Surrey Homes | SH101 | June 2023 | Education Supplement inside

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes 

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BOCONCEPT.COM

Surrey, Sussex & Hampshire’s 

Premier Oak Framed Specialist 

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

Contents 

June 2023 

58 

80 

77 

12 

23 

27 

30 

47 

48 

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 

UP A LEVEL 

We take a visit to 

Greatstone to shoot a 

revamped family home 

in a stunning location 

GET THE LOOK 

Echo coastal 

surroundings with paredback 

chic interior choices 

HOME IS WHERE 

THE ART IS 

How to dress your walls 

51 

53 

55 

56 

58 

TWO HALVES 

OF A WHOLE 

Go behind the scenes 

at The Landmark 

Arts Centre 

HIS & HERS 

Get to know husband 

and wife artists 

Russell Hatton and 

Kirsty Mackay 

FINDERS & 

KEEPERS 

Art exhibitions near 

you this summer 

LOTS OF LOVE 

How to go about 

buying art at auction 

TWO 

POCKETFULS 

OF RYE 

Take a tour of an 

unusual property in 

the heart of Rye’s 

historic Citadel 

73 

77 

78 

80 

86 

89 

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

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

GET THE LOOK 

Combine teals and 

neutrals for a perfectly 

polished look 

A WHOLE NEW 

WORLD 

Pretty jewels inspired by 

The Little Mermaid 

UNDER THE SEA 

Our edit of sparkling 

seaside fashion 

STRAIGHT TO 

THE SOURCE 

Chef Will Devlin’s 

fresh June recipes 

NO SWEAT! 

Josephine Fairley 

roadtests premium 

deodorants 

SETTING 

THE TONE 

Sarah Maxwell’s 

pelvic toning tips 

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

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

91 

93 

96 

99 

100 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau encourages 

us to incorporate more 

ginger into our diets 

HEAVEN SCENT 

Jo Arnell creates the 

ultimate nectar border 

HAPPY MEDIUM 

Sue Whigham explores a 

personal plant favourite 

– epimediums 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

FABLES FROM 

THE FARM 

Jane Howard gets productive 

in her veg garden 

EDUCATION 

SUPPLEMENT 

20 pages of school 

news, views 

and advice. 

After page 74. 

7 priceless-magazines.com

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

Thomas Thomas 

Mansfield 

The Family The Law Family Solicitors Law Solicitors 

Editor’s 

Letter 

It’s Midsummer Fair month! And we’ve been gathering 

the best exhibitors from across the South East and 

further afield to create the ultimate summer shopping 

experience. Running over three days from 8th-10th 

June at its beautiful home, Hole Park in Rolvenden, 

browse over 200 stands selling glorious homewares, 

fashion, jewellery, gardenware and the tastiest produce. 

Book your tickets online at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk. 

Back to the magazine, see how two coastal family 

homes have been revamped to begin new lives as superbly 

comfortable holiday rentals. The first, in Greatstone, enjoys 

enviable views out to sea, whilst the second, in Rye, is 

situated in the heart of the Cinque Port’s historic citadel. 

If school runs and extracurricular activities are 

still very much a mainstay of your household, then 

turn to page 74 for our Education Supplement, 

full of school news and interesting reads. 

We’re reliving our own precious childhood memories this 

month with the release of the live action version of The 

Little Mermaid. To celebrate, we’ve compiled some mermaidinspired 

fashion to bring a splash of nautical fun to summer 

wardrobes. Think statement earrings and a sprinkle of sequins. 

Recipes this month come courtesy of renowned chef, Will 

Devlin of The Small Holding and Birchwood fame. See how he 

earned his Green Michelin Star with creative dishes, this time 

working with seasonal leaves, asparagus, duck and elderflower. 

Enjoy your Surrey Homes! 

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. 

Wealden Times & Surrey Homes Team 

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

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

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

Sales Manager ....................................................................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 

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 

9 priceless-magazines.com 

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

Many clearance models on display in our Alton showroom, 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 

distributor of Surrey Homes or to get free copies 

delivered for a year for just £25 postage 

12,000 copies of Surrey Homes are printed every month. 

We are available in the following outlets and are the only 

local magazine available at key commuter stations. 

If you have any questions re our distribution please contact 

Vivien Cotterill-Lee 

vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com 

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 

Caterham 

• Shard Solutions 

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 

• Neptune 

• Nuffield Gym 

Haslemere 

• Lythe Hill 

Hotel & Spa 

• Tesco Superstore 

Knaphill 


Leatherhead 


• Robert Leech 

& Partners 

Lingfield 


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 

• Roman Tiles 

Weybridge 

• Tesco Extra 

Woldingham 

• Fine & Country 

STATIONS: 

• Dorking 

• East Grinstead 

• Epsom 

• Esher 

• Guildford 

• Haslemere 

• Kingston 

• Redhill 

• Richmond 

• Surbiton 

• Weybridge 

• Wimbledon 

• Woking 

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CurtainCallWT253.indd 1 16/05/2023 16:05:15

House 

Month 

of the 

£4,950,000 

Tilford 

Damien Pestell picks his favourite 

homes on the market 

The dream: A beautifully elegant 

Grade II listed farmhouse dating 

back to 1496 and a fine example 

of a historic Surrey village 

farm. Extensive outbuildings 

include a 16th century barn 

and equine stabling across 16 

acres of land. Ideally set up 

for practical family living. 

Where: In the picturesque village 

of Tilford, with its wonderful pubs, 

in the heart of the Surrey Hills Area 

of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Setting: In 16 acres of idyllic 

private grounds with the River Wey 

running across the boundary. 

Beds: 5 Baths: 4 

Special features: Renovated in 

2018, the oak clad multi-purpose 

games building houses a mini-gym 

with changing room and WC, plus 

a model railway station house. There 

is also planning consent to convert 

the building into commercial offices. 

Pleasing details: The Grade II listed 

party barn has been completely 

renovated. The barn has a complete 

kitchen, large log burner and a 

mezzanine that is removable. 

Outside: The mature formal 

gardens include a swimming 

pool, extensive fruit and vegetable 

garden as well as a professional 

greenhouse. Also within the grounds 

are three World War II pillboxes. 

Time to town: From Farnham 

station, 3 miles away, to London 

Waterloo in under an hour. 

Agent: Burns & Webber 

01252 713868 burnsandwebber.com 

priceless-magazines.com 

12

Lingfield 

£3,750,000 

The dream: A fine Edwardian family 

home dating back to around 1908 and set 

within established grounds on the edge 

of a sought after village location. Flexible 

and well proportioned accommodation 

includes a first floor annexe with its own 

entrance and a separate detached cottage. 

Where: On the edge of Lingfield village with 

its local shopping and vibrant community. 

East Grinstead is just 10 mins away. 

Setting: In a wonderful semi-rural 

position, backing onto the golf course 

and next to the famous racecourse. 


Special features: The bespoke kitchen/ 

breakfast room leads through to the large 

garden/family room, creating an attractive 

informal space, ideal for modern day living. 

Pleasing details: The separate Lodge 

Cottage has recently been modernised. 

Outside: The stunning formal gardens 

with extensive planting, together 

with an orchard and paddock. 

Time to town: From Lingfield station, 2 miles 

away, to London Victoria in 50 minutes. 

Agent: Savills 01892 507000 savills.com 

Oxshott 

£3,650,000 

The dream: A substantial detached family home, 

providing generous accommodation arranged over 

three floors. A fantastic blend of modern open plan 

living and wonderful character features including 

impressive high vaulted ceilings throughout. 

Where: Situated on the edge of Oxshott. 

Setting: A private and secluded spot, 

backing onto grazing farmland, it offers 

peace and quiet with incredible views. 


Special features: The principal bedroom with 

high vaulted ceilings and a large balcony has far 

reaching views across surrounding farmland. 

Pleasing details: The floodlit all-weather 

tennis court, heated swimming pool with 

jacuzzi and gym at the rear of the house – 

perfect for those who like to keep active. 

Outside: Set behind electric gates, the 

sweeping gravel driveway bisects the mature 

landscaped grounds of just over an acre. 

There is parking for over a dozen cars, 

including a substantial double garage. 

Time to town: Within easy reach of Oxshott 

station, with regular trains to London Waterloo. 

Agent: Curchods 01372 462000 curchods.com 


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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.

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 

It’s given my life 

quality, value and meaning 

Birchgrove is the award-winning 

developer of high-quality 

retirement properties in Kent 

and Surrey. Here Marion tells 

her story about her experience of living 

in a Birchgrove retirement community. 

“My husband was a musician and teacher 

and passed away suddenly. Ours was a very 

happy home full of music, but it suddenly 

just went quiet. I was very lonely. I’m 

a person who needs the company of 

others and I’d been on my own for quite 

a long time. I was looking at various 

retirement properties but was put off by 

the service and maintenance charges. 

One day, my son and I saw the 

Birchgrove signage. So my son said, 

‘let’s have a look’. I was amazed at how 

lovely it was when I came in, and my 

son felt the same, so we started looking 

at the different apartment options. 

I started to think about it, but what 

decided me completely was I woke up 

one night to hear this terrible banging. 

I lived in a bungalow, so went into the 

kitchen, and it was the boiler, and I was 

frightened. No point in calling family 

at that hour so I called the gas company 

at 2am and they asked if I could smell 

gas. I told them I’ve not been able to 

smell for years. Thankfully they came 

immediately but had to turn the gas 

off. I was left freezing cold and thought 

this place can’t be for me anymore. 

Birchgrove was wonderful, so I decided 

to go for it. I wanted to make a clean 

decision whilst I’ve got all my faculties 

and I’m able to do as I want. Life’s not 

going to get any easier; don’t expect it to.’ 

My family are very much at peace now 

because they worried about me being on 

my own. That’s very important to me. 

Now, a year later, I feel more than ever 

I’ve made the right decision. It’s a bit like 

being in a hotel, really; everyone is so 

lovely and kind. I like getting up and having 

a coffee morning; that starts me off for the 

day. Having lunch in the restaurant as I 

prefer to eat lighter in the evening – means 

hardly any cooking. Most of all I love the 

freedom of being able to do what I want, 

when I want. It’s not just simplified my life; 

it’s given my life quality, value and meaning.” 

If you would like to find out more about 

living at a Birchgrove retirement community 

contact the team who would be happy 

to answer your questions and arrange 

a personal tour. Call 020 3929 5599 

or visit www.birchgrove.life

NEW SHOW HOME NOW AVAILABLE 

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MediaForceWT253-CroudaceHomes.indd 1 16/05/2023 10:45:56 

Luxury Lodges, great fun and 

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18 

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

(A smarter rental is...) 

A worry-free 

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An investment property shouldn’t be a stealer of sleep, a robber of weekends or a 0.1% share in 

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

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

18 June . 24 September 

22 October . 19 November 

thread... a festival of textiles 

Sat 10 June 2023 

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced sewist, join 

our celebration of textiles for a fun, sociable day out! 

£8 in advance, £10 on the door (under 18s free) 

Book: farnhammaltings.com 

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

West End House 

Art Gallery 

DoveHouseAntiqueFairWT253.indd 1 26/04/2023 10:59:21 

FarnhamMaltingsWT253.indd 1 11/05/2023 15:45:32 

Contemporary gallery in beautiful Smarden. A glorious 

mix of artworks at all prices from artists near and far. 

www.westendhousegallery.co.uk 

West End House, Water Lane, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QB 

01233 770261 • girls@westendhousegallery.co.uk 


22 

WestEndHouseGalleryWT253.indd 1 09/05/2023 10:20:47

Don’t forget 

Wealden Times 

Midsummer Fair 

this month, from 8-10 June at 

Hole Park, Rolvenden. 

Book your tickets online at 

What to do and see near you this monthwealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

istockphoto.com/ Tamara Luiza / Gizela Glavas / CarlaNichiata / nitrub / Turkan Rahimli / eugenesergeev 

Get Country Side 

We can’t wait for the Black Deer Festival. They’re on a mission to bring the 

authentic Americana way of life to the UK – the best of music alongside 

amazing smokehouse food and so much more – a celebration of passionate 

sub-cultures. With an eclectic line-up that showcases all aspects of this 

incredible community, Europe’s premier and award-winning Americana 

festival is excited to bring Richard Hawley, Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel 

Rateliff & The Night Sweats, The Pretenders, Steve Earle, Damian Lewis, 

Bear’s Den, Lucinda Williams, Far From Saints and many more to Eridge 

Park on 16th, 17th and 18th June. Don’t miss the Gospel Brunch on 

Sunday morning on the Live Fire Stage. The Independent has called it 

“One of the most culturally eclectic and rewarding festival experiences 

in the UK...”and it’s right on our doorstep. blackdeerfestival.com 

Write Now! 

Some of the biggest names in literature 

will lead workshops focused on the 

environment, mental health and the arts 

at the Wealden Festival 2023. Michael 

Morpurgo, Dara McAnulty, Kimberley 

Wilson, AC Grayling and former Poet 

Laureate Andrew Motion will speak at 

the family-friendly weekend, which takes 

place on 24th-25th June at Boldshaves 

Garden in Woodchurch, Kent. Launched 

in 2015, the Wealden Festival is a 

celebration of nature, creativity and the 

outdoors – offering you the chance to 

take a break from your busy schedule to 

unearth both the wonder of the natural 

world and your own creative potential. 

wealdenliteraryfestival.co.uk 

BALMY 

headline 

NIGHT 

Leading touring company, Opera 

Brava, will be performing Rossini’s 

Barber of Seville in the atmospheric 

surroundings of Trading Boundaries, 

complete with a small chamber orchestra 

on Saturday 10th June. Imagine a wonderful 

fairy-lit restaurant transformed into the 

setting for a balmy night in Seville and all 

near Fletching in East Sussex! For anyone 

who loves opera or musical theatre, this is an 

evening not to be missed. Some of our finest 

opera singers will be using the whole venue 

as their canvas to create the most magical of 

events. Tickets include dinner, your table 

for the evening and the performance. 

Save 10% off the ticket price by using 

code ART10 when booking. 

01825 790200 tradingboundaries.com 

priceless-magazines.com

Notebook 

Weald Nights 

The Print House is Tenterden’s new homefrom-home 

hangout with luxury rooms, cosy 

lounge, bar and restaurant and a lovely walled 

garden courtyard. Pop in for a morning coffee, stay 

for the night or anything in between. To coincide 

with our WT Midsummer Fair on 8th-10th June, 

they are offering 2 nights in a kingsized room with 

breakfast, 3 course meal for 2 with free bottle of 

wine, plus tea and cakes in the afternoon, all 

for £400. To take advantage of the offer 

please quote WEA23 over the phone 

or at theprinthousetenterden.com 

Sew Good 

If you’re one of the many a sewist eagerly looking 

forward to the next instalment of the Great British 

Sewing Bee you can get your fabric fix at Farnham 

Maltings’ thread... a festival of textiles. This 

one-day festival on Sat 10th June celebrates its 

11th year with a curated marketplace featuring 

over 50 independent maker businesses 

spanning fabrics and textiles to patterns and 

haberdashery. Local fan favourites such as Pins 

& Needles, Thimble & Thrift, Fabrics Galore, Dovetailed 

London, Purple Stitches and The Maker’s Atelier will return alongside 

new exhibitors Ethel & Joan, Fabric Godmother, The Haberdasher Bee, The 

Specky Seamstress and WovenMairi, among others. The festival’s workshop 

offering includes an extensive array of 90-minute taster sessions on block 

printing, mixed media stitch, drawing with your sewing machine, off-loom 

weaving, and more. Tickets are £8 in advance (plus online booking fee) or 

£10 on the door (under 18s free). For tickets and workshop bookings visit 

the Farnham Maltings website farnhammaltings.com 

Cherry Top Notes 

Join Vivace Chorus on 1st July at Holy Trinity, Guildford, for an evening of 

sacred music from some of the world’s most popular works – Handel’s Messiah, 

Mozart, Brahms, Faure and Verdi Requiems and Haydn’s Creation. The 

summer concert, supporting local children’s charity Cherry Trees, will also 

feature two of the anthems from the coronation of King Charles – Handel’s 

Zadok the Priest and Parry’s I was Glad. Tickets are £10 or £5 for students 

and under 18s, plus a booking free, from vivacechorus.org 

Little Birdy 

Join Greenfinch Midsummer Art Exhibition on 23rd to 25th June in the magical 

setting of King John’s Nursery to enjoy the stunning artwork and find out what 

Midsummer means to their featured artists from across Kent and Sussex. Renowned 

Landscape Architect Marian Boswall will give a talk on Saturday 2.30pm. Her book 

Sustainable Garden will be on sale over the weekend. Lunch and refreshments will 

be available in the café. There’s no entry fee, including to the gardens. Further 

info – jane@greenfinchshop.co.uk | 01580 201259 | greenfinchshop.co.uk 

REAR VIEW MIRROR 

Appledore Vintage Vehicle Rally parks up on Sunday 

16th July at Appledore Recreation Ground, bringing 

together a fantastic range of vintage vehicles including cars, 

motorcycles, buses and commercial vehicles from the early 

1900s to the modern day. The event has become a muchloved 

tradition for the local community and visitors alike. 

Expect a day filled with entertainment including arena 

events, auto-jumble, displays and refreshments, all while 

admiring the stunning vehicles on display. Tickets are £5 for 

an adult and £10 for a family. appledorevehiclerally.co.uk 


24

“Prune 

meee!” 

Download the 

RHS Grow app 

to speak more plant. 

“Prune 

meee! ” 

We speak plant

COUNTY CLOTHES MENSWEAR 

ROYAL TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

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NEW SHOE DEPARTMENT 

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26 

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

Jonathan Adler’s beach towels 

are plush and gorgeous – a 

perfect investment for beach 

seasons to come! They are £98 

each and come in lots of fun 

designs. uk.jonathanadler.com 

It’s a year since the closing of Envigo, which 

liberated thousands of lab testing survivor 

Beagles in the US. In that year, Beagle 

Freedom Project has been working hard to rehome 

many dogs in need of love, and have now set up 

operations in the UK. They are fighting alongside 

celebrities including Will Young, Graham Norton 

and Deborah Meaden to change legislation here, free 

more beagles and find them real homes. To find out 

more about how you can help too visit bfpuk.org 

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! 

If you’re looking for a jump 

start on Wellbeing Week, 

how about a weekend in the 

Sussex countryside learning about 

traditional Japanese forest bathing? 

From 17-18 June, forest bathing 

expert Helena Skoog comes to The 

Spa at South Lodge. For £599 for 

a single room or £799 for a double 

or twin, the weekend also includes 

meals at two fabulous restaurants, 

and access to the award-winning spa. 

exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge 

This summer, we are 

revelling in sunny weather 

and finding inspiration 

in all things beachy; and 

award-winning British 

jewellery designer Hannah 

Bourn epitomises just that. 

