Spring 2022

Tasty local stories, published by Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council 

Spring 2023 | FREE 

Spring Season Line-up 

Hemsted Park 

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Care Workers 

FULL TIME & PART TIME CARE WORKERS 

REQUIRED IN TENTERDEN, CRANBROOK, STAPLEHURST 

AND MOST OF THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES 

Could be your main income, or just a few hours to supplement your Furlough Pay 

(subject to your contract with employer) 

We have Mornings, Lunchtimes, Teatimes, Evenings and Weekend 

calls available. Also some Domestic Calls & Sleep-Ins to cover. 

NVQ Trained Worker 

Travel Time - Now paid at £8.91 per hour 

Mileage - 15p per mile 

Hourly Rate - £10.00 p.h Mon - Fri and £11.00 p.h at W/E 

Holiday Pay - 5.6 weeks paid seperately 

Non NVQ 

£8.91 per hour 

15p per mile 

£9.50 & £10.50 

Same 

Any experience is beneficial such as raising children, looking after elderly 

parents/grand children. But, FULL TRAINING will be provided to all applicants 

Why not contact us to discuss more about the 

work and what hours you are looking for? 

Call Natalie or Chloe 01580 762244 

These positions are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act

Published by Cranbrook and 

Sissinghurst Parish Council 

CO-EDITORS - Kim Fletcher and Carol Somers 

SUB EDITORS - Julian Flanders 

ADVERTISING SALES - David Hobden 

01892 677741 davidh@spacemarketing.co.uk 

ADMIN SUPPORT - Graham Holmes 

gpholmes@hotmail.co.uk 

PRODUCED BY - Tally Rix - Coffee Shop Media Ltd - 

01580 848555, tally@coffeeshopmedia.com 

PUBLISHED BY - Cranbrook and Sissinghurst 

Parish Council, 01580 713112 

www.cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk 

Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, 

the Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, 

editor and authors cannot be held responsible 

for published errors. The views or opinions 

expressed do not necessarily reflect views of the Cranbrook 

and Sissinghurst Parish Council. Inclusion of any advertising 

material does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement of 

any products or services or claims made. 

SOMETHING FOR THE CAKE? 

We love to hear from you. Please send all ideas for 

contributions to The Cake to 

clerk@cspc.org.uk by 21 April 2023 

What does the 

Parish Council do? 

The parish council is a bit like the conscience of the 

community. We have views on ‘how things are done 

around here’ and how we would like the future to evolve, 

and look after local issues. 

We do not directly control the levers of power but can 

influence the people who do. We have a Neighbourhood 

Development Plan (available on the parish website) but 

that stretches into 500 pages or so with lots of detail. 

The list below shows the main issues that we are 

confronted with, and if we do not have a considered view 

on them, we can be overruled by developers, TWBC, KCC or the government. 

We need positions on these issues so that when opportunities arise, we have 

ready-made arguments as to why our view should prevail. If you have strong views 

on these issues, stand as a parish councillor, as you can really make a difference to 

our community. 

HOUSING 

• A mix of housing 

• Priced for local 

people of all ages 

and mobility 

• Sustainable and 

energy efficient 

• Respecting the local 

architecture and 

heritage 

ACCESS & MOVEMENT 

• Parking - town 

centre 

• Level footpaths 

& cyclepaths - for 

access to the town 

centre, for leisure 

• A highway 

improvement plan 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

• Medical centre - 

gps and specialist 

clinics 

• Dentists 

• Education - 

pre-primary, 

primary, secondary, 

adult 

• Broadband 

• Community centre 

• Public toilets 

• Public transport 

BUSINESS & JOBS 

• Local employment 

space 

• Support for local 

employment - 

education, local 

builders and 

tradesmen, hi-tech 

business, farming 

and ancillary jobs, 

retail and hospitality, 

health and care 

• Apprenticeships 

• Volunteer 

opportunities 

COMMUNITY & 

CULTURE 

• Community centre 

- several activity 

spaces, music and 

dance, it/cooking 

Cllr. Kim Fletcher, 

chairman, Cranbrook 

& Sissinghurst Parish 

Council 

Neighbourhood Development Plan Issues 

exhibitions/ 

meetings, theatre/ 

cinema 

• Outdoor spill out 

area - receptions and 

parties, concerts 

• Sports facilities 

- clubs and 

clubhouses, 

changing rooms 

• Play equipment - 

for all ages 

• Strategy and 

resources and 

community spirit - to 

deal with anti-social 

behaviour and 

policing issues 

FRONT COVER 

The stunning new Centenary Hall at Hemsted 

Park – a collection of performing arts spaces at 

Benenden School. 

Designed by Guy Holloway Architects, the 

800-seater hall has established itself as one of 

the foremost concert halls in the South East 

offering state-of-the-art acoustics for a truly 

impressive performance experience. 

The season’s line-up includes Harry the 

Piano, Stringfever and the London Film Music 

Orchestra performing Hans Zimmer and John 

Williams. Events run between 25 March and 25 

June www.hemstedpark.com 

Inside 

this issue 

REGULARS 

5 Directory 

6 Letters 

8 Development News 

10 Local News 

12 Wellbeing 

14 Club News 

16 Event News 

20 Local Comment 

31 Kids’ Corner 

33 Let’s Cook 

34 Badger’s Plot 

39 Legal – divorce finances 

40 Parish Council Update 

– planning, precept and 

councillor recruitment 

FEATURES 

18 Play Equipment – a 

campaign to do better 

22 Banks –the history of 

banking in Cranbrook 

25 Billy Blacksmith – 

remembering a local 

legend 

26 Out & About – Angley 

Woods and the Crane 

Valley Nature Reserve 

29 The Old Police Station 

– history of policing in 

Cranbrook 

37 Spring reads – uplifting 

recommendations 

42 Cake Meets… Francesca 

Shaw, head, Cranbrook 

COE Primary School 

The Cake • Spring 2023 3

KEEPING YOUR 

CHILD’S FEET 

HEALTHY 

Your child’s foot is formed of 

up to 45 bones and over 7,000 

nerve endings, so it’s no wonder 

that correctly fitted shoes are 

an important first step to the 

development of healthy little feet. 

Here at the Golden Boot, our team 

of expertly trained fitters are here 

to help. With an extensive range 

of shoes and brands, all carefully 

chosen by us, we’ll help you pick 

the perfect pair of shoes for each 

unique pair of feet. 

www.thegoldenboot.co.uk 

Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, Kent

directory 

A list of useful contacts in 

Cranbrook and Sissinghurst 

Cranbrook and Sissinghurst 

Parish Council 

The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, KENT TN17 3HF 

Clerk – Mrs. C. Bezuidenhout 

Deputy Clerk - Mrs. L. Ham 

Deputy Clerk – Mrs. L. Thirkell 

01580 713112 / clerk@CSPC.org.uk 

BOROUGH & COUNTY 

COUNCILS 

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council 

01892 526121 

www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk 

Kent County Council 

03000 41 41 41 / www.kent.gov.uk 

USEFUL NUMBERS 

UTILITIES 

Electricity: 0800 727282 (24 hrs) 

Gas: 0800 111 999 

Water: South East Water (drinking 

water) 0800 0283399, Southern 

Water (waste water) 0800 820999 (24 

hrs), Emergency leak 0800 0283399, 

Floodline 0845 9881188 (24 hrs) 

CRIME 

Non-Emergency Police: 101 

Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111 

KCC Community Warden: Adam 

Osborn - 07813 695741 

Neighbourhood Watch Area 

Co-ordinator: 01622 604395 

In an emergency i.e. if life is in danger 

or a crime is in progress call 999. To 

request non urgent police assistance, 

to report crime or to make enquiry 

call 101. Non urgent correspondence 

and crime can be reported via the Live 

Chat icon at www.kent.police.uk 

ROOMS & HALLS TO HIRE 

St George’s Institute, Sissinghurst: 

Ursula O’Connor 01580 713938 

The Parish Room, Sissinghurst: Sue 

Crowe 01580 712567 

ts.crowe74@gmail.com 

The Vestry Hall, Council Chamber and 

Addison VC Room, Cranbrook: 

01580 713112 (10am-12pm weekdays). 

A full list of over 30 venues for hire in the 

parish is available from the parish office 

USEFUL CONTACTS 

CHURCHES 

Congregational Church, 

Cranbrook: 01580 388070 

St. Dunstan’s, Cranbrook: 

01580 715861 

St. Theodore’s RC, Cranbrook: 

01580 713364 

Strict Baptist Church, Cranbrook: 

01580 713212 

Trinity Church, Sissinghurst: 

01580 852275 

Vine Church, Cranbrook: 01580 712620 

SCHOOLS AND PRE SCHOOLS 

Belle Vue School, Cranbrook: 

01580 854641 

Colliers Green CE Primary: 

01580 211335 

Cranbrook CE Primary: 01580 713249 

Cranbrook Children’s Centre: 

03000 41 10 35 

Cranbrook School: 01580 711800 

Dulwich Preparatory School: 

01580 712179 

Rainbow Pre School, Cranbrook: 

01580 715570 

Sissinghurst CE Primary: 01580 713895 

Woodpeckers Pre School, Cranbrook: 

01580 720195 

DOCTORS 

Old School Surgery, Cranbrook: 

01580 712476 

Orchard End Surgery, Cranbrook: 

01580 713622 

The Crane Surgery, Cranbrook 

01580 712260 

DEFIBRILLATORS 

Cramp Club, Cranbrook 

Cranbrook Fire Station 

Cricket Club, Sissinghurst 

Parish Council office 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

St. George’s Institute, Sissinghurst 

Tennis Club, Sissinghurst 

The George Hotel, Cranbrook 

The Milkhouse, Sissinghurst 

WHAT’S ON 

MARCH 

DIRECTORY 

9 March – Cranbrook School Ensembles Concert, 7:30pm, The Queens Hall 

Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk 

11 March – The Cranbrook Kids Cinema – Disney’s Moana, 10:30am, The 

Queens Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk 

13 March – Cranbrook and District Science and Astronomical Society, Lecture 

Theatre – Cranbrook School, www.cadsas.org 

17 March – The Cranbrook Comedy Club, 8:00pm, The Queens Hall Theatre, 

www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk 

17 March – Michael Buble Tribute, 8pm, The White Horse, Cranbrook 

24 March – Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, 7:30pm, Vestry Hall, www. 

wmwcranbrook.co.uk 

24 March – Bingo, 7:30pm, The White Horse, Cranbrook. 

APRIL 

6-8 April – CODS Presents… Blackadder Goes Forth, 7:30pm, The Queens Hall 

Theatre, www.cranbrookods.org.uk 

7 April – Quiz Night, 7:30pm, The White Horse 

10 April – Cranbrook and District Science and Astronomical Society, 8:00pm, 

Lecture Theatre – Cranbrook School, www.cadsas.org 

15 April – The Sea Monkeys (Live Music), 8pm, The White Horse, Cranbrook 

22 April – The Cranbrook Kids Cinema – Dear Evan Hansen 12+, 7:00pm, The 

Queens Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk 

28 April – Eliza Carthy Trio, 7:30pm, Vestry Hall, www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk 

28 April – Bingo, 7:30pm, The White Horse, Cranbrook 

29 April – Cranbrook Choral Spring Concert, St Dunstans Church 

MAY 

5 May – The London Ballet Company – Double Bill: Cinderella & 00 & His 7, 

7:30pm, The Queens Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk 

6 May – Coronation, Events around Cranbrook 

8 May – Cranbrook and District Science and Astronomical Society, 8:00pm, 

Lecture Theatre – Cranbrook School, www.cadsas.org 

11 May – Cranbrook School Battle of the Bands, 7:30pm, The Queens Hall 


13 May – The Outcast Band, 7:30pm, Vestry Hall, www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk 

20 May – Weald Games, Cranbrook Rugby Club 

25 May – Show of Hands, 7:30pm, Vestry Hall, www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk 

27 May – The Bohemians (Queen Tribute Band), 7:30pm, The Queens Hall 


28 May – Cranbrook goes Nuts in May, Cranbrook High Street 

JUNE 

16 June – The Cranbrook Comedy Club, 8:00pm, The Queens Hall Theatre, 


JULY 

1 July – The Gigspanner Big Band (led by Peter Knight, formerly of Steeleye 

Span), 7:30pm, The Queens Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk & 

www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk 

7 July – Cranbrook School Summer Play – 7:30pm, The Queens Hall Theatre, 


22 July – Fairport Convention, 7:30pm, The Queens Hall Theatre, 

www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk / www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk 


letters 

www.bussmurton.co.uk | T: 01580 712 215 

Refuse Further Green 

Field Development 

Accessed From Frythe 

Estate 

The Cake has received a number 

of letters concerning the planned 

residential development of “70+” 

houses on a green-field site behind the 

Frythe Estate, which does not include 

any extra access. 

