Summer 2023

Tasty local stories, published by Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council
Summer 2023 | FREE
Kent's Favourite Indian
Dining Experience
Jumeira Cranbrook branch now open
IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Care Workers
FULL TIME & PART TIME CARER WORKERS
REQUIRED IN TENTERDEN, CRANBROOK, STAPLEHURST
AND MANY OF THE SURROUNDING VILLAGES.
Could be your main income, just a few hours each week to support with expenses.
We have Mornings, Lunchtimes, Teatimes, Evenings and Weekend calls
available. Also some Domestic Calls & Sleep Ins to cover.
HOURLY RATE
MILEAGE &
TRAVEL TIME
PAID FROM 1ST
TO LAST CALL
JOIN US IN
2023 TO
RECEIVE
A £200
INCENTIVE
BONUS FOR
NEW WORKERS
Any experience is beneficial such as raising children, looking after elderly parents/
grand children. But, FULL TRAINING will be provided to all applicants.
Why not contact us to discuss more about the
work and what hours you are looking for?
Call Natalie or Chloe 01580 762244
These positions are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act

Published by Cranbrook and
Sissinghurst Parish Council
CO-EDITORS -
Kim Fletcher and Carol Somers
SUB EDITORS -
Julian Flanders
ADVERTISING SALES -
David Hobden - 01892 677741
davidh@spacemarketing.co.uk
ADMIN SUPPORT - Graham Holmes
gpholmes@hotmail.co.uk
PRODUCED BY - Tally Rix - Coffee
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PUBLISHED BY - Cranbrook and
Sissinghurst Parish Council,
01580 713112
www.cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk
Whilst every effort is made to
ensure accuracy, the Cranbrook
and Sissinghurst Parish Council,
editor and authors cannot be
held responsible for published
errors. The views or opinions expressed do
not necessarily reflect views of the Cranbrook
and Sissinghurst Parish Council. Inclusion of
any advertising material does not constitute a
guarantee or endorsement of any products or
services or claims made.
SOMETHING FOR THE CAKE?
We love to hear from you. Please send
all ideas for contributions to The Cake to
clerk@cspc.org.uk by 1 August 2023
FRONT COVER
Jumeira, which means “burning
embers”, is at the glowing heart of the
Vale of Kent, and renowned for the
warmest of hospitality and guest style
service. Jumeira is recognised in the
south east as the outright winner of
‘Best Restaurant in Kent’. Building upon
its esteemed reputation, Jumeira has
recently expanded with the opening
of its third branch in Cranbrook,
promising to deliver the same
unrivalled standards and distinctive
flavours that it has always been
known for.
3 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17
3EB / 01580 493 812 /
www.jumeiragroup.co.uk
Chairman’s
Message
Cranbrook is being short changed by central and local government, by
uncaring people who have no idea about rural market towns.
The Department of Education shut High Weald, expecting all
children to go to academic schools in Tenterden, Maidstone or Paddock
Wood. We now see ‘ghost pupils’ who ought to be at school, but the
authorities do nothing about them, leaving them bored and finding
mischief in casual vandalism.
There are no school places for non-academic pupils who want skills in mechanics, building or
agriculture; all skills being driven out of the area by the cost of housing. The construction company
Hurstway ran wonderful apprenticeships but can no longer find the skills needed for our ancient
buildings and has ceased trading. The building trade estimates that 100,000 craftsmen are needed
to maintain our housing stock but there are few opportunities for local youngsters to develop the
necessary skills.
Going to school together creates lifelong bonds but with our children travelling all over the Weald
each day, these bonds are not being made. The environmental impact of the 600 or so children being
shipped out of the area and the 200 special needs children who are taxied into Cranbrook daily from
all over the county is not insignificant either.
Thank goodness for Cranbrook rugby and the Junior football clubs and Sissinghurst cricket, scouts,
guides and other children’s groups for engaging with local children each week.
House prices are raised locally because Cranbrook School offers excellent state academic selective
education, saving parents upto £250,000 in fees to go to St Ronan’s, Dulwich, Benenden, Bethany,
etc, so paying an extra £100,000 on a house makes financial sense.
What we are getting is new housing that locals cannot afford and gridlock at 3pm around the
landlocked primary schools in Cranbrook and Sissinghurst. We need affordable housing for a local
workforce and their children, and better local education that meets rural needs.
The new Weald of Kent parliamentary boundary puts our parish at the extreme west end of the
constituency that has no real focal point. We will need a firebrand MP to cut any ice in parliament,
no matter what colour their rosette. If you care about these issues, then find like-minded people and
let’s see what we can do together to express these views. Please do not think ‘something must be
done’, make it happen yourself.
Now’s the time for people to man the barricades again, just as they did in 1391!
Inside
this issue
REGUALRS
5 What’s on & Directory
6 Letters
8 Development News
9 High Street News
10 Local News
13 Club News
14 Event News
17 Wellbeing – Men’s Shed
and more
30 Let’s Cook
34 Badger’s Plot
39 Legal – executing a will
40 PC Update – annual report
FEATURES
19 The Memorial Hall –
Frittenden’s new £340,000
facilities
21 Jaegar’s Field – the story of
Bernard (Bill) Lytton Jaegar
22 Local Politics – Boundary
Commission changes
Cllr. Kim Fletcher,
chairman, Cranbrook
& Sissinghurst Parish
Council
25 Walking with Dogs – a quick
guide
26 Steam Train Volunteers
– opportunities with K&ES
Railway
29 Farming Matters – threats to
our orchards
31 Museum Matters –
celebrating 50 years
37 Cranbrook’s Revolting! – Ann
Historian on events in 1381
42 Cake Meets… Carol Gower,
CBA Millennium Outings
The Cake • Summer 2023 3

directory
A list of useful contacts in
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst
Parish Council
The Old Fire Station, Stone Street,
Cranbrook, KENT TN17 3HF
Clerk – Mrs. C. Bezuidenhout
Deputy Clerk - Mrs. L. Ham
Deputy Clerk – Mrs. L. Thirkell
01580 713112 / clerk@CSPC.org.uk
BOROUGH & COUNTY
COUNCILS
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
01892 526121
www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk
Kent County Council
03000 41 41 41 / www.kent.gov.uk
USEFUL NUMBERS
UTILITIES
Electricity: 0800 727282 (24 hrs)
Gas: 0800 111 999
Water: South East Water (drinking
water) 0800 0283399, Southern
Water (waste water) 0800 820999 (24
hrs), Emergency leak 0800 0283399,
Floodline 0845 9881188 (24 hrs)
CRIME
Non-Emergency Police: 101
Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111
KCC Community Warden: Adam
Osborn - 07813 695741
Neighbourhood Watch Area
Co-ordinator: 01622 604395
In an emergency i.e. if life is in danger
or a crime is in progress call 999. To
request non urgent police assistance,
to report crime or to make enquiry
call 101. Non urgent correspondence
and crime can be reported via the Live
Chat icon at www.kent.police.uk
ROOMS & HALLS TO HIRE
St George’s Institute, Sissinghurst:
Ursula O’Connor 01580 713938
The Parish Room, Sissinghurst: Sue
Crowe 01580 712567
ts.crowe74@gmail.com
The Vestry Hall, Council Chamber and
Addison VC Room, Cranbrook:
01580 713112 (10am-12pm weekdays).
A full list of over 30 venues for hire in the
parish is available from the parish office
USEFUL CONTACTS
CHURCHES
Congregational Church,
Cranbrook: 01580 388070
St. Dunstan’s, Cranbrook:
01580 715861
St. Theodore’s RC, Cranbrook:
01580 713364
Strict Baptist Church, Cranbrook:
01580 713212
Trinity Church, Sissinghurst:
01580 852275
Vine Church, Cranbrook: 01580 712620
SCHOOLS AND PRE SCHOOLS
Belle Vue School, Cranbrook:
01580 854641
Colliers Green CE Primary:
01580 211335
Cranbrook CE Primary: 01580 713249
Cranbrook Children’s Centre:
03000 41 10 35
Cranbrook School: 01580 711800
Dulwich Preparatory School:
01580 712179
Rainbow Pre School, Cranbrook:
01580 715570
Sissinghurst CE Primary: 01580 713895
Woodpeckers Pre School, Cranbrook:
01580 720195
DOCTORS
Old School Surgery, Cranbrook:
01580 712476
Orchard End Surgery, Cranbrook:
01580 713622
The Crane Surgery, Cranbrook
01580 712260
DEFIBRILLATORS
Cramp Club, Cranbrook
Cranbrook Fire Station
Cricket Club, Sissinghurst
Parish Council office
Sissinghurst Castle Garden
St. George’s Institute, Sissinghurst
Tennis Club, Sissinghurst
The George Hotel, Cranbrook
The Milkhouse, Sissinghurst
WHAT’S ON
June
DIRECTORY
6 June – “Wine and Roses”, led by the Head Gardener, Troy Scott Smith, 6pm,
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens, www.historicroses.org
10 June – Guns 2 Roses, 7.30pm, The Vestry Hall, www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk
16 June – The Cranbrook Comedy Club, 8pm (with food from The Bun
Buddies food truck), The Queen’s Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk
17 June – Music Quiz, 7.30pm, The Vestry Hall, www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk
23 June – Mark Morriss, 7.30pm, The Vestry Hall, www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk
24 June – Cinema: The Goonies, 2pm; A Man Called Otto, 7.30pm, The
Queen’s Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk
24 June – Kelly Bourne & Amber Rhiannon, Jazz, 8.30pm–10.30pm, The
George Hotel Cranbrook
25 June – Cranbrook Town Band Sunday Afternoon Concert, 2.30pm–5pm, St
Dunstan’s Church, www.cranbrooktownband.org.uk
July
1 July – Cranbrook Juniors FC Family Fun Day, 11.30am–2.30pm, Rammell
Field, Cranbrook TN17 3AF
1 July – The Gigspanner Big Band (led by Peter Knight, formerly of Steeleye
Span), 7.30pm, The Queen’s Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk &
www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk
12–13 July – Cranbrook Primary School’s Summer Show, www.cranbrookcep.kent.sch.uk
15 July – “For One Night Only”: A celebration of 30 years of the Invicta Youth
Theatre, 7.30pm, The Queen’s Hall Theatre, www.yt93.co.uk
16 July – Cinema: Disney’s Strange World, 2pm, The Queen’s Hall Theatre,
www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk
22 July – Fairport Convention, 7:30 pm, The Queen’s Hall Theatre, www.
queenshalltheatre.co.uk & www.wmwcranbrook.co.uk
29 July – Karaoke, 8.30pm–10.30pm, The George Hotel Cranbrook
30 July – Cranbrook on the Green, Summer Festival, 11am–6pm, on the
Ball Field
August
8 August – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 7pm, Hemsted Park, Benenden
School, TN17 4AA www.hemstedpark.com
12 August – Hawkfest, with the Dualers, Wild Horse and others, 1pm, Moor
Hill, Hawkhurst TN18 4QB
26 August – Proms Spectacular Concert, 6pm, Hole Park Estate, Benenden
Road, Rolvenden TN17 4JA
September
8–9 September – CranFest 2023, various venues around Cranbrook
22 September – The Cranbrook Comedy Club, 8.00pm (with food from The
Lloyds Kitchen food truck), The Queen’s Hall Theatre,
www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk
October
6 October – “Happy Birthday Tony! Who Wants to Live Forever?”: A One-Man-
Show, 7.30pm, The Queen’s Hall Theatre, www.queenshalltheatre.co.uk
13–14 October – Cranbrook Literature Festival, check website for times and
venues, www.cranbrookliteraturefestival.com
26–28 October – CODS Presents… Made in Dagenham, The Queen’s Hall
Theatre, www.cranbrookods.org.uk
Please contact hulland-rumleyk@cranbrook.kent.sch.uk to add your
event to this calendar.
The Cake • Summer 2023 5