Hannah’s tactile handmade 

pieces are designed to take 

you back to the beach by 

imitating the textures of 

natural elements like shells, 

cockles, and whelks. This 

necklace is £180 and features 

a spiral shape impressed from 

a periwinkle shell. You can find 

Hannah at the Wealden 

Times Midsummer 

Fair from the 8-10 

June or shop online at 

hannahbourn.com 

If you’re enjoying the 

longer days and wanting 

to revamp your outdoor 

entertaining game, 

Rowan and Wren is 

a Surrey-based online 

homeware store that has 

a wonderful selection of 

artisan pieces. Think hand-painted bowls, 

British-made sunloungers, recycled glass 

vases and all sorts of other lovely goodies 

with a timeless and simply beautiful 

aesthetic. rowenandwren.co.uk 

One for the foodies... Perched 

on the border of Kent and 

Sussex, The Small Holding 

farm restaurant maintains a Green 

Michelin Star with its hyper-seasonal 

menu made with ingredients that are 

home-reared and home-grown on the 

farm less than 10 feet from the kitchen 

(some fruit and veg is only harvested 

within hours of your arrival). It’s open 

Wednesday to Sunday with an eightcourse 

menu for £85pp or five-courses 

for £65pp, with the option of a wine 

flight and non-alcoholic pairings. 

smallholdingrestaurant.com 

Key & Quill 

June 18- 26 marks English Wine Week and to celebrate Surrey 

Hills Vineyards are launching their first Summer Spectacular. 

Over the weekend of wine week, their five fabulous vineyards – 

Denbies, Albury, Chilworth Manor, Greyfriars and High Clandon 

– will all be inviting you to taste, dine, tour, picnic, and generally 

just enjoy a glass in the summer sun! surreyhillsvineyards.co.uk 

Looking for a Father’s Day gift? 

Oakdene Designs is a Surrey 

company with loads of funny, 

touching and personalisable options 

you can order online 

and they deliver 

quickly and easily. This 

personalised wooden 

wallet photo card, for 

example, is just £12. 

oakdenedesigns.com 

27

Contemporary 

CRAFT SHOW 

Borde Hill 

24 - 25 JUNE 2023 

10am - 5pm 

DAILY ROSE GARDEN TOURS, WORKSHOPS 

AND FLORAL DISPLAYS 

Ceramics 

Furniture 

Glass 

Jewellery 

Leather 

Metal 

Textiles 

Wood 

£1 ONLINE DISCOUNT FOR PRE-BOOKED TICKETS 

Borde Hill, Borde Hill Lane, 

Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XP 

www.thesussexguild.co.uk 

Registered Charity no: 292234 

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 

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LUXURY FITNESS, DANCE AND TENNIS RETREATS 

DISCOVER CHÂTEAU LOU CASTEOU 

Set in the beautiful French Cote d’Azur countryside, minutes from the sea. These Luxurious Retreats provides the perfect balance of gourmet 

meals, pampered luxury, energetic fitness classes, Latin dance sessions and outdoor activities including coastal treks, tennis, boxercise, 

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

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

Delicious, nutritious gourmet meals served with elegant 3 course dinners. Enjoy a quality open bar, excellent provencal wines, evening parties and entertainment. 

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


28 

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

Wealden Times 

Midsummer 

Fa i r 

Tickets 

also available 

on the door 

8-10 JUNE 2023 

Wealden Times 

Midsummer Fair 2023 

8th, 9th & 10th June 

Hole Park, Rolvenden TN17 4JB 

Ticket price 

includes entry to 

Hole Park 

Garden 

Pre-Book Tickets at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk

Up A Level 

Fancy a trip to the seaside? The redesign of a much-loved 

family holiday home near Dungeness has resulted in a coastal 

escape with all the mod cons you could hope for 

Words: Damien Pestell 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Holly Levett 


30


Previous pages & above: Sliding doors and roof lights mean that you can truly immerse yourself in the coastal elements, 

come rain or shine. Large linen sofas from OKA provide plenty of space to lounge while enjoying the incredible vista 

Simon Tyler is a person who, 

‘enjoys a project’. In 2003 he 

and his wife did something for 

their twentieth wedding anniversary 

which they had been talking about 

for some time – they bought a second 

home in the UK. Not in St Ives or 

the north Norfolk coast, but close to 

the alluring headland of Dungeness, 

with its stark landscapes, famed for its 

nuclear power station and being the 

home of the artist Derek Jarman. 

Greatstone isn’t your typical location 

for a holiday home, but the proximity 

to London was a real draw for the 

couple, because they wanted something 

which was within easy access of where 

they live. I asked Simon what criteria 

they were looking for in their home 

from home. “We wanted a house where 

we could park the car in the front and 

walk onto a beach at the back.” The 

estate agents weren’t very optimistic, he 

continues, “They said that these type 

of properties never come up.” Shortly 

after, two arrived on the market at once. 

Visiting one of the houses, it wasn’t 

immediately obvious to Simon and 

his wife that it was the home they 

had envisioned. “When we first saw 

the house it didn’t have a proper front 

door, it was idiosyncratic and had ugly 

1970s extensions.” It wasn’t perfect, 

but they could see the potential and 

bought their dream in 2004. With 

a front door, this house became a 

place for them to come and enjoy an 

environment away from their day-today 

lives. They’ve occasionally rented 

it, but for the most part it’s been 

their home, until – in 2021 – they 

decided it was time to modernise. 

Changing opinion of what a holiday 

looked like made renovating the 

property a more viable option, as 

Simon explained. “The pandemic made 

the staycation more popular. There is 

a real appeal to a holiday without the 

hassle of a plane and all that brings. 

More people realised that actually this 

country has a lot to offer.” Working 

with local architect Hollaway, they 

decided to rework the layout and 

rebuild the extension. After gaining 

planning approval work began, but 

hit issues not long after. “We started 

the nine month project in April 2021 

and we finished it 20 months later in 

December 2022.” A rapidly changing 

environment meant the demand for 

materials and lack of supply pushed the 

cost and timescale of the project way 

over what had initially been anticipated. 

“We picked a bad time, but once 

you start you have to keep going.” 

Designing the new house was a 

family affair, with many discussions 

about the layout and what should 

be included. Simon told me, “We 


This page: Centrepiece of the dining area is a 

table made by Barker and Stonehouse, which 

can squeeze 18 on the communal benches. 

The kitchen is made from reclaimed wood 

and the other side of the room is a space 

for relaxing with distressed leather sofas 

used all the family’s experience of 

travelling, holiday homes, letting it 

out previously, and our children’s 

views, as they are experienced Airbnbers.” 

It was important that the build 

was considerate of the environment, 

too. The finished house used much 

of the debris from the job to help 

provide the solid floor base which 

now includes ground source heating. 

Solar panels provide most of the 

electricity and outside an electric car 

charging point is available for visitors. 

The latest in home technology has 

also been included, meaning Simon 

can control most aspects of the 

house from his home in Surrey. 

The design of the finished house 

can be split into two halves – space for 

entertaining and the more functional 

rooms. “The house has three big drama 

areas – the sitting room, kitchen/ 

diner – where people spend most of 

their time.” Drama is certainly the 

right word, with all the pizzazz saved 

for these rooms, a contrast from the 

minimalistic spaces and furnishings 

throughout the rest of the house. 

“There is so much to look at outside, 

so we have tried to keep the internals 

plain and natural,” says Simon. 

Walking into the house for the first 

time you are naturally drawn into the 

kitchen/diner. This tremendous 


34

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Looking for inspiration to revamp 

your house or apartment..? 

You can see 

more images of this 

beautiful interior here: 

priceless-magazines.com/ 

interiors/ 

the-g-plan-clan/ 

...then be sure to check out next month’s 

Love your Home Supplement, full of all the 

advice and visuals you’ll need to get started 


Above: Vintage posters add pops of colour 

to the pristine white walls on one side of 

the sitting room Left: A velvet corner sofa 

provides cosy seating in the cinema room 

space opens up to the outside through 

an entirely glazed beach-facing wall, 

where the windows open up to create a 

breakfast bar between the outside and 

in. “When the doors are open it looks 

like one room,” says Simon. “The house 

is set up to draw you to the back of 

the building – as you enter you can see 

right through and you follow the light.” 

The family loves cooking and this 

room is made for it. Two induction 

hobs and two extra wide ovens make 

self-catering en masse a thing of ease. 

Venturing over to the dining area, the 

custom table is the centrepiece of the 

room. Made by Barker and Stonehouse, 

it can squeeze 18 on the communal 

benches which run down either side 

for convivial group meals. Some of the 

kitchen is made from reclaimed wood 

and it’s one of many areas they have 

invested in quality. “The house is meant 

to be used, it’s likely to be bashed 

around a little bit – distressed and 

reclaimed surfaces can absorb such use.” 

At the other side of the room is 

a space for relaxing, with distressed 

leather sofas next to a fold down 

table football table, which is very 

popular with the kids. Limestone 

flooring inside and out helps to further 

integrate the house with its landscape. 

Upstairs, external privacy fencing 

works like blinkers on a horse, directing 

your line of sight outward, towards 

the sea. At high tide it’s just 50 metres 

away, Simon says, “It does feel like 

you’re sitting on the water’s edge of 

a lake when the tide is in.” There’s 

also a lockable store in the garden 

packed with things to keep you full 

of holiday spirit, including a BBQ, 

pizza oven and table tennis table. 

Alongside the kitchen/diner you 

come to a laundry area and the first of 

six en suite bedrooms. The two ground 

floor bedrooms are ideal for members of 

a group who may have mobility needs 

as they don’t have to negotiate any 

stairs. The design of all the bedrooms is 

functional in nature, providing flexible 

sleeping arrangements with some 


“There is so much to look at outside, so we have 

tried to keep the internals plain and natural.” 

This page: To the rear of the sitting room, a seating and breakfast area 

provides a handy halfway point between the kitchen and the upstairs 

nice touches. There are no cupboards, instead each 

room has mobile hanging rails. “People tend to live out 

of a case when they’re away for a week,” says Simon. 

Walking upstairs you emerge into the first floor 

sitting room, where the seating next to the stairwell is 

a great place to catch up with a bit of work if needs 

must. “From here you have a fantastic view and can 

keep an eye on the kids in the garden.” A breakfast 

area provides a handy halfway point between the 

kitchen and the upstairs, saving additional journeys 

when all you want is a cup of tea. And the sea facing 

wall is once again fully exposed to the elements, this 

time glazed roof lights bring in yet more light. Large 

linen sofas from OKA provide plenty of space to 

lounge while enjoying the incredible vista and behind 

there is a striking piece of driftwood art which fits 

perfectly into the room – Simon explains, “It’s the 

roots of a tree, that looks a bit like a jellyfish or an 

octopus”. Original 1920s posters on the wall hark 

back to a golden era of railway travel and a time not 

long after this area emerged from the sea, as Simon 

told me. “The area is interesting as it used to be 

underwater. It was reclaimed from the sea in the 

1890s, and no house on the road is older than 


38

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This page: The airy master suite – with its roll top bath 

from Aston Matthews – looks straight out to sea 

axis 

1920.” Outside the sitting room the verandah has stairs 

to the garden, making the house effortless to navigate. 

Behind the sitting room are a further three bedrooms. 

Each is themed to past holiday destinations that the family 

have been on. There is Jamaica and Ibiza. Puglia was a 

trip for a 60th birthday and upstairs the master suite is St 

Lucia, where the couple enjoyed their honeymoon. In all 

the rooms, a themed print brings a sprinkling of colour 

which is accentuated with a matching throw. “We wanted 

to put a bit of our history into the house and holiday 

makers don’t want our family photos on the walls.” 

A glazed staircase takes you up again, this time to the 

top of the house and the principal bedroom – a space 

that certainly makes the most of the view. With a span 

of glass doors that open to the sea, it’s a stunning, lightflooded 

space. Outside a balcony area is large enough for 

other guests to come and enjoy the sunset. A freestanding 

bath from Aston Matthews allows you to soak the 

day away whilst gazing out over the beach. “The only 

problem is that you can see into the bedroom from the 

beach”. Luckily an intricate set of electric blinds from 

Grand Designs Blinds are on hand to save blushes. 

A super king size bed enhances the feeling that you’re 

in a five star hotel. “It’s great, there is room for us, the 

dog and our grandchildren to share the view!” Like 

the rest of the house, this room is simply furnished 

with white walls and neutral decor, with attention 


paid to the functional elements which help to maximise 

guests’ enjoyment. On the ceiling another subtle detail that 

you could easily miss is the silent wooden fan which is an 

exact replica of a Spitfire propeller. Made by the Henley 

Fan Company it’s a piece Simon is particularly fond of. 

From the top of the house there is only one way to 

go, back downstairs and through the cinema room 

which is great for evening entertainment, before 

making your way back the way you came. 

I kept coming back to the impressive attention to detail 

in this house. It’s a functional home designed from years’ 

 

This page: Behind the sitting room are a further three 

bedrooms. Each are themed to past holiday destinations 

that Simon and his wife have been on. There is Jamaica and 

Ibiza. Puglia was a trip for Simon’s wife’s 60th birthday 


42

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Designing the new house was 

a family affair, with many 

discussions about the layout 

and what should be included. 

“We used all the family’s 

experience of travelling, holiday 

homes, letting it out previously, 

and our children’s views, as they 

are experienced Airbnb-ers.” 

worth of experience living the family 

life, both with younger children 

and fully grow adults with families 

of their own. It’s simply decorated 

to place the real focus on the great 

outdoors, helping visitors to discover 

and fall in love with the area in the 

way that Simon and his family have. 

Waters Edge is a second home in 

the truest sense of the word, where 

they have spent many happy years. It 

is a place for people to come and be 

together, appreciate the wild landscape 

and each other. It’s an incredible home 

which makes the most of its location 

and which you can’t help but fall for. 

So, what next for Simon? One 

final build before he hangs up 

his boots? “We are doing one 

last bit of work on our existing 

house... I do love a project.” 

Address Book: 

For more information on 

booking a holiday at Waters Edge, 

through Bloom Stays, see 

bloomstays.com/property/waters-edge 

Come and meet the Bloom Stays 

team who will be hosting the 

Bloom Stays Garden Room at this 

month’s Wealden Times Midsummer 

Fair (8th-10th June). Enjoy a coffee 

and slice of cake whilst planning 

your day at the fair and take a look 

at some of the incredible staycation 

properties Bloom have on their books. 

Aston Matthews astonmatthews.co.uk 

Barker and Stonehouse 

barkerandstonehouse.co.uk 

Grand Design Blinds 

granddesignblinds.com 

Hollaway hollawaystudio.co.uk 

OKA oka.com 


MIDSUMMER 

ART EXHIBITION 

24th - 25th June 10 - 4pm 

Greenfinch Gallery at King John’s Nursery 

Etchingham, TN19 7AZ 

RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and 

Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets. Various 

antique, old and new Kilims are available. We offer a professional 

hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique 

carpets - even damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations. 

312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, 

RICHMOND, LONDON, SW14 7JN. 

TEL: 020 8876 0070 WWW.RUGSTOREONLINE.CO.UK 

Further info: greenfinchshop.co.uk 

RugStoreWT251.indd 1 10/03/2023 GreenfinchShopWT253.indd 15:42 

1 04/05/2023 11:06:08 

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ORDER OUR 

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46 

GabriellaJamesChairmakersWT253.indd 1 11/05/2023 16:53:23

Get the 

LOOK 

1 Woood hugo shelf with wine glass rack £49.95 Cuckooland cuckooland.com 2 Nice - Côte d’Azur and Alfa Romeo 

8C-2900 - Lake Como posters (both limited edition of 280 97x63.5cm) both £420 Pullman Editions pullmaneditions.com 

3 Blanc d’Ivoire Jules armchair in cream boucle £795 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com 4 Lennox bench £141.76 

and corner bench £659.25, and Temperley small dining table £464.26, all The Lounge Co theloungeco.com 5 Toudon 

herringbone blue stripe cushion £45 French Bedroom frenchbedroomcompany.co.uk 6 Nantucket bowl £708 Arteriors 

arteriorshome.com 7 Andalucia Cadiz rug £165 Weaver Green weavergreen.com 8 Harmonia coffee table £1,195 OKA oka.com 


Home 

where the 

is 

Art is 

Above: The bedroom of a Surrey farmhouse decorated with 

Piedmontese Aubergine paint Francesca’s Paints desenio.com 

Industry 

experts share 

advice on how to style art 

work in an interior design scheme 

Above: Desino posters including Le Jardin No.13 from £15.95, Nuances d’ètè from 

£8.95, Flower Ornament No.1 from £9.95, Très Chic from £9.95 desenio.com 

“If you already have 

a gallery wall, then think about 

adding some new prints or switching up 

older ones to revitalise the space. We have an 

eclectic mix of witty and whimsical limited-edition 

prints to make your walls anything but ordinary. Even 

if space is short, there’s always room for more artwork! 

You can never have too much colour, print and texture 

in a room in our opinion, so don’t be afraid to layer 

up and hang artwork on top of bold, patterned 

wallpaper for a space packed with personality.” 

– Jamie Watkins, Co-founder, 

Divine Savages divinesavages.com 

5 Top Tips from Belgravia Gallery 

Managing Director of Belgravia Gallery, Laura Walford tells us how to best add art to your interior scheme 

Decorating a home with art can be daunting – where 

to start? There’s so much to consider – style, size, 

colours, medium, framing, and of course, cost. We 

invest huge amounts of time, energy and money into 

our homes and art is often something only thought 

about at the end. Here’s some of our key advice: 

Start with the art 

We believe that it’s art that makes your house a home and 

that if you can, it’s a good idea to consider what you will 

have on your walls from the beginning of a project – don’t 

leave it as an afterthought at the end. 

Framing 

You don’t always need to buy completely new pieces to 

update the art in your home. Have a look at what you 

already have and consider new frames. So many people 

move home or renovate and think they don’t like what they 

already have – but a new frame really can breathe a new 

lease of life into an artwork. Framing can be expensive but 

is definitely worth it. 

Break it down 

Take it room by room. Start with your most used room 

(kitchen or living room for most people), with the key 

spaces such as above the sofa or over the fireplace. Search 

online for galleries locally and take an afternoon to go and 

have a look in them – there is nothing like seeing work in 

the flesh to judge whether you actually like it. 

Don’t be intimidated 

Buying art which you will live with for a long time can feel 

intimidating. Ask lots of questions, don’t be afraid to voice 

your thoughts and negotiate a price! 

Use a professional installer 

They don’t cost a fortune and make so much difference to 

the overall feel of how the art looks. Try Pembridge Services 

(pembridgeservices.com) Joby is great and can help you create 

the most amazing gallery wall displays all evenly spaced and 

straight. Not easy on your own! 

Find out more at belgraviagallery.com

HOW TO MAKE THE 

PERFECT GALLERY WALL 

Annica Wallin, Executive 

Creative Director at Desenio, 

shares 3 top tips 

Be careful with colour 

Overcrowding a space with 

clashing prints and pictures can 

feel busy and overwhelming. If 

you want to use multiple prints 

or create a gallery wall with 

busy pieces, pick five prints in 

complementary colourways. Follow 

a set colour palette and incorporate 

colourways that radiate light and 

warmth. Neutral colours are often 

favoured but a pop of colour in the 

centre of your wall can make the 

room feel bigger. 

What’s Underneath 

“For the wall behind your artwork, choose a colour based on 

the shades, tones and accents within the piece – colours that are 

strong enough to form a backdrop but which do not compete 

with the artwork itself. You want to create contrast and clear 

definition so that the piece really pops. For instance, if there are 

yellowish tones in the frame and/or painting, avoid paints with 

yellow hues and undertones. Darker paint shades such as brown 

and purple can create a sense of drama, helping to position the 

artwork as a focal point in the room. Also, opt for matt instead of 

sheen, as it helps to combat any reflections caused by light.” 

