Surrey Homes | SH96 | January 2023 | Health & Beauty Supplement inside

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Contents 

January 2023 

12 

21 

25 

28 

47 

48 

28 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

January events for your diary 

THE MUST LIST 

Keep up-to-date with the latest 

must-see and must-have goodies 

THE BEST LAID PLANS 

Take a look inside WT writer 

Maggie Alderson’s Hastings home 

GET THE LOOK 

Emulate Maggie’s cool style 

A MODERN VINTAGE 

SEASIDE GEM 

Explore a family home in Margate 

69 

70 

75 

76 

80 

80 

GET THE LOOK 

Be inspired by Jessica’s 

effortless sense of interior style 

SHOW SOME LOVE 

Celebrating relationships 

of all shapes and sizes 

ALWAYS IN FAVOUR 

Showcasing lustrous pearls 

THE GIRL WITH THE 

PEARL EVERYTHING 

Adorn yourself with 

pearls galore 

SUPER BOOST 

Charlotte Butterworth shares 

her tips for clean, healthy 

New Year cooking 

92 

94 

96 

52 

STOP SEEING MUSIC AS 

A ‘NICE TO HAVE’ 

Benenden School’s Headteacher 

Samantha Price makes an 

impassioned speech on the 

importance of a musical education 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

FARM FABLES 

Livestock gossip straight from the 

farmer’s mouth. This month, Jane 

shares some very worrying news 

52 

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY 

Interior designer Jessica Bax’s 

farmhouse renovation with 

impressive eco credentials 

87 

CURVES IN ALL 

THE RIGHT PLACES 

Jo Arnell delves into the 

artistic world of topiary 

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Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © 2023 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the 

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

HEALTH 

& BEAUTY 

SUPPLEMENT 

Top advice for 

a happier and 

healthier 2023. 

After page 72. 

Health & Beauty 

7

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Editor’s 

Letter 

Welcome to the first issue of 2023. I hope that by the 

time you read this you’ll have managed to get a head 

start on safely packing away the Christmas decs, 

tidying up the house in the aftermath of myriad family visits and 

clearing the after effects of New Year excesses. I recently saw on 

Instagram that someone packed away a nice bottle of wine (or 

other long-lasting festive tipple of choice) with their Christmas 

decorations so as to find a lovely surprise when they came to 

unbox them the next year – sounds like a lovely idea to me! 

This year, I’m certainly going to get into the habit of a little more 

self care. Small changes quickly add up, and I think that, in order 

to be able to help others, we need to make sure we’re in tip-top 

condition ourselves – both mentally and physically. The last few 

years have been, and continue to be, hard – so rather than setting 

ourselves up for disappointment by filling our to-do lists with 

overwhelmingly unachievable goals, let’s aim for something we can 

do little and often. Make time to do the things you enjoy, listen to 

your body when it’s telling you it’s exhausted (I particularly enjoyed 

reading Sarah Maxwell’s insight into perimenopause and menopause 

in this month’s Health & Beauty Supplement) and learn how to be 

a little kinder to yourself. You’ll find lots more advice – from correct 

pregnancy nutrition to how to tackle issues with ageing skin and 

hair loss and what to do if your hearing is suffering – after page 80. 

There’s nothing like a new project to dig into as a new year 

starts. If you’re on a quest to redecorate, turn to our house 

features for interior inspiration galore. We’ve photographed 

a beautiful farmhouse renovation in the Darent Valley and 

a super-cool Hastings home – the creation of our very own 

house writer and bestselling author, Maggie Alderson. 

Thomas 

Mansfield 

Thomas 

Mansfield 

Thomas 

Mansfield 

The Family Law Solicitors 

The Family Law Solicitors 

WILL YOUR 

The ARE Family 

DIVORCE 

The Family Law YOU Solicitors Law 

COST GOING Solicitors 

THROUGH A SEPARATION? 

YOU EVERYTHING? 

ARE ARE YOU YOU GOING GOING 

THROUGH A SEPARATION? 

A When it comes to the breakdown of a 

relationship, seeking specialist advice on 

the financial arrangements is crucial. 

Getting specialist advice at the 

right time is crucial. 

At Thomas Mansfield, we have a team of 

Getting Getting specialist specialist advice advice at the at the 

At experienced Thomas Mansfield, lawyers ready to help you 

right we time have right is time an crucial. experienced 

is crucial. 

team of family lawyers achieve ready the to right help outcome. you achieve 

At Thomas At Thomas Mansfield, Mansfield, we have we an have experienced the an right experienced outcome. 

team of team family of family lawyers lawyers ready ready to help to you help achieve you achieve 

the right the outcome. right outcome. 

Finances Collaborative Children Finances Collaborative Children Mediation Agreement Court Litigation 

We We are are with with you you every every step step of the of the way way 

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We are We with are with you every you every step step of the of way the way 

Enjoy your Surrey Homes and Happy New Year! 

Call us today on 

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 ............................................................... Maria Hurley 

Sarah Norwood 

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

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

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

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



01483 679332 


01483 610499 

01483 01483 610499 

610499 

For more information visit our website: 


www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk 





GUILDFORD GUILDFORD GUILDFORD WOKING WOKING WOKING WEYBRIDGE WEYBRIDGE WEYBRIDGE ESHER ESHER LEATHERHEAD ESHER EATHERHEAD LEATHERHEAD FARNHAM FARNHAM FARNHAM BASINGSTOKE 

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

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

9 priceless-magazines.com 

ThomasMansfieldWT240- SURREY (Family Law).indd 1 06/04/2022 09:43

GermanMade 

kitchens | wardrobes | home furniture 

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

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Celebrating 25 Years 

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House 

Month 

of the 

£3,500,000 

Damien Pestell picks his favourite homes on the market 

Chiddingfold 

The dream: A magnificent 

country home constructed in 

the style of a medieval Sussex 

hall house, on the edge of 

the South Downs National 

Park. Built in 2000, it benefits 

from good head heights with 

stunning views over a 35 

acre lake and more modern 

features such as a cinema 

room, gym and wine cellar. 

Where: The nearby 

picturesque village of 

Chiddingfold has a range 

of shops and is a 25 minute 

drive from Guildford. 

Setting: Down a long 

private drive, in a tranquil 

and private location. 

Beds: 5 + 1 Baths: 4 + 1 

Special features: The 

gorgeous kitchen with 

vaulted ceiling has an Aga 

as well as tremendous views 

across the lake, where you 

can watch the world go by. 

Pleasing details: The 

additional accommodation, 

including self sufficient annexe 

and an en suite bedroom above 

the car port, is very handy. 

Outside: The charming 

formal gardens of 15 acres 

include paddocks, woodland 

and a gorgeous lake. 

Time to town: From 

Haslemere Station, 6 

miles away, to London 

Waterloo in 52 minutes. 

Agent: House Partnership, 

01483 266700 

housepartnership.co.uk 

priceless-magazines.com 

12

Headley 

£POA 

The dream: A luxurious converted barn, built 

in 2014 with sustainable materials and placed 

in the top 10% for sustainable refurbishment 

projects. It boasts a wealth of original features 

such as exposed oak beams and the high garden 

wall enclosing the majority of the rear garden. 

Where: The sought after parish of Headley, 

surrounded by Green Belt land and just 

a short distance from the commuter 

towns of Dorking and Epsom. 

Setting: Set down a very private lane 

in its own secluded grounds. 

Beds: 4 Baths: 3 

Special features: The lovely sitting/dining 

room with exposed beams and inglenook 

fireplace opens out into the rear garden. 

Pleasing details: The fourth bedroom enjoys 

French doors out to its own private garden. 

Outside: The walled rear garden is attractively 

landscaped to comprise an extensive patio area, 

lawn, flower beds, fruit trees and a greenhouse. 

There is also a triple garage to the rear. 

Time to town: From Ashtead station, 3 miles 

away, to London Waterloo in 45 minutes. 

Agent: Patrick Gardner 

01372 360078 patrickgardner.com 

Weybridge 

£4,950,000 

The dream: A stunning contemporary home from 

German company Huf Haus, providing spacious, 

flexible and light family living in a private gated 

community. It is designed to give the occupier the 

feeling of being at one with their surroundings. 

Where: In the heart of St George’s Hill 

private estate, 10 minutes from Weybridge 

in one direction or Cobham in the other. 

Setting: A secluded position on the 

highest part of the estate. 

Beds: 5 Baths: 4 

Special features: The striking principal 

bedroom and spectacular en suite both 

enjoy their own private balconies. 

Pleasing details: The innovative post 

and beam architecture blended with 

evolutionary energy efficiency. 

Outside: The landscaped grounds feature a 

huge variety of colourful plants, shrubs and 

trees as well as a large outdoor heated pool. At 

the front there is a double garage with access 

to a covered entertaining area and terrace. 

Time to town: From Weybridge station, 8 

minutes’ drive, to London Waterloo in 37 minutes. 

Agent: Savills 01932 838000 savills.com 

13 priceless-magazines.com

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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 


16 

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

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

Images have been computer generated and are indicative only 

from £350,000 

Leatherhead 

Queens Court in Leatherhead, a new development 

by Rushmon Homes, is now available to reserve off-plan 

The dream: A brand new development 

of just nine energy efficient homes with 

high-end specifications is currently 

in the early stages of the build. 

Where: Close to Leatherhead’s 

bustling town centre. 

Setting: Set within a mature, treelined 

avenue, minutes from open 

countryside and the River Mole. 

Beds: 1 & 2 Baths: 1 & 2 

Pleasing details: Those who choose to 

reserve off plan will benefit from many 

early bird advantages which include the 

opportunity to customise their home, 

working alongside a Design Director. As 

prices start from £350,000, first time buyers 

will not have to pay stamp duty (due to 

the Government’s recent announcement 

regarding stamp duty thresholds). 

Special feature: The homes combine 

luxury and style with cutting edge 

sustainability. Each one benefits from an 

intelligent exhaust air heat pump that 

provides heating, ventilation and hot 

water efficiently, simply and economically. 

You’ll also get a fast EV car charging point, 

further future proofing your home. 

Outside: Each home will come with its 

own shed and have access to landscaped 

communal gardens. Four homes will also 

have private garden areas with a patio, too. 

Time to town: Leatherhead station 

a short 0.69 mile walk away, with 6 

direct trains to London every hour. The 

M25 is minutes away at Junction 9, as 

is the A3 that takes you into the heart 

of the City or to the south coast. 

Price: From £350,000 

Agent: Patrick Gardner Land & New Homes 

01372 360832 patrickgardner.com

Life doesn’t have to be... 

In a seemingly never-ending rollercoaster 

of one thing after another, with the nation 

holding its breath to see what’s next, we 

believe life doesn't have to be on hold. If you 

want to enjoy a better quality of life now, 

why not consider this solution. 

Press ‘resume’. 

Birchgrove retirement communities offer 

apartments that are smart, comfortable, light 

and secure. Future-designed for later life. 

Our model is ‘renting’ rather than ‘buying’, and 

you’ve no worries about utility bills as our rent 

is inclusive – with no price increase until 2024.* 

Renting offers much flexibility. You can move in 

(or out) quickly – and don’t need to sell your 

home before you do; you could even rent it out 

until the market picks up. 

* 

Capped until 2024. Transparently reviewed 

against the Retail Price Index annually. 

‘on hold’ 

Enjoy a better quality of life... now! 

Scan the code, visit the website, or call to find out more: 

www.birchgrove.life/better 

020 3929 5599 

Leading 

the way 

in retirement 

rental living 

Queensgate 

Apartments 

Sidcup, Kent 

Woodbank 

Apartments 

Hook Heath, Woking 

Lower Mill 

Apartments 

Ewell Village, Surrey

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

Reimagine ageing 

with Birchgrove 

Old age is a condition not 

everyone gets to experience. 

Some might call that a 

privilege. But often, the 

thought of getting older fills individuals 

with anxiety, a sense of resignation, or 

even dread. Many people think ageing 

means a decline into disability, dementia, 

and dependency on others, but it doesn’t 

have to be that way according to renowned 

anti-ageing champion Sir Muir Gray. 

Sir Muir Gray is one of Britain’s 

most senior medical figures renowned 

for his work in the NHS translating 

scientific evidence-based medical 

research into policy. Author of many 

books about ageing and health, his 

philosophy on ageing well is inspiring. 

The Birchgrove team have embraced 

his cultural revolution to reimagine 

ageing and help as many people as 

possible to prolong, not only their 

lifespan, but their health span, so that 

they can lead a fuller, healthier later life. 

What sets Birchgrove apart are 

its strong core values all focused on 

making sure residents of its retirement 

communities are healthy and fit and their 

later years as full and whole as possible. 

Birchgrove designs its retirement 

communities to meet the needs of people 

in later life. You have the freedom to live 

as you please in a quality self-contained 

apartment that is future designed to 

anticipate changing needs and central 

to that is its ethos of supporting you to 

remain active and lead life independently. 

Birchgrove offers modern and 

spacious apartments in Kent and 

Surrey. Each apartment is individually 

designed to maximise space and light 

and has the Birchgrove trademark 

of high-quality finishes so that the 

apartments are distinctly elegant - 

with details such as wide doors and 

corridors for freedom of movement 

and wheelchair access, appliances at 

waist height for ease of use in the fully 

fitted kitchens and en-suite showers. 

Once you reside at a Birchgrove 

retirement community you have access 

to exclusive onsite amenities such as 

a restaurant, bar, club room, wellness 

suite, library, communal terrace, 

landscaped gardens and greenhouse. 

For added peace of mind there is a 

concierge and 24-hour staff presence. 

There is a weekly programme of events 

and activities to offer opportunities to 

socialise and relax with neighbours or try 

out new hobbies and pursuits, contributing 

to the friendly community lifestyle that 

is an integral part of the Birchgrove life. 

Birchgrove also offer complete packages 

to take the hassle out of moving. They 

will assist you with all aspects of the 

move, from putting your current home 

on the market to decluttering and selling 

unwanted items. The ‘Moveasy’ service, 

for example, even goes as far as helping 

you pick furniture for your new home! 

You can move into your new home 

stress free and with very little hassle. 

Birchgrove operates retirement 

communities at Queensgate Apartments, 

Sidcup, Kent; Woodbank Apartments in 

Hook Heath, Woking and Lower Mill 

Apartments in Ewell Village, Surrey. 

To find out more and to explore 

your options, please contact the team on 

020 3929 5599 or visit www.birchgrove.life

hs.org.uk/wisley 

Winter walkers, 

intrepid explorers, 

woolly hat wearers 

WELCOME TO WINTER 

AT THE GARDEN 

Your visit supports our work as a charity. 

RHS 

Members 

go free 

JOIN THE RHS TODAY 

JOIN THE RHS TODAY 

Join us for 2 days 

of craft filled fun! 

Meet your 

Crafty TV 

favourites! 

MediaForceWT248-RHSWisley.indd 1 25/11/2022 13:58 

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20 

HighlightCraftsWT247.indd 1 23/11/2022 14:43

istockphoto.com/ IssaraJarukitjaroon / SlyBrowney / Plateresca / vejaa / Dina Guiter 

Notebook 

What to do and see near you this month 

Perfectly on Point 

Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at the 

Richmond Theatre this month. Ballet lovers and newcomers alike 

will find joy and spectacle in the classical delights of Nerubashenko 

Ballet’s presentations. Swan Lake, performing on January 12th and 

13th, is a timeless tale: Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette, 

Queen of the Swans, but is tricked into the ultimate betrayal, 

leading to tragedy. Taking to the stage on January 14th and 

15th, The Nutcracker is a festive treat for all the family. Clara’s 

adventures begin when she is gifted a Nutcracker doll who 

magically comes to life. A live orchestra performing the 

familiar scores is the perfect complement to these remarkable 

ballets. This season the Smirnov-Golovanov productions 

will be presented by international artistes hand-picked 

by Ukrainian-born Ludmila Nerubashenko, the widow 

of the late Smirnov-Golovanov (Honoured Arts Worker 

of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and former 

Artistic Director of Odessa State Opera and Ballet Theatre). 

Ukrainian-born Ludmila is the driving force in schooling 

young artistes with the physicality, artistry and creativity to 

faithfully interpret the legacy of her husband. She will select 

the cream of these young dancers to visit the UK in 2023. 

atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre 

Book in! 

Fancy a day by the seaside? On 

Friday 27th January Caroline Fraser 

will be returning to Rye Creative 

Centre with her popular workshop 

Say it with Books. This starter book 

making session is designed for those 

who would like to learn some simple 

book structures that will equip 

you with new ways to express your 

creative voice. Using the traditional 

tools and quality papers provided 

you will be guided through a series 

of exercises in folding, cutting and 

simple sewing to produce four book 

structures including a leporello 

(concertina book), a sewn pamphlet 

book with a decorated card cover and 

a folding pocket book for keepsakes 

that makes a perfect gift. The course 

costs £48 per person and runs from 

10am-1.30pm. If you’re not able to 

attend in person (her courses are very 

popular) you can register for an online 

version. ryecreativecentre.co.uk/classes 

Raise a 

Glass 

The Nest in Appledore, 

Gusbourne’s tasting room, is 

hosting a not-to-be-missed Blanc 

de Blanc Vertical Masterclass 

and Lunch with master 

sommelier, Laura Rys on 

27th January. The perfect 

opportunity to taste 

and compare a 

variety of vintages. 

Find out more at 

gusbourne.com

Notebook 

Life Craft 

Stephanie Weightman’s award 

winning Crafting Live show is 

coming back to Sandown Park 

Racecourse, Esher, and bringing 

a whole host of celebrity crafters. 

The creative spectacular will 

kick off on Friday 27th January 

2023 with a full day workshop 

hosted by Stephanie Weightman 

and her crafty friends, and then 

continue into a whole weekend 

of fun. The show itself is open 

on Saturday 28th – Sunday 

29th January 2023, from 

10am-5pm on Saturday and 

10am-4pm on Sunday. 

Both days will host an array 

of exhibitors with a wealth 

of stamps, dies, decoupage, 

fabric, ribbon, beads and 

much more. You can stock 

up on all your craft essentials, 

as well as finding inspiration 

from brand new products and 

watch on-stand demonstrations. 