letters
www.bussmurton.co.uk | T: 01580 712 215
Miss Junior
Teen Great
Britain
I am sure that readers of
Cake magazine would be
thrilled to know that one
of their local residents,
Lucy Baker, is representing
Kent in the Miss Junior
Teen Great Britain pageant.
This is a nationwide
beauty pageant with the
motto ‘make friends, build
confidence, make memories.’
She first got involved in the
competition in February and
has now made it through to
the finals.
Lucy, who is 15 and lives
in Cranbrook, is fundraising
for Together for Short Lives,
a charity that supports
young people with lifethreatening
conditions,
helping them and their
families lead the most
fulfilling lives they can
and experience the best
end-of-life care. She has
raised money by running
a games table with prizes
at local farmers markets,
collecting outside the Co-op
and through her Just Giving
page. In her spare time, she
attends Cadets, helps out
at Brownies, community
lunches and coffee mornings.
She also collects food and
clothing for the homeless.
The Miss Junior Teen finals
take place in Blackpool in
October and Lucy hopes to
do her county proud and
bring home the crown.
Sabrina Spencer
BERKELEY HOMES
Ugly Estate of ‘Generic’ Housing
Sir, It is a curious turn of events
when one of Britain’s largest
housebuilders appears ready to
fight for the right to build ‘ugly
identikit homes’ in an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty
(news, 2 May). There is, though,
more to the decision than looks
alone. This is a fight over rules
that prevent major development
in an AONB except in exceptional
circumstances.
Michael Gove was right to block
an ugly estate of ‘generic’ housing
in the Kent countryside. This
large housing development, on a
greenfield site, was opposed by
Natural England owing to its size,
scale and the harm it would cause
the High Weald.
Crucially, the proposal was
for unnecessarily big, expensive
homes. What is needed is truly
affordable and sustainable housing,
including homes for social rent.
Roger Mortlock, chief executive
CPRE, (Letter to The Times, 3 May
2023)
6 The Cake • Summer 2023

We have been providing expert and
trusted legal advice to individuals and
businesses for generations.
Let it Weather
Some people have expressed
disappointment at the new
appearance of the Sissinghurst
bicycle, which has been hot-dipped
galvanised – immersed in hot zinc – to
prevent further rust corrosion. This is
an age-old process that will provide
a robust coating and protection from
corrosion for 50 years or more.
Although it might not look its
best at the moment, once it has
‘weathered’ – probably for about 18
months – it should start to slowly
improve. Having lived for many years
in South Africa, where there are many
galvanised tin roofs, I know that,
once they have weathered, they can
drastically change in appearance.
Indeed, I have a steel frame in my
garden at the moment, which was
also galvanised – most likely by the
same company – about 18 months ago
and I can assure you that it is a very
different hue to that of the originally
galvanisation.
I cannot give you all the answers
but I know that leaving it to weather
will improve its appearance. After
that, if it still looks bad it could be
treated with a specific primer and
then painted if necessary.
Peter Hall
Completely
Astonished
As you probably realised, I was completely
astonished to receive the KALC Community Award
on Wednesday. I found myself involved with the
Sissinghurst Flower Show Society soon after we
moved into Mill Lane in 1963 and have been on the
committee for more years than I care to remember.
There have been many pleasures and challenges
over the years, all of which I enjoy, as well as my
interest in the past history of the society. As a
long standing village event, it is rewarding for the
committee that the three annual shows still play a
major part in the village calendar of events.
I would like to express my thanks to everyone
involved and hope that the KALC community award
scheme will continue to bring unexpected pleasure
to many in years to come.
Mitzi Newsom
POSITIVE MENOPAUSE
I'm Nicola
a BANT Registered Nutritionist, Functional
Medicine certified Health Coach and Pharmacist
Poet’s Corner
Pupil from Walliams
Class, Belle Vue School
Great winds of change sweep across our land,
Like a painter’s brush, gifting new colour,
Each bristle glistening gloriously with the sacred oath
Of life, the promise of spring
And the flowers bloom once more
Health coaching and nutrition for a healthier and
happier perimenopause and menopause
How much better would you feel if you could at
least make a start on getting some of your
symptoms under control?
Let Nutritional support help you get your life
back on track.
(Both now and for your long-term health)
www.nicolavinall.com
nicola@nicolavinall.com
Pupil from Tolkien Class, Belle Vue School
The Cake • Summer 2023 7

DEVELOPMENT NEWS
Berkeley – Turnden
Michael Gove turned down
the Turnden phase 2
development, as he
considered the housing as
‘A generic suburban nature
which does not reproduce the constituent
elements of local settlements.’ He also
considers that the layout of the scheme
‘does not respond to its AONB setting’.
These are two of the key criteria used by the
planning committee and seems the first time
they have been used to refuse a planning
application.
As expected, Berkeley will not give up and
are taking Mr Gove’s decision to court on the
basis it is ‘irrational’.
A letter in The Times from Roger Mortlock
hits the nail on the head: ‘Crucially the
proposal was for unnecessarily big, expensive
homes. What is needed is truly affordable
and sustainable housing, including homes
for social rent.’
Following the refusal of Berkeley Homes’
permission many letters were sent to
National newspapers, including this from
the parish chairman:
Sir, Your article on Gove vs Berkeley
misses the point about ‘levelling up’
and the value of AONBs. Berkeley
homes, that start at £633k, (18.5
times the median UK wage), are
simply unaffordable. Our Community
Land Trust tried to buy the land for
affordable housing for local people, but
Berkeley had more cash.
As a rural market town, Cranbrook
needs affordable houses for local
working people, with infrastructure
of schools, medical centre and paths
to walk and cycle into town. Our
In Brief
• Cranbrook
Engineering
At last, equipment
has moved onto
the site. The listed
building, which
has been clothed
in scaffolding
for over 10 years
and had stopped
development,
is proving very
tricky to deal with,
as none of its
ceiling heights or
proportions meet
modern building regulations.
secondary school was closed in 2021
so 800 pupils across the Weald are now
bussed, for up to an hour each way, out
of the area.
‘Affordable Homes’ means they are
let at 80 per cent of the local market
price, but in an area of high property
prices they are still not affordable
to working people. The discussion
needs to refocus on affordability not
aesthetics.
Planning guidance states that a
development in an AONB must provide
exceptional benefits to the community.
This does not.
Kim Fletcher, chairman, Cranbrook
and Sissinghurst Parish Council (Letter
to The Times, 3 May 2023, unpublished)
• Hill Development – Brick Kiln
We have all suffered from the disruption while the new entrance
is being constructed. Hopefully this will end soon. Cranbrook
in Bloom have offered to help with the planting scheme for the
new traffic island.
• Fernham Homes – St George’s Institute, Sissinghurst
The trees have been cut down prior to the bird nesting season,
with a view to starting construction in the late summer.
8 The Cake • Summer 2023

HIGH STREET
A Great Place to Shop
Cranbrook has over 90 commercial premises. It’s easy to forget what we have! Visitors come for
the free parking, convenience, the opportunity to browse and find unexpected treats
There are few everyday
items you cannot
find in Cranbrook,
and we have always
been a venue for card
and gift shopping. Looking at a
list of shops, we are blessed with
specialist retailers who know
their trade and what you want as
customers.
The shops generally exclude
the large multinationals, so our
niche retailers flourish. Computer
support (by humans!), florists,
stationery, specialist podiatry,
pet stores, vape shop and four
gift shops all contribute to the
unique offer. Most people find the
majority of their daily requisites
in the town, avoiding the time
and expense of going to larger
towns. We still have two banks,
solicitors and accountants, even a
new wealth management office.
There are 14 cafes, takeaways
and restaurants in the town, to
suit all pockets. Our farmers and
local producers supply the farm
shops in Hartley and Charity
Farm, and some sell at their
farm gates: Paley Farm (meat),
Hinxden, (dairy), blackcurrants,
apples and plums at Dove Farm
and Sissinghurst cherries at
Aragon Farm.
Currently there are 14 vacant
properties, including two banks.
LATEST CHANGES ON THE
HIGH STREET
The Ticehurst pharmacy are
hoping to take over the Lloyds
pharmacy in the High Street by
the autumn. They were the first
pharmacy in the country to set
up a Covid vaccination centre
and are very keen to collaborate
with our GPs to extend
healthcare from the premises.
They are highly innovative, and
not run by a huge conglomerate
who probably don’t know where
Cranbrook is on a map.
The White Horse is up for
sale. The existing landlord did
not have his lease renewed by
Admiral Inns. The previous
owners, before Admiral, sold
off half the car park for two tiny
new houses, and now Admiral
are selling it on. There is space
in Cranbrook for a new pub, we
used to have over 20 of them. Go
to see the current exhibition in
the museum to see where they
were!
Oishi, a sushi restaurant,
has opened in Stone Street,
the Cloudberry has reopened
for dinners on selected days
of the week and Jumeira, the
new Indian Restaurant will be
opening soon, hopefully by the
time you read this.
Begbies the accountants,
opposite Wilkes the Butcher,
upped and left with no warning.
The big question is what is going
into the old tea rooms by the
Tanyard. Watch this space!
CRANBROOK
GARDEN
SAFARI
Sunday 18th June
10.30am – 5pm
Tickets £5,
showing locations of gardens
on sale from 12th June, from
Pages Newsagent
Or from any garden on the day
Open gardens are marked
with signs & balloons
Homemade cakes and
Plants for sale
Email marian.cumberland@hotmail.com
The Cake • Summer 2023 9

LOCAL NEWS
News
Car Wars!
While it may not be at the top of everyone’s
priority list in these straitened times, the
roads around our villages are becoming more
dangerous. The volume of traffic is higher than
ever, we are developing our own ‘rush hour’,
the lorries and bigger and faster than ever,
people who know the roads well charge around
assuming others know them too and don’t
even get me started on the potholes!
It is likely that wherever you live, whether
it’s in Hartley, on Angley Road, in Stone Street,
on the Sissinghurst Road, the A229, the A262
or Golford Road, you have some kind of gripe
about the roads around us. You may feel we
may need a 20mph zone where children are
likely to be crossing the road, a zebra crossing,
a pedestrian refuge island, some traffic calming
measures, speed limit reductions from 60mph
to 40 and so on. Whatever your individual
irritation, it is unlikely to be soothed by Kent
County Council who are responsible for roads.
So, Parish Council has decided to adopted a
Highways Improvement Plan, a document that
KCC will respond to.
You are invited to open meetings at the
Vestry Hall in Cranbrook on Friday 7 July from
7pm to 9pm, the Parish Rooms Sissinghurst
on Saturday 8 July from 10am to Midday and
then again at the Vestry Hall from 1pm to
3pm to tell us what highway improvements
you, the community, would like to see made.
We will have a locality map on which we will
mark what you’d like to see and where. We will
draw up a plan based on your suggestions and
submit it. Having a plan does not necessarily
mean we will get anything done, but not
having one means we definitely won’t.
If you are unable to attend either of the
meetings, you can email your comments to
kevin.rampling@yahoo.co.uk or clerk@CSPC.
org.uk
EV Charging in Cranbrook
Those of you with electric and
hybrid cars who are regular
users of the EV charging
posts in Jockey Lane car park
will have noticed quite a few
developments over the last 12
months, some positive, others
less so.
Firstly, the units are now
much more reliable than in
previous years thanks to the
installation of new software,
which has resulted in far
fewer visits from the (very
friendly and informative) BP
Pulse engineer. As a result,
usage has increased notably
over both 2022 and into 2023,
having a positive impact on
Cranbrook’s efforts in moving
towards cleaner energy.
Unfortunately, this advance
has been rather overshadowed
by the present energy crisis
and the impact this has had on
electricity charges. Since the
beginning of April this year
the electricity tariff for the
parish has almost quadrupled.
Together with the expiration
of the warranty covering the
maintenance of the units, this
has resulted in far higher costs
to the council for retaining this
vital facility for local people.
Inevitably, these increased
costs have had to be passed
on to the consumer, hence the
recent changes to the tariff
charged to BP Pulse members.
Nonetheless it is hoped that
Cranbrook can build on the
progress already made in being
one of the first of Kent’s parish
councils to secure government
funding for the installation
costs of the units. We are now
therefore looking to expand
our capacity with potentially
more units added to the
cabling infrastructure already
in place in Jockey Lane.
We also have interest from
Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council in looking to provide
higher voltage 50kW RAPID
chargers in the larger Regal/
Co-op car park.
In exploring these avenues,
the parish council would
very much like to hear your
views on, not just EV charging
in Cranbrook, but also in
Sissinghurst and indeed on
facilitating the switch to
greener energy in general in
our parish and the wider area.
Please email any comments or
suggestions to clerk@CSPC.
org.uk. Linda Dyke
Welcome Warmth for the Vestry Hall
When the cost of energy went up, parish councillors realised we
had to minimise our energy use. The curtains in the Vestry Hall
were old and somewhat threadbare. We commissioned a local
curtain maker in Staplehurst to help specify and make some
new thermally lined curtains. They went up in April and the new
colours blend beautifully with the colours in the room.
We also took the decision to investigate secondary glazing
and have commissioned Storm Glass to make 53 panels of heatreflecting
K-Glass to fit into the stone window frames. Hopefully,
they will be installed by next winter. This should reduce heat loss
by three-quarters and will still open in summer.
The costs of these two projects have been met through a
grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and from the parish’s
financial reserves. With the gas bill for the Vestry Hall hitting
£1,600 per month, reductions due to excellent insulation will be
very welcome.
10 The Cake • Summer 2023