Taylor Wimpey’s consultants, 

Turley, have recently published a 

favourable report, suggesting that the 

development would have no impact on 

traffic congestion, health and safety 

or the local environment. We feel that 

the letter below presents an excellent 

summary of local opinions on the 

report: 

1. The traffic on Frythe Way is 

already a cause for concern. In an 

emergency, fire engines might well 

have serious problems accessing the 

site. 

2. The report on traffic and parking was 

written in September 2020, as Covid 

locked down traffic movement. The 

survey is without merit. 

3. There is a serious general shortage 

of infrastructure. Questions about 

drainage need to be solved. It 

would be helpful if the proposal 

for the number of dwellings to be 

constructed were more accurately 

described than “circa 70”. 

4. Cranbrook has no non-selective 

secondary school. Will prospective 

residents be told this? Other 

available non-selective schools 

basically require parents to have 

private transport available. 

5. The site is an old orchard in an Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The 

trees in the orchard are currently 

subject to a Tree Preservation Order. 

The whole concept should be refused. 

Bring Back Rural District Councils! 

Parish councils are apolitical, and we 

try to do the best for our communities 

in the mainly rural areas, which make 

up (almost) half the electors in the 

borough. 

With the reduction of councillors 

from 48 to 39, and election by thirds, 

the Local Government Boundary 

Commission for England requires every 

ward has to have three 

members, so one is elected 

every year. This will mean 

wards of around 7,000, so the 

rural wards will become very 

large, encompassing several 

unconnected towns and 

villages. 

The idea that a local 

person who is doing good 

works in their parish is able 

to appeal across such a 

large areas is problematic, 

and this is the reason that 

five chairmen attended 

the council meeting, and a 

further three had statements 

read out to make the point 

that ‘all out’ elections would 

enable single member wards of around 

2,200 electors or two members wards of 

around 4,400. This would enable rural 

communities to elect a local person to 

TWBC, with the expectation that they 

would ensure the local voice is heard. 

Large geographic areas favour 

national political parties, especially as 

a vote every year leaves people asking 

‘what are we voting for this time?’ – ‘I 

might as well vote for a party as I do not 

know these individuals’. 

The borough council consulted on 

the issue and the result showed 64% 

of respondents supported ‘all out 

elections’. In our presentations we 

laid out these negative impacts on our 

Large 

geographic 

areas favour 

national 

political 

parties, 

especially as a 

vote every year 

leaves people 

asking ‘what 

are we voting 

for this time?’ 

communities of continuing to vote 

in thirds, and that TWBC could save 

£200,000 by voting every four years. 

Our arguments were erroneously and 

savagely attacked by Cllr Rands and Cllr 

Pound as being a ‘Conservative plot’ to 

regain power; it was not - the motion 

was seconded by an Alliance councillor 

and widely supported by both Alliance 

and Labour councillors 

representing parished areas. 

Cllr Rands had made up his 

mind before hearing our 

arguments, according to his 

letter in the Times last week. 

The Lib Dem councillors 

barely joined the debate. Cllr 

Nancy Warne (Alliance) who 

holds the rural portfolio did 

show she understood our 

plight. 

When the vote was taken 

but all but two Lib Dem 

councillors voted against 

the proposal, without 

making a cogent argument 

for improving democracy in 

rural and parished areas, or 

why they did not wish to save £200,000 

in election costs. They are quick to state 

there is a black hole in the accounts. 

Several councillors suggested that 

consultations produce unrepresentative 

results – so why did they agree to it? 

Later that evening, cabinet portfolio 

holders all voted to maintain their 

allowances and reject the Independent 

Review Panel recommendations for 

Tunbridge Wells and other councils 

which had recommended reductions. It 

is also worth noting that the increased 

size of the Lib Dem led cabinet is costing 

us (the council tax payers) £33,000 a 

year. Bring back Rural District Councils! 

Cllr Kim Fletcher, chairman 

6 The Cake • Spring 2023

We have been providing expert and 

trusted legal advice to individuals and 

businesses for generations. 

Your Parish Council 

Needs You! 

Being a parish councillor is a purely voluntary 

role. We are elected every four years, with 

any vacancies that occur in the intervening 

years filled either by election or co-option. As 

councillors we attend a monthly meeting of 

the whole council, as well as meetings of any 

other committees we represent. This might 

include the Neighbourhood Development 

Plan Steering Committee, the Planning 

Committee and the Community Development 

Committee, the Properties & Burial Grounds 

and Environmental Management. 

Councillors also represent the parish council 

as delegates to various outside organisations, 

such as Citizens Advice, Cranbrook Tourism 

Group, Cranbrook Conservation Area Advisory 

Committee and the Katherine Elisabeth 

Wood Trust. In addition, the parish council 

often works on other temporary projects. Our 

primary concern at the moment is how the 

cost-of-living crisis is affecting residents and 

finding ways to help or facilitating this for 

other groups. 

In May 2023 there are whole council 

elections for Cranbrook and Sissinghurst 

Parish Council. Please do think about joining 

us. No specific knowledge or experience is 

needed, just a willingness to help and take a 

full part in the council’s business. Please get 

in touch if you want to find out more – clerk@ 

cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk 

Cllr Lee Hatcher 

Pre-primary Groups in the Area 

I thought readers with young children would find the following list of 

interest. Each of these groups are low cost and come as you please. I’m sure 

there are more but these are ones I’ve attended or heard good things about 

first hand. 

• Tots Plus, Fridays 9-11.30am, Church House, Cranbrook 

• Cheeky Monkeys, Mondays 9.30-11am, Horsmonden Village Hall 

• Biddenden Babies & Toddler Group, Tuesdays 9.30am-11am, Biddenden 

Old Village Hall 

• Sing & Story Class, Mondays 9.45am, Copt Hall, Hawkhurst 

• Cafe Toddlers , Fridays 9-11am, St Mary's Church, Goudhurst 

Claire Mills 

Education in 

Cranbrook 

The closure of High 

Weald Academy has 

put more pressure on 

Cranbrook School to 

grow – the reason they 

need to sell Jaegers 

for housing to fund 

new classrooms. Our 

secondary school pupils 

are now bussed to 

Mascalls or Homewood 

schools. 

Kent County Council 

are proposing to close 

the Children’s Centre 

(Sure Start) co-located at 

the primary school, with 

some services moving to 

the Library. The primary 

school is expected 

to grow, but there is 

currently no plan. 

Rainbow pre-primary 

is now closing in July 

unless they find new 

premises. Woodpeckers 

survives because the 

Long Field planning 

application was turned 

down on appeal. 

New housing is 

coming on stream, 

increasing the demand 

for school places for all 

ages. 

Are you happy with 

this erosion of local 

education? Should we 

be raising our voices or 

just let it wash over us? 

Write to our MP Helen 

Grant (helen.grant.mp@ 

parliament.uk) and copy 

in the parish council, 

talk to parents, create a 

pressure group… 

St. Dunstan’s Church Choir 

There was an excellent article in a previous edition of Cake 

about the splendid choirs based in Cranbrook: The Choral 

Society, Tempo Choir and the Compass Choir. However there was 

no mention of the oldest choir: St Dunstan’s Church Choir. 

I just wanted to flag up that it still exists and would warmly 

welcome new members. Is there anyone out there with an hour 

or so on Sunday morning to help keep this wonderful tradition 

alive? 

John Williams 

Please send 

your letters to: 

clerk@cspc.org.uk or by post to The Cake, 

Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, The Old 

Fire Station, Stone Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HF. 

Please note, letters may be published 

in a shortened form at the discretion 

of the editor. 


DEVELOPMENT NEWS 

The Rebirth of St George’s 

Institute, Sissinghurst 

Fernham Homes has 

now secured planning 

permission for a new 

St George’s Institute 

building and the 

enabling housing development 

to the rear of the current hall. 

Full details are on the TWBC 

planning portal, Ref Nos: 

21/03914/FULL. There are also 

posters in the hall and in the 

village shop window. 

The hall management 

committee has up to six months 

to enter into a building contract. 

It is anticipated that the hall will 

close around April/May for 12 to 

14 months while the new hall is 

built. We will be assisting current 

hirers in finding temporary 

Employment Law that 

works for you. 

We provide cost effective advice tailored 

to your needs on matters including: 

+ Settlement Agreements 

+ Senior Employee Exits 

+ Employment Related Shareholdings 

+ Unfair Dismissal 

+ Discrimination, Harassment & Victimisation 

To find out how we can help, call us on 

01622 698000 or 01227 643250 

or email enquiries@wmlaw.uk 

whitehead-monckton.co.uk 

“There are meeting minutes showing that 

a new hall has been under consideration 

many times over the past 40+ years” 

alternative facilities during this 

period. We are also considering a 

farewell event in the hall prior to 

its demolition. 

I know that the old green hut 

is much loved by many and an 

historical/archive video will 

be made to document what 

is currently there. The new 

building will also reflect, in some 

way, the old hall. 

There are meeting minutes 

showing that a new hall has 

been under consideration many 

times over the past 40+ years. 

The trustees’ objective from the 

outset, over three years ago, has 

been to deliver a new fit-forpurpose 

community hall with no 

debt, which is both affordable to 

hire (approximately £10–£15/hr, 

currently £8/hr) and economic to 

operate. 

The new hall will have a small 

meeting room that could be 

run as a pop-up café or a shop. 

If anyone is interested in this 

please let me know. 

The St George’s Institute is 

in the process of changing from 

current Small Charity status 

to a Community Incorporated 

Organisation (CIO). This is the 

recommended structure for 

trusts operating village halls and 

community facilities. 

I would like to thank the 

hall management committee 

members, the parish council 

and Fernham Homes for their 

continued commitment, 

dedication and patience in 

achieving what will be a vastly 

improved community facility 

fit for the future. The hard work 

now commences! John Smith 

PIXELNUTTER 


DEVELOPMENT NEWS 

Neighbourhood 

Development Plan 

Update 

Following a very 

successful lockdown 

Regulation 14 

Consultation, the 

NDP Steering Group 

spent much of 2021 reviewing 

the hundreds of comments 

received and revising the plan, 

where appropriate, in advance of 

submission to Tunbridge Wells 

Borough Council. However, due 

to a series of setbacks, the plan, 

along with much supporting 

paperwork (nearly 500 pages), 

was not submitted to TWBC 

until July 2022. 

After they had reviewed 

the documents, the plan went 

to a further, Regulation 16, 

Consultation, for an extended 

period of time. Having 

eventually completed this stage 

of the process, an examiner was 

appointed just before Christmas. 

We are now working with 

our consultant, the examiner 

and Tunbridge Wells Borough 

Council to try to get the plan 

past the examination stage, 

and on to the final step on 

our journey – the referendum. 

Unfortunately, I cannot yet put 

a date on this, but I’m hoping it 

won’t be much longer. 

Garry Pethurst 

Recently, a number of residents 

on the Frythe have expressed their 

concerns at the Taylor Wimpey 

submission to build about 70 

homes at the end of Frythe Way. 

See the Letters page in Cake. (Ed.) 

Building and Construction 

in the Parish 

• Berkeley has released its first houses at Turnden 1, starting at £630,000 

for three bedrooms. There will be a part purchase scheme for 1 and 

2 bedroom flats on the development. It is still very keen to build out 

Turnden 2, and is still waiting for the appeal findings. When they 

tarmacked the site, all their contractors parked on Hartley Road for a 

day, causing a lot of parishioners to complain about the danger to their 

children. 