There are also refreshment 

options and areas to have a much 

needed sit down after all that 

shopping! Find out more at 

craftinglive.co.uk 

Night 

Terrors 

Crammed full of adventure and mystery, 

The Valley Of Fear is Sir Arthur Conan 

Doyle’s brilliant final Sherlock Holmes 

novel brought to life in a spectacular new 

stage adaptation. Book your tickets to see 

the adventure unfold at Yvonne Arnaud 

Theatre, Guildford from 17th until 

23rd January. A great way to 

spend a winter’s evening. 

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 

Branching Out 

Join a small group to learn how to 

prune apple trees this month. From 

new plantings to venerable ancients, this 

class will have you master the art of pruning 

and then practice on a variety of trees at the 

beautiful Standen Street Community Orchard 

in Iden Green. The cost is just £25 and will 

run on Friday 6 and 13, and Saturday 7 and 

14 January from 10am till 3pm and numbers 

are strictly limited, so book early to 

avoid disappointment. For more 

information and to book your 

place, phone 07977 571 368 or 

email guypullen1@gmail.com 

Food for 

Thought 

Nourish is a community foodbank working to ensure that no one in Tunbridge Wells, 

Tonbridge and surrounding areas goes hungry. They deliver three days of emergency 

food supplies to those in need to provide short term relief in difficult times. Since 2018 

they’ve seen a shocking 37% increase in demand. If you can help or know someone in 

need of their assistance take a look at their website. nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk 

LOOK FORWARD: 

SNOWDROP WALKS 

AT HEVER CASTLE 

From the 8th of February onwards, visitors will be encouraged to put 

on their wellies, hats and scarves and explore the snowdrop trail at 

Hever Castle & Gardens, featuring 115,000 snowdrops. 

The self-guided snowdrop walk will take you through the woodland 

areas, around the Outer Moat and into the colourful Winter Garden, 

which features flame-coloured dogwoods, ‘Early Sensation’ daffodils, 

heathers and winter shrubs. 

hevercastle.co.uk

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C 

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quilters’ fair 

Sun 15 January 2023 9am–4pm 

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Join like-minded people with a passion for quilting 

at this one-day exhibition and marketplace with 

over 45 exhibitors selling fabrics, books and more. 

Book: farnhammaltings.com £8 (£5 after 1pm) 

discounts available for coach parties & groups of 15+ 

Farnham Maltings, Bridge Square, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7QR 

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What's On 

Coffee Painting | 17 January 

The Life & Music of Guitarist 

Charlie Christian | 19 January 

Winter Writing | 26 January 

Three Famous Sculptors 

Make It New | 2 - 16 February 

Haute Couture 

24 February - 10 March 

Visit: Reading Museum & 

Abbey | 24 February 

Apply code SurreyHomes10 at the checkout for your exclusive 10% discount on all activities 

Offers ends 28 February 2023 

Courses | Talks | Visits | Events 

Book online: guildford-institute.org.uk 


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A Sense of Place 

Tom Voyce and Grace Ellen 

19 January - 26 March 

Watts Contemporary Gallery 

Free entry | all works for sale 

wattsgallery.org.uk 

Compton, GU3 1DQ 

Grace Ellen, Golden Hour Newquay, acrylic on canvas 


Surrey Homes ad.indd 8 08/12/2022 15:05:52 

WattsGalleryWT248.indd 1 08/12/2022 15:48 

24

must 

The 

From must-sees to must-buys and 

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s 

round up of what to buy, see, do, 

and generally get excited about! 

It’s Veganuary again! Whether you’re 

doing a full month of veganism or just 

trying it for a night, Balfour Winery 

has just the ticket to do so in style. 

Their special vegan six-course dinner 

on Saturday 14th will be held in their 

fabulous tasting room, The 

View, is just £60 per person, 

and (if you needed another 

reason), there will of course 

be plenty of wine! Book in 

advance at balfourwinery.com 

Sometimes we can get a little down 

on ourselves in January, which is why 

Solvi is a great Kentish brand to look 

into right now. Promoting positive bodyimage 

and donating 10% of profits to a 

UK based mental health charity, this 

necklace is full of positive vibes. 

solvijewellery.com 

Local illustrator Imogen 

Partridge’s latest creations 

celebrate the quaint shops 

and charming community 

of Ticehurst, including Buy 

the Weigh (pictured), 

Greenfinch, and The Bell. 

They are available as prints 

(£25) or greeting cards (£15 for 5). 

Read more at imogenpartridge.com 

Ready for a home refresh? Wild 

Home Studio’s latest range of 

wallpapers and wallcoverings, 

Orb, is a fabulously funky way 

to add some retro cool flavour 

to your home. Designed and 

printed to order in house from 

their Surrey studios, the new style 

combines earthy tones with a 

geometric look to gracefully tread 

the line of adding real maximalist 

impact without feeling too 

overwhelming. From £150 for 10 

metres at wildhomestudio.co.uk 

Brighten up this cold grey winter 

with a healthy dose of dopamine 

dressing! Our pick to lift your mood 

is this cosy knit by Hope Fashion, 

an inclusive brand that we loved 

having at our Midwinter Fair last 

November. Made with soft Italian 

yarn in an on-trend bright fuchsia, 

it just makes you smile. £135 at 

hopefashion.co.uk 

Perfino’s beautiful scent 

pendants are made with 

100% recycled silver or 

gold and offer a new way to 

wear scents without putting 

chemicals on your skin, 

or solvents in the air. The 

pendant is designed to house 

a little lava stone, which can 

absorb a drop of essential 

oil and have you smelling 

wonderful for days. Full set 

£100 at perfino.co.uk 

Take a trip to the roaring 20s on the 29th, at 

Folkestone’s recently opened Brasserie MS. Enjoy a 

spectacular Gatsby-style black tie dinner where Chef 

Patron Mark Sargeant will be joined by CUT at 45 

Park Lane’s executive chef, Elliot Grover, to create 

a specially prepared 9-course menu, complete with 

canapés and cocktails. the-brasserie-ms.co.uk 

25 

It’s the year of the rabbit! 

Chinese New Year will be on 

Sunday 22nd and it’s the 

perfect time to get in the 

spirit with this adorable 

handmade enamel brooch 

from Fable England. £21 

at fableengland.com

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28

The best 

laid plans 

The Surrey Homes house writer shows 

us round her own home – which didn’t 

turn out as she expected, but better 



30

Previous pages: A green and red drum became a fun side table in the sitting room. A graffiti-style piece by Australian artist Patricia Harry 

hangs above the sofa. Maggie found the yellow chair on the street Left: Maggie bought the factory chairs in Sydney, where she lived for 

eight years. The vintage Formica table was a present from leading interiors stylist Hilary Robertson. The blue painting – called Bondi Walls 

– is by another Aussie artist, Gail English. The orange Anglepoise lamp is one of seven in the house Above: With the help of Magnet and 

local trades, Maggie realised her graph paper sketches of her ideal kitchen layout. A Crittall-style door leads straight to a suntrap courtyard 

When you buy a new house 

which is a bit of a project, 

you think you know exactly 

what to do with it, but the sage advice 

from experts is always: live in it first. I 

can now attest from personal experience 

that this is, indeed, wise counsel. 

The first time I entered my 

current home, six years ago, I was 

too busy screaming ‘Stop!!!’ in my 

head to think anything sensible. 

I was there on a hot tip from a 

friend (thank you, Gail) that the 

man who owned the place as an 

investment rental was planning to sell 

it after a quick strip out and refurb. 

I literally ran there, hoping to stop 

them at the point where the stripping 

had reached a knocked-through 

ground floor and bare plaster walls, 

before vinyl flooring and cheapo 

kitchen and bathrooms went in. 

I made it just in time and sealed 

the deal on the same day. 

Once we owned it, walking around 

the space, with its filthy floorboards, 

no kitchen or bathrooms and not 

even a French window onto the back 

garden – because I’d hated the PVC one 

they’d put in – I knew exactly what I 

wanted to do with it. Or so I thought. 

The whole reason we were moving 

was to get a ‘social kitchen’ like all 

the lovely ones I’ve seen writing 

about houses for this magazine. 

I longed for the cool set up with the 

cooking action right next to the eating 

area, with adjacent sofas and room for 

guests to waft about chatting with a 

glass of something sparkling, while I 

threw together a witty weekend supper. 

Our last place, which was featured 

in this magazine some years ago, was 

a very special Georgian town house in 

Hastings Old Town. It was a privilege 

to live there – but that came with all 

the limitations of a listed building. 

There was certainly no potential 

for ‘knocking through’ there (we 

weren’t even supposed to change a 

light switch without asking first) 


My vision was 

that from the 

sitting room 

you wouldn’t be 

able to tell there 

was a kitchen 

there. It seems 

to work, because 

often people are 

very surprised to 

find a kitchen 

just behind 

the bookcase 

and when friends came over I was 

stuck in the kitchen on the lower 

ground floor, feeling like Cinderella, 

hearing peels of laughter from the 

drawing room, one flight up. 

The only way to get with the 

modern lifestyle was to move, so the 

Victorian terrace house just round 

the corner – so still in the Old Town 

conservation area we love, but not 

Listed – was the perfect solution. 

My plan was very simple. As with 

most Victorian terraces, it has a small 

one-storey extension at the back for 

the kitchen (which was to avoid fires 

spreading). In many of the houses 

in the street, these have already been 

extended across the back to double 

the kitchen space and that’s what I 

wanted to do. A tiny little extension, 

half the size of the back of the house. 

Simples, right? 

After three months in a rental, round 

the corner, we had two lovely new 


32

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34 

ShardSolutionsWT248.indd 1 28/11/2022 14:29

This page: Maggie made the sitting room curtains out of her large collection of vintage scarves. The painted floorboards 

are brightened with a kilim found years ago in Turkey. The vintage armchair was from 20th Century Funkin Junk and 

the wooden lightshade was the first thing Maggie bought for the house, from Sideshow Interiors in St Leonards 

bathrooms and a temporary kitchen 

thrown together from eBay (it cost 

£300 in total…) and moved in, but 

despite a steady flow of builders 

coming through, we were making no 

progress on my social kitchen plan. 

It was clear the minute they 

had a sniff around none of them 

wanted to do it – but why not? 

Six months later a builder we knew 

as a friend finally spelled it out in 

words I could understand. It was 

a relatively small job, but it was a 

nightmare because of the sewage system 

of the street. “Why bother?” was his 

conclusion, and I finally understood 

it was time to find a Plan B. 

Two years later, we were still 

living with the £300 kitchen and 

the hole where the PVC French 

doors had been was blocked up 

with plywood and cardboard, but 

we were very happy… how? 

After two summers in the house, 

we’d discovered that the sunniest bit 

of the garden was exactly where we’d 

planned to build the eat-in kitchen 

extension. So if we’d steamed ahead 

with that, we would have lost the 

best spot for a bit of reading and 

sunbathing on a summer afternoon… 

But having established that the 

original plan was a no-go, the temporary 

kitchen was getting unbearable. How 

could we realise the social kitchen 

dream, without the extension? Had we 

moved from our beautiful Georgian 

house for nothing? Then inspiration hit. 

We could tuck a kitchen along 

one wall of the back half of the 

knocked-through living area, with a 

small dining table in the middle. 

I got busy with my tape measure 

and some graph paper and found it 

worked. Along that run of wall there 

was just enough room for a sink, a hob, 

some prep space and a tall fridge. 

Room below for a bin cupboard, 

drawers and an oven. Space on the 

turn wall at the end for a small 

dishwasher and a corner cupboard. 

A couple of shelves above – and a 

full-length pantry cupboard in the 

corner of the opposite wall and it 

was just enough for a kitchen. 

The lovely staff at Magnet in 

Tunbridge Wells drew my plans out 


This page: The leopard print lino runner is from Abigail Ahern and the chandelier is another treasure from Sydney. The large monochrome 

artwork by St Leonards artist, Adrienne Hunter, fits perfectly with the cool-white theme of the house. The white paint throughout is 

Alabaster by Designers Guild 

properly on their computer, advised 

on gadgets to get the most out of the 

space and supplied the carcasses. 

Then, the world’s best builder Rob 

Lewis (who doesn’t love a chap who 

drinks green tea, listens to Radio 4 and 

used to be in a successful heavy metal 

band?) did the fitting and carpentry. 

He also helped me design the exact 

shape of the hand aperture in the 

doors, because I wanted a very sleek, 

clean look with no handles. Having a 

wooden worktop, to warm up the black 

and white scheme, was also his idea. 

When it came to other details, the 

light fitting I chose for the kitchen 

was inspired directly by a flat I’d 

written about for this magazine, 

where the owner had an even larger 

Serge Mouille multi-armed fitting. 

The choice of Crittall-style garden 

door (before they became all the 

rage…) came from the first-ever 

house I wrote up for this mag, 

Goodnestone Park, where interior 

designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden 

had used them to great effect inside. 

All my own idea is the wall facing 

the kitchen run, where there is 

a slightly eccentric arrangement 

of furniture that came about by 

accident, but seems to work. 

The mid-century sideboard had 

always been planned for that spot 

– in my original scheme it was 

going to have the stereo on top 

and vinyl collection beneath. 

That idea had to be ditched, but 

then I realised that the six drawers 

made it perfect kitchen storage – 

without looking like it, which was 

ideal, because my vision was that from 

the sitting room you wouldn’t be able 

to tell there was a kitchen there. 

It seems to work, because often 

people who have been having a 

pre-dinner drink in the sitting 

room are very surprised to find a 

kitchen just behind the bookcase. 

Another bonus of the new plan 

is the empty spot where the £300 

temporary kitchen had been, which 

is now a study and snug. We put a 

window in on the back wall, which 

brings light in from both ends of the 

house, and moved the door into the 

garden along, to make room for some 

bespoke bookshelves built by Rob. 

It was his brilliant idea to tuck 

a cat flap for Gonzo at the 

 


36

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38 

RugStoreWT247.indd 1 04/11/2022 10:11

This page: The space that once housed the £300 temporary 

kitchen is now a study and snug. Bespoke bookshelves conceal a 

clever cat flap. The walls are painted in London Plane by Mylands 

bottom of them, because we couldn’t put one in 

the treasured Crittall kitchen door. “I’ll make him 

a tunnel…” said Rob and it’s very amusing to see a 

furry head emerging from between the books. 

Another change of use worked brilliantly on the 

half-landing up the stairs, which had a guest loo 

on it. My friend Nicki suggested making it into 

a laundry and it’s great not having to take all the 

washing down to the kitchen and back up. 

The first part of the house we finished was also 

the smallest – the shower room adjoining the master 

bedroom. Because it’s such a teeny space, I chose 

gloriously bold hand-blocked wallpaper by Cole & 

Son which dictated the darkest navy and orange colour 

scheme. It still delights me every time I look at it. 

To normalise the tricky proportions of the space, much 

taller than it is wide, I added a picture rail and painted 

the ceiling the same midnight blue as the wallpaper 

background, to create the illusion that it’s lower. 

When I couldn’t find tiles marvellous enough to set off 

the wallpaper, I bought satisfyingly cheap navy-blue subway 

tiles and had them set in a herringbone pattern, with bright 

orange grouting, tinted with special pigment found online. 

The next space to be finished was the main bathroom 

– probably still my favourite room in the house. 

I’m a devotee of the Marie Kondo philosophy of 


This page: The shower room is papered 

in Cole & Son Gondola wallpaper. The 

ceiling is painted the same midnight blue 

to create the illusion that it’s lower. Marie 

Kondo’s philosophy of tidying, where all 

toiletries are put away after use, has been 

employed in both bathrooms. Maggie 

found a small mid-century sideboard 

on eBay for £120 which was converted 

into a sink unit with masses of storage 

tidying, and one of her rules is that 

toothbrushes (and shampoo and 

everything else) is put away after 

use, so I started with storage. How 

could I have enough space to stash 

everything that also looked nice? 

Cupboards specifically made for 

bathrooms are weirdly expensive and 

I thought ‘won’t any cupboard do?’ 

I found a lovely small mid-century 

sideboard on eBay for £120… the 

plumber made a hole in the top for 

the pipe and it was all done, looking 

great, with masses of storage. 

Storage was also my starting 

point in the main bedroom. I had 

a walk-in closet at the old house, 

so I was nervous about having 

enough room to hang all my gear. 

My first action was to get into 

the Marie Kondo mindset 

 


40

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Urban&GreyWT243.indd 1 22/07/2022 14:07

This page: The fish-like object over the bed is actually a 

vintage snowshoe. The bespoke bamboo blinds on either 

side conceal storage shelves. The bedside tables are classic 

plastic pieces by Kartell. The bamboo chair was a junk shop 

find and Maggie sourced the dressing table on eBay. The 

curtains were made by Vintage Bird in Hastings Old Town 

again and prune a lot of it out, but even when I’d 

done that I had to be creative – especially once I 

found out how much good fitted wardrobes cost. 

Stumbling across a lovely Edwardian triple-door 

wardrobe in a Hastings junk emporium was the start – 

and I also saw it would give me the perfect spot to display 

my hatboxes, which I’ve been collecting since the 1980s. 

With the wardrobe in the middle, I put hanging rails 

on either side and then commissioned curtains to cover 

them, made from vintage velvet sourced from a shop in St 

Leonards (now gone and much missed). Very satisfyingly, 

it perfectly matched the walls painted in Little Greene’s 

Rolling Fog, which I chose for its serene quality. 

The other bedroom storage is shelves in the 

bays on either side of the chimney breast. I didn’t 

want more curtains, or more doors to cover them 

– there were already enough of both in the room 

– so I had to come up with another idea. 

After snapping up bamboo window blinds in B&Q 

for day-time privacy (the houses opposite are very 

close) inspiration struck – I could use the same to 

conceal the shelves. B&Q’s brilliantly cheap blinds 

come in very limited sizes, so I found a Danish 


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Above: The blue cupboard is a vintage 

Australian meat safe. The painting over it 

is by Maggie’s late father-in-law and the 

Tunisian birdcage a gift from a friend 

Above right: Maggie found the Edwardian tripledoor 

wardrobe in a Hastings junk emporium. 