LOCAL NEWS
Forest School in Cranbrook
Primary Plans Vinny Clinch
and Edward Smissen, Year 5
Cranbrook Primary School is planning to build
a new wellbeing hub. This will be part of the
Forest School and used as a sensory space
for children to explore and learn about the
environment around them. Forest School is
about learning physically and mentally. It is
about knowing what your feelings are
and accepting them. It is also about
having fun and giving your mind a
break.
Andrea Hodgkiss, the Forest
School leader, explains that the new
wellbeing hub is going to be a place
that the children can use outside the school.
“It’s not a classroom, it’s a step between a
classroom and a Forest School,” she says.
The school has started to raise money for
the project with the help from the Parents and
Teachers Association. ‘So far we have raised
about £4,500. But because we want to create
an incredible place, we need about £30,000,’
says Mrs Hodgkiss. “There’s not enough
money to start building this year.”
The most important thing about the Forest
School is that it is child-led. The children
decide what to do and the adults support that.
75 Years of the Fire Service
Saturday 1 April 2023
saw Kent Fire and Rescue
Service celebrate exactly
75 years of service. The
current serving Cranbrook
firefighters and their
families put on a delightful
tea and cake afternoon to
mark the occasion and the
pump was adorned with
garlands. Veteran Cranbrook
firefighters and their families,
the wives (Phoenix Ladies)
– who play an enormous
part in raising funds for the
benevolent service – enjoyed
a walk down memory lane,
with old newspaper clippings,
awards and photographs of
what has become the multiskilled
service that we all rely
on today.
Its historical journey takes
us from the Second World
War when local brigades and
the Auxiliary Fire Service
(AFS) served together – from
valiantly coping with the
consequences of the Blitz, to
the parliamentary decision
in 1941 that combined them
to form the National Fire
Service (NFS). This led us
to 1 April 1948, when the
fire service was returned
to the local authorities and
The Kent Fire Brigade was
established.
In October 2003, the Kent
Fire Brigade was renamed
as Kent Fire and Rescue
Service to better reflect the
requirements demanded
‘We focus on learning about wildlife,
new skills and managing their own
risk. We are there to help the children
keep themselves safe. Everything else is up to
them,” explains Mrs Hodgkiss. “It’s all about
nature, and feeling that you are only a small
part of the world, so we have to look after it.”
For her, Forest School is a place to have fun.
Archie J, in year 5, said that he loves Forest
School because of the nature and because he
is able to be with friends.
The school has raised part of the money but
we still need more. If you would like to donate
and help the school to build a new wellbeing
hub, please go to https://gofund.me/e8f6495c
or scan the QR code.
of it over time. Apart from
protecting life and property
in the event of fires, fighting
fires is now only part of the
role. Greater emphasis is
now placed on firefighters
spending more time out
in the community raising
awareness. They are relied
on at road traffic collisions
along with unpredictable
environmental events like
floods and storms. These are
just some of the challenges
that our modern day
firefighters face day-to-day.
Current serving firefighters
at Cranbrook fire station are
Andy Parks, Ross Churcher,
Steven Mummery, Elouise
Johnson, Max Smith, Alice
Oliver, Ben Neal, James Potts,
Phil Gower, David Howell,
Steven Tritton, Matthew
O’Rourke, Paul Munday and
Dom Moore.
CUP CAKES
• LUNCH BREAK!
The Community Kitchen soup lunches will be
taking a summer break from the end of May,
starting again on 12 September. A big thank
you to all the diners, volunteers, suppliers and
cooks who’ve joined us to make this a really jolly
occasion and we’re looking forward to meeting
up with you all again for a chat and a bowl of soup
once the days draw in.
We have served over 1,000 bowls of soup this
winter, to an average of 35 people a week.
Cranbrook and District Age Concern’s other
activities in the Vestry Hall on Tuesday mornings
will continue. All are very welcome to join us for
coffee between 10am and 12pm and for ‘seated
keep fit’ next door in Church House from 9.45am
and 10.15am.
• CRANBROOK WINDMILL’S CORONATION
STATEMENT
You may have seen the windmill resplendent
in red, white and blue in honour of the King’s
coronation. It can now be lit up in any number of
colours. Don’t forget, they are always looking for
volunteers, and your name does not have to be
Windy Miller!
• TREE REMOVAL
The No. 5 bus kept hitting the trees on Waterloo
Road by the entrance to the Ball Field, so Kent
Highways demanded we remove them.
• VANDALS
We have had casual vandalism
in the public WCs in Crane
Lane. Here is a door ripped off
its hinges, and we have had
faeces smeared on the walls.
We really want to keep these
toilets open for visitors and
elderly people. Please shout at
perpetrators and call 999 or report it on 101. If it’s
not reported, it has never happened. All praise to
our cleaners who do a great job.
• NEW PHARMACY FOR CRANBROOK
The Ticehurst pharmacy are hoping to take over
the Lloyds pharmacy in the High Street by the
autumn. They are very keen to collaborate with
local GPs to extend healthcare from the premises.
They are highly innovative in their approach to
local health and wellbeing, offering a range of
NHS services, including face-to-face professional
healthcare advice and home delivery of medicines
to their most vulnerable customers.
• PUB FOR SALE
The White Horse pub is up for sale. The existing
landlord did not have his lease renewed by
Admiral Inns. The previous owners, before Admiral,
sold off half the car park for two tiny new houses,
and now Admiral are selling it on.
The Cake • Summer 2023 11

LOCAL NEWS
CRANBROOK
VISITOR
INFORMATION
Provided by Cranbrook
Tourism Group
• CRANBROOK MUSEUM
Carriers Road, TN17 3JX,
01580 712929,
www.cranbrookmuseum.org
Opening times: from 2pm to
4.30pm, April to October, Tuesday to
Saturday & Summer Bank Holidays.
Also open on Sundays during
August. No admission charge –
donations welcome.
Forthcoming events: Exhibition –
50 Years of Cranbrook Museum
• CRANBROOK UNION MILL
The Hill, TN17 3AH, 01580 714557,
www.unionmill.org.uk. Opening
times: Times vary, please see
website for latest information. No
admission charge – donations
welcome.
Forthcoming events: The Windmill
will be supporting all local events.
• CRANBROOK IN BLOOM
Floral displays at numerous
locations in the town, including: the
Library Pond, the Crane Valley, the
Forge Orchard, the roundabout at
Wilsley Pound and the Copse at the
top of the High Street.
Contacts: Linda Page (Chair) Pages
Newsagents, 29 High Street, TN17
3EE. 01580 713604 or Marian
Cumberland (Secretary) 07780
526766. www.cranbrookinbloom.
co.uk (also on Facebook).
Forthcoming events: Cranbrook in
Bloom will be supporting all local
events.
St Dunstan’s Church “The Cathedral
of the Weald”
Stone Street, TN17 3HA (Church
Office). 01580 715861 (Office),
www.stdunstanscranbrook.org.uk,
office@stdunstanscranbrook.org.uk
Opening times: The church building
is usually open every day. See the
website for details of services and
programme of forthcoming events.
Cranbrook in Bloom
Thank you to everyone who supported
our plant sale in April, either by
donating plants or buying them. We
made a profit of over £900, which is
quite amazing. The hanging planters
on The Hill have been revitalised, as we had a few
casualties over the winter. Too much rain and not
sufficient drainage we think, but they are looking
great now. The local residents do keep an eye on
these throughout the year, which helps us.
We are fortunate to have received a grant
from Cranbrook & Sissinghurst Parish Council of
£3,500, through a Community Grants Programme,
to cover the balance of the new planters, which
are replacing the old rather tatty ones, mainly in
Stone Street. This valuable grant has enabled us to
complete the project we started last year.
The judge from South & South East in Bloom will
be along to visit and judge Cranbrook sometime
between 26 June and 14 July. Your help in making
the whole town look clean and attractive for that
visit would be appreciated. We do have several
‘ghost litter pickers’ to whom not only Cranbrook
in Bloom but the whole community are grateful.
It makes so much difference to have a litter- and
weed-free environment, helping us appreciate how
we lucky we are to live in Cranbrook.
The annual Cranbrook in Bloom Garden Safari
will be on Sunday 18 June. Please come along
and support us, when you can visit hidden away
gardens in Stone Street and more landscaped
gardens on the outskirts of Cranbrook. The whole
day can be spent walking, talking, sitting, eating
homemade cakes and drinking tea, in the sun, of
course.
Our whips from last year are now sturdy saplings
and they will be on sale at the Garden Safari
outside Horsley Place, at the upper end of the
High Street. A choice of Acer, Hawthorn, Dogwood,
Hornbeam, Wild Cherry or Hazel. Why not plant
one to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III?
Front Garden competition entry forms can be
found on our website or picked up from Pages
Newsagents. There are several categories and we
would love to see some new gardens entered this
year. Wildlife friendly gardens, hanging baskets
and window boxes, that can be seen from the front
of your house, can all be entered. Judging will take
place week commencing 26 June.
Cranbrook town planters are now ready for the
summer with colours to match the regal theme
again this year. The winter violas were a great
success but we need a re-think on the daffodils.
Gardening is a forever learning experience, and
even after 20 years, Cranbrook in Bloom are still
learning how to keep an amazing display in the
town all year round.
Please come and join us. New ideas and new faces
are always welcome. www.cranbrookinbloom.co.uk
12 The Cake • Summer 2023