• Hill Development are building on Brick Kiln Farm and hope to have 10 

houses for sale in the summer, with a further nine built by Christmas. 

• Sunningdale Homes has started moving earth at the old Cranbrook 

Engineering site, but so far there is no news on dates. 

• Fernham Homes hopes to start this spring on the new homes in 

Sissinghurst, with the St Georges Institute being demolished to enable 

access to the site. 

• Brookwood Homes is building 18 houses off Common Road / 

Frittenden Road in Sissinghurst. No news on dates. 

COMMUNITY CENTRE UPDATE 

The parish council has decided to demolish the old Tanyard dental 

surgery as it is an eyesore and seems to encourage vandalism. It was 

always the plan to demolish it. By the time this edition comes out, we 

hope to have the GP surgeries all on side and getting close to briefing 

architects. 

ISABELLE 

SZUMNIAK 

PERMENANT MAKE-UP & AESTHETICS 

TREATMENTS 

Permanent makeup, aesthetics, in house make-up 

artist, lashes, brows, gel nails, acrylics, massage, reiki, 

facials, lash & brow training courses. 

Kent Health & Beauty Awards 

NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2022 

Carriers Road, Cranbrook, TN17 3JX 01580 438003 

ISSYSZUMNIAK.CO.UK 


LOCAL NEWS 

CUP CAKES 

• COMMUNITY KINDNESS - Two ladies 

from Sissinghurst, who do not want to be 

named, have generously donated £260 

towards new play equipment. While ‘The 

Ukelele Busker’ kindly donated his takings 

to the Community Kitchen, making a huge 

difference. Thank you all. 

• REPLACEMENT SAFETY SURFACE 

UNDER SWINGS - The latest RoSPA report 

identified that replacement of the safety 

surfacing under the swings at the Jubilee 

and Ball Field needs to be considered. The 

clerks are in the process of obtaining quotes. 

• LICK OF PAINT 

Parishioner Paul Archibald 

kindly painted the old 

telephone box, now a 

community library, as he 

saw it looking worse for 

wear. Thank you Paul! 

News 

Young Farmers Christmas Tractor Run 

On 18 December, about 50 decoratively lit tractors toured the Kent countryside, driving down 

Cranbrook High Street in all their splendour. For those who witnessed it, it was unforgettable. 

The tractors had been lit very creatively and decorated like Christmas Trees. 

Thanks to the Young Farmers for bringing a lot of fun to the 

town. Their street collection raised £1,230 in the buckets, 

while the total for the event was almost £7,000. The Air 

Ambulance will get at least £5,000. 

• GRIT FOR COLD WEATHER - 

Every autumn the Parish Council normally 

receives delivery of a ton bag of salt from 

Kent County Council. Unfortunately, despite 

chasing, the delivery did not arrive until 

January this year, and it was a much-reduced 

amount. 

• NATWEST IS CLOSING ON 30 MAY - For 

elderly people or special needs they have 

a phone line 0800 051 4176. ATMs will 

remain at Lloyds and the Co-op. There are 

no current plans for the building. Nat West 

suggest using the ‘Post Office’ or ‘Pay Points’ 

on a day to day basis. Use your debit card, 

or to pay in, the Post Office have envelopes 

for cheques. You need your sort code and 

account number. 

• NEW PRIEST FOR ST DUNSTAN’S 

Following an extensive survey, and 

asking the Cranbrook community and 

congregation what they hope for in the new 

vicar, the recruitment process is underway! 

They hope to welcome a new priest to St 

Dunstan’s and Cranbrook during the second 

half of 2023. 

• TIME TO GET WALKING AGAIN! - With 

Spring on its way, we start to think about 

getting out to walk in the beautiful English 

countryside again, but where to find new 

and interesting walks? Walking in Kent 

(www.walkinginengland.co.uk/kent) has 

loads of walks to download and print, free. 

It also has books of walks, details of all the 

walking groups in the county and much 

more. Whether you want to walk on your 

own or with a group, all the information is 

there in one place. 

Citizens Advice Outreach Service 

Citizens Advice in North and 

West Kent (CANWK) is now 

offering an outreach service 

based at Cranbrook Library 

every Wednesday. There will 

be a drop-in service between 

10am-12.30pm and prebooked 

appointments between 

2pm-4pm. 

Citizens Advice provides 

advice/support with debt, 

benefit, housing, employment, 

consumer, family/relationships 

and immigration issues. It is 

also able to offer specialist 

advice/support in the above 

Performing Arts Venue at Benenden School 

areas for clients suffering from 

mental health conditions, 

which can include where 

necessary, contacting third party 

organisations on the client’s 

behalf. 

You can also call the free 

advice line on 0808 278 7810. 

Hemsted Park – a collection of performing arts spaces at the worldrenowned 

Benenden School, just outside Cranbrook – has unveiled 

the initial shows from its debut season, with a promise of more 

announcements to follow. 

Completing the initial line-up of performers are improvisor 

extraordinaire Harry the Piano, light-hearted violin quartet Stringfever 

and the London Film Music Orchestra performing the music of Hans 

Zimmer and John Williams. 

These events run between 25 March and 25 June and the Box Office is now 

open at www.hemstedpark.com 

Based at the beautiful 250-acre Benenden School site, Hemsted Park’s performance spaces 

principally comprise the stunning new Centenary Hall, which has established one of the 

foremost concert halls in the South East of England. Designed by the multi award-winning 

Kent-based Guy Hollaway Architects, the 800-seater hall offers state-of-the-art acoustics and 

gives audiences a truly impressive performance experience. 


LOCAL NEWS 

Business in Cranbrook 

Business in Cranbrook was developed during the pandemic in 2020 when a group of 

local people met online as part of the Cranbrook Together initiative. As things got 

back to normal, some of us decided that we’d like to continue meeting. 

We meet on the first Friday of each month at Larkins Alehouse, from 10.30- 

11.30am. It’s an informal get together for business owners in the area looking 

to network, get advice or support one another. There’s no membership fee, and 

anyone who runs a local business of any size or shape is very welcome. Contact 

Jules Rastelli 07876 682322. 

Penny Farthing 

The Penny Farthing has now been returned after the repairs 

and refurbishment were completed. Many parishioners are 

disappointed it has not been painted black. The mordant 

applied will dull down further over time, however the 

Properties and Burial Committee will 

review the decision not to paint it 

at the annual site 

meeting in July. 

Chair of 

Cranbrook Rugby 

Club Honoured 

Michelle Forknall, our fantastic and 

much loved M'dam Chair, not only 

won most of the Awards at the Kent 

RFU Volunteer Awards. She was also 

put forward by the RFU to represent 

all Rugby Clubs at the Royal Christmas 

Carol Service at Westminster Abbey on 

15 December. Obviously we are very 

proud and privileged to call Michelle 

a Crane. 

Cranbrook's most amusing Christmas decoration had to be the ‘bone’ 

outside Roosters pet food shop - made by Rob Longley. 


WELLBEING 

Wellbeing Fair 

The New Year, New You event was held in the Vestry Hall and it was 

very busy. Several of the organisations attending have put together 

a paragraph on what they do, and how to get in touch with them 

WINDMILL 

Cranbrook windmill needs 

seven or eight stewards on 

duty every time we open to the 

public. Replacement stewards 

are needed each year as some 

retire. The Wellbeing Fair gave a 

good opportunity to let visitors 

know about the windmill, what 

being a steward involves and 

the training we give for them to 

acquire the necessary knowledge, 

skills and confidence. We expect 

a number of the visitors who 

showed interest at the Fair to 

join us. If you weren’t able to 

be there it’s not too late, email 

volunteering@unionmill.org.uk 

HEALTHY 

LIFESTYLE HELP 

One You Kent can help boost 

your motivation or kick-start 

some lifestyle changes if you 

would like to lose weight, stop 

smoking, get more active or 

reduce your alcohol intake. 

We enjoyed attending the 

Wellbeing Fair in Cranbrook 

and spoke to residents about 

our free services including 

Wellbeing Walks, one to one 

lifestyle advice and group 

weight management. For more 

information on our services 

visit www.oneyoukent.org.uk or 

call 01892 554411. 

Toasty Tuesdays 

in the Vestry Hall! 

10.00 –11.45am 

Join us for coffee, tea and a chat at 

Cranbrook & District 

Age Concern Coffee Morning 

12.00 – 2.00pm 

Hot soup and a warm welcome at 

Wellbeing in the Weald’s Community Kitchen 

3.30 – 4.00pm 

Hot after-school meal for 

primary and pre-school children 

Wellbeing in the Weald’s Community Kitchen 

Children must be accompanied by an adult 

Contribute what you can. 

Supported by local businesses, charities, 

Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council and Kent County Council. 

GUIDING 

As part of Girlguiding ,Cranbrook 

has a thriving Rainbow unit (over 

20 girls aged 4-7) and a growing 

Brownie unit (around 30 girls 

aged 7-10) who meet on a Friday 

afternoon/evening. To sustain 

these units, we need adult 

volunteers who will help the 

Rainbows with their activities 

and/or encourage teamwork and 

promote independence with 

our Brownies, to enable the 

girls to develop, grow and gain 

confidence. We hope some on the 

people we met at the Wellbeing 

Fair (and any who are interested 

but couldn’t make it) will 

consider joining us to create an 

inclusive nurturing environment 

for girls and adults. 

Volunteering with us can be 

flexible and is rewarding with fun 

and friendship at the core! If you 

are interested in knowing more 

email karen.meikle@btinternet. 

com 

GARDENING WITH 

DISABILITIES 

Gardening with Disabilities 

Trust exists to get people 

gardening again, so that more 

people can enjoy the feel good 

feeling that gardening brings. 

We award micro-grants to 

purchase specialist equipment 

or make garden adaptations, 

so that gardening becomes 

possible despite disabilities. 

Although The Trust awards 

grants nationally, it is based in 

Cranbrook and we are searching 

for new committee members 

– no gardening expertise 

required, just an enjoyment of 

beautiful gardens, a sense of 

humour and enthusiasm. www. 

gardeningwithdisabilitiestrust. 

org.uk 

TEMPO SINGERS 

We are a mixed choir and sing a 

wide variety of songs in four-part 

harmony. We believe that singing 

in a group is a great restorative 

to wellbeing, whether one can 

sing well or not, and we aspire to 

bring joy and friendship to adults 

of any age. We sing on Saturday 

mornings from 9:30-11:00am in 

the Vestry Hall. More details at 

www.temposingers.org 


WELLBEING 

KENT HIGH WEALD 

PARTNERSHIP (KHWP) 

We are a countryside 

management partnership 

and run volunteer task days 

across the High Weald, 

including at Crane Valley 

Local Nature Reserve. This 

work includes a variety of 

tasks from litter picking and 

path clearance to the annual 

meadow cut, managing the 

site on behalf of Cranbrook 

and Sissinghurst Parish 

Council. Days run from 10am- 

3pm with tools and coffee 

break refreshments provided. 

Keep up to date with our work 

programme as well as other 

projects at www.khwp.org.uk. 

You can also contact Steph 

(partnership officer) at steph. 

dowling@kent.gov.uk if you 

have any further questions! 

INVOLVE KENT 

Involve Kent provides 

various services across Kent 

including social prescribing 

in the Weald. We took part 

in the wellbeing fair to 

share information about 

our services and meet 

members and partners of 

the local community. Social 

prescribing offers support 

around your non-medical 

needs and the service is 

open to all patients 18 or 

over who may benefit from 

a conversation about their 

wellbeing. Please contact 

your surgery for a referral 

to Involve social prescribing 

which is a free service funded 

by the NHS. 

CRANBROOK OPERA 

AND DRAMATIC 

SOCIETY (CODS) 

CODS is a long running 

community orientated drama 

company that is based in the 

Queen’s Hall Theatre (QHT) 

in Cranbrook School. Our next 

production will be an Easter 

treat as we are producing 

Blackadder Goes Forth, which 

is currently in rehearsal. 

After that we will start our 

audition process at the end 

of April/May for our autumn 

musical Made in Dagenham. 