She added hanging rails on either side and 

then commissioned curtains to cover them 

made from vintage velvet sourced from a shop 

in St Leonards Right: There is far less storage 

in the kitchen than at their previous home, 

so Maggie decided to wall-mount favourites 

from her collection of Willow Pattern and blue 

and white plates. The baskets and hamper at 

the top of the stairs are another obsession 

firm who make them to measure. 

Everything else in the room just fell 

together. It has a bit of an Indochine 

theme, with the bamboo blinds, 

chair and dressing table, but it wasn’t 

a deliberate ‘look’ (although it has 

coincidentally become a trend since), 

it just came together organically. 

Like the whole house, it shows if you 

don’t try to plan everything, but go with 

the flow of what works for the space, 

within your budget and what serendipity 

brings along, a house can work out 

very nicely – kind of on its own. 

Address Book: 

20th Century Funkin Junk 

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A 

Modern Vintage Seaside Gem 

Natasha and John Lyon 

seem to have an instinct for 

buying property in upand-coming 

areas before 

anyone (even they) realize 

that they’re up and coming. 

They’ve progressed from a 

two-bedroom flat in a nowfashionable 

part of North 

London to a four-bedroom 

house in a newly desirable 

part of East London to this 

impressive six-bedroom family 

home in Margate, quickly 

becoming the coolest coastal 

town on the Kent coast. 

For 15 years Natasha 

was a handbag designer for 

well-known luxury brands 

– a job that allowed her to 

travel extensively, picking up 

interiors inspiration along the 

way. She and John bought this 

house more than three years 

ago and initially tackled the 

less-exciting jobs – treating 

damp and fixing the roof and 

chimneys. They were lucky 

that the house already had 

a large kitchen extension. 

Knowing that much of the 

space could be updated 

cosmetically, and relying on 

Natasha’s talent for styling 

her many vintage furnishings 

and accessories, the couple 

decided the kitchen was 

where they would spend 

their money. John is a keen 

cook, so a well-functioning 

kitchen is important to him. 

After extensive research on 

kitchens from high to low 

price points and everything 

in between, they chose to 

work with a local joiner 

who built a bespoke kitchen 

to meet John’s culinary 

requirements. They sold the 

existing kitchen on Facebook 

Marketplace and are planning 

on reusing the slate floor 

tiles for the garden patio. 

When the pandemic hit 

and work came to a standstill, 

the couple decided to 

collaborate on a new business 

– Appreciation Project, an 

online sustainable dried 

flower delivery and homeware 

brand. Natasha runs the 

creative side and John advises 

on operations while also 

working in technology sales. 

Natasha has set up a home 

studio in the attic, filled with 

dried bouquets and branded 

packaging yet also oozing

When 

to splurge: 

There are times when you 

may need or choose to invest in 

something new, as was the case in this 

kitchen. John is a keen cook and the 

open kitchen/dining room is the family 

hub. The old units were removed and 

sold online, and a local joiner was hired 

to build new cabinets, including this 

large island, topped with robust 

stainless steel and painted in 

Little Greene’s Olive. 

Colour balance: In the family bathroom (above), the 

blingy tub was already in place. Natasha brought it into 

line with her style by adding an eclectic and colourful 

collection of furniture and textiles. The wooden cabinet 

was painted red and adapted to hold a sink, while the 

striped curtain is a piece of fabric pinned onto a pole. 

The blue walls are Little Greene’s Brighton. In the main 

bedroom (below) the walls are painted in Myland’s 

Borough Market. On the bed, Natasha has deftly 

mixed patterns and colours, with stripes playing a 

key role. A piece of unhemmed striped fabric has 

been draped over a side table; a simple trick that 

can be used to jazz up small tables in any room. 

Explore Natasha and John Lyon’s thrifty renovation of 

a six-bedroom Edwardian house in Margate, Kent. 

style, thanks to her decision 

to paint the room a rich shade 

of green. Throughout the 

house, colour plays a starring 

role, with every room except 

the kitchen painted in bold 

hues. In fact, there was so 

much painting to be done 

that it took nine months to 

complete! Nothing was safe 

from the painter’s brush, and 

the result is a captivating 

palette from top to bottom. 

Aside from the kitchen and 

armchairs and sofas (which 

were bought new from Sofa. 

com), pretty much everything 

is second-hand. Natasha is 

dedicated to vintage and has 

a few favourite haunts aside 

from the usual online sources. 

While there’s no strict 

colour scheme for the home 

as a whole – something that I 

entirely approve of – a splash 

of red pops up in almost 

every room. Sometimes that’s 

all you need to create a link 

throughout an interior – a 

small pop here and there. The 

Lyons have created a joyous 

home, lived-in and relaxed 

yet filled with mementoes 

that tell their story.

Rich hues: The hallway (top, far right) has original parquet flooring and a rich combination of 

paint colours; the paler shade is Oval Room Blue while the darker one is De Nimes, both from Farrow 

& Ball. In the sitting room (above) the wall and shelf are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue. 

Dark & moody: The main bedroom’s fireplace (above middle) is 

painted in Myland’s Borough Market like the walls. 

Colour clash: The stair runner was created by piecing together vintage rugs (opposite).

Where do you shop for your home? 

Do you have a favourite store or 

source? We have always bought 

sofas and chairs from Sofa.com, the 

quality is brilliant. In Norwich we 

stumbled across the most incredible 

shop called Vintage Mischief; we 

have bought a lot from them over 

the years. I also have a few treasures 

from Vantage Living, including 

the wicker elephants and the glass 

coffee table in the front lounge. 

5 minutes with 

Natasha & John 

What’s the most important thing 

for you at home? It’s important our 

home is full of creativity; things to 

feed the eyes and the imagination. 

I want this for my kids, for them 

to grow up around interesting art 

and books. It’s also important for 

me – as a designer, I want to be 

surrounded by objects, textures 

and colours that inspire me. 

Do you have a decorating/design 

philosophy? Colour! Don’t be 

afraid to use it. My take on design 

is eclectic – each room is filled 

with special pieces that have a story 

to go with them. I divide large 

rooms into ‘zones’ and accessoriZe 

each one individually, layering 

cushions, blankets, side tables, 

lamps and books. Soon the room 

starts to feel very cosy and is filled 

with lots of detail. I will never be 

a minimalist, because I’m obsessed 

with colours, textures and objects. 

Describe a creative solution to 

a challenge you faced with your 

home. When I get bored of a piece 

of furniture but can’t afford or find 

anything to replace it, I cover it in 

fabric. I did this to the bedside tables/ 

nightstands in our bedroom and to 

a coffee table in the family room. 

It changes the space immediately. 

Do you tend to stay in one 

property for a long time or do 

you prefer to move or reinvent 

your home frequently? This is our 

third property and we have stayed 

in each one thinking we will be 

there longer than we have been. 

However, this home is different, it 

is a true family home. There is a lot 

of space and it can evolve; already it 

has taken on an office for John and 

my office has adapted into a studio 

for Appreciation Project. I can see 

other rooms changing over time into 

a library/homework room and the 

boot room becoming a utility room. 

There is also a loft space and three 

rooms in the cellar. Because there is 

still lots left to do combined with 

the fact we can grow into the house 

we will be here for a long time yet. 

However, I’m sure there will come 

a point where I will want to flex my 

creative interior desires once again. 

What’s next for your home? The 

next project is the family bathroom, 

a shower room and reinstating a 

toilet next to the kids’ bedroom that 

had been removed. We’re also keen 

to put stained glass into the front 

door and surrounding windows. 

This extract was taken from Create by 

Emily Henson, published by Ryland Peters 

& Small (£25). Photography by Catherine 

Gratwicke © Ryland Peters & Small

Words: Damien Pestell 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Escape 

to the 

Country 

The refurbishment of an elegant 

Georgian farmhouse has been 

a labour of love for talented 

interior designer Jessica Bax


54

Previous pages & this page: In the new straw bale extension, picture windows look out onto pretty garden borders, packed 

with cosmos. By keeping the wall colour as a neutral base, Jessica has been able to seamlessly mix a variety of artwork 

styles, fabric patterns and textures and grouped collections of interesting objects and fresh flowers to create interest 

It was Monday morning and I was excited to be travelling 

to somewhere with a familiar name. Shoreham village in 

Kent is just five miles outside of Sevenoaks and, unlike its 

namesake, is nowhere near the sea. Bisected by the panoramic 

Darent Valley, running from the Thames at Dartford down 

through the Kent Downs and finishing high in the Greensand 

Hills above Sevenoaks, it is one of Kent’s best kept secrets. 

I was on my way to meet Jessica Bax to talk about her recently 

completed refurbishment of the stunning Georgian farmhouse 

which she shares with her husband Will and their three children. 

Jessica, who swapped her career as an Interiors Journalist to 

become an Interior Designer, oversaw the entire project from 

start to finish, creating a home which not only displays her 

extensive creative talents but also works for her and her family. 

Set back from the road and accessed via a discreetly hidden 

gated driveway, which you could easily miss, the farmhouse 

is part of a larger complex of former agricultural buildings 

which previously operated as a working farm. Jessica and 

Will bought the house with land and buildings three years 

ago, after making the decision to move away from London 

and back to the countryside, where they both grew up. 

After living in London for five years with small children 

and in Paris for four years before that, I assumed a family 

life in the country was the obvious motivation for the 

change of scene. However, Jessica explained that while 

important, there was another reason. Husband Will, a 

specialist in building community spaces, had a dream 

to create a community focused rural work hub, she 

explained, “We bought it specifically for the site.” 

This picture perfect farmhouse is set in a hidden valley, 

approached via a long gravel driveway which seems to head 

nowhere before sweeping round to reveal the building in all 

its splendour. Surrounded by rolling countryside with barely 

a neighbour in sight, the well proportioned garden is framed 

in part by pretty flint walls bordered by late autumn flowers. 

The house itself was previously owned by an elderly lady 

 


This page: The kitchen is a well thought out space, perfect 

for busy family life, with plenty of storage in the large central 

island and surrounding cupboards, plus breakfast bar seating 

and was in need of modernisation before they could move in. 

Inside the house the changes that have been made slowly 

start to unfold. It’s easy to miss the two original doorways 

in the entrance corridor – preserved to mark the passage 

of time – which previously led to a kitchen on the right, 

now the children’s playroom, and a living room on the left, 

transformed into a spacious kitchen/dining room. Jessica 

explained why the changes were necessary, “The way the 

rooms connected didn’t work, there was no way of moving 

through the house without going through all the rooms.” 

The solution was to build a new side entrance connected to 

a spacious central corridor, linking the smaller rooms either 

side to the bright open plan kitchen space and the heart of 

the house. This has proved to be a masterstroke, opening up 

the whole ground floor to give a greater sense of connection 

and space, as Jessica explains concisely, “I wanted to come 

 


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Above: The large dining table was bought from a local craftsman in Otford. “He collects salvaged materials wherever he 

goes,” explains Jessica, “the top is wood from an old French railway carriage and the legs are old oak pillars from the central 

reservation of the A3!” Surrounding it are colourful chairs from Anthropologie and some vintage finds from a market 

through the door and see right through the house.” 

Next to the new side entrance, just off the corridor, is a good 

sized study, previously a farm office, where Jessica and Will now 

have a desk each for their work. Having personal experience of 

sharing an office with a partner, I asked Jessica how they got 

on, “Will uses the phone a lot more than me, sometimes at 

length, which can be a distraction but otherwise it works well.” 

Opposite the study is a generous boot room, which 

Jessica’s family have packed with belongings. “A few 

years ago when we lived in London we had a few coat 

pegs, now we can fill a room!” Looking in I can almost 

imagine the excitement and trepidation the children 

may have had in their new environment – an endless 

playground of fields, woods and streams to play in. 

Further along, the downstairs bathroom is decked out 

in exquisite wallpaper with an old Victorian vanity unit. 

A wallpapered shelf presents a lovely collection of vintage 

Observers books with their rainbow colours. Jessica discovered 

the wallpaper with the intention of using it in one of her 

interior design projects, but when the right space for it 

didn’t arise, she decided to use it in her own scheme. 

Back in the central corridor, which connects the old 

Victorian extension with the original Georgian part of 

the house, we pay a brief visit to the remarkably tidy 

children’s playroom, Jessica quips, “It’s never this neat! I’m 

so happy it’s being photographed – it’ll be a souvenir.” 

Inside, the walls are painted Farrow & Ball Dix Blue. “It’s 

quite colourful but not dark,” says Jessica, “so you get a good 

impact from it.” There are splashes of colour from the GP 

& J Baker Roman blinds and lots of vibrant artwork – both 

framed professional pieces and the children’s own masterpieces, 

which are creatively pegged onto a line. Below is an antique 

desk, a piece Jessica bought during a trip to Dorset where 

her parents live, a reliable source of quality antiques. I notice 

the kids have started to draw on it, but it doesn’t look out 

of place. Jessica explains her process for creating each room, 

“I love buying old stuff, I feel you can’t make a home if you 

buy everything at once, it needs to be layered up over time.” 

Moving from room to room I begin to see how the house 

reflects Jessica’s style as an interior designer, and note how the 

couple have cleverly managed to reuse a lot of the original 

materials in their renovation. Timbers that had rotted in places 

and needed to be replaced were re-employed to create the 

retaining wall on the terrace and also to make a console table 

in the living room. “It was a focus of this project, and is also a 

key part of the work I take on, to help clients rethink waste 


58

This page: The playroom walls are painted Farrow & Ball Dix Blue, and the Roman blinds were made from GP & J Baker 

fabric. Jessica has pegged the children’s artwork onto a line above an antique desk which she bought on a trip to Dorset 

 


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ThomasMansfieldWT240-SURREY (Private Law).indd 1 06/04/2022 JaneElizabethArchitectsWT245.indd 09:25 

1 08/09/2022 13:01

Top left: One of the children’s bedrooms Above left: The family bathroom is a soothing grey with soft accents 

of pink. Like the rest of the house, shelving is used to display interesting artworks alongside family photos 

Above right: The master bed faces a large south facing window which overlooks a wildlife pond 

from their building projects and design in a way that 

is kinder to the environment,” explains Jessica. 

The kitchen/dining room is at the end of the corridor 

and has been transformed into a glorious open plan family 

space with an abundance of natural light from all sides. Neat 

navy blue units are fitted along two adjacent walls offsetting 

seamlessly with the vibrant white quartz worktops. A good 

sized island provides additional workspace with a breakfast bar 

for those speedy breakfasts on the run, whilst sash windows 

and newly installed patio doors bring plenty of light to a 

corner where a fireplace once was. A delightful glass-fronted 

cupboard, from Jessica’s trusted supplier in Dorset, mixes 

old with new, offering extra storage and some contrast. 

Turning 180 degrees, the focal point of the dining area is 

the large table, which can seat up to 10 people. This is a piece 

with a great story bought from a local craftsman in Otford, 

Jessica explains, “He collects salvaged materials wherever he 

goes. The top is wood from an old French railway carriage 

and the legs are old oak pillars from the central reservation of 

the A3!” The beautiful table is balanced with colourful chairs 

from Anthropologie and some vintage finds from a market. 

Surrounding the table is artwork that Jessica and Will 

have collected from various trips over the years. One piece 

in particular catches my eye, it’s of waves crashing onto a 

shoreline. I ask Jessica about it and she explains, “It’s of a 

beach in Alderney, one of the smaller Channel Islands, where 

Will’s grandparents used to live. He has been going there 

his whole life and we have a close family bond with it.” 

Open but not attached to the kitchen/dining room is the 

newest part of the house. The living room is part of a modern 

extension made from super insulated precision crafter straw 

panels that lock together like a giant Lego set, with the master 

suite above. “We wanted to create an eco friendly extension 

with a minimal use of concrete and artificial materials,” says 

Jessica. On the wall a narrow window gives you a view of the 

panels behind the clay render, used so that it can breathe 

 


This page: The children’s bathroom is papered in Jelly Fish Bloom wallpaper by Thibaut 

and flex with the weather. Jessica said of the decision to 

create a modern extension rather than a period replica, “We 

wanted to mark the passage of time rather than obscure it.” 

A large aspect window looks out over the south facing garden 

with far reaching views of the valley beyond. Behind, a cosy 

seating area is huddled around the striking glass-fronted wood 

burner and shelving to the left holds a collection of books 

with colourful Arabic tiles displayed from a trip Jessica took to 

Iran many years ago to visit a friend who was studying there. 

It’s not only the new extension that boasts impressive 


62

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Above left and left: Navy tongue-and-groove panelling lines 

the staircase with a carefully curated selection of artworks 

mounted above Above: A corner of the entrance hall 

eco-credentials, “We went to great lengths to design the house 

so as to be maximally environmental. This was one of my 

main focuses, and is also a major part of my interior design 

work,” says Jessica. “The choice of straw for the extension, the 

replacement of all the windows, the insulation to all external 

walls, breathable wall paint and my never-ending quest to 

find old furniture and reuse it… this is all part of our story, to 

realise a home that was minimally disruptive to the planet.” 

Walking up the beautifully crafted timber staircase 

I admire more art on the walls before entering a 

brightly lit landing. Upstairs another long corridor 

mirrors the one below, with a spare room at the end 

patrolled by a sleepy cat, perturbed by my presence. 

Gathered around the landing area are the two girls’ 

rooms opposite one another. The right hand room has a 

twin outlook, with an additional window achieved through 

the removal of the chimney in the kitchen below. Facing 

it, the other room has a four poster bed with another 

painting from Alderney, this time of the puffin colony. 

Approaching the master suite we enter another more intimate 

corridor, this time with integrated wardrobes cleverly 


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66 

GreenFarmKentWT245.indd 1 15/09/2022 16:18

This page: Stackable Peach armchairs by Resol provide colourful outdoor seating. Green Sanctuary Anthracite wallpaper by Mind The Gap 

in the downstairs loo 

camouflaged using Cole & Son wallpaper. On the wall is 

a mirror with inlaid glass that Jessica bought from a trip to 

Udaipur in India. Entering the bedroom, it feels enormous, 

helped in part by the incredible vaulted ceiling which makes the 

room feel so much bigger. Behind the bed is a stunning twin 

chest of drawers inlaid with mother of pearl, inspired by the 

mirror outside and of the same style. The bed faces an almost 

floor-to-ceiling south facing window, overlooking a pretty 

pond below, Jessica comments, “There is a lovely kingfisher 

and herons which you can sometimes see in the mornings.” 

