Surrey Homes | SH100 | May 2023 | Something To Celebrate Supplement inside

SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes 

PRICELESS 

MAY 2023

BESPOKE KITCHEN DESIGN 

DESIGN • SUPPLY • MANAGE • INSTALL 

SCAN ME

Come and visit our showroom: 

Bancroft Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 7RP 

01737240403 

www.rdokitchenstudio.co.uk 

rdokitchenstudio

Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire’s 

Premier Oak Framed Specialist 

Tel: 01483 420 258 I info@surreyoakbarns.co.uk I www.surreyoakbarns.co.uk

garden design, construction & maintenance

Contents 

May 2023 

istockphoto.com/Julia August 

10 

19 

23 

28 

45 

46 

63 

46 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

Upcoming events for your diary 

THE MUST LIST 

Keep up-to-date with the latest 

must-see and must-have goodies 

CAMBER CAPER 

Live on the wild side with a trip to 

a coastal caravan with a difference 

GET THE LOOK 

Experiment with pattern 

clash à la Dixie Daydream 

STYLE COUNCIL 

A beautiful example of how to 

confidently combine texture 

and tone – the USP of interior 

designer Angie Bunyan 

GET THE LOOK 

Seamlessly blend design 

influences from a range of 

countries and cultures 

66 

66 

75 

79 

81 

83 

89 

FIT FOR A KING 

Colourful Coronation 

canapés designed by foodie 

Charlotte Butterworth 

BEAUTY CHAMPIONS 

Jo Fairley’s reveals the 

winners of this year’s 

Beauty Bible Awards 

BODY MATTERS 

Sarah Maxwell challenges how 

we view our own bodies 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau’s advice for 

maintaining good nutrition 

through your period 

CUT & DRIED 

An exploration of preserved 

blooms by Jo Arnell 

NOTES ON RYE HARBOUR 

Sue Whigham takes a trip to 

this thriving coastal habitat 

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

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

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

95 

97 

99 

102 

28 

HALF TERM HEROES 

Don’t-miss exhibitions 

this mini-holiday 

SUMMER OF FUN 

Two multi-activity camps 

explain why they’re the place 

to be this summer hols 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

FARM FABLES 

Coopers Farm cows celebrate 

their freedom as it’s finally 

turning out time 

SOMETHING 

TO CELEBRATE 

SUPPLEMENT 

18 pages filled to 

the brim with love 

and positivity. 

After page 64. 

Something 

to Celebrate 

5

Contemporary, reliable 

and expertly crafted 

swimming pools 

POOL CONSTRUCTION | MAINTENANCE | SPA | LANDSCAPING 

Simplicity and expert finishings have been our unbeatable combination for 

over 40 years. Based in Surrey, we are a family run business that is committed 

to providing a premier service on both private and commercial projects. 

www.lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk 01932 569 569 info@lagoonpoolsltd.co.uk

Editor’s 

Letter 

April has sped by and I can’t believe it’s nearly Coronation 

o’clock. However you’ll be spending this extra bank 

holiday – celebrating with friends and family or 

taking a well-earned breather (hopefully in the sunshine) 

– we’ve included some recipes created for us by Charlotte 

Butterworth (aka @theneedy.greedy) that pep up the traditional 

pastry-based canapé with colour and zesty freshness. 

In the spirit of conviviality, this is the 100th issue of Surrey 

Homes! To mark this milestone number, we’ve compiled a 

Something to Celebrate Supplement, all about making the 

most of the good times. We’ve sourced gorgeous fashion, 

incredible holidays, and the latest venue news to help you out 

with organising fitting ways to mark life’s biggest milestones. 

Think special birthdays, engagements, christenings, anniversaries 

and, of course, wedding ceremonies. We’ve also rounded up 

exquisite ring ideas for your sweetheart alongside thoughtful 

gifts and centrepiece flowers. Read on after page 64. 

If you’re looking to shake up your beauty regime in time 

for the warmer weather, then look no further than the top 

products that Josephine Fairley unveils in her piece about 

this year’s Beauty Bible Awards winners (pg. 75). 

Heading into the garden, Jo Arnell goes on the hunt 

for the best flowers to preserve and display, whilst Sue 

Whigham visits Rye Harbour Nature Reserve to find out 

what makes it such a thriving habitat for our wildlife. 

Last, but by no means least, our two beautiful house features prove 

that limited space is absolutely no restriction when it comes to bold 

pattern choices and shed loads of texture. See how their owners have 

lavished each property with their signature style to stunning effect. 

astionan carlton nouveau 

venice 

high quality, timeless design, authentic elements 

marina acme 

brunel 

alto 

Enjoy your Surrey Homes! 

Wealden Times & Surrey Homes Team 

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

Supplements & Features Editor ...................................................Rebecca Cuffe 

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

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

Lisa Gordon-Hughes 

Senior Account Managers ............................................................... Maria Hurley 

Sarah Norwood 

Sales & Marketing Executive ..............................................................Zoe Parrish 

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

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

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

Events Sales Director ......................................................................... Jude Brown 

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

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

7 priceless-magazines.com 

AstonMatthewsWT232.indd 1 06/08/2021 14:05

Our Alton Showroom has over 3000 products on display, why not visit us today. 

Elstead House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire GU34 2QJ Tel: 01420 590510 

Open: 9:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday | 9:00am - 1:00pm Saturday 

www.distinctivelightinguk.com

Find your copy 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest 

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delivered for a year for just £25 postage 

Thomas Thomas 

Mansfield 

The Family The Law Family Solicitors Law Solicitors 

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We are available in the following outlets and are the only 

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If you have any questions re our distribution please contact 

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Ashtead 

• Patrick Gardner 

Bagshott 

• Howlands 

Estate Agents 

• Longacres Nursery 

Banstead 

• King of Cotton 

Betchworth 

• Buckland Deli 

• The Community 

Shop 

Bookham 


Bramley 

• Bramley Beds 

Buckland 

• Buckland Nurseries 

Camberley 

• Romans 

Cheam 

• Cook 

Chelsham 

• Knights Garden 

Centre 

Chobham 

• Melita 

• Pasha 

Claygate 

• Trew Art 

Cobham 

• Cobham Furniture 

• Fego Café 

• Oh So Coco 

Cranleigh 

• Notcutts 

• Roger Coupe 

Dorking 

• Dorking Travel 


• Princess Alice 

Hospice 

• Sainsbury’s 

Epsom 

• Mayfield Lavender 

Nursery & Shop 


Esher 

• Sandown Park 

Racecourse 

Farnham 

• Cook 

• ME Estate Agents 


• Waterstones 

Felbridge 

• Doves Barn Nursery 

Godalming 

• Cook 


• Sarah Louise Dix 


Godstone 

• Knights Garden 

Centre 

Guildford 

• BoConcept 

• Elm Nursery 

Farm Shop 

• Loaf 

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• Nuffield Gym 

Haslemere 

• Lythe Hill 

Hotel & Spa 

• Tesco Superstore 

Knaphill 


Leatherhead 


• Robert Leech 

& Partners 

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Lyne 

• The Farm Shop Lyne 

Milford 

• Secretts 

Old Oxted 

• Fish Plaice & Grill 

Oxted 

• Cook 

• Jackson-Stops 

& Staff 

• Limpsfield Stores 

• Morrisons 


Oxshott 

• The Bear 

Redhill 

• Priory Farm 

Reigate 

• County Clothes 


• RDO Kitchens 

Ripley 

• Ripley Nurseries 

Farm Shop 

• The Talbot 

Surbiton 


Walton on Thames 



Warlingham 

• Botley Hill 

Farmhouse 

• Rayners Estate 

Agents 

West Byfleet 

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Weybridge 

• Tesco Extra 

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STATIONS: 

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• Surbiton 

• Weybridge 

• Wimbledon 

• Woking 

Experts in 

Family & Divorce Law 

If you are going through a separation or 

thinking about divorce, getting specialist 

advice at the right time is crucial. 

Contact our specialists to check your 

eligibility for a free consultation, online or at 

our Guildford or London offices. 

Call us today on 

01483 945246 

128 High Street, Tunsgate Arch, Guildford 

www.tmfamilylaw.co.uk 

enquiry@thomasmansfield.com 

Separation & Divorce • Finances 

Children • Mediation • Cohabitation 

Prenuptial Agreements • Estate Planning 


ThomasMansfieldWT251-(Family Law)-SURREY.indd 1 16/03/2023 15:37

House 

Month 

of the 

£3,500,000 

Damien Pestell picks his favourite 

homes on the market 

Woking 

The dream: A character-laden 

Arts and Crafts style home, built 

by master builder WG Tarrant 

and situated within a private gated 

community. The generously sized 

rooms and open plan spaces are 

perfect for family living and help 

to flood this wonderful property 

with an abundance of natural 

light throughout the day. 

Where: Less than a mile from 

Woking old town with its 

wide range of amenities. 

Setting: Off a tree-lined 

avenue within the parkland 

setting of the much soughtafter 

Hockering Estate. 

Beds: 5 Baths: 4 

Special features: The traditional 

handmade kitchen with limestone 

flooring and honed granite 

work surfaces has a handy 

adjoining breakfast room. 

Pleasing details: Original features 

abound including ornate fireplaces 

and stone mullion windows, 

hallmarks of the much admired 

Arts and Crafts movement. 

Outside: Centrally positioned on 

a secluded plot of under an acre 

and surrounded on all sides by its 

own private landscaped gardens. 

Time to town: From Woking’s 

mainline station, less than 

a mile away to London 

Waterloo in 25 minutes. 

Agent: Curchods 

01483 776644 curchods.com 

priceless-magazines.com 

10

Cranleigh 

£2,500,000 

The dream: A wonderful Victorian family 

home packed with all the period features you 

would expect including high ceilings, original 

flooring and sash windows, yet updated for 

the best of modern living. Situated in a rural 

setting, just a stone’s throw from village life. 

Where: On the outskirts of the welcoming village 

of Cranleigh, the largest village in the UK. 

Setting: Within a generous sized plot, just off a 

verdant country lane, surrounded by farmland. 


Special features: The enormous kitchen/breakfast 

room with skylight is the heart of the house and 

a fantastic space for a whole host of occasions. 

Pleasing details: The beautiful entrance 

hall with original tiled flooring and 

lead glass door is a fantastic example of 

Victorian interiors at their best. 

Outside: The sweeping gravel driveway 

leads to landscaped gardens stretching to 

1.57 acres and includes a detached garage 

block and outdoor swimming pool. 

Time to town: From Guildford train station, 

10 miles away, to London 37 in minutes. 

Agent: House Partnership 

01483 266 700 housepartnership.co.uk 

£2,950,000 

Shepperton 

The dream: A sensational Grade II listed home 

tastefully modernised to incorporate a blend 

of modern family living with period features. 

Set in an enviable position on the banks of the 

river Thames, it’s a rare opportunity to own a 

riverside home in such a prime location. 

Where: The urban village of Shepperton, just 

15 miles south west of central london. 

Setting: Walking distance from the town centre and 

its amenities and designed to offer privacy, this home 

is set back at the front with the Thames at the rear. 


Special features: The exceptional main 

bedroom features a beautiful bay window with 

views over the river and a fabulous en suite 

bathroom with a freestanding roll top bath. 

Pleasing details: The wonderful decking area 

overlooking the river is a great place to entertain 

or just dangle your feet in the water. 

Outside: The well manicured gardens feature seasonal 

plants and box hedging, a lawned area and the patio 

which is the perfect space for al fresco entertaining. 

Time to town: From Shepperton station, less than 

a mile away, to London Waterloo in 45 minutes. 

Agent: Savills 01932 838000 savills.com 

11 priceless-magazines.com

DEVELOPMENT FINANCE 

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Blend Loan Network Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registrated office: Evelyn House, 142 New Cavendish Street, London W1W 6YF.

SURREY’S EXCLUSIVE COUNTRY ESTATE 

FINAL PHASE NOW AVAILABLE 

Set within 25 acres of landscaped grounds, Broadoaks Park offers brand new 

and beautifully restored homes - finished to Octagon’s renowned high level of specification. 

All homes are designed to enhance the private parkland setting, with Phase 5 offering 

a collection of new build 2-bedroom apartments and 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses. 

SALES SUITE OPEN – VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT 

Guide Prices from £750,000 

BROADOAKSPARK.CO.UK 

020 8481 7500 | OCTAGON.CO.UK

LAUNCH 

WEEKEND 

13th & 14th MAY 

SHOW HOME LAUNCH WEEKEND 13th & 14th MAY 

REGISTER NOW FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE INVITE 

Two and three bedroom 

apartments from £425,000

Why buy? 

When you can rent. 

More retirees than ever are choosing 

to rent because it offers flexibility and 

a better quality of life. People are living 

longer and looking to prioritise their health 

and wellbeing …and stay independent. 

Before you jump to buy… 

explore Birchgrove. 

We specialise in building high-quality, 

assisted living apartments – solely to 

rent – on an assured tenancy basis. 

No service charges, nor exit fees. 

You simply pay an all-inclusive rent 

(see below) and a one-off joining fee. 

Leading 

the way 

in retirement 

rental living 

What’s included: 

Electricity 

Water 

Heating 

Broadband & WiFi 

Line rental & telephone calls 

(some exclusions apply) 

If you’d like to be part of a social community with 

extensive communal facilities and good transport links, 

we’d love to hear from you... 

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

www.birchgrove.life 

020 3929 5599 

Buildings insurance 

General maintenance 

(plumbing, appliance repair, gardening etc) 

Housekeeping (one hour per week) 

Window cleaning (exteriors) 

Security 

Events calendar 

Group exercise session 

 

Handyman 

Additional costs: Our monthly rent makes it much easier to 

forecast any outgoings which are not included in your rent. 

For example: council tax, contents insurance, TV licence, 

food (weekly meal plans are available from the restaurant 

to help you plan your food costs) and any leisure activities 

that are not part of our events calendar. 

Queensgate 

Apartments 

Sidcup, Kent 

Woodbank 

Apartments 

Hook Heath, Woking 

Lower Mill 

Apartments 

Ewell Village, Surrey 

Banstead 

Reserve 

Place 

Banstead, Surrey 

Reserve 

Off-Plan 

Now

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

than we did at home! 

As we get older, our housing 

needs change. The family 

house can suddenly seem 

too big and expensive to 

manage, the stairs that bit trickier, and 

the efforts we have to go to maintain it 

all leave us little time or energy to do 

the things we want to spend time doing. 

Downsizing for a better quality of life 

makes sense but bungalows are scarce. 

The specialist developer of 

contemporary retirement properties, 

Birchgrove, offers modern and 

spacious apartments in Kent and 

Surrey. Each apartment is individually 

designed to maximise space and light 

and has the Birchgrove trademark 

of high-quality finishes so that the 

apartments are distinctly elegant. 

Former Banker Ronald and Maths 

Teacher Pat have been married for 

55 years. After Pat had a fall and 

Ronald was struggling with arthritis, 

they started to see their family 

home as a risk and set about finding 

something more suitable and closer 

to their daughters in Surrey. They 

were missing a community and what 

impressed them about Birchgrove 

was the committed and reassuringly 

ever-present staff members at the site. 

Here’s what Ronald had to say… 

“We fell in love with Birchgrove’s 

retirement apartments when we visited 

for a personal tour and approached the 

local estate agents to have a valuation 

on our home. We looked at others, 

but we preferred the appearance, 

especially the number of staff on 

site and the facilities available. 

We’ve got a foyer, a restaurant, a 

club room and licensed bar; there’s 

always somebody around. In the other 

places we looked at, although a staff 

member took us around, there were 

few other staff members on site. They 

were not visible as they are here. 

Here we feel secure. We feel more 

secure here than we did at home! 

It is strange; we have lived in our house 

for 55 years. But, in the end, I didn’t 

feel secure with my illness and Pat’s fall. 

And I didn’t know how that was going to 

turn out. The staff are certainly a caring 

element which is very comforting. We still 

do our own cooking, my wife and I, in 

the apartment. The kitchen is very good. 

We’ve got a new home that is more 

appropriate for what we need at this 

stage in life. It is so important. Being 

somewhere you feel comfortable, 

secure, and safe means everything.” 

If you would like to find out more 

about living at a Birchgrove community 

contact the team who will happily 

talk through the options and tailor 

something that works to support your 

individual needs. Call 020 3929 5599 

or visit www.birchgrove.life

DISCOVER PAINSHILL THIS SUMMER 

YvonneArnaudTheatreWT252.indd 1 13/04/2023 14:28 

WHERE THE WALK IS A WORK OF ART 

WHERE THE WALK IS A WORK OF ART 

Landscape Garden Tea Room Gift Shop Cobham, Surrey Plan your visit at painshill.co.uk 


18 

PainshillParkTrustWT252.indd 1 11/04/2023 14:11

Notebook 

What to do and see near you 

On Track 

Thomas Cookie 

Chloe May 

Camper Catering 

Anya Sushko 

Belle & Mack 

...and lots of doggos 

The big weekend of King 

Charles III’s Coronation will 

see Brooklands celebrate the 

Best of British - from British 

manufacturing down to one of our 

best-loved characters, Paddington 

Bear joining in the action. 

There will be a host of British 

vehicles on display including a 

celebration of 100 years of MG 

and 75 years of Land Rover. 

All British car and motorcycle 

marques are welcome to join! 

Paddington will be making special 

guest appearances and there will be 

a variety of family entertainment, 

Test Hill ascents, trade stands, live 

music and traditional British fayre. 

You can find out how to 

get involved and book via 

brooklandsmuseum.com 

istockphoto.com/ Elena Pimukova 

Summer’s Day Vibes 

Do you love visiting beautiful gardens? Fancy shopping the most 

amazing handpicked selection of pop up shops – the ultimate 

selection of homeware, fashion, beauty, craft, garden, gifts 

and more? All amid said gorgeous garden, with wonderful 

views, absolutely delicious food, tempting drinks and in 

the full knowledge you’re doing your bit to support local 

businesses – giving makers and sellers a super-happy 

spring in their step. Welcome to the Wealden Times 

Midsummer Fair – we can’t wait to see you on 8th, 9th, 

10th June. Your ticket price includes entrance to Hole 

Park Gardens with its acres of parkland (usually £10) 

and you can stay all day – giving you plenty of time to 

drink in the summer’s day atmosphere complete with 

Pimm’s, bunting and music from school choirs and the 

fabulous Cranbrook Town Band. Book your tickets and 

see our exhibitor list at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

Studio Safari 

For an inspiring 

seventeen days, from 

2nd to 18th June, artists 

and makers across the South 

East will open up their studios, 

welcoming members of the 

public and showing their work. 