All performances being in the 

QHT. To keep up to date with 

our shows and information 

about the Society follow the 

https://linktr.ee/cranbrook 

COACH OUTINGS 

ARRANGED BY 

THE CRANBROOK 

BUSINESS 

ASSOCIATION 

CBA Millennium Outings’ 

first trip took place in May 

2000, so we’re now in our 

24th year. We offer days out, 

by coach, covering a wide 

range of interests (gardens, 

theatres, special events etc.) 

throughout the year, as well 

as two or three holidays or 

shorter breaks. We are well 

supported by members of the 

communities of Cranbrook 

and Sissinghurst, along 

with others who join us 

from villages all around. We 

maintain a database of some 

340 names and addresses 

all of whom are sent details 

of new trips as they are 

launched. For further details 

contact Carol Gower (01580 

712521) on weekday evenings 

between 7pm and 9pm please. 

THE CRANBROOK 

MUSEUM AND LOCAL 

HISTORY SOCIETY 

Visitors learnt about 

forthcoming talks, 

exhibitions, research 

facilities, publications, group 

visits and loans, as well as 

the wonderful Wheels of 

Time scheme for 5 to 11 year 

olds. They were also able to 

find out about some of the 

many ways that people can be 

involved as volunteers, from 

one-off sessions to longer 

and more regular support. 

See www.cranbrookmuseum. 

org for more information and 

contact details. 

The Community Kitchen 

Toasty Tuesdays in the Vestry Hall 

Age Concern and Wellbeing in the Weald have 

joined forces during the cold winter months to 

provide a warm welcome and hot food every 

Tuesday in the Vestry Hall to anyone living in 

Cranbrook and Sissinghurst. 

Since September, Cranbrook and District Age 

Concern’s Tuesday coffee mornings have been 

followed by a hot soup lunch, cooked and served 

by volunteers, and the whole community has been 

welcomed in. All ages are dropping by for a chat 

and a bowl of soup, including coffee morning 

guests who stay on, workers in their lunch hour 

and families with pre-school children. 

Buoyed up with the success of the lunch and 

the sense of community, Wellbeing in the Weald’s 

volunteers started providing a hot after-school 

tea for primary and preschool children at the 

beginning of January. Food is served straight 

after school from 3.30-4.00pm and the menu 

is announced the week before on the Toasty 

Tuesday Facebook page. One of the following 

dishes is on the menu each week – macaroni 

Cranbrook and 

District Age Concern 

KEEP FIT, COFFEE, CAKE AND 

HEARING AID SUPPORT! 

Church House, opposite the main 

entrance to St Dunstan’s Church, has 

started an ‘in chair’ keep fit class every 

Tuesday from 9.45–10.15am, finishing 

just in time join the coffee morning. 

The weekly coffee mornings, held 

in the Vestry Hall between 10.15 and 

11.45, continue to go from strength 

to strength. Numbers are growing 

as new people join in and enjoy the 

friendly atmosphere, coffee, tea and 

delicious cake. 

The coffee morning now offers 

hearing aid maintenance nearly every 

week and free hearing aid batteries for 

NHS hearing aids are always available. 

Events are now being planned, 

starting with a two course lunch at the 

Milk House in Sissinghurst at the end 

of February. 

Visit the www. 

cranbrookdistrictageconcern.org for 

more information. 

cheese, bangers and mash, pasta with tomato 

sauce and shepherd’s pie – all followed by fresh 

fruit. All children under 12 who live in Cranbrook 

and Sissinghurst are very welcome. There’s one 

proviso, children must be accompanied by an 

adult but there’ll be a cup of tea or coffee for the 

grown-ups provided! 

There is a very special atmosphere created 

when a community comes together to share food 

and chat. None of this would have been possible 

without the support of the local community and 

financial support from Kent County Council, 

TWBC and local donors. A great big thank you 

to our four soup makers, Wendy and Julie from 

Larkins, Paul and the ‘Men’s shedders’, the Milk 

House, Carolyn, and Emma for staying on after 

lunch and cooking the children’s meal. A big 

thanks too to local businesses for supplying food 

and ingredients including eggs from Fridays Ltd, 

bread from Cranbrook Bakers and cakes from 

Hartley Dyke Farm Shop. 

Please come and join us for coffee or a soup 

lunch and we’d love to welcome your pre-school 

or primary school kids for a hot meal straight after 

school on Tuesdays. 


CLUB NEWS 

It’s a Busy Life 

at Cranbrook 

Sports Club 

Since the start of the 

2022–23 season back in 

September, the weather 

really hasn’t really 

been on rugby’s side. 

Pitches have been too dry, too 

wet, snow covered or frosted. 

These conditions have resulted 

in endless postponements, which 

has been frustrating for everyone. 

Hopefully, with spring around 

the corner, we can all enjoy our 

training and matches for the rest 

of the season. 

MEN’S RUGBY 

The 1XV, who were promoted 

to the very competitive RFU 

Counties 1 Kent League this 

season, currently sit mid-table 

– a great place to be in their first 

season. They have had good wins 

over other local clubs with the 

final match of the season at home 

against Aylesford Bulls 1XV on 18 

March. 

The 2XV, the Nomads, were 

also promoted to the Invicta 

League where they too sit in midtable. 

They are also through to 

the semi-finals of the Kent Shield 

competition, having beaten 

Hastings & Bexhill and Aylesford 

Bulls IIs. They will be playing 

Ashford IIs to try to get to the 

final, which is on 30 April at our 

Tomlin Ground. 

The Colts section (17–18-yearolds) 

goes from strength to 

strength, with a committed core 

of players having really stepped 

up under the excellent coaching 

of Des Amanono, our Player 

Development Coach. Des will 

be working with our Director of 

Rugby, Chris Catt, to ensure those 

that have 

turned 18 

and want to 

play senior 

rugby are 

prepared 

and ready 

to take that 

next step in 

their rugby 

careers. 

The juniors 

(U12–U16) 

have also 

had a great start to the season, 

with good numbers across the 

age groups. Participation in the 

Kent Waterfall and Kent League 

competitions by all our juniors 

has yielded some fantastic 

results, with our U14s having 

won three from three and the 

U13s securing a win against 

local rivals Tonbridge Juddians. 

Tours have been arranged for the 

juniors to Bath, Bristol and West 

Sussex – always a highlight of the 

rugby season! 

WOMEN’S RUGBY 

The women’s section is thriving, 

with a recent influx of many 

ladies new to rugby, that have 

joined the squad to train, build 

confidence and fitness, and are 

now enjoying playing matches. 

No experience is necessary as 

training is suitable for all, and 

the fun and friendships that 

develop on the pitch continue in 

the clubhouse! 

Our young ladies (U12s–U18) 

is a flourishing section, where 

they ‘cluster’ with other local 

clubs to ensure they all have 

plenty of match time. Recently, a 

couple of our U12s played in the 

Kent Cup final, narrowly missing 

out on the win. We are so proud 

of how the girls embrace their 

rugby in this exciting time for 

female sport 

MINIS 

The mini section (U6–U11 boys 

and girls) is also thriving with 

great numbers each week! They 

have been enjoying festivals and 

joint training sessions with lots 

of new skills being learnt and 

lots of fun being had – seeing 

300+ mini and juniors out on 

the pitches each Sunday having 

fun with their teammates is just 

brilliant! 

CRICKET 

Net training is now underway 

for our cricketers! These weekly 

sessions, using both soft and 

hard balls, are great preparation 

for the season. Last year we 

successfully ran U9s and U11s 

age groups, we are ready to 

extend that offering to include 

U13s. However, we are looking for 

that special person who can take 

on the leadership of the Cricket 

Section to continue driving the 

club forward, so if you would like 

to know more, please do get in 

touch at: cranbrookcricketers@ 

gmail.com 

LATEST NEWS! 

Plans for the new clubhouse were 

finally registered with the council 

in December 2022. This exciting 

development will enable us to 

have a proper clubhouse and 

widen our offering of sports and 

community space. 

We are looking forward to 

welcoming the Men’s Shed hut 

and members into the Cranbrook 

Sports Club community at the 

Tomlin Ground! 

We are running the ‘Weald 

Games’ again on 20 May, open 

to the whole community to play 

lots of inventive rural games (e.g. 

tossing the hay bale) and get a 

flavour for the club. 

Michelle Forknall 

DIARY DATES 

• 30 April: Kent Senior Men’s 

Rugby Finals Day 

• 7 May: Kent U20s match 

• 20 May: Weald Rural Games 

www.wealdgames.co.uk 


EVENT NEWS 

THE WEALD RURAL 

GAMES 2023 

Bigger and better. Be a Super Hero! 

Cranbrook Goes Nuts in May! 

Sunday 28 May 2023, 10am-4pm 

Join us and celebrate anything and everything that grows, and 

what you can do with it – dead or alive! 

Once again the High Street will be closed to traffic but open 

to all kinds of garden-related jollity. The first 50 families to 

arrive get a free goodie bag filled with items kindly donated 

by local businesses. Along the length of the High Street there 

will be: 

• Street stalls: plant nurseries, herbs, wood carving and 

turning, artists, glassware, jewellery, a stickmaker, eco food 

wraps, and a children’s craft tent for the young and not so 

young 

• Local foods: delicious fruit ice-cream, honey, chutney, Liz 

Santer vegetarian bakes 

• Music and dance: Headcorn Ukulele and Weald of Kent 

Morris 

• Food & drink: sit on a hay bale and be tempted by our Food 

Court including Naked Espresso coffee bar, Pimms and 

beer bar, Brown Bread’s amazingly vast array of sweets and 

savouries, plus a hog roast and local pubs and cafés 

• Additionally: don’t miss Cranbrook Union Mill, a superb 

working windmill, and Cranbrook Museum providing fun 

for all ages. 

Join us – and the thousands who come each year! 

A sleepy Kent town is about to 

be awoken. The Weald’s finest 

superheroes will descend to accept 

the challenge, and save the Weald 

from boredom. Feats of incredible 

strength and cunning. 

Glasses full of life-preserving 

fluids. Abundant solid-fuel filling 

stations. Capes and wearing pants 

on the outside are optional. Just 

come along, be a hero for a day 

and rule the Weald! 

KO. 1.00pm Saturday 20 May. Entry by 

donation. Venue: Cranbrook Rugby Club, Tomlin ground, Angley Road, 

Cranbrook, Kent. 

Look out for programmes in your local shops. Visit www.wealdgames. 

co.uk for more details. 

We are looking for tug-o-war teams, runners for the panto derby and 

volunteers to man the stands. Be part of a fun day – contact chris66bb@ 

gmail if interested. 

If you would like to join the team organising Cranbrook Goes 

Nuts in May please contact: Gwenneth Heyking – 07721 

672348 / music@gbzmgmt.co.uk 

Does your telecoms and IT cause you pain? 

You can't build a successful business without great telecoms and IT 


EVENT NEWS 

Easter at St 

Dunstan’s 

Church 

So, another Easter beckons. 

If, among the chaos of Easter 

preparations, you would like 

some time for reflection and an 

alternative perspective, come and 

join us at St Dunstan’s Church. 

Whether you are familiar with the 

Easter story or a complete novice 

or you have rejected some or all 

of this in the past, please do come 

along. Everyone is always very 

welcome. 

Services leading up to Easter 

and what to expect: 

• Palm Sunday, 2 April 10.00am: 

A family-friendly service where 

the story of Jesus’ triumphant 

entry to Jerusalem is told. 

The Sissinghurst Flower Show Society runs three 

shows annually, held at Sissinghurst Primary 

School, and also has an informal social event with 

a guest speaker and light refreshments at its AGM 

each year. 

The AGM for 2022 was held in November and, 

after the formal business of the AGM, the society 

was treated to a very entertaining talk by Dan 

Luscombe who is the curator and collections 

manager of Bedgebury Pinetum. Dan has been a 

horticulturist all his life and through his job has 

met a wide variety of people from Blondie to the 

late Queen. He has travelled to many countries 

around the world as part of his work. One special 

trip was to Vietnam to climb the limestone Karst 

mountains where the few remaining examples of 

the Vietnamese Golden Cypress trees still grow. 