Coming back downstairs Jessica kindly hands me a jar 

of honey – they have a glut from the bees that Will keeps. 

She also offers me some apples grown on the tree outside, 

but I admit we actually have so many ourselves I am unable 

to help her out. As I start to get my things together, I say 

farewell to Jessica and consider everything I have seen. 

Jessica’s primary objective in renovating her Georgian 

farmhouse was to create a functional house that would work 

for her family. She has been hands-on with the entire process, 

being involved in the design and build stages to ensure that the 

rooms flow harmoniously with the needs of her family. She has 

then layered on her own unique style adding colour and flair 

to create that thing which is so important to all of us, a home. 

Address Book: 

To find out more about Jessica’s interior 

design services, visit jessicabax.co.uk 

For further information on building with straw, visit Barbara 

Jones’ site strawworks.co.uk. The company that Jessica and 

Will used for their project was EcoCocon ecococon.eu/gb/ 


Wealden Times 

Midsummer Midwinter 

Wealden Times 

Fair 

Fairs 

O nline 

1st-4th 12-15 November July 2021 

Live Local, 

Love Local, 

Shop Local 

Those of you that have been to our 

Midwinter or Midsummer Fair will know 

that there’s a burgeoning independent 

retail scene, bursting with creative talent, 

beautifully designed products and lovely 

people who put their heart and soul into 

their shops. We find the very best of them 

and invite them to our fairs. But once our 

marquees have come down, you can find 

them either in their hometowns or, if you 

keep up with their latest news on Instagram, 

at other pop-up locations around the country. 

Go and pay them a visit if you can. 

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Maidstone 

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Chandrika Thomas London 

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Reigate Pop Up 

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Fires and More 

Ashford 

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Bottle Bar and Shop 

Catford Broadway 

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SJ Feist & Co Ltd. 

St Leonards on Sea 

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Organic Village Market 

Tonbridge 

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County Clothes 

Canterbury, Golden Boot Reigate, 

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Tenterden, Sevenoaks & 

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Tunbridge Wells 

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Show 

Some 

L ove 

Yes, Valentine’s is coming up, but 

love comes in so many forms and 

they are all worth celebrating! So we 

are tallying up three lovely things to 

do with whoever is in your heart 

1 The Family Event: 

The Curious 

Be it a birthday, anniversary or any 

other excuse, a family get together 

is a wonderful way to surround 

yourself with those you love. For 

such a day, you need something 

deeply personal that can also please 

and excite a crowd, which is why 

The Curious is our pick. 

Taking us through the looking 

glass, to a magical world of unique 

dining experiences, The Curious still remains grounded in the 

values of community, sustainability and fantastic food. 

Over the last seven years, what we once knew and loved as the 

eatery with its own allotment has evolved into a multipurpose event 

space and catering company. But whether you visit them for an 

in-house Supper Club or event, or hire them to cater a celebration 

elsewhere, The Curious’s dining experiences are always immersive 

and imaginative – from elegantly plated food in the middle of the 

woods, to bubbling cauldrons over a wood fire. The food itself 

makes use of ingredients from local suppliers, seasonal produce, 

and the spoils of their own allotment for menus that combine the 

classic, simple elegance of traditional dishes, but each inspired by a 

unique story and background for a curious twist. 

For your next family feast, you can book The Curious to cater 

a special occasion, visit them for one of their own events, or find 

their food at a number of other stunning venues including Sprivers 

Mansion, Battel Hall at Leeds Castle, Great Budds House, The 

Mount Vineyard and Chiddingstone Castle. 

thecuriouseatery.co.uk 

2 The Date Destination: The Ivy Castle View 

Whether you are starting out a budding romance or celebrating 

decades of marriage, sharing a meal with that special someone is the 

classic date idea with good reason. For something special that really 

shows the other person you care, we’ve chosen The Ivy Castle View 

in Guildford, Surrey. 

For a dramatic view, it doesn’t get much better; as the name 

implies you can dine like royalty looking out at the historical 

Guildford Castle. But you can also feel comfortably enjoying 

each other’s company as this sophisticated setting has a very 

relaxed vibe. The menus combine modern British classics and 

internationally inspired dishes, from traditional fish and chips 

and roast chicken to duck liver parfait and lobster linguine (so 

you don’t have to worry about your date not finding anything 

they want!). Go on a weekday to enjoy two courses for £16.95, 

or three for £21. 

This one will impress with the view and decor, and then sit 

you down and put you at ease for an enjoyable experience, 

making it not just a great option for romance but also a great 

place to go with friends, family or really any company you choose. 

theivyguildford.com 

3 The Bonding Opportunity: 

Kent Cookery School 

One-on-one parent bonding time can be a rare treasure 

that children always remember – and making it a learning 

experience, too, is a great bonus! So Kent Cookery School’s 

adult and child cooking courses are a fabulous option. 

Young people from 8-16 years can spend some time 

learning to cook with a parent, guardian or other adult 

over 18, both gaining valuable skills along the way. These 

classes focus on street food based topics including Thai, 

Mexican, and Pasta and Pizza. They cost £130 for an 

adult and child, and are taught by head chef James, with 

room for six pairs per event. The class will teach students 

how to pick fresh ingredients, mix flavours and cook 

meat and vegetables properly, ending with a delicious 

meal to share together. kentcookeryschool.co.uk 


70

1 Country Class: 

Chapel House Estate 

Country charm at its best, this is the one for 

understated luxury. Surrounded by 35 acres of 

rustic wildness and beautiful landscaping, this 

country estate provides a unique backdrop for 

relaxing, entertaining and celebrating in the 

most private of settings. 

At the heart of the Estate is Chapel House 

itself, a converted chapel built in 1290, filled 

with charm and character. This holds five 

bedrooms and is the perfect restful retreat for 

the night of your wedding. Outside, you’ll find 

panoramic views, beautiful formal gardens, an 

orchard and a secluded walled courtyard with its 

own lounge bar and private chefs table. 

There are twelve more bedrooms throughout 

the estate, between its contemporary Hideaway 

Lodges in the sprawling paddocks, and Chapel 

Cottage on the edge of the site. For winter 

weddings a rustic converted barn, the Old 

Malt Granary, is perfect for a ceremony, while a 

state-of-the-art Banqueting Barn awaits for the 

wedding breakfast. 

With all the facilities on the Chapel House 

Estate you can create an small intimate 

celebration, or fabulously large affair, here. 

Register for an appointment to view the estate 

online and discover it for yourself! 

chapelhouseestate.co.uk 

Something New 

We couldn’t list places to celebrate love without also looking at a 

few wedding venues! These three favourites are each something 

a little different, for a big day filled with style and personality 

2 Fabulous & Fun: The Bell in Ticehurst 

A venue filled with quirky fun and sumptuous style. Get married in the Big 

Room with its hand-painted wallpaper, glamorous chandeliers, and velvet 

curtains, followed by a Champagne reception in the garden. And then, in true 

Bell tradition, make your big entrance as newlyweds by walking down the 

middle of an oak dining table, to the applause and confetti of your guests. 

With exclusive use of a suite of rooms, including The Snug, The Stable 

and the new Stable Bar as well as the Big Room, The Bell can cater for up 

to 90 guests for a wedding ceremony, and 120 for an evening party. The 

flexibility and style of the rooms means that it’s also ideal for smaller, more 

intimate weddings. The bride and groom can stay in The Bell’s beautiful Love 

Nest lodge, or the newly decorated Pour L’Amour lodge, with its stunningly 

romantic hand-painted mural by Jane McCall, inspired by Charleston House 

and Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant’s love affair. 

Visit The Bell on Sunday 26th February for Quirky Wedding Fair to sample 

what your wedding could look like at The Bell, with the opportunity to meet 

some carefully selected suppliers over bubbles and canapés. 

thebellinticehurst.com 

3 Picture Perfect: Dulwich Picture Gallery 

This spectacular gallery offers something truly unique – a wedding 

surrounded by one of the finest collections of Old Masters 

paintings in the world. 

Dulwich Picture Gallery is licenced for civil ceremonies in both 

the magnificent Soane Gallery and the more sleek and modern 

Linbury Room. Entertainment for guests before the ceremony 

and after dinner is built right in as friends and family can explore 

the permanent collection. And the Soane Gallery is also available 

for your reception space, where your guests can dine right beside 

Rembrandts, Gainsboroughs and Canalettos, at a long table 

running through a series of arches in the gallery. 

dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk 

Backgrounds: Branch Van Gogh Almond Blossom 

Wallpaper £69/roll Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com

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Health & Beauty

Health & Beauty Supplement 

Age-defying 

Beauty 

Josephine Fairley recommends her top products 

for a gorgeously youthful complexion 

Call it ‘age-defying’. Or ‘anti-ageing.’ Or ‘positive 

ageing’, if you like. There’s a lot of debate right 

now about how we label the idea that basically, we 

all want to look good for our age. End of. It’s not about 

‘trying to look younger’, or chasing impossible dreams. 

Almost every woman I know, from about thirty onwards, 

just wants to hear the words, ‘Gosh, you look well!’ 

I’ve learned a LOT over the years about how to make this 

happen – and it’s not rocket science. It certainly doesn’t 

mean going for endless ‘tweakments’ – though if that’s what 

you want to do, I won’t judge, merely wanting to make sure 

you’re armed with the right info to maximise your chances 

of being happy with the results. (To which end, I 

will simply point you in the direction of Alice 

Hart-Davis’s excellent book, The Tweakments 

Guide: Fresher Face, and the accompanying 

website, thetweakmentsguide.com.) 

It means choosing the right products, 

but also getting into some good 

habits. And I’m about to share what 

I know 100% works, here. 

There’s skincare that really works. 

Thing is, you have to USE it. 


3

Diligently. Twice a day, in the case 

of age-defying moisturisers and 

‘anti-wrinkle’ creams and serums. 

I’ve lost count of 

the people who’ve 

said to me over 

the years, for 

instance: ‘Oh, 

eye creams don’t 

work.’ And it 

turns out that 

they’ve been using 

something once or 

twice a week, and 

still expecting it 

to work miracles. 

The sooner your 

skincare becomes 

a true ritual, 

with products 

diligently applied, 

the better your 

skin will look; 

approach it as a 

pleasurable ‘pause’ 

in a busy life, rather than a chore. 

Don’t chop and change. Give 

any new product a month 

at least – one skin cycle 

– to deliver results; 

again, constantly 

trying new 

products for 

a short burst 

(and I know 

so many 

women who 

do this) will 

never deliver 

the intended 

improvements. 

But what to 

buy, I hear you 

chorus? I can 

tell you that, too – 

because having for 26 

years run ‘The Beauty Bible 

Awards’ (the winners of which are 

all viewable on beautybible.com), I 

have consistently been blown away by 

reading comments from real women 

about real products that have far 

exceeded their expectations. (They’re 

divided into teams of 10, and any 

Don’t chop and 

change. Give any 

new product a 

month at least – 

one skin cycle – to 

deliver results; 

again, constantly 

trying new products 

for a short burst 

(and I know so 

many women who 

do this) will never 

deliver the intended 

improvements. 

product that earns one of our Awards 

has pretty much wowed all of them.) 

We actually have a section called 

‘Miracle Treatments’, 

setting the bar superhigh 

for these categories 

and even asking women 

to trial them on one 

side of the face, for 

comparison. (They do!) 

2022’s Gold Award, 

for instance, went to 

the mega-hydrating 

Transformulas Marine 

Miracle Crème, £95 for 

50ml, with the Silver 

Award going to Freya 

+ Bailey Forte Retinol 

Lustre Moisturiser, 

£42 for 60ml, which 

features 0.5% (the 

highest permitted 

dose) of retinol. 

Now, once upon a 

time, retinol – which 

works to minimise fine lines, 

wrinkles, pigmentation and sun 

damage – was something that caused 

many users to experience irritation, 

but clever formulations tend now 

to be gentler and effective. (To 

the point where I’ve changed my 

mind on retinol completely.) 

Add a serum into your regime. This 

style of formulation tends to pack a 

concentrated punch of age-defying 

ingredients – an extra step before 

moisturising. I absolutely flipping swear 

by serums, loving the glide-y feel as I 

apply them. (And the results observed 

in the mirror.) They are rarely cheap 

– the best serums, in my observation, 

tend to be pricey – but if you stick with 

one, it can last a surprisingly long time 

as only a few drops are needed. Beauty 

Bible identified some impressively 

high-scoring serums: Elemis Pro- 

Collagen Renewal Serum, £70 for 

15ml; de Mamiel First Fix Stress 

Response Serum, £135 for 30ml; and 

– something different here – OSKIA 

Super C Smart Nutrient Beauty, £70 

for 60 capsules, where you massage the 

contents of a pre-dose capsule into skin. 

Which neatly brings me to the subject 

of massage. To me, this is the oftoverlooked 

but incredibly important 


4


istockphoto.com/ jacoblund / Yulia Lisitsa 

age-defier. Facial massage brings 

circulation to the skin, restoring 

glow instantly while also stimulating 

cells; I’m convinced it improves 

skin’s ‘bounce-back’ factor. Using 

the time spent cleansing my face, I 

massage deeply (but not painfully) 

with my fingers, always in an 

upwards or circular direction. But 

even more effective, I’ve discovered, 

is a gadget that again scooped a 

Beauty Bible Award, the Opatra 

LumiQuartz Rose Face Wand, £499 

(sorry, it’s pricey again, but you 

can also get amazing results from a 

rose quartz gua sha roller or stone, 

both of which are readily available 

from a wide range of sources for 

around fifteen quid). Meanwhile, 

a slender tool with a rose quartz 

embedded in the end, the Opatra 

device offers LED light therapy to 

help support collagen and elastin 

synthesis, while also relaxing the 

face immeasurably as the warmed 

quartz buzzes on the surface; I am 

frankly completely addicted and use 

it with a couple of drops of facial oil 

to reduce facial tension at bedtime, 

when it’s become a ritual part of my 

wind-down routine, before sleep. 

Ah, beauty sleep. That’s a whole 

other story. Maybe I’ll come to 

that next month 

because, trust 

me: beauty sleep 

is NOT a myth. 

More is more. 

Eight hours really 

is ideal, seven just 

about OK – and 

if you’re skimping 

and getting by on 

less than that, it’s 

going to show. 

Supplements 

can be useful to 

add into your diet. 

Fact: it’s just about 

impossible to get all the nutrients we 

need for great skin in a normal, busy 

modern lifestyle, unless we really 

dedicate ourselves to that goal. We 

need plenty of antioxidants – citrus 

fruits, orange-coloured fruit and veg 

– plenty of nuts and wholegrains. 

We need protein, iron, zinc, and 

Book in at a makeup 

counter – I 

recommend By Terry 

or Bobbi Brown – 

pick up some ideas, 

and I’m pretty sure 

you’ll be thrilled 

with what you see 

in the mirror. 

essential fatty acids, found in oily 

fish such as sardines, mackerel, 

salmon, walnuts, chia seeds and 

linseed. And can we all be sure to 

get those on a daily basis? Nah. 

And beyond that, experts now also 

recommend ingesting collagen, too. 

My go-to for skin supplements is 

always victoriahealth.com, where 

genius pharmacist Shabir Daya stays 

on top of all the latest research 

(translated into easy-tounderstand 

articles that 

will keep anyone up to 

speed), and where you 

can find supplements 

including veganfriendly 

Vollagen 

Complex, £16.95 

for 50 (with potently 

antioxidant rose 

hips, matcha green 

tea and bilberry); 

Ingenious Beauty 

Ultimate Collagen, £60 

for 90 capsules; and my 

‘desert island beauty supplement’, 

their bestselling VH Hyaluronic 

Acid Capsules High Strength, £35 

for 30 capsules. I’m also convinced 

that Manifesto Beauty Vitamin 

Gummies, £40 for 60, have helped 

my hair and nails, which also 

suffer through the 

ageing process. 

Last but not least, 

get a makeover. 

One of the reasons 

we look in the 

mirror and feel 

ancient is because 

we look washed 

out and almost 

‘faded’. Skin, hair, 

even eyes fade with 

time. Book in at a 

make-up counter 

– I recommend 

By Terry or Bobbi 

Brown – pick up some ideas, and 

I’m pretty sure you’ll be thrilled with 

what you see in the mirror. Call it 

the icing on the age-defying cake… 

See beautybible.com for more of Jo’s 

tried and tested beauty reviews. 

5

BOTOX FOR GRINDING 

& CLENCHING 

EASE TEETH GRINDING 

If you grind your teeth when you’re not eating, you may have a disorder called 

bruxism. Constant teeth grinding and clenching can cause your teeth to wear down 

over time. They can even become shorter and eventually break. Tooth grinding 

affects more than just your teeth, too – you may face discomfort and stiffness 

in the jaw, frequent headaches, migraines, insomnia, or even depression. 

What is BOTOX for grinding and clenching? 

BOTOX can help relieve the muscle soreness that comes with bruxism and 

can remove the pressure on the teeth due to grinding that can break teeth. 

It will also reprogram the brain and teaches it not to overuse the muscles. 

What does BOTOX for grinding 

and clenching involve? 

During a bruxism treatment, Dr. Eben Van Der Walt will thoroughly 

assess all the muscles involved, trigger points, and referred pain areas to 

ensure he injects the BOTOX correctly. Once he has a treatment plan, 

he will inject BOTOX into the muscles that are involved. The injection 

will impair the muscle and teach your brain not to misuse it. 

This weakening will only reduce the amount of overuse (hypertrophy) 

of the muscles, so you can still function, eat, and chew properly 

without breaking or chipping any of your teeth. It will take between 3 

days and 2 weeks for the effects to fully show, that’s why Dr. Eben Van 

Der Walt always begins with the minimum dose and will re-evaluate 

after two weeks to see if any of the muscles require more BOTOX 

Does BOTOX for grinding and clenching hurt? 

A very fine needle is used to inject the medication during this treatment so you don’t have to worry about any severe pain 

or discomfort. Most patients find it to be very tolerable, especially when a topical anaesthetic is used before the injection. 