South East Open Sudios – SEOS – 

celebrates creative talent across Kent, 

as well as parts of East Sussex and 

south London, raising the profile of 

the visual arts. Take a look at their 

website to discover the amazing 

array of artists you can visit in 

their own habitats! seos-art.org 


Notebook 

Stage is Set 

The Festival 

Theatre has performed in 

the award-winning gardens of Hever 

Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn, 

each summer for the last 40 years and is the 

longest running open-air theatre in the South 

East. It is time to celebrate with 40 brilliant events 

to entertain all. The vibrant and varied programme 

includes opera, plays, jazz, music, speakers, comedy, 

family favourites and the best tribute artists. The 

festival opened with Shakespeare 40 years ago and will 

do the same this year as they welcome The Three 

Inch Fools to The Loggia with As You Like It on 

Saturday 27th May. The festival continues 

with events through to Wednesday 30 

August. Bring your picnic and celebrate. 

The box office is now open 

heverfestival.co.uk 

Kingston is joining 

in the Open Studios fun 

on 13th and 14th along with 

20th and 21st May from 11am to 

5pm each day. Visits are free of charge and 

you’ll find artists happy to talk about their 

creative process, you’ll have the opportunity 

to buy artwork – but there’s no obligation, the 

focus is on enjoying your visit and gaining insight 

behind-the-scenes. As an added dimension some 

exhibitors will be holding workshops or giving 

demonstrations of their techniques. Why 

not take a look at the catalogue and map 

out a few visits along the trail. 

kingstonartistsopenstudios.co.uk 

Meet the Makers 

Hammer Time 

The Rowing Boat 

by Henry Tuke, pictured 

left, will be auctioned at Parker Fine 

Art Auctions in Farnham on 6th May. 

Auctions are broadcast live online, so you 

can join in the fun and drama from the comfort 

of home. This is the only specialist art auction 

house in England and the seller’s fee of just £10 

per lot ensures an ever-changing flow of paintings, 

drawings, prints, sculpture, photography, maps, and 

antique frames. We hear a visit from a client on their 

way to the recycling centre with some paintings 

sold for over a thousand pounds and recently 

a community raised funds to buy a historic 

painting of their village to hang in the 

village hall. Find out more at 

parkerfineartauctions.com 

istockphoto.com/ beaucroft 

SCENE TO BE BELIEVED 

A new gallery featuring paintings by internationally 

renowned artist Robbie Graham has opened in Hythe. 

The Graham Gallery, located at 9 High Street, Hythe 

shows a collection of his incredible photo-realistic paintings. 

Recognised as one of the world’s leading wildlife artists 

Robbie’s work is widely collected, head along to take a 

look. The gallery will also be used by Robbie as a work 

space and will be open from 10am to 4pm on Thursday, 

Friday and Saturdays and 10am to 2pm on Sundays. 

robbiegrahamart.com 


20

Dovehouse Dorking A5 Flyer 2023 print file.pdf 1 05/09/2022 17:23 

*BOOK IN ADVANCE 

AND SAVE 

SAVE OVER 

£5 * 

on advance adult tickets 

using discount code 

CRAFT23 

Purchase direct from 

150 of the very best 

makers in the UK - also 

featuring a Potters’ Village 

with some of the contestants who have 

appeared on the well-known TV programme 

18-21 May 

Hever 

Castle 

& Gardens 

TN8 7NG 

Putting the WOW 

back into Craft Fairs 

See website for full details and admission costs 

Craft Fair entry included in normal Garden admission charges 

*Admission £12 using offer code, valid on dates of craft fair only. 

Demonstrations • Food village • Live music 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

28 May . 18 June . 24 September 

22 October . 19 November 

9.30am – 5.30pm Daily 

(Garden open until 6pm daily) 

KAOS Surrey Homes Ad AW 2023_KAOS OS A4 Ad 2022 30/03/2023 14:18 Page 1 

CIF_Hever_Spring23_130x90.indd CraftInFocusWT252-SH.indd 1 1 19/04/2023 DoveHouseAntiqueFairWT252.indd 11:48 11:34 

1 31/03/2023 11:19 

KingstonArtists OpenStudios 

13-14&20-21 May 2023 

Open 11am-5pm 

Visit artists,makers and designers in their 

studios across Kingston andTeddington 

www.kingstonartistsopenstudios.co.uk 


KAOS-WT252.indd 1 03/04/2023 11:24

ART FAIR 

19-21 MAY 2023 

FRI 19 MAY 4pm-8.30pm 

SAT 20 & SUN 21 MAY 10am-5pm 

Landmark Arts Centre, Ferry Road, Teddington, TW11 9NN 

landmarkartscentre.org 020 8977 7558 

Admission: £5, Concessions £4, U16s & LAC Friends FREE 

landmarkarts landmarkartfairs landmarkspringandautumnartfairs 

Image: Bob Meecham Registered Charity No: 1047080 

LandmarkArtsCentreWT252.indd 1 29/03/2023 14:37 

rhs.org.uk/wisley 

Celebration 

of Tulips 

From April 

One iconic garden. 270,000 tulips. 

Visit RHS Garden Wisley this spring to 

see the garden come alive with colour. 

Your visit supports our work as a charity. 


22 

MediaForceWT252-RHSWisley.indd 1 03/04/2023 17:01

Tickets are now on sale for The Luna 

Cinema's 2023 open-air screenings. They'll 

be bringing recent releases and old favourite 

films to spectacular locations including 

Leeds Castle, Tonbridge Castle, Guildford 

Cathedral, Dulwich Park and Ascot 

Racecourse. thelunacinema.com 

We have the perfect excuse to 

raise a glass this month as Friday 

26th is Chardonnay Day! Our 

pick to toast this very important 

day is Gusbourne’s Chardonnay 

Guinevere. Pale golden in the glass, 

it is elegant and complex with 

citrus and tropical fruit notes, a 

subtle oak character, and flavours 

of vanilla, sweet spice and lightly 

buttered toast. It matches 

especially well with seafood 

and richer fish dishes, so try 

it alongside halibut with a 

lemon butter sauce, a fresh 

crayfish platter with spiced 

mayonnaise, or a wild 

mushroom pithivier. £35 

gusbourne.com 

May is national walking month, 

and it's the ideal time visit a local 

green space. We're dreaming of a 

stroll in Painshill Park, which has 

all sorts going on in the summer 

months including a family friendly 

Bugs and Butterflies Trail for half 

term from the 27th. painshill.co.uk 

must 

The 

From must-sees to must-buys and 

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s 

round up of what to buy, see, do, 

and generally get excited about! 

As we plan our coronation 

celebrations, we are 

getting some vintage 

outfit inspiration from 

sustainable and independent 

British brand, Palava. Their 

new collection is full of fun, 

colourful prints in comfortable 

and flattering silhouettes. This 

£82 Vera cardigan is spot 

on for the coronation with 

its gorgeous swan on the 

back as a little nod to royal 

symbolism. palava.co 

Rye Pottery has a long history of producing 

official Royal commemorative ceramicware 

but this year, they have created something 

a bit different – a pair of bookends 

called State of the Union. Playing on the 

Lion and Unicorn poem and the heraldic 

figures on the Royal Coat of Arms. They 

present a thoughtful look at the nation’s 

view of the Royals using intricate, 

freehand brushwork inspired by tattoo art. 

A must-buy souvenir and art piece that 

captures Britain’s current zeitgeist from 

many angles. £197 each ryepottery.co.uk 

Following the success of 

their RHS 22 collection 

(pictured), Sofas & Stuff 

is set to launch their RHS 

23 collection this month 

at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. 

Inspired by one of Gertrude Jekyll’s 

scrapbooks, they have seven designs 

in ten colourways which can be used 

on Sofas & Stuff’s British handmade 

bespoke furniture, or purchased 

separately for curtains, blinds etc. 

sofasandstuff.com 

For a special dining experience, The Dysart in Petersham 

is well worth a visit. Set in a stunningly restored 1904 

Arts and Crafts building overlooking Richmond 

Park, the family-owned restaurant maintains 

a renewed Michelin star for 2023, and 

is committed to using the finest 

ingredients, ethical standards, and 

sustainable practices. It's open for 

lunch Friday and Saturday, dinner 

from Wednesday to Sunday, and 

private meals throughout the 

week. thedysartpetersham.co.uk 

If you're feeling inspired by the pomp and pageantry of 

the coronation, you may like the royally beautiful jewels 

on display at T & B Cousins in Canterbury. 

You’ll find their hypnotisingly lavish 

window displays right beside the 

cathedral, and inside, jewels of the 

highest standard that will have 

you feeling like a queen – 

including this aquamarine, 

diamond, and cultured 

pearl two-row collar 

necklet. 

tbcousins.co.uk 

23

Wealden Times 

Midsummer 

Fa i r 

8-10 JUNE 2023 

GEORGIE WATSON 

georgiewatsonart.com 

JUSTIN WILLIAMS 

justinewilliamsart.com 

Interior & Garden Design Special 

Add beauty to 

your home at 

Wealden Times 

Midsummer Fair 

Those of you who come to the Midsummer 

Fair know that we always have an amazing 

selection of independent fashion, jewellery 

and gift retailers. That’s a given. But this year 

we’ve really upped the ante when it comes 

to homeware and garden living. Live your 

best life, in your own home. If you’ve got a 

corner, a corridor or a whole room in need of 

a refresh, get your interior design head on and 

let us introduce you to some of the super stylish 

companies that are coming to the fair this year. 

Let’s start with a couple of our artists – Georgie 

Watson and Justine Williams. Based in Rye, 

Georgie paints wonderful landscapes, with Camber 

Sands a much-loved setting, whilst Justine is one of 

the finest young wildlife artists and will be bringing 

her original drawings, prints and cards. In contrast, 

the art from Dellalicious Designs features oldschool 

brands and colourful iconic prints. Whilst 

Luna Frames use reclaimed wood to recreate preloved 

picture frames that have a story of their own. 

DELLALICIOUS DESIGNS 

etsy.com/shop/dellaliciousdesigns/?etsrc=sdt 

LUNA FRAMES 

lunaframes.com 

BOOK YOUR 

TICKETS AT 

wealdentimesfair.co.uk

Nothing lifts a room more than a statement 

piece of furniture and bold, beautiful fabrics. 

We’re loving the limited-edition Peruvian 

Collection from Sofas & Stuff; the handcrafted, 

sustainable homeware from Mexico by Routes 

Interiors; and the vibrant Indian prints from 

Rooh London. Equally stylish, in natural hues 

of European softened linen, is the collection 

from True Linen: bath towels, bedding, 

cushions and throws. All of it exquisite. 

Sometimes small things can bring personality 

and style to a room. One of the simplest 

ways to do this is with a lovely lampshade. 

Check out Ali Warrior’s collection and 

find new love for your old lamps. 

 

TRUE LINEN 

truelinen.co.uk 

SOFAS & STUFF 

sofasandstuff.com 

ALI WARRIOR 

07963 680156 

ROUTES INTERIORS 

routesinteriors.com 

ROOH LONDON 

roohlondon.co.uk

GIFT IT 2 

giftit2.co.uk 

THE SNUG 

thesnug.co.uk 

BLUE & WHITE COMPANY 

blueandwhitecompany.com 

When it comes to homeware and 

accessories, Gift It 2 have the most stunning 

vases, clever candle holders, light garlands, 

platters and planters. Turnbull & Hooch are 

going to be a big hit – their striking enamel 

trays and stands might just be the must-have 

items this year. If blue is a colour theme in 

your house, you’re sure to love the homeware 

and accessories from the Blue & White 

Company. Whilst Snug have fabric, art and 

lots of cool stuff, curated with a wry smile and 

an eye for detail. 

Inspired by the art and architecture of Dali, 

Gaudi and the Arts and Crafts movement, 

Stephenson Design have created a range of 

beautifully made wooden furniture and trinket 

boxes that are very special pieces, whilst 

House of Tula’s sustainable journals are the 

most thoughtful gift for those graduating, 

getting married or going around the world on 

their travels. 

How lovely to have all these incredibly 

talented designers, makers, and curators, 

together in one place. That’s the magic of the 

Midsummer Fair. 

STEPHENSON DESIGN 

stephensondesign.co.uk 

HOUSE OF TULA 

houseoftula.com 

TURNBULL & HOOCH 

turnbullandhooch.co.uk

Visitor information 

We’re so excited to be back in the grounds of beautiful 

Hole Park in June for our Midsummer Fair. We’ll be 

welcoming plenty of favourites and lots of amazing new 

exhibitors, all looking forward to sharing their carefully 

selected goodies with you. 

Venue 

Wealden Times Midsummer Fair is at Hole Park (near Tenterden) 

Benenden Road, Rolvenden, Kent, TN17 4JB 

Your ticket also includes entrance to the beautiful gardens of Hole 

Park (itself worth £10). 

No doubt a tour of their stunning gardens will inspire visitors 

to source plants and garden accessories from our many outdoor 

exhibitors stands. 

Opening Times 

8th - 10th June 2023 

9.00am - 4.30pm 

Ticket information 

Timed entry slots are every hour (you can stay all day). These are 

limited so please book yours at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk to ensure 

your chosen date and time. 

Tickets will be available on the gate but it is recommended that 

you pre book to ensure you get the entry time you would like. 

Pricing 

Adult (16+) £15.50 

Child (5 - 15) £8.00 

Child (under 5) FREE 

Deck Chair Zone 

Head to the Deck Chair Zone where on Thursday and Friday 

you can find live performances from local school choirs and 

on Saturday you can enjoy Cranbrook Town Band who will be 

playing a selection of well-known songs with their signature brass 

band twist. See the full timetable below. 

Thursday 8th June 

12.00pm Marlborough House School 

1.30pm The Dulwich School Cranbrook Choir 

Friday 9th June 

11.30am Sutton Valence School Choir 

3.00pm Ashford School Choir 

Saturday 10th June 

1.30pm Cranbrook Town Band 

Wealden Times 

Midsummer 

Fa i r 

For more information go to 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 8-10 JUNE 2023

Camber Caper 

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

Step inside Dixie Daydream, a caravan 

with an interior that’s a riot of colour and 

pattern, a stone’s throw from the beach 


28


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

Previous pages & this page: The tiger wallpaper 

is from Hovia and some of the furniture came 

from a launch collaboration with Wayfair 

Something about the British 

seaside encourages us to let our 

hair down, throw caution to 

the wind and embrace the fun side 

of life. Here at this holiday park in 

Rye, the fun definitely has a capital 

‘F’ – the style dial has been turned to 

max kitsch and the hair is teased up 

into a groovy beehive. The glamorous 

caravan we are visiting here at Camber 

Sands may be static, but from what 

we can see, this one is going places. 

I talk to the owners – two members 

of a team of three London-based 

interior stylists, prop buyers and creative 

directors – Cass and Di from The 

Style Producers. During a long drive 

they hatched the idea for what is now 

Dixie Daydream, their ultimate glam 

getaway. “With many shoots all over the 

country, which consist of hours driving 

to and from locations – one long five 

hour car journey back from Newcastle 

and our passion for interiors sparked 

the conversation and inspiration that 

led to the delight that is our glamourpuss 

caravan at Camber Sands.” 

Di explains that they had originally 

wanted to buy a more retro-looking 

caravan that was ‘curvier’ with original 

features and teak panelling, but as they 

would be renting it out as a holiday 

home and shoot location, it needed to 

be practical. “We wanted to make sure 

we had the best insulation, heating and 

all mod cons, so it made more sense 

practically to go for the newer model. 

Also, what really sold Dixie to us was 

the position of the caravan pitch, which 

is right at the edge of the park with 

uninterrupted views of the countryside, 

but yet with all the facilities of a 

traditional British holiday park. It was a 

no-brainer to go for the newer model.” 

The modern exterior of the caravan 

– a 2019 Willerby Linwoood static 

caravan (with only one previous 

owner) – was in pristine condition, 

so they could set to work straight 

away on styling the interior. 

Cass and Di have been in their 

element here by the looks of things – 

they are experienced stylists and used 

to working on creative concepts for 

interiors on a daily basis. Deciding 

on a room scheme often starts with a 

single element – like a rug, wallpaper, 

or cushion cover. Here it was a carpet 

that inspired the main living area 

at the caravan. “The starting point 

for the décor was the gorgeous navy 

leopard print carpet which we both 

had used previously on a shoot for 


Above: The mini bedroom makes up for its small stature with its wild decor. The ceiling is clad with 

copper mirror laminate and the walls papered with a design by Paloma Faith from Wayfair 

Carpetright and it led to us creating 

our maximalist look,” Di explains. “We 

both love bold colour and pattern with 

an unexpected twist, so had great fun 

putting the room schemes together. 

“People often believe smaller spaces 

call for more pared-back designs and 

pale colours, but we disagree – adding 

colour and punchy pattern to even the 

smallest of spaces creates personality 

and character – and is a great way of 

adding a maximalist aesthetic. Each 

room was planned with a starting point. 

For Dixie the wallpapers were actually 

the key to each bedroom scheme, as we 

wanted a bold focal point for each area.” 

With the navy leopard print carpet 

as a starting point, it didn’t take Cass 

and Di long to put together the rest 

of the colour scheme. “We went for a 

gorgeous shade of lilac, Little Greene 

Hortense, for the walls. We used the 

same paint on the ceiling which we clad 

with reclaimed waste MDF from 


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We both love bold colour 

and pattern with an 

unexpected twist, so had 

great fun putting the 

room schemes together 

Above left & bottom right: Stepping 

out of the lilac corridor – painted in 

Little Greene Hortense – Lust Home 

zebra wallpaper lines one bedroom 

Above right: The loo is a celebration of 

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a job and cut into strips and painted 

before fixing. We recovered the existing 

sofa with a few amends on the way, 

refashioning the left hand arm to make 

it much more substantial and to provide 

a ledge for a tray, and also added a 

few flourishes like piping, buttoning 

and our long luxurious tassel trim. We 

found the mustard velvet upholstery 

fabric online for a really good price.” 

Cass and Di have been really 

creative with their planning and space 

saving solutions throughout Dixie. 

“In the living space we have built 

hidden storage into the back of the 

fireplace – which was completely 

refashioned – we took out the old gas 

fire and installed a new tiled hearth 

and new gas fire. We also incorporated 

furniture with storage – repurposing 

a bedside cabinet from Barker & 

Stonehouse as a mini bar cabinet.” 

The pair have been super imaginative 

with the kitchen area too, using the 

original carcasses, but taking out the 

wall units and replacing the work 

surface with a bespoke brass worktop. 