The trees were not reproducing well so Dan planted 

Palm crosses will be given out 

(lasting about 60 minutes). 

• Compline, Monday, Tuesday 

& Wednesday, 3, 4 & 5 April 

7.00pm: A service for prayer 

and quiet reflection (usually 

lasting about 30 mins). 

• Maundy Thursday, 6 April 

7.00pm: A solemn service 

as we prepare for the events 

leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. 

The service includes the 

stripping of the church altar 

symbolising Jesus’ humiliation 

and stripping before his death 

(lasting about 60 mins) 

• Good Friday, 7 April: Three 

solemn events to choose 

from, each focusing on the 

crucifixion of Jesus: Walk of 

Witness 9.30–11.00am: a walk 

with prayers, starting at St 

Theodore’s Catholic Church 

on the High Street, stopping 

off at the Congregational 

Church before finishing in St 

Dunstan’s for a short service, 

plus hot cross buns and coffee. 

Meditation 2.00pm: a time 

for quiet prayer and reflection 

(lasting about 60 mins). Sacred 

Music 6.00pm: a programme 

of music to reflect on the 

crucifixion of Jesus, (lasting 

about 60 mins). 

• Easter Eve, Saturday 8 April 

7.00pm: a time for further 

reflection and prayer (lasting 


• Easter Sunday, 9 April 

10.00am: A celebration 

service for everyone including 

families. This is where we 

celebrate Jesus’ resurrection 

and the hope He gives to all of 

us. And, of course, don’t forget 

the Easter eggs! (usually lasts 


Sissinghurst Flower Show Society AGM 2022 

some seeds at Bedgebury and was rewarded by six 

successful germinations. 

Dan was an interesting and most entertaining 

speaker and those that attended were rewarded 

with an offer from Dan of a private guided tour of 

Bedgebury in 2023. 

Show dates for 2023 are 25 March, 17 June and 

16 September with the AGM on 13 November 2023. 

The shows include categories for flowers, fruit, 

vegetables, craftwork, photography, cookery and 

flower arranging. There are classes for children and 

the school also displays some amazing artwork and 

any one is welcome to attend. 

If you live in Sissinghurst village and you 

would like to join the society, or want further 

details, please email SFSS@Mail.com with your 

name, address and contact details or visit www. 

sissinghurstflowershow.org 

CORONATION 

EVENTS 

April 29 – Coronation 

anthems: Handel’s Zadok The 

Priest has been performed at 

every coronation since 1727 

and will doubtless be sung on 

6 May. Cranbrook Choral will be 

performing it in a Concert at St 

Dunstan’s on 29th April, a week 

before the Coronation. They 

will also sing Handel’s three 

other coronation anthems, 

the Saint Nicolas Mass by 

Haydn and the orchestra 

will be playing Mozart’s Eine 

Kleine Nachtmusik to provide 

a stirring start to a memorable 

week. 

6 May – Coronation on the 

Big Screen, St Dunstan’s 

Church. Join in the service at 

Westminster 

8 May (Bank Holiday) – 

Join Cranbrook in Bloom to 

celebrate the coronation of 

King Charles III and Queen 

Consort, by ‘Helping Out’ with 

us and Wellbeing in the Weald. 

Everyone, including families, 

are welcome to come and learn 

about us, and how everyone 

can make a difference to our 

town by their own small or 

large contribution. We will 

meet at the church steps at 

10am. We could be painting, 

planting, weeding, litter 

picking or anything else that 

needs to be done. Please visit 

www.cranbrookinbloom.co.uk 

for more information. 

Pink Connect takes away the pain of telecoms and IT with solutions for small and medium size business. 

No issue is too big or small for us, and it's delivered with our commitment to great personal service, 

allowing you to get on with making your business more successful. 

Call Jules Rastelli to find out more on 

01892 354 555 

www.pinkconnect.com/local/tunbridge-wells 

We're rated excellent on Trustpilot 


FEATURE 

Fixing the 

Beth Pedersen on action to get the 

right play equipment 

I 

moved to Cranbrook with 

my young son in 2020 

and was delighted to find 

a playground close by. It 

wasn’t as well equipped as I 

had hoped but it was okay. When 

I saw the wooden climbing frame 

had been removed, I hoped we 

would get a fabulous replacement 

to suit a range of ages. I was 

disappointed when the metal 

frame was built. From this point 

onwards, the only thing my son 

wants to use at the playground is 

the swing. 

The local playground is a key 

destination not just for my son 

but for me – to get chatting to 

other parents, whether just that 

day or to build new friendships; 

our visits are now so fleeting, we 

barely see anyone there. 

I spotted a post in the local 

Facebook group about frustration 

at the new equipment and the 

responses were numerous and 

angry. But there didn’t seem to 

be any action, so I decided to 

do something about it! Back on 

the local Facebook page I posted 

asking if others wanted to team 

up to try to make a change. 

A number of local parents 

responded and a few of us met 

“I posted it on Facebook and we shared it 

with local schools and groups, with support 

from the parish clerk, distributing fliers and 

putting up posters in the playgrounds” 

Advertise in The Cake from £35 

contact David Hobden 

davidh@spacemarketing.co.uk 

and decided on a few action 

points – the first to compile a 

survey – let’s ask the community 

what they actually want in their 

local playground! 

I posted it on Facebook and 

we shared it with local schools 

and groups, with support from 

the parish clerk, distributing 

fliers and putting up posters 

in the playgrounds. 40 people 

responded on the first day 

and we now have around 120 

respondents. The views are 

clear – the community is angry, 

but more than that they are 

really sad that they don’t have 

a place to take their children 

or grandchildren. There is an 

overwhelming desire for a 

slide and a climbing frame that 

younger children can use. They 

want picnic tables and 43% 

said they don’t just go for their 

children’s wellbeing but they go 

for their own too. 

We’d like to see what 

funding the parish council 

can contribute to help expand 

the playground and add 

equipment; if we can’t get 

enough funds we’ll potentially 

look at a crowdfunding option or 

fundraise. 

Let’s listen to the views of 

our community, let’s make the 

playground a hub for play and 

friendships – a place for local 

people to really come together 

and not just for a five minute 

push on the swing. 

If you can help please contact 

bethapedersen@yahoo.co.uk or the 

parish council – clerk@cspc.org.uk 


LOCAL COMMENT 

MP HELEN GRANT 

Rural Crime 

Roundtable 

Weald of Kent 

residents 

may recall 

a campaign 

I launched 

in Cranbrook in July 2021 

to address rural crime 

and antisocial behaviour, 

working alongside the police, 

local councillors and other 

stakeholders. Work continues in 

that mission and most recently 

our attentions have been focused 

on one particular group of 

people who are being seriously 

affected – our Wealden farmers. 

A special roundtable meeting 

was held at the end of January, 

instigated by Marden farmer and 

borough councillor Claudine 

Russell, and hosted by me and 

my neighbouring Kent MP 

Helen Whately. Together with 

40 people from the police, 

the council and local farmers 

all from the Weald of Kent, 

“When asked to leave, they were very 

aggressive, refused to go and threatened 

violent recriminations from the hands of their 

family if they were reported” 

we gathered to hear of their 

experiences and to work on how 

to tackle the issues. 

A typical incident was 

described by one farmer who 

confronted two men who were 

pheasant poaching on her land. 

One had a shotgun, the other 

a catapult loaded with a ball 

bearing, both accompanied by 

a menacing Staffordshire bull 

terrier. When asked to leave, 

they were very aggressive, 

refused to go and threatened 

violent recriminations from the 

hands of their family if they 

were reported. 

When she did call the police, 

the two of them paid no heed to 

possible consequences, knowing 

that it would take at least an 

hour for an officer to turn up – if 

at all. The consensus from all 

famers at the meeting was that 

the 101 number was useless for 

these circumstances and 999 is 

not much better. 

Other issues raised included 

the theft of farm equipment 

and regular fly tipping using 

vehicles known to have no 

insurance. 

By way of a response, Police 

and Crime Commissioner 

Matthew Scott said that 195 

more police officers were being 

recruited for Kent, all of them 

going onto ‘The Beat’, and that 

every ward will have a named 

police officer attached. 

The Rural Task Force will also 

be expanded, and 101 wait times 

will be reduced by increasing 

resources and investment in the 

call centres. The PCC further 

pledged to hold the police to 

account on any crimes that were 

not adequately followed up. 

These actions will benefit the 

whole local rural community, 

not just farmers. 

By way of some immediate 

remedial action, I have written 

to Edward Argar MP, Minister 

of State at the Ministry 

of Justice, to explore how 

existing legal deterrents can be 

reinforced, perhaps with heavier 

sentencing, and seeking the 

re-categorisation of catapults 

as offensive weapons, to allow 

police a right of confiscation 

among other things. 

If readers of Cake magazine 

witness or suffer such crimes 

and behaviour, please report 

it. If there’s no follow-up let 

me have your crime reference 

number and I will take it up with 

the PCC. For more guidance 

have a look at the back page of 

my leaflet, first published in July 

2021) here www.helengrant. 

org/news/cranbrook-antisocialbehaviour-leaflet 


LOCAL COMMENT 

PARISH WARDEN’S COLUMN 

The Green, Green 

Grass of Home 

I 

hope that by the time you 

are reading this article the 

weather will have warmed 

up. We are certainly 

having climatic change – 

from extreme cold to extreme 

heat and back – throughout 

the year. But what would we do 

without our wonderful British 

weather to talk and moan 

about? 

The onset of spring signals 

new beginnings for plant and 

animal life. Looking around, the 

daffodils are well advanced. I 

hope they don’t suffer too much 

“ It is difficult to get a balance, as different 

areas need to be maintained in different ways, 

considering the weather, wildlife and the needs 

of the users of each area” 

from a late frost. 

If we get wet and warm 

weather, the grass will grow fast. 

This will make mowing difficult, 

as it had to be stopped early 

because of the wet autumn. 

Once cutting begins, I shall be 

working closely with the parish 

council contractors, monitoring 

the mowing. It is difficult to 

get a balance, as different 

areas need to be maintained in 

different ways, considering the 

weather, wildlife and the needs 

of the users of each area. 

There are also those whose 

opinions may differ from the 

guidelines set out for the 

maintenance of the green stuff. 

Grounds may look untidy as 

mowing begins, especially if 

there is a lot of grass lying 

around. This is unfortunate. 

The cost of collecting grass as 

it is cut is far from economical. 

Cutting more often and getting 

the right height on the mowers 

can help if the weather agrees to 

cooperate. 

Between all of us we try and 

keep Cranbrook looking good. 

It takes a while to get the town 

looking at its best, so please 

bear with us. Ivor Hatcher 


LOCAL HISTORY 

The Problem with Banks 

Ann Historian takes 

us for a swift tour of 

banking in Cranbrook 

We have just 

heard the news 

that NatWest 

bank in 

Cranbrook will 

be closing. This is sad because 

we all prefer the familiar faces of 

their staff to the faceless robotic 

telephone messaging and lack 

of assistance in an emergency. 

But banks and their problems 

are nothing new in Cranbrook! 

Let me take you for a short walk 

through the history of banking 

in our town, right from the 

beginning. 

PROUD TO BE SERVING THE 

COMMUNITY SINCE 1852 

Your fully independent, family owned, Funeral 

Directors serving the local community with 

compassion and the highest standards of 

service and professionalism. 

With our 24-hour emergency service, we are only 

a telephone call away. 

At the earliest stage possible, you will speak directly 

with one of our experienced Funeral Directors, who 

will be there to help, support and guide you through 

the whole of the funeral process. 

Bank Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3EF. 

01580 713636 

enquiries@jperigoeandson.com 

Dixter Road, Northiam, 

East Sussex TN31 6LB. 

01797 260316 

www.jperigoeandson.com 

J. Perigoe & Son is a Trading Division of West & Coe Limited, 

602 Rainham Road South, Dagenham, Essex RM10 8YP. 

The first bank opened in 1803 in the building 

on the corner of the High Street and Stone 

Street, now “Country Style”, formerly known 

as “Susan Dean”. 