Why BOTOX for grinding and clenching? 

BOTOX is usually prescribed as the ideal treatment and maintenance 

protocol for bruxism and might combine it with medications, mouth guards, 

stress management methods, physical therapy, chiropractic techniques, 

and other treatments for bruxism to fully combat the condition. 

What results will you see? 

While BOTOX is not a cure for bruxism, you may notice it can control its symptoms 

better than other treatments and it’s effective all the time. The results of this teeth 

grinding treatment will usually last for about a year, and in the following years. 

01932 855011 www.portmoredental.co.uk

Wellbeing 

Keep in 

the know 

Sarah Maxwell gets personal with 

vital menopause info 

istockphoto.com/ Olga Strelnikova 

Perimenopause refers to the period of time right 

before menopause begins. Actual menopause 

technically lasts only 1 day, it is the day a woman 

has gone 1 full year without a period. The next day, 

a woman would be classed as post-menopausal. If 

this sounds confusing to you, you’re not alone! 

During the perimenopause phase, your body is 

beginning the transition into menopause. This can 

last between 4 and 10 years with the average age range 

being 45 to 55. This can cause a lot of confusion – for 

example, using contraception can make it difficult 

to know where you are in this transition, periods can 

become irregular, heavier or you may still have regular 

periods (you are still able to conceive during this time). 

Hormone levels start to fluctuate and, for many, it can 

be a real rollercoaster – both physically and mentally. One 

of my clients likened her experience of perimenopause 

to the ‘Boiling Frog’ parable. If you put a frog in 

boiling water it will jump out, if you heat the water 

slowly it doesn’t realise the danger until it’s too late. 

Unfortunately there is not one stand alone test to 

determine where you are in this phase, hormone levels and 

symptoms can ebb and flow widely during this time and 

this makes it difficult to get a clear and accurate picture. 

According to menopause 

experts there are four 

most common symptoms 

of the perimenopause, 

known as ‘the core four’. 

• Hot flushes 

• Disturbed sleep 

• Depression 

• Vaginal dryness 

Perminenopause is currently 

associated with around 34 

different symptoms such as: 

• Hair loss 

• Muscle aches and pains 

• Burning mouth 

syndrome (tingling 

tongue, lips and gums) 

• Stomach bloating 

• Dry eyes 

Looking back, I realise I was completely unaware of 

what was happening to me. Physically I didn’t feel 

different, apart from the odd hot flush and poor sleep 

quality. Mentally, it was a different story. I did feel 

different, but I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt so low 

and not at all myself. It was a gradual process that crept up 

so slowly, just like the boiling frog. I got used to it – until it 

became way too much. The transition affected not only me, 

but everyone close to me, too. I strongly feel that if I had better 

information about what the process of perimenopause was, I 

would have been better equipped to deal with it at the time. 

Every woman will, at some point, go through menopause 

with different symptoms and experiences. And often, at this 

stage in her life, she may also be caring for elderly parents 

and/or coming to terms with children flying the nest as 

well as a multitude of other pressures into the mix. 

What you can start doing right now? 

• Increase good fats and protein 

• Keep hydrated 

• Exercise regularly 

• Relaxation and time for yourself is essential 

• Above all, be kind to yourself! 

Seeing your GP 

Learn as much as you can about your menopause and the variety 

of options you have in order to keep you fit, well and sane. 

Make a list of your symptoms and keep a diary if possible. 

The more informed you are, the better your GP can 

help you. This worked well for me because brain fog 

is a frequent occurrence and still no better! 

Recommended reading 

I’m a huge fan of Meg Mathews’ website, Meg’s Menopause. 

It’s my one-stop-shop for everything menopause. 

megsmenopause.com 

A great menopause information site 

https://www.benendenhospital.org.uk/health-news/ 

womens-health/understanding-the-menopause/ 

A gentle approach to encourage dialogue 

with partners and loved ones 

healthtalk.org/menopause/advice-to-partners-about-the-menopause 

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 


Stay Stress Free with Helios 

At Helios we have a wide range of 

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products to support both physical 

and emotional wellbeing, including 

stress and sleep disturbances. 

Our team of fully qualified homeopaths 

and pharmacists are on hand to offer 

you a warm welcome and friendly, expert 

advice on how to support you and your 

family’s health naturally. We have remedies 

and products for your pets too. 

Alongside our remedies we stock a wide 

range of vitamin and mineral supplements, 

flower essences, herbal remedies and 

books and for the real feel good factor, 

organic and natural skin and hair care. 

We only use companies with the same 

ethos of supplying products of the highest 

quality and integrity from ethical sources. 

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 

Put your best 

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istockphoto.com/ ClusterX / baibaz 

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau 

explains how to stay nourished during pregnancy 

A 

mother’s diet is the only source of nutrition for a 

developing baby, so it is important to be aware of what 

we should and shouldn’t be eating during pregnancy. 

During the three trimesters of pregnancy there are many 

factors that can have a huge impact on a child’s future 

health, including the women’s diet, weight fluctuations, physical 

and mental wellbeing, lifestyle choices and environment. For 

many, pregnancy can bring with it food aversions, reduced 

or increased appetite, reflux and sickness and can prove to be 

a challenging time for many women. However, by following 

a generally healthy diet and lifestyle, paying attention to the 

essential nutrients for a baby’s development and avoiding 

risky foods and drinks, you can ensure that you are getting 

all the vitamins and nutrients that you and your baby need. 

Learn to… EAT A VARIETY 

To ensure you and your baby get all the nutrients you need, a 

varied and balanced diet is one that we should be focusing on 

throughout pregnancy, bearing in mind quality and quantity. 

The Mediterranean diet is a great one to base your food choices 

around, with a focus on fresh seasonal produce where vegetables, 

legumes (beans and lentils), wholegrains and nuts form the bulk 

of meals, moderate animal protein from fish and poultry and a 

lower intake of red meats, eggs, yoghurt and cheese. (Read on 

for exceptions.) Try to think about your diet over the course of a 

week, rather than a day, and look carefully at the colour, variety 

and the quality of your food sources. Help promote a healthy 

digestive system with plenty of fibre, fluids and movement. 

Step away from… CERTAIN FOOD & DRINKS 

Most of the foods that we are advised to avoid whilst pregnant, 

carry a risk of food poisoning from harmful bacteria. UK guidelines 

suggest only consuming ready meals that are thoroughly heated 

and cooked, avoid pâtés as they may contain listeria, do not eat 

raw or undercooked eggs unless they are British Lion eggs (with 

a lion stamp on them) as they are less likely to contain salmonella 

and avoid undercooked meats. Fish is an important part of our diet 

in pregnancy, however eat no more than 2 portions a week of oily 

fish, sea bass, sea bream, turbot, halibut or crab as they may contain 

pollutants. Also limit your intake of tuna, marlin and swordfish 

which contain high levels of mercury. Avoid soft, unpasteurised 

cheeses, soft blue cheese, soft goats cheese and mould-ripened soft 

cheese, as they can cause listeriosis, unless they are cooked until 

steaming hot! Limit caffeine to under 200mg per day, that’s around 

2 regular coffees and it is safest to avoid alcohol completely, as it has 

been linked to low birth weight, premature birth and miscarriage. 

Give it a go… FOOD SUPPLEMENTS 

Eating a healthy, varied diet in pregnancy will help you get most 

of the vitamins and minerals you need, but when you are pregnant 

or if there’s a chance you might get pregnant, it’s important to 

also take a folic acid supplement. The NHS recommend that you 

take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, from before you’re 

pregnant until you’re 12 weeks pregnant, this is to reduce the risk of 

problems in the baby’s development in the early weeks of pregnancy. 

If you get little or no sunlight exposure, and especially between 

September and March due to limited sunlight, it is recommended 

that you take a daily 10 micrograms of a Vitamin D supplement 

to help regulate how much calcium and phosphate are in the 

body, keeping muscles, bones and teeth healthy. If you are taking 

a multivitamin, always read the label and avoid those that contain 

vitamin A as too much Vitamin A can be harmful to an unborn baby. 

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 



Lost 

F 

& ound 

Hair loss in women is often a sensitive topic; a 

medical issue that is very much linked to emotional 

health, both as a cause and effect. It affects so many 

women today and yet really needs more research, 

understanding and awareness. We have asked a 

couple of experts to shine a light on the topic 

Finding the Pattern 

Trichologist and multi award-winning hair extensionist 

Kathryn Nash CiT WTS, from Harvey-Smith Hair 

Enhancement Clinic, tells us about how hair loss happens in 

women and what can be done to help 

Female pattern hair loss (a.k.a. androgenetic alopecia) is very 

common – around 50% of women can be affected. It can have 

a significant psychological impact, causing depression and low 

self-esteem in some cases, so it is important that those affected can 

access help and support. 

How it starts 

Hair loss can begin as early as the teenage years, although it is 

typically noticed more between the ages of 25-50 and can continue 

into your 70s and 80s. Women may sometimes notice excessive 

hair shedding, but usually first notice that their hair starts to thin 

in the parting area. This kind of hair loss follows a distinctive 

pattern – the front hairline is retained, while the parting area thins 

and widens with the hair appearing ‘see-through’. 

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of genetic and 

hormonal factors. It is usually hereditary and can be inherited from 

either side of the family. Hormones known as androgens also play a 

part – they enter the hair follicle and make thicker hairs (known as 

terminal hairs) much finer as the follicle becomes smaller. 

Who we can talk to 

In the early days, the first person someone will confide in about 

their hair loss is often their hairdresser. It is sadly a myth that 

cutting your hair will make it grow quicker, but the right cut can 

improve how you feel about your hair. Try to avoid thinning out 

your hair further with heavy layering, but a regular trim can make 

the ends look thicker by blunting the edges. This being said, in 

most cases, for any type of hair loss, treating it early is far more 

effective. So by all means, go to your hairdresser, but it is also best 

to see a trichologist. 

A trichologist is a specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and 

treatment of hair loss and scalp conditions. At my clinic we 

offer extensive consultations in which we discuss hair, lifestyle, 

medication and diet, before examining the hair and scalp, using 

clinical photos and magnified images from a trichoscope to 

understand each case. I always say hair loss can be a bit like a jigsaw 

puzzle; you need all the pieces to be able to see the full picture. It is 

only then you can make an informed diagnosis and any treatment 

suggestions. Most importantly a good trichologist should support 

you through your hair journey. 

Products to try 

Nioxin products support thinning hair and hair loss. Diaboost is a 

treatment that thickens each strand, giving you a fuller look. 

Hair fibres such as Toppik come in various forms such as powders 

and sprays, and can camouflage hair loss. Be mindful to wash these 

out properly after use to avoid build up and clogging the follicle. 

Mediceuticals’ Advanced Hair Thinning Kit includes a shampoo, 

conditioner and topical scalp treatment. There are various kits to 

target different hair and scalp conditions as well as male and female 

hair loss. 

Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo and Conditioner 

can be used on any type of hair, even those with sensitive scalps. It 

is free from fragrances, parabens, colours, and sulphates and is very 

gentle on the hair and scalp. 

Lamberts Maxi Hair is a supplement that contains a good spread of 

nutrients including 25 essential micronutrients. 

istockphoto.com/ Irina Nurtdinova 


10


Specialist Care 

Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, Jane Martins, 

answers our questions about the many kinds of hair loss and 

how to get proper treatment 

Have you seen any changes since the pandemic? 

Since the pandemic, there appears to have been an increase in 

individuals experiencing hair shedding (telogen efflluvium). Some 

factors influencing this include having had COVID, changes in 

lifestyle and changes in hair care routines. 

How much can a topical over-the-counter product 

like a shampoo or scalp serum actually do? 

This would depend on the diagnosis, the formula of the product 

and whether it is suitable for the type of hair loss. Typically 

shampoos will not have an effect on hair loss related to telogen 

effluvium or androgenic alopecia (male of female pattern baldness) 

they simply are not applied to the scalp for long enough and 

are diluted under water. Targeted scalp serums or drops are the 

most effective at treating hair loss. At Philip Kingsley we have 

preventative drops to help slow hair loss and reduce hair shedding 

– our Density Preserving Scalp Drops. For active genetic hair loss 

(male or female pattern baldness) we offer prescription scalp drops 

via our Trichological Clinics upon seeing one of our Trichologists to 

assess the correct route of treatment. 

Lifestyle Changes 

Alopecia simply means ‘hair loss’ and is an umbrella term for 

several different types of hair loss conditions. These can be caused 

by various factors; some, unfortunately, we cannot control but there 

are some that we can. As much as these hair loss types vary, there 

are some things we can do generally to support our hair growth 

and keep it in good condition. 

How can a trichologist help someone struggling with hair loss? 

A Trichologist will be able to help to ascertain the causative 

factors. Here at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic a thorough 

case history is taken, discussing topics including general health, 

lifestyle, family history and diet. The hair and scalp are also 

examined using a magnifying lamp. Then, following the diagnosis, 

any necessary products and blood tests are then recommended if 

further investigation is required. 

What is the difference between a dermatologist and a trichologist? 

A trichologist specialises in hair and scalp disorders, and, although 

dermatologists do too, not all of them will be familiar or have 

experience with certain hair loss conditions so their approach to 

treatment may be different to those of a trichologist. Dermatologists 

are experts in skin disorders, not specialists in hair and scalp. 

How much help can we get from GPs without seeing a specialist? 

Of course, with any medical problem, seeing a GP is much 

better than doing nothing. However, GPs don’t have the same 

understanding and focus as Trichologists who specialise in hair and 

scalp. An example of the difference this can make is blood tests – 

when undertaken by your GP they will measure for your general 

health, but even if your levels are sufficient for your general health, 

they may be much lower than required for healthy hair growth. 

This is on a case-by-case basis, but some patients have also expressed 

that a visit to their GP left them feeling more negative about their 

hair loss. Try not to be disheartened in this way, a specialist may be 

able to come up with more hopeful avenues for treatment. 

To find out more about Philip Kingsley, or book a call 

back with their clinic, visit philipkingsley.co.uk 

3. Medication 

While many medications are necessary, some can contribute 

towards hair loss. If the onset of hair loss coincides with starting a 

medication, speak to your GP. If the medication does carry a side 

effect of alopecia, they may be able to find an alternative. 

1. A good hair care routine 

Wash around 2-3 times a week, and brush at least once a day. 

Those suffering with hair loss often avoid this because they do not 

want to see their hair falling out or feel that these things are making 

it worse, but this certainly is not the case. 

2. A well-balanced diet 

Diet and nutritional deficiencies are one of the biggest causes 

of hair loss. Crash dieting or very restrictive diets can have a 

detrimental effect on your hair because the follicle is not receiving 

enough nutrients. Around 80% of our hair is made of keratin, a 

protein formed from amino acids that keeps hair healthy, strong 

and elastic. We need these proteins in our diet to keep our hair 

growing healthily and the rest of our body functioning properly. 

Our tissue cells rely on protein to reproduce new cells for healthy 

hair skin and nails! Lean red meats, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils, quinoa 

and tofu are all good sources of protein to include in your diet. 

4. Stress 

Our lives are now more stressful than ever and stress alone can 

cause hair loss, so reducing this as much as we can is really 

important. Something simple like writing down your feelings, 

going for a walk, meditating, gentle exercise or a chat with a friend 

or relative, may be all you need to manage your stress. 

5. Seasonal Changes 

Someone may have low iron or vitamin D for a short period of 

time and experience shedding, or they may experience more 

breakage than usual in the summer due to sun damage, salt water 

and dry hair. Not a lot of research has gone into seasonal hair loss, 

and because hair loss has so many contributing factors, it can be 

difficult to tell if it is simply seasonal. If you feel you may have 

seasonal hair loss, get it checked anyway to ensure that there is 

nothing else going on. 

For more help and advice visit theharveysmithclinic.co.uk 


HAIR LOSS SPECIALISTS 

Natural Wellness and Beauty 

BEFORE 

START 

YOUR HAIR 

JOURNEY 

WITH US 

AFTER 

www.healingalternatives.co.uk 

07834 412241 | www.theharveysmithclinic.co.uk 

Unit 11, Vicarage Far, Halliford Road, 

Sunbury On Thames, TW16 6DW 

HealingAlternativesWT248.indd 1 17/11/2022 Harvey-SmithHairEnhancementClinicWT248.indd 09:45 

1 05/12/2022 16:44 

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aqua-gym, circuit training, yoga, sea kayaking and beach workouts, to help guests improve their fitness level or kick start a regime. 

Retreats include 5 days of luxury accommodation in the chateau in en-suite bedrooms with sea or mountain views. 

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Please contact Morag@Loucasteou.com with questions and for reservations. www.loucasteou.com 


12 

MMBaxterWT248.indd 1 02/12/2022 16:55

Yoga Body, 

Yoga Mind 

Exercise has many physical benefits but 

clinical research supports mind-body 

practices like yoga to restore mental and 

emotional wellbeing too; JoJo Hancock, 

founder of Yoga Creative, explains 

Yoga combines mindful movement with 

paced-breathing, meditation and relaxation. 

These powerful tools increase our sense of 

safety, stimulate a relaxation response and 

reduce stress. 


On Your Mind 

Christmas is over, winter has well and truly set in and it's time to embark upon a 

new year. At this time, it's important to take care of our mental health 

What happens in Vagus 

Got the winter blues? Kate Munden, a trauma and 

embodiment specialist based in Cranbrook, shares 5 simple 

steps to manage stress and anxiety through the vagus nerve 

istockphoto.com/ Katerina Kuzmenko 

Mental stress is an embodied experience, and 

yoga teachers can guide awareness to where 

we are holding tension and show us how to 

release it, breaking down stress hormones and 

boosting feel-good ones. The most effective 

yoga teachers empower their students to take 

these skills off the mat so that they can change 

how they feel at any point during their day. 

Yoga can have an immediate effect and 

just one class can give a sense of mental ease 

and wellbeing, but the benefits accumulate. 

Over time yoga can be transformational in 

not only lifting mood, but also enhancing 

immune response, boosting digestion, reducing 

pain and stress, restoring sleep, conserving 

energy, improving focus and enriching social 

connection. 