Painting the door and drawer fronts, 

replacing the handles and lining the 

cupboards with leopard print selfadhesive 

vinyl has totally transformed 

the remaining units and a splashback 

tiled with smart hexagonal 

tiles from Porcelain Superstore add 

the perfect finishing touch. And 

now, hey presto, a standard caravan 

kitchenette has been glam-styled 

– and made completely unique. 

The living space was just the start 


“People often believe smaller spaces call for 

more pared-back designs and pale colours, 

but we disagree – adding colour and punchy 

pattern to even the smallest of spaces creates 

personality and character – and is a great 

way of adding a maximalist aesthetic.” 

for the Dixie dream team – as we head for the bedrooms, 

the animal print theme expands to the walls – there’s an 

incredible tiger skin wallpaper in the biggest bedroom, a 

zebra scheme in the next and an exotic floral escapade in the 

smallest bedroom. “We found the amazing paper at Hovia 

and this started the inspiration for the Tibetan tiger theme 

throughout the room,” says Di. “We were lucky enough to do 

a launch collaboration with Wayfair, who gifted us product 

in exchange for press stays and competition prizes – and this 

enabled us to include some of their products in Dixie. We 

chose the rattan headboard and bedsides, which we teamed 

with a smart divan base that incorporates hidden storage 

drawers. We made all the curtains and pelmets throughout 

Dixie and used shop-bought blinds, which we customised 

with different trimmings to add a special flourish to each 

window. We finished it with a range of mix and match 

linens and cushions, also from Wayfair and TK Maxx.” 

The second bedroom has distinctly romantic overtones, 

which work surprisingly well with the bold zebra 

 


36

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This page: The leopard Carpetright carpet was the starting point for Cass and Di’s room schemes. The pair sought out lots of quirky 

accessories and artwork, and vintage finds feature in every room 

print. Somehow, in this space, red 

begins to be a perfectly natural 

colour for a zebra, albeit a rather 

exuberant one. As Di says, “This 

room is not for the faint-hearted.” 

The zebra Hide and Seek wallpaper 

is from Lust Home in a shade of red 

matched to the bold Atomic Red paint 

from Little Greene, which covers the 

ceiling. “We made the oversized heart 

headboard from a sheet of MDF, cut 

out with a jigsaw, then upholstered 

the heart in wadding, red velvet fabric 

and a staple gun which was then 

fixed to the wall on a split batten,” 

– simple but so effective. “We also 

re-covered the zebra lampshades with 

offcuts of the matching fabric.” 

Not to be outdone, the mini bedroom 

makes up for its small stature with 

its wild decor – it’s a room to launch 

yourself into... literally. “This is our 

smallest jump-into-bed room,” says 

Di. “It’s so small that you simply open 

the door and just have to leap into 

the amazing space full of colour and 

pattern. What we lack in size we have 

made up for in style – minimal space, 

style to the max. We wanted this room 

to be a real glam showpiece. We clad 

the ceiling with copper mirror laminate 

and papered all the walls with the bold 

floral patterned paper by Paloma Faith 

from Wayfair. We replaced two single 

beds with our double divan which has 

handy lift-up storage underneath – no 

wardrobe required – this provides the 

perfect alternative storage solution.” 

To add to the maximalist vibe an 

oversize leopard print pendant lamp 

complete with tassel trim has been 

fitted and the walls have been covered 

with loads of quirky artwork and 

handy hooks for storing bits and bobs. 

The bed is dressed with leopard print 

linen and heaps of gorgeous cushions 

in eclectic bold floral patterns. 

The bathroom has not escaped 

the Dixie Daydream treatment and 

is testament to the idea that you 

can still go large in a tiny space – in 

fact The Style Producers positively 

recommend it. On the shelves above 

the loo – and a wonderfully kitsch 

dolly toilet roll holder – a bevy of 

Barbie dolls are on display – posing 

happily in their ideal Barbie world. 

“Well, come on, seriously – who 

doesn’t love a Barbie!” says Di. “We 

love them, (as do all our guests) and 


This page: In the kitchen the worktop has been upgraded to brass, and door and drawer fronts repainted in bright pink. Cass and 

Di repurposed some strips of MDF, left over from another project, to create a panelled effect on the ceiling of the caravan 

are still adding to our collection on a regular basis.” 

Searching out quirky accessories, vintage finds and 

artworks – often original pieces, as The Style Producers are 

keen to support new artists and go to as many exhibitions 

as they can – many of their latest finds are used throughout 

the caravan. “We have a mix of artwork in every room – 

from original artworks, neons, prints, postcards and also 

vintage collectables – and have tried to put our spin on 

mixing things up to give Dixie her own unique personality. 

We also love searching out vintage accessories to add to 

the mix and we are always on the look out for unique 

treasures to add a bit of Dixie magic to the rooms. 

“As curators we obviously love everything that we have 

done to Dixie and it’s not the end of the process, as we 

 


40

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Above left: Cass and Di re-covered a sofa with mustard 

yellow velvet and refashioned one arm to make it much more 

substantial and to provide a ledge for a tray Above right: Even 

the kitchen utensils have a cute home in a bespectacled ceramic 

pot Right: A mint green resin lion stands watch in one corner 

of the living area. The tiles are from Porcelain Superstore 

are constantly evolving her style and adding new pieces.” 

Sand, sea and simple pleasures are often all we need 

for a stay at the beach, but if you’re planning a fun 

mini getaway at the seaside, then Dixie’s could be more 

than just a daydream. “If Dolly Parton had a caravan it 

would most certainly be Dixie style,” says Di, “so if that’s 

your vibe, then pay us a visit.” A glamour pad awaits 

at Camber Sands. Come on Barbie, let’s go party! 

Address Book: 

To book a stay at 

Dixie Daydream visit 

dixiedaydream.com 

Find out about 

The Style Producers 

at thestyleproducers.com 

Barker & Stonehouse 

barkerandstonehouse.co.uk 

Hovia hovia.com 

Lust Home lusthome.com 

Porcelain Superstore 

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk 

Wayfair wayfair.co.uk 


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£13.95 Desenio desenio.co.uk 6 DKL Docklands arch mirror £260 Origins Living originsliving.uk 7 Tiki bar 

trolley £169 Where Saints Go wheresaintsgo.co.uk 8 Shere tiger cushion cover £43 Sazy sazy.com 9 Carmel 

chaise in ochre easy care cotton £2,840 sofa.com 10 Clawdia cushion £30 Lust Home lusthome.com 


Style Council 

Words: Antonia Methuen Photographs: David Merewether 

Angie Bunyan has lavished a terraced cottage 

in the heart of Rye with her signature look that 

has cemented her success as an interior designer

Left & this page: At the top of 

the house, the master bedroom is 

complete with a roll top bath. A 

large pink tin star perches above 

the bed whilst an Indian mirror 

bounces light towards the French 

chandelier hanging above 

Style can come in all shapes and 

sizes. To be a great designer 

it’s often the ability to see the 

possibility in spaces the rest of us 

might dismiss – that really sets you 

apart. For Angie Bunyan, a small 

terraced cottage in the centre of Rye 

that she originally bought five years 

ago as an investment, has turned out 

to be just that project, unlocking 

the next chapter of her life. 

A freshly painted pink front door 

is the first inkling that something 

special is hidden behind. So good 

was Angie’s renovation of the front 

elevation of the house, she received 

a Rye Conservation Society Award 

2019 from the Mayor of Rye. “The 

first I knew about it was when I came 

back one day to find my door and 

windows had been cleaned. Then 

I got a letter from the mayor to 

tell me I had won the award. I was 

pretty gobsmacked!” says Angie. 

Sitting in the cosy yet elegant 

sitting room at the front of the 

house, it is quite amazing what Angie 

has achieved. “My goodness, it was 

such a mess this place when I first 

saw it, but I knew that I could do 

something with it instantly, I just 

had to be clever with it.” Angie, 

who has worked for the likes of 


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This page, above right & left: Angie has used a reclaimed 

Indian bannister and doors and wooden and zinc Indian pelmets 

to add texture and colour inspiration. ‘Rainforest Rabble’ 

wallpaper by Linwood ties in all the elements Right: Reclaimed 

Indian doors neatly conceal a guest bedroom with cabin bed 

retailer All Saints on their interiors, knew she would 

need all her interior design skills – which she studied at 

Greenwich University – in order to create her vision. 

A large swathe of lined and interlined Colefax and 

Fowler fabric pelmet, roman blind and door curtain, 

created for Angie by Clare at Aquarius Soft Furnishings 

in Maidstone, acts as a sumptuous barrier to the outside, 

immediately creating a calm, stylish and cosy room. 

Angie, who sources and re-purposes furniture mainly from 

India, France and Sweden, has used vintage pieces all over 

the house to create her aesthetic, one that is both calm yet 

individual. “When I design for my clients, I work to their 

brief (Angie’s clients include Kelly Brook and Tool Room 

Records). For me, this house was all about establishing 

my look, my ideas and my style. I like pushing the raw 

and the pretty together and seeing what happens.” 

The sitting room, painted in soothing Strong White 

by Farrow & Ball, has been panelled by Angie, adding 

texture. From the walls and fireplace to the newly enclosed 

staircase, and seating area, everything talks, the panels 

even mirrored in the continental vintage furniture. 


Above: Angie has cleverly incorporated all the elements of a luxury bathroom 

into a compact space, this time sticking to a monochrome palette Right, 

above & below: A whole wall of reclaimed doors offers an unexpected wall 

of texture and intrigue along the landing, with industrial lights sourced 

from eBay and a zinc cornice. The guest room with its cosy cabin bed 

The distressed finishes, for which 

Angie is known, are complemented in 

the encaustic tiles in the fireplace and 

the reclaimed mantelpiece. “I like how 

the Italian sofa mimics the gold frame 

of the mirror, that I bought years 

ago in Fulham, whilst the blue velvet 

of the other sofa is reflected in the 

sideboard, which my joiner perfectly 

fitted into the alcove. The thick rug 

from The Rug Seller gives you a bit 

of a hug when you come in.” Angie’s 

choice of accessories complete the 

look whilst a set of Pooky wall lights 

add yet more depth and character. 

The sitting room leads into a 

small yet perfectly formed kitchen, 

complete with Carrara marble-effect 

breakfast bar. “It’s great for my 

kitchen discos!” says Angie smiling, 

a cheeky glint in her eye. A set of 

weathered louvred half doors, like 

something from an old western 

saloon, give a sense of definition 

between the rooms, whilst allowing 

light and energy to flow. Taking the 

blue of the sofa, Angie has painted 


50

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This page: William Morris Strawberry Thief wallpaper was the starting point for the design of the first-floor bedroom. Angie has paired 

this with Indian and French vintage furniture, painted brick walls, a calico stripped bed and painted ceiling. “I like bedrooms to be places 

of refuge,” says Angie. “I love the idea of your bedroom being like the coolest hotels you have stayed in, and that’s what I tried to do here.” 

the kitchen in Farrow & Ball Hague 

Blue, creating a room with its own 

distinct feel. Again, everything you 

would expect from a large kitchen is 

there, just shrunk to size and adapted 

to fit. It has all been designed to 

work perfectly within the space on 

offer. White metro tiles wrap around 

three walls with dark blue cabinets 

from Wickes, whilst an accent wall 

of Emma Shipley wallpaper and a 

vintage Indian cabinet offering a pop 

of distressed turquoise, all add to 

Angie’s sense of style and quirkiness. 

Kitchen wall lights are more 


Above: The sitting room, painted in soothing Strong White by 

Farrow & Ball, has been panelled to add texture. Continental 

vintage furniture adds a distressed finish, for which Angie is known 

industrial, again giving a slightly different vibe to 

the room. Glass pendants from (sadly now defunct) 

Made.com float above the bar. Wooden stools covered 

in sheepskin throws in a muted colour palette of 

dark greys and pinks draw the eye to the encaustic 

tiles, the same design as the sitting room, yet with 

the colour ramped up to work with the blue. 

“Let me show you my snug!” says Angie, leading us 

into a delightful and tranquil room, bathed in sunlight 

that overlooks the courtyard garden to the rear of the 

house. Revisiting her colour and design scheme from 

the sitting room, Angie has used the same palette 

and finishes in order to keep the flow moving. It’s a 

clever technique that gives a spacious feel, allowing 

her to delineate the kitchen, whilst still continuing the 

conversation from the front to the back of the house. 

 


54

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June issue Art Special 

June issue 

Our June special is all about showcasing the incredible array 

of art that’s on offer from 

Art 

talented creatives 

Special 

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galleries across the South East. We’ll be focusing in on: 

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There will be space for seven galleries to provide a high res image 

and up to 50 words about an exciting showcase of artworks 

• Q&As with expert curators 

We’ll find out what inspires 

showcasing 

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• Artist focuses 

Go behind the scenes with two prominent artists 

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• A professional’s guide Get to dressing to know a room the with expert art curators 

We’ll be asking a talented interior 

Find 

designer 

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to 

drives artists 

spill the beans on the tips and tricks of choosing 

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• Interviews with specialist Get tips auction to houses dress who’ll a room be with art 

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This page: The small, yet perfectly formed, kitchen is complete with Carrara marble effect breakfast bar. Metro tiles wrap around three walls 

with Emma Shipley wallpaper and a vintage Indian cabinet offering a pop of rich colour 

The snug opens to a courtyard 

garden that has – just like the house 

– been effortlessly zoned, every corner 

and every detail fully considered. 

By once again using her expert eye 

in both the colours she is using 

and how she uses them, as well as 

sourcing perfect pieces of vintage 

furniture, Angie has made the most 

of every bit of space, taking what 

had been an unloved and unused 

outdoor area and creating a grey 

painted decked zone, dreamy for 

an evening drink or morning coffee 

with your laptop. From the deck 

she has created a wooden walkway, 

reminiscent of an Ibizan beach, 

with dark grey shingle beneath and 

dark grey posts painted in Farrow & 

Ball Downpipe. An outdoor dining 

space awaits, hidden behind folding 

reclaimed doors within a corrugated 

iron shed, all fully insulated with 

weatherboarding. It’s genius. Inside 

Angie has sourced a Hungarian dining 

table, dresser and mirror. It’s about as 

stylish as eating in the garden gets. 

Back in the house, a sumptuously 

deep wool carpet on the stairs, from 

Butler House Carpets in Cranbrook, 

leads to the first-floor bedroom. 

Whilst the ground floor is an essay 

in calm and restraint, it is in the 

two main bedrooms that Angie has 

allowed her vision to really fly. Her 

unique ability to see colours and 

how they connect and work is a joy 

to behold. Taking her cue from the 

classic William Morris Strawberry 

Thief wallpaper in the first-floor 

bedroom, she has paired this with 

Indian and French vintage furniture, 

painted brick walls, a calico stripped 

bed and painted ceiling. “I like 

bedrooms to be places of refuge,” 

says Angie. “I love the idea of your 

bedroom being like the coolest hotels 

you have stayed in, and that’s what 

I tried to do here. I think you’d 

want to pay money to stay in this 

room, wouldn’t you?” she laughs. 

Blues, red, golds all work with 

each other with textures from the 

Indian wooden doors, the cast iron 

fireplace, the calico bed and blue/ 

grey brick wall, woodwork and 

ceiling – it is this instinctive 


This page: Grey and pale pink sheepskins drape over the stools 

underneath the kitchen’s breakfast bar. Down a little step, the 

snug is the perfect place to soak up some afternoon sunshine 

understanding of how colours and finishes can dance 

together that make this house very special. Linwood 

Duck Egg fabric on the blinds is married with pompom 

passementerie, which Angie also had featured on the 

glass hanging lights created bespoke by Rothschild & 

Bickers. Two distressed Florentine cabinets sit either side 

of the bed, an Indian elephant adds a nod to the origins 

of the reclaimed doors whilst a large wall-hung mirror 

reflects all available natural light back into the room. 

The landing, which most people would see as purely 

functional, has had the full Angie treatment. A whole 

run of reclaimed doors offers an unexpected wall of 

texture and intrigue along with industrial lights sourced 

from eBay and a zinc cornice. Behind one section is 

the bathroom – with its colour palette of white, dark 

grey and pink. A wide 90cm bath, a generous rain 

head shower and a classic chrome heated towel rail are 

all fitted in like chess pieces. The narrow washstand is 

upgraded by means of a classic mixer tap. Everything 

you would want in a bathroom is there and just as 

in the rest of the house, high street and designer are 

paired seamlessly to create an overall sense of luxury. 

Behind another set of reclaimed doors there are yet 

more surprises as you stumble across a third guest room/ 

study. Taking her inspiration from her love of Swedish 

furniture, her joiner has created a stunning scalloped edge 

on the bed, with ladder. Ticking style fabric from Bell 

House Fabrics & Interiors in Cranbrook has been used on 

the Roman blind and the mattress cover. A pop of colour 

comes in the velvet fringed lampshade in rusty orange. 

More uncovered wooden panels and old doorways are 

revealed as a final set of stairs covered in a striped carpet, 

also from Butler House Carpets, takes you to the attic 

floor and the master bedroom, complete with roll top 

bath and views across Rye. Using the wooden rafters as 

the design cue, Angie has reinstated a reclaimed Indian 

bannister and doors alongside wooden and zinc Indian 

pelmets to add yet more texture and colour inspiration. 

Pared back walls in Farrow & Ball French Grey allow 


58

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This page: The snug leads into a courtyard 

garden complete with a shed featuring 

folding reclaimed doors which open up 

to reveal an outdoor dining space 

the colours and textures to sing. 

Bouncing off the whispers of green 

in the cupboard doors, green tongueand-groove 

woodwork runs around 

the bath area, defining the space. A 

wallpaper by Linwood brings in a 

dusty pink tropical pattern up the 

stairs, across the chimney breast 

and behind the bed, tying in all 

the elements. Green slub silk also 

from Clark & Clark has been used 

across the soft furnishings, cushions 

and blinds all made by Aquarius 

Soft Furnishings which also lends 

cohesion. Side cabinets have been 

lined in Manuel Canovas fabric 

sourced from Bell House Fabrics 

& Interiors. A large pink tin star 

perches above the bed whilst an 

Indian mirror bounces light towards 

the French chandelier hanging above, 

bringing a sense of the feminine 

into the space. If ever there was 

a perfect boudoir, this is it. 

Angie has filled this charming 

house with a designer’s touch. What 

might have started as an investment 

project has since become something 

very much more. From her unique 

ability to see how colour and 

texture can work together, to her 

fabulous eye for sourcing vintage 

furniture from around the world, 

if you ever get the chance to join 

Angie dancing around her kitchen, 

I would urge you to take up the 

invitation, it’s one not to be missed. 