The first bank opened in 1803 

in the building on the corner of 

the High Street and Stone Street, 

now “Country Style”, formerly 

known as “Susan Dean”. It was 

a branch of Rochester Bank, 

opened to service the growing 

wealth of hop farmers in the 

area. It didn’t last more than a 

year! The second bank in the 

town was the Cranbrook and 

Weald Bank, based in what is 

now Quilters Dry Cleaners (best 

dry cleaners in the world!). They 

spent a lot of money giving the 

outside the “Pantiles Look”. In 

those days, the average annual 

wage in England was £42 which, 

compared to the rest of Britain 

at £23/10s, wasn’t too bad. If you 

rented a four-bedroom house 

in the 1800s, the rent would be 

about £4/10s a month. If only! 

The Cranbrook Bank failed as 

well. Then was the turn of John 

Wilmshurst, of Osborne Lodge in 

Beggars Row (renamed Waterloo 

Road after Wellington’s great 

victory in 1815), and William 

Hague to set up a new bank in 

Cranbrook. Hague lived in the 

existing NatWest Bank building 

on the corner of Brewhouse 

Lane, and housed there the 

bank thrived for 10 years after 

the Napoleonic wars. They were 

taken over in 1847 by London 

and County Bank, their location 

at Brewhouse Lane became 

known as Bank Street. The bank 

merged with the Westminster 

Bank in 1867. Westminster 

Bank merged with the National 

Provincial Bank in 1970 to 

become National Westminster 

Bank; and now they’re off as well. 


STAPLEHURST COMMUNITY CHIROPRACTIC 

Larchmere House is set in the pretty 

Wealden village of Frittenden providing 

24-hour nursing Care. Our team of friendly, 

qualified Nurses and Care Staff are 

committed to providing the highest 

standards of nursing care for up to 30 

residents in a safe & caring environment. 

• Delicious home cooked food, all dietary 

needs catered for • Daily activities, 

entertainment & regular outings • 

Consistently ‘Good’ CQC Inspections. 

Please feel free to contact the home on the 

number below if you have any questions 

and take a look at our Face Book page for 

an insight of activities at Larchmere House 

BIDDENDEN ROAD, FRITTENDEN, KENT TN17 2EN 

Find us on Face Book • www.larchmere.co.uk 

Please contact Nikki (Manager) on 

01580 852335 OR 

admin@larchmere.co.uk 


LETTINGS AND SALES PROPERTY EXPERTS 

Local specialists with a network of London & Regional Offices 

FOR YOUR FREE MARKET APPRAISAL CALL US TODAY 

Lettings 01580 720400 ∙ Sales 01580 720000 

cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk 

www.jackson-stops.co.uk 

Improve, Don’t Move! 

Maximise the value of your home. 

It’s time to upgrade your current garage door to a Garolla. 

They’re strong, secure and thermally insulated. So if you’re 

transforming your garage into a home gym, office space, 

garden bar or simply using it to house your pride and joy, 

Garolla has the perfect solution to transform your home. 

SPACE-SAVING – MAXIMISE YOUR GARAGE HEADROOM 

SECURITY-ENABLED AUTO-LOCKING SYSTEM 

CHOICE OF 21 COLOURS TO MATCH YOUR HOME 

REMOVAL AND RECYCLING OF YOUR OLD DOOR 

DEDICATED AFTER-CARE TEAM 

FREE 

FITTING 

PAYMENT ON 

INSTALLATION 

GAROLLA PREMIUM 

Increased Security • Double Insulation 

One-Touch Close 

£1,990 

PREMIUM 3.4M ANTHRACITE 

CALL NOW 

01892 640 176 

www.garolla.co.uk 

4.8 out of 5 / 4,700 reviews 

4.8 out of 5 

9.8 out of 10 

£895 £2,740 

COMPACT • UP TO 2.4M PREMIUM 5.1M BLACK 


LOCAL HISTORY 

Remembering ‘Billy’ 

the Blacksmith 

I 

remember Billy, his 

forge was next to my 

grandmother’s sweet 

shop on St David’s Bridge. 

William ‘Billy’ Rivers 

was born in Cranbrook on 18 

September 1896, the family 

were living in Rangers Row in 

Bank Street. In the early 1900s, 

the family moved to London. 

However, having left school at 

the age of 12, Billy returned to 

the area to begin his smithing life 

as an apprentice to his uncle, Mr 

J. Ealding, in Frittenden. 

Following the outbreak of 

the First World War, although 

underage, he volunteered. Having 

joined the Buffs (Royal East Kent 

Regiment), he transferred to the 

Liverpool Scottish Regiment 

where he served as a farrier, 

caring for the war horses in 

Belgium and France. 

After the war he returned to 

work for his uncle but now in 

Cranbrook where Mr Ealding had 

purchased the forge on St David’s 

Bridge from Mr Malpass. 

On 2 June1923, Billy married 

his childhood sweetheart Lillian 

Bull at St Barnabas’ church in 

Tunbridge Wells. They began 

married life at number 1 Borough 

Cottages, The Hill. Billy and 

Lillian had three daughters: 

Eileen, Doreen and Regina, who 

was affectionately known as 

Paddy. 

Though small and slightly 

built, Billy worked hard to 

provide for his family. Starting 

at 6am, he would light the fires 

ready for the horses to arrive at 

the forge for shoeing: a long and 

arduous task, requiring immense 

skill. Shoeing a horse took about 

an hour and a half. Children 

loved to watch Billy work, myself 

included. If there was a lull in the 

horses to shoe, steel was cut and 

tools were sharpened. He was 

often assisted by the many men 

were who out of work. 

Other blacksmith tasks 

included the replacing of the 

metal band on cart wheels. Billy 

also cast gate hinges and curtain 

rails. He provided the ironwork 

for the swings on the Ballfield 

and helped to craft light-fittings 

for St Dunstan’s church – 

appropriately because St Dunstan 

was a blacksmith. Unfortunately, 

these lights have since been 

removed to meet current health 

and safety requirements. 

During the 1939–45 war he 

volunteered as an ARP warden, 

watching for fires and bombs. 

Billy purchased the forge in 

the 1940s, but trade had begun 

to decline, as mechanisation 

replaced the trusty horse-drawn 

ways of previous generations. 

Failing health gradually took 

its toll. Billy decided to hang up 

his tools at Christmas 1962, but 

on 29 November, he was taken ill 

after shoeing what was to be his 

last horse. Billy suffered a fatal 

heart attack and died an hour 

later at his home, Linden Lea, in 

Benenden. He was laid to rest in 

Golford cemetery, his anvil and 

tools placed on his grave as a 

reminder of the service he gave 

to the community. Sadly, that 

monument was stolen and never 

recovered. 

The forge building still stands 

today, not as a smithy but as a 

poignant reminder of past skills 

and crafts. 

Researched and written by 

Rosemary Swan with kind 

permission from Billy’s 

granddaughter Caroline Rivers. 


OUT & ABOUT 

Angley 

Woods 

TO FLISHINGHURST 

SPRATSBOURNE 

A 

Walker has drawn this 

diagram showing the larger 

paths of Angley Woods to 

help anyone who is not 

familiar with its geography. 

As Angley is a working forest contractors 

fell different areas of mature timber so the 

paths can come and go. The main circular 

track (about 2 miles / 3.3Kms and shown 

in red) however is maintained to link these 

areas and provide extraction routes for 

the timber vehicles. This can provide an 

easy walk for the newcomer to the woods 

and provide a basis from which to explore 

the woods more widely. The public are 

welcome to use these privately owned 

woods for their recreation, obviously with 

due reference to the Country Code. 

TO 

GOUDHURST 

GLASSENBURY ROAD 

HIGH WEALD TRAIL 

ELECTRICITY 

SUB STATION 

HUGGINS HALL 

TURNDEN ROAD 

SCHOOL 

A229 ANGLEY ROAD 

NEW ROAD 

RUGBY 

CLUB 

Save our Swifts 

Surveys in Cranbrook have revealed a 

dwindling population of swifts. The UK 

has seen a 53 per cent decline since the 

1990s; joining sparrows and starlings 

on the “red-list” according to the British 

Trust for Ornithology. 

Edward Mayer of swift-conservation. 

org gave a talk at the Vestry Hall 

aimed at encouraging interest in these 

spectacular birds among local people. 

He explained the reasons for their 

decline: climate change, the demise in 

insect populations and the lack of nest 

sites. However, he said, “Despite swift 

numbers plummeting, they’re a bird we 

can help. We can adapt our houses and 

by welcoming swifts, educate people 

around us.” 

These iconic summer visitors make 

the 6,000-mile journey from Africa, 

where they over-winter, to reach our 

shores in early May. Here they nest and 

raise a family before flying south again 

in early August. It’s only when nesting 

that these incredible birds land, the 

remaining nine months are spent on the 

wing: eating, sleeping and breeding. 

Swifts are loyal to their traditional 

nest sites but modern homes are well 

insulated and older houses are being 

renovated with holes and gaps sealed, 

leaving these birds homeless. Cheryl 

Mason of High Weald Swifts said: “The 

good news is that swifts will adopt 

specially designed nest boxes and by 

providing them we can start to stabilise 

their numbers.” 

Celebrate swifts and create a home for 

them to come back to each year. Better 

still, why not buy a box as a present? 

Need advice? Email: highwealdswifts@ 

gmail.com 


OUT & ABOUT 

Crane Valley Nature Reserve 

Crane Valley Local 

Nature Reserve 

is situated on the 

floodplain of the 

Crane Brook adjacent 

to the recreation ground below 

the Co-op. With a variety of wet 

meadow, woodland, scrub and 

stream habitats, this 1.5ha site is 

a compact but diverse haven for 

wildlife. It is also a great place for 

people to spend time enjoying 

their local greenspaces. 

The Kent High Weald 

Partnership (KHWP) manages 

Crane Valley Nature Reserve 

on behalf of Cranbrook and 

Sissinghurst Parish Council and 

is always on the hunt for 

local volunteers. 

Work tasks range 

from the annual 

late summer 

meadow cut to 

boardwalk 

repairs and litter 

picks. Volunteering 

is a great way to get 

outdoors learning about your 

local nature and greenspaces. It 

is also a relaxed and enjoyable 

way to stay active all year round 

meeting other like-minded 

people. Days run from 10am till 

3pm with all training and tools 

provided by KHWP staff as well 

as refreshments at a tea break! 

For more information about 

volunteering dates and how to 

get involved at Crane Valley 

email Steph at steph.dowling@ 

kent.gov.uk 

Steph Dowling, KHWP 

partnership officer 

Benenden School 

Music Events 

Spring Concerts 

Gardening 

Lawn Care 

Landscaping 

Tree Surgery 

21 

APRIL 

1:45 - 2:25PM 

Organ Recital - Francesca Massey 

25 

APRIL 

Lunchtime Conert 

1:45 - 2:25PM 

Matilda Lloyd (Trumpet) 

and David Bednall (Organ) 

These concerts will take place in the 

Centenary Hall within Benenden School, 

and admission is free on the door. 

MORE 

INFORMATION 

01580 236685 

music@beneden.school 

Fully Qualified & Insured 

Office: 01580 713495 

Mobile: 07838 229482 

www.kentgardening.com 


Caring for you at home 

Well established, family run business, 

providing care for people living in the Weald 

of Kent. Our tailored service allows you to live 

at home with independence and dignity. 

Call Karen Irving at our Tenterden office to 

arrange a no obligation visit. 

01580 762202 

www.carecompany.care 

SPONJEM UK Limited 

Capital Allowances Consultants 

Helping people in the area save money upon 

their commercial buildings such as offices, 

shops, restaurants, hotels and holiday let cottages 

For Information contact Paul Jempson on 

Tel: 0800 954 5081 Mob: 07957 822110 

Email: mail@sponjem.co.uk 

Formerly known as Hartley Dyke Farm Shop 

Fresh Fruit & Vegetables • Flowers • Plants 

•Shrubs • Hot & Cold Foods • Drinks 

• Groceries & Delicatessen 

Charity Farm, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, TN173PS 

Tel: 01580 712546 

www.cranbrookfarmshop.co.uk 


MUSEUM MATTERS 

Cranbrook’s 

RIGHT: Heritage plaque 

on Spring Cottage – the 

site of the town’s first 

police station 

Heritage Plaques 

The Old Police Station 

Continuing our 

exploration of the 

Cranbrook heritage 

plaques, this time we 

take you to the pretty 

cottage on The Hill, opposite the 

Strict Baptist Chapel car park, 

which was the town’s first police 

station. 