JoJo recommends one or two taught sessions a 

week as well as self-practise, starting with ten 

minutes daily. If you'd like to try for yourself, 

she teaches classes, workshops and retreats at 

the Rye Creative Centre in East Sussex. She 

is also hosting an Earth Day Yoga Retreat on 

Saturday 22 April to celebrate how nature 

nourishes and sustains our wellbeing. Space 

is limited, so advanced booking is essential. 

Contact JoJo at jojo@yogacreative.co.uk or 

find her online at yogacreative.co.uk 

'Tis the Season 

Healing Alternative shares their top 3 

tips for beating the Winter Blues 

It's January. The days are shorter, the nights 

are longer and the temperature has dropped. 

This can lead to feeling low, anxious or even 

depressed. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) 

affects many of us every winter, and if you’re 

struggling at this time of year, know that you 

are not alone and help is at hand. 

Try these three simple ways to improve your 

winter mental health: 

1. Get as much natural sunlight as possible. If you feel 

you aren't getting enough, then investing in a lightbox 

– which can simulate sunlight – could be useful. 

2. Regular exercise such as a daily walk will help 

you to manage any excess stress you might be 

experiencing. 

3. Quality sleep is essential for physical and 

mental health. Create an enjoyable sleep 

ritual that you can stick to. Start by going to 

bed and waking at the same time to regulate 

your body’s internal clock. 

For aiding sleep, try Healing Alternatives' Sleep 

Easy Collection. There is a pillow spray, balm, 

roll-on, bath oil and bath salts, all made with 

organic CBD and a blend of other botanicals 

to encourage a good night’s sleep. 

healingalternatives.co.uk 

When we become anxious it is often difficult to lift ourselves out 

of overwhelming thoughts because primitive responses and stress 

hormones take over. They shut down the cortex (thinking brain) 

and we simply can’t think our way out of it. But we can use the 

body to help us instead. 

The vagus nerve is part of our autonomic nervous system. It helps to regulate our stress responses, 

and is connected to our eyes, ears, face, neck muscles, vocal cords, heart, lungs and stomach. Our 

vagal tone tells us how well the vagus is functioning by measuring our heart rate variability (the 

amount of time between heartbeats). Low vagal tone is associated with depression, anxiety and 

disorders such as IBS and heart disease. High vagal tone is associated with good physical and mental 

health. The great news is that we can take easy steps every day to raise our vagal tone. The following 

techniques have all been shown to increase heart-rate variability: 

1. Singing, humming, chanting and gargling can activate the throat and stimulate your vagus 

nerve. Sing in the shower every morning and gargle after brushing your teeth. 

2. Deep breathing with an extended out-breath – keep it simple. Deep breath in, slow gentle 

breath out as far as you can go and then repeat. 

3. Thymus Thump – just like Tarzan! Make a fist and briskly tap the centre of the chest 7-10 

times. Try humming or singing at the same time. 

4. Splash the face with cold water to stimulate the branches that come into the face and head. 

5. Ear and side of neck massage. Using moderate pressure, massage, move and stimulate the skin 

around the neck and also the inner and outer part of one ear. Gently pull the ear lobe away 

from the body until you can feel your inner ear. Hold and breathe. Repeat on the other side. 

Next time you feel anxious try one of these techniques and feel the difference. 

Repeat as often as you can to lift those winter blues. 

Find out more about Kate at katemunden.com 

Alternative 

Option 

Helios Homeopathy's Stress Relief 

contains Aconite, Arg nit and 

Arsenicum. These three remedies have 

a long and proven history of relieving 

symptoms associated with mild stress and 

anxiety. Being natural, Helios Stress Relief 

has no known side effects and is suitable 

for short or longer term use. For more 

information visit their website or speak 

to one of their friendly, qualified and 

experienced homeopaths in person 

in Tunbridge Wells. helios.co.uk 


Sweetest 

ESCAPES 

A good spa break or getaway retreat can be just the boost you need to get yourself through the harsh winter months 

Spa Escape: Pennyhill Park, Surrey 

Pennyhill Park is a luxury hotel and spa set within 123 acres 

of beautiful Surrey parkland with a well-earned reputation 

for excellence. A simply fabulous spa, Michelin star dining, 

and plush individually designed rooms (with gorgeously decked-out 

bathrooms) are all wrapped up in this classic 19th Century house. 

The Spa at Pennyhill Park is really a destination in its own right. 

It checks all the boxes for an indulgent spa experience, and then 

throws in more than a few special extra options – there are 23 

relaxing treatment rooms, a nail bar, Pool View Bar, state-of-the-art 

fitness suite, hot tubs and a brilliant selection of both indoor and 

outdoor pools (this one has underwater music, that one is a bubbly 

hydrotherapy pool... you get the idea). With all this to explore, you 

can tailor your spa journey to whatever you're looking to gain from 

it, be it to unwind, beautify or invigorate, all you have to do is choose 

your own spa adventure! 

It is a great time of year to visit, too. The Spa is a Mediterraneanfeel 

escape in the summer, but in the winter it becomes an indulgent 

thermal heaven. Picture lounging in a jacuzzi (indoor or outdoor 

of course), warming up in a thermal cabin, or, if you want to try 

something different, there's the new Himalayan Salt Ritual treatment, 

designed to warm you through while also aiding dry skin and 

improving blood circulation – just what you need at this time of year! 

Rates for spa days at Pennyhill Park start from £255. 

exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park 

City Break: Four Seasons at Park Lane, London 

Does it get better than the Four Seasons for a City Break? Dip into the 

excitement and glamour of London luxe at its best with a trip to their Park 

Lane branch's spa. Balancing all the highlights of the big city and the relaxing 

presence of nature, you can experience the rooftop spa with its views of Hyde Park, head 

out to the country's most-coveted shopping streets, enjoy a leisurely meal on the one-ofa-kind 

al fresco terrace, and return at night to a room surrounded by greenery. 

As far as spa experiences go, there's a list of fabulous options for facials, massages and 

body treatments, including the Penhaligon’s Royal Relaxation Massage inspired by their 

gorgeous scents. However, at this time of year, the new Winter wellness experience is the 

ultimate choice, designed to help escape the cold and nourish the soul. It begins with an 

hour to explore the spa’s heat facilities – the Eucalyptus Steam Room, Himalayan Salt 

Wall Sauna, and Cooling Vitality Pool. Then, after a snuggle in a relaxation pod with a 

cup of tea, the treatments really get going. 

A body treatment captures the essence of winter and stimulates blood circulation with 

warming oils of black pepper and tangerine. You are then treated to a full-body salt scrub 

and natural clay cocoon wrap, and while the clay deeply cleanses and hydrates the skin, 

you also get a face and head acupressure massage to ease stress and tension. Finish up 

with a 60-minute personalised full-body massage, and as a memento you are also given a 

Four Seasons Winter Candle or diffuser to bring that spa serenity home over winter. 

The Four Seasons Winter Spa Experience is £350. fourseasons.com/london 


14

Creative Courses: Curious House, Kent 

An option for those seeking inspiration and creative energy. Curious 

House runs on the belief that learning something new makes us more 

in tune with our bodies and engaged with our minds, and engaging in 

art in particular can feed the soul to improve our happiness and health. 

Curious House's courses all take place at either the lovely Bell in Ticehurst or 

Birchwood Studio (both on the Kent and Sussex border), each with inspiring 

spaces that are perfect for a relaxed learning environment. You can visit just for 

the day, but for a real immersive escape, you can stay at The Bell, which is also 

an award-winning historical pub and boutique hotel with fabulous rooms and 

scrumptious seasonal food. 

This year you could learn to paint, try your hand at pottery, go foraging, 

make a sculpture out of willow, master iPhone photography, or become an 

expert on peonies (to name just a few upcoming options). Needless to say there 

are classes of all sorts, and the teachers are all wonderfully friendly experts in 

their fields. 

Prices are from £80 for a half day and £105 for a full day including a 

delicious lunch. curioushouse.net 

Nature's Healing: South Lodge, Sussex 

South Lodge is a quintessential West Sussex country escape, and its 

spa is a natural haven. Situated within the grounds of luxury fivestar 

hotel, South Lodge, The Spa was inspired by the landscape 

around it, following the natural contours of the land in its sustainable 

design. The idea is to let in the surrounding nature and wildlife as much 

as possible, while also showcasing some seriously spectacular views of the 

South Downs. 

It is home to UK’s first wild, heated swimming pool (slash pond), 

which comes complete with reeds and moss, and uses no chlorine or 

chemicals but instead oxygenating plants clean the water. There is also 

an indoor infinity pool which may be your pool of choice in the winter, 

where you can still swim against the dramatic Sussex landscape from 

inside. 

Elsewhere there is also a vitality hydrotherapy pool, sound mood pods, 

a private mud room and an infused sauna, as well as marble-lined salt 

steam and jasmine herbal steam rooms. 

The food has nature at its heart, too – in the spa’s Mediterranean 

inspired restaurant, Botanica, the South Downs is drawn on as a larder 

for fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features all sorts of plant-based 

plates including the undeniably delicious Wasted Burger, made entirely 

from the pulp from the freshly prepared morning’s juices! 

Rates for spa days start from £230. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge 

Get Active: Chateau Lou Casteou, Cote d'Azur 

Chateau Lou Casteou is a grand and luxurious residence, set in the 

stunning French Cote d’Azur countryside which offers an energetic 

fitness-focused escape to feed body and soul. Its three regular 

residential retreats provide the perfect balance of fitness classes, Latin dance 

sessions and exciting outdoor activities – we're talking coastal treks, tennis, 

boxercise, aqua-gym, circuit training, yoga, sea kayaking and beach workouts. 

For all those missing Strictly and looking to live out their dance dreams, 

Let’s Salsa is just the ticket. Get whisked away to the stunning Chateau, where 

European dance professionals will teach Latino and Afro dance styles. If you'd 

rather focus on physical fitness, Body Tonic will hit reset on your health and 

fitness, to leave you feeling transformed and revitalised. Last but not least, 

Lou Casteou’s Tennis Academy is set to sharpen up your serve, with six hours 

of daily professional tennis coaching sessions, and a day at the Monte-Carlo 

ATP tennis tournament. 

Whichever you choose, you can kick back after all the excitement, and 

enjoy delicious, nutritious, elegant three-course dinners, a quality open bar 

with excellent Provençal wines, plus evening parties and live entertainment, 

before retiring to a sumptuous en suite bedroom with stunning views of 

either the sea or the mountains. 

For more information or to reserve a space contact Morag McLaren Baxter 

on +44 (0)7990 573287, email morag@loucasteou.com or visit loucasteou.com

HAVE YOU 

HEARD? 

The quality of our hearing can greatly impact our wellbeing and enjoyment of 

life, and fortunately the technology of hearing aids has greatly improved in recent 

years. So what is involved? To get some answers, we speak to Dr Priya Carling, 

AuD, RHAD, Director and Consultant Audiologist at Kent Hearing 

How visible or noticeable 

are hearing aids? 

Generally, hearing aids are far less 

visible than most people think. 

Their visibility will depend on 

the individual needs and ear size 

of each patient, but in many 

cases they can be completely 

hidden in the ear canal. 

What is involved in a 

hearing test? 

A hearing test is a painless 

procedure and will include 

responding to sounds of different 

loudness levels and pitch. It 

should also include how you 

respond to words and speech in 

the presence of background noise. 

Can hearing aids do anything 

other than help with hearing? 

Yes, they can stream sounds and 

music from a mobile phone, tablet or 

any Bluetooth enabled device. They 

can also help treat Tinnitus and may 

help reduce the risk of dementia, 

depression and social isolation for 

those with hearing loss. 

At what point should we 

get our hearing tested 

and how regularly? 

You should get your hearing tested 

if you have any difficulty in hearing 

clearly, or if friends or family 

complain that you mishear or that 

they have to repeat themselves. You 

should also book a hearing test if you 

have Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing 

sound in your ears) or if you have ever 

been regularly exposed to loud noises. 

What are the advantages 

of hearing aids? 

Well selected, properly fitted hearing 

aids improve communication in many 

everyday situations, ensuring you 

remain socially active and helping to 

improve overall quality of life. They 

can also help you watch television, 

listen to music, and talk on the 

telephone with greater ease. 

How much money 

do hearing aids cost? 

This will be entirely dependent on 

the quality and technology level 

of the hearing aids recommended. 

Prices usually start at around £2,000 

per pair, while the most advanced 

hearing aids may cost up to £5,000 

per pair, on average. 

For more information or to book a hearing test with Dr Carling, call 

Kent Hearing on 01732 525912 or visit kenthearing.com 


16

Put your health first 

Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital 

At Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital, our highly trained staff provide care on an individual 

basis. We understand that everyone is different, therefore we are able to tailor treatment 

to your personal needs. 

Why choose Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital for your treatment? 

All of our individual contemporary patient rooms are en-suite, with satellite flat screen 

television and WiFi internet access, to make your stay with us not just comfortable 

but exceptional. We offer individual catering from our a la carte menu and we have 

a comfortable visitor and patient lounge. 

Choose us and you’ll benefit from access to consultant-led appointments, as well as referrals 

for any necessary diagnostic tests, like X-ray and MRI. We also offer a variety of flexible 

payment options, meaning that private treatment may be more affordable than you think. 

Flexible ways for you to pay 

1. Pay for yourself 

2. Interest-free loan 

3. Private insurance 

Our simple process allows 

you to pay for the treatment 

you need with us. 

Start your treatment 

immediately with our 0% 

payment plans tailored 

to your needs with our 

finance partner.* 

Your treatment with us could 

be covered by your current 

insurer and we work with all 

of the leading providers. 

*Find out more about the personal medical loans available at nuffieldhealth.com/personal-medical-loans 

It’s natural to have lots of questions as well as a few reservations – don’t worry, we are 

here to help. We’ll suggest options and help you make a plan. It all starts by talking, 

so call us today and see what we can do for you. 

Call 01483 342 635 

Email nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/guildford 

Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital 

Stirling Road, Guildford GU2 7RF

Su 

Leadin 

Wear 

For amazing designer and bespoke 

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We also stock Rainbow shoes which can 

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01483 566845 

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Surrey’s 

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www.melitaboutique.co.uk 

57 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AF 

Tel: 01276 856308 

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County 

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14/12/2022 MelitaOfChobhamWT248.indd 13:27 

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Canterbury Tenterden Sevenoaks Tunbridge Wells Reigate Bexhill-on-Sea 

Beat the 

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in style! 

www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk 


74 

CountyClothesWT248-SH.indd 1 12/12/2022 12:55

Always 

in favour 

Reinvent treasured heirloom pieces or invest in some contemporary new styles – 

pearls are having a comeback, and we’re glad! Photograph: David Merewether 

“The pearl is the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” Grace Kelly 

Baroque large pearl necklace on a 30” chain £278, pearl and blue topaz gold vermeil drop earrings £237, 

pearl double ball stud earrings £90, all Tisan Jewellery tisanjewellery.com; pearl headband with crystals £33 

QueenMee Accessories queenmee.com; faux coral, from a selection, HomeSense homesense.com

Faille trim Tuxedo 

blazer £240 Jigsaw 

jigsaw-online.com 

Pearl and diamond ring 

£2,800 Dominic Walmsley 

dominicwalmsley.com 

Silver drop 

earrings £169 

Thomas Sabo 

thomassabo.com 

Wisdom necklace 

£249 Atelier Romy 

atelierromy.com 

Shooting star 

necklace €495 

Perle de Lune 

perledelune.com 

Cashmere blend jumper 

£90 Hope Fashion 

hopefashion.co.uk 

Rosantica Holli 

Osiris tote £1,155 

Net-a-Porter 

net-a-porter.com 

Chunky chain bracelet 

£165 Coeur de Lion 

coeur-de-lion.org 

Straight wool-blend coat 

£119 Zara zara.com 

The Girl with the Pearl 

EVERYTHING 

For a fresh start to the year 

we are channelling the classic charm of the 

pearl as pearl-core continues to shine in 2023 

Ray Makes Things Leila 

drop earrings £120 

Pearls and Pomegranates 

pearlsandpomegranates.com 

Jimmy Choo faux 

pearl pumps £675 

Net-a-Porter 

net-a-porter.com 

Pearl drops 

£3,050 

Budrevich Fine 

Jewellery Studio 

budrevich.co.uk 

Ivory pearl beaded 

shoulder bag 

£24.50 Accessorize 

accessorize.com 

Silver ring £59 

Thomas Sabo 

thomassabo.com 

Faux pearl money 

clutch bag £65 

Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 

Baroque pearl necklace 

£80 Lily Blanche 

lilyblanche.com 

Luna freshwater and 

Keshi pearl bracelet 

£155 Dower & Hall 

dowerandhall.com 

Wool-blend 

tulip skirt with 

pockets £109 

Zara zara.com 

Anika knee boot 

£290 Jigsaw 

jigsaw-online.com 

Villeneuve sequin 

dress £‌2,900 

Temperley London 

temperleylondon.com 

Pearl and coin 

bracelet £360 

Dominic Walmsley 

dominicwalmsley.com 

Sister Jane Oyster cream 

embellished bouclé tweed 

jacket £190 and mini skirt 

£110 Harvey Nichols 

harveynichols.com 

Toggle earrings 

£46 Annie Haak 

anniehaakdesigns.co.uk 


76

WINTER SALE NOW ON 

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Telephone: 01932 865700 

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INTRODUCING RODD & GUNN 

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Looking for fresh, flavour-packed 

recipes for a healthier 2023? 

Browse our website priceless-magazines.com/recipes 

for all the inspiration you need, with dishes 

created by Charlotte Butterworth, 

Anna’s Family Kitchen, Jo Arnell, 

Kent Cookery School and many more local chefs 

Recipe pictured: Raspberries baked with a pecan, cinnamon & oat crumb topping by Charlotte Butterworth

Recipes: Charlotte Butterworth Photographs: David Merewether 

Recipe developer Charlotte Butterworth creates delicious, 

easy, healthy recipes that work around real life. Here, she’s 

put together a day of healthy January meals to start New Year 

with a tasty blast of nutrients. Find more of Charlotte’s dishes 

and advice on Instagram or Facebook @theneedy.greedy 

Super 

BOOST 

Homemade Nutty Granola with Berries & Greek Yoghurt 

Prep time: 10 mins 

Cooking time: 20 mins Makes 6-8 portions 

This a super delicious healthy 

granola, and so tasty you can enjoy 

with yoghurt, fruit, milk or even as 

quick snack on its own. It is so much 

healthier than the shop bought ones 

as it has very little sugar and contains 

all natural ingredients. It will keep for 

at least a week in a sealed container. 