Address Book: 

For more information on 

Angie’s interior design services, 

call 07890 899017 or email 

angie.bunyan@hotmail.com 

Aquarius Soft Furnishings 

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Bell House Fabrics & Interiors 

bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

Butler House Carpets & 

Rugs butlerhouse.co.uk 

Rothschild & Bickers 

rothschildbickers.com 

The Rug Seller therugseller.co.uk 

Wayfair wayfair.co.uk 


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62 

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1 Rattan scalloped tiffany from £245 Amanda Wells amandawells.co.uk 2 Rustic brown wall barn star £10.95 Melody 

Maison melodymaison.co.uk 3 Crane Fonda Coral wallpaper £140 Divine Savages divinesavages.com 4 Antique 

Indian doors, various prices, Scaramanga scaramangashop.co.uk 5 Salvaged rustic mirrors, various prices, Scaramanga 

scaramangashop.co.uk 6 Ramone rattan French bed (kingsize 5ft) £1,535 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com 

7 Apollo freestanding bateau bath £3,995 The Albion Bath Co albionbathco.com 8 Knox rug blue £209 Kayu Home 

kayuhome.co.uk 9 Heritage star white ceramic tile £35.40/m 2 Porcelain Superstore porcelainsuperstore.co.uk 

10 Chateauneuf reclaimed wooden lamp table £595 French Bedroom frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 


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64 

Horne'sPlaceOastWT252.indd 1 11/04/2023 15:44

Something 

to 

Celebrate

An enchanting countryside location 

with a twist of India 

OPEN DAY 

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See the venue wedding ready, meet the team 

and enjoy complimentary canapés & fizz. 

Register your interest by emailing: 

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Trading Boundaries, Nr Fletching, East Sussex TN22 3RB - 01825 790200 - tradingboundaries.com 

TradingBoundariesWT252.indd 1 18/04/2023 13:11 


2 

LandmarkArtsCentreWT252-WEDDING.indd 1 19/04/2023 09:32

Something to Celebrate Supplement 

This must be 

THE PLACE 

One of the most important steps in planning any celebration is 

finding the perfect venue to fit the tone of your event, so – in no 

particular order – we’re counting down 5 of our top local locations! 

1 For Fine Dining 

Private dining at Gravetye is an impressive and unforgettable thrill in 

any of their impeccably English warm and relaxing settings – perfect for 

a family gathering, a celebration lunch with friends or a more formal 

business dinner – with a personal touch from start to finish. While 

you’re there, you can also book a Private Garden Tour allowing your 

guests to really immerse themselves in the Gravetye experience. 

The dedicated Events Team provides assistance at every step of planning, 

from choosing the perfect date to creating personalised display table 

plans, place cards and individual menu cards for each of your guests. 

Plus, on the day, you will also get the undivided attention of the team, 

so you can sit back and unwind with the rest of your party. 

istockphoto.com/ Anfisa Borodich and istockphoto.com/ Volodymyr Kotoshchuk 

FOOD: With the changing of the seasons, indulge in a three-course 

menu carefully designed by our Executive Head Chef, who takes 

inspiration from the produce in the Kitchen Garden to produce a 

Michelin starred dining experience. Afternoon Tea is also on offer for 

groups all year round. Enjoy a glass of Nyetimber English Sparkling 

Wine on arrival followed by a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes and 

pastries freshly made by their talented team of pastry chefs. 

CAPACITY: The Private Dining Room is suitable for smaller parties 

of 7 to 11 guests at a round table. For larger parties, the Panelled Room 

offers space for up to 20 guests, seated on one large oval table with a 

beautiful feature fireplace. For groups of 6 to 12 guests from May to 

September, you could also choose the tranquillity of the Oak Gazebo, 

nestled in the Little Garden with views of the lush meadows and lake. 

From October to April, Afternoon Tea will be served in one of the 

Private Dining rooms, making the perfect cosy setting in the colder 

months for 6 to 10 guests, subject to availability. 

ACCOMODATION: If you want to follow up your special dining 

event with an overnight stay, Gravetye has 17 beautiful rooms as well as 

the Robinson Suite. Each room has a unique character, but with decor 

featuring sensitively restored antiques, original paintings and quirky 

period features, the overarching theme is of old world charm. 

PRICING: There is no charge for Private Dining Room hire as long as 

minimum numbers are reached. Afternoon Tea is from £65 per person, 

lunches are from £75 per person and dinner is from £95 per person. 

CONTACT: 01342 810567 events@gravetyemanor.co.uk 

gravetyemanor.co.uk

Seasonal 

CELEBRATIONS 

Experience the unforgettable thrill of private dining at Gravetye in one of our atmospheric wood panelled rooms, perfect for 

a family gathering, a celebration lunch with friends or a more formal business dinner. In the warmer months, we can also 

offer our oak gazebo for Afternoon Tea (groups of 6-12 people), nestled in our beautiful gardens with views of 

our lush meadows and tranquil lake. 

Gravetye Manor Hotel & Restaurant, Vowels Lane, West Hoathly, Sussex, RH19 4LJ 

Tel: 01342 810 567 info@gravetyemanor.co.uk 

www.gravetyemanor.co.uk 

GravetyeManor


2 For well-priced Luxury 

Salomons Estate is a stunning Victorian mansion two miles from Royal Tunbridge 

Wells. The estate is perfect for weddings, conferences, private parties and office 

hire, and has self-catering holiday lets, a popular restaurant and bar on-site. There 

are many gorgeous spots to get married here, including the historical Victorian 

Theatre, the beautiful and spacious Drawing Room, the intricately decorated 

Gold Room, or, for an alfresco ceremony, the south-facing terrace overlooking 

the estate’s meticulously manicured gardens. Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw from 

The Pantiles, luxury hotel One Warwick Park offers The Function Room. With 

a stunning adjoining bar area, vaulted double-height ceilings, 15-foot windows, 

exposed brickwork, and gleaming white walls, it’s the perfect blank canvas for more 

contemporary style-forward weddings, allowing couples to completely tailor the 

décor to their liking. The boutique four-star hotel and the 36-acre 19th century 

grand country house are quite different to each other, but are both award-winning 

destinations from Elite Leisure Collection in Tunbridge Wells, and they both offer 

the most luxurious of weddings with their opulent surroundings, tailored packages 

and excellent array of suppliers. 

CAPACITY: The Function Room at One Warwick Park can accommodate up to 

180, and Salomons Estate’s various options have capacities from 65 to 230. 

PRICING: Getting married at The Function Room at One Warwick Park is 

better than half price from Mondays to Thursdays in 2023, at £795 instead of 

£1,650. And at Salomons Estate, a new package offers an all-inclusive summer 

BBQ wedding for £4,400 from Mondays to Wednesdays this year. With 50 guests 

minimum, this includes a dedicated coordinator, room hire, welcome drinks, a 

delicious BBQ menu, table décor, bacon rolls for the evening and an overnight stay. 

CONTACT: info@onewarwickpark.co.uk leisuresales@salomons-estate.com 

salomons-estate.com onewarwickpark.co.uk 

3 For historic splendour 

The aptly named Landmark Arts Centre is a stunning grade II* listed 

building that was originally a church so enormous it was nicknamed ‘the 

cathedral of the Thames Valley’. Reminiscent of Notre Dame’s exquisite 

ornate and grand architecture, it offers fairytale features, intricate carvings 

and ornate archways for your backdrop. As well as hosting its fair share 

of weddings, birthdays and other celebrations, the stunning Landmark 

has also been featured in music videos and films – you can even follow 

in the footsteps of Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes as you take to the 

dance floor, as it was used as a set for the film Elizabeth. The location 

is very convenient in the heart of Teddington in south west London, 

with a great selection of hotels all in walking distance, and easy transport 

links to Surrey and London (30 minutes from Waterloo via train). But 

it is also set amidst some of the most beautiful scenery of the region – a 

stone’s throw away from the River Thames and the beautiful deer-filled 

landscape of Bushy Park, London’s second-largest Royal Park. The unique 

and intricate details of these buildings are enchanting with an undeniable 

sense of grandeur – perfect for making a statement and creating a lasting 

impression. Plus, as a charity, it’s priced at a very appealing budget. This 

is a one-of-a-kind venue with remarkable features including stained-glass 

windows, a raised dance floor and ornate ceilings. 

CAPACITY: In the hall, there’s space for up to 220 for 

seated wedding receptions and private events or up to 

320 for conferences, concerts or performances. 

PRICING: The main hall costs £150 per hour or for a 

full day (Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm) it’s £1,080. 

landmarkartscentre.org 


Weddings 

AT 

ONE WARWICK PARK 

HOTEL 

SCAN HERE 

TO GET IN TOUCH 

AWARD-WINNING CONTEMPORARY VENUE IN THE HEART OF ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

sales@onewarwickpark.co.uk | 01892 520 587 | onewarwickpark.co.uk | 

@onewarwickpark 

MarkerStudy-OneWarwickParkWT252.indd 1 06/04/2023 15:46 

Weddings 

at Salomons Estate 

AWARD-WINNING HERITAGE VENUE WITH 36 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL GARDENS, WOODS AND PARKLAND 

SCAN HERE 

TO GET IN TOUCH 

01892 515 152 | leisuresales@salomons-estate.com | salomons-estate.com | @salomonsestate_weddings 


6 

MarkerStudy-SalomonEstateWT252.indd 1 06/04/2023 15:45

4 For exotic flavour 


Trading Boundaries is a refurbished Grade II* listed Georgian 

Coaching Inn surrounded by inspiring views over fields, woodlands 

and landscaped grounds. For weddings or celebrant-led ceremonies, 

there are bespoke Indian Marquees, an Indian Arbour or beautiful 

lawns with 200-year-old oaks – all of which are fully licensed. Plus the 

award-winning newly renovated restaurant is sprinkled with fairylights 

and beautifully decorated Indian archways, providing intimate and 

enchanting surroundings for evening receptions or parties. With 

dedicated bars run by friendly and knowledgeable staff, a sunken dance 

floor, and a stage area with theatre-quality sound and lighting, you’ll 

want for nothing on the night. Handcrafted in India, the two joined 

marquees offer enchanting spaces for a wedding breakfast or special 

dinner. They feature gold block-print ceiling linings and an abundance 

of voile curtains, Jodhpur tassels, carved wooden finials and decorative 

hand-printed patterns. Depending on the weather, you can close the 

sides or leave them to float in a gentle breeze. 

CAPACITY: Each marquee offers comfortable seating for up to 90 

guests and together host up to 180 including the top table. The 

restaurant also has a matching capacity for parties for up to 180 guests. 

ACCOMMODATION: There are eight boutique hotel rooms on-site 

for you and your guests to stay in over the course of your celebration. 

Each room is en suite and delightfully decorated in fusion Indian style. 

CONTACT: weddings@tradingboundaries.com 

tradingboundaries.com 

5 For eclectic beauty 

A gorgeously restored, sixteenth century inn in the heart of Ticehurst village, 

amidst the beautiful East Sussex countryside. The atmosphere at The Bell in 

Ticehurst is laid back, a little bit different and definitely not run of the mill 

– a special place to celebrate life, love and happiness. Delightfully quirky and 

filled with wonderful character, it is eclectic in the truest sense of the word, 

as if an eccentric nobleman has toured the world and stuffed his house full of 

curiosities from his travels. It was a grand Tudor building around 1560, but 

over the years it was remodelled and extended with the additions of bedrooms, 

a kitchen and the assembly room for concerts, weddings and community 

gatherings. The hand-painted wallpaper and stunning collection of chandeliers 

offer a unique space to celebrate weddings, civil partnerships or any of life’s 

milestones. Downstairs in The Stable, guests can gather along the exceptionally 

long oak table, which can seat 18 or even be used as a Red Carpet Walk for 

brides and grooms. There’s also a private bar, and an evocatively beautiful pink 

neon light which reads ‘I will always love you my friend’. 

FOOD: Menus change with the seasons, with a strong focus on local 

provenance, offering classic British dishes with a French twist, using the finest 

locally sourced ingredients. 

CAPACITY: The opulent Big Room can accommodate up to 90 guests seated, 

and 120 for evening celebrations. 

ACCOMMODATION: The Bell has 11 individually decorated bedrooms, and 

dogs are welcome. The 7 rooms over the pub each have their own silver birch 

tree; some have deep copper baths, or a Juliet balcony, and all have sinfully 

comfortable beds. Or spoil yourself in one of the fantastical garden lodges set 

around a fabulous fire pit, each with private outdoor space. 

CONTACT: 01580 200300 weddings@thebellinticehurst.com 

thebellinticehurst.com 


ONLINE AND INSTORE 

49 High St, Cranbrook, TN17 3EE 

www.odyl.co.uk | 01580 714907 

OdylWT252.indd 1 14/04/2023 12:25 

JeremyHobbsS53.indd 1 

Opening Hours 

Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30 

3 Oakdene Parade, 

Cobham, Surrey KT11 2LR. 

Telephone: 01932 865700 

info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

@jeremyhobbsmenswear 

www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

INTRODUCING RODD & GUNN 


8 

JeremyHobbsWT250.indd 1 08/02/2023 12:09

Dalia ring with a deep blue 0.90ct 

sapphire suspended between two 

set paths with 0.25ct diamonds 

£4100 in Platinum Kata Jewelery 

katajewellery.com 

Art Deco 

aquamarine and 

diamond ring 

£1,750 ElliBalle 

ellibellejewellery.com 

Art Deco yellow 

sapphire and diamond 

cluster ring circa 

1920s £4,950 Friar 

House friarhouse.com 

One 

Only 

For an engagement ring that 

is yours and yours alone, shop 

one-of-a-kind bespoke designs, 

colourful and unusual stones 

and imaginative designs 

0.80ct pear shape salt 

and pepper diamond 

ring £2,750 Sophia Perez 

sophiaperezjewellery.com 


Peach sapphire and 

diamond cluster ring 

with demantoid garnet 

shoulders £12,250 

T & B Cousins Jewellers 

tbcousins.co.uk 

Handmade platinum and 18ct rose 

gold with a 0.89ct Victorian-era 

diamond, and calibrated orange 

sapphires and diamonds. Bespoke 

engagement rings from £3,500 (this 

one valued at £21,000) Kata Jewelery 

katajewellery.com 

18ct yellow gold trilogy ring with an 

oval, sage green sapphire, pale yellow 

trillion side diamonds and grainset 

white diamond shoulders £8,995 

Baroque Jewellery baroquejewellery.com 

Emerald cut padparadscha 

sapphire and diamond ring £5,000 

Robert Bicknell Fine Jewellery 

robertbicknellfinejewellery.co.uk 

Côte asymmetrical mosaic ring 

with your choice of centre 

diamond £1,565 (setting only) 

Brilliant Earth brilliantearth.com 

istockphoto.com/ PytyCzech 

One of a kind Lola recycled gold 0.79ct 

grey diamond ring £1,400 Maya Magal 

mayamagal.co.uk 

18ct yellow fairtrade 

gold and 2.11ct 

freeform Australian 

sapphire ring £2,800 

Baroque Jewellery 

baroquejewellery.com 

Fancy Athena pink emerald 

cut sapphire solitaire in 18ct 

ethical gold £2,830 Lebrusan 

Studio lebrusanstudio.com 

Platinum ring with a 4.64ct 

pink-red cushion-cut rubellite 

tourmaline and diamonds £6,000 

Robert Bicknell Fine Jewellery 

robertbicknellfinejewellery.co.uk 

2.28ct icy salt and pepper 

diamond pear shape ring with 

luna setting £4,000 Sophia Perez 

sophiaperezjewellery.com 

“When choosing 

your engagement ring, 

celebrate your uniqueness with 

personal touches, flourishes like engraving, 

and a design that tells your story. For durability 

and practicality, natural diamonds are the hardest 

substance known to man and do come in colours 

like pink, red, blue and green. Another new and popular 

alternative is the salt and pepper or ‘rustic’ diamond, each of 

which is totally one-off, and their natural flaws actually make 

them more beautiful, like a little galaxy lives inside the stone. 

Lab grown diamonds are also a great choice with the exact same 

chemical and physical properties as mined diamonds – it’s just 

the origin that’s different. Sapphires and rubies are also perfect 

for something worn every day, as they both have a hardness 

of 9 on the MOHS scale. At Baroque, we also like to create 

engagement rings using precious gemstones like emerald, 

tourmaline, or spinel and, for something really unusual, 

freeform and rough stones are full of character!” 

– Pippa, Founder of Baroque Jewellery 

baroquejewellery.com 

Rose gold diamond cluster 

engagement and wedding 

ring set POA Pruden and 

Smith prudenandsmith.com 

Art Deco 2ct pink 

sapphire and diamond 

cluster ring circa 1930 

£5,950 Friar House 

friarhouse.com 

Platinum aquamarine and 

diamond floral commissioned 

engagement ring POA 

Dominic Walmsley Jewellery 

dominicwalmsley.com 

Paris 1.71ct pear-cut 

peach morganite 

on wishbone band 

£1,700 Maya Magal 

mayamagal.co.uk 

Marquise diamond diadem 

ethical gold ring from 

£2,990 Lebrusan Studio 

lebrusanstudio.com 


CARIBBEAN 

MALDIVES 

MAURITIUS 

AFRICA 

ASIA 

SEYCHELLES 

EUROPE 

ARABIA 

AMERICAS 

VILLA 

CRUISE 

SKI 

Patina, 

Maldives 

Mandarin Oriental, 

Canouan 

St. Nicholas Bay, 

Crete 

Viceroy Riviera Maya, 

Mexico 

NEW SHOP 

OPENING SOON 


Register below for your personal invitation and 

chance to win a FREE holiday! 

01732 753011 

www.simplyluxuryescapes.co.uk

ASIA 

AFRICA 

CARIBBEAN 

ARABIA 

EUROPE 


MALDIVES SEYCHELLES 

MAURITIUS 

CRUISE SKI 

AMERICAS 

VILLA 

NEW SHOP 

OPENING SOON 

With a Little Help 

from your Friends 

For a hen party, birthday, or any other milestone to be marked 

surrounded by friends, our pick is Noggin in the charming 

conservation area of Deal. 

This elegant Georgian three storey building is full of quirky and 

characterful decor, has a pretty and sunny courtyard garden, a cosy 

wood burner, three beautifully decorated bedrooms (sleeping 6), 

and lots of thoughtful extras such as books, games, picnic baskets, 

dressing gowns, cook books – plus bowls, beds and treats for dogs 

too! It’s literally seconds from the beach and a few yards from 

the buzzing high street with its delis, boutique shops, cafes and 

restaurants. You can try swimming in the sea, shopping the thriving 

Saturday market, or getting some pics of the pretty seafront with 

its pastel-coloured houses and iconic pier. You could also venture 

to Walmer Castle and Gardens (20 minute walk away), Sandwich 

Bay (15 minutes by car or 40 minutes on foot), or the picturesque 

Kingsdown (17 minutes by bike) with its views of the White Cliffs. 