– Francesca Wezel, Founder of Francesca’s Paints francescaspaint.com 

Below: Wensleydale by HM 

King Charles III 46x61cm 

limited edition signed lithograph 

£7,000 Belgravia Gallery 

belgraviagallery.com 

istockphoto.com/ natrot & Maria_Galybina 

Practice makes perfect 

Before you hang your art, take 

a few minutes to experiment 

with placement. Usually, we 

recommend spacing frames 

5-10cm apart. But you could also 

try hanging them closer together 

for the look of one solid piece. It 

all comes down to your personal 

taste and style. Another tip is to 

use ‘no damage wall hooks’ so 

you can rearrange throughout 

the seasons without repairing the 

walls or dealing with nails. 

Measure for success 

Hanging pictures too high will 

take away from the piece and 

look wrong to the eye. A universal 

rule is to place the centre of a 

gallery wall approximately 145cm 

above the floor, but do feel free to 

experiment with this rule (if you 

have a high ceiling it may have 

to be adjusted slightly). If you’re 

placing art above a sofa or other, 

larger piece of furniture, the lowest 

hanging frame should be at least 

15cm above the furniture’s edge. 

Above: Tulipan wallpaper, Dakota armchair in Szekely Folk Feketerigo 

lamp shade, and Botanical wall art £149 Mind the Gap mindtheg.uk 

49 

Above: Bloomin’ Marvellous ‘Blush Green’ Wallpaper 

£150 Divine Savages divinesavages.com

Belgravia Gallery 

S U R R E Y H I L L S 

A R T T H A T M A K E S 

A H O U S E A H O M E 

HM KING CHARLES III CHARLIE MACKESY DAMIEN HIRST 

SIR PETER BLAKE NELSON MANDELA HEATHER DUNCAN 

JAN COUTTS BETTINA SEITZ IAN THOMSON HENRI MATISSE 

www.belgraviagallery.com

Two Halves of a Whole 

Art events are often split into two categories – those that teach us how to create and those that show us the 

creations of others. The Landmark Arts Centre in Teddington seeks to blur the lines for a more dynamic 

experience. We talk to Abigail Thomas, Visual Arts Curator (pink) and Gregory Emfietzis, Creative Learning 

Manager (blue), to find out what makes this unique space tick 

istockphoto.com/ Punnarong 

hat exhibitions and events 

do you have planned for 

the coming months? 

We will have Gaia by Luke Jerram and 

Art Retreats in August too – it’s going 

to be a crazy summer. There is so much 

happening in and around Gaia. It’s more 

than just an exhibition. 

Yes Gaia is something I wanted to 

programme for a long time. We expect 

over a thousand people a day will be 

coming to see it. I can’t wait for Gaia, 

and the thousands of new audiences 

that will be able to attend with the 

free tickets we are giving away. 

How do you make the Landmark 

Arts Centre engaging for visitors? 

I’ve always liked complementing 

our exhibitions with live events or 

demonstrations. Since being at the 

Landmark, I have found that visual arts 

audiences are rarely spectators, they are 

passionate ‘thinkers and doers’. They 

are the type of person who will get 

more enjoyment from a deeper level 

of understanding. I believe audiences 

flourish when the arts scene is accessible 

and exciting. For example, at a recent 

art fair we chose to document the 

event, not with photographs, but with 

incredible drawings by a local artist. The 

line drawings communicate more than 

a photograph, and our visitors loved the 

surprise of finding themselves depicted 

in artwork which they could buy. 

Yes and if someone is interested 

in an artwork, we can enrich their 

experience by showing them more 

of the process and the practical. We 

offer demonstrations, trial classes 

and even year round courses. 

What do you love most about your roles? 

One of the reasons I love being the 

visual arts curator here is that we aren’t 

just a gallery – creative learning keeps 

the building vibrant all year round. 

It’s true. Somehow we manage to 

squeeze more and more in every year. 

The summer used to be a quiet time 

for us, but this summer is the busiest 

ever. I have loved working at the 

Landmark for a long time, but I think 

I am more excited about the work we 

are beginning now than I have been 

about anything we have done so far. 

You recently got a new Director, Harper 

Ray, how is his influence changing things? 

Harper is always looking for ways to 

engage and develop artists. He has 

shown us how the bigger picture relies 

on that. It’s a more collaborative and 

supportive way to look at the arts. 

That is true. Also, our departments – arts 

curation and creative learning – were 

always quite separate, and our audiences 

were considered separate too, but now 

we have been given the freedom to blur 

the boundaries between the two. By 

working together, we view art less as an 

endpoint in the creative process, and in 

doing so we make the arts scene more 

sustainable. If your business was printing 

books, then to be sustainable you might 

plant trees and teach reading. For us, 

growing both artists and audiences 

improves the sustainability of our work. 

One could see the number of exhibitions 

we stage and think that the visual 

arts programme is why we have arts 

audiences, but they are not the driving 

force, they are the proof. Well attended 

exhibitions are evidence that the area is 

full of passionate and informed people. 

I agree, creative learning may not seem 

in the same league as professional art 

exhibitions, but learning about art 

helps to grow an appetite for it, and 

so our art classes develop an authentic 

cultural landscape. It’s not enough 

to put on an exciting exhibition – a 

love of art needs to be nurtured 

year-round in the community. 

What are your art classes like? 

The classes at the Landmark are taught 

by exceptionally talented tutors who 

are all working artists. When sourcing 

tutors, we look for the same qualities as 

we do for exhibiting artists – we both 

value excellence and look for original 

voices. We want to fill the building 

with artists that have the capacity to 

delight and inspire. But the classes 

are also all about bringing people 

together. Art is how we contextualise 

the world and express ourselves. 

We sometimes talk about creating a 

‘culture of creativity’, in which we give 

opportunities for everyone to be creative. 

Yes, they are all about sharing a love 

of the arts and a wish to communicate 

that joy to others. My arts practice 

can often feel like meditation, there 

is no pressure of an endpoint, and 

there is no exam. There is just the 

joy of personal artistic endeavour. I 

know our tutors also feel like this; 

they are not simply giving instruction, 

they are passing on their passion. 

For more information about upcoming 

exhibitions and classes at The Landmark 

Arts Centre visit landmarkartscentre.org 


Limited to editions of 280, our newly-commissioned Art 

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sales tax). Private commissions are are also also welcome. 

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His & Hers 

We get to know husband and wife abstract artists, Russell Hatton and Kirsty Mackay 

Golden Andalusite by Russell Hatton (150cm) 

£6,000 at The Art Gallery theartagency.co.uk 

Compulsion by Kirsty Mackay (90x90cm) 

£995 at The Art Gallery theartagency.co.uk 

What fuels your creativity? A desire to leave behind a body 

of work that is tangible and has integrity, with the use of 

innovative paint and materials. 

What or who are your greatest influences? I admire the work 

of architects and sculptors, particularly the work of Frank 

Gehry and Richard Serra. Although my paintings are on an 

aluminium flat surface, I try to achieve a 3D plane allowing 

the viewer to delve far within the painting. 

Where do you create your pieces? In my studio surrounded by 

my equipment, paints, materials and music. Music is the 

most influential part of my work which helps to contribute 

to the creative process. 

Can you describe a typical day in your life as an artist? A day 

in my working life can be extremely busy, but the most 

satisfying days are the ones which allow me to solely practice 

my art – to experiment, practice and create a piece which has 

the integrity and beauty I am hoping to achieve. 

How do people react to your work? I receive an extremely 

positive reaction to my work; there is a fascination with 

my process and the multi-layering of my paintings. I 

have clients all over the world, and when not in my 

studio I can often be found delivering and hanging 

work for the most interesting of people. 

Where do you exhibit? I have exhibited within galleries in 

England, Ireland, Scotland and France, and also exhibit at art 

fairs around Europe and America. 

What fuels your creativity? A need to lose myself within my 

work, to take myself to a place where through my practice I 

can completely exist within my art. 

What or who are your greatest influences? My mother – she 

taught me from a very early age to look at and engage with 

Art. As a teacher and a painter herself, she knew I had to 

find myself with the world of creativity. I admire the work of 

Eva Hesse whose work evokes emotion through materiality. 

The process of making fascinates me and, although I paint, I 

do refer to myself as a maker. 

Where do you create your pieces? Within my studio, away from 

the busy world – a place I can control and reflect. 

Can you describe a typical day in your life as an artist? The 

most interesting aspect of my work is the many facets 

involved – from working within the art world, from the 

experience of painting to visiting galleries or working at art 

fairs, each day can bring a completely new experience. 

How do people react to your work? Due to my working in the 

field of abstract painting and its relationship to the world, 

clients often look deep within my paintings to connect with 

the pattern, imagery and colour. I often say a painting has to 

relate and talk to you, which is one of life’s pleasures. As each 

artist produces something from within themselves, the viewer 

will extract that which directly resonates with them. 

Where do you exhibit? At galleries and fairs around the UK, 

and I’m also hoping to exhibit within Europe shortly. 

To see more of Kirsty Mackay and Russell Hatton’s art and purchase a piece for yourself, visit theartagency.co.uk 

istockphoto.com/ Milovan Kitanovic & Carabus 


Take an 

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White Cottage, Green Lane, Boughton Monchelsea, 

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We are open by appointment throughout the year, 

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GrahamClarkeWT253.indd 1 04/05/2023 12:02:21 

Red Shawl by Craig Mooney South bank from Jubilee Bridge by Jo Quigley Golden Andalusite by Russell Hatton 

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54 

ArtAgencyWT253.indd 1 16/05/2023 17:13:56

istockphoto.com/ Kseniya Lapteva 

1 2 

3 

4 5 

Finders & Keepers 

Whether you’re looking to explore the world of art or find a new 

purchase, these exhibitions and galleries are all great places to start 

1. Beverley Johnson at 

West End House Gallery 

Throughout June 

Water Lane, Smarden TN27 8QB 

The featured artist at West End House 

Gallery for June will be printmaker 

Beverley Johnson. Beverley lives and works 

in Aylesford, and specialises in linocuts. 

The acquisition of an original Albion 

printing press proved to be a turning point 

from which her printmaking practice has 

developed and flourishes. Her prints are 

often based in nature with a wonderfully 

simple graphic feel to them. 

westendhousegallery.co.uk 

2. Graham Clarke at Up the 

Garden Studio 

Fri 16 – Sun 18 Jun, Fri 21 – 

Sun 23 Jul, Fri 25 – Sun 27 Aug 

& Fri 15 – Sun 17 Sep (11am-3pm) 

Meadow View Road, Boughton 

Monchelsea, Maidstone, ME17 4LF 

A fascinating and characterful studio gallery, 

Up The Garden Studio is a peek into the 

heart and mind of local legend, Graham 

Clarke. Inside, you’ll find a vast collection of 

intricate and often hilarious limited edition 

etchings, produced entirely by hand from 

start to finish. You’ll see where the intriguing 

process takes place and all the paraphernalia 

involved, while browsing witty and 

whimsical etchings, books, greetings cards 

and posters. Graham is sometimes on hand 

for a chat and if not his family will happily 

welcome you and explain the copper-plate 

etching process and share the stories behind 

this huge collection of work. 

grahamclarke.co.uk 

3. Gaia by Luke Jerram comes 

to Landmark Arts Centre 

From 10 May 

Ferry Road, Teddington TW11 9NN 

Luke Jerram’s monumental new Earth 

artwork, Gaia, measures 7 metres across, 

and hangs suspended in the Landmark’s 

stunning historic space, slowly revolving 

to the sound of a specially composed track 

by Dan Jones. The exhibition will have 

all sorts going on around it, including late 

night openings, music concerts and family 

activities, but the star of the show will 

certainly be Gaia itself. With the help of 

imagery from NASA’s Visible Earth series, 

it offers a unique perspective on our home 

planet, allowing us to see the Earth as if 

from space as usually only astronauts can. 

As a visual representation of the fragility 

and beauty of the Earth, it inspires a feeling 

of awe, a profound understanding of the 

interconnectivity of life, and a sense of 

responsibility for the environment. 

landmarkartscentre.org 

4. Wellness Expression 

at Trew Art 

Throughout July 

11 The Parade, Claygate KT10 0PD 

While not always easy to do, finding the 

time for a break to explore galleries can 

help lift our spirits. This July at Trew Art, 

you’ll find a wealth of inspiring and calming 

art, exploring themes of reflection, family, 

nature, animals, travel and down-to-earth 

words. Artists featured will include Damien 

Hirst, Amber Goldhammer, Doug Hyde, 

and The Connor Brothers (the artists 

behind the pictured It Is What It Is 23x33” 

limited edition £1,495). 

trewart.com 

5. Under The Rainbow Events’ 

Summer Exhibition 

Tue 16 May – Mon 19 June (11am-8pm 

Mon-Sat & 11am-5pm Sun) 

Lower Rose Gallery, Bluewater, 

Greenhithe, Kent DA9 9SB 

This summery event promises to showcase 

both professional and emerging talent 

from across the UK, including Wealden 

Times Fairs favourite Cathy McClymont 

(pictured). Alongside over 60 exhibiting 

artists, there will be displays from local 

schools and community projects, as well 

as donated artwork for sale in support of 

My Shining Star – a local charity which 

supports families of children with cancer. 

All artwork is for sale and available to 

take away on the day. 

utrevents.co.uk 


Love 

Lots of 

We speak to Buffy Parker, Managing Director of Parker Fine Art Auctions 

and Ed Beer, Paintings Specialist at Woolley and Wallis Salisbury 

Salerooms Ltd to find out how best to acquire art through auction 

Art from top to bottom 

1: Paul Henry (Irish, 1876- 

1958), landscape with 

turfstacks and mountains, 

oil on canvas. Sold in 2022 

for £150,000 at Woolley & 

Wallis 

2: Sold at Parker Fine Art 

Auctions for £10,000 

3: Frances Hodgkins (New 

Zealander, 1869-1947), 

Still Life, watercolour 

£8,000-12,000. To be sold 

on 7th June at Woolley & 

Wallis 

4: Sold at Parker Fine Art 

Auctions for £24,000 

hat is the biggest advantage 

of buying art at auction? 

The huge variety of pictures to choose 

from. Our monthly sales have something for 

all tastes and budgets, from old masters to 

contemporary greats. 

Buying at auction can be like buying wholesale 

rather than retail – prices are often below those 

you would find in a gallery. 

What’s currently trending and how can 

you choose the best investment? 

We have recently seen a boom in sales of 

Modern British pictures and works by female 

artists. However, the art market is famously 

unpredictable and all investments carry risk. The 

golden rule is to buy pictures that you like so, 

even if they don’t appreciate in value, you still 

have the joy of owning them. 

Unless you are an expert (or have a crystal 

ball!) investing in art and antiques can be a risky 

business. The best strategy is to buy what you 

love, then you won’t mind if it loses you money. 

I wouldn’t advise investing in any items that are 

“hot right now” as they’ll generally be at the top 

of their market and are only likely to eventually 

depreciate in value. 

Should you see the item before you bid 

or attend the auction in person? 

We’d recommend seeing an item first, although 

all of our lots are illustrated online with highresolution 

images and we provide condition 

reports on request. Nothing compares to viewing 

a picture in real life to appreciate its scale and 

subtleties of colour, so please do come and view. 

We are open for a week, including the weekend, 

before every sale. As for the day itself, you don’t 

have to attend the auction, you can bid online or 

by phone, but it’s fun to be there! 

We always recommend viewing art before you 

buy as there’s really no substitute for seeing it 

in the flesh. Art is subjective so seeing the piece 

in person will help you appreciate the colours, 

brushwork and (importantly!) size. However, 

a good auction house will provide a condition 

report and extra high resolution photos and 

for modern artworks, condition is often less 

of a problem so viewing is less important. We 

always recommend attending auctions, but also 

understand it isn’t always practical and with 

telephone, absentee and internet bidding there is 

no longer a need to be present at the sale. 

£10+VAT per lot to sell in one of our auctions – 

other auctioneers charge the seller a percentage of 

the hammer price as a commission. Buyers also 

pay a fee – our buyer’s premium is 25%, which is 

in line with most other auction houses. 

All auctions are subject to buyer’s premium, 

but the percentage varies depending on whether 

you’re buying at a London saleroom or a village 

hall auction. For many 21st and 20th century 

artists, a fee called Artist’s Resale Right also 

applies on any work over €1,000, which is 

a sort of royalty, and starts at 4%. If you are 

importing or exporting any object then other 

costs need to be taken into account; as would 

UK shipping if you are buying remotely or 

the artwork won’t fit into a standard car! 

How do you know if the piece is worth the price? 

An auction is a free and open marketplace 

where items find their own price. Our experienced 

picture specialist (who celebrates 50 years’ 

experience in the art world this year!) assigns every 

lot a guide price considering its quality, popularity, 

condition, and scarcity. 

The joy of an auction is that the open market 

decides the price. Again, if it’s something you love 

then the price is less important, but there is no 

point in paying over the odds for something that 

is available cheaper elsewhere. If you are buying a 

work by a particular artist then do some research 

beforehand and see what sort of prices their work 

makes at auction. Most auctioneers will be able to 

give you some guidance beforehand to help you 

set your bidding level. 

What’s the most memorable piece 

you’ve ever auctioned? 

A collection of paintings, drawings and 

prints which had been put together over half a 

century. Estimated at £63,000, the collection 

totalled £406,000! The auction was held during 

lockdown, so no-one was present in the saleroom, 

but there were 1,500 online bidders. Each piece 

was a superb example of the artist’s work. 

That’s a tough one! One of the most 

memorable pieces of the last year was a painting 

by Sir William Nicholson that was commissioned 

by Siegfried Sassoon and came to us via his 

descendants. It wasn’t a large canvas, but was a 

particularly good example of Nicholson’s work. 

That and the provenance meant it surpassed all 

expectations on the day and sold for £550,000 – a 

record price for any work by this artist. 

istockphoto.com/ natrot & Paket 

Can you explain a little about the 

less obvious costs at auction? 

We are unique for charging our vendors just 

To find an auction and discover your next 

art piece visit parkerfineartauctions.com and 

woolleyandwallis.co.uk 


56

Sold on 11 May for £11,000 

NOW ACCEPTING ENTRIES 

FOR OUR JULY AUCTION 

To sell with us costs just £10 (plus VAT) per lot 

This includes all commission, illustration and insurance 

info@parkerfineartauctions.com 

01252 20 30 20 www.parkerfineartauctions.com


58

Two Pocketfuls 

of Rye 

Sisters Cherry and Heather formed the perfect 

partnership to revamp a pair of historic 

cottages in Rye’s picturesque Citadel 

Words: Jo Arnell 



www.roseandrust.co.uk 

Garden Collection 

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Rose&RustWT253.indd 1 15/05/2023 10:56:47 

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60 

WoodworkWT238.indd 1 04/02/2022 12:15

Previous pages & above: The sitting room is at the front of the house, with a large window looking out onto the cobbled street. The walls are painted 

in Stone III from Paint & Paper Library, and the velvet sofa is from Sofa Workshop. A large illustrated map of Rye is by artist Richard Adams 

Rye Citadel, sitting up on the 

hill above Romney Marsh, 

is a medieval high point in 

a sheep-speckled landscape that was 

once on the sea bed. Its place as an 

important trading point and defensive 

stronghold has slipped into history, 

but this beautiful old town remains 

an iconic place, whether you are on a 

pilgrimage to see some seafaring history, 

maybe visit Henry James’s (National 

Trust) house, or walk where the famous 

fictional creations of E F Benson’s 

Mapp and Lucia are said to have 

roamed (their home town of Tilling 

is widely known to be based on Rye). 

If you just want a quiet getaway in a 

picturesque seaside retreat, you can’t do 

much better than this historic town. 

