeware, eco products, 

artwork, jewellery, beauty, 

Christmas decor and delicious 

food and drink, all under one 

roof? Just in case you’re still 

unaware, here’s your reminder that 

our super-festive Midwinter Fair 

is back and it’s bigger than ever. 

Come and immerse yourself in 

Christmas feels, grab some gifts 

and enjoy the day with friends. 

Entry: Adults £16, children £7 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

FUN FOR KIDS 

Sat 5 & Sun 6 Nov 3-9pm 

Kent Life, Lock Lane, Sandling, 

Maidstone ME14 3AU 

KENT LIFE FIREWORKS 

SPECTACULAR 

Children’s fairground rides, 

glow sticks galore, a licensed bar 

and food concessions. During 

the afternoon (before all of the 

fabulous fireworks), you will 

still be able to enjoy the free 

entertainment at Kent Life 

including indoor and outdoor play 

areas, tractor rides, the vintage 

buildings and animal feeding 

sessions. Kent Life opens at 3pm. 

The firework display will begin at 

6pm, to mark the end of a great 

season and the beginning of Kent 

Life’s winter festivities. Please note 

the gates will be closed and last 

admission will be at 5.30pm. 

Entry: See website 

kentlife.org.uk 

Fri 17 Nov – Mon 2 Jan 

Calverley Grounds, 


SKATE TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

Back again with the large main 

rink and the smaller rink that 

doubles as a space for parents 

and toddlers during the day and 

transforms into a Bavarian 


Social icon 

Circle 

Only use blue and/or white. 

For more details check out our 

Brand Guidelines. 

© National Trust 2022. Registered charity no. 205846. 

Image credit: Claire Fletcher 

Festive wonder and watercolour 

at Bateman's 

Discover the home of Rudyard Kipling 

decorated for Christmas and delight in an 

exhibition of Claire Fletcher's illustrations. 

26 Nov – 2 Jan (closed 24–25 Dec) 

nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans 

TWODSWT246 1 04/10/2022 BatemansWT246 11:36 1 18/10/2022 11:10 

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122 

TrinityTheatreWT246 1 19/10/2022 15:38

What’s On in November 

Curling rink by night alongside 

the Polar Bar, Fine Grind café, 

all your favourite food stalls plus 

weekly entertainment including 

live music and DJs! Open 7 days 

a week except Christmas Day. 

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

Sat 26 & Sun 27 Nov 

9.30am-3.30pm 

Borde Hill Garden, Borde 

Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, 

West Sussex RH16 1XP 

SANTA’S GROTTO AT 

BORDE HILL GARDEN 

Kick start the festive season with 

a visit to see the man himself in 

his magical grotto. Santa has taken 

time out of his mince-pie packed 

schedule to meet families at the 

Borde Hill Christmas Market 

and to hear what’s top of their 

festive wish lists. The event will be 

located in The Stables, with tickets 

including same-day entry to the 

Christmas Market, Adventure 

Playground and the Garden 

(weather permitting). Tickets 

also include complimentary 

entry to the Christmas Market. 

Entry: £12 (1 Child and 

1 supervising Adult) 

bordehill.co.uk 

MUSIC & THEATRE 

(FIND PANTOS ON 

PAGE 125) 

Thu 10 – Sat 12 Nov 

White Rock Theatre, 

Hastings TN34 1JX 

ROCKY HORROR SHOW 

Ready to thrill you with fun 

and naughty moments, and 

filled with fun, frolics, frocks, 

and frivolity! Richard O’Brien’s 

legendary rock ’n’ roll musical 

returns to the White Rock 

Theatre as part of a sell-out 

worldwide tour, having been seen 

by over 30 million theatregoers. 

Directed by Christopher 

Luscombe and featuring 

timeless classics, including Sweet 

Transvestite, Damn it Janet, and 

of course, the unforgettable 

Time Warp. 14+ only. 

Entry: From £27 

whiterocktheatre.org.uk 

Fri 18 Nov 7.30pm 

G Live, London Road, 

Guildford GU1 2AA 

THE STYLISTICS 

Direct from Philadelphia USA, 

one of the most legendary soul 

artists of all time. The Stylistics, 

with a record-breaking run of 12 

top 10 including the Grammy 

nominated You Make Me Feel 

Brand New, plus numerous classics 

including Lets Put It All Together, 

Stop Look Listen and many more. 

The Stylistics remain the real 

deal, fabulously entertaining 

and musically breathtaking. 