Book at keeperscottages.co.uk 

TakemeAway 

Mexico 

Maya, 

Riviera Viceroy 

To mark a really special celebration, a change of scenery can be 

just the ticket! But how to match the location to the occasion? 

Crete 

Bay, 

Nicholas St. 

Love is in the Air 

For a romantic holiday abroad celebrating anything from 

your honeymoon to a diamond anniversary, Simply 

Luxury Escapes makes every special occasion unforgettable 

and has lots of gorgeous options. The Indian Ocean is 

every couple’s dream, and Patina Maldives, will certainly 

not disappoint, with its bright white beaches, overwater 

accommodation and amazing coral reef for nature lovers. If 

you want something slightly more intimate with some 

5* luxury, Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico is the perfect 

oasis getaway, set on a pristine beach with a lush jungle 

backdrop. Or, for those looking for a sense of romance, but 

with a few guests to take with you, St Nicolas Bay, Crete is 

great for families, couples or friends – it’s walking distance 

to Agios Nikolaos, so you can visit a local restaurants or bar 

as the sun sets for a perfect Mediterranean evening. 

To start planning, visit Simply Caribbean’s new shop in 

Tunbridge Wells which will be launching in June/July this 

year, or, if you just can’t wait you can call 01732 753011 or 

visit simplyluxuryescapes.co.uk 

Canouan 

Oriental, 

Mandarin 

Maldives 

Patina, 

A Family Affair 

For family-centric events like big birthdays or anniversaries there are 

a lot of requirements. To check all those boxes and keep every age 

group happy, we’ve picked Horne’s Place Oast & Barn. 

Tucked away on the edge of the Kentish village of Appledore, it sleeps 

up to 25 with its ten bedrooms spread between a converted oast house 

and barn. There’s little chance of anyone getting bored as it has a games 

room, its own private lake with rowing boats, and a heated indoor 

swimming pool and hot tub. The oast house has a country-cottage style 

kitchen which offers well-equipped self-catering on a grand scale, and 

there’s a long farmhouse table so everyone can gather together and toast 

your celebration over a good meal. If the weather is warm, you can dine 

alfresco on the deck, enjoying views of the lake and food from the pizza 

oven or barbecue. Or how about letting someone else do the hard work 

by booking a private chef or getting your fizz delivered from the nearby 

Chapel Down vineyard! Book at hornesplaceoast.co.uk 


Register below for your personal invitation and 

WELLS 

TUNBRIDGE ROYAL 

chance to win a FREE holiday! 

01732 753011 

www.simplyluxuryescapes.co.uk

Dominic Walmsley 

For amazing designer and bespoke 

hats and fascinators as well as seasonal 

hats, umbrellas and pashminas. 

We also stock Rainbow shoes which can 

be dyed to any colour imaginable. 

Beautiful bespoke 

engagement rings 

3 The Square • Riverhead 

01732 779 555 www.dominicwalmsley.com 

The Mad haTTer 

12 Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UW 

01483 566845 

www.themadhattermillinery.com 

Wealdon DominicWalmsleyWT252.indd Times Natural Ring April 23.indd 1 1 04/04/2023 15:59:39 TheMadHatterWT252.indd 16:47 

1 11/04/2023 09:53 

Lorem Ipsum 

Art Gallery Showcasing Local Artists 


12 

KataJewelleryWT252.indd 1 03/04/2023 10:27

Bespoke wedding illustration 

POA Imogen Partridge 

imogenpartridge.com 


Amore picture with vintage 

playing cards £45 Vintage Playing 

Cards vintageplayingcards.co.uk 

Twilight Decanter £77 

Dartington Crystal 

dartington.co.uk 

Personalised pearl chain 

necklace £129 Merci Maman 

mercimamanboutique.com 

1 Afternoon tea cup 

and saucer set £16.95 

London Boutique 

londonboutique.uk 

Ivrea Clinque earrings 

with multicoloured 

zirconia £129 

Sif Jakobs Jewellery 

sifjakobs.uk 

Rose door knocker with gift 

box £137 Adams & Mack 

adamsandmack.com 

istockphoto.com/ PytyCzech 

Hand-painted delftware 

candle holder £22 

Fable and Mirth 

fableandmirth.com 

At your next celebration, take the opportunity to let 

someone know you care, with a thoughtful gift that 

will make them smile for years to come 

The Story Of Us 

personalised couples 

memory book £25.99 

AIM Studio Co 

aimstudio.co 

Personalised chicken 

print £14.99 

Florence & Lavender 

florenceandlavender.co.uk 

Rose England Espresso Martini 

giclée print £60 Rose & Grey 

roseandgrey.co.uk 

Birthstone christening 

bangle £95 Molly 

Brown London 

mollybrownlondon.com 

The Little Botanical 

Monstera in ceramic pot £33 

John Lewis johnlewis.com 

WITH Creative Record chopping 

board £17.99 Pikkii pikkii.com 

Megan striped pure 

wool throw £117 

JJTextile jjtextile.co.uk 

Orange twirl glasses £34 

(set of 2) Rockett St George 

rockettstgeorge.co.uk 

Love bomb candle 

£19.95 Mint & May 

mintandmay.co.uk 

Nebula cake stand 

£13 Sazy sazy.com 

Amie vegan 

organic rosé £18 

Veo veo.world 


Visit Blue Hen Flowers for 

beautiful, scented flowers grown 

to work with nature, so the plot 

buzzes with the sound of bees. 

For weddings, funerals, flower 

subscriptions, bouquets, 

workshops and PYO dates 

visit the website or Instagram 

@bluehenflowers for the latest 

dispatches from the patch. 

Blue Hen Flowers - the pigs and 

sheep have left the orchard to 

make way for flowers for you! 

for life, love and laughter 

www.bluehenflowers.com | @bluehenflowers 

Celebrate with us on Open Farm Sunday – June 11 

BlueHenFlowersWT252.indd 1 12/04/2023 10:49 

or join us for Pick Your Own Flowers from June 24, 

& every Saturday, until the end of October 

Celebrating 

15 years 

in business 

Visit our website to find out more about our flowers, weddings and workshops 

bloominggreen www.bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 


14 

BloomingGreenWT252.indd 1 18/04/2023 10:39

Lay the Table 

Jen Stuart-Smith of Blooming Green offers advice on 

how to bring flowers to the table at any dining event 

Flowers really are the proverbial ‘cherry on the cake’ 

when it comes to any event table, adding life, scent 

and decoration, so get as creative as you like! Choose 

your vases or containers with care – a collection of 

salvaged jars creates a homely effect, or simple but 

effective bud vases of seasonal stems can be dotted 

along a trestle table for an informal ‘gathered-fromthe-garden’ 

look. 

If you want more formal stylised décor, try using 

larger vases – which are decorative in their own right 

– and fill with one variety of flower. Peonies, roses or 

tulips en masse will have a strong impact and capture 

a sense of the season. The same goes for colour. Play 

safe and chic with monochrome, or throw caution to 

the wind and embrace a mix of colours for a table like 

a wild-flower meadow. 

Whether it’s a wedding, birthday party or anniversary 

celebration, carefully chosen flowers and foliage can 

transform the space into something super-special. 

bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 

Full Bloom 

Three local florists give us some fresh ideas for 

wedding and event flowers 

Edible and Wearable 

Looking Up 

Blue Hen Flowers share tips on how to add blooms in smaller touches like food and fashion 

Kirsty Newall, Creative Director at Fall into Flowers explains how to 

make a statement with flowers that draw the eye upwards (above) 

Perfect for drawing the gaze upward, a floating foliage scape can enhance any 

aesthetic. For something subtle yet beautiful, hanging blooms or planks is a great 

idea for dinner parties and sit-down events. Or to really make an entrance pop, 

weave flowers up and down the steps of a staircase to create a show-stopping 

floral display. The bigger the installation, the more opportunity you have to 

create something really bespoke and creative. Arches are always a popular choice 

too (particularly in the summer months), as they can easily transform a dull or 

vast area into a beautiful photo opportunity dripping with cascading flowers. 

One top tip is to remember that generally, larger installations can’t be moved 

once placed, so take time choosing that perfect spot, and consider touring the 

venue with your florist first to explore ideas. fallintoflowers.com 

For buttonholes, we like to go really personal with unique touches like feathers, wheat, dried flowers and 

gorgeous foliage. Pom pom dahlias are very popular too as they come in all sorts of colours to match any tie, suit, 

or colour scheme. It’s a lovely romantic gesture to hand-make one for your partner, and DIY is a very popular 

way to get beautiful, personal flowers on a budget. At Blue Hen we do workshops and hen parties to show you 

how to make them (while also giving you a chance to think about exactly what you’d like for your bouquet). For 

your cake, add some colourful seasonal flair with edible flowers such as pansies, cornflowers, calendula, sweet 

William and sweet Cicely. We never use pesticides, ensuring that nature’s eco-system can work properly, which 

means our blooms are safe to use as edible decorations. You can ask your florist to recommend edible flowers, or 

buy from a grower using Flowers from the Farm’s map to find a local farmer. bluehenflowers.com 

15

COUNTY CLOTHES MENSWEAR 


STORE 

NEW SHOE DEPARTMENT 

Proud stockists of: 

Barker, Geox, Jeep, Lacuzzo, Sergio Duletti, John White, R M 

Williams, Bugatti and Savelli, boots & shoes 

Surrey’s 

Leading Occasion 

Wear Boutique 

WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK 

VENI INFANTINO 

www.melitaboutique.co.uk 

57 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AF 

Tel: 01276 856308 

CountyClothesWT250-SH.indd 1 13/02/2023 MelitaOfChobhamWT252.indd 10:11 

1 17/04/2023 13:03 

BLUE VELVET SHOES 

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 

174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP 

buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com 


16 

BlueVelvetWT252.indd 1 31/03/2023 11:01

Photographs: David Merewether 

Model: Megan 

Platinum ring with 1.42ct pear-shaped salt & pepper diamond with white 

diamond claw-set tiara accent, £2,615, Baroque, Brighton baroquejewellery.com 

Bouquet by Blooming Green, created using flowers grown on their 

own flower plot at Loddington Farm in Kent, including Hellebores, 

Narcissi and Amelanchier bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 

‘Ada’ dress by Ellis Bridals, available at Vicki’s Bridal 

Boutique, Tenterden vickisbride.co.uk


Labradorite hexagon cluster ring 

in gold vermeil £70 Fools Gold 

Jewellery foolsgoldjewellery.co.uk 

Cream Kesuda top handle £400 

ARANYANI aranyani.com 

Vegan leather round 

watch £120 Veo 

horizon.veo.world 

Pearl and gold nugget 

pendant necklace £280 

Taylor Black Jewellery 

taylorblack.co.uk 

Bow front hat 

£110 Phase Eight 

phase-eight.com 

Frock and Frill Aya daisy 

embroidered maxi dress £165 

Wolf & Badger wolfandbadger.com 

Bexley nude patent 

shoe £90 Dune London 

dunelondon.com 

Gold pearl hoop 

earrings £27 

One & Eight 

oneandeight.co.uk 

Emily and Fin Alyssa Palolem 

palm dress £120 Wolf & 

Badger wolfandbadger.com 

Via soft pearl 

floral clutch £65 

Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 

‘Hold On’ rose 

quartz ring £60 YAA 

YAA LONDON 

yaayaalondon.com 

Neve opal star huggies 

£59 Luna Charles 

lunacharles.co.uk 

Rita green swallows dress 

£155 Palava palava.co 

Guest 

Dressed 

Shop classic styles and flattering fits with 

versatile accessories for formalwear you can wear 

again and again 

Grace loop disc hat 

£75 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 

Tiered hem strappy 

broderie anglaise 

dress £139 Ro&Zo 

roandzo.com 

Strathberry nano 

leather tote 

£355 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 

Floral 

embroidered 

hardcase £48 

Accessorize 

accessorize.com 

Lipsy Love & Roses pleated 

lace insert bridesmaid maxi 

dress £92 Next next.co.uk 

Rosario ballerinas 

£199 Pretty Ballerinas 

prettyballerinas.co.uk 

Leather slim clutch bag £79 

Phase Eight phase-eight.com 

Pearl ring with 

zirconia stones 

Thomas Sabo 

thomassabo.com 

Ice queen moonstone and topaz 

ring £75 Fools Gold Jewellery 

foolsgoldjewellery.co.uk 

Pearl cluster gold 

bracelet £85 

Olivia Burton 

oliviaburton.com 

Little By Little 

Seville sustainably 

sourced bangle £95 

Veo horizon.veo.world 

Vixen Millinery Mallory lace trim disc 

hat £270 John Lewis johnlewis.com 

Lizzie soft rose suede heels 

£159 Calla callashoes.co.uk 

Green jersey smart 

cross-over jumpsuit £80 

Monsoon monsoon.co.uk 

Emily II heels 

£149 Calla 

callashoes.co.uk 


18

UNIT 11 HART SHOPPING CENTRE 

FLEET | HAMPSHIRE | GU51 3LA 

01252 621035 

www.experiencethedifference.co.uk

Charlotte’s 

wine 

recommendation: 

This taste of Italy calls for 

a glass of Prosecco. Castellore 

Organico Organic Prosecco 75cl 

from Aldi is excellent value. The 

clean crisp fizz is perfection 

with the salty Parmesan 

and sweet tomato 

Pictured: Parmesan shortbread with pesto, 

slow roast tomato and feta 

Union Jack cotton coronation bunting 

£7 M&S marksandspencer.com

fit for a 

King 

Charlotte Butterworth – @theneedy.greedy – creates Coronation 

worthy canapés, pairing them with wine recommendations for 

a celebration to savour. All the canapés can be prepared the 

day before and simply assembled when you need them. 

Photographs: 

David Merewether 

Crown: istockphoto.com/ Hein Nouwens

The Peony Round Tablecloth in linen 

£250 Velvet Linen velvetlinen.co.uk 

The Needy Greedy 

Charlotte is a food writer and 

runs cooking courses. 

Find @theneedy.greedy on 

Instagram and Facebook for course 

information or contact Charlotte 

directly for private lessons.

Parmesan shortbread with 

pesto, slow roast tomato & feta 

(Pictured on opening spread) 

These crunchy Parmesan shortbreads 

are delicious on their own, but when 

topped with homemade pesto, slow 

roasted tomatoes and feta, they are 

sublime. All the elements can be 

made two days before and assembled 

when needed. Just be sure to keep the 

shortbreads in an air tight container. 

For the Parmesan shortbread 

(makes approx 25 shortbreads): 

• 60g plain flour 

• 45g cold butter, diced 

• 60g Parmesan, grated 

• pinch of cayenne pepper and salt 

1. Put all the ingredients in a food 

processor and pulse to form small 

wet crumbs, which then easily form a 

smooth ball of dough with your hands. 

2. Roll out the dough on a floured 

surface to approx 1cm thick. Cut 

into small discs with a pastry 

cutter. The pastry will crack and 

you will need to re roll a few times 

so as not to waste any dough. 

3. Place on a baking tray lined with 

non stick baking parchment, chill for 

30 mins. When ready to cook, bake in 

a preheated oven at 180˚C for 8 mins. 

Allow to harden on the tray before 

cooling completely on a wire rack. 

Charlotte’s 

wine 


These are beautiful with 

Nyetimber Blanc du blanc. English 

Sparkling wines are amongst the best in 

the world and Nyetimber is one of my 

favourites. The elegant notes of apple 

and lemon will complement the 

salmon perfectly, while the acidity 

will balance any richness 

from the cream. 

For the tomatoes: 

Halve approx 25 baby plum tomatoes. 

Put in an oven proof dish with 1tbsp 

of olive oil, 1tsp of dried oregano, 

salt and pepper. Roast for approx 

30 mins at 150˚C. Allow to cool. 

For the pesto: 

• 60g basil 

• 60g Parmesan 

• 40g cashews 

• a garlic clove 

• 30ml extra 

virgin olive oil 

1. Pop the basil, cashews and garlic in 

a food processor. Add the Parmesan 

(I used the grater attachment on the 

processor). Blitz together, and drizzle 

in the oil while the blade is running. 

Have a taste and check the consistency, 

you may want to add some water. 

Keep in the fridge until needed. 

To assemble: 

• feta cubes, halved 

Spread a little pesto over each 

shortbread. Top with a tomato and half 

a feta cube. Garnish with a basil leaf. 

Smoked salmon mousse 

on cucumber cups (above) 

Light as air lemony salmon mousse on 

cool cucumber. And so easy to make! 

The mousse can be made the day before, 

and the cucumber cut a day ahead and 

stored in the fridge. Assemble up to a 

couple of hours before and refrigerate. 

• 100g smoked salmon 

• 50g cream cheese 

• juice of ½ lemon 

• 50ml whipping or double cream 

• 1tbsp of dill, plus extra for garnish 

• 1 cucumber 

• lemon zest, to decorate 

1. Pop the salmon, cream cheese, 

lemon juice and dill in a mixer. 

Add black pepper and blitz. 

2. Whip the cream until thick, 

then fold into the salmon mix. Put 

in piping bag (or you can use a 

teaspoon, it will taste the same). 

3. Slice the cucumber to the 

about 1.5cm thick. Pipe or 

spread over salmon mix. 

4. Cool until needed and 

garnish with some lemon zest, 

dill and black pepper. 

 


The Coronation Cushion 

(limited edition) £85 Velvet 

Linen velvetlinen.co.uk 

Dates stuffed 

with goats cheese, 

pistachios & 

pomegranate seeds 

Serves 4 approx as part 

of a canape selection 

These decadent Medjool 

dates take moments 

to prepare, but are 

so delicious and look 

beautiful. The Medjool 

date is the king of dates 

in both taste and size, 

with a chewy caramel 

flavour that goes so well 

with the lemony goats 

cheese and crunchy nuts. 

• 10 Medjool dates 

• 3 tbsp of creamy 

goats cheese 

• 2 tbsp shelled 

pistachios, roughly 

chopped 

• a few pomegranate 

seeds* 

• tiny mint leaves, 

to decorate 

Charlotte’s 

wine 


I love these with a dry white. 