Do mix it up with whatever nuts, 

seeds and fruit you’d like to use. 

• 100g of mixed nuts (I use 

pecans, flaked almonds, 

walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts) 

• 150g jumbo oats 

• 1-2 apples grated 

• 1 tsp cinnamon 

• 1 or 2 tbsp honey or agave 

nectar or even maple syrup 

• 75g dried fruit (such as chopped 

apricots, dates, cranberries etc.) 

• 50-75g seeds (I use pumpkin, 

sunflower, linseed) 

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C. 

Mix the nuts, oats, grated apple, 

cinnamon and agave nectar. 

Make sure the apple separates. 

2. Spread over a large baking tray 

or two and cook for 20 mins. You 

may need to turn it a couple of times 

to make sure it browns evenly. 

3. When browned, remove from 

the oven and allow to cool. 

4. Once cooled, add the seeds and 

dried fruits. It keeps for at least a 

week in a sealed container. Do play 

around with quantities, types of nuts, 

fruit etc. according to your tastes. 

5. Served as pictured with Greek 

yoghurt, blueberries, pomegranate 

seeds and mint leaves.

Watercress Soup with Cannellini Beans 


Cooking time: 20 mins 

Serves 2-3 generously 

I love the peppery flavour of 

watercress, which is also incredibly 

good for you. The cannellini 

beans, for fibre and protein, create 

a warming hearty meal of soup. 

This freezes beautifully so it’s a 

good one to have on standby. 

• 2 onions, chopped 

• 2 celery sticks, sliced to 1-2cm 

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed 

or finely chopped 

• 1 tin of cannellini beans, drained 

• nutmeg to grate 

• 500ml stock (homemade 

chicken stock gives it a beautiful 

flavour but any good stock 

such as Knorr would do) 

• 2 bags of watercress 

• freshly grated nutmeg (optional) 

1. In a large pan, drizzle some 

olive oil and a knob of butter. 

Gently soften the onions for a 

few minutes, adding some salt to 

speed the softening process. 

2. When the onions are soft, add 

the celery and garlic and cook gently 

for a few more minutes. Add some 

freshly grated nutmeg, drained 

beans and the stock and cook until 

veg is all tender, about 10 mins. 

3. Finally add the watercress and 

allow to wilt for a few moments. 

4. Using a stick blender, whizz 

the soup until smooth. You may 

want to add more liquid. Add 

some more freshly grated nutmeg, 

salt and pepper. Taste and add 

more seasoning if needed. 

5. Serve with a dollop of 

yoghurt, some whipped crème 

fraîche or a swirl of cream.

Lemon Roast Chicken with 

Pomegranate Molasses & 

Cauliflower on a Bed of Lentils 

Prep time: 10 mins Cooking 

time: 30-40 mins Serves 2 

This dish sounds fancy, but it’s so 

simple, totally flexible and utterly 

flavoursome, filling and feel good food. 

Pulses are so good for our health and 

longevity. These little lentils vertes 

are simply boiled while the chicken 

roasts, and then dressed in the delicious 

chicken cooking juices. Add some salad 

and, voila, easy meal! I used natural 

yoghurt for a dressing and roasted 

some cauliflower with the chicken for 

extra veg, but that is entirely optional. 

• 1 pack chicken thighs 

(bone in, skin on) 

• 50ml pomegranate molasses 

(I use Waitrose) 

• 15ml olive oil 

• 1 lemon, quartered 

• 200g cauliflower, broken into 

small florets (optional) 

• 100g lentils vertes or 

puy lentils, rinsed 

• natural yoghurt (approx 50ml) 

• microgreens, pomegranate seeds, 

salad leaves (optional, to serve) 

1. Preheat the oven to 190˚C. 

Place the lentils in a pan and bring 

to the boil for approx 30 mins 

(look at packet instructions). 

2. Mix the molasses and olive 

oil in a largish bowl (you will be 

adding the cauliflower to it). 

3. Pop some olive oil in a roasting 

tin. Add the chicken thighs and 

season with salt. Brush the chicken 

thighs with a generous amount 

of the pomegranate mix. 

4. Mix the cauliflower with the 

remaining mix, season and add to 

the roasting tin, along with the 

lemons. Put in the preheated oven 

and cook for approx 30 mins until 

chicken browned and crispy, and the 

cauliflower tender. Halfway though, 

squeeze the lemon quarters a little 

with some tongs (you will be amazed 

how much juice comes out), mix 

with the juices and the cauliflower. 

5. When lentils are cooked, drain, 

add some seasoning and spinach 

(allow to wilt a moment). Keep 

warm if the chicken is not ready. 

6. To plate, put the lentils on the plate 

with the chicken and cauliflower. Then 

– this is IMPORTANT – pour over all 

those incredible juices from the roasting 

pan. It makes the most wonderful 

dressing for the lentils, which absorb 

the flavours. Add a dollop of yoghurt 

and mix with the juices. Heaven. 

I love using 

microgreens in my dishes. 

They are a superfood with 

very high levels of nutrients and 

look pretty as well as tasting absolutely 

delicious – so easy to add to any meals. 

Throughout I’ve used microgreens from 

The Microgreens Company in Sevenoaks. 

This small, family-run business delivers 

fresh, locally grown, and flavour-packed 

microgreens straight to your door. Find 

out about their health benefits at 

themicrogreenscompany.co.uk 


Cod with Smokey 

Black Bean Cassoulet 


Cooking time: 40 mins Serves 2 

This gloriously satisfying but 

healthy dinner is so delicious 

and really easy to prep. Sweet 

cod, married with deeply 

savoury smokey black beans, 

is heaven on a plate. Prepare 

the cassoulet in advance if you 

want – even the day before – 

as the flavours just intensify 

with time. The cod just takes 

a few minutes to cook, and 

you have a gourmet dinner on 

the table. Serve with a green 

salad and lemon wedges. 

If you’re vegetarian, the 

cassoulet is equally satisfying 

if served with rice or other 

grains as a hearty main! 

• 2 skinless cod fillets 

• 1 onion finely chopped 

• 1 large carrot finely chopped 

• 1 stick celery finely sliced 

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed 

• 2 tsp smoked paprika (hot 

smoked paprika if you like it 

spicy – which I used), or a mix 

• 2 red, yellow or orange peppers 

• 1 tin black beans 

• 200g passata 

• freshly chopped parsley 

• extra virgin olive oil, balsamic 

vinegar, salt and pepper 

• lemon wedges to serve 

1. Heat the olive oil in a decent 

size saucepan and slowly cook the 

onions until soft and translucent. 

Add the garlic, celery and carrots, 

and cook for a further few mins. 

2. Stir in the smoked paprika – 

this is the key to the dish – let 

it cook for a few minutes. 

3. Finally add the pepper, black 

beans and passata. Give it a 

good stir and cook slowly on 

the hob for about 30 mins (or 

longer in a low oven). Keep 

checking the liquid content – 

you don’t want it to dry out. 

4. When ready to serve (the 

carrots and peppers should be 

soft), season, add the chopped 

parsley, a splash of balsamic 

vinegar, taste and season again. 

5. Lightly coat the base of a nonstick 

frying pan with olive oil then 

place the pan over a mediumhigh 

heat. When the pan is hot, 

season the cod with salt and place 

it in the pan. Cook until the fish 

has turned a nice golden colour. 

Gently turn the cod over and 

cook for a further 2–3 minutes, 

depending on the thickness of 

the fillet. The fish is cooked 

when the flesh becomes opaque. 

If you prefer to oven roast - 

then pop in a preheated oven 

at 180˚C for 10-15mins, 

depending on the size of fillet. 

6. Serve with plenty of lemon 

wedges – the juice really 

enhances the flavour of this 

dish – and a green salad.

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Grab a map from our Cellar 

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Garden 

Curves in all the 

right places 

Jo Arnell takes a look at the (frustratingly) skilled art of topiary 

There’s something 

soothingly barbaric 

about topiary. A tightly 

pruned tree growing exactly 

how we want it to grow – forced 

into submission and yet still happy 

enough to have green leaves, as alive 

as a well-groomed dog show 

poodle – is a sign that we are in 

control. All is calm. It would be 

a freak of nature if a tree grew of its own 

accord to look like a squirrel or a peacock, 

but somehow the thought of making it 

grow into a shape of our choosing – even 

if all we can manage is a cone or a lollipop 

– is almost irresistible, and the results can 

be highly ornamental and attractive. 

What I love about topiary is the contrast 

it makes with the rest of the plants – a pair 

of well trained box or bay trees either side 

of a front door looks smart, but tightly 

clipped and dense shapes out in the garden 

mingling with the more unruly natural 

forms can be really effective – they add 

backbone and focal points, like living 

sculptures in the landscape, bringing 

height, structure and form all year round. 

In the winter, when everything else has 

turned skeletal, or rotted away, and in 

the sparkly light of a frosty morning, 

topiary becomes a truly magical sight. 

The plants to choose 

Some shrubs and trees grow tidily, but 

don’t like to be pruned (I’m thinking of my 

nemesis the Daphne, that seems to wither 

under my gaze, let alone the clippers) and 

those that are prone to disease – that gets 

in through cut surfaces. In the main, any 

shrub or tree that will make a hedge can 

be topiariarised. Evergreens are best, as 

they will provide year round foliage, but 

occasionally deciduous plants are used, 

especially if they have flowers – dwarf 

Lilac makes a pretty and fragrant little tree, 

colourful foliage – Salix ‘Flamingo’, or the 

autumnal tints of Beech or Hornbeam. 

The most familiar plants would be Box or 

Yew, and these are traditional, hardy and 

amenable, but Box is under threat from 

blight and caterpillars, and Yew can be 

expensive and slow to establish. Ilex crenata 

is a very good substitute for Box with 

similar miniature leaves. Some conifers 

can also be clipped, but make sure 

you get a variety that will grow back 

from the old wood. Larger leaved 

evergreens, like Viburnum tinus, 

Holly, Bay and Photinia can be grown 

as standards. You can even use trailing 

plants like Ivy, but these should be 

trained over a wired frame, rather 

than being trimmed back to a 

shape. Some small leaved evergreens 

and conifers are particularly effective 

when cloud pruned – a style of pruning 

that originated in Japan that results in 

artful bare stems with clipped leaves 

just at the ends – in cloud shapes. 

The tools to use 

There are electric trimmers around 

that are not much bigger than 

shavers, which are fine for basic 

shapes and mini hedges, but a good 

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A terrace in Pershore with 

hanging baskets and topiary bushes 

quality pair of topiary clippers (sheep shears are 

great) will be an essential piece of kit for more 

detailed and intricate trimming. You can use 

secateurs, but they are not as effective for 

the quick and repetitive clipping action 

that will result in a more sculpted and neat 

shape. Whatever tools you use it is essential to keep them really 

sharp and well-oiled, and, if you are clipping more than one plant 

in a session, to clean them thoroughly before you move onto the 

next victim. Infections and diseases are easily spread though cut 

surfaces and ragged cuts cause die-back and look unsightly. 

How to do it 

If you are just starting out, it’s a good idea to begin with geometric 

shapes like balls, spirals or pyramids. You can use formers – wire 

frames that are placed over the plant that you trim to, or if the 

shape is straight or diagonal, you can use a string line to cut to. 

This is very useful for hedges and for triangular shapes that need 

to be symmetrical. In time you will become practised and once 

the shape is established, be able to cut to the outline each time. 

The more regularly you cut topiary, the denser the leaves will 

look and the stronger the outline. If you want to keep your shapes 

looking crisp and sharp, or are using a faster growing plant, you 

will need to cut more often, but slow growing shrubs like box and 

yew can sometimes be kept in shape with just one summer cut – 

which is what makes them popular, especially when there is a lot 

of it to snip. Evergreens are generally trimmed in the summer, as 

this gives them time to recover before the winter weather – and 

the damaging frosts that would ravage tender new growth. 

More complicated shapes will take practice and an understanding 

of how the plant grows. It helps to have a good eye too. I went 

on a course once and the Chelsea gold medallist who ran it was a 

hairdresser before he turned his scissors to plants. It turns out that 

hairdressers are great at styling plants. There is a lot of stepping 

back required, surveying and imagining, working out what shape 

is going to be made by the absence of a twig before that twig is 

removed – and remembering that wherever you make the cut, this 

is where the new growth will start from (but there’s no discussing 

holidays or dealing with unreasonable client expectations). 

Practice makes perfect – as does experience and making mistakes. 

You will learn by doing – and by cutting. The great thing is 

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Garden 

Clipped yew in an English country garden 

istockphoto.com/ Michel VIARD / Jennifer Sanerkin / AndyRoland / Sofya Ivanova 

that your elephant’s trunk, or whatever 

it is you are shaping, will grow back if 

you accidentally snip it off, even if you 

have to wait a while for that to happen. 

Caring for topiary specimens 

No plants choose to be pruned – tiny 

pairs of secateurs don’t grow out of the 

ground as the shoots emerge. Plants are 

able to regrow once they’ve been attacked 

or cut, because they can’t run away fast 

enough from whatever is attacking them.. 

Recovering from a ravaging is how a plant 

manages to survive – and this is also how 

we can manipulate them to grow back in 

certain ways, but it comes at a cost. Plants 

make energy for growth through their 

leaves and constantly cutting the foliage 

back can weaken the overall plant, so it 

pays to look after your topiary specimen 

well. This means helping the plant to 

replenish nutrients lost – planting into 

good soil in the first place, fertilising 

appropriately in the spring, watching 

out for signs of pests and disease and 

keeping it adequately watered, especially 

if the plant is growing in a pot. Stressed 

plants never really thrive, so try to keep 

closely clipped plants in excellent health. 

Where to see it 

Topiary on a grand scale can look 

spectacular – a testament to gardeners’ skill, 

imagination and manipulation of plant 

material. It can be majestic, breathtakingly 

smart and formal, or whimsical 

and faintly comic, like the garden 

of a fairytale giant or the set of 

a Tim Burton film. While we 

might not be able to create such 

fantasies in our own spaces, there 

are several large gardens where you 

can visit and wander among looming 

evergreen shapes and living sculptures. 

Levens Hall in Cumbria is a wonderful place, home 

to the most magnificent and massive topiary, Clivedon in 

Buckinghamshire boasts peacocks and pyramids as well as an 

extensive parterre garden and a maze, no less. Closer 

to home in Northiam, East Sussex, Great 

Dixter’s huge yew hedges and 

topiary dominate the gardens 

and meadows like eccentric 

characters in a wonderland. 

Most public gardens are closed 

during the winter months, 

but any that do stay open 

and feature tightly clipped 

evergreens are much visited 

– on winter mornings 

especially – by photographers 

in search of frosted effects. 

These places can provide 

us with inspiration to tackle 

our much smaller projects and 

encourage us to experiment with 

gardening techniques – even if these 

are in the end limited to mere admiration without mimicry. 

Jo’s 2023 garden design courses are now booking: 

07923 969634 hornbrookmanor.co.uk 


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HarrierGatesWT247.indd 1 31/10/2022 11:39

Stop seeing music as a 

‘nice to have’ 

Benenden School’s headteacher Samantha Price is fighting the cause to 

prevent musical education being sidelined in our schools 

It’s time to stop considering music in schools as a luxury, 

Benenden School’s headteacher Samantha Price has 

said. Describing music as “transformational” to young 

people, she warned that it was likely to face cutbacks 

as a lack of funding has left state schools desperately 

trying to balance their books. “As a nation we cannot 

afford to regard music as a ‘nice-to-have’ when it comes 

to the education of our young people,” said Mrs Price, 

who has been Headmistress at Benenden since 2014. 

As she unveiled her school’s new music facilities, 

which Wealden Times’ Rachel and Emily were 

delighted to attend, Mrs Price pledged that Benenden 

would do its best to help any local schools that were 

struggling to offer music to their pupils, saying that 

there were some extraordinary examples of partnership 

working between the state and independent sectors. 

Mrs Price delivered her speech in front of an audience 

of local dignitaries, school leaders and the media in 

Benenden’s new Centenary Hall, an 800-seat multiuse 

space. It forms part of the stunning new Centenary 

Buildings, together with a new music school, The Sir 

David K. P. Li Music School, which features more 

than 20 music practice rooms, a music tech suite and 

a 120-seat Recital Hall for smaller performances. 

This year sees Benenden School celebrating its 

centenary year, having opened in September 1923, and 

these facilities are a fitting addition to the site to lead the 

school into its second century. “As a school, Benenden 

has long been admired for its musical achievements,” 

says Mrs Price. “Our choir has performed in coveted 

venues around the world including St Paul’s Cathedral, 

Westminster Abbey, St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle 

and Notre Dame, while to date we have released two 

commercial CDs, each to critical acclaim. Our students 

produce stunning music – but they were doing so from 

portable cabins and rooms without soundproofing. 

I deemed music something worth investing in.” 

Mrs Price argued that music had a special place for young 

people, citing some of the benefits of music as boosting 

wellbeing, community cohesion, academic success and 

confidence. She referenced the impact on schools of the 

current tough economic times, with cutbacks having to 

be made and reports that funds are being diverted to help 

feed pupils who arrive at school hungry. “Clearly, against 

this backdrop, it is difficult to make the case for continued 

investment in Music. And this is a problem that needs 

to be addressed. If schools are having to make the choice 

between employing an extra chef or offering Music clubs 

to their children, then clearly schools are underfunded.” 

She pointed out that school per-pupil funding is rising 

by 1.9 percent next year, while inflation is currently at 

10.7 percent, and that by 2024-25, Government schools 


92

spending is forecast to be 3 percent lower per head than 

it was back in 2010. “The new Education Secretary 

needs to fight to ensure that education is a priority 

for the Government. If there’s no funding to support 

essential and transformational subjects such as Music 

then I fear that education faces a bleak future in our 

schools, which would be a disaster for this country.” 