Climbing up Mermaid Street (so 

named, let’s hope, because a shoal of 

mermaids once lived there) and into 

the heart of the Citadel, we are swept 

back to ancient days; many of the 

houses are medieval, or Tudor, listed 

and preserved in their entirety. To 

add to the time traveller atmosphere 

no car parking is allowed on the 

cobbled streets. A daily curfew is in 

place for deliveries – and as we 

 


Above left & left: The panelled entrance passage is 

illuminated thanks to the clever addition of a glass panel 

fitted into one wall of the sitting room’s huge inglenook 

Above right: An antique table was the perfect find to fit 

with the low window. The rattan shade is from Cox & Cox 

arrive, vans and trucks are busy beating a hasty 

retreat, lest they be ticketed, or towed away. 

Our destination – just down from St Mary’s church, 

is one of the few houses in the Citadel that, from the 

outside at least, looks a little different. The timber frame 

has been tastefully updated from the traditional black 

and white – not an easy feat for a listed property. 

“We wanted a softer, more subtle look,” says owner 

Cherry. “It took a bit of a fight, but we got there.” 

As we are shown more of the house and Cherry 

explains its history, it becomes clear that issues with 

planners about the house exterior were easy to deal 

with when compared with the initial purchase. 

Cherry and her family live in London, but she had 

lived in Rye as a child, and they came down for holidays 

and to visit family regularly. They would stay either 

near to her mother’s home, or in Rye – at The George 

hotel, or other local places – so it made sense to have a 

more permanent base here. “Once when I was visiting 

mum I saw this place – and made an offer for it that 

same day. I texted my husband to let him know,” she 

pauses, “and then it transpired that the house next door 

was tied to this one. The two properties were marketed 

separately by two different estate agents although they 

had a flying freehold and other complicated issues.” 


62

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

This page: Cherry opted for a Limehouse kitchen by Neptune, which fits snugly into the inglenook in the kitchen 

In fact there are so many codicils 

and tangled rights of way, that the 

Land Registry use these two houses 

as part of their conveyance training. 

It all got incredibly complicated, 

“So, in the end we decided that it 

would be wise to buy next door too,” 

Cherry explains. “Although the day we 

completed I found out I was expecting. 

Not an ideal house for a baby,” she 

adds. “And then recently we acquired 

the strip of garden directly outside our 

house – this is our next little project. 

The hard landscaping has already been 

done and we hope to plant it up very 

shortly so that our guests will have 

use of a very private, hidden away 

courtyard.” They have been using both 

houses for holidays for many years, 

“and having two separate dwellings 

actually became very useful as the 

children became teenagers, but as they 

have got older and stopped wanting 

bucket and spade holidays, we decided 

to rent them out as holiday lets.” 

Cherry’s sister Heather, together 

with her colleagues at Evernden 

Interiors, have been responsible for 

most of the ground floor make-overs, 

while Heather and Cherry have 

updated the rooms upstairs together. 

Faced with a listed building that dates 

back to medieval days, it is tempting to 

stick with a traditional look and style, 

preserving the old and keeping as much 

historical character as possible. While 

Cherry was keen to respect the charm 

and quirks of the original features, she 

also wanted to create a comfortable 

and contemporary feel. Together they 

made some bold interior decisions. 

“Bronwyn from Evernden wanted 

Cherry to have a more contemporary 

kitchen,” says Heather. “I would 

definitely have gone for something 

much more country cottage,” Cherry 

adds, as we look around the sleek new 

Limehouse kitchen from Neptune. “The 

guests are always pleasantly surprised, 

too – it has worked really well.” The 

streamlined, neutral toned kitchen has 

the effect of making the room seem 

bigger and complements – rather than 

fights against – the age of the house. 

The kitchen leads out to the staircase 

and then down to a large, Fired Earth 

tiled bathroom and wet room. “The 

bathroom was installed by a previous 

owner and had a door within it that led 

straight to the outside – we blocked that 

up. It’s an odd shape, but it was never 

meant to be a bathroom – there were no 

inside bathrooms back in the day.” 


This page: The walls in the master bedroom, punctuated by striking timbers, are Stone III from Paint & Paper Library, the ceiling is Stone I 

The sitting room is at the front of 

the house, with a large window looking 

out onto the cobbled street. Cherry 

recounts how, when her daughters were 

younger, she once found that they had 

set up shop at the window and were 

busy selling seashells to passing tourists. 

“I suggested that they deliver the 

takings to the verger at the church,” she 

laughs. Happily, her daughters agreed. 

This nice big sitting room window 

has come in very useful over the years 

– and not just for selling seashells 

from – “we’ve had to take the window 

out a number of times to get large 

items of furniture into the house,” says 

Heather, while I admire the table that 

sits perfectly under the window – it is 

such a good fit. “That table is from a 

gallery and homewares shop in Deal 

– Will and Yates. Belinda sourced it 

and then we had the legs chopped 

off,” Heather says nonchalantly. “It 

is just the right width and length 

for the space under the window.” 

And now just the right height too. 

The colour scheme in the sitting 

room is subtle and restful, and a good 

height for a fifteenth century house. 

“Yes, it’s not too beamy either,” says 

Heather. The walls are painted in Stone 

III from Paint & Paper Library, which 

makes a soft neutral backdrop to the 


66

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PurplexMarketingWT253-SURREY.indd 1 17/05/2023 12:58:00

INVITATION TO CONSIGN 

A ne pair of George III Blue John and ormolu mounted vase perfume burners 

Sold for £87,500* 

SOUTH EAST ENGLAND REPRESENTATIVE 

Jeremy Morgan | +44 (0)7812 601098 | jm@woolleyandwallis.co.uk 

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*Visit woolleyandwallis.co.uk/buying for additional charges on nal hammer price

“Our son used to sleep in there when he was 

little,” Cherry smiles, adding, “it would be 

a tight fit now, as he’s over six foot tall.” 

This page: A small door at the foot end of the master bed opens 

to reveal a tiny cubbyhole, just large enough for a child’s bed 

rich velvet sofas – by Sofa Workshop. 

The beautiful teal of the sofas is quietly 

picked up in a small detail of the large 

illustrated map of Rye on the main 

wall – by artist Richard Adams. “We 

posted it on Instagram,” says Cherry, 

“and he got in touch – he was happy 

to know that it ended up in Rye.” 

They have installed panelling in here, 

which adds another layer of depth to the 

room and an air of grown up formality. 

The deadening wall to wall carpet 

has been taken up and the original 

floorboards have been carefully restored. 

A new wood burner was fitted into 

the impressive inglenook fireplace, but 

“the inglenook chimney was in a bad 

state,” says Heather. “We went to install 

the wood burner and really struggled 

to find a scaffolder – as it turns out 

that the chimney is three times higher 

than those in the rest of the street.” 

They used local builder John Fairhall. 

“He has been great,” she says. “It makes 

such a difference to have someone on 

board who knows the area and the 

idiosyncrasies of the citadel – especially 

the no parking, no loading or unloading 

after 10am.” Not at all simple when 

there is building work going on. 

The large window lets the morning 

light into the room, which, for a low 

ceilinged cottage, makes it feel open 

and airy – “I did think about opening 

up the little cupboard at the other end 

of the room too,” says Cherry, “to let 

some light in during the afternoon.” She 

opens the door to a quirky little space 

with a window, that must have once led 

out to the rear of the building – now it 

makes an interesting storage cupboard. 

“We did some extra rewiring in 

the sitting room,” explains Heather, 

“and put in a 5 amp system to enable 

the side lamps to be linked to the 

circuit.” The sitting room wall lights 

are by Jim Lawrence and the lamps 

from Cox & Cox. “We source many 

items from local bric-a-brac and 

antique shops too,” says Heather. 

Upstairs in the master bedroom there’s 

a tiny cubbyhole just large enough for 

a child’s bed. “Our son used to sleep 

in there when he was little,” Cherry 


Top: The smaller apartment’s panelled sitting 

room has been painted in the soothing 

shade of Little Greene Slaked Lime Mid 

Right: The apartment’s master bedroom feels 

very secluded and quiet, with views out across 

the rooftops of Rye to the countryside beyond 

smiles, adding, “it would be a tight 

fit now, as he’s over six foot tall.” 

The walls in this room are Stone III 

from Paint & Paper Library, the ceiling 

is Stone I and the wardrobe has been 

painted in Stone V. In fact the whole 

house is painted in either Stone I, 

II, III or V; this has a unifying effect 

and makes the individual spaces seem 

larger as they can ‘borrow’ from the 

next space. The curtains and blinds 

in here are from Mimi Pickard. 

Outside the smaller bedroom 

there’s an opening that leads through 

to next door – blocked in so that 

the two properties are separate, but 

once a handy route through and – I 

can’t help thinking, back in the 

smuggling days, especially useful. 

We take a quick look next door, 

which has also been redecorated and 

re-carpeted throughout. The master 

bedroom upstairs at the back of this 

smaller property is huge, but feels 

very secluded and quiet, boasting 

fabulous views out across the rooftops 

of Rye to the countryside beyond. 

Naturally it is painted in Stone III. 

“Our decorator, Simon West, did all 

the painting,” says Heather. “He was 

great, in fact we couldn’t have wished 

for a better workforce all round.” 

The whole project – thanks 

Address Book: 

To book a stay at either the cottage or the 

smaller apartment visit www.boho.properties 

Cox & Cox coxandcox.co.uk 

Fired Earth firedearth.com 

Jim Lawrence jim-lawrence.co.uk 

JR Fairhall Builder & Contractor Ltd 

07720 086892 

Mimi Pickard mimipickard.com 

to all concerned – has run very 

smoothly. Together they have used 

their considerable interior talents 

to create two very welcoming 

and tastefully updated homes. 

Neptune neptune.com 

Paint & Paper Library 

paintandpaperlibrary.com 

Richard Adams 

Instagram @richardadamsartist 

Simon West (painter & decorator) 

07523 710630 

Evernden Interiors is now trading as 

Studio Benton studiobenton.co.uk 

Will and Yates willandyates.com 


70

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Attorney, Wills, Court of Protection and Probate. 

We can’t predict the future, but we 

can help you plan for it. Our specialists 

advise individuals and families on 

Wills and inheritance planning, 

Lasting Power of Attorney, probate 

and Will and inheritance disputes. 

Call us today on 

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TicketyBooWT253.indd 1 16/05/2023 13:16:37 

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72 

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73

Nursery Prep Senior Sixth Form 

Lingfield College is a vibrant and successful 

co-educational day school, offering high academic 

standards, leading pastoral care and a wide 

extra-curricular programme, within a supportive 

environment. 

Senior School Open Morning 

23rd September 2023 

Register at www.lingfieldcollege.co.uk 

St Pier's Lane, Lingfield, Surrey 01342 . 838153

DISCOVER 

BRILLIANCE 

millfieldschool.com/open-days 

Independent 

Prep School 

of the Year 

Open Days in October 

and March, book online 

BOYS AND GIRLS, BOARDING 

AND DAY, FOR AGES 2-13

Border: istockphoto.com/ STILLFX 

Contents 

4 THE BUZZ 

We catch up on the latest news from some thriving English schools 

7 WE BUILT A ZOO 

Did you know that Bede’s has an actual zoo? 

We just had to find out more! 

20 

Education Supplement 

9 MEMORIES THAT MADE ME 

Take a trip down memory lane to see how two local 

success stories were shaped by their school experience 

11 MUSIC TO OUR EARS 

Find out how music is enriching the 

lives of young people in the South East 

17 

15 MEET THE HEAD 

We’d like to introduce you to The New Beacon 

Prep School’s new Head, Sarah Brownsdon 

17 HIGH HOPES 

We talk extra-curriculars with Reigate St Mary’s 

13 

18 IN YOUR HEAD 

Find out how our perspective of the mental health 

and wellbeing of our school children is evolving 

4 

15 

20 

11 

5 

17 

18 

Cover Image 

provided by 

Bede’s bedes.org 



Hazelwood Nursery and Early 

Years (HNEY) a large nursery 

located in the commuter town of Oxted, 

provides first class care for 180+ children 

from 9 months to the end of Reception 

Learning when you are under 5 is an adventure and 

Hazelwood is extremely fortunate to have its whole Nursery 

and Early Years on one, large site. This ensures that the children 

have the space, encouragement and wealth of appropriate activities 

to develop into well rounded young children who are confident and 

ready for anything. Their impressive outdoor space and facilities allow 

children to run free and explore. They believe strongly that they are 

laying the foundations for each child’s lifelong learning journey. 

At HNEY, every child gets the best possible start, fostering a 

real love of learning and thirst for knowledge that will see 

them through their whole school career and beyond. 

Reception places available for September 2023. 

If you would like to book a tour, contact 

Admissions Department on 01883 712194 

hazelwoodnursery.org.uk 

Somerhill is celebrating the 

first birthday of Saplings 

Saplings is a programme launched last 

summer to complement Somerhill’s existing 

Pre-School offering and build relevant life skills. 

From resilience and risk taking, to problem solving 

and teamwork, the interweaving of Saplings into the 

children’s Pre-School EYFS experience has been a winner! 

Sarah Woodgate, Saplings Lead said, “At Saplings, children 

can lead their own learning and explore in the peace and quiet 

of nature without a schedule. It has been incredible to watch 

each child build confidence, find their voice and be brave! 

We have noticed that they are then able to transfer 

this confidence back into the classroom.” Parental 

feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with 

over 80 children signed up for Saplings’ 

sessions on a weekly basis. It is so good for 

their mental health to be out in nature. 

somerhill.org 

Surrey school children 

support local Hospital Charity 

On the final day of Spring half term, pupils 

at Danes Hill School in Surrey, held their 

annual Charities Day. This year they fundraised 

for Brompton Fountain Charity and reached a 

spectacular £3,774.80. The Brompton Fountain supports 

the treatment and care of seriously ill children, working 

closely with Royal Brompton Hospital’s paediatric teams. At 

the start of the term, representatives from the charity visited the 

school and told pupils about their life-changing work. On 

Charities Day the children, teachers, and parents came 

together to set up stalls in classrooms and spend their 

pocket money on hook a duck, Wordle challenges, 

find the golden carrot and much more. The 

staff got involved in a fitness challenge 

in which they ran, jogged, walked, 

and cycled 173.15km in total. 

daneshillschool.co.uk 


4

Number One in the 

world: Tonbridge boys win 

Trinity Maths Competition 

istockphoto.com/ Valeriya Pichugina 

A Tonbridge School team has come ‘Top in the 

World’ in the Trinity Maths Competition, an annual 

online contest which tests students’ problem-solving abilities 

under time pressure. More than 150 teams from leading schools 

across the world, including those in China, the US and the UK, 

took part but Tonbridge team ‘e = pi = 3’, made up of students Isaac, 

Hayden, Alex, Catalin, Justin and Sam, finished in first place in the 

entire world. A second Tonbridge team, ‘39 is prime’, also did 

extremely well, achieving 21st place in the world rankings. 

James Ashton, Head of Maths, says, “By any measure, this is 

a remarkable achievement. The second and third places 

went to prestigious Maths schools in the US, and so 

this result confirms Tonbridge’s reputation as one 

The 

of the finest schools for Maths in the country 

and, quite possibly, in the world.” 

tonbridge-school.co.uk 

Buzz 

We catch up with all the latest news from 

thriving education providers 

It’s Awards Season at 

Millfield Prep School 

Sporting Success at The 

Granville, Sevenoaks 

It’s been an incredible year so far at 

The Granville School in Sevenoaks (co-ed 

Pre- School for ages 3-4 and girls’ Prep School 

for ages 4-11). Thanks to the hard work of the PE 

department, expertly led by Natalie Rendle, and the 

girls themselves of course, this small school of around 170 

pupils has placed 3rd nationally in Cross Country, competed at 

the IAPS U11 National Netball finals (1 of only 24 schools to 

qualify) and were runners up in the National Netball Bowl 

Competition. They also placed 4th in the South-East in 

Hockey and will be swimming in the IAPS National 

Championships in June at the London Aquatic 

Centre. Alongside numerous local tournament 

and match victories, it’s clear that this 

small school packs a big punch! 

granvilleschool.org 

Millfield Prep is raking in awards – 

Independent Prep School of the Year 2022/23, 

Sport School of the Year from School Sport 

Magazine 2023, Independent School Inspectorate 

rating of double Excellent 2023, The Week’s Best of the 

Best Prep Schools for Pastoral Care 2023, and Top Good 

Schools Guide Review. The co-educational day and boarding 

school is set in 200 acres of Somerset countryside and offers 

a diverse range of subjects, sports, creative arts and activities, 

supported by outstanding facilities. Everyone lives by the 

school values: Be Kind, Be You, Be Challengers, Be Curious 

and Be Brilliant. Outstanding pastoral care is at the 

heart of everything and they recently launched 

a Wellbeing Curriculum. Alumni include 

Olympic gold medallist swimmer James Guy, 

England Rugby player Chris Robshaw 

and singer-songwriter Ella Eyre. 

millfieldschool.com

MARCH 22 

YOU ARE INVITED 

TO DISCOVER OUR 

LOVELY SCHOOL 

An Independent Catholic nursery 

and primary school welcoming boys 

and girls of all faiths, aged 2-11. 

Nestled in beautiful Wadhurst on the 

borders of Tunbridge Wells. 

Exceptional pastoral care and 

individual academic achievement. 

Outstanding, nurturing Nursery. 

Small classes and wrap around care. 

Scholarship and 11+ success. 

ISI Rated ‘Excellent’ in all areas. 

www.sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk 

Contact us to book a personal tour 

01892 783414 admin@sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk TOP 50 PREP SCHOOLS 2023 

SacredHeartSchoolWT253.indd 1 15/05/2023 12:39:16 

HAPPY CHILDREN FLOURISH 

JOIN US FOR RECEPTION, YEAR 1 AND 2 

Contact us for a Taster Day 

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


6 

ManorHouseSchoolWT253.indd 1 15/05/2023 09:42:37


We built 

a ZOO 

Never work with animals 

or children, they said. 

Forget that! We’ve been 

so excited to hear all 

about Bede’s zoo. 

If you go down to Bede’s Senior 

school, you’re in for a big surprise. 

In the heart of its 120-acre campus, 

in the rural village of Upper Dicker, 

East Sussex, is something rather 

unexpected and it’s actually the first 

of its kind – a zoo within a school! 

Bede’s Zoo is the culmination of 

Bede’s mission to do things differently. 

Set up 10 years ago, it became a member 

of the British and Irish Association of 

Zoos and Aquariums in 2020 and has 

grown over the years to include sixteen 

separate enclosures with 70 species of 

mammal, reptile, amphibian and bird. 

Species include Meerkats, Ring-tailed 

Lemurs, Binturongs, Lemon Doves 

and the most recent arrivals, a pair of 

Rankin’s Dragons. The rarest animals in 

the zoo are three Grandidier’s Vontsira 

- a little-known species of Mongoose 

from a small corner of Madagascar. 

There are just 1,000 remaining in the 

wild, and as part of a drive to save the 

species, nine are held in captivity in 

Europe with the hope that they will 

breed. Four are at Chester Zoo, a further 

two at Magdeburg Zoo in Germany, 

and three are living at Bede’s School. 

This special project is one of many 

conservation projects that the Bede’s 

Zoo team and pupils are involved in. 

The zoo provides a teaching resource, 

which enables pupils to learn and 

to pursue their interests, and allows 

pupils to participate in national and 

international programmes for the 

benefit of wildlife. About 18 sixth 

formers every year study BTEC Animal 

Management at the school – a course 

usually only available at specialist 

colleges. The course studies topics 

including animal welfare and ethics, 

health and disease, animal behaviour, 

practical animal husbandry and work 

experience in the land-based sector. 