CLUB NEWS
Cranbrook
Juniors
Football Club
Needs You!
CJFC is more than just a place
for children to play football,
it’s a thriving community
of dedicated volunteers,
enthusiastic young players
and supportive families who
come together to create a
safe, nurturing and inclusive
environment for our youth
to develop their skills and
passion for the beautiful game.
However, behind the scenes,
it’s the volunteers who truly
make the club tick. From
coaches and team managers to
committee members and event
organisers, our volunteers
selflessly give their time,
skills and expertise to keep
the club operating smoothly.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of
our club and their importance
cannot be overstated. Without
Frittenden WI
We are a small but friendly WI with a varied
programme of events. We meet at 7pm on
the second Tuesday of each month in the
recently refurbished Frittenden Village Hall.
Because of the inclement weather
last December, our Christmas Party was
postponed until January. The Headcorn
Ukelele Band entertained us in February
and in March we had a talk given by Andy
Fairweather on Pro-Active Policing. In April,
Peter Batty told us how influential the East
Malling horticultural research has been on
fruit growing around the world during the
their unwavering dedication
and tireless efforts, CJFC
would not be the thriving club
that it is today.
Our volunteers show up
early on match days to set
up pitches and goals, spend
countless hours organising
fundraisers to ensure the club
has the necessary resources,
run the tea shop and work
diligently behind the scenes
to manage the club’s finances,
administration and operations.
As the chair of CJFC, I
am immensely grateful for
the incredible work that
our volunteers do. They are
the backbone of our club
and their contributions are
invaluable. However, as with
many grassroots sports clubs,
we are always in need of more
volunteers to help shoulder
the workload and ensure its
continued success.
To anyone considering
volunteering at our club, I
urge you to take the leap.
Whether you have experience
in coaching, refereeing,
administration, events or
simply a passion for football
and a desire to give back to the
community, there is a role for
you at CJFC. Ant Tomlinson
Want to find out more? Come
along and visit us on Saturday
mornings on Rammell Field or
chair@cranbrookjuniorsfc.co.uk
last hundred years. We are also in the process
of planning a trip to the Darvell Community
in Robertsbridge and a garden party.
This year we celebrate our 75th birthday
and plans are in hand for a celebration,
probably during the summer months. As you
can see, we have a variety of activities, which
also include a lunch at a local pub/restaurant
on the third Wednesday of each month.
Our new year begins in May when we would
be pleased to welcome new members. Come
along and give us a try. For more information
contact: Aneta Godwin (secretary) on
01580 714150 or Anne Holroyd (president) on
01580 893256.
Tom Chantler
This spring, Cranbrook Rugby
Club celebrated the life of
one of its great past captains,
Tom Chantler. Tom’s
commitment to Cranbrook
rugby was total and carried
out in his own quiet
manner. He introduced
people from all walks of
life to the club, including me, playing rugby for
fun and for the camaraderie it brought. As well as
Cranbrook, he flew the flag for a number of pub
teams too, the Pepperpot, Wild Duck, Drones, Mad
Dogs and Maidstone Vets to name just a few.
A leader of many men, on the field, in the
field, in the water (he enjoyed a spot of salmon
fishing) and to the bar. A leader of many women
mainly to the dance floor – Strictly Come Dancing
had nothing on Tom – the boy certainly had the
moves. Many great grans, grans, mothers and
their daughters have all had the pleasure of the TC
experience!
At CRC, he captained the Nomads (2nd XV)
between 1993 and 1996 and the Old Gits (the vets)
from 2003 to 2010. On 1 April, a memorial game
was held against the local friendly rivals Maidstone,
who had also lost one of their greats a week before
the game. The Old Gits paraded onto the field with
the oldest player, Alan Shorter – aged 72 – packing
down for most of the game. A very disciplined
and well-drilled Maidstone scored the first points
– 12-0 at half-time. The Old Gits brought on some
younger bodies to bring the final score to 12-12, a
fitting tribute for the inaugural TC Challenge Cup, a
game that will now be a permanent fixture in both
clubs’ diaries. A true testament to the gentlemen
that Tom was, over 800 people joined together at
Cranbrook Rugby Club to celebrate a life lived and
taken far too soon.
The Farmer, the Fisherman, the Gamekeeper,
the Game Shooter, the Agricultural Construction
Installer, the Rugby Player, the Captain, of both
rugby and shooting teams, the Marathon Runner
(London), The Party Goer and Organiser, the
Traveller, the Artist (who knew?), the Dad, the
Dancer… and most of all, the absolute Gentleman.
RIP Tom. Chris Hambridge
The Bun Penny Club, a registered charity, was formed in 1959
with the object of giving a present to all people in the
parish of Sissinghurst who were over 65 and were either
single, widowed or widowers, or for some other reason,
alone at Christmas. This has since developed into
providing an annual Christmas dinner for members,
with those unable to attend given a small present
instead. The Bun Penny Club also takes out its
members for a cream tea each summer.
To raise money for these activities, the Bun Penny
Club originally collected early Victorian ‘Bun Pennies’,
the coins showing Queen Victoria with her hair done up in
a bun. As these pennies became harder to find other means of
raising funds had to be found. These activities now include
an annual quiz, which is to be hosted by the Milk House
pub this year on 12 June 2023, stalls at the village fete,
coffee mornings and sponsored events. Donations are
also welcomed.
If you live in the parish of Sissinghurst, live alone and
over the age of 65 and are not currently a member of the
Bun Penny Club, then please contact our chairman Pat
Edwards on 01580 712118 for further information or email
bunpennyclub@mail.com. Please also contact Pat if you would
like to help or have any ideas for money-raising.
The Cake • Summer 2023 13

EVENT NEWS
Big
Help
Out
Coronation
Capers
Both Cranbrook and Sissinghurst had street parties on
Sunday 7 May to celebrate the coronation. They were a
great success as the sun shone and lots of people of all
ages came out with their picnics. The beer did not run
out and there was music in Cranbrook and street food.
Many thanks to everyone who helped organise these
events for the community.
Monday, 8 May saw the ‘Big Help Out’ where people came out on mass to offer
volunteer help in their community. Many came to help Cranbrook in Bloom with
their new planters, preparing them for ‘Nuts in May’. An impressive amount of
Brownies, Beavers, Scouts and the Cranbrook Junior Football club also did the most
enormous litter pick. They said they really enjoyed it, and could we organise another
sometime? The answer is yes!
Thank you to everyone who volunteered and did something constructive. If you
missed out, there are many volunteering opportunities of all sorts in the parish. If in
doubt, ask the Parish Council office.
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14 The Cake • Summer 2023

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Sissinghurst Spring Flower Show
The Society’s Spring Show was held in the
Sissinghurst Primary School hall on Saturday
25 March. The number of adult entries in
the flower classes were disappointingly low,
probably as result of the weather patterns
early in the year although the warmth and
rain during the week preceding the show
helped a lot. There were some lovely narcissi
and flowering shrubs but hellebores stole the
show and provided a challenge for the judge,
as did the camellias, the winning one was so
perfect it could have been made of china!
It was rewarding to see more floral
arrangements but cookery and photography
could have done with more entries too.
The children managed to find more
varieties for their collections of spring
garden flowers in contrast to their absence
in the adult classes. The children’s Easter
cards, vases of flowers and biscuits
decorated for the Coronation in red, white,
blue, silver and gold also made an attractive
background.
The children’s artwork of Jack and the
Giant’s Castle from Lion Class, Giraffe’s
Spotty Animals and Elephant’s Spring
Blossoms were all excellent. Rainforest was
the subject chosen by Key Stage classes.
Zebra’s Kyapo designs, Eagle’s collages
based on Beatrix Milhazes’ and in particular
Leopard’s computer painting after John Dyer
drew special praise from the judge for the
brilliant and superb designs.
The afternoon was very well attended
with everyone enjoying homemade cakes
and tea and the raffle, and the children had
fun on the sideshows.
We were very pleased to welcome Mrs
Sarah Holman who will be taking over as
head teacher at the school next term. There
was a surprise visit from councillor Kim
Fletcher who kindly awarded the trophies.
EVENT NEWS
Trophy and Award winners
• Lady Nicolson Challenge Trophy for the
most points in the flower classes: Mrs Jan
Ashley
• David Marwin Trophy for the best entry in
the flower classes: Ms Lynne Bancroft
• Novices’ Award for the best entry in the
Newcomers’ Class: Mrs Kerry Porter
• Jan Agar Award for the best Cookery entry:
Mitzi Newsom
• Sissinghurst Oast Trophy: Mrs Beryl
Bancroft
Junior Trophy Winners
• Percy Foreman Trophy for the best artwork
in Key Stage 2: Enzo D
• Queen Mother Trophy for the best artwork
in Key Stage 1: Archie B
• Easter Cup for the best entry in the Open
Classes: Charlie Bu
• Learning Tree Shield for the best Pre-
School Exhibit: Charlie Bl
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The Cake • Summer 2023 15

EVENT NEWS
Lambing weekend at Snowfields
Snowfields Academy
Cranbrook opened in
September 2022 for students
with a primary diagnosis
of autism. Snowfields
Academy offers the very best
personalised approaches
within an inspiring learning
environment. Our students
are taught and supported by
exceptional staff who offer
care, challenge and support.
Snowfields Academy
brings our values to life:
‘Be Kind, Work Hard,
Communicate, Stay Safe
and Be Happy.’ These values
permeate our building, our
curriculum, our aims and
our ethos and we work hard
every day to ensure we bring
our motto, ‘Where nurture
meets aspiration, to life, and
help our students to thrive.’
We have enjoyed being a
part of the local community
and recently celebrated
the 25th anniversary of
the Cranbrook Farm. The
Lambing Weekend was held
on 18 and 19 March, the
first one for three years.
The effort and planning for
this started the previous
October when the rams went
in – no rams no lambs! It
is a wonderful family and
community event with the
lambs and lots of other
young animals to see.
The whole college staff
and students all helped in
the run-up to the event
to make the farm and
surrounding areas neat, tidy
and safe. Staff also came
in to help on both days as
well as ex young farmers
and farm supporters from
the local community, they
were all brilliant. Although
the start of Saturday was
a bit wet, the weather did
improve. Sunday was a
lovely day and the crowds
MONDAY 12 JUNE
Bun Penny Club Quiz
did come. It was just like old
times!
We really appreciate
the hard work everyone
put in to make this event
so successful, it was very
useful for our students to
be so involved in such a
high-profile public event
and was a real chance to for
them to engage with the
local community in so many
positive ways. We hope to
repeat it again next year
and see many of you at the
event. Many thanks again
to everyone. Fi Bradbrook,
vice principal, Snowfields
Academy
Please join us for a fun evening at The Milk House (TMH) on Monday 12 June to help
raise funds for the Bun Penny Club.
Start time is 7.30pm prompt. Entry fee is £36 per team, with a maximum team size of
six people. The prize for the winning team has been kindly provided by The Milk House.
There will be a raffle in aid of The Bun Penny Club, drinks available from the bar and
pizzas if pre-ordered directly from the pub by midday on 12 June (where possible). The
menu is on the TMH website. Please ring 01580 720200 or email fresh@themilkhouse.
co.uk with your order
The quiz will be held under the marquee on the terrace. Although it has outdoor
heaters, please bring an extra layer if it is a chilly evening. The number of teams is limited
so if you would like to join in and have not yet registered, please email bunpennyclub@
mail.com as soon as possible. We look forward to seeing you at the quiz!
AFP
Writers
are Back
in Cranbrook!
The Cranbrook Literature Festival is
a two-day, community event held to
celebrate Cranbrook’s literary heritage
and to promote the joy of the written
word to children and adults in and
around the Cranbrook area. The event
returns this autumn on Friday 13 and
Saturday 14 October.
This not-for-profit organisation, run
totally by volunteers, will once again
offer free author events for children of
all ages plus a range of ticketed events
for adults for which tickets will go on
sale in July.
Writers
booked to
appear this
year include
Christy Lefteri
(Bee Keeper
of Aleppo and
Songbird),
Alex Preston
(Winchelsea),
food writers
Jenny Linford
(London
Cook Book,
Kew Gardens
Cook Book) and Cat Black (Sex
& Drugs and & Sausage Rolls) plus
Mary Jane Paterson and Jo Thompson
(Rhubarb Rhubarb), Nicci French,
husband and wife writing pair of over
30 psychological thrillers, William
Shaw (Salt Lane, Deadland, The
Trawlerman), E Hannavey Cousen (Of
No Consequence), Vanessa Nicolson
(The Truth Game, Have You Been
Good?, Angels of Mud) plus a creative
writing workshop with Lulah Ellender.
For the children there’s Monster
Doughnut author Gianna Pollero,
comedian and author Ben Miller,
poet Joshua Seigal and author of the
Jasmine Green series of books and
others Helen Peters.
More details from www.
cranbrookliteraturefestival.com or email
cranbrookliteraturefestival@gmail.com
16 The Cake • Summer 2023