Chapel Down’s Classic NV Brut is 

perfect. Their award-winning vineyard, 

just outside Tenterden in Kent, produces 

outstanding sparkling wines, and this 

has just the right balance of fruit and 

minerality that makes it a match 

made in heaven with these 

creamy, sweet dates. 

1. Slit the dates 

open, but don’t cut 

completely all the way 

through. Remove the 

stone. Take a teaspoon 

of goats cheese and 

stuff the date. 

2. Sprinkle over the 

pistachios and carefully 

place a few pomegranate 

seeds on the cheese. 

3. Add a few little sprigs 

of mint for decoration. 

*Top tip: I use frozen 

pomegranate seeds as 

you only need a few 

so there is no waste. I 

defrost on some kitchen 

roll on a plate.

Award-winning gastropub 

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Please scan the QR code to book a table at The Royal. 

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TheRoyalWT252.indd 1 14/04/2023 10:06 

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Aubergine Caviar 

on Crostini 

Serves 4 generously – feel 

free to halve or double! 

A beautiful vegetarian canapé 

that can be made up to 3 

days in advance, and then 

assembled on the day. It’s so 

flavourful and delicious, it 

can be likened to a caviar! 

This also work well as a dip. 

Charlotte’s 

wine 


This Mediterranean canapé 

pairs so well with The Guv’nor 

Sparkling Rose from Majestic. An 

inexpensive pink fizz from Spain 

that won’t be overwhelmed by 

the big garlic flavours, but feels 

special and is excellent 

value for money. 

• 2 aubergines 

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed 

• 30ml Greek yoghurt 

• juice of a lemon 

• 20ml good extra 

virgin olive oil 

• salt & pepper 

• mint leaves to serve 

1. Preheat the oven to 200˚C. 

Line a baking sheet with non 

stick parchment, and prick 

the aubergines a couple of 

times. When the oven is up to 

temperature, put the aubergines 

on the prepared tray and 

bake for about 45 mins, until 

it is soft. The cooking time 

depends on size of aubergine, 

so it may take a bit longer. 

2. When the aubergine is soft, 

remove from the oven and 

cool. When cooled, remove 

the skin from the aubergine 

and put the soft insides into 

a blender or food processor. 

Add the yoghurt, lemon juice, 

garlic, olive oil and seasoning. 

Blitz until smooth. Taste and 

season again if necessary. 

Refrigerate for at least an hour. 

For the crostini: 

Thinly slice some sourdough 

or a part baked baguette 

and brush with olive oil. 

Bake in the oven at 180˚C 

for 7-10mins, until crispy, 

cool on a rack. Alternatively, 

simply toast some good 

bread and cut into pieces. 

When ready to serve: 

Top each crostini with the 

aubergine. Pop a mint leaf on 

top and I used edible flowers 

to make them extra special. 

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Beauty CHAMPIONS 

Josephine Fairley unveils the very deserving winners of 

the prestigious Beauty Bible Awards 2023 

istockphoto.com/yoko obata / olegback 

Twelve months. Well over 1,000 

testers. Nearly 100 categories. A 

total of 240,000 words, written 

between Sarah Stacey and me (which is the 

equivalent of not one, not two, but THREE 

books!) That’s what it took to launch The 

Beauty Bible Awards 2023, which are unique 

among beauty awards in that we have real women 

testing real products for us in real time – often for 

a period of months – giving incredibly detailed 

feedback. (Which, in many cases, is based upon 

using the product on half their face, or one arm 

or leg, so they can compare results with skin 

on which they’ve stuck to their usual regime.) 

You can, as ever, read their comments and 

all details of the winning products across 

skincare, bodycare, haircare, make-up, 

suncare, as well as tools and devices, over 

on beautybible.com. Our aim, with these 

Awards, has always been to help women take 

a short-cut to products which really work. 

But I thought I’d share with you here not 

only some of the stellar products for 2023, 

but my own personal favourites among this 

year’s winners, with a word or two from me 

about why I love them, too. So, here goes… 

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine 

Eye Balm, £62 for 15ml. 

Beauty Bible tester comment: ‘A small pot of 

magic, which did wonders for my eye area – 

everyone should have a pot of this “miracle” 

cream which I can’t praise enough – my whole 

eye area seems brighter and younger-looking, 

and I only wish I discovered this years 

ago!’ Why Jo loves it: this repeat Beauty 

Bible winner is rich, skin-smoothing, 

beautifully and aromatically scented, 

smoothing my skin without 

irritating my touchy eyes. 

OSKIA Renaissance Mask, £70 for 50ml. 

Beauty Bible tester comment: ‘10/10. Fine lies 

and wrinkles below eyes seemed to fade, skin 

felt smoother and younger. I felt I had boosted 

radiance and skin seemed less dull. Loved the 

fruity smell. My new mask of choice!’ Why Jo 

loves it: this 99.4% natural mask has long been 

my go-to when my skin is looking dull and 

dreary, as the gentle exfoliating AHA fruit 

acids bring back the glow super-fast. When I 

haven’t had enough sleep, I reach for this! 

This Is Silk Silk Overnight Oil, £49 for 

30ml. Beauty Bible tester comment: ‘I 

think it has made my skin look younger, 

as it’s so much better hydrated. A lovely oil, 

perfect for night-time use, smells beautiful 

and helps with texture of skin; it showed 

improvement after first use and kept it soft for 

a full 24 hours.’ Why Jo loves it: the heavenly 

jasmine-y scent and skin softening effect. It 

encourages me to massage my face, which is one of 

the best things you can do to get a glow going. 

Aroma Active Sleep Salt Soak, £7.50 for 500g. 

Beauty Bible tester comments: ‘I’d definitely 

buy and recommend – a lovely example of a 

relaxing bath product, the perfect companion 

to a long soak to alleviate stresses and strains’, 

and: ‘Beautiful lavender fragrance with a hint 

of hardworking minerals – like a health spa 

in a box! I think it prolonged the feeling of 

relaxation after a bath’. Why Jo loves it: a 

fabulously affordable bath treat, created by 

the team which brought us Aromatherapy 

Associates, leaving skin surprisingly soft – so I 

don’t need additional moisture afterwards. 

Liz Earle Skin Replenishing Body 

Balm, £24.50 for 500ml. 

Beauty Bible tester comments: ‘I 

normally need 

 


an extremely thick and heavy cream/ 

body butter to get the level of hydration 

I noted from this; it was amazing to 

get the same results with something a 

bit lighter to apply’, and ‘Dry skin felt 

instantly hydrated, appearance of dry 

skin disappeared and I could still feel that 

skin was softened 24 hours later.’ Why Jo 

loves it: aromatic, rich, yet it sinks in fast 

(and is downright brilliant for dry shins, feet, 

elbows); a generous tub has long had a place by 

my bedside, after repeated Beauty Bible wins. 

Spacemasks, £16.50 for five. 

Beauty Bible tester comments: ‘I am now a convert 

– they smell great, are comfortable to wear, heat 

up well and really do help me to drift off to sleep 

and have a good night’s sleep. I would happily 

use them every night’, and: ‘10+++! The masks 

feel luxurious, the warmth helps ease tension 

and you feel totally relaxed; good for sleep, 

meditation, travelling and if you’ve had too 

much screen time.’ Why Jo loves them: one of 

these masks – which won in our ‘Sleep Aids’ 

category – takes all the tension out of my eye area 

before bedtime, prepping me for sweet dreams. 

Molton Brown Intense Repairing Hair 

Mask with Fennel, £30 for 250ml. 

Beauty Bible tester comments: ‘My hair looks 

super shiny and glossy, like it does after going 

to the salon. This is a premium hair mask with 

a gorgeous smell; the texture is generously thick 

and glides easily through the hair’, and: ‘OMG, 

I LOVED THE FRAGRANCE!!! I don’t know 

why, but it made me feel like I was on holiday 

in the Maldives or Caribbean – amazing!!’ Why 

Jo loves it: I completely agree with our tester 

about the transporting fragrance; I get such 

great gloss from using this on my bleached 

blonde hair that I actually lug the hefty 

tub to the hair salon when I go, too. 

SUQQU The Liquid 

Foundation, £71 for 30ml. 

Beauty Bible tester comment: 

‘An absolute splurge price, but I 

think it’s worth having a little 

piggy bank of its own. I have some 

pigmentation marks which it covers 

beautifully and stays in place very well 

without even the need for a touch of 

powder over the top.’ Why Jo loves it: with 

its skin-quenching texture and great, buildable 

coverage, probably the best foundation I’ve ever 

tried (and with 23 shades to choose from). 

Sann Nourish & Tint Solid Lip Serum, £24. 

Beauty Bible tester comments: ‘Very moisturising 

and surprisingly long-lasting; lasted an hour 

and half including over lunch, then at least 

two hours when I was only drinking’, and: 

‘A handbag essential – a moisturising tint 

of natural colour balm in one swipe with 

no mirror needed.’ Why Jo loves it… I 

could honestly put this twist-up crayonstyle 

tinted and nourishing balm on in the 

dark. I have it in several shades, although 

I particularly love deep, berry-ish ‘Wild’. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Insta- 

Smooth Primer, £58 for 50ml. 

Beauty Bible tester comments: ‘Loved this. I 

have never used a primer before, so wasn’t sure 

what to expect. A very small amount goes a long 

way, so this product will last you an age and whilst 

expensive, it definitely represents exceptional value 

for money. I applied after my moisturiser and it 

melted into my skin immediately. The fragrance 

is gorgeous and lingers on your skin for hours; 

however, it is the results that are immediately 

noticeable. My skin was exceptionally smooth 

and the lines on my forehead have faded within a 

couple of months. My skin looks radiant, glowing 

and youthful.’ Why Jo loves it… this primer 

completely converted me to using primers: 

make-up looks more polished and vibrant, and it 

entirely eliminates the need for touchups, 

later; when I have skipped 

this step, I absolutely notice the 

difference at the end of the day. 

For 100 categories of 

Beauty Bible Awardwinning 

products, visit 

beautybible.com. 


76

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78 

CentreForSightWT252.indd 1 14/04/2023 14:39

Wellbeing 

Body Matters 

Sarah Maxwell explains the importance of acceptance 

in the second of a two-part exploration 

istockphoto.com/ jacoblund 

If I were to ask you to stand 

naked or in front of a mirror 

and have a really good look at 

your body from all angles, what 

would you say about it? I’m not a 

psychic but I can almost guarantee 

that the majority of you would have 

quite a few negative things to say. 

Aside from childhood conditioning 

and unrealistic expectations from the 

media – about how we should look 

effortlessly slink back into shape after 

childbirth etc – the most influential 

messages are from ourselves. 

A Tale of Two Women 

Linda told me that at the age of 70 she 

deeply regretted the many years she 

wasted thinking she was overweight. 

On pointing to a photograph of 

herself aged 30, she told me that 40 

years later she realised she wasn’t! 

Julie was a 40+ mother of 2 who 

refused to throw away her bikini. When 

asked by her adult sons why she insisted 

on wearing it, she told them, “I love my 

body, it’s amazing and I love my bikini.” 

These amazing women caused 

a dramatic shift in my attitude to 

myself and I will be forever grateful 

to them both. I spent too many years 

being overly critical about my body 

and now know that I’m not alone in 

that. I managed to create a negative 

image of myself entirely on my own. 

Mind Body Reframe 

Don’t pressure yourself into feeling love 

for your body – instead, try practicing 

being grateful for the amazing things 

it can do. Rather than judging your 

appearance as good or bad, take a 

neutral approach. For example, instead 

of criticising your post-baby belly, 

recognise that your body has undergone 

change. And when it comes to stretch 

marks, appreciate that they’re a sign of 

your body’s incredible strength during 

pregnancy. Start reframing your negative 

thoughts and focusing on the positives. 

When you understand and embrace 

your body’s unique characteristics, 

it can be incredibly empowering. It 

can also be the difference between 

struggling to make progress with 

weight loss, increasing fitness or 

following a healthier lifestyle. 

So instead of chasing someone else’s 

standards or punishing yourself with 

extreme diets and exercise, start by 

becoming aware of the negative things 

you say to yourself and in time you 

might find you love a bikini too. 

I recently read this and feel it 

sums up everything beautifully: 

“Today I painted a new resident’s nails at 

work and as we were going over colours, 

she mentioned she wanted clear. The 

only thought that came to my mind was 

‘CLEAR?! That’s no fun.’ I asked her why 

she wanted clear and she said, ‘My hands 

are ugly, I don’t want to draw attention 

to them.’ I then carefully responded with, 

‘Your hands tell the story of your life. 

They tell the story of love, of care and 

adventure. These hands have touched and 

held things that most people can only wish 

to one day.’ And with that, she went with 

the colour pink for her nails. Sometimes 

what we are so insecure with, others find 

beauty in.” - Brandalyn Mae Porter. 

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) 

...or body dysmorphia, is a mental 

health condition where a person 

spends a lot of time worrying about 

flaws in their appearance. These flaws 

are often unnoticeable to others. 

People of any age can have BDD, 

and it affects both men and women. 

Having BDD does not mean you’re 

vain or self-obsessed, it can occur 

after negative experiences and 

has a detrimental impact on your 

physical and mental health and 

it’s essential you have support. 

Useful links: 

• mentalhealth.org.uk/about-us/news/ 

pregnancy-makes-many-women-feelnegative-about-their-body-image-newmental-health-foundation-survey 

• lancastergeneralhealth.org/ 

health-hub-home/motherhood/ 

fourth-trimester/8-ways-to-overcomenegative-body-image-after-baby 

Sarah Maxwell is a multi award-winning 

weight loss, lifestyle and fitness coach. 

Find out more about her work... 

Facebook & Instagram: 

@sarahmaxlife 

Twitter: @sarahmax100 

sarahmaxwell.com 


The perfect blend of compassionate 

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Person-centred care is at the very heart of Signature’s ethos. Our empathetic care teams provide both 

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grow and change with your needs, supporting independent living for as long as possible. 

We take a holistic approach to living well, so we’ve also brought together specialist caring teams to 

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Our flexible care plans are tailored to suit each individual, providing a level of care that grows with 

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istockphoto.com/miwa_in_oz, Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, piotrszczepanekfotoart 

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau discusses 

the link between nutrition and the menstrual cycle 

Half of the world’s population experience menstruation 

during their lifetime and with an estimated 30-40% 

getting PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), it is important 

to consider how certain nutrients can help reduce symptoms. 

PMS includes physical elements such as headaches, bloating, 

lower backache, breast tenderness, acne and fatigue, as well as 

psychological complaints such as low mood and mood swings. 

Menstruation is an infradian rhythm (a bodily rhythm that 

exceeds our daily circadian rhythm) which fluctuates according 

to hormonal changes throughout the cycle; affecting the brain, 

metabolism, immune system, microbiome, stress response system 

and reproductive system. Listening to our infradian rhythms, can 

help us to understand and work with the impact of these shifts in 

physical and mental wellbeing to identify how nutritional changes 

could help to alleviate associated symptoms. 

Learn to… KNOW YOUR CYCLE 

The menstrual cycle is comprised of four phases; the follicular 

phase (7-10 days after the period ends), the ovulatory phase (3-4 

days in the middle of your cycle), the luteal phase (10-14 days 

before the next bleed) and the menstrual phase (3-7 days during 

the bleed). In each of these four phases we require different 

metabolic requirements and energy demands. Higher complex 

carbohydrate foods such as grains are supportive of the follicular 

phase. Reducing salt intake and consuming colourful fruit and 

vegetables help regulate water retention in the ovulatory phase. 

Consuming quality fats such as nuts and seeds, protein, and 

magnesium-rich foods supports the luteal phase and upping 

our intake of iron-rich foods such as red meats, dark green leafy 

vegetables and fortified foods, alongside vitamin C-rich foods 

which helps aids absorption, support the menstrual phase. 

Step away from… INFLAMMATORY FOODS 

As menstruation is an inflammatory process, a diverse range 

of vitamins, phytochemicals and minerals will support the 

immune system and offset excess inflammatory signalling. 

Hormonal imbalance may lead to heavy periods, skipped 

periods, PMS symptoms or lack of ovulation. An antiinflammatory 

diet is beneficial – focus on eating foods that are 

processed as little as possible. Foods that are high in fibre and 

rich in vitamins and minerals can also decrease inflammation. 

Reduce your intake of alcohol, caffeine, fatty foods and fizzy 

drinks which can upset the gastrointestinal tract, contributing 

to bloating. Adding ginger into your diet may also help 

to relieve the severity of cramps as it contains gingerol, a 

compound which has anti-inflammatory effects. 

Give it a go… INCLUDE SPECIFIC FOODS 

Low levels of calcium and vitamin D may exacerbate symptoms 

so it is important to consume foods rich in these as they may 

help to relieve symptoms. Milk, cheese, yoghurt, kale, orange 

and broccoli are all good sources of vitamin C, and vitamin D 

can be found in salmon, mackerel, egg yolks, fortified foods and 

mushrooms that have been exposed to sunlight. A daily vitamin 

D supplement of 10 mcg is also recommended between October 

and March. As the body loses iron in the menstrual blood, it is 

important to keep iron levels high during menstruation to avoid 

deficiency. Iron supports our energy levels so look to include 

foods such as liver, red meat, pulses, nuts, poultry, fish and dark 

green leafy vegetables. Cramping is the most common period 

symptom, affecting 85% of women. Magnesium and omega-3 

fatty acids may help relieve menstrual cramping by relaxing the 

uterine muscle and reducing inflammatory compounds that 

cause period pain. Pumpkin seeds, walnuts, brazil nuts, almonds, 

cashew nuts and sunflower seeds are all great sources. 

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice for weight management, controlling 

cravings, sleeplessness, stress and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com 


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WINCHESTER WILMSLOW WALTON-ON-THAMES

& 

Cut Dried 

Jo Arnell spreads the love of a new generation of preserved blooms 

Everlasting Flowers 

It’s been a while since dried flowers were in vogue – but after years in the interiors 

wilderness they have finally shaken off the dust, spruced themselves up and 

sprung back into fashion. Pastel coloured wildflowers and grasses, loosely and 

naturally arranged, are popular right now, but come the autumn rusty tones, 

seed heads and berries may fit the mood and partner up with the grasses. The 

great thing is that – if you choose carefully – dried arrangements can be versatile 

and relatively easy to update through the changing seasons (and interior trends). 

Swapping out fresh bouquets for vases of dried blooms is cost effective, ecofriendly 

and will provide a long lasting, but still natural looking display. 

You will find plenty of dried flowers for sale these days, but it is fun to try 

and dry your own. There are various methods and even some blooms – aptly 

named everlasting flowers – that grow to be naturally crispy and long lasting. 