The lock up – now found in the museum garden. 

Prior to its construction, 

Cranbrook had a ‘lock up’, a 

sturdy shed with no comforts, 

where the drunk or disorderly 

might spend a night sobering 

up and reflecting on the 

consequences of their behaviour. 

It was located at St David’s 

Bridge near the entrance to the 

Police Station in Waterloo Road 

Tanyard car park but now stands 

in the museum garden. 

This was replaced by the new 

police station on The Hill in 

1850, which housed a police 

constable and had two prison 

cells. It had a short life however, 

as in 1863 a new and much larger 

police station was constructed 

in Waterloo Road on a site which 

is now occupied by the dining 

hall of Cranbrook School. The 

number of police constables 

increased dramatically along 

MORE INFORMATION 

For more information 

see Glimpses of 

Cranbrook (available in 

Pages Newsagents) or 

visit our website www. 

cranbrookmuseum.org/ 

education for a short video in 

the series ‘Cranbook’s Local 

History for Children’ on Crime 

and Punishment, or visit the 

museum when it opens for the 

2023 season from 1 April. 

with the addition of five 

sergeants, a superintendent 

and a detective. The station 

served the town and surrounding 

villages for a hundred years. 

Inevitably modernisation 

lead to a new facility being 

built which remains today 

in Wheatfield Drive, with a 

reminder of its past existence 

being the old blue light which 

hung outside, now on display at 

the museum. 


Call Cranbrook 

01580 715 904 

Call Ashford 

01233 660 851 

MR NOAH’S 

NURSERY SCHOOL CIC 

https://mrnoahs.org 

OPEN 

DAY 

WEDNESDAY 

8TH MARCH 

ENJOYING TODAY, EDUCATING FOR TOMORROW 

NURSERY, PRE-PREP & PREP | BOYS & GIRLS | 2.5 - 13 YEARS | DAY & FLEXI BOARDING 

MARLBOROUGH HOUSE 

S C H O O L 

Innovative, ambitious teaching to develop 

character and problem-solving skills 

alongside knowledge. 

THE GOOD SCHOOLS GUIDE 2021 

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk 


Kids' Corner 

Colour 

me in 

Start 

Puzzle 

time 

Finish 

Spot 10 differences 

GETTY IMAGES 

GETTY IMAGES 

GETTY IMAGES 


32 The Cake • Spring 2023 

High Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent, TN173RB 

Telephone: 01580 715008 

reception@hammondoptical.co.uk 

hammondoptical.co.uk

HOME 

Let’s Cook 

Simnel Cake 

Simnel Cake is a delicious 

Easter classic with a rich layer 

of marzipan paste over a light 

fruitcake. You can buy the 

marzipan individually if you 

wish to simplify the ingredients 

and preparation time. The 11 

marzipan balls on the top of 

the cake represent the Apostles 

(minus Judas). 

INGREDIENTS 

450gms/1lb marzipan 

175gms/6oz soft brown sugar 

175gms/6oz self-raising flour 

175gms/6oz butter at room 

temperature 

3 large eggs 

pinch of salt 

350 gms/12oz mixed fruit 

(currants, raisins and sultanas) 

Optional 1/2tsp ground mixed 

spice 

1 lemon grated peel no juice 

2tbsp apricot jam 

55gms/2oz chopped mixed peel 

1 egg for glaze 

METHOD 

1 Grease and line an 18cm/7inch 

cake tin. Pre heat oven to 

150C/130C fan/Gas 2. Cut out a 

circle of baking parchment to the 

circumference of your cake tin 

plus 1cm to use as a template for 

the marzipan circles below. 

2 Cream the butter and sugar 

together in a large bowl until pale 

and fluffy and then gradually beat 

in the eggs one at a time until 

thoroughly blended and then sift 

in the flour and salt a little at a 

time. Add the mixed spice at the 

same time (optional). Add all the 

remaining ingredients – mixed 

fruit, lemon zest and mixed peel 

and stir in. 

3 Spoon out half the mixture into 

a greased cake tin and cover with 

a circle of almond paste. Then add 

the rest of the mixture over the 

paste and smooth over leaving a 

little dip in the centre to allow for 

the mixture to rise. Bake for 1 3/4 

hours at 150C/300 F Gas 2 

4 Use a skewer in the middle of 

the cake to test – it will come out 

clean of mixture if it is cooked 

then take the cake out of the oven 

and place on a rack to cool. 

5 Brush the apricot jam across 

the top of the cake. Take the 

remaining almond paste and 

divide into two. Roll out one half 

of the marzipan to form a circle 

to cover the jam and use the 

remaining half to form 11 small 

balls of paste for decorating. 

6 With a sharp knife make a criss 

cross pattern across the top. Brush 

all the marzipan topping including 

the balls with beaten egg and 

then place the cake under a hot 

grill to turn the marzipan golden 

brown. Keep a watchful eye to 

prevent burning. 

POSITIVE MENOPAUSE 

I'm Nicola 

a BANT Registered Nutritionist, Functional 

Medicine certified Health Coach and Pharmacist 

Health coaching and nutrition for a healthier and 

happier perimenopause and menopause 

How much better would you feel if you could at 

least make a start on getting some of your 

symptoms under control? 

Let Nutritional support help you get your life 

back on track. 

(Both now and for your long-term health) 

www.nicolavinall.com 

nicola@nicolavinall.com 

New Luxury Beauty Salon 

Brows • Lashes • Nails • Pedicures • Waxing 

15 High Street, Cranbrook 

01580 388384 

www.foundrycranbrook.com 


BADGER’S PLOT 

this period, runner bean, French bean and 

cucumber. If weather conditions are mild 

enough, it is possible to plant celery, celeriac 

and courgette, outside. Delay, if there is any 

risk of frost. 

LATE SPRING 

Spring Musings 

Sowing Under Glass 

Either in the greenhouse or outside cold 

frame, it might be possible to sow, in trays, 

kale, purple sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage, 

swede and lettuce. 

Planting Outside 

Continue planting out potatoes and if you 

have any beetroot or peas ready from earlier 

sowings under glass, they can be planted out, 

although peas will need to be protected from 

birds – fleece is ideal as it will also help to 

keep the ground warm. 

The unpredictable nature of our 

climate and weather patterns is 

best illustrated by the difficulties 

gardeners face during the 

springtime. Whilst 

the days are certainly getting 

longer there is the ever 

present threat of snow, 

frosts and heavy rain. It 

is even possible to see 

higher than average 

temperatures. As usual, 

the tasks for period have 

been split into three: early, 

mid and late spring. Subject 

to the weather, of course! 

EARLY SPRING 

This is the start of a really busy period for 

vegetable gardeners especially those who 

have spent the winter months planning their 

plot for the coming year. 

Sowing Under Glass 

If you have the greenhouse, get started with 

tomato, courgette, squash, chilli, pepper, 

aubergine, pea, broccoli, celery and beetroot. 

I prefer to grow my onions from seed 

rather than sets, so include them 

too. 

Sowing Outside 

The weather will determine 

if conditions are right for 

sowing parsnip, early carrot 

and radish as well as your 

onion and shallot sets. In 

addition, early potatoes can go 

in and It’s not too late to sow 

broad bean. 

MID SPRING 

With the availability of a greenhouse, start 

sowings of Brussels sprout, autumn cabbage 

and sweetcorn and, towards the end of 

TOP TIPS! 

If you like the idea of companion 

planting on your plot, now is the time to 

start sowing seeds in trays. Companion 

plants will help deter certain pests 

and encourage growth. Why not try 

nasturtiums (attract blackfly away from 

broad beans and runner beans), French 

marigold (strong smell deters carrot root 

fly) and poached egg plant ( attracts 

hoverflies and ladybirds that feed on 

aphids). 

Many vegetable gardeners now 

include a wild flower area to encourage 

pollinators, but have you thought 

about growing flowers that are edible 

? Here’s some suggestions: hollyhock 

and cornflower (flowers), nigella and 

flax (seeds), dill and fennel (leaves and 

flowers). 


BADGER’S PLOT 

on 

the 

Jobs plot 

COMPOST 

As promised in the last issue, 

we are going to look at what 

happens in the compost heap 

and how it might be managed. 

Having constructed a suitable 

sized container, garden weeds, 

trimmings and vegetable matter 

can now be loaded. Within 

a short space of time your 

heap will start the process of 

decomposition which, later on, 

will help provide a useful food 

for the soil and plants as well as 

for the microrganisms that will 

start to populate your heap. This 

process starts more quickly in 

the summer months when there 

is a higher proportion of green 

matter available. Gardeners tend 

to label it green or brown, with 

brown being dead or dry matter 

such as leaves. Keep adding to 

your heap and you might notice 

that it is starting to warm up. 

Don’t worry this is all part of the 

process. 

As to management, previous 

issues have explained the 

dangers of throwing weeds with 

seed heads on to your heap, 

and anything you know to be 

diseased can be added to the list 

of exclusions. 

Oxygen is a vital ingredient 

too and it needs to be able to 

circulate, which is why turning 

the heap every couple of months 

will ensure this happens. The big 

question is, when will it be ready? 

Good compost is dark brown and 

moist and if all goes well you 

should see this after about a year. 

We will return to this subject in a 

future issue. 


Whatever you 

want to store... 

...for whatever reason – business, house sale 

and purchase not coinciding, travelling, house 

building work, paperwork overload or just “decluttering” 

to sell your house more quickly – 

we offer a friendly and 

flexible service in 

Cranbrook. 

With competitive 

rates, secure storage 

all on one level and 

hassle free 24/7 access, 

contact us now! 

New Units 

Available Now, 

due to extending 

our facility! 

01580 713231 

www.barn-store.co.uk 

Helen Grant 

MP for Maidstone 

and the Weald 

I am here to help you in 

any way that I can. If there 

is an issue of concern to 

you, where you believe 

I can assist, or if you 

would like to arrange a 

meeting with me, please 

email me at helen.grant. 

mp@parliament.uk or 

telephone 020 7219 7107. 

helengrant.org 

@HelenGrantMPntMP 

HelenGrantMP 

Produced by 

Helen Grant MP, 

House of Commons, 

London SW1A 0AA 

HEN HOUSE 

POULTRY 

Quality Point of Lay Chickens 

Excellent choice available, fully 

vaccinated, laying lovely fresh 

eggs in a variety of shell colours 

Country living at its best! 

www.henhousepoultry.co.uk 

01622 843649 (Sutton Valence) 

Storage Containers 

available to rent near Staplehurst. 

Contact 07525 237390 


LITERATURE 

Spring 

Reading 

Christine Newman provides some reading suggestions to 

lift your spirits and bring some sunshine into your life! 

All titles below are 

from Oxfam, at 99p 

each at the time 

of going to press. 

Check out Oxfam 

and Hospice in the Weald for 

new reading material each week 

and don’t forget the local library 

and community bookstall in the 

telephone box opposite Rammell 

Field too. Why not try out some 

new authors this spring? 

THE MUSIC 

SHOP BY 

RACHEL 

JOYCE 

It’s 1988. 

Frank owns 

a music 

shop. It is 

jam-packed 

with records 

of every speed, size and genre. 

Classical, jazz, punk – as long as 

it's vinyl he sells it. Day after day 

Frank finds his customers the 

music they need. Then into his 

life walks Ilse Brauchmann. Ilse 

asks Frank to teach her about 

music. His instinct is to turn and 

run. And yet he is drawn to this 

strangely still, mysterious woman 

with her pea-green coat and her 

eyes as black as vinyl. 

SONGBIRDS BY CHRISTY LEFTERI 

Inspired by true stories of love and loss, 

hope and refuge, this evocative story from 

the bestselling author of The Beekeeper of 

Aleppo, Christy Lefteri, is an illuminating 

tale of the power of the human spirit, and 

the enduring love of a mother for her child, 

that will stay with you long after you’ve 

finish reading it. 