Bede’s has a passionate teaching 

team who ensure that pupils receive 

hands-on learning working within the 

zoo. That zoo doesn’t just enrich the 

learning experiences of pupils who 

study BTEC Animal Management, 

it also hosts one of the school’s most 

popular activities – the Zoological 

Society – and often welcomes visits 

from local primary schools and other 

community organisations and groups. 

Connecting with animals is enriching, 

calming and fulfilling for all those 

who visit the zoo. Interacting, feeding 

and gaining the animals’ trust brings 

a sense of purpose and joy to Bede’s 

young people who get to enjoy these 

opportunities within their school day. 

Deputy Head at Bede’s, John 

Tuson, who has overseen the 

development of the zoo and recently 

published a book about the zoos of 

Britain and Ireland, says, “Our school 

zoo, in which a small but significant 

number of pupils study and a greater 

number come in order to benefit 

from being able to spend time with 

animals, is the embodiment of our 

belief that all pupils should be given 

the opportunity to find their niche. 

As a school, we are enormously lucky 

to have such a facility in our midst.” 

Find out more about Bede’s unique 

schooling opportunities at bedes.org 


YES, IT’S A 

CRYING SHAME… 

…that she left it too late to apply for Hurtwood House, 

because it’s simply the best for acting, dancing, 

singing, film-making – “A utopia for creative minds” – 

as the Good Schools Guide says. 

And crucially, this exciting school is equally successful 

academically. In fact, it’s statistically one of the top 

co-ed boarding schools in the UK. 

So, if you’re looking for a really exciting and rewarding 

change of school at 16 – don’t leave it too late. 

Contact Cosmo Jackson or visit our website for more 

information. 

T: 01483 279000 E: info@hurtwood.net 

hurtwoodhouse.com

The school memories of... Rachel Waterhouse, Head of 

Science and Key Stage 3 at Manor House School, Bookham 


My first memory of school is a baby lamb running riot in our classroom being 

chased by nuns! I went to a convent school in Wales. I think that single event was 

quite formative as now when I plan my lessons I always look for that unusual ‘hook 

for learning’ to engage the class. My Senior School Teacher, Mrs Edmonds, fuelled 

my passion for Biology. When I finished my A Levels she gave me a beautiful, 

white owl ornament and said, ‘Whatever you end up doing just stay wise’. 

An A Level module on disease steered my first career path. Having studied Pathology, 

the glamour of TV forensics called. I loved problem solving, particularly in toxicology, 

however out of the lab I realised I was not brave enough! I took a slight detour into 

Tax Accountancy, but it was all maths and no science! One lunchtime I walked over 

Waterloo Bridge and came across The Franklin-Wilkins Building of King’s College 

London, School of Education. I walked in, there and then, and asked about training 

to be a teacher. I had an on-the-spot interview and three weeks later I started my 

PGCE and was back in the grips of Science. It was the best decision I ever made. 

Nineteen years on, every day at Manor House School is different and I can share 

my passion and slightly crazy ‘hooks for learning’ with those who will hopefully 

remember them when they grow up. Going into teaching was my way of staying wise. 

Learn more about Manor House School, Bookham at manorhouseschool.org 

Memories 

that mademe 

In so many ways, our school days shape the 

rest of our lives, so we’re looking back at 

some positive turning points 

istockphoto.com/ Julia August & Miodrag Kitanovic & OksanaTelesheva 

The school memories of... Finn Bruce (Former Hurtwood House Student), 

Award Winning Film Producer, Writer and Founder of Belstone Pictures 

My decision to go to Hurtwood House was motivated by my love of acting, but 

I am eternally grateful for the advice of my headmaster, Cosmo Jackson, to step 

behind the camera and take Media Studies A Level. My teachers Matt McIvor and 

Luke Gilchrist were not your average teachers. Having worked in the film industry, 

they really knew what they were talking about and having them as mentors was lifechanging. 

Before Hurtwood I was disillusioned with school, but making thrillers 

and pop videos in the TV studio and post-production editing suite with Matt 

and Luke, I realised that film was my true calling. They taught me the technical 

expertise, but more importantly they fostered a burning passion in me for film. 

In Hurtwood’s ‘Film Academy’ (think a film school within the school), I directed and 

produced documentaries, and that cemented my decision to go into the film industry and 

be a creative producer. Luke and Matt also gave me the courage and self-belief to pursue 

my dream job. Fast forward to the present and I am delighted to say that I am thriving as 

a film producer, and my first film ‘Tank 432’ was sold to Netflix. I have now won awards 

at many film festivals, something I never thought would be possible as I nervously started 

at Hurtwood all those years ago, full of self-doubt. I am so grateful that I return to 

Hurtwood every year to help current students with their production techniques, catch up 

with Luke and Matt and watch them inspire the next generation of filmmakers. 

Find out more about Hurtwood House at hurtwoodhouse.com 


Mayfield 

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SATURDAY 23 RD SEPTEMBER 2023 

TO ARRANGE A VISIT PLEASE CONTACT MRS SHIRLEY COPPARD, 

REGISTRAR@MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG 

WWW.MAYFIELDGIRLS.ORG

Music to 

our 

Ears 

Local schools tell us how they inspire 

pupils to play and enjoy music 

IN HARMONY 

At Chinthurst, we want our children to be happy and 

confident young people, with a lifelong love of learning and 

the foundations for a happy and successful adulthood. Music 

enriches life and is an important part of the curriculum. 

We aim to foster a passion for music by making it fun 

and inspiring – an exciting and a joyful part of the day. 

The whole school sings together at assemblies and three 

choirs regularly rehearse and perform to a high standard. 

Every year group benefits from specialist music teaching 

within the curriculum, developing their musical abilities 

as well as their appreciation of music. Musical learning 

is approached primarily through singing; lower school 

children benefit from whole class recorder lessons, playing 

tuned and untuned percussion instruments and creating 

individual and group compositions. In the upper school 

the children have the opportunity to participate in whole 

class instrument tuition as part of the curriculum, including 

whole class violin, ukulele and djembe drumming tuition. 

They also use music technology when composing. 

There is a strong instrumental programme and visiting 

teachers provide over a hundred one-to-one lessons a week on 

a wide variety of instruments. Our young instrumentalists also 

enjoy the opportunity to join our school orchestra to develop 

their ensemble playing. The children have many opportunities 

to showcase their musical talents, as soloists, as part of an 

ensemble and at school performances throughout the year. 

Music nurtures language, motor skills, emotional 

intelligence and collaboration skills and is an 

important part of the fabric of life at Chinthurst. 

chinthurstschool.co.uk 

WHAT A 

PERFORMANATCE 

By Natasha Smith, Head of Music 

at Claremont Senior School 

Music is an integral part of school life at Claremont. 

From DJ-ing and electronic music production, to 

singing in Senior Choir and composing classical works, 

students have access to a multitude of music-making 

opportunities all year round. 

Music is offered at GCSE and at A level with 

Music Technology, but it doesn’t stop there. A varied 

co-curricular programme includes opportunities to 

perform in the Concert Band, compose in Music 

Tech Club, and sing with Senior, Lads’ and Ladies’ 

Choirs who celebrated category wins in their debut 

performances at the Hastings Music Festival this year. 

Students also regularly participate in music-themed 

visits and workshops, which this year have included 

a songwriting workshop run by BAFTA-winning 

composer Ellie Wyatt and a Music Technology trip to 

Sugar Ray’s vintage recording studio. 

Sixth Form students and Music scholars are 

encouraged to run their own co-curricular activities, 

whilst many take an active lead in Concert Band. 

Music also plays an important role in the delivery of 

our award-winning Performing Arts programme. This 

year the Concert Band accompanied performers in 

the dance show In Motion, and GCSE and A-Level 

drummers accompanied an informal dance showcase 

for parents and friends. Earlier in the year, our young 

musicians took charge of sound tech for the BTEC 

Drama students’ performances of The Importance 

of Being Earnest, following in the footsteps of those 

who formed the ‘Shakespeare Band’ for an outdoor 

production of Romeo and Juliet. The student pit band 

performed alongside professional musicians for 

the show-stopping production of Guys and Dolls 

and continue to support our younger musicians at 

Prep School performances throughout the year. 

Collaborative work even extends to the community 

at Claremont, with music students supporting drama 

outreach workshops for primary schools. 

Supported by an experienced team of academic 

teachers and peripatetic staff, everyone at Claremont 

can explore music in all its guises, as well as take study 

and performance to the next level. #whataperformance 

claremontschool.co.uk

Our Values: An Education for Life 

NEXT OPEN MORNING 

SATURDAY 

16 th September 2023 

For further information: 

t: 01932 869001 | w: www.reeds.surrey.sch.uk 

| e: admissions@reeds.surrey.sch.uk 

Sandy Lane | Cobham | Surrey | KT11 2ES


istockphoto.com/ osker14 

TUNING IN 

Music and singing are integral to the cultural 

and spiritual life of Sacred Heart School in 

Wadhurst. As a Catholic school, masses and 

school liturgies include beautiful hymns. This 

community singing is a wonderful bonding 

experience for the children and teachers alike. 

Sacred Heart School has a thriving and busy 

music department, offering much musical 

tuition. The school’s class music specialist 

and head of department leads a dedicated 

team of peripatetic specialist music teachers 

offering violin, guitar, ukelele, piano, singing, 

recorder, flute, clarinet and saxophone tuition. 

Musical skill development takes time 

and is best and most easily learnt when we 

are young. The great challenge for music 

teachers, therefore, is to impart a love and 

a willingness in the child to commit to a 

practicing routine so as to enable a core 

musical skill set to bed down and grow. 

To this end, Sacred Heart has developed 

their very own “10-a-day” campaign. The little 

and often approach. Every child who learns 

an instrument is encouraged to commit to 10 

minutes a day of music practice. The habit 

and discipline of playing one’s instrument – of 

tinkering and messing around, using our bodies 

to create music and melody – lies at the heart 

of developing an enjoyment and appreciation 

for the skill and habit of daily music practice. 

Playing instruments is as important as 

Sacred Heart’s daily reading commitment. 

The children learn that practising happens 

when they simply spend time PLAYING 

their instruments. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle: 

when they mess around and experiment on 

their instruments, they are LEARNING, 

solving problems, teaching themselves 

mindfulness, boosting fine and gross motor 

skills, improving cognition and memory 

skills and expressing themselves in a 

creative, individual manner. The benefits 

spill out far beyond the music room... 

In terms of performance and showcasing, 

Sacred Heart has regular concerts and 

music evenings throughout the year, and the 

children also perform on their instruments 

in assemblies. The school also puts on two 

musicals, with a live band, every year – in the 

Spring Term for Y3 and Y4, and a bigger Y5 

and Y6 production in the Summer Term. 

Externally, the school also participates in 

the annual Tunbridge Wells Arts Festival 

in March, with a significant number of 

children singing and performing on their 

instruments and in the choir classes. 

sacredheartwadhurst.org.uk 

DON’T STOP THE MUSIC 

At Reed’s School music education is an integral part of life, with 

a focus on creating an inclusive and supportive environment that 

encourages pupils to explore their musical talents and passions. Music 

is a key aspect of the curriculum, starting with timetabled music lessons 

in Years 7 and 8, providing a strong foundation in the subject. 

Year 7 pupils learn violin, viola, cello or double bass as part of the 

string scheme that takes place during their academic lessons, and a 

similar flute scheme runs in Year 8. This increase in string and flute 

players ultimately fills Reed’s ensembles and orchestras, meaning much 

of the talent is home grown. Additionally, the school’s unique scheme 

to teach every boy the trombone in Year 8 has proven a great success, 

with over 30% of the school roll taking instrument lessons. 

Singing is the lifeblood of the school’s music department, with 

membership in the choir standing at an impressive 160 pupils. In 

addition, singing plays a significant role in the school’s Chapel, with all 

pupils singing at least once a week in this setting fostering a sense of 

community while also providing the opportunity to develop vocal skills. 

Reed’s is dedicated to creating bespoke musical opportunities for 

pupils, fostering a love of music to last a lifetime, and helping pupils 

maximise their musical and creative potential. 

reeds.surrey.sch.uk 


SCHOOL Tadworth 

Independent co-educational school 

for children aged 2 1 / 2 – 11 years 

WINNERS! 

School of the Year 

for Sporting Achievement 

A Junior School of 

Reigate Grammar School “Excellent in all areas” ISI 2023 

Chinthurst School, Tadworth Street, Tadworth 

Surrey KT20 5QZ T: 01737 812 011 

www.chinthurstschool.co.uk 

ChinthurstSchool chinthurst.school 

@ChintSchool 

Surrey Homes Apr 23.indd 1 28/04/2023 13:23 

Independent co-educational school 

for children aged 2 – 11 years 

JOIN YEAR 3 

Extra Year 3 Class added 

for September 2024 

A Junior School of 

Reigate Grammar School “Excellent in all areas” ISI 2023 

Reigate St Mary’s, Chart Lane, Reigate, 

Surrey RH2 7RN T: 01737 244 880 

www.reigatestmarys.org 

ReigateStMarys rsm_prepschool 

@RSMPrepSchool 

Surrey Homes Apr 23.indd 2 28/04/2023 13:23


Meet theHead 

We’ve been getting to know The New Beacon 

Prep School’s new Head, Sarah Brownsdon 

Sarah Brownsdon is the newly appointed 

Head of The New Beacon Prep School, 

whose alumni stretch from Siegfried Sassoon 

to England sportsmen Zac Crawley, Sam 

Billings, and Ben Earl. She knows Sevenoaks 

well, having grown up in the town and 

been educated at Walthamstow Hall. 

What are you most looking forward 

to at The New Beacon? 

Getting to know everybody, the welcome I 

have received has been incredible. The New 

Beacon really does feel like a very special 

place. I’ve particularly enjoyed my break 

times with Year 8, we’ve discussed what 

they have loved about their time here (over 

KitKats and apple juice!) and also reflected 

on anything they think could be even better… 

it has been wonderful to hear how little they 

would change and to gain an insight into life 

at The New Beacon from their perspective. 

What sets the school apart? 

We are proud to be an all-boys prep school 

because we can tailor our education to get 

the very best from our pupils. We provide 

pastoral care that supports each individual 

whilst teaching the boys how to build positive, 

healthy relationships with each other and in the 

wider community. There’s a palpable sense of 

family and community, where everyone looks 

out for each other, a sense of brotherhood 

that runs throughout the school with our Year 

8 pupils supporting and mentoring children 

as they start out in Nursery and Reception. 

Boys are encouraged to embrace every 

opportunity that school has to offer and don’t 

consider anything to be off limits. Being in 

the Chapel Choir is so popular that the Year 

8s don’t want to leave even when their voices 

break, but they are equally comfortable in 

rugby boots. Large numbers enjoy chess and 

gardening clubs, cookery or Judo and the 

excitement is building for our forthcoming 

Year 4 production of The Jungle Book. Our 

Chapel Choir recently sang at Evensong in St 

Paul’s Cathedral, an incredible experience, and 

we were fortunate to have Joanna L’Estrange 

(who was commissioned to write one of the 

Coronation Anthems) here for our Coronation 

celebrations. She taught the anthem to our 

Chapel Choir and then the remainder of 

the school, which culminated in a wonderful 

performance. The New Beacon Centre, as well 

as being a great sports facility, has the Mac 

Suite, where boys can compose using Garage 

Band and Sibellius software and record their 

own podcasts. It also houses video-making 

and stopstart animation facilities. These are the 

kind of incredible opportunities we offer here. 

What do you see as the main challenges? 

Perhaps not a challenge but it is our 

commitment to each boy that he progresses to 

the school that will best suit him at the end of 

his time with us, ensuring that he is confident 

and well-prepared for that transition. The 

New Beacon is full of wonderful boys, each 

with his own unique character and personality, 

it’s what makes it such a brilliant place to be 

because we celebrate our pupils’ individuality. 

We are merged with Tonbridge, and for many 

boys that will be a great fit, but there will be 

boys who will thrive in other schools – for a 

variety of different reasons – and we believe in 

happy, engaged children, not one size fits all. 

What do you enjoy most about school life? 

I love the variety. On any day I’ll be reading a 

story in nursery, watching fixtures, discussing 

lunch menus, meeting staff to look at teaching 

and learning or attending a play rehearsal. 

Children are the most inspiring people to work 

with. Their honesty is humbling and they come 

at things with fresh eyes which is why the 

world of education is so rewarding. When you 

go into teaching, you are working with other 

people who are motivated by wanting to make 

the world a better place and help and inspire 

young people – it doesn’t get much better! 

Did you have a favourite subject 

during your own school days? 

I loved studying languages, English and music. 

My school had a really supportive music 

department, who always looked to give us 

opportunities to perform on a wider stage, 

which I loved. I was also lucky to have a piano 

teacher who knew when she needed to be 

tough on me but would also give me all the 

praise in the world when it was deserved. 

How do you like to unwind outside work? 

Spending time with my family is so important 

but I love to bake and cook too – it’s a 

win-win as you get to enjoy eating what 

you’ve made! I still really enjoy music, both 

playing and listening. I also love walking, 

so it’s a joy to be back in Sevenoaks 

with all the wonderful places to walk. 

Fave podcast or book? 

I really enjoy anything uplifting and inspiring, 

so have been listening to some great 

podcasts by Pooky Knightsmith, who spoke 

at our recent mental health conference. I 

absolutely love reading. Our bookshelves 

are groaning but I believe you can never 

have too many words in your house. 

Has Sevenoaks changed much since you lived 

here and do you have a favourite place to visit? 

It’s busier but plenty is just the same, like 

the Vine and the Stag Theatre. My husband 

is Dulwich born and bred, so he’s stunned 

by Knole Park, it’s such a beautiful space. 

And my children are pleased because 

there’s a Wagamama, Nando’s and Pizza 

Express! I always thought I’d come home 

at some point in spite of so many happy 

years in Dulwich but The New Beacon 

was the one school I was waiting for. 

Find out more about The New Beacon Prep 

School and all the exciting developments 

going on there at newbeacon.org.uk 


SUTTON VALENCE SCHOOL

high 

hopes 

We take a look at how Reigate St Mary’s applies a broad curriculum which values areas 

beyond traditional core subjects, to help pupils become well-rounded young people 

Reigate St Mary’s (RSM) aims to give its pupils the 

confidence, resilience and creativity to one day become 

leaders who care deeply about a sustainable and 

equitable future. To achieve this, a unique curriculum 

has been carefully tailored to develop the strengths, 

current position and future potential of each child. 

Of course, a well-rounded education goes well beyond 

academics, which is why RSM also has an Education for 

Social Responsibility (ESR) programme. Weaved into 

every part of the curriculum, it focuses on the wellbeing 

of individuals, the teams they work in and the planet we 

live on. It is based on giving back to society more than 

we take out, taking sustainability seriously, recognising 

the value of the natural world to inspire new thinking, 

and gaining a deeper understanding of philosophical 

issues. ESR helps to prepare the children to be good 

citizens with the confidence to make the right decisions 

and the skills to lead happy and successful lives. 

RSM’s rich and stimulating programme also gives noncore 

subjects equal value to maths and English. These 

subjects are prized for how they tap into children’s 

creativity, provide a change of pace to their learning, and 

get them to think in a different way – essential skills for 

their overall academic success. It is recognised at RSM 

that future generations will need to be able to explore 

their creativity through expressive arts and understand 

the joined-up learning of combined humanities. They 

therefore view it as essential to allow time to develop 

these from the earliest stages of education. 