As the plant material loses moisture it changes, and ends up looking quite different 

from the original plant, but just as beautiful. The trick is to preserve the shape and 

colour of the individual blooms: a bouquet of cut flowers left to dry out in the vase 

usually goes brown and the petals fall off. The water they need turns the stems to 

mush and the rot sets in. This process of drying is basically not dry enough. 

Preserving Petals 

The most natural way to dry flowers is to tie them into small bunches (large clumps 

will take longer to dry out and are more likely to go brown) and then hang them 

upside-down in an airy, but dark place for a few weeks. The colours will change 

as they dry – pale hues will go even paler and bright tones will dull and darken. 

Sunlight will bleach and fade the colours and as the moisture evaporates they will 

shrink, which can cause the petals to fall. Choose an airy space out of direct sunlight 

and make sure it stays dry – a big cupboard or the loft are ideal. The garden shed 

seems like a good place, but may be too damp, which will cause the material to 

rot, or become cobwebby. Once they have dried, a misting with hairspray will act 

as a ‘setting’ agent. You can accelerate the drying process by layering the flowers 

in a box with either silica gel granules, or even moisture absorbent cat litter. 

Microwaving is an option, but this needs to be done carefully, or the 

petals will shrivel up. Another possibility is oven drying, but this will tend 

to bake biscuity tones into the colours and the petals will be more prone 

to dropping – fine for potpourri, but not the best for vases. 

 


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Foliage can be dried by sandwiching between two pieces 

of kitchen roll and then ironing, which dries and flattens 

all at once. If the foliage is prone to becoming brittle, leave 

the stems in a glycerin solution for a few days prior to 

drying. The glycerin gets taken up into the leaf and makes 

it more pliable. This is also effective for Hydrangea bracts. 

An age-old method for drying flowers is to press them. 

You don’t need a flower press to do this, just two pieces of 

blotting paper and a couple of heavy books. Lay the flowers 

on the bottom sheet – as flat as you can and in the shape 

you want them to be, then place the other sheet on top. 

Carefully position your heavy books on top (making sure they 

go straight down onto the paper without moving it). Again, 

leave for a few weeks before removing the books. Flattish 

flowers like violas are especially happy with this method. 

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GardenscapeWT248.indd 1 30/11/2022 11:16 

Maintaining Dried Flowers 

Fresh bunches last for only a few days, a week or so at 

most – and then you are left to deal with a decaying 

mush of stem and drooping petals. Dried arrangements 

suffer from the effects of time over a longer span, but 

this is possibly where they got their bad reputation, as 

they do seem to attract dust and the odd cobweb. Avoid 

the Miss Haversham look by gently blowing with a 

hairdryer every now and then and whisk any dust away. 

Change your arrangements to suit the seasons too; 

this refreshes your displays and stops them looking stale 

and tired. Substitute spring and summer flowers for 

autumnal seed heads, grasses and foliage. Once winter 

arrives, you can add in festive cones and berries. 

 

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The plants to choose 

Experiment with the plants that are 

growing in your garden and in the hedgerows 

(but be careful not to pick wildflowers and berries that 

birds and small mammals need for food). In spring it may 

be blossom and small bulbs, in summer herbaceous perennials, 

roses and foliage, and then in early autumn – before the weather turns 

– seed heads, grasses, stems and autumn leaves. Once picked, how and 

where you preserve them will have a bearing on how successful you are. 

Pick the freshest, most unblemished subjects for dried arrangements, just 

as they reach their peak. The best flowers are small and sturdy – Gypsophila 

(Baby’s Breath) and Achillea (Yarrow) are good, or those that are half dry when you 

pick them, like the everlasting Straw flowers or the tough bracts of Hydrangeas. 

Foliage – sprigs of waxy evergreen leaves – Viburnum tinus, Eucalyptus, 

Bay Laurel and Ruscus will dry well without losing too much texture. Palm 

leaves dry well too and bring drama to an arrangement. Eucalyptus, Asparagus 

fern and other dainty, but wiry stems will bring airiness into the mix. 

Grasses – these will also add some lightness and an ethereal beauty, looking good 

on their own or mixed in with flowers. Pick once these start to turn tawny. 

Bunny’s tails (Lagura ovatus) Pampas grass (Cortaderia), Miscanthus, Briza 

maxima – all have attractive flower plumes or fluffy seed heads. 

Seed heads – from classic dried wheat sheaves, poppy seed heads and the papery balloons of Nigella 

damascena (Love-in-the-mist), there are masses of sturdy seed cases that will provide focal points in 

arrangements or become stand alone decorations. Impressive sculptural forms are found in things like 

Artichokes, Phlomis or Eryngiums, and then more delicate beauties like Alliums and Lunaria (Honesty). 

Flowers – Craspedia chrysantha, or Billy Buttons are easy to grow as annuals and look like perfect 

little balls on wiry stems. Achillea (Yarrow) dries well, as do small blooms like Gypsophila, or 

spikes of Lavender. Echinops (Globe thistle) and other tough looking flowers will last a long 

time once cut. You can even grow specific blooms for drying – known as everlasting flowers, 

Xerochrysum bracteatum becomes papery, but keeps its colour beautifully for months. 

The possibilities for natural, but dried displays are endless. From a 

minimalist single sculptural stem in a stylish vase to generous 

swathes and clouds of floaty meadow flowers, there is room 

in all our interiors for a beautiful dried arrangement. 

istockphoto.com/ Tatiana Dubinich 

Join Jo at her new Garden Design course at her home in 

Woodchurch, Kent. For more information, and to 

book, visit hornbrookmanor.co.uk or call 

07923 969634. 


We are fully stocked with a wide selection of plants, garden 

furniture and BBQs, along with everything you need to keep 

your garden looking good all year round 

Find us at: 

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88 

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

Notes on Rye Harbour 

Sue Whigham takes a trip to the coast to discover what makes the nature 

reserve at Rye Harbour such an incredible habitat for our wildlife 

istockphoto.com/ asmithers / undefined undefined 

We have the forces of the wind and the sea to 

thank for the initial formation of the nature 

reserve down at Rye Harbour, a 475 hectare 

site which is an integral part of the Romney Marsh, 

Dungeness and Rye Bay Site of Special Scientific interest. 

It is made up of many precious and varying habitats 

including ever changing shingle ridges, saline lagoons, 

reedbeds, ponds and gravel pits and saltmarsh. All of 

these provide ideal and safe habitats for an extraordinary 

variety of interdependent birds, plants and invertebrates. 

Many of the creatures and plants here are endangered 

or rare but ongoing and expert management of the 

Reserve has meant that we are lucky to have such a 

special place and such biodiversity on our doorstep. 

The skies are huge here and the light is ever 

changing over the sea and the shingle. No two visits 

are the same. And now, in the spring, the skylarks 

are singing their hearts out above the Reserve, so 

different from the winter months when you see 

them feeding together in companionable groups. 

On the shingle things are stirring right now with the 

emerging shoots of the sea kale taking pride of place. Their 

leaves are purple and crinkly in their infancy but they 

soon become a lovely glaucous greeny-blue as they mature. 

There’s never a dull moment in the cycle of this perfectly 

adapted plant’s life. Waxy leaves help to prevent water loss. 

Even the shape of the curly leaves helps with the retention 

of water and as the water droplets get larger in the nooks 

and crannies of the leaves, it will eventually make its way to 

the plant’s extensive roots deep beneath the shingle ridges. 

And as the flowering season of the kale finishes, the 

yellow horned poppy, Glaucium flavum, begins to flower 

both alongside the path parallel to the sea and on the edges 

of the shingle. I love this plant for both its rich yellow 

flowers and its long, elegantly curved seed heads growing 

out at all angles from the plant. Once they are ripe, later in 

the year, they will split open and the seeds will be ejected 

some distance from the parent plant. All clever stuff as 

they don’t want to be in competition for nutrients or water 

in these inhospitable conditions. Seventeenth Century 

herbalists were convinced that the roots of the poppy were 

the answer to healing bruises as its early name of Bruiseroot 

suggests, but in fact most parts of the plant are both toxic 

and hallucinogenic. Another country name for the yellow 

horned poppy is the rather charming ‘Gold Watches’ 

which describes the flattened face of the flower perfectly. 


Ilex Nellie R Stevens Ligustrum japonicum (pleached) Magnolia grandiflora 

Ct PvC 

t SC tS 

Photinia Red Robin 

Privacy in gardens can be created using 

trees to hide or screen out an undesirable 

view. Trees grown for this purpose often 

have a clear stem up to fence panel height 

around 1.8-2m with a full bushy canopy 

above, forming a good screen above the 

fence line. This type of screening is 

particularly useful if the garden is 

overlooked by neighbouring properties 

or to retain lower-level exposure to an 

attractive wall or area. 

Semi-mature trees can be planted to 

achieve effective screening from the offset 

with evergreens being preferred for this 

purpose as they screen throughout the year. 

However, a planting scheme that includes 

deciduous trees can provide rich contrast 

and seasonal interest. 

Screening trees 

Practicality Brown can supply a range of 

top quality trees for screening, which are 

particularly useful for creating privacy. 

This is our selection of the best screening 

trees, and all are in stock at our nursery in 

Iver, Bucks: 

• Eriobotrya japonica 

• Ilex aquifolium Nellie R Stevens 

• Ilex castaneifolia 

• Ligustrum japonicum 

• Magnolia grandiflora 

• Osmanthus aquifolium 

• Photinia fraseri ‘Red Robin’ 

• Pinus nigra 

• Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ 

• Viburnum lucidum 

Pleached trees 

We also have a range of pleached trees 

which can be used in the same way; 

pleached trees can be effective for formal 

screening and where space is limited. 

These are our best trees that are in stock: 

• Ilex aquifolium Nellie R Stevens 

• Ligustrum japonicum 

• Magnolia grandiflora 

• Photinia frasari ‘Red Robin’ 

• Prunus laurocerasus ‘Novita’ 

tree & edge ursery 

As well as the screening trees, Practicality 

Brown grows a range of premium quality 

Practical Instant Hedge at the nursery in 

Iver. You are welcome to visit to view both 

trees and hedges. 

www.pracbrown.co.uk 

Conac us for deails 

email rees@pracbrown.co.uk 

or call 01753 652022 for more informaion

Garden Perfection 

City Escapes provide domestic & commercial garden solutions 

■■ 

■■ 

■■ 

■■ 

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Regular Maintenance 

Design & Construction 

Small one off works 

Turf care management 

Problem area Solutions 

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Seasonal Bedding plant displays 

Approved pesticide/ 

herbicides operators 

Habitat Management 

RHS qualified gardeners 

Tel: 01435 868211 | M: 07831 302107 

E: gardensmanager@gmail.com 

www.cityescapes.co.uk 

Rye Harbour provides perfect conditions too for Viper’s 

Bugloss, Echium vulgare, as it thrives on a shingly sandy soil 

which is occasionally disturbed by the passing walkers (and 

their dogs). Its flowers start off pink but they then become 

a rather extraordinarily intense ultraviolet. Interestingly, 

as a plant it provides a source of food for several rare 

invertebrates – in particular three moths including the 

black and white Five-Spot Ermel micro moth whose 

larvae totally depend on both its flowers and its seeds. 

And tucked away in the shingle there are several low growing 

treasures. One is a sub species of Herb robert, Geranium 

robertianum subsp. maritimum which, although it is tiny and 

not at all flashy, has an interesting past. Flowering in early 

summer, small pinky flowers appear from reddish foliage and 

over the years it has been known by no less than 117 common 

names. I particularly like the evocative ‘Dolly’s Pinafore’ and 

‘Granny’s Needle’ but ‘Death Comes Quickly’ is a little less 

charming! The plant is said to bring good luck nevertheless. 

One of my most favourite wild flowers is Wild Carrot, Daucus 

carota, and the introduction of this plant in quantity to the 

Reserve has meant that the rare and lovely Sussex Emerald moth, 

which feeds off the plant, has been successfully introduced to 

Rye Harbour. Pure white umbellifer flowers are produced in 

great profusion. Once the flower is over, the spent flower turns 

in on itself into a bird’s nest shape which is equally striking. 

It’s not unusual to see insects like the distinctive Red Soldier 

Beetle feeding off the flowers and it is thought that the red 

CityEscapesWT250.indd 1 07/02/2023 16:52 

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Oven roasted 

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Garden 

Vipers burgloss 

Horned poppy 

centres are specifically designed to attract pollinators. 

Another plant to look out for and which has 

benefited from the Reserve’s rabbit free zones is Stinking 

hawksbeard, Crepis foetida, which was declared extinct in 

the 1980s. The last few plants were seen at Dungeness 

but fortunately seeds were collected and saved. And in 

2000 just thirty-seven plants were introduced to Rye 

Harbour and protected from the rabbits by small cages. 

However, as soon as their flowers grew through the top 

of the cages, they were eaten. The plant resembles a tall 

dandelion with slimline yellow flowers and distinctive 

red markings on the outer petals. You’ll recognise them 

later on in the season too as their seed heads are white 

as white and, to quote, look like ‘gigantic cotton buds’. 

The shingle is home to tiny snapdragons too. Lilac 

carpets of Ivy leaved toadflax, Cymbalaria muralis, appear 

in the spring and flower on through until autumn. 

One of the most interesting things about this little 

flower is that its ‘mouth’ is closed. And it can only be 

opened by either bumblebees or a large solitary bee. 

The flower’s lower lip consists of two orange mounds 

which draw the bees in as they recognise the ‘honey 

guide’ provided by the flower and which then enables 

them to open the flower by alighting on its bottom lip. 

They then cross pollinate the plant thoughtfully leaving 

a trail of pheromones to let other bees know that the 

flowers they have visited no longer have any nectar so 

they don’t need to expend any precious energy trying 

to gain access and pollinate those particular flowers. 

Finally, there are over five hundred flowering 

plants recorded on the Reserve to seek out 

and enjoy, so go on, what’s stopping you? 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 07810 457948 

for gardening advice and help in the sourcing 

and supply of interesting garden plants. 

Salsify 


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Circle 

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From Shakespeare and Jane Austen to 

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© National Trust 2023. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images/James Dobson 

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S i r b a r n e s w a l l i s : 

Let’s bring 

the sky... 

To earth! 

H I L D A H E W l E T T : 

Let’s build 

our own... 

Flying 

machines! 

R e i d r a i l t o n : 

Let’s put a 

plane engine... 

In a car! 

Discover the 

Brilliant 

Brains of 

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Themed family activities throughout! 

SCAN 

HERE 

for more! 

27 TH MAY – 4 TH JUNE 

BOOK ONLINE TO SAVE VIA BROOKLANDSMUSEUM.COM 

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WEYBRIDGE, SURREY 

BROOKLANDSMUSEUM 


94 

BrooklandsMuseumWT252.indd 1 17/04/2023 14:59

Half Term 

Heroes 

Have lots of fun and learn 

something new – there’s plenty 

to occupy curious minds this 

May at The Historic Dockyard 

Chatham and Brooklands 

Museum in Weybridge 

istockphoto.com/Archiwiz 

Monsters of the Deep 

Take a deep breath, plunge down 

to the dark murky depths of 

the ocean and discover the creepiest 

of under-water monsters. Is it true 

that krakens with tentacles two 

miles long and giant sharks as big 

as skyscrapers lurk down there? 

Combining legends, folklore 

and modern-day science, it’s up 

to you to decide what lies beneath 

at the latest exhibition at The 

Historic Dockyard Chatham. 

Monsters of the Deep has been 

described as the most technically 

sophisticated and lavish sea monsterthemed 

showcase ever produced. 

Seize your opporunity to explore 

centuries-old myths and legends of 

mermaids, tales of deep-sea creatures, 

explore the fake news stories that 

proliferate today, and meet the real 

monsters of the deep housed in tall 

‘bubbling’ enigmatic glass tubes. 

The exhibition has been curated 

by National Maritime Museum 

Cornwall, in partnership with Arts 

Council England and, remarkably, 

admission to Monsters of the Deep 

is free as part of an entry ticket 

to The Historic Dockyard. 

Book your tickets online, at a 

reduced rate, at thedockyard.co.uk. 

Inspired by the brandnew 

Sir Barnes Wallis 

exhibition, come and uncover 

the marvellous inventions of 

Brooklands and the amazing 

people behind them. 

There will be a fun STEM 

family workshop about 

design and simulation, a new 

inventions trail around the 

site, Concorde Supersonic 

Walkthroughs and vintage 

bus rides from the 

London Bus Museum 

around the local area. Don’t 

forget to keep an eye out for 

the live actors in costume 

portraying Brooklands’ 

famous inventors, too. 

With 32 acres of space to 

explore, there’s something to 

occupy everyone – whether 

you’re walking around the 

historic banked race track 

or beneath the wings of the 

giant aeroplanes in the aircraft 

park, or relaxing on the 

Paddock lawn with traditional 

games and ice cream. 

Book tickets online at 

brooklandsmuseum.com. 

95

Benenden: One of the best 

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Saturday Night Leave 

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Open days April - June 

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Summer of Fun! 

make new friends and try out a whole load of new activities this summer holiday 

Pied Piper and Wild Camps at Painshill’s multi-activity camps offer the perfect chance to let off some steam, 

If you’re looking for 

a fun and safe way for your child 

to spend their school holidays, then 

Pied Piper multi-activity camps are the perfect 

choice. This Ofsted registered childcare provider 

offers a range of exciting activities for children aged 

4-12 years old, with a daily program carefully designed to 

balance high-energy games with calmer fun-based activities. 

Pied Piper’s staff are chosen for their sense of fun and 

caring attitude, ensuring that your child will have a safe 

and enjoyable experience. With 80% of camp attendees 

returning year after year and past attendees even 

coming back as group leaders, you can rest assured 

that your child will have a wonderful time. 

istockphoto.com/Northern Owl 

Activities include inflatable obstacle courses, water 

slides, den building, plenty of games and 

lots more. piedpiperactivities.co.uk. 

Wild Camps 

at Painshill are glorious, 

totally outdoor days spent in the forests, 

meadows and landscapes of the beautiful 

18th century garden. The camps are run, during 

school holidays, by a highly experienced Education 

Team who also lead school visits and develop education 

programmes that challenge and engage children of all ages. 

An exciting schedule of fun activities are set for each day but the 

team are responsive to young peoples’ interests and encourage childled 

play and experiences. A big part of the camps is centred on 

building children’s confidence and encouraging friend making. 

The Painshill team spend all day, every day outside, whatever the weather 

– and they love it! The camps teach children to embrace the fun found 

in every season; on a rainy day they might make mini rivers, on a 

windy day they might make and fly a kite. Several contingency 

plans are in place for wet or cold weather, including a big 

outdoor shelter and hot chocolate around the campfire. 