Entry: £40.50 

glive.co.uk 

Sat 19 Nov 7.30pm 

G Live, London Road, 

Guildford GU1 2AA 

VIVACE CHORUS – FEAST 

Join Vivace Chorus for 

a total Feast of a concert 

celebrating 75 years singing in 

Guildford! Vivace Chorus is 

joined by the National Symphony 

Orchestra for a programme 

including one of the best-loved 

pieces of all time - Vaughan 

Williams’ The Lark Ascending. 

Walton’s Belshazzar’s Feast; more 

Vaughan Williams and Holst 

make for an exhilarating 

programme bringing huge choral 

and orchestral forces together for 

an edge-of-your seat experience. 

Entry: £25 or £30, Students 

and U18s £10 

glive.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going 

to press but may be subject to change. 

Readers are advised to check with 

venues before making arrangements. 

We can list your event in the next 

issue of Wealden Times for only 

£75+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. Deadline for the 

December issue is 5 November 2022. 

Wood Floor 

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AllWoodsSandingServicesWT2171/8.indd 1 21/02/2020 12:55 

Thursday 24th November 

every day to Sunday 

4th December; 10am-3.30pm 

Gift ideas include gorgeous handbags, 

luxurious hand creams, interesting books 

and decorative kitchenware as well as 

festive baubles, napkins, wreaths and more. 

Parking is free, easy and convenient so, for 

a relaxed version of Christmas shopping, 

visit Pashley’s Gift Shop. 

(NB Gardens and Café not open at this time) 

Ticehurst 01580 200888 pashleymanorgardens.com 

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GARDEN DESIGN COURSE 

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Contact Contact Jo Arnell: Jo 07923 969634 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

Contact Jo Arnell: 07923 969634 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

HornbrookManorWT246.indd 1 17/10/2022 16:30 

Advertise with 

Wealden Times 

& Surrey Homes 

Call the Sales Team on 01580 714705 


PromoteYourBusinessWT.indd 1 23/03/2021 15:56

AmbassadorTheatreGroupWT246.indd 1 26/09/2022 14:37 

From BBC’s Casualty 

REBECCA WHEATLEY 

The Nation’s Champion 

EDDIE ‘THE EAGLE’ EDWARDS 

Redhill Favourite 

SIMON BASHFORD 

PHIL REID 

DEAN HORNER 

Sponsored by 

Box Office 01737 276500 

9 - 31 December 2022 

Sponsored by 

harlequintheatre.co.uk 

OLIVER GRAY 


124 

HarlequinTheatreWT246.indd 1 07/10/2022 09:36

Pantomimes 

istockphoto.com/ Berezka_Klo 

Fri 25 Nov to Sun 8 Jan 

Marlowe Theatre 

The Friars, Canterbury, 

Kent CT1 2AS 

SLEEPING BEAUTY 

Don’t miss this fun-filled family 

pantomime Sleeping Beauty 

starring TV favourite, Ore Oduba 

(Strictly Come Dancing), West 

End Superstar Carrie Hope 

Fletcher, Jennie Dale (CBeebies) 

and Marlowe legend, Ben Roddy. 

marlowetheatre.com 

Sat 26 Nov to Sat 31 Dec 

Hazlitt Theatre 

Earl Street Maidstone ME14 1PL 

SLEEPING BEAUTY 

Full of songs, dances and even a 

fiery dragon, you won’t want to 

miss this much-loved classic. Will 

true love win the day? There’s 

only one way to find out. 

parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/ 

Hazlitt-Theatre 

Fri 2 Dec to Sat 31 Dec 

New Victoria Theatre 

The Ambassadors, The Peacocks 

Centre, Woking GU21 6GQ 

CINDERELLA 

Join Cinders as she goes from rags 

to riches, outwits her very wicked 

sisters and meets her dashing Prince 

Charming. Will you go to the ball? 

atgtickets.com/venues/ 

new-victoria-theatre 

Sat 3 Dec to Sat 31 Dec 

Richmond Theatre 

The Green, Richmond, 

Surrey TW9 1QJ 

GOLDILOCKS AND 

THE THREE BEARS 

Starring TV-favourite Matt Baker, 

this festive extravaganza is packed 

with riotous comedy, extraordinary 

special effects, and amazing 

circus tricks not to be missed! 


richmond-theatre 


New Wimbledon Theatre 

93 The Broadway, Wimbledon, 

London SW19 1QG 

SNOW WHITE AND THE 

SEVEN DWARVES 

Mirror mirror on the wall, 

don’t miss the fairest panto of 

them all. TV’s Dick and Dom 

join Matthew Kelly along with 

stars from the West End and 

beyond for this family classic. 


new-wimbledon-theatre 

Sat 3 Dec to Sun 8 Jan 

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 

Millbrook, Guildford, 

Surrey GU1 3UX 

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK 

Another festive family 

pantomime is sprouting from 

the Yvonne Arnaud’s stage! 