Their curriculum is both challenging and supportive, 

covering STEM, computing, languages, science, 

philosophy, PSHE, humanities (history and geography), 

art, drama, music and sport. The school’s growth 

mindset approach is all about recognising that 

intelligence is not fixed, but shaped by new encounters 

and experiences. From the very beginning, RSM 

children are not pigeonholed. They are encouraged to 

apply thinking skills to self-evaluate and understand 

their learning and take risks by trying new things. Pupils 

know that if they are not able to achieve something yet, 

perseverance, hard work, and learning from mistakes 

will ultimately help them to achieve great things. 

Find out more about Reigate St Mary’s curriculum 

online at reigatestmarys.org 



In Your 

Head 

We’re exploring how mental health 

and wellbeing are approached in 

schools today 

5 Steps 

Ever wondered how to help your teenager 

open up and support them through 

difficulties? We’ve asked psychotherapist, 

Georgina Sayce, for some tips! 

1 

Don’t worry, you don’t need to have all the 

answers just because you are the adult, the 

important thing is to show them they are 

worth your time and effort, and that they will 

definitely not incur any judgement from you. 

“I’m definitely not an expert in this, but if you 

can tell me what’s been going on let’s see if we can 

find some solutions together – it’s so true that a 

problem shared is a problem halved.” 

Build trust and validate their feelings. 

“That sounds really difficult for you, I can see 

how upset you are by this.” 

Be positive about the conversation. 

“I’m so glad you’ve come to 

talk to me about this.” 

Reflect back to them, paraphrasing their 

words. “I think you’re saying it’s this aspect… 

that is the most difficult for you…am I right 

in thinking that?” 

Always try to end conversations with a 

positive distraction so they are not left 

flooded with the feelings they have let 

out. Try to find something funny to get them 

laughing and change the mood, or suggest you 

get something nice to eat together or watch 

their favourite TV programme – whatever 

you feel will bring some temporary relief 

after a potentially emotionally overwhelming 

conversation. 

2 

34 

5 

to a 

Healthy 

Conversation 

For more advice visit georginasaycetherapies.co.uk 

On Your Mind 

We explore how changing attitudes towards mental health 

and wellbeing are affecting education, with Ashford School 

Long gone are the days when “chin-up” was the standard response to a 

child saying they felt worried, anxious or low. In fact, ten years ago, 

would a child have even used the words anxious or low to explain how 

they felt? So much regarding mental health and wellbeing has progressed 

over recent years. It is excellent that the stigma attached to mental 

health and wellbeing is reducing, allowing pupils to open up about their 

emotions, but this does mean the pressure on external services to provide 

support has become significant. More frequently, it falls to schools to 

offer higher levels of support than ever before. Students today are very 

tuned into their own mental health and wellbeing; they use the correct 

terminology and know when they need to talk, but schools have a duty of 

care to meet that need. 

At Ashford School, staff have been working hard to ensure they can 

support mental health and wellbeing and over the last eight years, 

significant progress has been made. The staffing of the team has been 

refined and increased – going from an initial single counsellor working 

two days a week, to a team of five counsellors working across both 

Prep and Senior School all week. They also have a team of four nurses 

working across both sites, as well as a School Chaplain focused purely on 

offering spiritual wellbeing support to the whole school community. The 

Wellbeing team’s support offering includes a ‘Time4Me’ drop-in support 

service; 1:1 therapy sessions, including play therapy, art therapy, and 

talking therapy; group support; parent consultations; staff consultations; 

parent workshops and talks. 

Health and Wellbeing is also a timetabled lesson at the Senior School and 

is offered to all Y11-13 students. Within these sessions pupils can choose 

from a range of activities such as mindfulness, yoga, understanding mental 

health workshops, and fitness and sport sessions. At the Prep School, 

each child has a Wellbeing Journal to map how to become the ‘best me’ 

they can be by reflecting upon the challenges and goals of their week, 

identifying feelings, and plotting how to make things even better. There 

are also numerous activities that focus on skills of resilience that will put 

children in good stead for the next stage of their lives and enable them 

to live life to the fullest in the present. The aim is to ensure pupils are 

happy and emotionally resilient without burying their feelings, because 

happiness breeds success. 

Learn more about Ashford School online at ashfordschool.co.uk

8 

Steps 

to 

Smarter 

Revision 


Just breathe 

Panic that sets in literally stops 

you from thinking clearly and 

rationally. Breathing techniques 

will help you calm your 

breathing which in turn helps 

you to think clearly again. 

istockphoto.com/ Viktoriia Hnatiuk 

Test Stress 

Jodi 

Maja Trachonitis, Assistant Head (Wellbeing) 

at Sutton Valence School shares how the school 

approaches the feelings of stress around exams 

Sutton Valence School takes a novel approach 

to helping students manage exam stress by 

emphasising the importance of emotions. 

While stress is often seen as a negative 

emotion, we believe it can be helpful 

and even necessary (in moderation) for 

motivation and success. Our goal is to teach 

students how to use stress as a tool to avoid 

procrastination and achieve their goals. 

While too much stress can be harmful, we have 

various strategies to help students if and when 

they are feeling overwhelmed. It's important 

for students to be able to express their feelings, 

and our pastoral support systems provide a safe 

space for them to do so. All key members of staff 

related to wellbeing and pastoral support have 

had extensive training and it is made very clear 

to students how they can reach out for support. 

Our students use the phrase "Have you got 10 

minutes?" to let a teacher know that they would 

appreciate a conversation. We explore various 

coping mechanisms, such as breathing exercises, 

physical exercise and journaling, to find what 

works best for each student. Often, just talking 

about their stress can make them feel better and 

help students normalise these feelings, which will 

often be shared among their peers. 

On occasion, students might focus on worstcase 

scenarios, such as “I’m going to fail all 

of my exams!” But we help them re-frame 

their thinking by asking them to write out 

the best-case scenario, such as “I’ll ace all 

of my exams”, and the most likely scenario, 

“I’ll do well in some subjects and not so 

well in others”. This encourages them to 

notice when they are engaging in worstcase 

thinking and helps them develop more 

balanced and realistic thinking patterns. 

For more information go to svs.org.uk 

Stone, Head of Middle School at 

Mayfield gives top tips to prepare for 

exams in a way that prioritises wellbeing 

Revise little and often 

Revise in half hour stints, 

with five minute breaks 

between. Revising for long 

periods of time is not as 

productive. 

Factor in some time 

to relax between 

revision and exams 

Listen to music or watch a 

TV series you enjoy – it’s 

important to maintain a 

balance. 

Eat well rather than 

snacking during 

the day 

Good balanced meals keep 

energy and concentration 

levels up. 

Prioritise sleep 

Aim to finish revision 

at least an hour before 

bed and get to bed early, 

especially the night before 

an exam. 

Resist the temptation 

to compare answers 

with your friends 

Once an exam is completed 

it’s important to move on 

and look ahead to the next 

challenge. 

Remember 

to be kind 

to yourself! 

At Mayfield, happiness is believed to be the key to thriving at school 

so they strive to create a nurturing environment that balances academic 

studies and extra-curricular activities. Pupils get two activity periods 

every school day except Friday in which they can choose from over 

100 extra-curricular options. These include many clubs focused on 

relaxation and wellbeing including Welly Walking Club, Chill Out 

Club, Gardening Club, the ever-popular Cookery Club, Dungeons and 

Dragons Club (a hit amongst the Year 7 and 8), and DJ Club. 

To find out more about Mayfield visit mayfieldgirls.org 

Speak to your 

teachers regularly 

They are always available 

to help you throughout 

your revision programme 

to ensure you are fully 

prepared for your exams. 



BIG THOUGHTS 

Mrs Sophie Bradshaw, Head of The Dulwich School Cranbrook, ponders 

how school and class size may affect the mental health of students 

A 

great deal has changed in 

our schools over the last 

50-70 years. Blackboards 

and chalk have been replaced, first 

by whiteboards, then by interactive 

whiteboards. Hockey is no longer 

played on muddy, bumpy fields, 

but on smooth flat Astroturf. 

And teachers are expected not 

only to know their subject, but 

to understand mental health and 

safeguarding too. These changes 

have been deliberate and aimed at 

improving the experience for pupils. 

However, there is one change which 

appears less positive. Our state and 

independent senior schools have 

increased in size in a way that most 

primary and prep schools have not. 

Since 1950, there has been little 

upward movement in the size of 

primary schools, yet senior schools 

have tripled in size. We must ask 

ourselves, as educators or as parents 

if that is what’s best for our teens. 

This huge increase has been driven 

by economies of scale, rather than 

seeking the optimum environment 

for our teenagers. What is the 

evidence that our teenagers are 

thriving in their enormous schools? 

Or that they are better equipped 

than their younger siblings to 

handle a larger social group than 

most adults would ever contend 

with? In the last decade, on top of 

navigating social situations in year 

groups of hundreds, our teenagers 

have been grappling with more 

complex social relations. They are 

learning to navigate social media 

and are less sure than ever of where 

they ‘fit’. Little wonder then, that 

there is a well-documented decline 

in the happiness of our teens. 

Mental Health Foundation CEO 

Mark Rowland said: “Our survey 

highlights just how vulnerable 

young people are to mental health 

problems. It shows how much 

pressure young people are feeling 

to be a success. The pressure to 

conform to an ideal body image is 

also intense. Moreover, it is shocking 

how many young people have selfharmed 

or had suicidal thoughts due 

to stress.” 

The response from our institutions 

and government is to increase the 

amount of time we teach teenagers 

about stress, anxiety, and mental 

health. But is this enough? There 

is strong evidence that for some of 

mental health issues students are 

dealing with, there is an element 

of social contagion – for example 

there has been a great increase 

in the number of teenage girls 

presenting to GPs with tics, having 

seen influencers explaining their 

own tics. I can’t help asking myself 

– would a better strategy be to 

reduce the negative external factors 

in the first place? Can we make these 

teenagers’ experiences of school less 

stressful, less negative, less complex? 

After all, if pupils were unable to 

reach classrooms due to buildings 

lacking lifts or stairs, would we 

adjust the building design, or insist 

PSHE includes lessons on how to 

scale a wall while also carrying all the 

baggage of school supplies? 

The Dulwich School Cranbrook (previously Dulwich Prep Cranbrook) is expanding from September 2023, to provide a progressive yet 

nurturing co-educational through-school offer from age 2 to 16. The school gives parents an affordable alternative to the Kent Test and 

Grammar School route. Students will have the opportunity to study a wide range of GCSEs, supported by exceptional pastoral care and a real 

focus on the individual. The first cohort will progress into Year 9 in September 2023; they will move through the school to be the school’s first 

Year 11 students, taking GCSE examinations in the summer of 2026. Find out more by emailing admissions@dulwichprepcranbrook.org 


20

Believe. Brave. Bold. 

Instilling inner strength to create brave, 

young students for the future. 

Our innovative approach to teaching helps create a love for learning. This empowers 

students with an inner belief to help every child fulfil their utmost potential. 

Our latest ISI Inspection 

Report rated the school 

as EXCELLENT in all 

aspects of teaching. 

An independent Nursery and Prep School for girls and boys aged 9 months – 13 years 

Book a private tour to find out more 

www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk 

Wolf’s Hill, Surrey, RH8 0QU. 01883 733841

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80

Straight to the Source 

Recipes: Will Devlin at The Small Holding Photographs: David Merewether 

Will Devlin is chef owner of The Small Holding, 

a kitchen and farm on a country lane in the 

village of Kilndown on the Kent and East Sussex 

borders. The Small Holding was one of the first seven 

restaurants in the country to be awarded a Green Michelin 

Star in 2021 and has retained the star to date. The 36-cover 

restaurant is set in one acre of land with monthly changing 

menus, using home-reared and home-grown ingredients 

from the farm, which is less than 10ft from the kitchen. 

Over the next few pages, Will has shared a trio 

of recipes using produce straight from The Small 

Holding’s farm that are perfect for a June feast. 

 


THE NEST AT 

COME VISIT OUR HOME IN APPLEDORE, KENT 

TO EXPLORE THE VINEYARDS, MEET THE PEOPLE 

BEHIND GUSBOURNE AND ENJOY SOME OF OUR 

AWARD-WINNING ENGLISH WINES. 

GUSBOURNE.COM/TOURS 

GUSBOURNE ESTATE 

KENARDINGTON ROAD, APPLEDORE, 

ASHFORD, TN26 2BE

Farm Salad 

Serves 2 as a light 

meal or 4 as a starter 

This salad is more of a 

philosophy than a recipe 

– creating something that 

is full of different flavours, 

textures and temperatures 

using fresh ingredients 

alongside those that have 

been preserved from 

previous seasons. It’s a 

lovely dish to enjoy in 

June with new season 

radishes, asparagus, fresh 

peas straight from the 

pod, baby leaves and wild 

garlic. The leaves are fresh 

and bright; the wild garlic 

sauce and the whipped 

goats’ cheese adds texture, 

interest and mouth feel; 

while the asparagus 

and raw peas bring 

freshness and crunch. 

For the leaves: 

Anything fresh and 

seasonal can be used 

– baby spinach, sorrel, 

radishes and their tops, 

fennel fronds, fresh peas, 

but really you can choose 

anything you want. 

Prep, wash and dry. 

For the sauce: 

• 125g walnuts 

• 65g cheddar, such 

as Kentish Ashmore 

farmhouse cheddar 

• 5g sea salt 

• 35g wild garlic vinegar 

(or apple cider vinegar) 

• 150g vegetable oil 

• 75g rapeseed oil 

• 300g wild garlic leaves 

Blend together nuts, 

cheese and salt. Add 

wild garlic leaves and 

then slowly add the 

vegetable oil. Finally 

blend in the rapeseed oil 

and the vinegar. 

For the dressing: 

• 2 tbsp elderflower 

vinegar 

• 2 tbsp wild garlic 

vinegar 

• 4 tbsp cold pressed 

rapeseed oil 

• pinch of sea salt 

Whisk together the 

dressing ingredients. 

For the goats’ cheese: 

• 1 log of Golden Cross 

goats’ cheese (250g) 

• 75ml of double cream 

• pinch of cracked black 

pepper 

Paddle the goats’ cheese 

in a mixer until light 

and fluffy. Fold in 

cream to loosen. Season 

with black pepper. 

For the asparagus: 

• 400g asparagus 

Wash, prep and dry 

the asparagus. Heat a 

large griddle pan or flat 

plate on a barbecue. 

Drizzle a little oil on 

the vegetables and cook 

on the griddle pan 

until lightly charred 

but still with a good 

amount of bite. Take 

off the heat and season 

with flaky salt. 

To plate: Spoon quenelles of the whipped goats’ 

cheese onto a serving plate and dot with the wild 

garlic sauce. Lightly dress the quartered radishes and 

their tops, raw peas, spinach and fennel tops with the 

dressing and put on to the plate and add the charred asparagus. Finish 

with a few wild garlic flowers or chive flowers. Serve straight away. 


Duck with honey & fennel 

Serves 4 

Our favourite duck supplier is Creedy 

Carver in Devon who grow incredible 

quality free-range ducks at their farm 

in Devon. The poultry industry has 

been badly affected by avian influenza 

so we – chefs and consumers alike 

– need to support these struggling 

farmers. We have Creedy Carver duck 

on our menu throughout June. 

• 4 high welfare duck breasts 

• 2 tbsp fennel seeds, crushed 

• 2 tbsp honey 

• 1 tsp salt 

• 2 large fennel bulbs 

• 30g butter 

• 150ml light chicken stock or water 

• 50ml white wine or Pernod 

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C. 

Prepare the braised fennel by cutting 

the bulbs into quarters, saving 

any green fronds for garnish. 

2. Using a shallow sauté pan with a 

lid, pan fry the fennel quarters in the 

melted butter until lightly golden, 

season and add the chicken stock and 

wine or Pernod to the pan. Cover with 

a cartouche or circle of scrunched up 

greaseproof paper, put on the lid and 

braise in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, 

until soft to a knife tip, and the chicken 

and butter stock has reduced. Remove 

and keep warm. 

3. Lightly score the duck skin every 

half centimetre across the whole 

breast and season well on both sides 

with sea salt and the crushed fennel 

seeds. Place in a cold frying pan and 

turn the heat on low, to let the fat 

render slowly and the skin to crisp. 

This will take at least 10 minutes skin 

side down – don’t be tempted to turn 

the heat up as the fennel seeds will 

burn. You may want to empty some 

of the duck fat from the pan during 

cooking – save for roast potatoes. 

4. When the skin is crisp, take off the 

heat and turn the breast over. Brush 

the honey on to each duck breast 

and put in the oven for five minutes. 

Rest for at least 10 minutes, basting 

the meat with the honey and duck 

fat juices. Slice the duck breast and 

serve with the braised fennel.

Strawberry & 

elderflower 

buttermilk puddings 

Serves 6-8 

June is when the new season 

strawberries are sweet and juicy, 

and the trees are full of frothy 

elderflower. Together, they make a 

delightful early summer dessert. 

• 650ml double cream 

• 500ml buttermilk 

• 75g caster sugar 

• 3 leaves of gelatine 

• 10 heads of elderflower – all the 

flavour of elderflower is in the 

pollen, so don’t wash it, just gently 

shake outside to allow any insects to 

crawl away. 

• 400g strawberries 

• 2 tbsp sugar 

1. In a pan, combine the cream, 

buttermilk and sugar and heat 

until just at boiling point. 

2. Remove from the heat and 

immerse the elderflowers, leaving 

the stalks above the cream. Cover 

and leave for 30 minutes, the cream 

will infuse with flavour as it cools. 

3. Bloom the gelatine for 10 

minutes in cold water. Reheat 

200ml of the elderflower infused 

cream. Gently squeeze the water 

out of the gelatine and add to 

the hot cream and whisk. 

4. Pass the gelatine cream through 

a fine mesh colander back into 

the rest of the elderflower cream, 

and then pass the combined 

mixture once more to remove any 

gelatine lumps and stray flowers. 

5. Pour the elderflower cream into 

teacups or small bowls and chill for 

at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. 

There is only a small amount of 

gelatine in these soft puddings, so 

they are not suitable to turn out. 

6. Before serving, wash and 

halve any large strawberries 

and macerate for an hour with 

a tablespoon or two of caster 

sugar, turning once or twice. 

7. Serve each pudding with a 

spoonful of strawberries and a 

simple biscuit, such as shortbread. 

Find The Small Holding on 

Ranters Lane, Kilndown, 

Kent. For more information, 

and to book a table, visit 

thesmallholding.restaurant 

or follow on Instagram 

@the_small_holding_ 

The Full Acre menu is £85 per 

person or £65 for the Half Acre. 

Will’s recipes are presented on 

handmade pottery commissioned 

from Aylesford Pottery 

aylesfordpottery.co.uk

No Sweat! 

Josephine Fairley explores the new generation of premium deodorants 

that are just as pampering as your specialist skincare 

Q 

uietly, discreetly, a revolution 

has been taking place in our 

armpits. Where once antiperspirants 

and deodorants were a 

workaday staple – right up there 

with brushing your teeth, in terms of 

sexiness – they’ve had a major makeover, 

in the past few years. Beauty brands 

and perfume houses have worked 

to transform a chore into a positive, 

sensory pleasure. (Though it probably 

won’t surprise you to learn we’re 

definitely not talking Right Guard 

prices, here: the ‘poshest’ deodorants 

can set you back a pretty penny.) 