THE KEEPER OF STORIES 

BY SALLY PAGE 

Janice can’t recall what started 

her collection. Maybe it was 

in a fragment of conversation 

overheard as she cleaned 

a sink? Before long (as she 

dusted a sitting room or 

defrosted a fridge) she noticed 

people were telling her their 

stories. Perhaps they always 

had done, but now it is 

different, now the stories are 

reaching out to her… 

LAST 

ORDERS BY 

GRAHAM 

SWIFT 

Four men 

once close to 

Jack Dodds, 

a London 

butcher, 

meet to carry out his peculiar last 

wish: to have his ashes scattered 

into the sea at Margate. A comic 

and heart-stopping, affectionate 

and wise, uplifting tale of true 

friendship. 


Your financial needs taken care of under one roof 

~ 

We specialise in providing high quality bespoke advice and 

planning to individuals, families, trustees and businesses. 

Call 01580 211 211 

or email burfieldshousewm@sjpp.co.uk 

www.burfieldshousewm.co.uk 

George Cottage, High Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3DF 

Burfields House Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place 

Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose 

of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on 

the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/product. The titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms 

used to describe St.James’s Place representatives. 

SJP Approved 23/01/2023 

38 The Cake • Winter 2022

LEGAL ADVICE 

Ask our Friendly 

Experts 

Does my Divorce give me a 

Financial Clean Break? 

It’s a commonly held 

misconception that the 

divorce resolves all issues 

between the parties. 

However, this is not the 

case. Please note that the new 

terminology of the Court which 

refers to the Final Order of 

Divorce (which used to be called 

the Decree Absolute) is not also 

a Final Order in relation to the 

finances. 

The divorce dissolves the 

marriage, relieving the parties 

of their obligation to live with 

one another and negating the 

duties of marriage; it enables the 

parties to remarry. However, it 

does not resolve the finances and 

unless there is a Final (Financial 

Remedy) Order of the Court – 

which Order will be by Consent 

if there is agreement – then the 

couples’ respective financial 

claims in the marriage remain 

live. This presents a risk to both 

parties as either can make a claim 

against the other for the full raft 

of financial relief in the future. 

The risk is claims can be made 

at any later stage for orders for 

income, property adjustment 

and lump sums, with regards 

pensions or inheritance. Whilst a 

long delay in making a claim will 

be considered as a circumstance 

by the Court when it looks at 

a claim, it will not negate that 

claim and may have limited 

impact on the outcome. 

Beware, also that if one 

party re-marries, the other 

party, presuming they remain 

unmarried, will still be able to 

bring financial claims relating to 

the marriage against their former 

spouse and these claims will 

trump those of the new spouse. 

This can be significant where 

property is involved particularly 

if the married couple reside there 

as it will be open to claims by the 

former spouse, or indeed where 

other property is owned and 

may be the source of income, a 

rental, for example, and both that 

property and income may become 

a source of claim. Income, 

savings, pensions and inheritance 

are all at risk. 

It is always advisable to sort 

out the money side of things 

when you divorce and if you did 

not do so at the time then to do 

so as swiftly after as possible. 

Do get a Final Financial Remedy 

Order (if by agreement referred to 

as a Consent Order). 

MARGARET SCULPHER 

Please do take up the opportunity to see our 

Margaret Sculpher (telephone: 01892 502 354, 

email: msculpher@bussmurton.co.uk) at our 

Cranbrook office for a free, no obligation half hour 

of advice to discuss these issues. 

Clermont House, High Street, 

Cranbrook, TN17 3DN 

01580 712 215 or info@ 

bussmurton.co.uk 

www.bussmurton.co.uk 

GETTY IMAGES 


Update 

What your Local Planning 

Committee does for You 

As a parish councillor, who 

sits on the Cranbrook and 

Sissinghurst Parish Council 

Planning and Preservation 

Management Committee, I was 

recently asked what is we actually do! So, I 

thought I would briefly explain the workings 

of this important local body. 

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council (TWBC) 

planning department send us all the local 

parish planning applications. Our purpose 

is to discuss each application, and any 

associated matters it brings up concerning 

the parish, and take a considered view 

in relation to the passing or rejecting of 

applications from a local viewpoint. Our 

views are then sent over to the planning 

department. 

Members are encouraged to attend 

every meeting, which are held every two 

weeks, to ensure all views are taken into 

consideration. We have to discuss all the 

applications as soon as possible, as there 

are time restrictions for decision making. 

Councillors are required to declare any 

interest or lobbying to the parish clerk. 

We look at the following material 

planning considerations for each 

application, such as but not limited to: 

location, plans of the proposed works 

or change, the effect on the immediate 

location, scale and dominance, layout and 

density of buildings, appearance and design 

of development and materials proposed, 

highway and parking issues, drainage and 

flood risk, effect on listed buildings and 

conservation areas, effect on trees and 

wildlife/nature conservation, economic 

impact and sustainability, government 

policy, proposals in the Local Development 

“Personal circumstances 

are generally not a planning 

consideration” 

Plan and previous planning decisions 

(including appeal decisions). 

There are also some things we cannot 

take into consideration, such as and again 

not limited to: who the applicant is/the 

applicant’s background, loss of views, loss 

of property value, loss of trade or increased 

competition, strength or volume of local 

opposition, maintenance of property, 

boundary disputes, covenants or other 

The proposed Turnden development 

property rights and rights of way. Personal 

circumstances are generally not a planning 

consideration. 

As you can see, we have quite a lot 

to consider and check out with each 

application and, as you would expect, this 

involves quite a bit of discussion between 

the committee members in order to reach a 

fair decision. 

After all this hard work we have to 

realise that we, the parish, can only make 

comments and recommendations to TWBC, 

as it is TWBC who make the final decision 

(which may, of course, not be the one we 

recommended). 

Cllr Colin Gilbert 


No rise in Precept in 2023–24 

Precept n. (in England) an order for collection or payment of 

money under a rate – The Concise Oxford Dictionary 

We all know what the 

council tax is, it’s a tax 

on domestic property 

collected by the local 

authority (in our case, 

Tunbridge Wells Borough Council) to pay 

for local services such as schools, policing, 

rubbish collection, roads and street lighting 

etc. Some of the money collected is retained 

by TWBC, some goes to Kent County 

Council and some goes to the Kent Police 

and Crime Commissioner. 

Included within the amount collected 

is a figure provided to the parish council 

to bridge the gap between its estimated 

expenditure and income during the financial 

year beginning in April 2023, known as the 

precept. The parish council does not receive 

“The parish council is in the 

same difficult position as 

everybody else, with costs 

having risen significantly 

over the last year, a situation 

that is likely to continue, at 

least, over the year ahead” 

any direct funding from central government 

and so the precept is a hugely important 

part of its income. 

The parish council is in the same difficult 

position as everybody else, with costs 

having risen significantly over the last 

year, a situation that is likely to continue, 

at least, over the year ahead. Historically, 

the precept has risen by an average of 3.6 

per cent each year over the last 10 years, 

but with anticipated increased demands 

from all the other beneficiaries of the 

council tax, the parish council felt that it 

could not add to the burden of our already 

hard-pressed parishioners and has decided 

not to increase the precept at all this year. 

Like any financially prudent organisation 

we have put by some reserves in previous 

years, to help out on a ‘rainy day’ (and it’s 

now pouring hard!). This year we will use 

some of these reserves, and some other 

cost-cutting opportunities, to ensure that, 

in spite of the trend in rising prices, the 

precept will remain the same as last year. 

MAKE A CHANGE 

BECOME A COUNCILLOR 

Reiki 

Using hands on healing for all aspects of the Mind, Body 

and Soul. 

Benefits of Reiki 

Improves sleep, mood, relaxation, energy levels 

Reduces anxiety, depression 

Strengthens the immune system 

And promotes healing 

Integral Eye Movement Therapy 

(IEMT) 

Helps where other traditional therapies haven't work, by 

unlocking undesired negative emotions and turns them into 

positive ones. 

IEMT works well for those suffering from Anxiety, 

Depression, Low Self-esteem, Trauma, PTSD 

Contact Laura on 07908 000 296 

www.clearmindtherapies.co.uk 

 

This May, all 15 seats on the Cranbrook & Sissinghurst 

Parish Council will be up for election 

 

 

– Kent Association of Local Councils will be 

hosting an online evening awareness event on 

Tuesday 21 March, 7–8pm. This event includes two 

brief talks about the role of Local Councillor 

and the rewarding nature. Register at 

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/becoming-a-local-councillor-tickets-494996236067 

clerk@csps.org.uk 

 

 

www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-council-elections-england 


THE CAKE MEETS... 

Francesca 

Shaw 

The Cake meets Francesca Shaw, the new head teacher at Cranbrook Primary School 

Francesca was born in 

Marden and educated 

at Invicta Grammar in 

Maidstone and Christ 

Church University 

in Canterbury. Having spent 

some time in Madrid, she 

specialised in language teaching 

during her university studies. 

Francesca started teaching 

at Wateringbury Church of 

England Primary before joining 

Cranbrook Primary in 2017 as 

head of English and EYFS/Key 

Stage1. 

She took over the headship 

in January this year and is keen 

to maintain the current 'Good' 

OFSTED rating. The school 

celebrates the achievements of 

all pupils, encouraging children 

of all abilities and ensuring 

children learn to become 

individuals, ready to live 

independent lives. 

Francesca aims to ensure 

the wellbeing of children and 

staff is high on the agenda, as is 

helping parents to understand 

how their children are being 

taught. To this end, parents are 

invited to come to the school 

and be taught by their children 

how they learn (yes, you read 

that right!). 

The school is well supported 

by a small, dedicated parent 

teacher association (PTA) 

group who ensure there are 

regular events such as a 

Christmas Celebration, and 

they are now planning the 

Coronation Celebration. More 

helpers are always welcomed, 

and Francesca pointed out the 

importance of the school being 

in the community, with strong 

links to Cranbrook Grammar, 

the church and local resources. 

The school's Forest School is a 

very popular resource, and they 

are raising £30,000 to build a 

new ‘Sanctuary’ in the grounds. 

This will be space for students 

to receive counselling, teachers 

to spend time with small groups 

and 1:1 coaching in a new calm 

timber building. Thanks to the 

CO-OP 10% of the funding has 

already been raised, so dig deep 

to help them with the rest! 

Francesca and her staff are 

‘can-do’ people who are doing a 

great job in difficult economic 

times to keep children safe and 

motivated to learn. 

Away from work, Francesca 

enjoys discovering new cultures 

including trips to India, the USA 

and Jordan as well as extensive 

travel throughout Europe. She 

enjoys tennis and skiing and is a 

strong swimmer. 

The staff confided that she is 

a demon baker of brownies (the 

cakes!). 

“The school is well supported by a small, dedicated parent 

teacher association (PTA) group who ensure there are regular 

events such as a Christmas Celebration, and they are now 

planning the Coronation Celebration” 


Kent’s newest Performing Arts Venue 

first seAson’s ProgrAmme includes: 

London Film 

Music orchestra 

saturday 25 March 

Ronnie scott’s 

all stars 

saturday 22 april 

Comedy – 

Paul sinha 

saturday 29 april 

Harry the Piano 

Friday 26 May 

stringfever 

saturday 3 June 

BBC Big Band 

sunday 25 June 

Bookings now Being taken 

www.hemstedpark.com

Local firm of solicitors for all your 

personal and business needs 

Property Conveyancing 

Family, Children & Divorce 

Employment law 

Wills, Trusts and Probate 

Litigation & Dispute Resolution 

Company & Commercial law 

Our Cranbrook Office: 

Clermont House 

High Street 

Cranbrook 

Kent TN17 3DN 

T: 01580 712 215 

E: info@bussmurton.co.uk 

www.bussmurton.co.uk 

CRANBROOK | TUNBRIDGE WELLS | EAST GRINSTEAD 

Buss Murton Law LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership No. OC345994 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority

Spring 2022

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?