The Painshill Camps sell out quickly and you are most likely 

to get a place if you sign up to the Painshill mailing list. 

Their subscribers are always the first to know 

when new dates are announced. Find 

out more at painshill.co.uk. 


FESTIVAL 

Mt Ephraim Gardens 

Faversham, Kent 

August 18-20 

The very best in classic & prog-rock, blues and roots 

The Zombies – Ozric Tentacles 

Caravan - System 7 

Lindisfarne - Pentangle 

The Glenn Miller Orchestra UK 

From The Jam - Nine Below Zero 

Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons 

Troy Redfern - Eddie & The Hot Rods 

Thunderstick – Geordie – Slim Chance 

Rosalie Cunningham – Mythra 

Franck Carducci – Flutatious - Cuprum 

The Gypsy Pistoleros – Splink - Zac Schulze Gang 

Pearl Handled Revolver – Skylines – ZZ Toppd 

True Deceivers - Avawaves - Leatherat + more 

Camping & Glamping available. Superb food & 

craft stalls, great bars, free parking 

www.anewdayfestival.com 

DAILY ROSE GARDEN TOURS, WORKSHOPS 

AND FLORAL DISPLAYS 

JUNE 19 – 22 

Where a Love of Roses 

is Celebrated this Summer 

Experience the gardens at the height of their 

summer beauty with more than 5,000 roses. 

hevercastle.co.uk 

ANewDayFestivalWT252.indd 1 17/04/2023 HeverCastleWT252.indd 13:12 

1 19/04/2023 16:39 

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S U N B U R Y A N T I Q U E S M A R K E T 

SUNDAY 4TH JUNE 

K E M P T O N P A R K R A C E C O U R S E , S T A I N E S R O A D E A S T , 

S U N B U R Y O N T H A M E S , T W 1 6 5 A Q 

OPENS 10AM - 3PM 

£2 ADMISSION 

(CASH ONLY ON THE GATE) 

(CHILDREN UNDER 16YRS FREE) 

FREE PARKING 

SHIPPERS/COURIERS ON SITE 

HOT & COLD REFRESHMENTS ON SITE 

OUTSIDE STALLS & 

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For all bookings & general enquiries please contact 

01932 230 946 enquiries@sunburyantiques.com 

www.sunburyantiques.com 


98 

SunburyAntiquesFairWT252.indd 1 28/03/2023 11:20

CORONATION 

CELEBRATIONS 

Sat 29 Apr 10am-5pm 

Bourne Hall Museum, Spring 

Street, Epsom, Surrey KT17 1UF 

CORONATION FETE AT 

BOURNE HALL PARK 

There’s plenty of fun to be 

had at this free family day out. 

The packed timetable of events 

includes maypole dancing, 

Victorian horse-drawn fire engine 

displays, a tug of war, a royalthemed 

fancy dress competition 

and morris dancing. You can 

also watch a daring display by 

penny farthing riders and take 

a ride in a cart drawn by heavy 

horses, and that’s just a small 

snippet of what’s on offer! 

Entry: free 

Weds 3 May 2pm-4.30pm 

Bradbury House, Merton 

Lane, Canterbury CT4 7DZ 

CORONATION 

AFTERNOON TEA 

Join Kent MS Therapy Centre 

for afternoon tea to celebrate the 

King’s Coronation. Ticket includes 

a tea or coffee, a scone with 

cream and jam, a slice of cake and 

sandwiches! Contact them prior to 

booking if you have special dietary 

requirements. There will be a 

raffle as well, and entertainment 

from local musicians. Feel free to 

dress up in red, white and blue! 

Entry: £10 

kentmstc.org.uk 

Fri 5 May 6pm 

Cathedral House, 11 The 

Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH 

FRIENDLY CORONATION 

PROM AT CANTERBURY 

CATHEDRAL 

A concert for all ages at 

Canterbury Cathedral – come 

ready to wave your flags and 

raise the roof in celebration of 

our new King! Hand-held flags 

are very much encouraged, and 

will be available to purchase too. 

This is a charity fundraising event 

in support of The Friends of 

Canterbury Cathedral, who will 

organise, manage and deliver it. 

Entry: £21.50, children £11.50 

canterburyfestival.co.uk 

Sat 6 – Mon 8 May 

Kent & East Sussex Railway, 

Station Road TN30 6HE 

CORONATION AT KENT & 

EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY 

Get in the spirit with your best 

royal fancy dress, bring your union 

jack flags and make the station a 

wash of colour.Coronation-themed 

activity sheets will ensure the fun 

continues onboard the train. Collect 

your ticket from the booking office 

and take a nostalgic journey back 

in time, as you travel by steam 

through the beautiful Rother Valley 

countryside to Bodiam in East 

Sussex (approximately 10.5 miles). 

kesr.org.uk 

Sat 6 May 5.30-8pm 

Chartwell, Mapleton Road, 

Westerham TN16 1PS 

CORONATION PICNIC 

AT CHARTWELL 

The National Trust celebrates 

the coronation at Chartwell with 

exclusive after-hours access to 

the gardens. Enjoy a glass of Pol 

Roger Champagne on arrival 

and bring along your own picnic 

to take in the beautiful views to 

the sounds of Oxted Band. 

Entry: £20, children £15 

Standard access into the property, 

is not included. Normal admission 

applys for earlier arrival. 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

Sun 7 May 1pm & 5pm 

The Literary Institute, 51 High 

Street, Egham TW20 9HL 

CORONATION TEA 

DANCE @ THE LIT 

This celebratory event is for all 

ages and is all about community 

and bringing generations together. 

There will be a high tea fit for a 

King along with music, tea dance 

and lessons. Share memories 

from coronations and other royal 

celebrations, dress to impress for 

the Vintage Style Competition 

and enjoy a Coronation Quiz 

for good measure. All held in 

an original tea dance hall, this 

is a community collaboration 

between Egham Museum, Home 

Instead, Royal Holloway and 

At the Lit Community Hub. 

Entry: free 

eventbrite.co.uk 

What’s On in May 

ART & EXHIBITIONS 

Sat 13, Sun 14, Sat 20 & 

Sun 21 May 11am-5pm 

Locations around Kingston 

KINGSTON OPEN STUDIOS 

Open Studios supports the 

work of artists within the local 

community, with the aim of 

promoting accessibility to art 

and artists. Visits are free of 

charge and artists are happy 

to talk about their creative 

process. Works of art are for 

sale but there is no obligation 

to buy, the focus is on enjoying 

your visit. Some exhibitors 

will be holding workshops or 

giving demonstrations of their 

techniques. See the catalogue and 

details of the art trail online. 

kingstonartistsopenstudios 

Fri 19, Sat 20 & Sun 

21 May 11am-3pm 

Up the Garden Studio, 

Meadow View Road, Boughton 

Monchelsea, Kent ME17 4LF 

GRAHAM CLARKE OPEN 

STUDIO GALLERY 

Step into the world of Graham 

Clarke, where you’re guaranteed 

to be amused and amazed. View 

a huge collection of his work 

including etchings produced 

entirely by hand, books, posters, 

greetings cards and more. A 

great opportunity to learn more 

about the etching process and 

browse his incredibly detailed, 

humorous work inspired by a 

love of rural life, the sea, history, 

Shakespeare, travel and more. 

Entry: free 

grahamclarke.co.uk 

FAIRS & FESTIVALS 

Sat 12 May 11.30am-4pm 

(or 9.30am start for Early 

Bird ticket holders) 

& Sun 13 May 10am-4pm 

Eridge Park, Eridge Green 

TN3 9JG 

DECORATIVE LIVING 

This popular annual fair is 

known for its inspiring displays 

by around 70 exhibitors selling 

beautiful English and continental 

decorative antiques and authentic 

brocante from the markets of 

Belgium and France. There will 

also be stands selling artisan 

fashion and jewellery or exquisite 

handmade decorative items, a 

pop-up café by Hattons of RTWs 

for refreshments and light lunches, 

and workshops on Embroidery 

and paper-folding. All exhibitors 

are carefully chosen and the layout 

is such that whatever the weather, 

visitors can enjoy browsing and 

shopping under cover. Plenty 

of parking. Sorry no dogs. 

Entry: Early Bird tickets £24 

(early entry on the 12th) 

Standard Tickets £12.50 

decorativelivingfair.co.uk 

Sat 27 to Mon 29 

May 10am-4pm 

All Saints Church, High Street, 

Biddenden, Ashford TN27 8AH 

BIDDENDEN FLOWER 

FESTIVAL 

This year’s theme, A Moment 

in Time, will commemorate 

special occasions from weddings 

to coronations and even one 

that will celebrate Eurovision! 

Brilliant floral displays created 

by villagers, will add bursts of 

colour throughout the 13th 

century church. Other highlights 

of the festival will include musical 

interludes and a chance to climb 

the church tower for magnificent 

views over the Weald. If the 

floral displays inspire you, you 

can stop by the popular plant 

stall to purchase a seedling to 

take home. Homemade cakes 

and other refreshments will also 

be on sale throughout the day. 

Entry: free 

Sun 28 May 10am-4pm 

Cranbook High Street 

CRANBROOK GOES 

NUTS IN MAY 

The much-loved Cranbrook 

street festival – a Chelsea Fringe 

Event – is back, celebrating ‘all 

you can grow and what you can 

do with it!’ This fun family day 

out will the high street with 

stallholders, children’s activities 

competitions, music courtesy of 

local bands and much more. 

Entry: free 

cranbrookgoesnutsinmay.co.uk 


PASHLEY MANOR 

PASHLEY MANOR 

GARDENS 

GARDENS 

TULIP FESTIVAL 

20th April every day to 4th May; 10am - 5pm 

48,000 tulips in 105 varieties! 

TULIP 

FESTIVAL 

19th April every day 

to 3rd May 

ROSE WEEK 

16th June every day to 

24th June 

TULIP FESTIVAL 

KITCHEN 

GARDEN WEEK 

11th every day to 15th July 

19th April every day to 3rd May 

Over 46,000 tulips in the gardens 

DAHLIA DAYS 

Beautiful 11 Acre Gardens; Café with Terrace; 

Gift Shop; Sculpture and Art Exhibitions 

6th every day to 16th Sept. 

Open from 1st April - Tues to Sat & Event Days 

East Sussex/Kent (NB closed on Good border border Friday TN5 and 7HE TN5 Easter 01580 7HE Sunday) 200888 01580 

Ticehurst, TN5 7HE 01580 200888 

pashleymanorgardens.com 

200888 pashleymanorgardens.com 

pashleymanorgardens.com 

Kent Garden Show 

& NAFAS Regional Flower Show 

Sat 27th, Sun 28th & Mon 29th May 

Gates Open 9.30am - 5pm (last admission 4pm) 

Featuring over 300 exhibitors with a wide variety of goods. 

Floral marquees with stunning floral displays including 

medal winners from Chelsea. There is a food hall, 

craft pavilion, brass band & children’s rides. 

Garden furniture, water features, garden sheds and 

buildings, tools, sculptures, & much more. 

Jacqueline Aviolet will be in attendance all weekend to 

give answers to your gardening questions. 

Tickets available now. 

Tickets 

available at 

the gate & online 

Prices: Adults £12.00, 

Seniors £10.00 

Children up to 

age 16: Free 

Sorry no dogs 

01795 474660 

www.kentgardenshow.com 

The Kent Showground, Detling ME14 3JF 

PashleyManorWT252.indd 1 12/04/2023 GardenShowWT251.indd 09:35 

1 15/03/2023 09:34 

Curated by In Partnership with APR – NOV 2023 

FIND OUT MORE: THEDOCKYARD.CO.UK 

Free entry as part of a ticket to the Historic Dockyard. 


100 

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What’s On in May 

THEATRE 

Thu 11 May 7.30pm 

Assembly Hall Theatre, 

Crescent Road, Tunbridge 

Wells, Kent TN1 2LU 

AN EVENING WITH 

MICHAEL ROSEN 

Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival 

brings you much-loved author, 

Michael Rosen. In this important 

and timely performance, Rosen 

will discuss his moving and 

insightful memoir, Getting Better 

– an essential companion for 

anyone who has loved and lost, 

or struggled and survived. The 

book focuses on mental health and 

recovery over the past few years. 

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

Wed 16 – Sat 20 May 

The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 

Millbrook, Guildford, 

Surrey GU1 3UX 

BRIEF ENCOUNTER 

A dazzling musical adaptation of 

one of the greatest love stories 

of all time. When a chance 

encounter in a train station 

refreshment room kindles a timid, 

yet passionate, love affair between 

a married doctor and a suburban 

housewife, the two are forced 

to question if it’s worth risking 

everything for the sake of love. 

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 

LOOKING FORWARD 

Fri 2 – Sun 18 June 

Various Locations 

SOUTH EAST OPEN 

STUDIOS 

South East Open Studios (SEOS) 

is back this summer! For an 

inspiring 17 days, artists and 

makers will open up their studios, 

welcoming members of the public 

and showing their work. SEOS 

celebrates creative talent across 

Kent, as well as parts of East 

Sussex and south London, raising 

the profile of visual arts across 

the whole of the south east. 

seos-art.org 

Sat 3 – Sun 18 June 

Painshill Park, Portsmouth 

Road, Cobham KT11 1BE 

OUTDOOR THEATRE 

AT PAINSHILL PARK 

Over the summer Painshill Park 

will be hosting three fabulous 

theatre performances including 

Robin Hood, A Midsummer 

Night’s Dream, and Twelfth 

Night. Pick your spot to set up 

the picnic chairs and blankets, 

grab a drink from the bar and 

enjoy a special theatre experience 

in the park’s stunning setting. 

The performances will be from 

cycling Shakespearean actors 

The HandleBards (A Midsummer 

Night’s Dream) and awardwinning 

open air touring theatre 

company, Ilyria (Robin Hood, 

and Twelfth Night). In true 

British style the event will go 

ahead whatever the weather. 

Entry: £18, children £14 

painshill.co.uk 

Sat 3 & Sun 4 June 

Westenhanger Castle, Stone 

Street, Westenhanger CT21 4HX 

ZEST FEST AT 

WESTENHANGER CASTLE 

Zest Fest, an exhilarating 

new festival, is coming to 

Westenhanger Castle near Hythe! 

Zest Fest is all about creativity, 

wellbeing and celebrating the 

human body by showcasing all 

the wonderful things it can do. It 

will be packed with captivating 

performances, fun workshops and 

exciting activities for all the family 

that will leave festival goers feeling 

happy, healthy and inspired. 

zestfestkent.eventbrite.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going 

to press but may be subject to change. 

Readers are advised to check with 

venues before making arrangements. 

We can list your event in the next 

issue of Wealden Times for only 

£75+VAT. Please supply up to 100 

words that should include date, 

time, venue, contact for enquiries 

and any entry price to whatson@ 

priceless-group.com or send with 

payment (cheques payable to Priceless 

Media Ltd.) to What’s On, Priceless 

Media, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone 

Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF. 

Priceless Media reserves the right 

to edit text to fit space allocated. 

Deadline for the next issue is 9 May. 

 

KENT 

SHOW 

.co.uk 

Tickets on sale now 

KIDS GO FOR £1 

LIVESTOCK CLASSES, SCHEDULE AND ENTRIES OPEN SOON 

KENTSHOW.CO.UK 

Wood Floor 

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Jane Howard explains how it’s 

freedom at last for the cows 

exiting their winter barn shelters 

Hooray, it’s turn out time. Been 

a long time coming but at last 

the grass is beginning to grow 

and the ground has dried up enough to 

put the cattle back out in the fields. And it’s 

always one of the best days of the year. I keep 

a farm diary of what’s going on – and have done 

since we bought Coopers Farm in 1999 – which records 

that they all came into the barn in early November, 

so you can only imagine how good it must feel to run 

free again. First out are the cows and calves who charge 

round and round, kicking their heels in the air, bellowing 

and snorting as they stretch their legs for the first time 

in months. And for the calves its even more exciting, 

as they have never known freedom or 

appreciated the joy of having four legs. 

They usually form a posse, stick their 

tails up in the air at 90 degrees and 

just run and run till they’re completely 

exhausted. It’s wonderful to watch. 

Next out are the maiden heifers, the 

best females which have been selected 

from all those born in 2021 to keep 

for breeding and are now ready to 

join the main herd. Cows have a very 

structured social hierarchy, so the 

fourteen cows that shared a barn over 

winter have sorted out a strict pecking 

order and the arrival of four new heifers is cause for 

great social unrest. The big cheeses in the herd – say 

numbers one to ten – will be little bothered by the arrival 

of these younger newbies, but for numbers eleven to 

fourteen it spells trouble and there will need to be some 

serious argy bargy (referred to as bunting) while these 

lower orders sort out a new arrangement. The arrival 

of the bull in the field in a couple of weeks’ time will 

be greeted with surprisingly little interest as he never 

gets to join the pecking order and is simply seen as an 

outsider who serves only one purpose and little more. 

They usually form 

a posse, stick their 

tails up in the air 

at 90 degrees and 

just run and run till 

they’re completely 

exhausted. It’s 

wonderful to watch. 

After the cows and heifers it’s the turn of the yearlings 

– the heifers and steers born in 2022 who will spend 

the summer in fields some way off behind the church 

in Stonegate. This is far enough away for the bull 

not to catch a whiff of any bulling (in season) young 

heifers – which would require further 

investigation on his behalf – and they 

can all just get on with munching 

grass and growing fat and glossy. 

So all that’s left in the yard is Bill the 

bull, but, as mentioned, not long now 

before he goes out with the cows and 

then it’s just the show team. These are the 

cattle that I have picked out to cosset and 

prepare for the 2023 show season – a cow 

and calf, a two year old maiden heifer, a 

yearling heifer and an older bull, George. 

They are all on special diets to bring 

them to peak condition for late May (the 

wonderful Heathfield Show) and nothing is too much 

bother. Buckets of feed are proffered twice a day, or less 

if it looks like they are getting too fit (cattle parlance for 

fat), they are walked up and down the drive to brush up 

on their ring etiquette and then Richard the foot trimmer 

comes up from the West Country to give them all a trim, 

resulting in perfectly manicured hooves. Of course George 

and the girls don’t really see the point of all this and just 

look forward to the end of June when they too can run 

out in the fields and snooze with the sun on their backs – 

and, after the spring we’ve just had, who can blame them. 

Find out more about daily life at Coopers Farm by following Jane on Instagram @coopersfarm 


102

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Sevenoaks - Tel: 01732 762682 

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KITCHENS DESIGNED TO STAND THE TEST OF TIME

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