Mrs Price said that the UK’s internationally renowned 

creative industries – accounting for more than £116 

billion, or 6 percent of the UK economy 

– had its origins in venues like Benenden’s 

new facilities, which inspire young people. 

“I am acutely aware that I am in the 

privileged position of being an independent 

school headteacher, standing in a stunning 

new multi-million pound building, giving 

the Government advice on education 

spending,” says Mrs Price. “Independent 

schools are undoubtedly better funded than 

their counterparts in the state sector. The independent 

sector is an enormous success story for the UK – our 

independent schools are admired across the globe and 

contribute £13.7 billion each year to the British economy. 

“More importantly, there is no rivalry between the 

independent sector and the state sector. We can work 

wonderfully well together. For example, there are more than 

“In my view 

music is not just 

important in the 

lives of young 

people – it can be 

transformational.” 

11,500 partnership projects between independent and state 

schools and here at Benenden we are extremely proud of 

our mutually beneficial relationships with local schools.” 

Of the Centenary Buildings, Mrs Price said: “We 

are proud to have achieved this wonderful facility 

and we have managed this through careful borrowing 

and the extraordinary generosity of our patrons. 

“We have chosen to invest – both in our school 

community and in the local community. We have 

established one of the foremost concert 

halls and multi-use performance 

venues in the South East that will 

benefit generations to come.” 

Mrs Price concluded her speech with 

an offer to local state schools, saying: “If 

state school cuts do arrive at the door of 

music departments locally, I want this 

facility and this school to be able to help. 

The building we are standing in today 

represents a vital community asset so if any local schools 

are struggling with their music provision, I want them 

to contact us. We will do whatever we can to help. 

“This is not just a building for Benenden School. 

It’s for the community to use. If Music is worth 

investing in, then the community certainly is.” 

benenden.school 


What’s On in January 

COURSES 

Fri 6 & 13, Sat 7 & 14 Jan 

10am – 3pm 

Standen Fruit Farm Community 

Orchard, Iden Green TN17 4LA 

LEARN TO PRUNE 

YOUR APPLE TREES 

Do you have fruit tress and would 

like to know more about how to 

look after them? Learn to prune 

apple trees from expert, Guy 

Pullen. From new plantings to 

venerable ancients. Join a small 

group to learn all you need to 

know to gain confidence and 

then practice on a variety of trees 

at the beautiful Standen Street 

Community Orchard, Iden Green. 

Numbers are strictly limited for 

these sessions to ensure the best 

possible experience, so please book 

early to avoid disappointment. 

Entry: £25 

07977 571 368 

guypullen1@gmail.com 

Wed 11 Jan – Wed 15 Feb 

Wednesday Evenings 

from 7pm – 9pm 

G Live, London Road 

Guildford GU1 2AA 

6 WEEK COMEDY 

IMPROV COURSE 

G Live’s Improv Comedy Course 

is the next instalment from their 

unique comedy programme 

where you will develop and 

learn key improv techniques and 

skills for building responsiveness 

and improvisational bravery. 

Sessions are delivered in a fun and 

supportive environment, where 

you will improve your creativity 

and focus on your playfulness 

and ability to work on the hop. 

The course is suitable for both 

those new to improv and those 

wishing to improve their skills. 

Booking link is for the full 

6-week programme starting on 11 

January 2023. For ages 18+. If you 

would like to attend this course 

and finance is a barrier, email 

glcreativelearning@glive.co.uk. 

Entry: 6 week course £95 

(transaction fee may apply) 

glive.co.uk 

Wed 25 Jan 2pm – 4pm 

Maidstone Museum, St. 

Faith’s Street, Maidstone, 

Kent ME14 1LH 

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM: 

ACTIVELY INVOLVED 

Are you over 55 and living with 

a long term health condition? 

Are you looking for something 

different to keep your mind active? 

Join Actively Involved to enjoy 

the company of other like-minded 

people, handle fascinating objects 

from the past and share all of 

your memories and insights of 

them. Plus there’s tea and cake 

too! And, if you miss this one, 

don’t worry, the sessions will 

continue to take place on the 

last Wednesday of each month. 

01622 602862 

museumevents@maidstone.gov.uk 

museum.maidstone.gov.uk 

Sat 28 Jan 10am – 4pm 

The Ceramic Studio, The 

Old Workshop, Hononton 

Farm, Furnace Lane, 

Brenchley TN12 7BX 

POTTERY EXPERIENCE DAY 

Head to the wonderful Ceramic 

Studio surrounded by stunning 

views for a thorough and fun 

introduction to working with clay. 

You’ll enjoy a full day covering a 

range of hand-building techniques 

and will also have a chance to 

get acquainted with the pottery 

wheel. The day costs £185 and 

includes a delicious home-cooked 

two course lunch, as well as other 

tasty refreshments throughout 

the day. Any work you make, and 

wish to keep, will be fired and 

can be picked up at a later stage. 

Please note that this is a long 

process and can take up to four 

weeks to be ready for collection. 

The studio will get in touch with 

you once your work is ready. For 

this and many other opportunities 

to learn ceramic skills for a day 

or over the course of several 

weeks and to find out about 

visiting potters, see the website. 

Entry: £185 

theceramicstudio.co.uk 

FOOD & DRINK 

Sat 14 Jan 7.30pm - 10.30pm 

Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane, 

Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0HT 

VEGAN DINNER AT 

HUSH HEATH ESTATE 

To celebrate Veganuary, 

Balfour are hosting a special 

vegan six-course dinner in 

their spectacular tasting room, 

The View near Staplehurst. 

The evening starts with a predinner 

glass of Balfour Wine 

followed by an inventive vegan 

six-course set meal. The entire 

range of Balfour Wines and 

Jake’s Drinks are vegan and will 

be available to purchase on the 

evening from the Cellar Door 

bar in addition to alcohol-free 

sparkling wine, Wild Idol. 

If you require a taxi it is 

essential that you book well in 

advance for both journeys. 

Entry: £60pp 

balfourwinery.com 

HISTORY 

Sat 7 Jan 1pm – 2.30pm 

Bourne Hall, Spring Street, 

Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF 

TERRIBLE TRENCHES 

An interesting time awaits 

kids at Bourne Hall Museum. 

March back up the line and 

prepare to go over the top as 

you discover what life was like 

in the trenches on the Western 

Front for ordinary infantryman. 

Were the rats really as big as 

cats and why did the men spend 

so much time chatting? Could 

you tell the difference between a 

moaning Minnie and Archie? 

Join up and keep your uniform 

smart despite the dreadful 

conditions. Learn what equipment 

and weapons you would be 

issued with and how effective 

they were. Decide if you could 

survive longer than the average 

6 weeks lifespan of a second 

lieutenant or if you would just 

hope to get a Blighty one? 

bournehall.org 

Every Tues – Fri 10.30am – 

12.30pm & 2.30pm – 4.30pm 

Every Sat 10am – 12noon 

Marden Library and 

Heritage Centre, High Street, 

Marden, Kent TN12 9DP 

MARDEN HISTORY GROUP 

Did you have ancestors in 

Marden? The village history 

group will help you investigate. 

They have just launched two 

new booklets, Marden at War 

and World War Two Women’s 

Land Army in Marden. They 

can teach you to trace how 

and where your grandparents 

and great grandparents lived 

in Marden, what occupation 

they had and much more. 

Visit the history group HQ in 

Marden Library to get involved 

or to book an appointment 

to start your research. 

mardenhistory.org.uk 

THEATRE 

12 Jan – 15 Jan 

Richmond Theatre, 1 Little 

Green, Richmond TW9 1QH 

NERUBASHENKO BALLET 

PRESENTS SWAN LAKE 

& THE NUTCRACKER 

Ballet lovers and newcomers alike 

will find joy and spectacle in the 

classical delights of Nerubashenko 

Ballet’s presentations. This 

season the Smirnov-Golovanov 

productions will be presented by 

international artistes hand-picked 

by Ukrainian-born Ludmila 

Nerubashenko, who preserves 

the legacy her late husband, 

Smirnov-Golovanov (Honoured 

Arts Worker of the Ukrainian 

Soviet Socialist Republic and 

former Artistic Director of 

Odessa State Opera and Ballet 

Theatre). Ludmila is the driving 

force in schooling young artistes 

with the physicality, artistry and 

creativity to faithfully interpret 

that legacy. She will select the 

cream of these young dancers 

to visit the UK in 2023. 

atgtickets.com/venues/ 

richmond-theatre 


96

What’s On in January 

Thu 19 Jan 

G Live, London Road, 

Guildford GU1 2AA 

GIOVANNI PERNICE 

MADE IN ITALY 

Strictly Come Dancing 2021 

champion and dance heart-throb 

Giovanni Pernice invites you 

to join him on a journey to his 

homeland for his brand new 2023 

production of ‘Made in Italy’. 

Joined by an outstanding ensemble 

of some of the best dancers and 

singers from the ballroom and 

theatre world, this show promises 

to be a fantastic night out! 

This Italian themed show 

features an incredible sound 

track, stunning choreography 

and beautiful costumes. But 

be warned… in Italy, it can 

get HOT HOT HOT!!!! 

There are a limited number of VIP 

tickets available which includes 

a pre-show meet & greet with 

Giovanni, a signed print, VIP 

lanyard and photo opportunities. 

The VIP meet and greet is PRE- 

SHOW, 90 minutes before the 

performance is due to start. 

glive.co.uk 

Wed 25 Jan 

Churchill Theatre, High Street, 

Bromley BR1 1HA 

LAST DAYS OF DISCO 

So Diva famously championed 

by Sir Tom Jones on ITV’s The 

Voice UK embark on their first 

national theatre tour in a show 

with a unique setlist of 80s 

dancefloor classics from Irene 

Cara, Lipps Inc, Debarge, The 

Pointer Sisters, Evelyn Champagne 

King, Kool and The Gang, 

Stacey Lattishaw, Shalamar, 

Stephanie Mills and many more. 

Five amazing lead vocalists 

complimented by a seven 

piece live band - this is the 

must see show of 2023. 

Prepare to travel back to the 

time of your life and revisit THE 

LAST DAYS OF DISCO 

Entry: £29 

churchilltheatre,co,uk 

COMING UP 

Dates in Feb, May, 

Aug and Nov ‘23 

The Small Holding, 

Ranters Lane, Kilndown, 

Kent TN17 2SG 

GROW THE SEASONS 

Booking is now open. Learn to 

‘Grow the Seasons’ on a series 

of new horticultural courses at 

Will Devlin’s Michelin Green 

Starred farm and restaurant, 

The Small Holding. The 

hands-on courses are led by 

Head Gardener Jenny Huddart 

and her team, for a behindthe-scenes 

experience. Each 

full-day course will include a 

mix of practical and theory 

learning, as guests discover and 

share in the team’s knowledge 

on seasonal vegetable 

growing, ‘No Dig’ principles 

and how to be sustainable 

in their own gardens. 

Each course will be relevant 

to the season, such as making 

the most of Harvest in 

August, reaping the rewards of 

your hard work and making 

organic compost and feeds. In 

November’s Winter Planning 

course learn how to make 

the most of the end of the 

season by mulching, lifting 

and dividing the perennial 

plants and the last chance to 

sow overwintering crops. 

The full-day courses cost 

£125 per person and will 

run throughout the year, in 

tune with the four growing 

seasons and include a relaxed 

lunch, using ingredients from 

the farm. Find out more and 

book now for February, May, 

August, and November 2023. 

Entry: £125 including lunch 

growtheseasons.com 

From Wed 8 Feb daily 

Hever Castle & Gardens, 

Hever Road, Hever, 

Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG 

SNOWDROP WALKS 

AT HEVER CASTLE 

One to really provide a 

welcome boost to any flagging 

winter spirits. From the 8th of 

February onwards, visitors to the 

lovely Hever Castle and Gardens, 

will be encouraged to put on 

their wellies, hats and scarves 

and explore the snowdrop trail. 

Featuring 115,000 snowdrops, 

this self-guided snowdrop walk will 

take visitors through woodland 

areas, around the Outer Moat and 

into the colourful Winter Garden. 

You’ll see both single and double 

snowdrops, as well as some more 

unusual varieties in the Winter 

Garden such as the yellow tipped 

‘Wendy’s Gold’, a giant Galanthus 

called ‘Colossus’, and Galanthus 

‘Green Brush’ with its green-tipped 

flowers. The Winter Garden 

also features flame-coloured 

dogwoods, ‘Early Sensation’ 

daffodils, heathers and winter 

shrubs. Frosted topiary on the 

walk towards the Castle is another 

delight to behold, and over on 

the outer banks of the moat, 

the crocus will begin to appear 

towards the end of the month 

too. If you happen to be feeling 

adventurous, you can even can add 

in a walk around the 38 acre Lake. 

hevercastle.co.uk 

Fri 17 Feb & Sat 18 Feb 

2pm & 7.30pm 

Trinity Theatre, Church Road, 

Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP 

TRINITY YOUTH 

THEATRE’S EVERYBODY’S 

TALKING ABOUT JAMIE 

– TEEN EDITION 

The fabulously talented Trinity 

Youth Theatre’s big February 

musical is back! Following on 

from High School Musicals 1 and 

2, and Legally Blonde, they are 

now tackling Everybody’s Talking 

About Jamie: Teen Edition – the 

full-length musical with small 

adjustments for a teenage cast. 

Jamie New is sixteen and lives 

on a council estate in Sheffield. 

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie 

is terrified about the future. 

Jamie is going to be a sensation. 

Supported by his brilliant, loving 

mum and surrounded by his 

friends, Jamie overcomes prejudice, 

beats the bullies, and steps out of 

the darkness into the spotlight. 

Sixteen: the edge of possibility. 

Time to make your dreams 

come true. Book your tickets 

soon for this fun musical. 

trinitytheatre.net 

Sat 25 Feb 7pm 

Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane, 

Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0HT 

AN EVENING OF JAZZ 

WITH JOE STILGOE 

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally 

acclaimed singer, pianist, and 

songwriter. He has created a 

fresh sound for jazz and topped 

the UK Jazz Chart on multiple 

occasions. Over the course of 

his varied career, he has become 

a true modern-day entertainer, 

known globally as a performer 

of wit, style, and a level of 

musicianship which has seen 

him recognised as one of the best 

singer-pianists in the world. 

Enjoy a glass of sparkling Balfour 

Wine followed by a delicious 

three-course set meal whilst 

you tap your feet to the beat in 

this unmissable event. Please 

book taxis well in advance for 

journeys to and from this event. 

Entry: £95 

balfourwinery.com 

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 Surrey Homes 

for only £50+VAT. Please supply 

up to 200 words that should 

include date, time, venue, contact 

for enquiries and any entry price 

to whatson@priceless-group.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 next issue is 7 January. 


Jane Howard shares her concerns 

over trade agreements and 

payments to farmers 

In so many ways it is a privilege to 

farm in this beautiful part of the 

world. But as we come into another 

year the outlook for all farmers and 

especially livestock farmers is looking very 

uncertain. So you’ll have to forgive me, 

but this month I want to share my views. 

Following Brexit, the UK government 

announced it would no longer pay farmers 

the annual Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 

payment – which in almost all cases represents a 

farm’s profit and the farmer’s wage. It is being phased 

out and in its place the ELMS scheme will pay farmers 

for delivering a range of ‘public goods’ including 

improved environment, better climate outcomes and 

improved animal health and welfare. All very worthy, 

though rather alarmingly no mention of food – but 

even before the details of the scheme were clarified, Liz 

Truss when PM announced a review 

of ELMS. All we want is certainty. 

On top of that Ms Truss announced 

what I consider to be a dreadful 

trade agreement with Australia. 

UK farming has worked tirelessly 

to build up its reputation for highquality, 

high-welfare, climate-friendly 

and sustainably produced beef and 

lamb. Our production standards are 

underpinned by the most robust 

regulations which cover everything from 

animal traceability, health, welfare and 

use of medicines to the environment. 

There is no comparison whatsoever 

between production methods in this 

country and those in Australia where it is all about 

scale. Feedlots finishing up to 50,000 head on a single 

site would be unacceptable here, both morally and 

environmentally. But we know that more than 40% of 

Australian beef cattle are finished in such systems and 

now much of this will be destined for the UK market. 

There is widespread use of hormone growthpromoters, 

and while our government has said that beef 

from these animals will not enter our market, given the 

lack of lifetime traceability in Australia, it’s questionable 

We have the news 

about the closure of 

our local abattoir, 

Tottingworth at 

Heathfield. This will 

be a particular blow 

to all the livestock 

farmers in the area 

who sell quality, grassfed 

beef and lamb 

how robust these guarantees really are. All of this, along 

with the routine use of antibiotics and feed additives 

banned in the UK make it a very unlevel playing field. 

And it’s not going to be a two way flow of traffic! 

And now, much closer to home, we have the news 

about the closure of our local abattoir, 

Tottingworth at Heathfield. This will 

be a particular blow to all the livestock 

farmers in the area who sell quality, 

grass-fed beef and lamb through 

box schemes, farmers’ markets and 

farm shops; independent butchers 

and, of course, those of you who 

seek out locally produced meat. 

Tottingworth closed mainly because 

of the huge number of regulations 

imposed on it. Back in the 70s there 

were hundreds of small abattoirs 

dotted around the country, but as 

numbers fell the government woke 

up to the problem and in 2021 

set up a Small Abattoirs Task Force to propose 

solutions. They gave themselves five years to consider 

the problem – and nothing has happened. 

It’s just one more issue threatening the future of 

farming in the High Weald. Its rolling hills, scattered 

farmsteads, small woodlands and irregular-shaped 

fields make it one of the best preserved mediaeval 

landscapes in Northern Europe. It’s special and let’s 

all hope that 2023 sees some good news to encourage 

us to keep farming and ensure it stays that way. 

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


100

YOUR NEW 

ESSENTIAL GUIDE 

OUT NOW! 

The January – March Going Out 

in Epsom is out now. This handy 

guide has a comprehensive 

events listing and a restaurant 

directory – it’s all you need 

to plan a night out. Pick one 

up now or download it at 

www.goepsom.com 

EPSOM 

GOING OUT 

GUIDE

Surrey Homes | SH96 | January 2023 | Health & Beauty Supplement inside

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