Jack bids farewell to his beloved 

cow in return for a magical 

bean-tacular investment, which 

has giant consequences! 

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 


Churchill Theatre 

High Street, Bromley, 

Kent BR1 1HA 


The ultimate ballroom dancer and 

TV favourite Anton Du Beke leads 

the cast as hero Jack, alongside 

Bromley panto-favourite Lloyd 

Hollett and talented West End 

performer Rhiane Drummond. 

churchilltheatre.co.uk 


Leas Cliff Hall 

The Leas, Folkestone, 

Kent CT20 2DZ 

ALADDIN 

Full of magic, mystery and 

make-believe, Aladdin will 

delight your senses in a blaze of 

shimmering scenery, sparkling 

costumes, splendid song and 

dance, and side-splitting laughter. 


leas-cliff-hall 


The Harlequin 

Theatre & Cinema 

Warwick Quadrant 

Redhill, Surrey RH1 1NN 

CINDERELLA 

Featuring breathtaking special 

effects, spectacular scenery and 

sparkling costumes along with 

plenty of traditional pantomime 

mayhem, laughter… the clock 

is ticking to Redhill’s most 

magical pantomime yet! 

harlequintheatre.co.uk 

Fri 9 Dec to Sun 1 Jan 

Stag Theatre 

London Road, Sevenoaks, 

Kent TN13 1ZZ 

ALICE IN WONDERLAND 

This Christmas, Silly Billy (as 

the Mad Hatter) will be taking 

you down the rabbit hole in a 

magical and hilarious family 

treat for the festive season. 

stagsevenoaks.co.uk 

Fri 9 Dec 2022 to 

Sun 15 Jan 2023 

Devonshire Park Theatre 

8-10 Compton Street, 

Eastbourne BN21 4BW 

ALADDIN 

A traditional tale of good versus 

evil, heroes and villains, magical 

genies and a flying carpet, not 

to mention slapstick mess, song 

and dance numbers and plenty 

of surprises, this is truly a 

‘geni-us’ pantomime (sorry, the 

bad puns have started already)! 

eastbournetheatres.co.uk 

Sat 10 Dec to Sat 31Dec 

The Orchard Theatre 

Home Gardens, Dartford, 

Kent DA1 1ED 

CINDERELLA 

Packed with all of the 

traditional pantomime 

ingredients the Orchard 

Theatre audiences expect, 

Cinderella features laughout-loud 

comedy, stunning 

scenery, beautiful costumes 

and plenty of boos and hisses. 

orchardtheatre.co.uk 


Camberley Theatre 

Knoll Road, Camberley, 

Surrey GU15 3SY 

BEAUTY & THE BEAST 

One of the most popular tales of 

all time. This unmissable story 

will delight the whole family 

featuring a jukebox of much 

loved songs, beautiful costumes 

and a talented cast of actors and 

dancers. The mysterious Beast 

imprisons Belle in his enchanted 

castle. Can she escape and melt 

the Beast’s icy heart before it’s 

too late? Book your tickets 

now to enjoy this classic tale. 

camberleytheatre.co.uk 


Assembly Hall Theatre 

Crescent Road, Tunbridge 

Wells, Kent TN1 2LU 


Fee Fi Fo Fum... Tunbridge 

Wells is in for some fun! With 

plenty of marvellous moosic, 

cow-ntless costumes and 

an udderley ridiculous Dame 

with giant size jokes! 

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

Thu 15 to Sat 31 Dec 

White Rock Theatre 

White Rock, Hastings, 

East Sussex TN34 1JX 

BEAUTY & THE BEAST 

When an arrogant Prince is cursed 

to live as a beast his only hope of 

salvation is to find love before the 

last petal falls from a magic rose. 

When pretty village girl, Beauty 

comes into his life is this the 

chance he has been waiting for? 