Is this new generation of ‘designer’ 

deodorants any more ‘effective’? The 

answer is: probably not. If you have a 

severe perspiration problem and you 

find it distressing you need – yes, a 

full-on antiperspirant, which blocks 

the sweat glands. (Think: Vichy 

72-Hour Stress Resist Anti-Perspirant 

Deodorant, £9.95; Mitchum Ice 

Fresh Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, 

or Perspirex Strong Antiperspirant 

Roll-On, £9.99.) But if you want 

to smell fresh and limit odour, and 

massively up the enjoyment factor, 

I point you in the direction of the 

following introductions – all of which 

are a quantum sensory leap from the 

Boots and Superdrug mainstream. 

One of the big differences with many 

of the new deos is how you apply them. 

Creams are a strong deodorant trend 

(not a phrase I ever thought would 

dance off my keyboard), the idea being 

that you take generally a pea-sized 

amount and physically massage it into 

the armpit. The other advantage is 

that you can be sure you’ve reached all 

the ‘nooks and crannies’, for optimum 

odour protection. And for women, 

there is one big bonus: the action of 

application also lets you feel for any 

changes in the armpit which you 

might want to check out with your 

doctor; in some cases, a lump in the 

armpit can be a symptom of breast 

cancer – and is always worth checking 

out.) All the cream deos I’ve tried 

dry to a powder finish, meanwhile, 

which keeps you feeling fresh without 

stopping the body’s natural processes. 

I certainly very much prefer cream 

deodorants, now I’ve made the switch. 

I’ve been able to try many of the 

launches, and have some definite top 

picks. For its spa-like scent and chic 

bamboo packaging, I’m very much 

enjoying GAIA Skincare Awakening 

Cream Deodorant, £20 for 50g, which 

adds a low-key touch of antibacterial tea 

tree to their signature aromatherapeutic 

wake-up blend of tangerine, peppermint 

and grapefruit; all this British brand’s 

products are created out of their awardwinning 

spa at Boringdon Hall, in 

Devon, the most relaxing of destinations 

and one I’d return to in a heartbeat. 

I’ve also become very keen on a 

new-ish brand called AKT, which 

smells amazing. AMAZING. There’s 

an interesting story behind AKT: the 

founders, Andy Coxon and Ed Currie, 

met while rehearsing for the Carole 

King musical in the West End, with 

demanding roles and eight shows a 

week, they needed something to tackle 

the sweat and whiff. Unable to find 

anything that fitted the bill, the duo 

then spent three years working with 

formulators and perfumers to come up 

with AKT, which was then tested on a 

large number of West End performers, 

who gave it rave reviews. There are 

now five scents in the range, all priced 

at £19 for 50ml: SC.01 EXT. Orange 

Grove (citrusy petitgrain, neroli and 

mandarin), SC.02 EXT. After Thunder 

(woody-aromatic, with eucalyptus, cedar 

and bitter orange), and SC.03 EXT. 

The Onsen (vetiver, lavender, yuzu); 

SC.04 Ext. Halcyon Summers (mint, 

tomato vine, pomelo), and super-pretty 

SC.04 Ext. Columbia Road (amber, 

violet, tonka), a tribute to East London’s 

flower market, and my new fave in the 

range. The packaging, in the form of 

aluminium tubes – almost toothpastestyle 

–is 100% recyclable, and to ensure 

that you squeeze every last dab out of 

the tube, a stylish ‘key’ is available. 

It’s certainly an innovative take on 

deodorant – as is Fussy, who apparently 

got their break on Dragon’s Den. 

Their sculptural, sleek cases, priced 

£20, are refillable (they look like they 

could have been designed by Apple) 

– and inside, you slip one of a really 

wide range of solid deodorants with 

scents spanning citrus, cucumber, 

fresh, tropical, woody, or my fave, 

Night Tales, which blends cedar and 

cinnamon and patchouli. (NB the refills 

come in multiples of three, but you 

can mix and match and at just a fiver, 

it’s not the absolute end of the world 

if they don’t all push your buttons.) 

Another plus of a cream deodorant 

is their skin conditioning action – and 

who doesn’t want strokable armpits…? 

If you aren’t too ticklish, they can be 

an erogenous zone. The best of all 

for this, I’ve found, is Kopari Beauty 


86

istockphoto.com/LumenSt 

Beach Deodorant, £13 for 57g, a stickstyle 

clear gel with odour-absorbing 

charcoal, infused with coconut oil and 

a luscious tropical, holiday-esque scent. 

Others that I think are worth a swipe: 

Malin+Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, 

a cooling stick deodorant which I like 

because at £13 for 28g, it’s a useful 

travel size (larger version also available). 

It’s refreshingly camphoraceous, and if 

you were looking for something to drop 

a gentle-in-every-way hint to a male 

in the household with a bit of a whiff 

problem, this might be your best bet. 

For those who like minty, tea tree-ish 

scents (as I do), an enduring favourite 

remains Aurelia London Botanical 

Cream Deodorant, £19 for 50g, which 

offers both of those ultra-fresh essential 

oils. And if you’re going for a more 

traditional roll-on format, I’d steer 

you to Evolve Organic Beauty Pure 

Prebiotic Roll On Deodorant, £11 for 

50ml, made up of prebiotics that help 

control odour, plus skin-soothing sage; 

it’s subtly and airily scented with lemon. 

You may also be lucky and find that 

a favourite perfume is now available 

as a spray, roll-on or stick deo. 

Having emerged from a phase during 

which beauty brands discontinued 

countless body products, there’s been 

a complete volte face, and now there’s 

a joyous scented bodycare boom 

going on – which just happens to 

embrace underarms. Think: Chanel 

No5 The Deodorant, £44 for 100ml; 

Dior Miss Dior Deodorant, £43 

for 100ml; Hermès Eau d’Orange 

Verte Alcohol-Free Deodorant Stick, 

£35 for 75ml; Clinique Aromatics 

Elixir Anti-Perspirant Deodorant 

Roll-On, £19 for 75ml, and there 

are many others (just Google to 

see if yours is now available in this 

format). Blissfully, I even discovered 

researching this that one of my most 

beloved scents can now be enjoyed 

in deo form, Guerlain Shalimar 

Deodorant Spray, £52 for 100ml – 

which is definitely going straight onto 

next month’s birthday wishlist. (And 

let me tell you, it’s the first time that 

a deodorant has featured on that.) 

Verily, we have entered the 

age of the charmpit… 

See beautybible.com for more of Jo’s 

tried and tested beauty reviews.

Service is the key 

Guest’s Shoe Services Ltd are celebrating 70 years in business 

Guest’s Shoe Services Ltd was started by 

Tom Guest, after being invalided out 

of the Navy. Alongside work at the 

Post Office and Paine Smith Bakers 

of Southborough, Tom started repairing shoes by 

hand from home with the help of his wife Edna. 

Following praise from neighbours and friends, his 

first shop opened in Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells. 

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE 

It was in 1957 that 23 Mount Ephraim was 

purchased, and he moved in with his wife, 

son Ian and daughter Avril. The business 

expanded and at one time had 9 shops, 4 

in Tunbridge Wells, 2 in Tonbridge, 1 in 

West Malling, 1 in Rusthall and finally 1 in 

Crowborough in 1968. There were also 3 vans 

that would travel around the villages picking 

up and returning repairs as well as selling new 

shoes, including Barsleys of Paddock Wood. 

Tom’s son Ian started as a Saturday boy at 

the Camden Road shop, then after leaving 

school in 1967, worked in the family 

business full-time, at the Mount Ephraim 

branch. Ian is still occupied with repairs, 

special requests and work that no one else 

will touch, with many customers who have 

become good friends over the years. 

With the help of a third generation, Tom’s 

granddaughter, Jenny Rickwood who 

started as a Saturday assistant, looks after 

the Crowborough shop and assists with 

the buying and running of both shops. 

The retail side of the business has taken over 

and being independent allows us to have 

the variety of styles and colours in shoes, 

handbags and leather goods in store. Over 

the years trading has altered, suppliers have 

changed or ceased trading. The good old 

brands like K Shoes, Equity and Elmdale have 

gone but been replaced with new, modern 

brands like Jana, Rieker and DB Shoes. 

Fashion has changed a lot since Covid, 

especially in footwear. The demand for 

formal footwear slowed, casual shoes and 

trainers are what we are all wearing now. 

This season we have become stockists of 

Skechers, and the new Arch Fit and Slip 

Ins range are proving very popular. 

We like most retailers, have to work ahead 

and are currently looking at next years Spring/ 

Summer ranges. Customers often ask how 

do you know what to buy? We have trusted 

brands, but more importantly it’s about quality, 

comfort and styles, with a little bit of luck too. 

Social Media plays an important part 

in retail, now more than ever, follow us 

on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 

5 High Street, Crowborough, East Sussex. 

23 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. 

www.guestsshoes.co.uk 

NEVER HAVE TO TOUCH 

YOUR SHOES AGAIN 

MACHINE WASHABLE 

JUST STEP IN AND GO. 

Introducing new hands free Skechers Slip-Ins. 

Putting on your shoes has never been easier. 

No Bending over. No pulling them on. No Hassles. 

THE COMFORT TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

Wellbeing 

Setting 

the tone 

Sarah Maxwell expresses the importance of 

maintaining pelvic floor function, and her 

advice isn’t just directed at women 

istockphoto.com/ Pheelings Media 

It’s around age 25, when our natural 

collagen production starts slowing 

down and gravity joins the party. The 

effect of both can be quite obvious when 

you look in the mirror and make the 

decision to step up the skincare routine. 

What is lesser known is the effect this 

also has on our pelvic floor – regardless 

of whether you have had children or 

not. Men don’t get away with it either! 

Collagen and gravity combined 

with poor core function is a nightmare 

cocktail, but there are many things 

you can easily do to keep strong 

and healthy in this department. 

How to get started with 

pelvic floor exercises/Kegals 

Step 1 

• A great way to start is to lie on your 

back, knees bent and feet flat to the 

floor. Close your eyes and imagine 

you’re stopping a leak or wind. 

• You should have a sense of lifting every 

time you squeeze your pelvic floor muscles. 

When you release the squeeze there should 

be a noticeable ‘letting go’ sensation. 

• Pause for a few seconds between 

each squeeze and repeat up to 10x. 

• While doing the exercises, keep 

breathing steadily, don’t tighten your 

buttocks, keep your thighs relaxed. 

Step 2 

• Squeeze and lift (around ¾ of 

the way) hold between 1 and 

10 seconds and release. 

• Let the muscles go and relax. 

Repeat up to 10x with a few seconds 

rest in between each one. 

Step 3 

As you get stronger there is no limit to 

where and what position you are in to 

do them. Squeeze and lift (as if going 

up in a lift) 4 floors up, hold then 4 

floors down. Rest for a few seconds 

after each one and repeat up to 10x. 

Multitasking 

You can perform pelvic floor exercises 

anywhere, at any time, and covertly 

(with practice). When you initially 

begin performing pelvic floor exercises, 

facial contortions are unavoidable so 

it’s advisable to practice prior to doing 

them on the train! On the bonus side, 

you can get a good facial workout at 

the same time (extreme multitasking). 

Not all habits are bad 

Make pelvic floor exercises a habit 

by including them in your daily 

schedule, like cleaning your teeth. 

A great way to remind yourself 

(without anyone knowing) are sticky 

dots from the stationers placed 

on your mirror, phone, kettle. 

Awareness about the effects of a weak 

pelvic floor on the physical and mental 

health of both men and women has 

thankfully been highlighted in recent 

years. If you find that after exercising 

your pelvic floor regularly for a few weeks 

there is no improvement, please make an 

appointment with your doctor and don’t 

suffer in silence because you don’t need to. 

Some useful websites to explore: 

• kegal8.co.uk • elvie.com 

• imperial.nhs.uk/our-services/ 

physiotherapy/pelvic-health-physiotherapy 

• physio4all.com/therapies/ 

pelvic-floor-therapy/ 

Not just for Women! 

It’s estimated that around 10% of men 

have incontinence issues, causing stress, 

lack of confidence and isolation. 

The pelvic area in men includes 

the bladder, prostate and rectum, 

urethra and anus. Diabetes, ageing, 

prostate surgery or an over active 

bladder can cause them to weaken. 

The benefits of pelvic exercise for 

men can make a great difference 

to mental and physical health in 

many areas – awareness is key. 

• mayoclinichealthsystem.org/ 

hometown-health/speaking-ofhealth/kegels-are-for-men-too 

• patient.info/news-and-features/ 

do-men-need-to-do-kegel-exercises 

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 


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MediaForceWT253-CAREUK.indd 1 10/05/2023 13:20:57 

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90 

WrayCommonS64A.indd 1 28/01/2020 12:25

istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai 

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau 

explores the benefits of incorporating 

another healthy ingredient into our 

diets. This month it’s ginger 

Ginger is among the healthiest, and most delicious, 

spices on the planet and has a stunning flavour 

bringing a real zing and life to dishes. The rhizome 

(underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used 

often called ginger root or, simply, ginger. Ginger is one of 

the most powerful anti-inflammatories there is. The strong, 

spicy essentials oils that give its lively flavour have been 

shown to interrupt certain aspects of the chemical reaction 

that occurs when inflammation is triggered. It may also 

ease pre-menstrual pain through the anti-inflammatory 

and analgesic effects of its gingerol compounds. These 

properties also make it a useful remedy for the treatment 

of mild nausea, enhancing digestive responsiveness and 

stimulating hormones that regulate blood pressure to calm 

the body. There are many innovative ways to use this wonder 

ingredient – boil it up with honey to soothe a sore throat, 

grate into salad dressings or add to homemade curry sauces 

or stir-fries for flavour and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

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 

Zingy ginger infused Asian-style salad 

This delicious ginger-infused salad with a zingy Asian dressing 

is fresh, healthy and perfect for long summer lunches Serves 4 

• 75g quinoa 

• 200g broad beans (frozen) 

• mixed salad leaves 

• 1 avocado, peeled and cut 

into chunks 

• 4 spring onions, sliced 

• cherry tomatoes, halved 

• a handful of fresh mint and 

coriander leaves 

• seasalt 

1. Cook the quinoa as per the 

instructions on the packet 

and then set aside with the 

lid on to keep it warm. 

2. Bring a saucepan of 

water to the boil, add the 

broad beans and cook for 

2-3 minutes. Drain and 

run under cold water, then 

remove the outer skins. 

For the dressing: 

• 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar 

• 1 tbsp soy sauce 

• 1 tsp grated ginger 

• pinch of ground cumin 

• ½ tsp honey 

• ½ tsp sesame oil 

3. Mix the salad leaves together 

and arrange in a bowl. 

4. Mix the quinoa with 

the beans, avocado, spring 

onions and tomatoes and 

spoon over the salad. Pour 

over the dressing and finish 

with fresh herbs. 


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92 

CapitalGardensLtdWT253.indd 1 09/05/2023 09:51:11

Heaven 

Scent 

Jo Arnell explains what you need to create the 

ultimate insect-attractor – a nectar border 

istockphoto.com/epantha / alainolympus / scisettialfio / VenusKaewyoo 

Insects may look insignificant, but they are 

pollinating our plants, playing vital roles in 

ecosystems and generally going about their 

minute business, quietly underpinning much of 

what happens on the planet – and keeping us all 

alive. We really need them, and their numbers are 

dwindling dramatically. There is much that we can 

do in our gardens to help sustain them. Making 

an organic garden filled with nectar rich flowers 

(and food for insect larvae) is very rewarding – and 

not just for the insects. Gardening is an immersive 

experience and to be surrounded by buzzing 

bees, fluttering butterflies and wondering what 

some of the others are getting up to, can be as 

uplifting as it is to be among the flowers alone. 

Early summer is peak breeding time for much 

of our wildlife – this is the high point of the year. 

The sun is high in the sky and it stays light for 

the longest time, plant growth is vigorous and 

strong and food sources are plentiful – in theory. 

If we are to keep a healthy population of insects 

and the wildlife that depend on them, we need 

to provide a source of nectar for as many of 

them as we can – and for as long as possible. 

Pollinators 

Butterflies and bees are the first insects that come 

to mind when we think about pollinators, but 

there are others that are just as useful, and some 

that even helpfully combine pollinating with 

pest control. Beetles, moths, flies and wasps are 

all busy collecting nectar alongside the more 

popular flower visitors. Wasps will gorge on 

nectar, but feed grubs and caterpillars to their 

young, hoverflies have carnivorous larvae that 

eat aphids and ladybirds will be multitasking too 

– pollinating and pest controlling as they go. 

An insect’s lifecycle can be a complicated matter 

and many need access to a range of food sources. The 

caterpillars of several species of butterfly, including 

Red Admirals and Peacocks, feed on stinging nettles, 

and many others nibble at wildflowers and meadow 

grasses, so it is important to have a few rough patches 

at the edges of the 

garden borders – which is a relief 

to those of us that can’t help but 

have them. Being untidy can 

be a useful thing sometimes. 

One of the very best things 

to install for attracting all sorts 

of wildlife is a pond. It doesn’t 

have to be a large, deep expanse 

of water either – a scenic washing up 

bowl, or water feature that just has a 

small pump to enable a trickle of water 

over stones will provide a drinking and 

bathing source. The important thing is 

to make sure the creatures can climb in 

and out without risk of drowning, so a small 

beach, or areas of pebbles and a container 

with shallow, sloping sides is ideal. 

As well as providing food and 

water for all these beneficial 

insects, we need to 

supply them with shelter 

too. Butterflies need 

somewhere to hide when 

it’s raining and they all 

need places to overwinter 

and hunker down during cold snaps. Hedges 

are great places for taking refuge in and even 

fences covered in climbers will be providing a useful 

shelter service. Ivy is one of the very best all 

round plants – bringing nectar, winter 

berries, and cover in the form of 

a thin hedge – known as a 

fedge – like a cross between a 

fence and a hedge. A small 

pile of logs, or just leaving 

the top growth on your 

perennials over the 

winter will give places 

for insects to snuggle 

down in, away from 

harsh weather 

and predators. 

 

Some plants’ flowers 

pump out more 

fragrance as dusk falls, 

like Evening Primrose 


Nectar rich plants 

Nectar is the payment the plant makes to the 

insect for its pollination service and flowers 

are the signal from the plant to advertise the 

nectar source. Insects have evolved alongside 

native plants and wildflowers, matching their 

lifecycles and coexisting in an intricate dance 

through the ages. The fact that we like flowers 

too might help in the process – except for the 

fact that the native plants are often so rampant 

that we call them weeds… Luckily many of 

our pretty wildflowers and cottage garden 

plants – especially the self seeding biennials like 

foxgloves, honesty and forget-me-nots – are 

packed with nectar too and are easy to grow. 

The worst type of plant for an insect is one 

that has been bred for double flowers – a frilly 

froufrou that has forfeited its nectaries in favour 

of yet more petals makes it hard for an insect 

to access what little food there is, or actually 

impossible, because the plant has become 

sterile and has no need for pollination. Some 

of these flowers are very beautiful, but perhaps, 

like an unscented rose, a flower that contains 

no nectar, is not really much of a flower. 

There are certain plants that pollinators really 

like – simple, open daisy flowers provide great 

landing pads and the central section is made up 

of lots of tiny flowers, each with its own nectary, 

which makes it worthwhile visiting. Bees like 

tubular flowers, such as foxgloves, antirrhinums 

and penstemon, and will even climb inside 

them – invited in by spotted landing strips, 

or – in the case of the snapdragon, hinged 

doors at the base of the flower, along the lip 

of the bloom. Bees are especially attracted to 

blue and mauve flowers and can see colours in 

the ultra-violet range that we can’t perceive. 

Moths and other night flying creatures – 

some beetles, even occasionally bats (but to 

catch the insects) – are drawn in by the scent, 

rather than the colour of the flowers. The 

plant will pump out more fragrance as dusk 

falls, so these make a lovely backdrop to an 

evening seating area. The clue is in the name 

for plants like Evening Primrose and Night 

Scented Stock. Shade loving plants are often 

scented too and many early flowering shrubs 

will have fragrant blossom to attract in early 

emerging insects – these are usually out and 

about before the bees and butterflies wake up. 

Designing a nectar border 

When you are planning out where to position 

a nectar border, think about which insects 

will visit. Butterflies and bees will like open, 

sunny places and are attracted by the colour of 

flowers – butterflies to bright colours. A shadier 

space will be attracting other insects – but they 

are just as important and often overlooked. 

The bed needs a range of plants at different 

heights – tall, middle of the border, and low 

growing ground cover for underplanting 

and for the front. The heights don’t have to 

be regimented – a few tall spires of lupins 

or foxgloves can be placed in among 

medium sized plants – and something 

like Verbena bonariensis, beloved by 

pollinators (or shade loving Thalictrum) 

can waft through the length of the 

border and make a see-through haze. 

Plant in swathes if you can, so that 

the insects can land and feed for 

a while without having to waste 

energy flitting around. Natural 

looking groups that blend into 

one another will look good and 

if you are able to time it so that 

as one clump of flowers fades, 

the next starts to open, you will 

be providing a constant stream 

of nectar through the season. 

Plants are expensive to buy in 

multiples, but luckily herbaceous 

perennials can be divided and 

clump up quickly – and most are 

easy to take cuttings from, so it 

might not be as costly as it sounds. 

Think about seasonality too. Weird 

weather and unseasonably warm winters 

bring many insects out of dormancy 

early, so it’s a good thing to provide 

some early nectar for those that are 

active at the beginning – and end 

of the year. Hellebores, early bulbs 

and woodlanders like winter 

aconites, snowdrops – even 

violas in window boxes and 

containers – could be a life saver 

to a creature that stumbles out 

on a warm day in February. 

Late flowering plants like Salvias, 

Asters and Eupatorium carry on 

flowering for a long time into the 

autumn – and often beyond if it stays mild. 

Many of the insects will be needing a boost of 

late nectar to help them at the end of the season, 

building up their strength for a period of winter 

dormancy, or just as a last hurrah among the 

flowers – a final party filled with sweet nectar 

before the weather closes in on them. 

Join Jo at her Garden Design 

course at her home in 

Woodchurch, Kent. For more 

information, and to book, 

visit hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

or call 07923 969634. 

The bed needs a 

range of plants at 

different heights – a 

few tall spires of 

lupins or foxgloves can 

be placed in among 

medium sized plants 

95

Sue Whigham explores the oh-so delicate world of epimediums – 

personal favourites that are a little harder to track down 

istockphoto.com/ skymoon13 / James53145 

I’m happy that other names for 

epimediums include barrenwort, 

‘Bishop’s hat’ and ‘fairy wings’ 

– but ‘horny goat weed’ is going 

too far for a genus of flowering 

plants which are not only beautiful 

but so delicate and so desirable. 

There are more than fifty confirmed 

species of epimedium but no doubt 

others will be added to the list with 

the development of more hybrids 

and more species being discovered in 

China. Epimediums in the wild grow in 

woodland, in mountainous regions and 

on river banks in China and other parts 

of Asia, as well as in Mediterranean 

regions. They are in the Berberidaceae 

family and vary enormously in both 

leaf shape and colour, as well as flower 

shape and colour. The flowers can come 

in shades of yellow through to orange 

and many shades of pink, red through 

to mauves and purples. Flower shapes 

include small hanging cup shapes or 

bells to pendulous stars resembling 

dangling spiders where the flower is 

‘predominantly long spurred petals’. 

I think that as more hybrids are 

produced with more easily remembered 

names, like the lovely E. ‘Pink 

Champagne’, there will be more 

epimediums sold in garden centres. 

Specialist nurseries are more used to 

fairly unpronounceable Latin names 

but not so the garden centres. Imagine 

trying to ask for E. lishihchenii or E. 

membranaceum unless you are feeling 

fairly confident. Shame really as both 

plants are lovely. E. membranaceum 


96

Epimediums require 

some shade and 

will do their best 

if you prepare the 

site first, adding 

some organic matter 

before you plant 

has a long flowering season from late 

April through until August – as well as 

a long name. It’s a recent introduction 

from China and has luminous yellow 

flowers and elongated serrated leaves. 

Some are ideal for dry conditions, 

under trees and shrubs, as long as there 

is some light. In other words, dappled 

shade rather than dark conditions. They 

are perfect as ground cover plants, some 

spreading over the ground wonderfully 

fast. One such plant is the hybrid 

(and the fastest growing) E x versicolor 

‘Sulphureum’. Cut down last year’s 

shabby foliage to the ground early in the 

year so that the flowers on their wiry red 

stems can be seen and enjoyed before 

the mottled heart-shaped leaves appear. 

You can see drifts of it at RHS Wisley 

(if you can face the road works) and the 

RHS are now adding newer varieties in 

the woodland garden and in the shadier 

parts of the rock garden. They are ideal 

companions for spring plants such as 

hellebores, primroses and spring bulbs. 

What do epimediums need? 

They require some shade and will do 

their best if you prepare the site first, 

adding some organic matter before 

you plant. There are some varieties 

that can take sun, so it’s worth doing 

your homework before you buy. Once 

your plants are in, keep them watered 

in their first year, especially if we have 

a dry spell. Epimediums are hardy 

despite looking so delicate and can 

cope with cold, wintry conditions. 

My first epimedium was E. ‘Amber 

Queen’, AGM. This one has a long 

flowering season and has serrated 

leaves topped with orangey-yellow 

flowers above dark wiry stems and 

seems to be as tough as old boots. I’m 

not sure about the colour now but as 

the plant is rhizomatus it has made a 

good sized clump over the past five 

years so and earned its place in a rather 

overcrowded shady border. I think that 

some of the newer hybrids are very 

tempting. Who could resist E. ‘Fire 

Dragon’ with its description of amber 

and silver foliage topped with pink 

and yellow flowers. And the vigorous 

E. grandifolium ‘Lilac Seedling’ with 

arrow shaped bronze-green leaves 

and lilac flowers appearing in April. 

This particular wish list is growing. 

Where to see them 

There is a National Collection of 

Epimediums set up by Roger and Linda 

Hammond in 2013 (themagnolias.co.uk). 

They are based in Brentwood, Essex. 

Roger’s interest in epimediums began 

when he was at horticultural college 

and saw epimediums displayed on a 

Blackthorn’s stand at a RHS Show. 

They have a good, comprehensive 

website and open their garden and 

collection in April. He recommends 

Sally Gregson’s book, The Plant 

Lover’s Guide to Epimediums. Many 

of the illustrations in the book come 

from the National Collection. Sally’s 

nursery, Mill Cottage Plants in Wookey, 

Somerset, has epimediums growing 

under her other love: hydrangeas. It 

was interesting to see that she was 

inspired by Elizabeth Strangman’s 

nursery in Hawkhurst, Kent, which 

unfortunately closed in 1999. 

Where to buy them 

There are now many nurseries 

supplying epimediums which include 

Edrom Nurseries edrom-nurseries.co.uk, 

Burncoose Nurseries burncoose.co.uk, 

Hardy’s Cottage Garden plants 

hardysplants.co.uk, Beth Chatto 

bethchatto.co.uk and Dorset Perennials 

dorsetperennials.co.uk. 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 

07810 457948 for gardening advice 

and help in the sourcing and supply of 

interesting garden plants. 


V I N T A G E A T C H I D D I N G S T O N E C A S T L E 

T H E S U M M E R V I N T A G E F A I R 

S u n d a y 1 1 t h J u n e 2 0 2 3 

PASHLEY MANOR 

PASHLEY MANOR 

GARDENS 

GARDENS 

10.30AM - 4.00PM ADULT: £7.50 CHILD: £2.50 

Join us for our eighth festival of all things vintage. Shop from a vast array of vintage stalls, enjoy 

vintage style vocals and join in with our fabulous dancers. Do stay and enjoy a picnic from the 

delicious food stalls on offer. 

More information www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/whats-on/ 

HELLO@CHIDDINGSTONECASTLE.ORG.UK | 01892 870 347 | CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE, KENT, TN8 7AD 

TULIP FESTIVAL 

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

48,000 tulips in 105 varieties! 

TULIP FESTIVAL 

Over 46,000 tulips SPECIAL 

in the gardens 

ROSE WEEK 

19th April every day to 3rd May 

16th June every day to 

Beautiful 11 Acre Gardens; Café 

24th 

with 

June 

Terrace; 

Gift Shop; Sculpture and Art Exhibitions 

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 

ChiddingstoneCastleWT253.indd 1 03/04/2023 PashleyManorWT253.indd 15:44 

1 16/05/2023 10:36:35 

Discover the very best locally-produced food in our 

August issue’s Taste of the South East Supplement 



98 

JUNE 2023 TOTSE supp ad.indd 1 22/05/2023 13:13:57

What’s On in June 

GARDENS 

Sat 1 July 10am-4pm 

Reading Street Village CT4 3AZ 

READING STREET 

VILLAGE OPEN GARDENS 

This is Reading Street’s fourth 

open garden event. Gardens range 

from a small cottage garden to 

an award-winning wildlife one, 

a fairy garden for the little ones 

and Taddy’s Allotments. All 

gardens are within 5-10 minutes 

walk from St Andrew’s Church. 

There will be plants and produce 

sales. Refreshments and lunches 

will also be available in the 

Community Hall to eat in or take 

away. Tickets are available from 

various points in the village. 

Contact: offstand@btinternet.com 

Entry: £5, accompanied children free 

Sat 3 June 5-7pm 

The Thatched House, Cage 

Lane, Smarden, Kent TN27 8QE 

DRINKS IN THE GARDEN 

AT THE THATCHED HOUSE 

Friends of Smarden Church 

invite you to enjoy Drinks in 

the Garden with the price of 

your ticket including a welcome 

drink and tasty catering by Blue 

Egg. The Thatched House was 

used as a location for the Agatha 

Christie film, The Mirror Cracked, 

so give that a watch before you 

visit this special garden. You 

can get your tickets for what 

promises to be a lovely event 

from Smarden Community 

Store and Gallery or you can 

call 01233 770695 or 770182. 

Entry: £15 

fosc.yolasite.com 

COURSES & TALKS 

Thu 8 June 11am-12.30pm 

Walled Garden, Water Lane, 

Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 5DH 

WILD ABOUT SCENTED 

GERANIUMS WITH CATH 

KIDSTON PADGHAM 

MBE AND JO FAIRLEY 

Join designer Cath Kidston 

Padgham MBE, in conversation 

with fellow entrepreneur and 

fragrance lover, Jo Fairley in the 

Carnation Glasshouse at the 

sublime Water Lane. They’ll 

chat about Cath’s passion for 

pelargoniums, fragrance and the 

garden, which led to C.Atherley, 

her new bath and beauty brand. 

The ticket can also add two 

courses and either a glass of 

wine or a homemade cordial 

from Water Lane restaurant after 

the talk at a combined price of 

£55. Following the talk there 

will also be the opportunity to 

take a short, guided tour of the 

Water Lane Cutting Garden. 

Entry: £25 (£55 with lunch) 

waterlane.net/products/c-atherley 

FAIRS & FESTIVALS 

Thur 8, Fri 9 & Sat 10 

June 9am-4.30pm 

Hole Park, Benenden Road, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4JB 

WEALDEN TIMES 

MIDSUMMER FAIR 

Come and join us to welcome 

the joyful summer season. You’ll 

find all your favourite exhibitors 

plus a wide selection of exciting 

new stands from independent 

businesses who’ll be selling 

gorgeous fashion, sustainable 

homeware and clothing, art and 

crafts, home and gardenware, 

beauty and so much more (we 

haven’t even started on the food 

and drink!) Lovely dogs on leads 

are very welcome. Your ticket also 

includes the wonderful Hole Park 

Gardens. So shop, relax, wander 

and drink in the summertime. 

We look forward to welcoming 

you. Tickets and info at 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

Sun 11 June 10.30am-4pm 

Chiddingstone Castle, 

Hill Hoath Road, 

Edenbridge, TN8 7AD 

VINTAGE AT 

CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE 

The Summer Vintage Fair 

returns to Chiddingstone Castle 

for its eighth year in the Castle 

grounds. With an extensive array 

of fabulous French and English 

homewares, decorative vintage, 

textiles, furniture, fashion, 

jewellery, accessories, pre-loved 

items and gardenalia - this truly 

is a festival of all things vintage! 

There will be singing and dancing 

throughout the day and delicious 

food and refreshments from 

local food specialists available. 

Entry: £7.50, children 

£2.50 on the day 

chiddingstonecastleorguk 

Fri 23 – Sun 25 June 

Priory Park, Bell Street, 

Reigate RH2 7RL 

PUB IN THE PARK 

The ultimate food and music 

festival Hosted by Tom Kerridge, 

Simon Rimmer and Matt Tebbutt. 

Expect banging live music, 

incredible chefs and of course 

delicious food! You’ll be able to 

hop between pop-up restaurants to 

feast on exclusive menus curated 

by the nation’s best chefs and 

restaurants. Meanwhile, music 

from the likes of Bananarama, 

Example, and Toploader are sure 

to satisfy your festival pangs. 

pubintheparkuk.com 

Sat 24 & Sun 25 June 

10am-5pm 

Borde Hill, Borde Hill 

Lane, Haywards Heath, 

West Sussex, RH16 1XP 

BORDE HILL 

COMTEMPORARY 

CRAFT FAIR 

This summer the Sussex Guild 

returns to exhibit inspiring work 

in a village of small marquees 

on the lawns of the Azalea Ring 

at Borde Hill. Visitors will be 

treated to spectacular examples of 

ceramics, furniture, glass, jewellery, 

metalwork, textile art, woodwork 

and more; most of which 

can be purchased or specially 

commissioned. Some makers will 

be demonstrating, giving visitors 

the chance to see the well-honed 

skills in making high-end crafts. 

Visitors are encouraged to prebook 

their visit in advance and by 

booking at least a day in advance 

a £1 online discount will be 

applied at the time of booking. 

thesussexguild.co.uk 

Sat 25 June 11am-5pm 

Charter Hall, Chessenden Lane, 

Smarden, Ashford TN27 8NF 

TASTE OF SMARDEN 

Taste of Smarden is an 

annual event run by Smarden 

Community Store to celebrate 

all of the great local products 

made in Kent and Sussex. 

Since its inception, the range of 

foods, wines and beers available 

to sample and buy has grown 

dramatically. It’s a day out for 

the whole family with children’s 

activities, a barbecue, a beer 

and prosecco bar, strawberries 

and cream and a great band. 

Visitors to Taste of Smarden and 

the Community Store will find 

friendly faces and fabulous food 

in one of Kent’s prettiest villages. 

smardencommunitystore.co.uk 

LOOKING 

FORWARD 

Sun 16 July 

The Recreation Ground, 

Appledore TN26 2AE 

APPLEDORE VINTAGE 

VEHICLE RALLY 

This ever-popular event promises 

to bring together a fantastically 

diverse range of vehicles including 

cars, buses, bikes and commercial 

vehicles from the early 1900s 

to the modern day, the event 

has become a much-loved 

tradition for the local Romney 

Marsh community and visitors 

alike. Expect a day filled with 

entertainment including arena 

events, auto-jumble, displays and 

refreshments, all while admiring 

the stunning vehicles on display. 

Entry: £5, families £10 

appledorevehiclerally.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going 

to press but may be subject to change. 

Readers are advised to check with venues 

before making arrangements. We can list 

your event in the next issue of Wealden 

Times for only £75+VAT. Please supply 

up to 200 words that should include date, 

time, venue, contact for enquiries and any 

entry price to whatson@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 9th June. 

99

Aside from the animals, there’s 

another productive (almost 

commercial!) arm of Coopers 

Farm – growing fruit and veg 

Every spring I approach my 

vegetable growing with boundless 

enthusiasm and by the time 

summer comes around I am overwhelmed 

by it all. Not to mention the angst of going 

on holiday just as the sweet corn / beans / 

courgettes peak. You’d think by now it would have 

occurred to me to scale back the March/April end of the 

operation so as to retain a modicum of control later in 

the summer. But for 2023 it’s been business as usual! 

During the dark winter months I pored over all those 

seed catalogues and made a New Year’s resolution to 

be moderate, but blow me down if by February the 

seed companies hit you with irresistible offers that, 

together with their pictures of glorious 

abundance, are irresistible. I’m off again. 

March, April and May were spent 

madly sowing, pricking out and potting 

on and now in June it’s time to plant 

out the greenhouse bounty and sow 

other seeds direct into the warmer 

soil. Always a tense time as a useful 

morning spent sowing row upon 

row of radish, spring onion, lettuce, 

rocket – all carefully marked with 

lolly sticks – is like a sweetie shop for 

the team. Irresistible. If the hens get 

a whiff of the action they’ll be up there scratching 

and pecking and reducing my soldier-straight rows to 

a glorified seed free mess. Aaagh. Let’s hope the new 

fence is high enough to deter a determined chicken. 

The peas have been busy germinating in a gutter 

suspended like a hammock in the greenhouse to 

stop the mice having a feast. And now it’s time 

to plant them out, which heralds the annual trip 

to the hazel coppice to collect pea sticks. 

East Sussex is the most wooded county in the UK and 

most traditional farms include at least two or three small 

parcels of woodland or shaws which would have been 

The peas have been 

busy germinating in 

a gutter suspended 

like a hammock in 

the greenhouse to 

stop the mice having 

a feast 

coppiced to supply firewood and a whole host of other 

valuable materials like fencing, brooms and tool handles. 

And then later through the 18th and 19th centuries, 

coppiced wood provided charcoal for the all important 

smelting of iron, a key industry in the High Weald. 

Coppicing is the process that occurs 

when a tree is felled and new sprouts arise 

from the cut stump known as a stool. 

This process can be carried out over and 

over again and is sustainable over several 

hundred years with the stool getting 

ever larger in diameter. All broadleaf 

trees can be coppiced but some – ash, 

hazel, oak, sweet chestnut and lime – 

are best, while others like beech, cherry 

and poplar really don’t respond. And 

conifers won’t do it at all, chop them 

down and they simply shut up shop. 

Coppice is felled in blocks termed coupes (or fells, 

cants or haggs) with five or six being cut in any season. 

At Coopers we have been coppicing our woods for 

the past ten years, albeit on a one woman and her 

chainsaw scale, but when I’ve harvested this year’s poles, 

sticks and branches there’s every possibility we might 

just complete our first hagg (favourite descriptive). 

While the peas will be supported in this time honoured 

way, the melons – a new project for 2023 – will apparently 

need tights to act as protective slings. Not much call for 

American Tans in the farming world so – rather like the visit 

to the coppice for pea sticks – charity shops here I come. 

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


100

Would a lawyer make a good 

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The answer, as it turns out, is ‘yes,... if by being 

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True story from one of our partners who showed 

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