WELLBEING
Volunteering
for Wellbeing
Chief Scout, Bear
Grylls, launched THE
BIG HELP OUT on 27
January 2023, as one
of the centrepieces
of the celebrations for the
Coronation of His Majesty King
Charles III on Saturday 6 May.
“Volunteering has always been
a huge part of what makes this
country great,” says Bear. “But
it’s not just in times of crisis
that we step up. Volunteering –
whether formal or informal – is
what powers our communities,
from Scout volunteers to
helping out at the school fete.”
‘The Big Help Out’ put
volunteering centre stage for a
day and has given people who
want to volunteer easy ways to
join in. So, if you haven’t already
done it, please put your hand
up and join The Big Help Out
in your community. Whether
it’s calling in on someone who
needs a bit of company or
sparing some time for charity
work, there will be something to
suit helping hands of all shapes
and sizes! Go to the website:
thebighelpout.org.uk for details.
Wellbeing in the Weald will
turn four this year and we are
proud to say we are making a
difference in our community
– from funding mindfulness
courses in local primary schools
to teaching cookery to older
men. On the weekly walks
and at our Wednesday dropin
afternoons we can see firm
friendships being made among
those who might otherwise be
isolated. Our newest initiative
is helping to host the Tuesday
‘Community Kitchen’ whereby
“Volunteering for
the Wednesday
drop-in has been
a great way to
meet people and
make friends. As
well as providing a
listening ear, it is so
rewarding to feel you
have helped others.”
any family with a child under 12
may join for a free hot meal.
Don’t just take our word for it,
here’s what our volunteers have
to say:
“I like walking but because my
husband could no longer walk
with me I joined the Wellbeing
Walks. I have now trained as a
walk leader. This has improved
my appreciation of the nature
around us and I have also met
lovely people.”
“Volunteering for the
Wednesday drop-in has been
a great way to meet people
and make friends. As well as
providing a listening ear, it is
so rewarding to feel you have
helped others.”
If you can spare some time
regularly or just occasionally,
here is a list of a few
volunteering opportunities with
Wellbeing in the Weald:
• Use your own skills – IT,
administration or social
media support
• Learn new skills – people
management, grow vegetables
on our allotment or become a
walk leader
• Help with volunteer
recruitment and publicity
• Welcome families to the
Tuesday Community Kitchen
• Help at events like fairs, quiz
evenings, open gardens
• Fundraising support – cake
and jam making, sewing,
knitting or crocheting items
to be sold at summer fairs.
We want to make sure you get
as much out of volunteering as
you put into it. That’s why we
work hard to match your goals,
personality and available time
with the activity.
Please contact us at hello@
wellbeingintheweald and we’d be
delighted to help find something
that suits you. Trust me. You
won’t regret it.
Dr Dineli Charlesworth, GP and
founding member
The Cake • Summer 2023 17

WELLBEING
Wealden
Men’s Shed
(Cranbrook)
The Wealden Men’s
Shed opened on
21 March last year
and has grown
consistently since
then. We often get asked ‘what
exactly is it and what do you do?’
A ‘men’s shed’ is like your own
garden shed – a place to pursue
practical interests at leisure, to
practice skills and enjoy making
and mending. The difference is
that pottering in your shed at
home is often solitary in nature
while the Men’s Shed is about
building social connections and
friendships, sharing skills and
knowledge and lots of laughter!
And, of course, at the same time
it’s a boost to your mental and
physical wellbeing.
The term ‘shed’ is used loosely,
as many of the UK shed are
based in village halls, disused
warehouses, empty offices, a
barge on the Thames or even, in
one case, a disused mortuary!
Each ‘shed’ is run by a small
committee who decides how they
wish to run and what they would
like to do and achieve. Some have
workshops, some are just social
groups and some have both.
Some meet daily, weekly or once
a month. Some admit women
and a few are women only. That
Stanley
Painting & Decorating
Internal & External
Residential
Offices
Commercial
Listed Buildings
Quality Assured
01580 892255
07788 588905
info@stanleypainting.co.uk
Est. 1992
is what makes each of the 500+
‘sheds’ in the UK totally unique
from each other.
The Wealden Men’s Shed is
open to men over the age of 18.
Currently we have 40+ members
from all over the Weald and
membership is free.
ACTIVITIES
Currently we run a very good
social group in Cranbrook on a
Monday morning from 10 until
about 12.30, either in the Coach
House at Cranbrook School or
in the George Hotel when the
Coach House is unavailable. You
can simply chat over a cuppa
or bring in your own projects
to work on or help others with
theirs! Pool, dart and table
tennis can be played too.
We run events such as talks,
short learning courses and
attend fetes to promote the
shed and to raise funds. We
have lunches out and encourage
members to join in with local
events and activities.
We also work in the
community by:
• helping out in the
Community Kitchen
• doing small DIY jobs for those
people who struggle to do this
• running a repair shed
recycling/mending broken
items for local residents
• visiting Hartley Care Home
to play dominoes and cards
with residents who live with
dementia.
PLANS FOR 2023
• We are looking forward to
the opening of our own
workshop, storage space
and outside working area at
Cranbrook Rugby Club.
• Upskilling sixth formers at
Cranbrook School by running
short lunchtime classes in
basic car maintenance and
DIY.
• Holding a talk on prostate
cancer and running a short
first aid course.
MEMBERSHIP
If you are interested in seeing
what we do and perhaps joining,
then why not pop in and meet
us on a Monday or give the
membership secretary, Paul
Chapman, a ring on 07702
842585. New members are
always welcome. We are a
friendly bunch and there is
always someone to meet and
greet you.
Liz McLaren, WMS secretary
18 The Cake • Summer 2023

Renovated Village Hall
Opens in Frittenden
OUT & ABOUT
If you are looking for a venue with
a difference, Frittenden Memorial
Hall has just been given a £340,000
makeover to provide top-class facilities
in an enviable village setting. The
original hall, built to commemorate the
men from the village who fought and died
in the Second World War, had served it well
for over 60 years. However, the space was
looking tired, was hard to heat and in need of
modernisation.
The biggest decision the village faced was
the remove or keep the old stage, a useful
asset, but one that took up a huge amount
of space and blocked the beautiful views out
of the back. It was decided it would go and
be replaced with portable staging, making
the whole hall far more versatile. This,
together with the dedicated lighting and
new sound equipment, still makes the hall a
fabulous place to put on shows and musical
events, with the added bonus of being able
to enjoy the magnificent vista of the Weald
countryside.
The revamped hall interior is now lightfilled
and contemporary with a separate
multi-use meeting room. It also boasts a fully
equipped professional level kitchen, new
cloakrooms with disabled access, together
with custom-built storage space for local
societies. External upgrades have included reroofing,
a new entrance, picture windows and
an exterior deck at the rear to make the most
of the views. A large, free car park provides
easy access. It’s now an ideal setting for
weekly clubs, special events and celebrations.
Funds for the renovation were secured
through several national and local grants
including the National Lottery and Action
with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).
Additional money came from individual
donations and enthusiastic village fund
raising.
To book the hall visit its website https://
frittendenmemorialhall.co.uk
or call the bookings secretary on
01580 852563.
The Cake • Summer 2023 19

Larchmere House is set in the pretty
Wealden village of Frittenden providing
24-hour nursing Care. Our team of friendly,
qualified Nurses and Care Staff are
committed to providing the highest
standards of nursing care for up to 30
residents in a safe & caring environment.
• Delicious home cooked food, all dietary
needs catered for • Daily activities,
entertainment & regular outings •
Consistently ‘Good’ CQC Inspections.
Please feel free to contact the home on the
number below if you have any questions
and take a look at our Face Book page for
an insight of activities at Larchmere House
BIDDENDEN ROAD, FRITTENDEN, KENT TN17 2EN
Find us on Face Book • www.larchmere.co.uk
Please contact Nikki (Manager) on
01580 852335 OR
admin@larchmere.co.uk
20 The Cake • Summer 2023

The story of Jaeger’s Field
Researched by Brigid Longley & Derek Smith
LOCAL HISTORY
Known to all as “Bill”,
Bernard Lytton Jaeger
was a teacher at
Cranbrook school,
founder member of
Cranbrook Rugby Club and a
horse whisperer. He lived in a
stable at Angley Park with his
horse called Horace.
Jaeger’s Field was originally
called the Walnut Field.
Bill Jaeger purchased it and
used it for rugby, which he
introduced to the school,
as well as growing feed for
Horace. Kent County Council
ended up owning the field,
and transferred it to the
school in 1993.
Brigid Longley remembered
Bill well, “His home was
different, the stall and fittings
of the stable remained. The
mangers were heavy red
earthenware, with wooden
divisions topped with metal
grills.
“Horace’s domain was a
loosebox at one end, with the
harness room and sheaves of hay.
At the other end was a table and
chairs, a ‘Tortoise’ stove with a
chimney disappearing through
the ceiling and a small brown
sink with a cold tap, where Bill
cooked and washed. He slept
upstairs in the hayloft.
“He was a regular visitor to
our house. As a horse minded
teenager I admired his way of
life and the way he dealt with
Horace. I had a difficult pony.
One day he said, ‘I’m joining up,
Horace is going I’m afraid. Try
this, and he gave me a ‘3-in-1’
bit. I’m only lending it to you
mind, but if I don’t come back,
it’s yours.’ This was 1942 when
he went to join the RAF.
“I saw Bill once more, when
after a cheery supper we were
sitting around the fire. Perhaps
BAE SYSTEMS
he forgot I was there, or thought
that at 14 I was old enough to
hear of the horrors of war. He
spoke of our enormous losses
in the air, the small chance of
his personal survival and the
appalling destruction of the
German cities he had known and
loved.
“I listened confounded. All my
childish beliefs in heroes going
off to war were shattered. I grew
up more in that half-hour than
ever again.”
Graham Holmes takes up the
tragic denouement, “In 1944, Bill
Jaeger was a Sergeant Navigator
based at RAF Ford with No. 96
Squadron, flying Mark XIII De
Havilland Mosquitos, against the
V1 Flying Bombs.
“When Bill had joined the RAF,
he was considered overage for air
crew and was offered a position
as an intelligence officer. This
was not what he wanted and his
persistent complaints paid off
when he was eventually accepted
and subsequently qualified as
a navigator. Over the coming
months he and his regular pilot
were credited with a number
of V1s destroyed. Sadly, on the
night of the 26–27 July 1944,
their Mosquito was reported
missing on operations over the
English Channel. His body was
never found.”
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The Cake • Summer 2023 21