Enjoy song, dance and laughter 

at this year’s rip-roaring panto. 

whiterocktheatre.org.uk 

Thu 15 Dec to Mon 2 Jan 

Malthouse Theatre 

Malthouse Road, Canterbury, 

Kent CT2 7JA 

CINDERELLA 

You shall go to the ball this 

Christmas with the Fairy 

Godmother of all pantomimes, 

Cinderella. From the team 

that brought you last year’s 

record breaking production 

of Beauty and The Beast. 

malthousetheatre.co.uk 


Dorking Halls 

Reigate Road, Dorking, 

Surrey RH4 1SG 

CINDERELLA 

Watch with amazement as 

Cinderella’s pumpkin and white 

mice are transformed into a 

beautiful coach and horses in 

this true rags-to-riches story, 

but will Cinderella remember to 

leave the ball before midnight? 

dorkinghalls.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going to 

press but may be subject to change. 

Readers are advised to check with 

venues before making arrangements. 


Farm 

Fables 

Jane Howard picks out the 

best rams to ensure next year’s 

lambs are up to standard 

We all enjoy retail therapy and 

recently we’ve been shopping 

for boys. And very successful it 

has been too. First off it was a new addition 

for the sheep department. We have a flock of 

sixty-odd ewes and, as one ram to thirty ewes is the 

ratio to more or less aim for, we need two candidates 

to be on farm and ready to start work in November. 

Each ram will stay for two years, after that he would 

be serving his daughters. We name our rams (showing 

our London roots here) and always 

have a Southdown ram and a Beltex 

ram. The Southdown – the local 

breed for this part of the world – is 

a very good looking breed and the 

current incumbent Jude Law is just 

that. Then we have a Beltex, not quite 

so pleasing in the looks department 

though they do have magnificent 

arses which is of course what matters. 

Ken Dodd had been with us two 

years and had done his time so time 

for him to go off to pastures new. 

So what, you might ask, do you look 

for when buying a ram? Obviously, 

conformation is important, the ram’s 

physical traits will be passed on to all his 

offspring but in the unromantic world 

of farming, scrotal circumference – a good indication 

of fertility – is also key. And so is his body condition, 

too fat and he may have less libido, too thin and he 

might not manage to serve all the ewes. You did ask. 

We chose our new ram – Shrek – brought him home 

and now have to introduce him to Jude Law. Left to 

their own devices these two rams would batter each 

other endlessly and often to death. In olden times they 

would blindfold or hobble the rams before putting them 

together so that they would get used to each other’s smell 

and presence for a few days, though it beats me how you 

might go about blindfolding a sheep! Instead we create a 

pen about two meters square so there’s 

not enough room for either to back up 

We name our rams 

and have a right royal bash at the other. 

(showing our London Once cordial relations are established 

roots here) and always 

we fit each of them with a raddle, a 

harness that holds a block of coloured 

have a Southdown ram wax on their chest. When they mount 

and a Beltex ram. The a ewe they will rub the crayon on her 

rump and by changing the colour of 

Southdown – the local 

the wax crayons every couple of weeks 

breed for this part of we can tell, some five months later, the 

the world – is a very 

order in which they will lamb. Once 

done they’re ready for action and in 

good looking breed and they go to a field full of waiting ewes. 

the current incumbent Female sheep only come into 

season once the night-time hours 

Jude Law is just that 

exceed the daytime hours, autumn, 

and then cycle every 17 days. When 

in season they indicate readiness through frankly 

tarty behaviour towards the rams who spend their 

days running around the flock smelling the girls’ 

bottoms and exhibiting something called the Flehman 

Response. He will extend his neck, curl his lip and 

pass the air over a gland on the roof of his mouth 

covered in receptors to detect oestrogens. All things 

being in order you know what happens next… 

We also went and bought a new bull – Bill – but 

that will have to wait until another month! 

Find out more about daily life at Coopers Farm by visiting coopersfarmstonegate.co.uk 


126

Supporting communities 

in Kent since 1781. 

With offices across Kent and London, 

we provide specialist legal services for 

individuals and businesses in the Southeast. 

+ Contracts & Transactions 

+ Conveyancing 

+ Employment 

+ Family 

+ Licensing 

+ Probate 

+ Property 

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To find out how we can help, 

call us on 01622 698000 

or email enquiries@wmlaw.uk 

whitehead-monckton.co.uk 

Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. 

Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3EN. Authorised 

and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

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www.rencraft.co.uk 

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Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 

Tel: 01892 520730

Wealden Times | WT246 | November 2022 | Christmas Gift Supplement inside

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