LOCAL POLITICS
Boundary Commission Changes
Do you believe that
democracy a good
thing? I do, which is
why it is important
for everyone to
understand that we will have
a new member of parliament
to represent us after the next
General Election in two years’
time. To explain why this is, I
need to describe the impact of
proposed constituency boundary
changes.
The Boundary Commission is
appointed by law to review the
boundaries of the parliamentary
constituencies every eight years
and to make recommendations
for changes to ensure that
each constituency has a
similar number of electors. The
latest review has resulted in
recommendations, which are
Tonbridge
Marden
Tunbridge Wells
Staplehurst
Frittenden
and Sissinghurst
Cranbrook
and Beneden
Maidstone and Malling
Headcorn
Bexhill and Battle
Faversham and Mid Kent
Ashford
Hastings and Rye
“You may be thinking, ‘but I thought we
were part of Tunbridge Wells?’”
due to be approved in July
and come into force at the
next general election. The
constituencies are to have
between 70,000 and 77,000
electors.
Currently Cranbrook,
Benenden, Frittenden
and Sissinghurst are all
in the Maidstone and the
Weald constituency with
a Conservative MP, Helen
Grant. You may be thinking,
‘but I thought we were part of
Tunbridge Wells?’ Confusingly
we are part of Tunbridge
Wells Borough, but not part of
Tunbridge Wells parliamentary
constituency. The Tunbridge
Wells MP is Greg Clark.
The anticipated changes at
the next general election will
mean that we are allocated to a
brand new constituency, to be
called The Weald of Kent.
The Weald of Kent will be a
physically large constituency,
stretching from the Isle of
Oxney in the south, northwards
to Marden and Yalding, and
eastwards to Leeds, Charing and
Chilham, but excluding Ashford
town. It includes large chunks
of the current Maidstone and
Ashford constituencies, but
neither of the two sitting MPs
will be standing as candidates
for the new one. It also includes
a small part of the existing
Faversham constituency.
As there is no sitting member
of parliament, the field is
wide open for a new person
to be elected by us at the next
general election. What sort of
person and with what views
do you believe would be best
to represent such a physically
large and predominantly rural
constituency? The choice is ours
to make.
Bridget Veitch
22 The Cake • Summer 2023

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The Cake • Summer 2023 23

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24 The Cake • Summer 2023

OUT & ABOUT
Walking with Dogs!
Many of you enjoy
our wonderful
countryside,
walking the
public rights
of way around Cranbrook and
Sissinghurst and perhaps in
neighbouring parishes. The
health and wellbeing benefits
of walking and connecting with
nature are well documented and
we are all encouraged to enjoy
those benefits in a safe and
enjoyable way.
If you take your dog on a walk
with you then there are various
things to be aware of so that
you and others can enjoy the
countryside safely:
• Anticipate where livestock
may be on your walk and keep
your dog on its lead near to
and in the fields with livestock
in, even if you believe you can
control your dog off the lead
• Cows can become protective of
calves and see a dog in the field
as a threat. In this case, and the
dog is on the lead, the cows will
run at the owner and the dog
so let your dog off the lead and
walk calmly to safety. If you let
the dog go it can keep ahead of
a cow, or a herd of cows
• Always clear up your dog
faeces on all farmland as dog
faeces can pass worms and
parasites onto sheep. These
worms and parasites can exist
for a long time so even if the
field is not currently being
grazed you should clear up
the faeces in a ‘poo’ bag and
dispose of it at home or in a
suitable bin. Please do not
leave faeces in the hedge or
leave full poo bags behind.
Please also respect other
crops such as cereals, fruit and
vegetables
• It is a legal requirement that
all dogs must wear a collar
with an identity tag that shows
the owner’s name address and
telephone number, and the dog
must also be microchipped.
Please ensure that the
microchip database is updated
if you move to a new house.
This is important as wherever
you are, if you lose your dog,
anyone who finds it can firstly
call the number on the collar
and as a backup can take the
dog to the local vet who may be
able to read the microchip and
contact you. If the finder of the
dog is unable to contact you,
it is likely that you will end up
paying a release fee from the
dog warden and may be fined
for not being compliant
• Respect other public rights of
way users: if they also have a
dog and it is on a lead then also
put your dog on a lead to pass
• Take care on bridleways and
byways. Although walkers have
priority, and cyclists and horse
riders should give way, horses
can be unpredictable so dogs
should be kept on a lead as
they pass.
SOME OTHER
USEFUL THOUGHTS
• Obtain a map and read it:
know where you can walk and
know where you are on the
map.
• Follow the way markers and
any other signs.
• Follow the countryside code
Respect – Protect – Enjoy.
Chair of the Kent Countryside
Access Forum, access.forum@
kent.gov.uk
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The Cake • Summer 2023 25

OUT & ABOUT
Almost everyone you
see at the Kent &
East Sussex Railway
is a volunteer and
behind the scenes
there are many more. Without the
commitment of these volunteers,
this fine heritage railway would
simply not exist. The K&ESR is
currently recruiting – so can you
help? There are some incredible
volunteering opportunities
available that will broaden the
mind, expand your circle of
friends and teach new skills too
– from drivers, guards, signalmen
and crossing keepers to engineers
and locomotive maintenance
teams – the list is long and
varied.
Studies have shown time and
again that volunteering is good
for you – providing a fantastic
sense of pride and achievement.
And it is something that King
Charles III was keen to make part
of his Coronation celebrations
through The Big Help Out.
One particular K&ESR
volunteer can certainly attest
to its positive impact. Chief
stationmaster Geoff Colvin is
one of the friendly faces greeting
passengers and helping to create
wonderful memories on their
days out, as well as keeping the
railway running smoothly behind
the scenes. He has just been
announced as the winner of the
VisitEngland Tourism Superstar
Award. Now in its 11th year,
the accolade is awarded to an
Helping to keep the
Railway Running
AFP
individual who goes the extra
mile to ensure visitors to English
venues and attractions have
an amazing and unforgettable
experience.
Geoff says: “Running the
station is not just a job, it’s
a pleasure to be helping our
passengers as they travel back
in time aboard our trains and
discover more about our past. My
aim, and that of every member
of the K&ESR family, is to make
sure our visitors create great
memories on their days out – to
experience or learn something
new, have lots of fun and, who
knows, even think about getting
involved themselves … I am
particularly honoured to be
the first representative from
a heritage railway to win [this
award] – a real recognition of
how the preservation movement
has grown to be a vital part of
local tourism, bringing value to
the communities it serves and to
those who give their time.”
So, whether it’s one day a week
or one day a year, everyone’s
contribution is gratefully
received and will help ensure
that the railway can continue
to bring both enjoyment and
understanding about our
industrial past to visitors,
keeping history alive for many
years to come.
Anyone interested in volunteering
at the Kent & East Sussex Railway
can find out more by visiting
the website https://kesr.org.uk/
volunteering/
Alison Miles, press officer, Kent
& East Sussex Railway
26 The Cake • Summer 2023

Staplehurst
(Restaurant & Takeaway)
01580 890 420
17 The Parade, High street
Staplehurst, Kent, TN12 0LA
Branches
Cranbrook
(Restaurant & Takeaway)
01580 493 812
3 High street, Cranbrook
Kent, TN17 3EB
Wadhurst
(Takeaway only)
01892 785 873
High Street, Wadhurst
East Sussex, TN5 6AQ
w w w . j u m e i r a g r o u p . c o . u k
Your culinary adventure begins.
bleusteakhouse.co.uk
High Street, Staplehurst, TN12 0AH | 01580 890 106
Due to the overwhelming demand, please kindly book in advance to avoid any disappointment, thank you.

Charity Farm Countrystore
Swattenden Lane
Cranbrook, Kent
TN17 3PS
01580 713189
Weekdays 8:30am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm
www.charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk
charityfarm_cranbrook
Charity Farm Countrystore
Get ready for a summer of fun
at charity farm!
Caring for you at home
Well established, family run business,
providing care for people living in the Weald
of Kent. Our tailored service allows you to live
at home with independence and dignity.
Call Karen Irving at our Tenterden office to
arrange a no obligation visit.
01580 762202
www.carecompany.care
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Tel: 0800 954 5081 Mob: 07957 822110
Email: mail@sponjem.co.uk
Formerly known as Hartley Dyke Farm Shop
Fresh Fruit & Vegetables • Flowers • Plants
•Shrubs • Hot & Cold Foods • Drinks
• Groceries & Delicatessen
Charity Farm, Swattenden Lane, Cranbrook, TN173PS
Tel: 01580 712546
www.cranbrookfarmshop.co.uk
28 The Cake • Summer 2023

FARMING
Farming Matters
Even if you don’t
subscribe to
Amazon Prime, it
is likely that you
will have heard
about the No. 1 most popular
series in their schedules. And,
surprisingly, it isn’t murder
or mayhem or Marvel Comic
heroes. It’s about Jeremy
Clarkson trying to make a
going concern of his Diddly
Squat farm in the beautiful
Cotswolds.
Love him or hate him,
this documentary series
has highlighted the severe
difficulties that British farmers
are facing today as Clarkson’s
big personality humbly comes
to grips with the regulations,
the weather, the markets, the
workers and local council
hostility. Farmers throughout
the UK are applauding his
efforts as they desperately
struggle to maintain any sort
of living while continuing to
provide British food for the
British population.
Going forward, Cake will
be running regular articles on
farming matters, starting here
with the parlous state of local
apple growing. We would love
to hear from local farmers with
news and views on farming
matters and the challenges
ahead. Email: clerk@
cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.
co.uk
What is Happening to our Orchards?
The local TV news recently showed acres of
young apple trees being grubbed out and burned.
The view shown, from Brenchley across the
Weald, was reminiscent of foot and mouth pyres,
but all apple trees. Surely apple trees have a long
life, what has gone wrong?
It turns out that last year was a disaster
for apple farmers, all along ‘The Ridge’ from
Goudhurst to Cranbrook, and further afield.
Fruit growing is a long-term investment
that has involved risks with the
weather, but right now, the balance
of risk and reward no longer adds
up.
The drought last summer
depressed the expectation of a
normal crop, so farmers lowered
their expectation of storage space.
At the critical time, the rain came
and gave a bumper crop. That sounds
good, but the apples had to be picked.
Traditionally, experienced Eastern European
pickers would come and pick four boxes a day.
Usually they are paid £25 per crate, £100 per day
piecework.
Due to migration pressure and the war in
Ukraine, they were denied access to the UK or
fighting, so farmers sought pickers from further
afield – Nepal and Indonesia in some instances.
To these people, £25 is a king’s ransom, so they
only picked at half the rate. You may think that
they only earned £50 per day… but no, farmers
have to pay the national minimum wage, so they
still had to pay them £100 per day. In fact, the
government imposed an additional premium of at
least 13 per cent, only on farmers, to discourage
the use of overseas workers, so the cost of picking
more than doubled.
As energy prices have tripled, the cost of
storage has also gone up dramatically, so the
farmers were hit yet again with storage cost
increases and no guarantee of sales.
At the same time, the apple size on the
continent was more affected by the drought, and
our European neighbours prefer larger apples.
The twist is the UK prefers smaller apples, so the
glut of unwanted apples were perfect for
UK supermarkets, whose main aim is
to supply ‘cheap food today’.
Although British apples
were programmed to be sold
direct from harvest, some
UK supermarkets chose to
ignore these programmes
and substituted the slightly
cheaper imported fruit. Retail
prices were unaffected, so they
made improved margins, while UK
growers were left to store the local
fruit even longer. Effectively, UK supermarkets
supported European growers by taking their
drought stricken crop without the costs of early
storage.
A further twist comes because many farmers
rent their land, and if they want to cancel their
lease they have to give the land back ‘bare’, i.e.
with no vegetation. As a result, the orchards are
being grubbed out.
Given the current agricultural policy, the slow
speed at which DEFRA moves, the demand for
cheap food and the Brexit foreign trade deals
(which disadvantage UK farmers), about the only
land use that is profitable is solar farms, as we see
beside the railway line in Marden.
Not a great look for the ‘Garden of England’, is
it? Nigel Wickham
The Cake • Summer 2023 29

Call Cranbrook
01580 715 904
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01233 660 851
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30 The Cake • Summer 2023

LOCAL HISTORY
MUSEUM
MATTERS
Although some of
you may not have
yet discovered
the delights
of Cranbrook
Museum, it is, thanks to its many
supporters, celebrating 50 years
of its existence! Safeguarding
our incredible heritage, it
continues to develop and offer
custody of everything that
enlightens our understanding of
the past and informs our present
and future.
The museum, located in a
beautiful 15th-century building
off Carriers Road, was founded
in 1973 thanks to the vision
and hard work of the Local
History Society and of local
townspeople. Cranbrook Rural
District Council, as it then was,
owned the building, which
at the time was rented out as
four cottages. As these fell
vacant, the council made them
available on a long lease for the
purpose of creating a museum.
Initially, volunteers transformed
the interior, with the final
conversion being carried out
by Tunbridge Wells Borough
Council once all the cottages
had been vacated in the 1990s.
Council support has continued
along with a dedicated team of
volunteers who have, over 50
years, developed a beautiful and
fascinating place in the heart of
our historic town.
The Local History Society
has been in existence for a
good deal longer than the
museum and enjoyed the
support of Nigel Nicolson as
its president and before that
his mother, Vita Sackville West
was its vice president. Since
1973, the museum’s curators
and archivists, all volunteers,
have done an amazing job of
organising the extensive amount
of material and exhibits to
nationally accredited standards,
with visitors, both locally and
from all over the world using the
resources to discover more about
their family history, their homes
and a town which was once one
of the largest in Kent!
We are open from 2pm to
4.30pm, April to October,
Tuesday to Saturday and
Summer Bank Holidays. Also
open on Sundays during August.
This year’s exhibitions are:
Cranbrook and Sissinghurst’s
Old Pubs (April–May); 50 Years
of Cranbrook Museum (June–
July) and The Russell Family and
their Windmills and Watermills
(August–October).
Free entry, activities for
children – we look forward to
welcoming you!
Cranbrook: 01580 714411
Tenterden: 01580 764344
Holidays - Cruises - Tours - Flights
Tailor Made Travel - Car Hire
Business Travel - Hotels - Travel Insurance
To view our branch list, please visit
www.baldwinstravel.co.uk
The Cake • Summer 2023 31

32 The Cake • Summer 2023
High Street, Cranbrook,
Kent, TN173RB
Telephone: 01580 715008
reception@hammondoptical.co.uk
hammondoptical.co.uk

HOME
Let’s Cook
Coronation
Chicken
The big day may have passed, but
what better way to celebrate the
coronation of King Charles III this
summer than with a delicious dish
of Coronation Chicken?
This dish was originally created
by Constance Spry – an English
food writer – and Rosemary
Hume, a chef, both principals
of the Cordon Bleu Cookery
School in London. They were
asked to prepare the food for
the banquet of the coronation of
Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and
Spry proposed this recipe of cold
chicken, curry cream sauce and
dressing, which later became
known as Coronation Chicken.
It may also have been inspired
by Jubilee Chicken, a dish that
was prepared even earlier in the
century for the silver jubilee of
George V in 1935, which also
mixed chicken with mayonnaise
and curry.
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 6–8 PEOPLE
6 skinless chicken breasts
A few peppercorns/pinch of salt
Bouquet garni
One carrot
2tsp of mild curry powder or
paste (korma/rogan josh/madras,
according to taste)
150g (5oz) mayonnaise
125g (4oz) crème fraiche
3tbsp mango chutney (Geeta’s is
particularly good)
1tsp Worcester Sauce
2 celery sticks finely chopped
75g (3oz) dried ready-to-eat
apricots chopped
50g (2oz) sultanas
50g (2oz) flaked almonds
(optional – and be wary of nut
allergies if cooking for a party)
Large handful of fresh coriander
finely chopped
METHOD
1 Put the chicken breasts into
a large pan of water with a few
peppercorns, a pinch of salt, a
little bouquet garni and a carrot.
Bring to the boil, then turn down
the heat to simmer and gently
poach for 15 mins. Slice through
a breast just to make sure it is
cooked right through. Drain and
leave to cool. Of course, you can
used leftover roast chicken if you
have enough.
2 When cold, cut or tear the
chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Take a large mixing bowl and
combine all the ingredients in
the list and add seasoning to
taste. Add the chicken pieces to
the mayonnaise mixture and stir
well. Save some of the coriander
to garnish. This can be prepared
the day before, leaving out the
nuts and coriander, cover with
clingfilm and chill in the fridge
overnight.
3 To serve, add the coriander
garnish at the last minute.
Excellent served with a cold
dressed rice and pepper salad or
fresh Cos lettuce.
It’s a dish fit for a King!
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The Cake • Summer 2023 33

BADGER’S PLOT
and prepared for a second crop of vegetables
that should survive until the first frosts arrive
in the autumn. French beans are a particularly
good choice.
Sowing in the greenhouse or outside
Spinach or chard that, when ready, will
overwinter outside. You might also sow
lettuce varieties that are hardy enough to
withstand the cold.
Summer Harvests
As I sit writing this column
(it’s actually mid-April ), I am
distracted by the rain beating
against the windows. Looking
back, this year’s early spring had
been predominantly wet, interspersed with
some rather frosty nights. Hardly the right
conditions to encourage seed germination,
although weeds still manage to thrive! It’s
therefore difficult to predict what sort of
summer we can expect.
If all has gone well, the early harvests in
the kitchen garden should be encouraging.
Good pickings of rhubarb can nearly
always be guaranteed along with the early
lettuces. Elsewhere, broad beans and early
peas should be approaching maturity and
you might also have lifted some of those
delicious early potatoes. Keep an eye open for
blackfly appearing on broad beans, though
hopefully you will have some nasturtiums
growing nearby to act as a sacrificial plant by
attracting the insects away from your beans.
Some gardeners pinch out the growing tops of
the beans as a deterrent. So, what else should
we be doing?
EARLY SUMMER
Sowing outside
French dwarf and climbing beans. Runner
beans, beetroot, carrot, further sowings of
lettuce and salad leaves, plus spring onion,
radish, swede and turnip. Rather than direct
sow most of these, I prefer to sow into multicell
seed trays and, when the plants are ready,
they can be popped out together with their
root system, directly into the soil. This gives
them a greater chance of survival.
Planting outside
Basically, anything that is ready to go
straight into the soil; Brussels sprouts, leeks,
sweetcorn and beans. This is quite a busy time
on the plot.
Harvesting
The first real harvest of the year! Hopefully,
if things are going to plan, you might be
enjoying those early potatoes along with
salads, broad beans and early peas.
MID-SUMMER
Sowing outside
A succession of lettuce and salad leaves.
Planting outside
Kale, swede, savoy cabbage, cauliflowers and
purple sprouting broccoli.
Harvesting
July generally marks the pinnacle of the
year’s harvests. Potatoes, peas and the first
pickings of beans. There should also be
plentiful supplies of all those tasty salad
crops. It’s usually the time when onions,
garlic and shallots are lifted. If not required
immediately, store them inside where they
can dry out.
LATE SUMMER
If some of your early harvests are coming to
an end, the ground can be cleared of debris
Harvesting
Tomatoes should be in abundance by now
(provided you have avoided blight) together
with cucumbers, peppers and aubergines.
JOBS ON THE PLOT
One of the major problems
for gardeners during this
period can be slugs. Many
a promising crop has been
decimated by these pests.
What options are available
to deal with them? If you want to
use slug pellets, please buy the organically
approved brands, but they are not always
effective. An expensive way to deal with the
problem is the introduction of nematodes
into the soil. They are tiny eelworm-like
creatures that infect slugs with a fatal
disease.
An old tried-and-trusted method is the
setting of beer traps in old bowls or saucers.
The number of victims attracted to this
method can be quite staggering. Ask your
local landlord to fill a carton with ullage (the
correct name for beer dregs) rather than
tipping it down the sink. A word of warning;
don’t be tempted to drink it!
Before deciding on what method suits
your situation, it is worth making sure that
you are not encouraging slugs by allowing
your kitchen garden or plot to become
untidy. Slugs like nothing more than to
spend the day under discarded flower pots,
old buckets, old fertilizer bags or general
rubbish, only to emerge at night and
feast on your crops. Slugs dislike abrasive
surfaces so broken eggshells or grit around
vulnerable plants can act as a deterrent.
Woodchip pathways can also be effective.
Don’t forget that other visitors, like
pigeons, can also do a great deal of
damage. Netting is the only real answer.
Hopefully, in between all these jobs you’ll
still have time able to enjoy some bumper
summer harvests!
34 The Cake • Summer 2023

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The Cake • Summer 2023 35

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36 The Cake • Summer 2023

LOCAL HISTORY
It’s 1381 and
Cranbrook is
Revolting!
You might be
surprised to learn
that the people of
this peaceful, and
normally tranquil,
rural area have
historically been known to rise
up against our leaders in anger at
their decisions about Cranbrook,
Sissinghurst and Frittenden.
After the Black Death (1346–
53), life in Britain had slowly
returned to being pretty stable,
though it had resulted in a lack of
available labourers, which caused
wages to rise. It should all have
been fine but the government of
King Richard II decided to impose
a poll tax of 4 pence on every
adult to help pay for a long and
drawn out war with the French,
now known as the Hundred Years’
War.
The country, and especially
Kent, went mad! Wat Tyler
(possibly from Maidstone) led
a group of rebels from this area
and Canterbury in the Peasants’
Revolt. It wasn’t just about
money, they wanted to abolish
serfdom (a form of slavery where
farm peasants could be sold
along with a farm). Over 100,000
Men of Kent and Kentish Men,
including our local ancestors,
marched to meet the king in
London They crossed London
Bridge, destroying legal records
on the way, opening prisons
and setting villains free, sacking
homes and removing the heads
of a few government officials who
got in their way. They met the
“The country, and especially Kent, went
mad! Wat Tyler (possibly from Maidstone)
led a group of rebels from this area and
Canterbury in the Peasants’ Revolt”
king’s army at Smithfield.
The king (aged 14 at the time)
and Wat Tyler spoke personally
on the issues. Richard II is said to
have agreed to the rebels’ terms,
but Tyler and some of the king’s
servants got into a brawl, Tyler
was slashed with a sword after
trying the stab the Lord Mayor
of London (William Walworth)
and the rebellion fell apart. The
crown went back on its promises
and hunted down the rioters. Wat
Tyler’s head ended up on a spike
on London Bridge.
Many of the rioters were
prosecuted and records state
that men from the towns
of Cranbrook, Tenterden,
Biddenden, Staplehurst and
Frittenden were accused of
‘pulling down houses, stealing
property and compelling people
to hand over their money.’
Nothing new there then!
It’s no coincidence that in the
1300s the people of Cranbrook
and Sissinghurst, along with
the rest of the country, had
experienced the plague as we
have gone through Covid (the
Black Death killed 50 per cent of
the population of Europe back
then; we still don’t know the
figures for Covid) and that there
was a shortage of workers, not to
mention a war in Europe.
The general public are less
trusting of their elected leaders
these days and are questioning
their decisions affecting our
lives; TWBC beware. What
starts with potholes and a lack
of KCC funding for Cranbrook
Parish compared to other similar
sized towns in Kent (right when
we desperately need it) might
escalate into more co-ordinated
protests. My head won’t end up
on a spike on London Bridge, but
leaders in parliament might again
feel the wrath of the people of
Kent. Ann Historian
The Cake • Summer 2023 37

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38 The Cake • Summer 2022

LEGAL ADVICE
Ask our Friendly
Experts
I have been notified that I am an executor
under the will of a relative or friend who has
recently passed away. What do I do?
An executor is a
person named
in the will of the
deceased who is
responsible for
carrying out the deceased’s
instructions, administering the
estate properly and ultimately
ensuring that the estate is
divided in accordance with
the will’s provisions. Being
an executor is an onerous
task in light of the duties and
responsibilities afforded to
you, and the deceased would
likely have appointed you on
the basis that they felt that
they trusted you and that you
would be willing to take on the
responsibility of the role.
As an executor, you have
a number of responsibilities,
which include, but are not
limited, to:
• Notifying government
organisations of the death,
either by contacting the
organisations (e.g. DWP,
HMRC, the local council)
individually, or by ‘mass’
notification using the Tell
Us Once service, details of
which will be provided by
the registrar to whomever
registers the death
• Attending to the funeral
arrangements (although in
certain circumstances it may
be more appropriate for a
close family member or friend
to see to the arrangements
depending on your
connection to the deceased);
the deceased may have
indicated any funeral wishes
“If you are appointed to act as an executor
of an estate, then you may wish to
undertake the administration yourself and
choose not to instruct professionals to act
on your behalf”
in their will, so it would be
wise to check this
• Ensuring any property owned
by the deceased is secured
and appropriate insurance
cover is in place as soon as
possible after the death
• Ascertaining all assets and
liabilities in the deceased’s
name and obtaining
appropriate valuations
• Reporting to HMRC, if
required, in respect of
inheritance tax and ensuring
that any tax due is settled
• Applying for a Grant of
Probate, to give you the
legal authority to collect in
assets and settle liabilities – a
Grant of Probate may not be
needed in all circumstances,
but you should check with
the individual asset holders
if they require a grant before
they can close the accounts
• Collecting in the assets
and settling the liabilities,
together with ensuring that
the deceased’s personal
tax affairs are finalised to
the date of their death, and
for the period of the estate
administration if income has
been generated during this
time
• Distributing the estate in
accordance with the terms of
the deceased’s will.
If you are appointed to act as
an executor of an estate, then
you may wish to undertake
the administration yourself
and choose not to instruct
professionals to act on your
behalf. While this is an option
available to you, we would
advise that you consider
carefully before deciding to
conduct the administration of
the estate yourself, particularly
if there is a complex will or
a complex estate, ongoing
trusts or where entitlements
under a will are in dispute. We
understand that suffering a
bereavement is a distressing
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the penalties involved in the
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The Cake • Summer 2023 39

Update
Parish Council Annual
Report 2022/23
The parish councillors have had
a lot of work this year as we
have recovered from the Covid
shutdown. The clerks have done
a great job keeping everything
working and enabling us to do new things.
These are mentioned in each committee
below. Kim Fletcher, chairman
PROPERTIES AND BURIALS COMMITTEE
SUMMARY – Cllr Colin Gilbert
Responsibilities include the two cemeteries,
St Dunstan’s Churchyard, the Vestry Hall
Complex, the War Memorials, bus shelters,
noticeboards, cycle racks and red telephone
boxes.
Vestry Hall Complex – Exploring options
to replace the old central heating system,
lighting systems etc. with a view to consider
the use of alternative technology. New
thermal curtains have been installed into the
Vestry Hall. Looking forward we are exploring
the possible installation of secondary glazing.
Public toilets, Crane Lane – We have
managed to keep the toilets open despite the
attempts of vandalism. Our thanks go to our
cleaners who have done and continue to do a
great job.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE SUMMARY – Cllr Alan Kings
Responsibilities include managing recreation
grounds, allotments, streetlighting and car
parks.
Electric vehicle charging points, Jockey
Lane – Due to the increased electricity
charges, the EV units have moved to a private
network. The reimbursement rate from BP
Pulse would not cover the electric costs if they
remained on the BP Pulse Public Network.
Streetlights – Numerous lights have
required maintenance, with some needing
replacing.
Plans for 2023–24 – Include recreation
grounds and nature reserve tree safety audit
and Highway Improvement Plan.
PLANNING & PRESERVATION
COMMITTEE SUMMARY –
Cllr Alison Bunyan
The parish council are statutory consultees,
with TWBC the decision-making authority.
The main responsibility of the committee
is to consider and make comments on
planning applications, appeals and other
planning documents including consultations.
The committee dealt with 142 planning
applications during the year.
The Secretary of State for Housing,
Michael Gove, turned down Berkeley Homes
application to build 165 houses adjacent
to Turnden. Under planning law, building
in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty
should be avoided except in exceptional
circumstances. Mr Gove concluded that
“exceptional circumstances do not exist to
justify the proposed development in the
AONB and that the development would not
be in the public interest.” Berkeley Group
has launched a legal challenge against the
housing secretary’s decision.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE – Cllr Lee Hatcher
The committee’s aim is to promote events,
tourism, social cohesion and facilitate
community involvement.
The committee has facilitated the
reinstatement of the weekly Citizens Advice
outreach sessions in Cranbrook Library. A
‘New Year, New You’ event was successfully
held in the Vestry Hall. This was to showcase
local organisations who were looking for new
members or volunteers.
Looking forward, the committee plans to
develop effective liaison with outside bodies
on car parking and traffic issues, create and
develop parish voluntary organisation liaison
and develop a public consultation policy for
the council.
NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING COMMITTEE SUMMARY –
Cllr Garry Pethurst
Following the Regulation 16 consultation
last September, an independent examiner
was appointed and his Clarification Note was
received at the beginning of the year and,
working jointly with TWBC, a response was
sent. It is hoped that the plan will be at the
Referendum Stage in September.
POLICY AND RESOURCES COMMITTEE –
Cllr Garry Pethurst
The P&R committee is made up of the chairs
of all the other committees, including the
chair of the PC. It is, in effect, the finance
committee with responsibility for ensuring
that the council’s finances are managed
prudently, to try to obtain best value for
money for all our parishioners.
We are aware that everybody will be
impacted in some way by the cost-of-living
crisis, and the parish council was determined
to try to do its bit to keep its impact down.
Therefore, we took the decision to maintain
the precept at last year’s level by budgeting
cautiously and, where necessary, using some
of the reserves put by in previous years.
40 The Cake • Summer 2023

Finance Report
Precept cost each Band D
houshold for 2023-24
£139.34/year or £2.68/week
Total Expenditure 2022/23 – £418,587, includes:
Expenditure
Amount
Insurances £10,309
Street Lighting £15,566
Vestry Hall & Info Centre - including rates, running costs,
general maintenance, roof repairs and external decoration £31,424
General maintenance of Cemeteries, Churchyard and War Memorials £7,602
Contracts for upkeep of Recreation Grounds, Cemeteries & Allotments £35,793
Recreation Grounds – maintenance, litter clearance, play
equipment reports & repairs, incl. new piece of play equipment £23,167
Car Parks including business rates and repairs and costs associated
with the EV charge points. £43,379
Grants to Voluntary Organisations £9,854
Public toilet refurbishment and running costs £12,100
Total Revenue 2022/23 - £519,162, includes:
Source
Amount
Bank Interest £6,136
The Cake – advertising revenue and sponsorship £17,363
Vestry Hall & Council Chamber Hire £21,577
Burial Fees £11,869
From Tomlin Murton Playing Field Trust £6,000
Rents & Wayleaves received £2,118
EV Electric reimbursement £5,986
Allotment rents £1,420
Introducing our
new Councillor
Christine Newman
Christine has lived in Cranbrook
for 30 years and in the Weald of
Kent all her life and hence has a
strong affinity with the town and its
surrounding area. She has recently
retired from Cranbrook School
where she was librarian and head of
careers for 20 years. She was educated
locally, has a degree in English and a
masters in creative writing and is the
founder of the community Cranbrook
Literature Festival, which was set up
in 2016.
Christine’s leisure time is spent
walking footpaths, both locally and
further afield, cycling, sea swimming,
reading and spending as much
time as she can with her grown up
daughters!
Christine has always been a
supporter of the community and set
up student community links with
the elderly and litter picking while
at the school. She is also part of the
CranFest organisation, a committee
member for the Cranbrook Museum
and the Local History Society and
volunteers in Oxfam regularly.
The Cake • Summer 2023 41

THE CAKE MEETS...
Carol Gower
The Cake meets Carol in between trips she has
organised for CBA Millennium Outings
Carol grew up in
Sissinghurst and has
worked in Cranbrook
throughout her
adult life. She
was instrumental in bringing
J. Perigoe & Son, funeral
directors, to Cranbrook in 1986
and was a mainstay of their
operation until she retired
from full time work. As an
active member of the former
Cranbrook Business Association
(CBA) she has always been
involved in town life.
In January 2000, she was
taken to the newly opened
Millennium Dome in Greenwich,
and afterwards mused how
many other people from the
Cranbrook area might like to
go. She made enquiries and
organised her first coach trip,
along with the late Nita Stemp
(Stoneydale). The trip was a
great success and, as she left
the coach, one
gentleman asked
‘where are you
going to take us
next?’
This galvanised
Carol into
organising a
trip to the new
London Eye, and,
when people
asked to go back
to London again
for a night-time
experience, she
did that too! This
made a small contribution to
the charitable donations of the
CBA, but the big project in Carol
and Nita’s minds was the town’s
Millennium Project – a new
community centre – that had
received universal approval at
a public meeting back in 1999.
As a result, the trips are called
CBA Millennium Outings. These
ladies were aware that Lottery
funding needs local ‘Match
Funding’ and thought that
establishing a regular outings
programme might help provide
this in the long term.
Carol now runs about 15 day
trips a year, covering a wide
range of events and venues
including theatre, concerts,
gardens etc, along with UK short
breaks and holidays, picking
up passengers in Cranbrook,
Sissinghurst, Hawkhurst and
Staplehurst with supporters
joining from other villages
around too. Over time the
group has ocean-cruised the
Norwegian Fjords and rivercruised
much of northern
Europe too… all organised from
Carol’s front room!
This summer’s trips include
The Savill Garden & ‘Royal
Heritage’ Tour; ‘Strictly Come
Dancing – The Professionals’
in Brighton; Duxford Aircraft
Museum or a guided tour of
Cambridge; Annie the Musical
at the Churchill Theatre in
Bromley and a short-break
based in Bury St Edmunds.
Bookings are also being taken
for a 2024 Baltic River Cruise
(attracting a group discounted
price and including travel to
Dover), and Carol is currently
working on her Autumn/Winter
day-trip programme.
We estimate that Carol has
organised over 25,000 day visits
for local people, enabling them
to have a care free experience
with door to door travel.
Carol runs a slick operation,
all by mail or hand dropped
leaflets, as not all supporters
use email. Allocation of tickets
is ‘First Come, First Served’.
To hear more, or to join the
mailing list, please telephone
Carol on 01580 712521 between
7pm and 9pm on weekday
evenings.
When asked if she has ever
lost someone, she assures she
has not! This is a wonderful
story of a small idea taking
root and bringing enjoyment to
hundreds of people. Thank you,
Carol, and your band of helpers!
42 The Cake • Summer 2023

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CHILD’S FEET
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www.thegoldenboot.co.uk
Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, Kent

Local firm of solicitors for all your
personal and business needs
Property Conveyancing
Family, Children & Divorce
Employment law
Wills, Trusts and Probate
Litigation & Dispute Resolution
Company & Commercial law
Our Cranbrook Office:
Clermont House
High Street
Cranbrook
Kent TN17 3DN
T: 01580 712 215
E: info@bussmurton.co.uk
www.bussmurton.co.uk
CRANBROOK | TUNBRIDGE WELLS | EAST GRINSTEAD
Buss Murton Law LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership No. OC345994 and is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority