Wealden Times | WT262 | March 2024 | Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement inside

PRICELESS 

MARCH 2024 

### 

MARCH 2024 

KITCHEN & BATHROOM SUPPLEMENT inside 

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes

jmi 

Ple 

inf 

MINTERIORS 

JMade Designing in Biddenden and handcrafting by a kitchens family since business 1994 

JMInteriorsWT250.indd All Pages

jminteriorsuk.uk 

Please email or call to make a showroom appointment 

info@jminteriorsuk.uk 01580 291221 

01/02/2023 10:58

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6

Contents 

March 2024 

26 

84 

81 

14 

19 

23 

26 

43 

47 

48 

61 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

Upcoming events for your diary 

THE MUST LIST 

Keep up-to-date with the latest 

must-see and must-have goodies 

IN PRAISE OF MAXIMALISM 

A riot of colour awaits in 

this converted shop 

GET THE LOOK 

Pack in pattern for an 

individual touch 

MUM’S THE WORD 

Rebecca Cuffe’s Mother’s 

Day gifting edit 

CUT TO FIT 

A downsizer’s dream come true 

GET THE LOOK 

Mix old and new for a 

home full of memories 

81 

82 

84 

91 

95 

96 

97 

SWEET DREAMS 

This month it’s all about 

chocolate brown wardrobe staples 

LATTE LADY 

Rebecca Cuffe seeks out clothes 

and accessories in coffee tones 

LET’S CELEBRATE 

Jo Arnell gets all Eastery with 

savoury and sweet recipes 

(NOT SO) MAD 

MARCH HAIR 

Josephine Fairley turns attention 

to frazzled winter locks 

LIMBER UP! 

Sarah Maxwell explains how 

to maintain flexibility 

MUM & I 

Clara Hebblethwaite shares 

a very personal experience 

of living with dementia 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau takes a look at the 

health benefits of bone broth 

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

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

Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © 2024 Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the 

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

98 

103 

107 

109 

111 

114 

WE’RE ALL FRIENDS HERE 

Jo Arnell celebrates perfect 

plant partnerships 

HEDGE ISSUES 

Sue Whigham highlights the 

importance of hedges 

MEET THE HEAD 

Meet Hilden Grange Prep School’s 

Headteacher, Malcolm Gough 

IT’S NOT FAIR 

Mike Piercy analyses sporting etiquette 

WHAT’S ON? 

From events to courses, find out... 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard finds out just how busy 

the residents of her bee hives are 

KITCHEN & 

BATHROOM 

SUPPLEMENT 

18 pages of design 

ideas and inspo. 

After page 62. 

Delf tile selection, Blue carafe and tumbler in Sweet Pea and Peony, a l Petra Palumbo petrapalumbo.com 

7

FIND YOUR 

KITCHEN spirit 

COME AND SEE US FOR A FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION 

SEVENOAKS 

50 LONDON ROAD, TN13 1AS 

01732 454282 | NOLTE-KITCHENS.CO.UK

From the 

Editor 

Pattern can play a huge part in creating an interior 

with real personality and having the confidence to 

fill your home with bold, contrasting designs can 

pay dividends in the style and interest departments, as 

our first house this issue demonstrates. Singer Sarah Jane 

Morris guides writer Maggie Alderson around the home 

she shares with visual artist Mark Pulsford and that she’s 

positively packed with vibrant wallpapers and fabrics. 

Next house stop is Surbiton, where Deborah Harrison 

has recently downsized to a Victorian property that she 

has truly made her own. Feminine florals and dusky 

pinks abound in this lovely renovation project. 

Easter’s early this year, so we set Jo Arnell the task of 

creating some suitably egg-themed recipes to mark the 

bank holiday weekend. And a chocolatey vibe has spilled 

into fashion, too, as we celebrate all tones coffee-coloured. 

As the garden springs back to life, and with her 

gardening hat on, Jo Arnell takes a look at companion 

planting and Sue Whigham investigates healthy 

hedges. In health and beauty news, Josephine Fairley 

tackles mad March hair, Sarah Maxwell 

explains how to increase flexibility and 

Charlotte Lau explores the benefits 

of making your own bone broth. 

Not forgetting our comprehensive 

Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement, where 

you’ll find plenty of design inspiration and 

unique finds to complete the look. 

WINTER SALE NOW ON 

IN-STORE AND ONLINE 

GARDEN FURNITURE 

IN STOCK NOW FOR 2024 

% 

0APR 

INTEREST FREE 

CREDIT AVAILABLE 

See website for further details. 

Enjoy your Priceless Magazine 

Priceless Team 

EditorLucy Fleming 

Supplements & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe 

Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey 

Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall 

Sales ManagersLisa Gordon-Hughes 

Maria Hurley 

Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood 

Senior Account ManagerAndrew Boughton 

Account ExecutiveMarnie Newman 

Wealden Times Show Director Flo Simpson 

Events Manager Liz Miles 

Events Sales Director Jude Brown 

Financial ControllerStephen Hunt 

Accounts Sarah Davies 

Nicola O’Leary 

Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau 

Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee 

Executive Chairman Julie Simpson 

CANTERBURY 

In-store & Online 

| 

CANTERBURY 

Roper Road, CT2 7EL 

01227 766 655 

MAIDSTONE 

MAIDSTONE 

Sandling Road, ME14 2RF 

01622 753 073 

9 

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“They just led the way for me. I 

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HERITAGE SPECIALISTS 

BUILT ON REPUTATION & QUALITY 

istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich 

Alfriston 

• Emmett & 

White Antiques 

& Interiors 

Ashford 

• Ashford 

Designer Outlet 

• Eastwell Manor 

• Hunters 

• Kingsfords 

Solicitors 

• Northwood 

• Perry Court 

Farm 

• Sainsbury’s 

• Secret Garden, 

Kent 

• The Wife 

of Bath 

Aylesford 

• Tesco Extra 

Battle 

• British Design 

British Made 

• Jempson’s 

• Trinity of Battle 

Benenden 

• Village Shop 

Bexhill 

• Sivyers Antique 

Emporium 

• Wards 

Biddenden 

• The Bakehouse 

• Bloomsburys 

• Costcutter 

Boughton 

Monchelsea 

• The Cock Inn 

Broadstairs 


Bromley 

• The Glades 

Burwash 

• Londis 

Canterbury 

• Asda Superstore 

• Benton Kitchens 

• The Duke 

William 

• Fenwick 

• Gibson’s 

Farm Shop 


• Whitefriars 

Charing 

• Post Office 

Chislehurst 


Cranbrook 

• Hartley Coffee 

House 

• Hartley Dyke 

Farmshop 

• The Hive 

• Pages 

Crowborough 

• Costa Coffee 

Eastbourne 

• Waterstones 

Eridge 

• Fuller’s Farm 

Shop 

Faversham 

• Macknade 

Fine Foods 


Flimwell 

• The Weald 

Smokery 

Folkestone 

• Hunters 

• Loaf 

• Moda 

• Rocksalt 


Goudhurst 

• Billie Loves 

• Burfields 

House Wealth 

Management 

Ltd 

• Furnish & 

Feather 

• Goudhurst Inn 

• Goudhurst 

Newsagents 

Greenhithe 

• John Lewis 

Food Hall 

Haywards Heath 

• Cook 

Hastings 

• Judges Bakery 

• Morrisons 

• Respire Living 

• Wellington 

Centre 

Hawkhurst 

• Kino Cinema 

• Park Farm 

Butchers 

• Two Chicks 

Headcorn 

• Foodie’s 

Emporium 

Heathfield 

• Cuculo Deli 

• The Stores 

Horsham 

• Cook 

Hurst Green 

• Eggs to Apples 

• Merriments 

Hythe 

• The Chair Lady 

• The Flower 

Shop 

• Halcyon Days 

• Hunters 

• Hythe Bay 

Seafood 

Restaurant 

• Nutmeg Café 

• Oaks Hair & 

Beauty Retreat 


Ickham 

• The Duke 

William 

Kings Hill 

• Costa 

Lenham 

• Corner House 

Antiques 

Lewes 

• Riverside 

Shopping Hall 

Maidstone 

• House of Fraser 

• Tesco 

Marden 

• Marden 

Village Store 

Mayfield 

• The Pink 

Cabbage 

Produce Co. 

Northiam 

• Country 

Property Group 

• Jempson’s Local 

• Will’s Bakery 

and Café 

Nutley 

• Nutley Antiques 

Orpington 


Peasmarsh 


Pluckley 

• Pluckley 

Farm Shop 

Robertsbridge 

• Vinehall School 

Rolvenden 

• KM & JM 

Linklater 

Rushlake Green 

• The Stores 

Rye 

• Adams of Rye 


• Kino Cinema 

• Phillips & 

Stubbs 

• The White 

House 

Sandhurst 

• Johnson’s of 

Sandhurst 

Sedlescombe 

• Sedlescombe 

Post Office 

and Stores 

Sellindge 

• Hobbs & Hearts 

Sevenoaks 

• Cook 

• County Clothes 


Sheffield Green 

• Trading 

Boundaries 

Sissinghurst 

• TN17 Food 

& Wine 

Smarden 

• West End 

House Gallery 

St. Leonards 

on-Sea 


Shop 

Staplehurst 

• Frankie’s 

Farm Shop 

Stone Cross 

• Sharnfold 

Farm & Shop 

Tenterden 

• County Clothes 

• Hunters Estate 

Agents 

• London Beach 

Hotel 

• Tenterden 

House Interiors 

• Tesco Superstore 

• Warner Gray 

• Webbs of 

Tenterden 

• White Lion 

• Woodcocks 

Ticehurst 

• Londis 

Tonbridge 

• Cook 

• Neptune 

Tunbridge Wells 

• Fenwick 

• Hoopers 

• Maddisons 

Residential 

• Notcutts 

• Rencraft 


• Truffle 

Wadhurst 


Westerham 

• Nisa 

Whitstable 

• Tea & Times 


• The Whiting 

Post 

Winchelsea 

• Winchelsea 

Farm Kitchen 

Wye 

• The Wife 

of Bath 

TRAIN 

STATIONS: 

• Ashford 

International 

• Hildenborough 

• Maidstone 

East 

• Orpington 

• Paddock Wood 

• Sevenoaks 

• Staplehurst 

• Tonbridge 

• Tunbridge 

Wells 

• Wadhurst 

• West Malling 

11 

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UNDERSTANDING STYLE AND PRACTICALITY IN EQUAL MEASURE... 

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detail-orientated team can implement your vision and bring your bespoke designs to life in no time at all. 

GlassHouse Design and Glazing, proudly engineering form to function. 

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INCENTIVES 

AVAILABLE 

Prices from £460,000 

Cobnut Close, Sissinghurst, 

Kent, TN17 2LD 

Show home open Fridays to Mondays 10AM - 4PM 

Set within a private cul-de-sac, The 

Oaks offers Nine, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom 

Kentish style homes built for modern 

living. Ideally located within walking 

distance to the village centre and in the 

popular Cranbrook School catchment 

area. Make The Oaks, the perfect home 

for you and your family. 

www.canhamhomes.co.uk 

theoaks@canhamhomes.co.uk 

01580 472101

House 

Month 

of the 

£1,495,000 

Chatham 

Damien Pestell picks his favourite 

homes on the market 

The dream: An elegant Grade 

I listed six bedroom Georgian 

town house set within the 

Historic Chatham Dockyard; 

is one of twelve magnificent 

Georgian properties that were 

originally built for the officers 

of the Royal Naval Dockyard. 

Where: Chatham, which is one of 

the Medway towns, with a wide 

range of shops and restaurants. 

Further shopping can be found 

in nearby Gillingham and the 

historic town of Rochester. 

Setting: Within Officers 

Terrace, a handsome symmetrical 

row of Georgian houses. 

Beds: 6 Baths: 3 

Special features: The beautifully 

proportioned drawing room has 

four sash windows, two Portland 

stone fireplaces and a view over 

the communal gardens. 

Pleasing details: One of the 

more substantial houses in the 

row was believed to be home 

to the Clerk of the Cheque. 

Outside: A wonderful hidden 

Grade II listed walled garden is 

arranged in terraces and features 

box parterre and clever symmetrical 

planting. There is also a period 

brick potting shed and greenhouse. 

Time to town: A high speed train 

service runs from Chatham to 

London St Pancras in about 40 mins. 

Agent: Savills 01580 720161 

savills.com 

priceless-magazines.com 14

Burwash 

£1,250,000 

The dream: An exceptionally well presented 

and sympathetically updated Grade II listed 

period house within walking distance of this 

most picturesque village. Find wonderful 

southerly views combined with beautiful 

gardens and grounds of about 2 acres. 

Where: 6 miles from the market 

town of Heathfield. 

Setting: Walking distance from 

Burwash High Street. 


Special features: The gorgeous drawing room 

with inglenook fireplace and double doors opens 

out onto the south-facing terrace and garden. 

Pleasing details: The excellent kitchen/breakfast 

room enjoys wonderful southerly views. 

Outside: The rear garden has a broad paved and 

brick south-facing terrace. The nearby home 

office with central barbecue grill is ideal for 

entertaining. In addition there are 2 separate plots 

of 17 acres available under separate negotiation. 

Time to town: From Stonegate station, 3 miles 

away, to London Bridge in under an hour. 

Agent: Batcheller Monkhouse 

01424 775577 batchellermonkhouse.com 

New Romney 

£1,000,000 

The dream: A completely unique open-plan church 

conversion featuring a vast living area with 10 large 

arched windows, bathing the interior in natural 

light. All of this and just 100m from the beach. 

Where: Littlestone-on-Sea, a charming coastal haven 

away from the hustle and bustle of town and city life. 

Just one mile from the market town of New Romney. 

Setting: Beachside of the English Channel. Great 

for leisurely walks and seaside relaxation. 


Special features: The vast open-plan 

living area seamlessly combines the 

kitchen, dining, and living spaces. 

Pleasing details: The limestone flooring, equipped 

with underfloor heating provides the perfect setting 

for hosting unforgettable gatherings and parties. 

Outside: The generous plot of around one third 

of an acre boasts a hardstanding area for ample 

parking, with the remainder of the plot consisting 

of a lawned area with mature trees. A private oasis. 

Time to town: From Ashford International, 

a 27-minute drive away, to London 

St Pancras in just 36 minutes. 

Agent: Rafferty & Pickard 

01732 905499 raffertyandpickard.co.uk 

15 


A collection of luxury, detached 4 and 5-bedroom 

countryside homes, overlooking the neighbouring apple 

orchard in the heart of the Kentish village of Egerton. 

Prices start from £835,000 

SHOW HOME OPEN THURSDAYS TO MONDAYS – 10AM TO 4PM 

Henshawplace.co.uk 

01233 367 137 

sales@henshawplace.co.uk 

Henshaw Place, Egerton, Kent, TN27 9DT

M 

Y 

Y 

Y

Notebook 

Life & Times 

Take note! We’ve rounded up the best 

of what to see and do near you 

istockphoto.com/ writerfantast 

Beautiful 

Belmont 

Belmont near Faversham is often described as a ‘hidden gem’ of Kent, 

although perhaps not so hidden if you caught this elegant 18th century 

house – designed by Samuel Wyatt – and its glorious grounds on the 

Antiques Roadshow last year. The country house contains a number 

of impressive collections including Britain’s largest collection of 

Cazabon paintings and an extraordinary collections of clocks 

and watches. There are also the gorgeous gardens and cricket 

pitch (fixtures on website) to explore, amid this 3,000 acre 

estate. Best of all the tearoom is open all year round! They 

are hosting a number of events over the next few months 

including some tempting workshops. How about trying 

your hand at macrame, linocut printing, wild classroom 

family cooking or taking a tour of the clock collection 

or herb garden. We’ve got our eye on the paper 

peony workshop – run by Nicola Chatten from 

Plant and Paper – on May 13th. Take a look 

at the website and see what takes your fancy. 

belmont-house.org 

19 

See the works of Beethoven 

live on stage, performed by the 

English Piano Trio on 11th April 

at 7.30pm for the penultimate 

show of G Live’s annual Guildford 

International Concert Series. 

Renowned for their original and 

innovative Words and Music 

programmes, the English Piano Trio 

with distinguished actors Christopher 

Ravenscroft and Ann Penfold, 

portray Beethoven’s complex life. 

Combining contemporary accounts 

and letters with key repertoire from 

his great piano trios and most beloved 

piano sonatas, this promises to be a 

fascinating exploration of Beethoven’s 

iconic life and music. Tickets prices 

range from £12.50 to £35. 

trafalgartickets.com/g-live-guildford 

CHERRY 

CHARTWELL 

We love beautiful spring 

blossom and if you too are on the 

look out for places to enjoy this seasonal 

dose of joy, make sure to put Chartwell on 

your list. They are hosting an Easter Egg 

Hunt from 29th March until 14th 

April, and alongside the blossom, 

the trail will be decorated with 

hand-painted silk flags designed 

by local community groups 

thanks to kinetika.co.uk. 

Chocolate eggs and cherry 

blossom, what more 

could you want? 

nationaltrust.org.uk 


Get Creative 

Unlock your 

creativity at The Art 

House in Woking, Surrey. With 

16 weekly classes for children, 

adults and seniors, they offer a diverse 

range of artistic experiences – from 

holiday classes and corporate events to 

art parties – or book the popular Painting 

Experience with your friends or family. If 

you have an idea, they’ll help you create it. 

The Art House are committed to teaching 

and inspiring students to build confidence 

and unlock their full potential. thearthouse.co 

Good Godinton! 

Godinton House and 

Gardens, near Ashford, is due 

to reopen on 29th March but 

will also open on Sunday 10th to 

celebrate Mother’s Day. Enjoy a 

walk around the 12-acre garden and 

take in the springtime meadow of 

daffodils, formal Italian gardens plus 

the walled garden with its amazing 

greenhouse. You’ll be pleased to 

hear the Tearoom will also open 

for this special day and there 

you’ll find freshly baked scones 

and tasty homemade cakes. It’s 

best to book online and then you 

can pay for your tea in the house. 

godintonhouse.co.uk 

Booklovers get your diaries at the ready! The 

Tunbridge Wells Literary Festival is returning from 

Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 May, with events being held at the 

Assembly Hall Theatre, The Amelia Scott, The Forum, Trinity 

Theatre and at Calverley Grounds. With headliners including 

Clive Myrie, Lenny Henry and Michael Palin, it’s well worth 

getting your tickets booked soon. Call The Amelia Scott 

on 01892 530613 or buy at theamelia.co.uk 

TURN UP FOR THE BOOKS 

Beautiful 

Day 

Fancy getting 

the lowdown on how 

to sow and grow annuals? 

Blooming Green at Loddington 

Farm near Maidstone are holding 

a Grow Your Own Cut Flowers 

Workshop on Saturday 16th March. 

It promises to be lots of fun and is 

designed to suit both beginners 

and experienced gardeners. £95 

covers all your materials and 

refreshments. You’ll leave with 

a selection of seeds and plants 

plus plenty of inspiration. 

bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 

istockphoto.com/ fotyma 

LANDMARK RETURN 

Celebrated folk singer Cara Dillon is returning to 

The Landmark Arts Centre by popular demand 

on 5th April. The Irish artist recently unveiled 

– to rapt audiences – her first new material 

in six years and after a long-awaited return, 

Cara will be touring her Coming Home album 

at the centre in a show with Sam Lakeman, 

unlocking profound memories and emotions. 

landmarkartscentre.org 


20

The 

Canterbury 

Auction 

Galleries 

FINE ART 

AUCTIONEERS 

SINCE 1911 

thecanterburyauctiongalleries 

Auctioneers of the rare, the collectible and the exceptional 

Art // Collectibles // Antiques // Fine Jewellery // Clocks // Ceramics // Coins // Luxury watches // Gold // Silver // 20th Century memorabilia 

Call us to book a free valuation at home or at our Canterbury salerooms: 40 Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8AN 

Telephone 01227 763337 Email general@tcag.co.uk Visit thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com 

Wealden - TCAG 2024 March 1/2pp.indd 1 26/01/2024 12:34 

21 


CATCHPOLE & RYE 

Kent, England 

catchpoleandrye.com 

Showrooms in London: 0207 3510940 | Kent: 01233 840840 

Come visit us at our Pluckley Showroom to see our products in person 

Wealden Times - Advert - March 2024.indd 1 19/02/2024 11:03:59

Courtesy of Lottie Topping Photography 

Vegan ones, giant 450g ones, 

tiramisu ones, black dark truffle 

ones – La Perla di Torino’s epic 

Easter eggs are as stunning as 

they are luxuriously delicious. 

Find them online at Sous Chef 

from £12.50. souschef.co.uk 

As we spring into Spring and celebrate female achievement, 

we’d like to introduce local artist Hannah Buchanan. Her 

glorious work is driven by an interest in Biocentrism, 

recording ‘the pulses of life emanating from the natural 

environment’. You can find her at The Other Art Fair this 

month from March 7th-10th and at our Midsummer Fair 

from June 6th-8th. hannahbuchanan.com 

must 

The 

From must-sees to must-buys and 

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s 

round up of what to buy, see, do, 

and generally get excited about! 

It’s Bed Month, which means it’s time to give your sleep 

space a spruce! For shopping something so tactile, the 

best way is always to head to a shop where you can get 

a feel of everything ,so we’re recommending a trip to 

Jones & Tomlin (in Guildford, Horsham, Worthing and 

Bosham). You’ll get super friendly, expert advice and your 

pick of all the best brands from Cath Kidston to Ted 

Baker – including the above Clarissa Hulse Tania’s garden 

dusk duvet set for £52. jonesandtomlin.co.uk 

A Mother’s Day gift that gives back? Two 

brilliant Kent-based women have teamed 

up to make a truly heartfelt jewellery 

collection that raises awareness of heart 

disease in women, with 10% of each sale 

donated to the BHF. Jewellery designer 

Narratorium was inspired by the Gold 

Hearted Club (goldhearted.club) 

to create this collection filled with 

beautiful hand sculpted hearts that are 

each unique and perfectly imperfect just 

like all of us! These rings are £95 each 

but there’s lots more at narratorium.co.uk 

On the 19th it will officially be Spring! 

And to get us in the springy spirit we 

have Little Greene’s National Trust 

Papers IV – their fourth instalment of 

wallpapers derived from National Trust 

properties. It’s filled with eclectic botanicals 

like this Bamboo floral option in Heat 

(£127/roll) which is perfect to add that 

little touch of red if you’re a fan of the 

Unexpected Red Theory! littlegreene.com 

On the 8th we celebrate great women 

everywhere with International Women’s 

Day. The uniform of choice? This Bella 

Freud T-shirt is created in collaboration 

with The Prince’s Trust to support their 

#ChangeAGirlsLife campaign. If you 

buy one this month, 20% of your £95 

goes towards helping thousands of young 

women who are facing disadvantage and 

adversity. bellafreud.com 

For those planning 

a spring clean, Bar 

Keepers Friend will 

revolutionise your clean 

routine. It’s an insider 

secret that delivers super 

satisfying before-andafter 

results for porcelain 

sinks, ceramic pans and 

pretty much all that gets 

rusty and grimy. A must 

try! barkeepersfriend.com 

Crufts always gets us inspired to 

pamper our pooches, as has the 

discovery of The Rambling Hound. 

Their hand-finished and engraved 

dog ID tags are inspired by jewellery 

designer Nicola’s walks around Kent 

with her cockapoo Millie. They are 

also available from Gifts Instead of 

Flowers, an online platform that 

raises funds for childhood cancer 

research. theramblinghound.co.uk 

giftsinsteadofflowers.com 

23 


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Folkestone Office: 

01303 273 273 

Sterling House, Concept Court, Shearway 

Business Park, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 4RG 

Maidstone Office: 

01622 238 230 

5 Tolherst Court East, Turkey Mill, 

Ashford Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 5SF

Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority


Sarah Jane Morris is not afraid 

of pattern, colour, doing it herself – 

or anything really – as can be seen in her St 

Leonards house which sings as joyously as she does 

Words: Maggie Alderson 

Photographs: David Merewether 

27 


Residential Sales, Lettings and Property 

Management in Kent and East Sussex 

TENTERDEN For sale Guide price £1,200,000 PLUCKLEY For rent £2250pcm 

Chain free. A striking five-bedroom farmhouse built 35 

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A spacious, detached single storey four bedroom character 

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a fabulous walled garden. Spacious sitting room with wood burner 

and doors to sun terrace. Large kitchen/ breakfast room with 

electric Aga, electric oven, steam oven. induction hob, dishwasher, 

fridge and larder. Utility room with washing machine, tumble 

dryer and fridge/freezer. The property benefits from two double 

bedrooms, one with doors to terrace and a bathroom at one end of 

the property and two further double bedrooms and bathroom at 

the other. Extensive gardens with formal area of lawn, flowerbeds 

and pond. Ample parking, open barn, summer house and storage. 

Gas CH. EPC rating D. Gardening contribution at £200pcm 

Selling or letting your home is an important decision. Contact us for advice, support and guidance throughout the process. 

JAGO & JAGO, 16 HIGH STREET TENTERDEN KENT TN30 6AP 

Talk with us: Tenterden Office: 01580 763577 East Sussex Office: 01424 838398 

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PLOT OR NOT? 

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sjd-projects.com 


28

Previous pages: The sitting room has a broad range of 

seating to get comfy on, all of which are generously 

be-cushioned and covered in velvet This page: The 

kitchen, at the back of the house, had already been 

converted when Sarah Jane and Mark bought the 

house, with a professional kitchen stainless-steel unit 

and range set against a bare-brick wall, with a Crittal 

window and door looking out on to the courtyard 

In one of the rooms in Sarah Jane Morris and Mark 

Pulsford’s house in St Leonards-on-Sea, I counted 

no fewer than 14 different patterns and prints, 

dancing across wallpaper and fabric, shimmying on 

walls and curtains, teasing from furniture, the bed 

and cushions. And I might have missed a few. 

It takes a lot of confidence to decorate like this 

– something SJM has no shortage of. After forty 

five years as a singer and recording artist, she has 

her own label ‘Fallen Angel Records’ and is about 

to release her 16th solo album ‘The Sisterhood’. 

You might know her name from her earlier 

work when she was one of the singers with The 

Communards – her deep-pitched voice a brilliant 

foil for Jimmy Somerville’s famous falsetto. 

With such an exciting performing career, which still 

includes a lot of touring, it’s perhaps not surprising 

that Sarah Jane is no stranger to the packing chest. 

“I’ve moved 37 times,” she tells me, beaming 

her trademark smile, as we sit on the printed 

29 


“We looked at 50 

properties and then 

three months later I 

had a call from the 

estate agent, saying 

this one was back 

on the market” 

Left: Open shelving and concealed 

wall cupboards provide plenty of 

storage space for kitchen sundries 

Below left & right: A doorway at 

the back of the kitchen leads to an 

almost labyrinthine twist of storage, 

utility room, laundry drying space 

and downstairs shower room 

velvet covered sofas in the sitting room. “And lived in a lot of 

rentals, so I’m very quick at making a place look like home.” 

But there is nothing transient about this quirky house 

on a quiet corner in St Leonards’ fashionable ‘Mercatoria’ 

area – perhaps because it was Sarah Jane’s second go at living 

in the Hastings locale. “I moved to St Leonards-on-Sea 

15 years ago,” she says, “to be near my best friend, Angie, 

who I met when I was 20. But just 18 months later she 

died. I was heartbroken and couldn’t stay in Hastings.” 

But in the way these things do, it all worked out, because 

by then Sarah Jane had met and married her husband, 

visual artist Mark Pulsford, and with her son Otis at a 

good stage in his education to move schools, they shifted 

east, to live in Mark’s house, near Canterbury. 

 


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Above left: Sarah Jane’s office, where she 

writes her songs Above right: A corner 

of the sitting room is home to part of the 

couple’s record collection and a copper 

sculpture made by Sarah Jane’s sister in 

law, Adaesi Ukairo Right: A painting 

by Mark’s father, artist Charles Pulsford, 

hangs above a sideboard in the perfect 

tones of green for the sitting room 

Until Sarah Jane’s itchy feet 

reactivated. “Four years ago I turned 60, 

which is a time for reflection,” she says. 

“I felt like I’d met my people when I 

lived in Hastings before and I wanted to 

come back. Mark agreed to the move. 

“We saw this house just as we 

put Mark’s place on the market and 

it was perfect for us. It had been 

converted from a shop and had this 

big front room, ideal as a gallery for 

Mark’s work and for performance, for 

mine. Upstairs there was an en suite 

bedroom all ready for Airbnb, which 

was something else we wanted.” 

But then, as so often with the 

heartbreaking ins and outs of property 

transactions, the house was suddenly 

taken off the market. They kept looking. 

“We looked at 50 properties and then 

three months later I had a call from the 

estate agent, saying this one was back on 

the market and I was able to tell them 

that we’d had an offer on our house 

the previous day. So we immediately 

offered the asking price to secure it.” 

With its former uses first as a pub – 

“back in the day when there was one on 

every corner” – and then as a shop, 


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33 


the two sitting room walls on the corner 

site have a lot of windows. People could 

see in and spotting the amazing, fringed 

lampshades that Sarah Jane makes by 

putting new fabric on old frames, they 

thought it was still a going concern and 

tried to come in. “We put up Victorian 

nets,” says Sarah Jane, laughing, “and 

then we blocked a couple of the windows 

off so there would be more hanging 

space for paintings.” Very cleverly these 

are hung from the picture rail, so they 

can be switched about without banging 

nails into the wall, and stand out 

beautifully against the green/grey paint. 

Moving from the sitting room to 

the kitchen at the back of the house, 

you start to get an impression of the 

unusual layout, so different from 

the rows of picturesque – but tiny 

– two-up, two-down early Victorian 

artisans’ dwellings all around it. 

The kitchen had already been 

converted when they bought the house 

and has a very cool professional kitchen 

stainless-steel unit with integral sinks, 

against a bare-brick wall, with a Crittal 

window and door looking out onto 

the verdant courtyard. At right angles 

to that there is a set of steel drawers, 

topped with wood, and a stainless 

steel range. All of it was there. 

It has an industrial look – which is 

a brilliant counterpoint to everything 

else in the room which is very 

much Sarah Jane’s style, showcasing 

her love of wallpaper. Or would 

it be rude to say obsession? 

You get a good idea of how she likes 

to play with printed paper, in the area 

around the kitchen wood burner – which 

was also already there when they moved 

and is flanked by two very comfortable 

chairs, covered in a mixture of printed 

velvets (another theme throughout 

the house, of which more to come). I 

can witness from personal experience 

that this is a supremely cosy place to 

sit for a chat with a cup of tea. “We 

don’t have a telly,” says Sarah Jane. 

“We sit here and read to each other.” 

From either of the chairs you can 

admire Sarah Jane’s wallpaper handiwork 

with a fine cheetah print on the 


Previous page: With 

its former uses as 

a pub and then as 

a shop, the sitting 

room with its inky 

dark walls has a lot of 

windows This page: 

The main bedroom 

is home to one of 

Sarah Jane’s handmade 

bedspreads in printed 

velvet sourced from 

eBay. She also tracked 

down a roll of original 

1920s wallpaper from 

the selling site, and a 

rare Roberts radio – in 

leopard print, of course 

chimney breast – and then actual cheetahs 

walking along in rows in opposite directions 

inside the stove alcove. Sarah Jane cut each 

one of them out of another roll of wallpaper 

and pasted them down adding an individual 

touch. “I got into wallpaper patchwork during 

lockdown,” she says, “I would buy one roll 

on eBay. Some of them would have been 

£100 or £200 a roll new, but when there is 

just one left over you can get it for £40.” 

The wallpaper cavalcade is strongly apparent 

in the rambling area that was previously a 

workshop with concrete floor and exposed 

brickwork. This space features a shower room 

and loo (with gorgeous Kermit-green Italian 

stud rubber flooring) and a laundry area, 

complete with an enviable Victorian-style hoist 

airer, the sink surround a mélange of different 

patterned locally sourced tiles. “I was inspired 

by the paintings of Édouard Vuillard,” Sarah 

Jane explains. “He painted interiors which often 

feature a lot of clashing prints in one room,” 

adding, “As I have to iron for the Airbnb room, I 

wanted to turn it into an enjoyable experience.” 

There are two more rooms on the ground 

floor – Sarah’s office, where she writes songs, and 

Mark’s painting studio – both fonts of artistic 

output, adding to the sense of creative thrum 

that imbues the entire house. In Sarah’s space 

one of her gold discs hangs on the wall – a sure 

sign you are in the house of a recording star. 

Upstairs the themes of mixed prints – always 

with a touch of leopard somewhere – and 

wallpapers continues with even greater abandon. 

Particularly in the Airbnb suite, which is where 

I counted the 14 different patterns. There are 

35 


This page: 14 different patterns make up the decor in 

the Airbnb suite, where Sarah Jane has papered, painted, 

recovered and re-sewn to create the finished look 

two different wallpapers on one wardrobe in there – with parrot 

doorknobs for good measure. The gloriously printed velvet 

bedspread was a find from eBay, one of Sarah Jane’s favourite 

sources, along with Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, jumble sales – 

and skips. It arrived a curtain and was transformed into its new 

role with the application of Sarah Jane’s favourite long fringing. 

An IKEA tub chair in here, with loose covers of yet another 

printed velvet, made by Sarah Jane’s friend Wendy May, 


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Dispelling Myths about Equity Release 

KarlTerryWT229.indd 1 07/05/2021 12:40 

D 

espite the large amount of 

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there is still scepticism as to 

whether it is really a good idea. 

Like any financial decision, the same solution 

is not right for everyone, however, when 

considered for the right reasons, Equity 

Release can be a safe and suitable solution. 

Myths and inaccuracies. 

You cannot move house in the future 

Yes you can ... A Lifetime mortgage, in 

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transferred to another property (providing the 

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It is also possible to repay the Lifetime mortgage 

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Contrary to many beliefs, and UNLIKE 

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Your family will lose their inheritance 

If you were to release the maximum sum 

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This means there could be no, or little, equity 

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In addition, with the “no negative 

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It’s really expensive 

While rates of interest for Equity Release are 

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When compared with the cost of moving, Equity 

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With regards the longer-term costs, it still 

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37 


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Top: Leopard print lines the back wall of 

another bedroom, contrasting with floral 

velvets and a dusky pink rose bedspread 

Left: The landing is one space that’s been 

decorated with pure white walls. the perfect 

background to show off Mark’s moonlight 

paintings and his father’s work alongside 

a table of copper sculptures by Adaesi 

becomes a thing of mystery and beauty. 

“Someone gave me a sewing machine 

in lockdown and everything I can’t do I 

hand to Wendy May who knows what 

she’s doing. I’m just making it up!” 

Next door in the main bedroom, a 

lovely big space, is another Sarah Jane 

special bedspread, in printed velvet, 

of course. “I bought seven metres of 

fabric with a printing fault on eBay,” 

she says, “and it was made into a quilt 

using a blanket for wadding and an 

old sheet for the lining, with enough 

material left to make curtains for one 

of the bedroom windows.” In here is a 

particularly special online find – a roll 

of original 1920s wallpaper, which Sarah 

Jane had put up by an expert, Annemarie 

Wrigley. “She showed me how to put 

wallpaper up,” says Sarah Jane, “and 

how to use it on furniture.” The leopard 

print element in this room is a rare 

Roberts radio, another eBay treasure. 

After completing the full house 

tour, we head back down to the 

sitting room, where it is deliciously 

easy to get comfortable on the 

broad choice of sofas and chairs. 

All of them are generously 

be-cushioned and covered in velvet, 

except for one amazing chair upholstered 

entirely in needlepoint, which was done 

by Sarah Jane’s Aunt Susie. Being handy 

with a needle clearly runs in the family. 

We settle in here for Sarah Jane to tell 

me about her latest project, an album of 

songs inspired by and in tribute to ten 

of the great female singer songwriters. 

Called The Sisterhood, it blends decades 

and genres, with names spanning from 

Billie Holiday to Joni Mitchell, Janis 

Joplin to Sinead O’Connor. “I’d had the 

idea for the project and I’d bought all 

the biographies,” says Sarah Jane, “then 

with Covid I couldn’t tour, so I had 

time to work on it. Mark and I wrote 

the lyrics and Tony Remy (my right 

hand man) and I wrote the music and 

turned them into songs. 

 

39 


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40 

FoxFramingWT247.indd 1 31/10/2022 16:11

Above: The main bathroom is a riot of foliage, 

with an unusual black shower curtain (reflected in 

mirror), tropical leaves wallpaper and patterned tiling 

Right: The calming landing and white ceilings 

tie the vibrant room schemes together 

It just flowed. I wrote each song in an hour.” 

Initially, the room we are sitting in was a 

makeshift recording studio, with the album then 

finished in a professional studio in Eastbourne. 

Sarah Jane called on the same resourcefulness 

which has so richly decorated her house to 

pull this project together. While they were 

recording the tracks her band all stayed with 

friends of hers in St Leonards and, to pay 

for the studio recording, she had a brilliant 

idea. “I advertised on Facebook that I would 

do a masterclass to 25 people who wanted 

to learn three part backing vocal harmonies 

to four of my songs, that they would, at a 

later date, be able to come to Ronnie Scott’s 

and sing with me. It sold out in an hour”. 

The album will be released on Sarah 

Jane’s own label, Fallen Angel Records, 

with the perfect release date on March 8th 

– International Women’s Day. It’s a project 

full of heart and soul, just like this house. 

Address Book: 

To find out more about Sarah Jane’s 

new album, see sarahjanemorris.co.uk. 

For more info. on Mark Pulsford 

and Adaesi Ukairo you can visit 

markpulsford.com and ukairo.com. 

41 


Cobham-Furniture.indd 1 09/02/2024 09:13

Get the 

LOOK 

1 Industrial vintage old factory copper pendant light by Industville £124 The Den & Now thedenandnow.co.uk 

2 Hayley Stuart collection Winnie lampshade £245 Tinker & Tallulah tinkerandtallulah.co.uk 3 Work Mates 

watercolour shire horses painting £21.99 Florence & Lavender florenceandlavender.co.uk 4 Head of a girl by Sir Edward 

Burne-Jones framed art £421 Mindthegap mindtheg.com 5 Stiffkey Blue No.281 Estate Emulsion® £54.50/2.5l 

Farrow & Ball farrow-ball.com 6 English Curling Team framed art £445 Mindthegap mindtheg.com 7 Jameo floor lamp 

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43 


Wealden Times 

Midsummer 

Fa i r 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

Enjoy a great day out shopping 

with friends and family at this 

year’s Midsummer Fair 

There is something for everyone with over 250 hand-picked 

exhibitors spread throughout four large marquees, two avenues 

and countless outside gazebos, all surrounded by the glorious 

backdrop of Hole Park’s 200 acre estate. The team work tirelessly 

to ensure the perfect mix of inspiring interiors, fabulous fashion 

and heavenly homewares and this year over 25% of them are 

brand new to the fair! 

Tickets 

on sale now 

Quote 

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for £1 off 

each ticket! 

44

Come to shop but 

stay for the day! 

After a busy day shopping, sit down 

and refuel at one of our many street 

food vendors – offering everything 

from sweet treats to a light lunch or 

something a bit more substantial. 

Enjoy a glass of bubbly or a hot 

drink and take in the beautiful 

countryside views of the Weald while 

admiring all your new purchases. 

Well-behaved dogs on leads – allowed 

(and encouraged!) 

New exhibitors 

Here are just a few of the new 

exhibitors we have at the fair 

Helen Sharp Jewellery 

helensharpjewellery.co.uk 

We’re delighted to 

introduce our Sponsor 

The Spongeware Company 

thespongewarecompany.com 

Wiley Mouse Artisan Crafts 

wileymouse.co.uk 

Bespoke sofas, chairs and beds, offering a high level of choice and individual 

creativity, all handmade by skilled craftspeople in Britain. 

Visit them in the Yellow Marquee to meet the team. 

Embrace the art of sitting comfortably: 

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EXTENDED 

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45

Paint Your Own 

Ceramics, Crafts and 

Personalised Gifts 

Pottery Painting 

Decopatch 

Keepsakes 

Gift Shop 

Parties/Late Nights 

Open every day 

during the Easter 

holidays 

BOOK at www.slapndash.com PHONE 01580 755674 

Located on the Hawkhurst Fish Farm, TN18 4RT 

Accessible to Wheelchair users-Ample Parking-Cafe On-Site 

Matilda Delves Photography - www.matildadelvesweddingphotography.com 

Florist & Grower 

For our full list of talks and workshops visit 

www.bloominggreenflowers.co.uk 

At Planters Farm Shop - North of Hurst Green, 

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Open 9am till 4pm Monday to Saturday 

10am till 4pm Sunday 

Tel: 01580 860959 / 0789 406 4327 

Email: spicercatering@gmail.com 


46

Treat mum with an elegant Sparkling 

Afternoon Tea. Balfour Winery in 

Staplehurst is offering a Mother’s 

Day afternoon tea with a delicious 

and beautifully presented selection of 

sandwiches, scones and cakes, and a 

glass of sparkling Balfour wine. Follow 

with a stroll through their beautiful 

vineyards, apple orchards and ancient 

oak woodlands, or join an expertled 

vineyard tour and wine tasting 

experience in the winery. Tickets are 

£45pp at balfourwinery.com 

Murano glass 

daisy rope twist 

hoops £47 Lezzeri 

lezzeri.com 

Cath Kidston 

London 

travel mug & 

hydration bottle 

£35 Next 

next.co.uk 

Mum’s 

the Word! 

Verbier cashmere 

scarf with tassel 

trim in blue 

£210 Heidi Klein 

heidiklein.com 

Written by You 

double disk necklace 

£169 Merci Maman 

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Coco Mademoiselle 

Eau de Parfum spray 

£136 CHANEL 

chanel.com 

Blue Salt 4.7l 

mixer £699 

KitchenAid 

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Get set for a truly memorable Mother’s Day 

with gifts and experiences bound to bring a smile 

Nordic Ware elegant 

heart bundt pan 

£46.40 Heart of Stur 

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Watch Martina 

£239 Sif Jakobs 

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Treat her to a beautiful meal with 

The Print House Tenterden’s 

Mother’s Day set menu. For £38 

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Cut to Fit 

Words & Styling: Dilly Orme 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Deborah Harrison downsized to a three bedroom 

house, which she renovated and reconfigured, 

reinstating the original Victorian features and editing 

family heirlooms to suit her new home and lifestyle 


“ 

As William Morris says, ‘Everything has to be beautiful 

or useful,’” gestures Deborah Harrison, referencing 

the things around her in her newly completed 

extension. “Or at the very least beautiful,” she smiles. 

Having lived most of her life in London, Deborah decided to 

move to the country in 2013 returning after eight years in 2021 

to downsize and be near family. “I decided on the area because 

two of my sons live in Surbiton. When I found the house, I 

could see that it was tired but it fitted the bill. It had two spare 

rooms, which was all I needed. Most of my family are close 

enough to walk home after visiting, so I kept one as a spare room 

and converted the other into a craft room. The front room also 

has a sofa bed, just in case. The dining table seats twelve, it’s 

really nice that I can extend it and seat everyone if I need to. 

“My neighbour actually said to me the other day that the 

bones of these Victorian houses are good, and I can feel that. I 

like the fact that you can go into the lounge and feel cosy and 

that the back is now open and light, so we can comfortably 

get together as a family and there is plenty of room.” 

Before Deborah even moved in, her cousin’s daughter 

– who was studying to be an architect – sketched out 

some designs for the extension, giving Deborah the 

vision of how things could look on paper. She then 

applied for planning within a week of moving in. 

“I Googled quirky interior designers whilst I was still 

dreaming about things. I was delighted to find a company 

called Slightly Quirky,” smiles Deborah. “I knew from 

having done up three or four houses during my lifetime that 

it can be quite daunting dealing with the different aspects 

independently. I knew I needed my hand held through the 

renovation, someone to help me make decisions and to come 

up with ideas and solutions, although I had an overall vision 

of how I wanted things to be. Also having just moved to the 

area I didn’t know a single tradesman and Slightly Quirky 

were instrumental in bringing in everyone needed as well.” 

Caroline Nicholls from Slightly Quirky came for an initial 

chat about four weeks after Deborah moved in and she 

explained how she wanted the house to have a more authentic 

Victorian finish, paying homage to when it was built, whilst 

being suitable for modern living, hence putting in the pantry. 

“Top of my wish list was a pantry,” says Deborah. “A proper 

old-fashioned pantry with two outside walls to keep everything 

cool, like my grandmother had – she didn’t even have a 

fridge. There also had to be room for the piano. The upstairs 

bathroom needed to be extended because it was minuscule 

This page: The kitchen is bold and colourful but elegant, 

as well as inviting in the open plan space. It was designed 

by Slightly Quirky and painted in Fitzrovia Red by Dulux 

Heritage and Craftsman’s White by Craig & Rose. 

49 


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50

and I wanted to put a new fireplace 

in the lounge. Also all the original 

features had been removed, and I 

wanted to get them reinstated.” 

After the initial meeting, Slightly 

Quirky created a 3D design of the 

house, illustrating how the central 

downstairs space – previously a dining 

room – could be reconfigured into a 

utility room and downstairs bathroom. 

“It was their idea to have the two,” says 

Deborah. “They were right, as there was 

plenty of room for both. We removed 

the old chimney breast and that gave us 

so much more room to play with. The 

upstairs bathroom was tiny and Slightly 

Quirky were instrumental in working 

out how to use that space. For example, 

how much room was taken from the 

third bedroom, now a craft room. 

It could still be a decent sized single 

bedroom, and you could still actually 

fit a double bed in, despite having 

taken space from it for the bathroom.” 

Once all the reconfiguration and 

final layout had been agreed, Slightly 

Quirky worked with Deborah to 

see how they could bring in colour. 

They suggested the pink kitchen 

and dark blue encompassing hall 

and Deborah agreed straight away. 

“Most of the time it was yes, yes, 

yes!” she smiles. “It had been really 

good to have had involved conversations 

beforehand about my wish list, likes and 

dislikes, tastes and preferences. For 

This page: Little Greene Hicks Blue in 

the hallway makes a feature of the doors 

and enhances the period elements such 

as the dado and handrail. A little chest 

works like a miniature sideboard. 

51 


This page: The classic Mary Isobel William Morris wallpaper reflects the period 

of the property without overpowering the cosy living room. The Aissa Sofa Bed 

is from Sofa.com in Dusty Rose Cotton Matt Velvet. The iron fireplace was 

bought from Cast Iron Fireplace and is styled with precious family heirlooms 

example, the fact that I didn’t want bifold doors in the extension, 

wanted a dog bath in the utility room, wanted a pantry and so on. 

The build took nine months and Slightly Quirky supported me all 

the way from the big structural decisions to little lampshades choices. 

They were not only instrumental in what was purchased but also 

what was kept. I was insistent about keeping the piano and there 

were other things I loved, but couldn’t fit in and they were hard 

to let go of – Slightly Quirky were very empathetic about all that. 

It is very difficult to be ruthless and bold about your own things. 

With their support I figured out what worked and what didn’t, for 

example my original 1920s Bergère chairs fit perfectly by the large 

windows to the garden. We chose a fabric for the curtains with 

Chinese figures on to reflect the carvings on the arms of the chairs.” 

Whilst making decisions about family heirlooms 

inherited from her parents, Deborah further appreciated 

the quality of the craftmanship of their era, and wanted 

to instate that in the house and showcase things that had 

been in the family in an authentic Victorian setting. 

This is apparent as soon as you come to the elegant front 

door – the last element to be replaced – which was carefully 

chosen to include authentically geometric stained glass 

panels in original Victorian designs. It is painted the same 


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54

Photograph: 

Anna Stathaki 

Above, left & right: A bank of white cupboards and a white worktop 

break up the pink kitchen, keeping it fresh Right: The pantry 

encompassing Little Greene Hicks Blue as the hallway, 

which unifies the look. The tiled flooring also gives a 

nod to the era whilst keeping the overall finish fresh, 

despite dark blue lower walls. “We wanted to open up 

the space in the hall to make it feel bigger,” says Deborah. 

“Caroline suggested the patterned tile would add a 

depth to the space as well as having a heritage feel.” 

The William Morris Mary Isobel wallpaper sets the scene 

in the living room, opening up the space whilst being 

containing. More than anything, Deborah wanted the front 

room to be cosy around the reinstated fireplace. The choice 

of the neat two seater sofa and love seat in sumptuous 

dusty rose velvet also enhances the intimate atmosphere. 

“I had to be convinced about the plain brown 

curtains, but now I can see how they work well in 

contrast with the surrounding pattern,” she says. 

The hallway continues into the central part of the house, 

which had previously been a featureless open space, used 

55 


Top: The flexible dining table, from 

Neptune, can be extended to seat twelve 

Far left: The Anthos curtain fabric in red 

and indigo by Sanderson was chosen to 

tie in with the carvings on the arms of the 

1920s Bergère chairs Left: The area under 

the stairs has been transformed into a little 

library area to display books set off by 

shelving painted in Little Greene Hicks Blue 

as a dining room. “Firstly, structurally 

we took out the existing fireplace and 

had a door put in place where a window 

had been, so that you could go from the 

garden straight into what would become 

the utility room,” Deborah explains. 

“Then I had a dog bath installed so 

I could wash Lola directly from a 

muddy walk without going through 

the house. We had looked at the blue 

bathroom tiles initially for the kitchen 

but felt that we needed a pattern to 

Photograph: 

Anna Stathaki 

break up the bold pink which we were 

going with. So we used them in the 

downstairs bathroom and they align 

really well with the blue in the hall.” 

When Slightly Quirky designed 

the ground floor shower room and 

utility room there still needed to be 

a corridor to the extension. Instead 

of just blocking up what had been 

the cloakroom under the stairs and 

making a cupboard, a library area 

was created to display Deborah’s 

collection of books. She suggested 

arching the top to make it more 

interesting and give it a period feel, so 

it felt like it could have always been 

part of the house. It has now become 

a quirky, yet practical, feature with 

good lighting as well as a decorative 

Victorian style wall light to add 

another layer of light and extra detail. 

When it came to decorative decisions 

in the extension, Deborah definitely 

didn’t want the extension to be all 

white. “Slightly Quirky came up with 

the idea of a pink kitchen and when 

I saw the colour, it was love at first 

sight. It is bold and colourful but 

feels quite elegant, as well as warm 

and cosy in the open plan space.” 

Another thing Deborah was certain 

of was that she didn’t want bi-fold 


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Top: A beautiful, floral quilted bedspread in the main 

bedroom, from Sarah K, creates a focal point Right: 

Deborah was keen to include a skirted dressing table which 

Slightly Quirky sourced on eBay and had renovated. The 

fabric is Dorri by Jane Churchill from Colefax and Fowler 

Above: The third bedroom is Deborah’s craft room 

doors, as she felt that they would not 

work in the Victorian house. The 

builders were able to recommend a 

company who supplied classic style 

doors and windows which work 

beautifully with the aesthetic of 

the Victorian house and give the 

extension a conservatory feel. 

Slightly Quirky used CAD to show 

Deborah the furniture layout, carefully 

measuring the existing pieces. The 

extension needed to be a dining and 

seating area to enjoy the garden. “The 

bench cleverly acts as a divider between 

the dining and seating area,” she smiles. 

Upstairs Deborah wanted the master 

bedroom to be really peaceful. “The 

idea was to keep the bedroom simple, 

using whites and greens,” she explains. 

“I wanted to hang my grandmother’s 

Kimono on the wall and for that 


Right: The guest room features Woodland 

Chorus wallpapaer in Sky Blue Multi from 

Sanderson. The bedspread in a subtle striped 

leaf design from John Lewis ties in with 

the woodland theme Below: The pink 

Gelato Porcelain Mosaic Tiles in Cotton 

Candy from Mandarin Stone soften the 

bathroom and give it a feminine finish 

to be the main feature. Then in the 

spare room I thought we could have 

something really unusual so I opted 

for a woodland wallpaper to create 

a feature wall. I also had the idea of 

a shelf at picture rail level to display 

pieces of sentimental value, and I feel 

it gives the spare room real character.” 

When it came to the bathroom 

upstairs Deborah found some pink 

tiles on Pinterest, that she initially 

considered for the kitchen, but which 

work beautifully in the bathroom. 

“The pink tiles really soften the 

room, they make it feel feminine 

and we felt that we didn’t really need 

anything else decorative,” she says. 

To finish the house Deborah had 

plenty of art and objets d’art collected 

over the years from her previous 

homes. “I knew that I wanted to 

display particular pieces and they 

were accommodated for within the 

overall designs of each space. I have a 

lovely collection of Naif Dinnerware 

by Villeroy & Boch. The pieces have 

different designs and I like that they 

look like pieces of art displayed on 

the pink dresser. I use them all the 

time – just like William Morris would 

advise – beautiful and useful,” says 

Deborah. “What is lovely is that 

when I finally showed my sons the 

house, one of them said “it really 

looks like your house”, so although 

I had employed interior designers it 

was clear that they had worked with 

me and had not imposed their taste. 

They’d worked very collaboratively 

to support me in realising my vision 

of the house I now call home.” 

Address Book: 

Mandarin Stone mandarinstone.com 

Neptune neptune.com 

Sarah K sarahk.co.uk 

Slightly Quirky slightlyquirky.com 

59 


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Delft tile selection, Blue carafe and tumbler in Sweet Pea and Peony, all Petra Palumbo petrapalumbo.com

The Priceless Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement 

“Create a warm, 

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We’ve asked the experts and found 

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Banquette 

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“Offering functionality 

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This Page: istockphoto.com/ Elena Malgina Border: istockphoto.com/ OllgaP 

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“The kitchen is the central hub of the home; we often find ourselves 

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areas for cooking, socialising and relaxing, as well as a spot for 

their stunning cocktail bar to help their parties go with a 

swing.” – Robert Waite, Director at Rencraft rencraft.co.uk 

 

“Keep the decks in your kitchen clear 

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67 


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The island is the literal centrepiece of your 

kitchen, so we’ve asked the experts and gathered 

our top 4 ideas to choose one you’ll adore 

THIS LOOKS 

LIKE A HOB 

FOR ME “We love to 

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This revolutionised design 

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cooking so you’ll enjoy a 

more social aspect, interacting 

with an open plan design 

more easily and improving 

views out to the garden, 

dining and snug areas.”- 

Robert Waite, Director at 

Rencraft rencraft.co.uk 

 

THINK LINK “Use your island to link the cooking area to the rest of the room, 

as with the Nordic kitchen island. Here the island combines a luxury Vincenza stone 

worktop with Scandinavian bleached fir wood veneer snacking area, for socialising with 

guests in style.” – David Marchant, Group Brand Designer at Krieder krieder.com 

SURFACE TENSION “Where the practicalities 

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SOMETHING OLD "One trend that 

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69 


The Priceless Education Supplement 

Inglis Hall, The Kitchen Maker take us on a tour around one of their favourite 

projects: a kitchen that is about as quintessentially Wealden as it gets 

This is not about 

a brand new 

kitchen. Of 

course, the 

day of completion and 

handover when everything 

is pristine is a thrill. But 

the real quiet joy is in the 

longer term. Life, and 

use, impart a precious and 

extremely difficult to define 

softness on a well-made 

kitchen. The odd knock. 

When a client requests an 

industrial dishwasher as a 

critical feature we recognise 

a kindred thinker and know 

an extraordinary project is 

underway. 

This kitchen is composed in 

reference to the Capability 

Brown belief system of 

colour, texture, proportion 

and vista – the gardening 

great reputedly designed 

and laid the gardens here! 

“Early conversations with the client 

quickly revealed that the kitchen 

would not be... bound by tradition.” 

The subtle wear to an edge. 

A warm resonance of the 

time that has been happily 

spent in the kitchen. The 

delight of meals cooked and 

eaten together. 

This kitchen is now in its 

second year of life. And it’s 

a kitchen that gets used a 

great deal by its owners. 

Plus the location is pretty 

special. Horsted Keynes has 

to be a contender for the 

quintessential Sussex village. 

The county is defined 

perfectly by this place. 

Bucolic charm aplenty 

amidst the undulating roll 

of the High Weald. 

This is a ravishingly 

beautiful house set in an 

exquisite landscape nestled 

in a glorious English village. 

Early conversations with 

the client quickly revealed 

that the kitchen would 

not be a project 

politely bound 

by tradition. 

The La Cornue Chateau 

range is a suitable altar to 

the ceremony of cooking. 

Detail is to be savoured 

everywhere. Burnished 

brass and hand sawn oak. 

Serious cooking, even in 

a perfect kitchen, is hard 

work. So naturally there’s a 

sumptuous daybed to enjoy 

a quick breather and bask 

in the dappled soft sunlight 

that pours through the 

leaded windows. 

A generous walk in pantry 

– concealed within an 

inglenook chimney – is 

lined with 2 inch thick 

stone for the purpose of 

cooling. This is the beauty 

of design that thinks 

differently. This is the result 

of working with confident 

clients who enjoy creativity. 

Maybe we should return 

every year to see the kitchen 

mature with grace. 

It’s hardly a chore! 

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RIPPLES TUNBRIDGE WELLS, 13 THE PANTILES, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN2 5TD | 01892 341284 

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RIP468 - Wealden Times Tunbridge Wells 210x297+3mm.indd 1 19/02/2024 17:02


1Pattern 

Play 

“Textural basins have gained 

popularity in recent years due to 

their ability to add visual interest 

and tactile appeal to bathrooms. 

They serve as statement pieces 

that will elevate the overall design 

of a bathroom and add character 

and depth to the space. Whether 

used as a subtle accent or bold 

focal point, textural basins are a 

stylish choice that will suit any 

contemporary bathroom.” – Jeevan 

Seth, CEO at JTP jtpuk.co.uk 

 

“The vibrant mix of pink and green has 

been trending for a few years now and it 

shows no sign of slowing. We recently worked 

with Ca’ Pietra in our brand new showroom 

where the fusion of their gorgeous tiles with 

our bold wallpaper has really put the pow 

in to our powder room. We created a simple 

but striking stripe with the tiles which really 

grounds the Toile-inspired pattern of the 

wallpaper. The combinations of pink with 

green and pattern with stripe creates a fun, 

eccentric and flamboyant maximalist space 

and shows that you can still go really bold in 

a small space.” – Jamie Watkins, Co-founder, 

Divine Savages divinesavages.com 

 

What’s hot 

in the Bathroom? 

We’ve asked the experts and found 

the hottest trends for 2024 

2 

Textured 

Glass 

“Glass textures are ideal for 

enhancing smaller spaces as 

they are subtle and inobtrusive 

while adding depth and interest. 

We particularly like fluted 

glass (sometimes called reeded 

glass) as this technique was 

perfected in the same wave of 

innovation that cemented the 

icons of Victorian bathroom 

in the late 1800s. We’ve used 

this mouthblown glass in our 

lighting collections and our new 

bottle pump dispenser. With 

solid brass housing it looks 

flawlessly refined.” – James 

Lentaigne, Creative Director, 

Drummonds drummonds-uk.com 

 

istockphoto.com/ Yagurana & miko 

3 

Textural 

Basins 

Top Right: Arrow bottle pump dispenser 

from £460 and Dalby light with fluted 

shade from £520, both Drummonds 

drummonds-uk.com Above: EVO Basin 

in Brushed Bronze £595 JTP jtpuk.co.uk 

Right: The Astonian Original cast iron 

bath, here with exterior painted 

in Mylands’ Peach Flesh Pink 

(1700 x 680mm) £1,915 Aston 

Matthews astonmatthews.co.uk 

“Incorporating a pop of 

colour in the overall bathroom 

design, is ushering in a fresh 

perspective for 2024. Last year 

saw a noticeable shift embracing 

the idea that bathrooms can 

be more than just utilitarian 

spaces; they can be vibrant 

havens of self-expression. The 

trend is not merely a replication 

of the past but a reinvention, 

with contemporary colour 

choices breathing new life into 

bathroom design.” – Louise 

Ashdown, Head of Design 

at West One Bathrooms 

westonebathrooms.com 

 

4Colour Pop 

73 


Tunbridge Wells . 70 Calverley Road . TN1 2UJ . 01892 548 111 

Oxshott . 1 High Street . KT22 0JN . 01372 841 730


Loop illuminated mirror 

with removable magnified 

vanity mirror and heated 

de-mister from £625 

Badger Bathrooms 

badgerbathrooms.com 

Below: Oslo arch mirror 

with brushed bronze frame 

£320 West One Bathrooms 


Above: Toronto LED mirror 

cabinet with adjustable ambient 

lights, double-sided mirror 

doors and an integrated shaver 

socket (600x 700mm) £865 

Aston Matthews 

astonmatthews.co.uk 

The Bright 

LED mirrors help us get a better look at ourselves and 

are perfect for a high-tech bathroom 

The Arched 

Above: Burlington arched 

mirror £202.30 

Sanctuary Bathrooms 

sanctuary-bathrooms.co.uk 

Arches are super on-trend right now in all areas so why 

not give the bathroom mirror the arch-treatment too? 

We spend so long looking at them, they may as well be pretty! But which mirror style will you go for? 

Left: Kenji 

bamboo 

round mirror 

£195 Origins 

originsliving.uk 

Below: Oslo organic 

mirror with brushed 

brass frame £325 

West One Bathrooms; 


Right: Wireworks magnifying 

wall mirror in oak £50 Black By 

Design black-by-design.co.uk 

Above: Slim organic 

mirror £140 Origins 

Living originsliving.uk 

The Wooden 

For a more natural look, which will soften your 

bathroom scheme, opt for something in wood 

The Organic 

A pebble- or bubble-like shape is full of intrigue 

and can add those much needed curves 

75 


Badger Bathrooms 

Personal design appointments 

A family business for over 40 years 

THE BATHROOM SHOP 

Independent bespoke bathroom specialists 

k Bathroom installation 

k Sanitaryware, modern and traditional 

k Taps and showers, modern and traditional 

k Shower enclosures and bath screens 

k Fitted and free-standing furniture 

k Radiators, modern and traditional 

k Bathroom tiles supplied and fitted 

k Accessories and toiletries 

k Robes, towels, bathmats etc… 

11 East Cross, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6AD k Telephone: 01580 763207 

www.the-bathroomshop.co.uk 

BathroomShop 

@TheBathroomShop 

Now at Betsom’s Farm, 

Pilgrims Way Westerham, TN16 2DS. 

www.badgerbathrooms.com 

BathroomShopWT198.indd 1 23/07/2018 14:15 


76


A tiny bathroom can still make a huge 

impact, as Aston Matthews explain 

Most British 

bathrooms are 

no bigger than a 

double bed, so although we 

might all aspire to a grand, 

spacious bathroom, the 

reality is often very different. 

However, having a small 

space doesn’t mean you have 

to compromise on either 

practicality or style. 

This bathroom, in a 

Victorian apartment, 

is compact in size and 

without a window there 

is no natural light. But 

after a makeover that 

celebrates the high ceiling 

while introducing a bold 

paint colour and statement 

wallpaper, this space is 

now a joy to use. And with 

both a bath and shower, 

ample storage and elegant 

brass fittings it has added 

value to the property too. 

The starting point for this 

design was the large-scale 

panoramic wallpaper that 

the client first spotted in 

Aston Matthews’ bathroom 

showroom. The design, 

called Milk & Honey, 

features tropical plants 

and birds in a palette 

of grey, blue and burnt 

orange. From here a rich 

blue paint was chosen, a 

bold choice in a small 

space, but with 

the tall ceiling and deep 

coving it works perfectly. 

A false wall, to conceal 

the toilet cistern, allows for 

a decorative shelf, which 

is illuminated by lights set 

into the large wall cupboard 

above. Additional storage is 

provided by the Geo basin 

unit which was lacquered 

in a bespoke blue to match 

the walls. The side of the 

bath and the fluted glass 

shower screen are also in 

“The starting point for this 

design was the large-scale 

panoramic wallpaper” 

this matching blue. 

Bringing additional 

warmth to the scheme, 

brushed brass taps and 

shower fittings – from 

the Astonian Original 

collection – were chosen 

plus a matching mirror, 

heated towel radiator and 

even a brass toilet flush. The 

metro tiles are in off white 

with the palest hint of pink, 

which again adds warmth 

and, by arranging them in 

an attractive herringbone 

pattern, a fresh dynamic is 

brought to the shower area 

and floor. 

All the bathroom fittings for 

this project were supplied 

by Aston Matthews. You 

can visit the showroom 

in Guildford or shop 

online from the website, 

astonmatthews.co.uk 

Photography: Alison Hammond 

77 


The Priceless Education Supplement 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

7 

9 

BC Designs Bath 

spotlight tiles 

Select your tiles to make a statement with 

bold colours, patterns and textures 

8 

1 Glasshouse parlour palm 4 tile panel £115 Decorum Tiles decorumtiles.co.uk 

2 Peach onyx effect tile £45.01/m 2 Walls and Floors wallsandfloors.co.uk 

3 Vintage olive rustic glossy metro wall tile £48.50/m 2 The London Tile Co 

londontile.co.uk 4 Winchester Botanique Paradis Mere Original Style 

originalstyle.com 5 Hollywood turquoise and carpenter limewashed 

tile £78/m 2 The Stone Tile Warehouse thestonetilewarehouse.co.uk 

6 Fantasy Calacatta green polished marble effect porcelain wall and 

floor tile £32.95/m 2 Tile Mountain tilemountain.co.uk 7 Cavendish 

white tile panel £148 Porcelain Superstore porcelainsuperstore.co.uk 

8 Lucy Floweret Decor tile £61.95/m 2 Walls and Floors wallsandfloors.co.uk 

9 Rubber duck delft tile £32 Petra Palumbo petrapalumbo.com 


The Stables, Morgans Yard, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1RN 

Be Inspired... 

01825 705800 info@villagebathroomstudio.co.uk 

www.villagebathroomstudio.co.uk 

THE STONE TILE WAREHOUSE 

VillageBathroomStudioWT254.indd 1 08/06/2023 12:21:19 

NATURAL STONE - PORCELAIN - CERAMIC - MOSAIC - PATIO STONE 

HUGE RANGE OF KITCHEN AND 

BATHROOM TILES ON DISPLAY 

IN OUR SHOWROOM 

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WWW.THESTONETILEWAREHOUSE.CO.UK | 01622 679157 

ACORN YARD, SUTTON ROAD, LANGLEY, KENT, ME17 3ND 

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79 


JeremyHobbsS53.indd 1 15/0 

Opening Hours 

Mon - Sat 09.30 - 17.30 

3 Oakdene Parade, 

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Telephone: 01932 865700 

info@jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

@jeremyhobbsmenswear 

www.jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

HERNE BAY STORE - NOW OPEN 

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Proud stockists of: 

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80

Sweet 

Dreams 

Chocolate isn’t just for Easter, treat yourself this spring as black staples make 

way for delicious coffee tones Photograph: David Merewether 

Holland Cooper Soho Camera Bag in suede £249 The Golden Boot thegoldenboot.co.uk

Aggi Meryl Brunette coat 

£690 Wolf & Badger 

wolfandbadger.com 

Hot Diamonds X Gemstones 

horizontal tigers eye oval 

necklace £140 Fonteyn midi 

Hot Diamonds taupe bag £750 

hotdiamonds.co.uk Lalage Beaumont 

lalagebeaumont.com 

Gustatory coffee moka pot silver 

necklace £90 Anchor & Crew 

anchorandcrew.com 

Cape Cod woven pashmina 

£210 Heidi Klein heidiklein.com 

istockphoto.com/ Katie_Martynova 

Croissant necklace 

£25 Estella Bartlett 

estellabartlett.com 

Harrietta Mary 

Jane leather pumps 

£59 John Lewis 

johnlewis.com 

Draped puff sleeve tailored blouse 

£180 Femponiq femponiq.com 

Cotton rich striped crew jumper £22.50 

M&S marksandspencer.com 

Latte Lady 

Stir a swirl of soft creamy tones into your deep chocolatey 

browns for this pared-back luxury look that means business 

Sloane Street 

shoulder bag 

£279 Radley 

radley.co.uk 

Pearls of the Orient 

Online Clara 

drop earrings £75 

Wolf & Badger 

wolfandbadger.com 

Dahlia scoop bag £130 Jasper 

Conran London jasperconran.com 

Houndstooth 

straight check 

trousers £20.80 

La Redoute 

laredoute.co.uk 

Folksy fox scarf 

£60 Fable England 

fableengland.com 

Mother of pearl 

signet ring £39 

SEOL + GOLD 

seolgold.com 

Chunky flatform 

loafers £39.50 M&S 

marksandspencer.com 

Santa Barbra cardigan £230 

Heidi Klein heidiklein.com 

Greta showerproof trench coat 

£239 Barbour barbour.com 

Butterfly faux tortoiseshell 

sunglasses £26 Oliver Bonas 

oliverbonas.com 

London shopper tote 

bag £415 Anya Sushko 

anyasushko.com 


82

SHOP ONLINE AND INSTORE 

49 High St, Cranbrook, TN17 3EE 

www.odyl.co.uk | 01580 714907 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS 

Introducing 

Ariat Denim 

Premium denim 

crafted for optimum 

comfort and 

durability. 

Bring some of your personality to your wardrobe 

with a personally tailored suit or jacket with a 

choice of fabrics, linings and trims. Complement 

your look with our stylish footwear. 

48 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS 

01732 902019 | www.suitsshoessir.com 


83 SuitsShoesSirWT248.indd 1 05/12/2022 10:56

Feathery 

Wreaths 

handmade goose 

feather wreath 

£65 (17 inches) 

etsy.com/uk/shop/ 

FeatheryWreaths

Let’s Celebrate 

Whether it’s sweet or savoury you’re craving this Easter 

weekend, Jo Arnell’s got it covered with egg-based recipes 

for a family feast Photographs: David Merewether 

Symbolic of the season, packed with goodness and so versatile, 

eggs are the highlight this month. As any hen keeper will know, 

eggs are plentiful right now – and may well already be the dish 

of the day. They’re delicious when simply boiled, poached or fried, 

but eggs are the foundation of many a recipe and a great, neatly 

packaged standby. It’s useful to have a handy supply of egg-based 

meals on hand at any time of the year, but Easter seems an especially 

appropriate moment to celebrate them and welcome in the spring. 

Easter Nests 

Makes 8 Prep time: 10 minutes Cooking time: approx 1 hour 

Cute nutty nests packed with cream, fruit and chocolate eggs make a great Easter 

dessert and are hard to resist. Make these mini pavlovas (slightly) more healthy 

with extra fruit, or give in to the treat of the holiday and pile on the mini eggs. 

• 4 eggs, separated 

• 200g sugar 

• 1 tsp cornflour 

• 75g chopped (or ground) roasted hazelnuts (optional) 

• 300ml double cream 

• 100g fruit – raspberries / strawberries / pomegranate seeds 

• 1 pack mini eggs 

1. Meringue, like cake, seems to notice if you’re in a hurry or a bad mood, so be 

warned. Whisk the egg white – at room temperature and free from any bits of 

yolk – until foamy and then slowly, one spoonful at a time, add the sugar, whisking 

as you go. (Dumping all the sugar in at once will cause the meringue to split.) 

2. Once the sugar is incorporated, add a teaspoon of cornflour and 

gradually add in the hazelnuts. Dollop 2 tablespoonfuls per ‘nest’ onto 

a sheet of greaseproof paper on a baking tray (you may need more than 

one tray) and form into shape, making a dip in the centre of each one 

to resemble a nest (you can also pipe the meringue to shape). 

3. Bake in a pre-heated oven (140°C or Gas 2) for 30 minutes and 

then turn off the heat and leave to cool before removing the meringues. 

Slow cooling will stop them cracking as they dry out. They will keep 

for several days in an airtight tin, so can be made in advance. 

4. Whip the cream to soft peaks then – once the meringues are cool – spoon or 

pipe cream into the centre of each nest. Decorate with fruit and/or mini eggs. 

 

85 


PEPPERBOX INN 

Terrace garden & Indoor 

dining reservations 

Visit our charming pub situated 

in beautiful countryside 

with outstanding views 

of the Weald of Kent 

Restaurant menu and 

traditional pub food served 

lunch times and evenings 

Sunday Lunches from £16 per person 

Served 12 noon - 3pm 

Outside terrace | Ample parking 

Walkers & Riders welcome 

Warm & welcoming open log fires 

Summer Opening Times: 

Tuesday to Saturday 

from 11.30am - 3pm | 6pm - 10pm 

Food Served: Lunch 12noon - 2pm 

Evening 6pm - 9pm 

Sunday Lunches: 12noon - 3pm 

Closed Sunday Evenings 

Windmill Hill, Harrietsham, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1LP 

01622 842558 | www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk 

WealdSmokeryWT234.indd 1 27/09/2021 09:24 

Mother’s Day 

Dinner 

It’s now time to direct all that love and 

attention to that special someone in your 

life – Mum! The Team at The Print House 

can’t imagine many better ways to treat her 

either than with a beautiful meal cooked, 

so you’ll be glad to hear we’ve created 

our own set menu for Mother’s Day. 

£38 for 3 courses 

(Please note Children’s 

portions are available) 

We think there’s something for all the family 

to enjoy with this one, by offering a real 

array of dishes. We don’t want to keep you 

waiting though, so read on as we give you 

a quick lowdown on what you can expect: 

TO START 

Vine Tomato & Basil Soup 

& Chunky Bread 

Prawn and Avocado 

Cocktail - Little Gem Lettuce, 

Marie Rose Sauce 

Brussels Pate - Ale Chutney, 

Toasts & Mixed Leaves 

Beetroot & Mozzarella Salad 

with Maple Dressing 

FROM THE LAND 

Locally Reared Chicken - with 

Stuffed with Zesty Lemon 

Roast Lamb - Rosemary & Garlic 

Rib of Beef on Bones 

With Roast Carrots, Parsnips, 

Potatoes & Wilted Greens Yorkshire 

Pudding & Print House Gravy 

FROM THE SEA 

Pan fried Sea Bass 

With Tomato & Chilli Salsa with 

Sauteed New Potatoes 

FROM THE GARDEN 

Roast Cauliflower Steak 

Wet & Wild Garlic Risotto 

SWEET THINGS 

Lemon & Meringue Gateau with 

Raspberry Coulis 

Chocolate Brownie 

Pear Frangipane Tart with 

Custard or Cream (v) 

Ice Cream or Sorbets 

11 West CrosS, TenterdeN, TN30 6JR 

reservations 01580 231103 

book online at 

theprinthousetenterden.com 


86

Broccoli, pancetta & 

cheese pancakes 

Serves 4 Prep time: 20 mins 

Cooking time: 40 mins 

Almost like cannelloni, or less spicy 

enchiladas, these simple savoury 

pancakes are stuffed with vegetables 

and pancetta and topped with tomatoes 

and cheese. I have used high protein 

buckwheat flour in the batter mix, 

which adds texture, but they work 

just as well with plain white flour. 

For the pancakes (makes 

approx 6 large pancakes): 

• 50g buckwheat flour 

• 60g plain white flour 

• 2 eggs 

• 300ml milk 

• ½ tsp salt 

For the filling: 

• 250g broccoli florets 

• 150g diced, smoked pancetta 

or chopped ham 

• 100g mushrooms, chopped 

• 30g butter 

• 2 tbsp plain flour 

• approx 300ml milk 

• 150g mature cheddar cheese, grated 

For the topping: 

• 400g can chopped tomatoes 

• 100g tomato purée 

• 2 tsp dried oregano 

• 150g grated cheese 

For the pancakes: 

There are several stages in this recipe, 

but each stage is very simple – I tend 

to make the pancakes first; basically 

combine the eggs, flour, salt and a 

little of the milk, then whisk, adding 

the rest of the milk slowly until you 

have a smooth batter (add more milk 

if needed). Pour enough batter into 

a lightly oiled frying pan and cook 

for 2 minutes on each side. Slide 

onto a plate. Make 6-7 pancakes this 

way and set them aside to cool. 

For the filling: 

1. Steam the broccoli florets until 

just soft (approx 3-5 mins). 

Sauté the pancetta cubes in a 

pan, once these are crisping add 

the chopped mushrooms. 

Combine with broccoli 

and leave to one side. 

2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, 

add the flour and cook gently for 

2-3 minutes. Then slowly add the 

milk, waiting for the mixture to 

thicken before adding more. Once 

the white sauce is the consistency 

of cream, gradually add the grated 

cheese and incorporate into the sauce. 

Mix in the rest of the ingredients. 

To assemble: 

1. Place a couple of spoonfuls of the 

filling along each pancake and roll up 

into a fat sausage shape. Place the filled 

pancakes side by side into a baking dish. 

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (Gas 

6). Add the tin of chopped tomatoes, 

tomato purée and oregano to a 

small pan. Heat and stir for 5 mins 

until combined, then pour over the 

stuffed pancakes, top with grated 

cheese and bake for approximately 

20-25 mins until the cheese is 

golden and bubbling and serve.

Spring Frittata 

Serves 4 Prep time: 10 minutes 

Cooking time: 40 minutes 

This is a flexible frittata, so a range of early 

season vegetables can be used. If you grow 

your own veg and also keep chickens, it could 

end up as a ‘free lunch’ frittata. The addition 

of feta cheese brings an added tang, but I 

often omit this, then cube the frittata once it’s 

cool and serve it with a chilli dip. Use a pan 

that will go on the hob and under the grill. 

• 8 eggs 

• 250g baby new potatoes 

• 200g peas 

• 100g spinach 

• 2 leeks, washed and roughly chopped 

• 50g chopped chives 

• 200g block of feta cheese, cubed 

• 2 tbsp sunflower oil 

• mix of chopped herbs to garnish (optional) 

• salt and pepper to taste 

1. Cook the new potatoes for 

15-20mins until just soft. 

2. While the potatoes are hot, wilt the 

spinach and then add to the potatoes 

with the peas (I tend to just add frozen 

peas, which cook with the eggs). 

3. Sauté the leeks for 5 mins in the oil, in the 

same pan that you will make the frittata. 

4. In a separate bowl whip the eggs 

lightly to combine yolks and whites. 

5. Add the rest of the vegetables to the frittata 

pan along with the feta, then pour over the 

egg mixture and cook gently on the hob until 

almost set (approx 15-20 mins), then finish 

off under the grill – leave under a medium 

grill for 5-10 minutes. Serve warm or cold. 


Restoring hair 

& scalp health 


Trichologists are medically 

trained to diagnose all 

types of hair disorders 

and scalp conditions. 

Some common examples being: 

increased hair shedding, reduced 

hair volume, hair breakage, 

seborrhoeic dermatitis and psoriasis. 

Hair is a great barometer of 

general health. Trichologists are 

detectives, solving ‘the mystery’ 

behind the condition. Clues can 

take many forms: signs from 

nails, hormones, genetics, illness 

and nutrition. These clues give 

valuable insight into the patient’s 

lifestyle, general well being and the 

underlying causes of the condition. 

Anna Mitchell Trichology Clinic 

offers solutions to women and men 

experiencing hair loss - providing a 

tailored hair restoration plan guiding 

the client to optimum hair and scalp 

health. The clinic specialises in hair 

changes associated with menopause 

and gut health related conditions, 

such as Crohn’s and Colitis. 

Anna Mitchell, owner of the 

clinc, says: “There is no shame in 

hair loss. Around 50% of us will 

experience it at some point in our 

lives. My hope is that a visit to the 

clinic is a positive experience. Hair 

loss can be utterly demoralizing, 

however, seeing people happy 

when they leave inspires me.” 

www.annamitchelltrichologyclinic.co.uk 

Nutrition & 

Health Coaching 

for a healthier & happier 

perimenopause 

& menopause 

I’m Nicola, 

a BANT Registered Nutritionist, Functional Medicine 

certified Health Coach and Pharmacist 

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 

for now and for your long-term health. 


90

(Not so) mad 

March hair 

From rich blacks and smooth chocolates to radiant 

reds and gleaming blondes, winter haircare is all 

about conserving moisture to fight the frizz and 

stave off damage. Here, Josephine Fairley edits 

down her list of super effective tried-and-tested 

products to keep your barnet in tip-top condition 

istockphoto.com/ kobrin_photo / Mariia Vitkovska 

A 

few years ago, I sat around a table with some friends 

‘of a certain age’ in late March and realised: everyone’s 

hair was frizzy, fried, flyaway and – well, as a result 

– really a bit ‘old lady-ish’. It’s the sort of damage we’re told 

to expect after a summer holiday, but in fact winter assaults 

our hair over a much longer period – notably through central 

heating, which saps every atom of moisture out of an interior 

environment. And out of our hair, at the same time. 

There are some lifestyle steps that can help. One way is quite 

simply to add more moisture to your home environment, if it’s 

super-dry. A ‘room hygrometer’ (I bought mine via Amazon 

for a few quid) will tell you whether it’s dry, moderate or (I’m 

looking at mine now), just over the cusp of ‘humid’, which is 

probably a healthy place to be, so far as my barnet’s concerned. 

How can you add moisture to the air? There are pricey 

Dyson machines that will do this, but I prefer lower-tech 

methods: small bowls of water, for instance, placed near radiators. 

Misting your plants, too. And actually, I like to dry the washing 

over radiators, too, which – while making the place look a little 

disordered on washday – really helps ramp up the moisture levels, as 

well as saving on the ouch-making cost of running the tumble drier. 

But, of course, it’s also about using the right haircare – to infuse the hair 

shaft with moisture and nutrients, while smoothing the cuticle so it looks shiny 

and healthy. And take note: there isn’t a single hairdresser that I’ve interviewed 

over the years who didn’t prescribe a weekly deep treatment with a hair mask to keep 

hair in tip-top nick – a piece of advice that you will not regret sticking to religiously. 

Different fabrics that our hair comes into contact with have adverse or beneficial effects, too. I’m a big 

fan of silk pillowcases (see below), which are much kinder to hair than cotton or linen if you tend to switch 

sides in the night. Wool? Not so much. Fabulous as a beanie or a knitted hat looks, be aware that putting these 

on and taking them off can rough up the hair cuticle, which leads to frizz. (They don’t call it ‘hat hair’ for nothing.) 

Plenty of products have landed on my desk lately that I think are particularly suited to using 

at this time of year, so I’ll share my favourites – along with some ‘old friends’, in terms of glossboosting, 

re-moisturising haircare. It is frankly never too soon to start to undo the damage that 

central heating (and blustery, whipping winds) does to hair – but never too late, either… 

Sam McKnight Rich Nourish Shampoo, £28 for 200ml, and Conditioner, £28 for 200ml. If you haven’t yet 

dipped a toe into the waters of ‘designer’ haircare, this is the place to start. (And I’m warning you: there may be 

no turning back. My thinking is: I’d rather spend money on my hair than new clothes, because I wear my hair 

every darned day.) From the ultimate A-list hairdresser, infused with fragrances created by stellar perfumer Lyn 

Harris (Miller Harris, Perfumer H), this heaven-scented Rich Nourish duo contains strengthening plant keratin, 

gloss-boosting sugar beet and a combo of 17 amino acids to smooth, soften and boost hair’s resilience. 

91 

 



“Playing golf was no fun with 

agonising sciatica… but I’m finally 

pain-free after IDD Therapy” 

After his IDD Therapy 

programme, Bill is enjoying 

golf with his friends again... 

three times a week! 

Keen golfer Bill Langan struggled with 

back pain and sciatica for six years, all 

the while refusing to give up his beloved 

sport. But eventually the pain and 

immobility began to affect his enjoyment 

of the game and he worried that soon he 

might not be able to play at all. 

Bill explains: “My back pain and sciatica 

developed over a period of six months back 

in 2012. It started with some niggles in my 

back, but after a few weeks I was waking up 

in the night in agony with shooting pains 

in my leg.” 

Over the next few months Bill’s pain 

worsened and the episodes became more 

frequent. “I’ve always been a keen golfer 

and as time went on, I began to feel worse 

every time I ventured out for a game. The 

mornings were the toughest; I could hardly 

move when I woke up and I needed to take 

painkillers regularly to manage the pain.” 

After expressing concerns to his GP, Bill 

was given an MRI scan which showed a 

bulging disc in his lower back which was 

compressing his sciatic nerve. 

“I was half expecting my GP to suggest 

surgery but instead I was told there was 

nothing they could do for me. I felt deflated 

and I didn’t really know what to do next.” 

Bill struggled on until early last year when 

he saw a local magazine article featuring 

IDD Therapy, a targeted disc treatment for 

persistent back pain, neck pain and sciatica. 

The non-invasive treatment uses gentle 

pulling forces to draw apart spinal segments 

where discs are bulging or damaged, 

removing pressure and irritation from 

trapped nerves. 

Bill saw that IDD Therapy was being 

offered at Wealden Osteopaths and Spine 

Centre in Flimwell. The expert team 

uses the programme to help patients who 

find themselves on a merry-go-round of 

painkillers, physiotherapy and GP visits. 

“When I read the magazine story, the 

person featured in it had gone through a 

similar ordeal to me and they were now 

pain-free after IDD Therapy. I suddenly 

felt hopeful and quickly arranged a spinal 

assessment with Clinical Director, James 

Pickering. I was very impressed with him; 

he reassured me that the treatment would 

target the root of my problem, not just my 

symptoms.” 

IDD Therapy is changing the lives of back pain, 

neck pain and sciatica sufferers 

Bill was determined to recover his health 

and focused on attending regular sessions:“I 

knew I needed to be committed to the 

programme and it was totally worthwhile: 

the sessions were actually relaxing and 

even before the course finished, my back 

felt the best it had done in years and my 

sciatic pain had disappeared completely: 

amazing! Nearly two years later, I have 

occasional osteopathic treatments to stay on 

top of things, but I’m still sciatica-free, I’m 

enjoying life… and playing golf three times 

a week!” 

“After my IDD Therapy 

programme, my sciatic pain 

disappeared completely: 

amazing!” 

James Pickering is delighted with Bill’s 

progress:.“Bill is a great example of someone 

who’s maintained a good level of spinal 

health since his treatment with us, and 

IDD Therapy was just the start of that; 

the springboard, if you like. IDD got him 

moving again, by taking pressure off the 

spinal joints and nerves, and once he was 

moving, his body continued the good 

work.” 

Don’t let back pain, neck pain or 

sciatica put your life on hold. 

Call Wealden Osteopaths & Spine 

Centre on 01580 212833 

or email us at: enquiries@ 

wealdenosteopaths.co.uk

I’m such a fan of these products that I keep them ‘backstage’ in a bag with my name on 

at the hair salon I go to (where I’d happily PAY to have a locker, though fortunately 

that’s not needed). For a mega-boost, I also like to slather on Sam McKnight 

Deeper Love 5-Minute Intense Treatment Mask, from £22 for 50ml mini. 

(I recommend trying this travel size first, because this is ‘investment 

haircare’ – but I’ve a hunch you’ll trade up to the bigger tub.) 

Phil Smith Coco Licious Coconut Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, £4 

each for 250ml. At the other end of the price spectrum is a brilliant new range 

of Everyday Expert hair products from hairdresser Phil Smith – and I’m 

wowed by their great value. Smelling pleasantly but not Bounty bar-style 

overwhelmingly coconutty, both the shampoo and luscious conditioner 

feature lashings of coconut oil for silky softness and hydration. 

Aveda Smooth Infusion Anti-Frizz Shampoo, from £12.50 

for 50ml, and Conditioner, £12.50 for 40ml. One way to tackle 

‘Mad March Hair’ is specifically to seek out formulations with 

ingredients that are specifically moisturising, such as hydrolysed 

wheat protein and aloe vera; both of those feature in this brilliant 

daily-use duo alongside maize and guar bean to banish frizz 

and leave hair glossily manageable, rather than wayward. 

Neal’s Yard Remedies Nurturing Rose Shampoo and 

Conditioner, from £11.50 each for 200ml. This whisk-you-to-arose-garden 

duo, meanwhile, is ideal for dry, damaged hairtypes 

(notably hair that’s been bleached, in my experience). I always 

think it says everything about how good a product is when it’s 

offered in almost a litre-sized bottle, as the shampoo is (£38). 

Holistic Silk Pure Mulberry Silk Pillowcase, £89 

(holisticsilk.com). One for your next birthday wishlist, 

perhaps: Holistic Silk’s pillowcases are hugely popular with 

beauty editors (including this one). Resulting in up to 50% 

less ‘drag’ than a cotton pillowslip, they’re ace for preventing 

the friction to hair that results in wiriness and frizziness 

– doing much more than simply making you feel like a 

Hollywood movie star. (Though that’s a rather nice bonus.) 

Ogario Restore and Shine Hair Masque, £28.50 for 200ml 

(ogariolondon.com). Despite the recommendation to deep-treat 

hair once a week, you probably wouldn’t go wrong making 

that twice-weekly, at this time of year. This luscious offering is 

powered by avocado, vitamin E, glycerine (which actually attracts 

moisture to hair) and pro-vitamin B5, targeting split ends, with 

a divine lemon sherbet-y scent that invites lavish application. 

FFØR Re:Nourish Shampoo and Conditioner, from £16 for 

set of 2 x 100ml sizes. Might sound Scandi, but FFØR is actually a 

made-in-the-UK brand whose name stands for ‘Free From/Original/ 

Real’, offering products that are 100% vegan, PETA-certified crueltyfree 

and In fully recyclable bottles, jars and tubes. This particular 

moisture-boosting duo is infused with organic orange and cinnamon, and 

was also a ‘wow’ with testers in the most recent Beauty Bible Awards. 

Hair Proud Clean & Strong Pre-Wash Hair Mask, £9.95 for 200ml. I hear you 

chorus: ‘What the hell is a pre-cleanse mask?’ Well, this is massaged into dry hair before 

shampooing, so it can slurp up the goodness from squalene, strengthening biotin, Kakadu 

plum vitamin C and an amino acid complex. Leave for five to 10 minutes, then shampoo 

and rinse as usual. (I absolutely promise that you won’t simply wash its goodness down the sink.) 

Rahua Smoothing Hair Balm, £32 for 17g. Sometimes, you just need something to tame flyaways and 

banish frizz on the go. Add a dab of this blend of 100% natural ingredients – sunflower, coconut, rapeseed, 

Sacha Inchi and cocoa butter all feature – to your palms, rub together and skim over hair to restore shine 

and manageability, and as you swish those newly-gleaming tresses, you’ll get a sublime waft of gardenia. 

So, honestly, it doesn’t have to be ‘Mad March’, for hair… 

Visit beautybible.com for more of Jo’s product reviews and beauty tips.

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94 


Health 

Limber up! 

Sarah Maxwell expands 

on flexibility and 

stretching techniques 

istockphoto.com/carles miro 

Babies and young children can 

contort their bodies into an 

incredible range of movement, 

making even an Olympic gymnast 

appear to need to work a bit harder 

on their flexibility! At birth, babies 

have a higher cartilage ratio to bone, 

making their joints extremely flexible. 

As they grow, the cartilage starts to 

harden into bone. As adults, we retain 

some cartilage (mainly in our joints) 

and, as you can imagine, by the time 

we are fully developed, most of us will 

have lost the ability to put our leg 

behind our head or our foot in our 

mouth (I still do this very well but not 

in the physical sense unfortunately). 

Stretch techniques are effective 

methods to increase flexibility, 

improve joint mobility and enhance 

overall muscle performance. There 

are various stretch techniques, 

including PNF (Proprioceptive 

Neuromuscular Facilitation), 

dynamic stretching and static 

stretching. Each one has its unique 

benefits and methods of execution. 

Let’s explore these techniques and 

how to perform them correctly. 

PNF stretching involves alternating 

contractions and relaxations of specific 

muscle groups. It utilises the body’s 

reflexes to facilitate an increased 

range of motion. There are two main 

methods of PNF stretching – the holdrelax 

technique and the contract-relax 

technique. 

The hold-relax technique 

involves the following steps: 

1. Position the muscle to be stretched 

in a lengthened position. 

2. Apply a gentle resistance to the 

muscle for around 5-10 seconds. 

3. Contract the muscle being stretched 

against the resistance for 5-10 seconds. 

4. After the contraction, relax while 

gently increasing the stretch. 

The contract-relax technique is a 

variation on the hold/relax technique 

1. Position the muscle to be stretched 

in a lengthened position. 

2. Contract the stretched muscle against 

the resistance for 5-10 seconds. 

3. After the contraction, relax while 

gently increasing the stretch. 

Dynamic stretching involves moving 

parts of the body through a full range 

of motion in a controlled and fluid 

manner. This helps improve muscle 

elasticity and coordination and prepares 

the body for physical activity. Dynamic 

stretches are typically performed before 

engaging in activities that require a high 

level of mobility and flexibility. Some 

examples of dynamic stretches include 

squats, arm circles, and walking lunges. 

Static stretching, however, involves 

holding a stretch position for a 

prolonged period, typically between 15 

to 60 seconds. This really helps muscle 

flexibility and is more commonly 

performed after physical activity or 

as a stretch routine on its own. Static 

stretching should be done when your 

muscles are warm, and not as a warm-up 

activity. Some common static stretches 

include hamstrings, calves and shoulders. 

When attempting to develop 

your flexibility it’s important to 

be aware of the following. 

Warm-up – Before stretching, warm 

up your muscles through light cardio 

exercises or dynamic movements. 

Good form – Maintain good 

posture and alignment during 

stretches to maximise effectiveness 

and minimise your risk of injury. 

Progression – Start with gentle 

stretches and gradually increase 

the intensity and duration. 

Breathing – Breathe deeply and slowly 

throughout the stretches to promote 

relaxation and enhance the stretch. 

Listen to your body – If you 

experience pain or discomfort, ease off 

the stretch or modify the position. 

Consistency – Incorporate stretch 

techniques into your routine to maintain 

and improve flexibility over time. 

Sarah says: Remember that everyone’s 

flexibility levels vary, so it’s important 

to personalise the stretches according 

to your ability and take it gently. 

Sarah Maxwell is a multi-award 

winning Lifestyle Wellbeing and 

Fitness coach. You can find her at 

sarahmaxwell.com. Get in touch via 

email at sarahmaxwell@mail.com 

and on social @sarahmaxlife 

95 


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Mum & I 

Clara Hebblethwaite shares her very 

personal experience of supporting her 

mum through vascular dementia 

After four turbulent years of mum 

living alone in London with vascular 

dementia, we made the decision to 

move her into our local Woodchurch village 

care home at the beginning of last year. 

Mum had been diagnosed in 2019, and, 

as the condition took hold, we came to 

realise that the move was essential, despite 

our hearts being torn. She, the glamorous 

diplomat’s wife, the life and soul, who had 

led an independent and colourful life all over 

the world, reduced to wandering the corridors 

in a state of confusion. Her distress is ours 

as she goes down the plug hole, her strength 

of character determined not to let go. 

It has been so important for me to seek 

out any possible nuggets of joy within this 

storm and to support others where I can. I 

have felt a strong urge to be part of her ever 

changing and scary reality, like a mother 

would their child. I’ve come to accept that 

mum is now on a secure wing and that, 

however painful it is to see her in this way, 

life must continue and we can feel productive 

and positive by bringing life to her. 

It has been interesting to see that, rather 

than looking back, she feels way more 

comforted by happy experiences in the 

present. The now is so important. The 

feelings generated by the imprint of all those 

she comes into contact with are real. 

We’ve got very lovely visitors such as 

Karen, a reflexologist, and Donna, a care 

home entertainer, who come in to give 

mum reassurance, fun and distraction via 

hands-on comfort, engaged listening or 

good time dancing. Mum and I have also 

done lots of planting outside the care home 

entrance which we’ve loved, and bringing a 

little bit of hope and colour to those carers 

and visitors coming and going feels right. 

One of the highlights in terms of 

understanding dementia has been thanks to 

the Virtual Dementia Experience that we 

organised in the New Year. Having fundraised 

over £1,300 we were able to secure a Virtual 

Dementia Bus to come to her care home and 

provide 32 of us with valuable training on the 

dementia experience. The group included 20 

carers, 2 managers, 3 GP admin staff, 1 trainee 

paramedic and 6 family members. I wanted to 

increase insider knowledge for those involved in 

the day-to-day care of those with dementia and 

we were given an intense 7 minute experience 

of how it feels to have dementia, followed by 

digestion of these feelings and training. It was 

frightening to feel, even for a short time, how 

mum does every minute of the day and then 

insightful discovering why dementia sufferers 

do certain things or react in certain ways. 

We know so little about this terrifying 

‘mind death’ and, as a family, over the last 

few years have felt like we’re stabbing around 

in the dark trying to figure out the best way 

forward. The plan now is to use some of 

this learning to train others, not only family 

members in mum’s care home but also staff in 

other care homes, so that they can adjust their 

approach to those they look after accordingly. 

Dementia is the grimmest of grim and it 

cruelly affects so many. It’s a one way ticket 

and those who have it are incredibly brave. I 

am hopeful that an increase in understanding 

and empathy will help many to find ways to 

create nuggets of joy for all those involved. 

Sources of support: Autumna: Directory of 

Care Homes, Home Care, Live-in Care & 

Retirement Living, plus advice on finding care, 

paying for care and funding. Farley Dwek 

Solicitors: specialists in Continuing Healthcare 

Assessments. Woodchurch Post Office Coffee 

Shop: relatives of those with dementia meet first 

Monday of the month, 10-11am. All welcome. 


96

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

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau 

explores the benefits of incorporating 

another healthy ingredient into our diets. 

This month it’s bone broth 

Broth is one of the most ancient, nourishing 

and affordable staple foods. It is not only 

very easy to make but also soothing and 

incredibly supportive of our immune system. In a 

good quality bone broth, you will find easily digestible 

amino acids, gelatine, fats, vitamins and minerals, 

all of which help to heal a damaged gut lining. 

Gut health and good digestion are so important 

– it’s not just what you eat, it’s what you actually 

digest from your food that counts. Without a healthy 

gut lining your body will not be able to efficiently 

digest and absorb all the vitamins and minerals 

it needs, so even if you are eating the nourishing 

foods, you may not be getting all their benefits. 

Bone broth contains both zinc – which helps the 

development and function of immune cells, and vitamin 

C – an antioxidant which helps protect our immune cells 

from damage. It is wonderful enjoyed as it is, as well as 

used as the base of many stews, sauces, soups or noodle 

dishes, simply add onions, cabbage and noodles and 

poach an egg in the broth for a quick, warming supper. 

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice 

for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress 

and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com 

• 2-3kg of chicken carcasses 

(I use bones saved from 

a roast – these could 

be beef or lamb too) 

• a splash of apple cider 

vinegar (this helps 

extract the minerals 

from the bones) 

• left over carrot tops, 

Simple bone broth 

Makes 3-4 litres, depending on your pan size 

celery leaves, onions 

– about 2 handfuls 

• black peppercorns 

• a few dried bay leaves 

• 1 tsp turmeric 

• a thumb sized 

piece of ginger 

• 3 garlic cloves 

1. Place the bones in a large saucepan along with all the 

vegetables, bay leaves, pepper and apple cider vinegar. Cover 

with cold water, making sure the bones are covered, plus an 

extra 5cm of water. Cover with a lid and bring to the boil. 

2. Reduce the heat and leave simmering gently with the 

lid on, for at least 6 hours. (Beef or lamb should be left 

longer – 12 hours). The longer the bones are simmered 

the more nutrients are released, so leave them for as long 

as you can! Strain the liquid using a fine mesh strainer. 

3. Use immediately or leave to cool before 

storing. It can be kept in the fridge in glass 

containers for a few days or frozen in batches. 

(Remember to leave enough room for expansion). 

97 


We’re All Friends 

Here 

Jo Arnell gives us the ins and the 

outs of companion planting 

‘ 

No man is an island’, wrote 

John Donne, and it seems, 

nor is any other living thing, 

from the tiniest microbe, the lowliest 

worm, the most secluded hermit – 

even the Mind Your Own Business 

plant has to interact with others in 

order to stay alive. We have all been 

living in symbiotic relationships since 

life began. Flowers, for example, only 

evolved to please the bees and the 

bees have been happily helping them 

out with pollination for millions 

of years. Complex and intricate 

mechanisms have evolved to bind 

different species together, encouraging 

them to get along – or sometimes 

not – with each other..Symbiosis 

has enabled organisms to succeed 

where otherwise they might not even 

survive. It is usually transactional, each 

partner benefits from the interaction, 

but as with many partnerships, It 

isn’t always mutually beneficial – 

sometimes one partner benefits 

more, or worse, it is a parasite and 

benefits at the expense of the other. 

The root of the matter 

Some of the best companions are those 

beneath the soil – the complex web 

of fungi and beneficial bacteria that 

live in the area around the roots called 

the rhizosphere – a bit like the gut 

microbiome found in our intestines. 

Fungi and bacteria bring nutrients and 

minerals to the plant roots exchanging 

them for sugars, and helping to create 

a healthy microbiome in the rootzone. 

Plants can also exude chemicals 

through their roots – to repel their 

neighbours, or to warn other plants 

and resist attack from pathogens or 

insect pests. Their communications 

are mainly via tiny mycorrhizal 

fungi, which live in symbiosis with 

the plant, often within the roots 

of the plant itself. This helps to 

explain why some plants mysteriously 

flourish next to one another, and 

how invasive species romp about 


Garden 

to be pollinated – growing nectar rich 

flowers and herbs will attract beneficial 

pollinating insects. Some of these, like 

hoverflies and lacewings, play a very 

useful dual role – they are carnivorous 

as larvae, eating aphids and pest 

controlling until they hatch out into 

vegetarian, nectar drinking adults. 

Herbs are useful planted among 

vegetables; they are great at attracting 

pollinators and are highly aromatic, 

so that they mask the scent of the 

crop, and also act more mysteriously 

at root level, sending out protective 

substances that benefit nearby plants. 

R hubarb 

Nurse crops are so called because 

one crop protects the other, usually 

physically. Sapling trees are ‘nursed’ 

by brambles, which protect them 

from attack by deer or rabbits. Broad 

beans can be planted in the furrows 

between potatoes and the beans act 

as protection from cold winds for the 

developing potatoes, their nitrogenfixing 

roots also nourish the crop 

and the arrangement will save on 

space to, utilising the furrows. 

Nasturtium 

istockphoto.com/ Natalia Natalia / istockphoto.com/ Litvalifa / MajaCvetojevic / firina 

unchallenged, because they produce 

phytotoxins that attack or inhibit 

their neighbours. 

Good companions 

Many plants benefit from being grown 

near to one another. A well known 

pair of crops to grow together is carrot 

and onion; both are strongly scented, 

which confuses and repels certain 

pests. Onion fly is put off by the smell 

of carrots, while carrot fly – which is 

said to be able to detect the scent of 

a carrot being pulled up to two miles 

away – is confused and deterred by the 

smell of onions. Vegetables that are 

grown for their pods and fruit need 

Pest Control 

Marigolds (French, not African) 

attract hoverflies and deter aphids. 

They are also said to repel whitefly 

if planted near tomatoes or in the 

greenhouse. There’s a lovely a tall 

variety called ‘Mr Stripey’, one called 

‘Cinnabar’ which is bronze edged with 

orange – and I’m hoping that a new 

variety; Tagetes ‘Tomato Growing 

Secret’ by Thompson and Morgan 

wasn’t given its name for nothing. 

Trap crops are a bit like decoys, 

luring pests away from more precious 

edibles. Nasturtiums are grown 

among cabbages and kale – the 

theory being that cabbage white 

butterflies and Blackfly will be drawn 

to the brightly coloured Nasturtiums 

before they find the cabbages. I’m 

not so convinced by this one, 

but a veg patch full of rambling 

Nasturtiums is very decorative. 

Three in a Bed 

An ancient North American technique 

called the ‘three sisters’ involving 

sweetcorn, squash and beans. The idea 

is that the sweetcorn grows up tall 

and strong to provide a support for 

the bean to climb up, the squash’s 

 

The Veg Patch 

Sweetcorn 

99 


Garden 

Marigolds and Cerinthe 

leads to soil degradation, erosion and 

in the end dramatically lowers yields. 

Polyculture, as the term suggests, 

is the opposite of monoculture and 

encompasses methods of growing more 

than one type of plant – companion 

planting, intercropping and forest 

gardening. It is a more natural way 

of growing and has been proven to 

reduce the incidence of pest and disease 

outbreaks and to increase yields. An 

extension of this is permaculture, where 

the planting is layered and closely 

resembles that of a natural ecosystem. 

We are only just beginning to discover 

the extent of symbiotic relationships 

between species, whether they are other 

plants, fungi or animals. Most of these 

interactions have gone on unnoticed, 

deep within the soil, but the discoveries 

that are being made will have huge 

consequences for all of us – from 

something as simple as enhancing the 

flavour of a vegetable, to increasing crop 

yields, repelling pests and diseases, even 

to securing the future of the planet. 

Jo’s gardening courses are now booking. 

Call 07923 969634 or see 

hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

large leaves provide shade and suppress 

weeds, and the bean’s nitrogen fixing 

root nodules enrich the soil. It’s win, 

win, win, as each party benefits – and 

because they use different parts of the 

same bed, it’s a great space-saver too. 

Make sure you grow the sweetcorn 

to a good height first though, or the 

beans and squash will romp about 

like two naughty sisters and pull 

everything down into a tangle. 

Polyculture 

Monocultures – the practice of only 

growing one crop in a space – has 

been a popular way to grow edibles 

in fields, farms and gardens across the 

globe. On the surface it is an efficient 

way to grow and harvest a crop, but in 

the long term it is not a healthy one. 

Monocultures are detrimental to the 

environment in several ways: a large 

quantity of one crop attracts in huge 

populations of pests, depletes the soil 

of nutrients and upsets the natural 

balance in the soil and ecosystem. This 

also results in overuse of pesticides, 

herbicides and chemical fertilisers, 

Vegetable 

Beans 

Brassicas (cabbage 

family) 

Onions 

Corn 

Carrots 

Potatoes 

Leeks 

Lettuce 

Celery 

Tomatoes 

Peas 

Grows Well With 

Potatoes, cucumber, 

cauliflower, 

cabbage, herbs 

Herbs and aromatics 

Carrots, lettuce, 

tomatoes, radish 

Peas, beans, squash, 

potatoes, cucumber 

Onions, peas, herbs, 

tomatoes, radishes 

Beans, corn 

Carrots, onions, celery 

Carrots, radishes, 

cucumber 

Onions, tomatoes, celery 

Onions, parsley, 

asparagus, 

cabbage, carrots 

Carrots, swedes, 

radishes, cucumber, 

corn, beans 

Dislikes 

Onions, garlic, beetroot 

Tomatoes 

Beans, peas 

Tomatoes 

Dill 

Cucumber, squash, 

tomatoes, peas, 

Jerusalem artichokes 

Beans, peas 

Onions, potatoes 


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102

Hedge 

Issues 

Sue Whigham takes a meander along 

nature’s verdant and vital corridors 

istockphoto.com/ Ann Talbot 

Recently the BBC’s Today 

programme carried a feature 

about England’s hedgerows 

which created a lot of interest among 

listeners. On the strength of that, 

Martha Kearney interviewed one of 

them, Emma Bridgewater, the pottery 

business founder, and someone who 

likes to get ‘close and personal’ with 

the hedgerows in her North Norfolk 

garden. I very much liked the sound 

of her creation of a place not only to 

sit and have a cup of tea or a drink but 

one where she can actually get inside 

her hedge – accessing it through (or 

over!) an old garden shed. I can just 

imagine it, although I’ll confess I’m 

finding it rather tricky to describe. 

A project led by Dr. Richard 

Broughton of the UK Centre for 

Ecology and Hydrology based in 

Lancaster has spent the last five years 

mapping the hedgerows of England 

using advanced laser scanning. They 

have announced that England’s 

hedgerows would stretch ‘almost ten 

times around the Earth’ if lined up 

end-to-end, which is a reassuring 

statistic, bearing in mind that hedges 

are so often being grubbed up or 

left unmanaged (which does them 

no good at all). The technology 

is fascinating, recording as it does 

the state of our existing hedgerows, 

measuring their height and condition 

and being able to work out how 

much carbon can be removed from 

the atmosphere and stored in the 

structure of these hedgerows. 

England’s hedgerows 

would stretch ‘almost 

ten times around the 

Earth’ if lined up 

end to end 

It’s hoped that this advanced 

mapping will guide both planning 

and restoration of our exceedingly 

vulnerable wildlife corridors. Under 

its Environmental Improvement Plan, 

the current Government has pledged 

to support farmers and landowners in 

the restoration or creation of 30,000 

miles of hedgerows a year by 2037 and 

an increase to 45,000 miles a year by 

2050. Let’s hope that this plan remains 

in place regardless of who is in power. 

And to quote Rob Walton, “Hedgerows 

are manmade green veins that wildlife 

have adapted to and are dependent on.” 

The BBC then diverted me to 

Lionel Kelleway’s lively interview for 

the Living World programme of a few 

years ago when he walked and talked 

with a hedgerow ecologist farming 80 

acres in Devon, north of Dartmouth, 

with its high rain count and acidic soil 

and where hedges grow in profusion 

and have done for centuries, many 

appearing on ancient maps. Some 

West Country hedgerows are even 

believed to be 4,000 years old. 

Rob Walton has 18 fields on his farm 

and they are all surrounded by hedges, 

some of which are 10-15 metres wide. 

He was full of knowledge, facts and 

advice about how to maintain them 

to keep them at their best. He put 

paid to the old Max Hooper rule 

of dating a hedge by the number 

of species there are in a 30 metre 

length. The old rule of thumb was to 

multiply the number by 100 and that 

gave you the age of the hedge. Mr 

Walton has been planting hedges 

103 


Garden 

for twenty years or more and said 

that if this rule worked, some of his 

hedges would be a thousand years old! 

The South West is lucky to have at 

least ten species to the four found in 

the same length of hedge elsewhere 

in the country, and he was especially 

proud of the fact that he has more 

dormice in his hedges than he could 

count. Oh, lucky man. I hadn’t 

realised that dormice are creatures 

that favour woodland edges. They 

build damp nests deep in the hedge 

which can vary in size from that of a 

satsuma to a grapefruit, using green 

leaves, shredded honeysuckle and 

various grasses or rushes. They then 

hibernate from October to April 

and for the rest of the year they are 

pretty torpid, never travelling too far 

from their nests. And whilst dormice 

can travel on the ground when they 

are searching out their diet of nuts, 

fruits and insects – oh, and pollen 

too – they prefer the shelter and safety 

of a hedgerow to scurry through. 

He then described some of the plants 

to be found in his hedges, amongst 

them hawthorn, the berries of which 

are good at reducing blood pressure but 

‘dull’ to eat; to wild angelica, Angelica 

sylvestris, a firm favourite with his cows; 

and sweet smelling meadowsweet, 

Filipendula ulmaria. And then there are 

the hedgerow trees that sometimes grow 

away between cutting and are often 

given a reprieve to grow on. It seems 

that hedges with trees such as oak, ash, 

holly and alder growing in with them 

increase the numbers of creatures like 

bats, moths and birds hugely. Another 

interesting statistic was that a mature 

hawthorn can have berries on the 

one plant equivalent to two hundred 

metres of regularly cut hedgerow. 

We know here that hedges tend to 

be cut every winter but whilst they 

need to be managed, it seems that 

a cut every three years produces far 

greater quantities of berries and fruits 

for wildlife as the plants flower on the 

previous year’s wood. I must say that 

here we have extremes and that is just 

down one lane. On one side we have 

a fifteen foot hedge which hasn’t been 

touched for several years and which 

is now thin and straggly and falling 

into the road with alarming regularity 

and on the other side we have a hedge 

which is usually cut down mercilessly 

just as the blackberries are at their 

best! This year we’ve been glad to 

see that it was left until most of the 

fruit was picked over by the birds. 

Mr Walton was right about walking 

slowly sometimes just to take in the 

different birds and other wildlife who 

inhabit our hedges – voles, wood mice, 

shrews, weasels and the shyer stoats are 

all in there – along with all manner 

of small passerine birds. It’s lovely 

to see wrens hopping through the 

hedge during a dog walking meander 

only giving themselves away with 

their amazingly loud voices – surely 

a Tiny Bird with a Giant Voice. 

Sue Whigham can be contacted on 

07810 457948 for gardening advice 

and help in the sourcing and supply 

of interesting garden plants. 

Images from top: Hedgerows are nature’s 

thoroughfares through the countryside; 

A dear little hazel dormouse 

Below: Beautiful hawthorn blossom 

istockphoto.com/ yujie chen, Charlie Fayers, Andy-Coleman 


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105 


ACHIEVE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE 

Hilden Grange is an exceptional co-educational preparatory 

school in the heart of Tonbridge, Kent for children aged 3 to 13. 

www.hildengrange.co.uk

Meet the 

Head 

Malcolm Gough, Headteacher at 

Hilden Grange Prep School, tells 

us about his everlasting gap year! 

istockphoto.com/ olnik_y 

What led you to a career in education? 

I was born in Zimbabwe and then moved 

to South Africa where I attended school and 

university and read Law. From there I came to 

England for a gap year and took a job in an 

independent school, where I discovered a love 

and aptitude for teaching (happily the head 

teacher agreed). A PGCE and senior leadership 

positions followed. I met my wife at Somerhill, 

she’s from Kent and so we’re now settled here 

with our two children. The gap year continues! 

What drew you to Hilden Grange? 

When Hilden Grange came up I knew it was 

the perfect place for me. The size is ideal. With 

300 children we’re large enough for great team 

sports alongside wonderful music ensembles 

and theatrical performances; whilst being small 

enough to really know each child as an individual 

– I think this is particularly important for this 

age group – and for a really strong community 

feel. I also like the fact that we’re co-ed, which I 

believe brings benefits to all the children. Most 

of all, Hilden Grange aligns with my educational 

philosophy – to keep expectations high but to 

do so with kindness. Another factor was that we 

have the best of both town and country being 

here in Tonbridge, with close links to Tonbridge 

School adding great facilities, and ease of access 

to the train station for parents, but with grounds 

of 22 acres including fantastic green spaces. 

What sets Hilden Grange apart? 

We’ve got a great reputation for academic 

excellence and a tremendous record for 11+, 

which is right at the very top in our area, 

even though we’re a mixed ability school. This 

year we had a 100% pass rate. Our sport and 

performing arts departments are two more 

jewels in the crown, providing a real breadth of 

experience. We’re proud of our results but we 

don’t like to be boastful. Our children are likely to 

become influential in their chosen fields and it’s 

important that they appreciate their privilege 

and have a really strong sense of compassion 

and responsibility to others. Confidence is 

a wonderful gift for children but arrogance 

is unhelpful. We’re keen to instil potential 

future leaders (in whatever capacity) with 

the ability to be clear and lateral thinkers, 

to be resilient and, crucially, to be kind. 

“...keep expectations 

high but do so 

with kindness.” 

How do you achieve your impressive results? 

From Year 3 all of our children are taught 

by specialist subject teachers for every lesson, 

which is earlier than at most schools. So from 

this young age they will be taught science by a 

teacher who has a relevant degree, for example. 

We also set the children for maths and English 

so that we can effectively tailor and target their 

teaching. Our lovely nursery is next to reception, 

so while the little ones get going with phonics 

and numbers, those that feel ready can also pop 

into reception class. These structural elements 

create a situation where great outcomes naturally 

flow without the need for too much pressure. 

It’s important that the children get to have fun 

and be kids. They only get their childhood once. 

We want to provide everything they need to be 

inspired to learn and also to enjoy themselves. 

What are you most proud of? 

Hilden Grange is a very warm place, with a really 

friendly atmosphere. We have a very strong parents 

association and a great community. I’m very 

proud of our diversity, especially considering our 

My Favourite 

Things... 

Book: I love reading about the life 

of Nelson Mandela and how his 

strength of character stands up from 

every angle. I have two favourites: 

the first was written by his PA, 

Zelda LaGrange, and is called ‘Good 

Morning, Mr Mandela’. The second 

is written by his chief bodyguard, 

Rory Steyn, ‘One Step Behind 

Mandela: the Story of Rory Steyn’. 

Song: I love so many songs but 

I’ll choose U2’s I Still Haven’t 

Found What I’m Looking For. 

Place: Barcelona for the 

incredible Gaudi architecture. 

location. Since I joined, our pupil body identifying 

themselves to be of an ethnic minority or mixed 

race background has grown from 6% to 27%. 

We’ve also joined the Inspired Education Group 

– a global community of schools – so we will 

virtually visit schools across the world and even 

explore the jungle outside a school in Peru, for 

example. It’s important to look outwards and reach 

out, and whilst we’re dedicated to using these 

advances to enhance what we have, we’re careful 

not to break what already works so well for us. 

I’m thrilled by the outstanding musical, theatrical 

and sporting achievements of our pupils. We have 

about 200 individual musical instrument lessons 

here each week and the standard of music and 

singing is really phenomenal. It’s an absolute joy. 

Find out more about Hilden 

Grange at hildengrange.co.uk 

107 


Tune In 

Cobham Hall School tell us their exciting latest news 

Boys make history 

Sixty years after first opening as a pioneering girls’ school, 

a new age dawned for Cobham Hall when it proudly cut 

the ribbon on its first boys’ boarding house, Stuart House, 

named for the family to whom the Hall was gifted in 1613 by 

King James I (though the PS5 and gym seem to be of greater 

interest to the boys than their new home’s history). Mostly 

local day students and weekly boarders, boys now represent 

almost one-third of the school’s vibrant, newly co-educational 

Year 12 cohort, with many more set to join in September. 

Stunning Steinway 

As part of a prestigious new music partnership with Steinway 

& Sons, an exquisite Steinway Model B Grand piano now 

graces Cobham’s historic Gilt Hall. As the Model B was 

being carried to its new home, the Steinway team spotted an 

unparalleled photo opportunity and invited Year 12 student, 

Yannes, to play in the grounds. The result: this incredible image 

that says so much about creativity at the school. Cobham is 

offering an exciting Steinway Scholarship for the first time 

this year as part of the partnership, giving talented young 

musicians the chance to play this ‘perfect’ instrument and to 

participate in masterclasses with Steinway International Artists, 

who include Yaoying Yang, Lang Lang and Charlie Puth. 

Lights, camera, action! 

Cobham Hall’s 16th century home has long been a prime 

filming location and recent months have been no exception. 

Famously, Cobham’s grounds and interior doubled again 

for Eton in autumn’s final season of The Crown, and the 

school was also privileged to host the London Philharmonic 

Orchestra as they filmed performances of music from Genshin 

Impact – one of the world’s highest grossing mobile games. 

Extensively showcasing Cobham’s Gilt Hall and grounds, 

the resulting Genshin Concert 2023 ‘Melodies of an Endless 

Journey’ already has some six million YouTube views worldwide. 

Meanwhile, an electrifying scene, filmed in the school’s East 

Court, will feature shortly in a major new historical drama 

(follow Cobham Hall on social media for updates). Aside 

from the fun of spotting their school on screen, Cobham 

students are indebted to these visitors who have so generously 

shared invaluable insight into creative industry careers. 

Cobham Hall is an independent school for girls aged 11-18 and 

co-educational in Sixth Form. Contact admissions@cobhamhall.com. 

Inspiring surroundings. 

Inspiring education. 

Welcome to Cobham Hall, a day and 

boarding school of untold 

opportunity, where centuries of 

history meet a curriculum for the 

future and creativity knows no bounds. 

Achieve more than you ever dreamed 

possible at Cobham Hall. 

Open Morning 

Saturday 16 th March 2024 

9:30am - 12:30pm 

in partnership with 

For girls aged 11-18 

Co-educational Sixth Form 

Cobham, Kent, DA12 3BL | www.cobhamhall.com | 

admissions@cobhamhall.com | 01474 823371 


108

Education 

‘It’s not fair!’ 

Mike Piercy, education consultant and former Head of The New Beacon, 

explains the importance of winning and losing with good grace 

istockphoto.com/ digicamchic 

The beefy second row lay prone, groaning, as 

the pack lumbered away. “Get up, Darling!” 

I cried. Opposition spectators looked at 

me askance with thinly veiled suspicion. 

This was back in the day, many years ago, when 

pupils were known only by their surnames. His was 

Darling and I knew he was absolutely fine. 

Many a touchline moment and memory has been 

enjoyed as coach and parent, Wednesday and Saturday 

afternoons, year in, year out, all seasons and weathers. 

Sport is – and should be – an integral part of school 

and a broader education. There is so much to learn, 

from teamwork and tactics to fitness and resilience. 

Sadly, some sporting ‘role models’ our young people see 

are far from exemplary: foul play, temper tantrums, arguing 

with the referee. As teachers, coaches and parents it is our 

job to train and inculcate sporting fair play and etiquette. 

The post match team talk often has common strands – 

especially after a loss. We can probably predict the first one 

to cry, ‘It’s not fair!’ The disappointment evident straight 

after the game has not allowed space for the emotion to 

subside, with reasoned logic taking time to emerge. 

What exactly isn’t fair: losing; unduly ‘professional’ 

tactics from the opposition; a dodgy, perhaps inept referee? 

Losing needs rationalisation: were they indeed better; did 

we have a bad day at the office; was the referee or umpire 

blind or biased? I recall one match, perhaps thirty years 

ago, when we were winning 0:1 away against a much bigger 

school, the second half stretching many minutes beyond 

full time. The home side was pressing, the final whistle 

only blown after we broke away and scored a second. It 

was the right result but there was residual indignation. 

Then there are the parents (usually Dads, I’m afraid) who 

live their sporting lives – or regrets – vicariously through 

their children. Stomping the touchline, bellowing, berating 

the ref, players, opposition or anyone who hinders the 

team’s progress, their aggression is transmitted to all nearby. 

In recent years schools have developed a ‘Spectator Code 

of Conduct’. As parents and sports coaches we are – we 

should be – the role models for our young people. 

In the game of football VAR has been the subject of huge 

controversy. The goal (pun intended) seems to be to eradicate 

human error. While I have some understanding where money 

and millions are involved, thankfully I can’t see the day when 

it is introduced to school sport. Mistakes, then, will happen: 

‘He who makes no mistakes will make nothing…’ (attributable 

in various forms to Einstein, Franklin and Roosevelt. 

Perhaps, though, there is the potential for learning here, 

too? Life isn’t fair – something of a cliché of course. There 

are considerably worse predicaments than found in a 

disappointing sports result. Such situations can, however, be 

educative if dealt with philosophically, with growth mindset. 

Naturally, we all prefer winning and therein lies another 

strand of sporting etiquette. Over the many years in a 

number of schools an undefeated season was rare – and 

that is how it should be, else the fixture list needs fixing. 

Young people need to learn how to win (and lose) with 

good grace. In sports education, school matches, to hear 

three cheers (and one for luck), the teams lined up for 

handshakes, is truly affirming. What is said in the team 

talk later may well have another more reflective, learning, 

coaching dimension and that is how it should be, too. 

Do you have a burning education-related query? You 

can contact Mike at mikepiercy@hotmail.com 

109 


WEALDEN TIMES HOKH AOK 90MM X 130MM.pdf 1 02/02/2024 12:41 

Saturday 23 March 2024 at 7.30pm 

Mote Hall, Maidstone Leisure Centre ME15 7RN 

MENDELSSOHN 

Overture, The Fair Melusine 

BEETHOVEN 

Piano Concerto No.3 

SCHUBERT 

Symphony No.9 “Great” 

Iyad Sughayer piano 

Brian Wright conductor 

Tickets: £15, £25, £30 

Students £5, 18s & under FREE! 

On the Door, or reserve on 

07817 429143 for payment on 

the door (cash, cheque & card) 

Advance Bookings by Card: 

0333 666 3366 or 

mso.ticketsource.co.uk 

Pre-concert talk presented 

by Steve Migden, 6.40-7.10pm 

113th Season 

2023/24 

mso.org.uk Charity Reg. 1163384 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

ART OF 

KENT 

AUCTION 

TUESDAY 12 MARCH - 

THURSDAY 14 MARCH 

2O24 

Own a unique piece of 

Kentish artwork – register 

now for our auction! 

To find out more 

visit hokh.org 

RCN: 298164 


110

EDO POP: JAPANESE ART AT WATTS 

GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE 

TN CARD BUNNY TRAIL 

IN SEVENOAKS 

EASTER AT 

LULLINGSTONE 

istockphoto.com/ PeopleImages & Nattakorn Maneerat & Prostock-Studio 

What’s On 

this Spring 

ART & AUCTIONS 

Tues 12 to Thurs 14 March 

Online at hokh.org 

HEART OF KENT HOSPICE 

ART OF KENT AUCTION 

Join in online to view, bid 

on and purchase wonderful 

works of art kindly donated by 

a range of fabulous amateur 

and professional Kent artists. 

New and returning artists have 

donated fabulous pieces of art, 

all contributing to a diverse 

auction collection, with all funds 

raised going to Heart of Kent 

Hospice. HOKH are there to 

help so please do get in touch 

with them via email if you 

have any questions about the 

auction at events@hokh.co.uk. 

hokh.org 

Tues 19 March to Sun 6 Oct 

Watts Gallery Artists’ 

Village, Down Lane, 

Guildford GU3 1DQ 

EDO POP: JAPANESE 

PRINTS 1825–1895 

Edo Pop is an exhibition of 19th 

century Japanese woodblock 

prints from the private collection 

of art historian and writer, Frank 

Milner. This will be the first 

public display for a number 

of these works, which were 

hugely popular in 19th century 

Japan and also in Europe. 

Demonstrating the enduring 

influence of this historic process, 

the exhibition also features new 

work by artist Hiroko Imada, 

who will create a site-specific 

installation in the Sculpture 

Gallery. The exhibition will 

inspire a season of special events 

and activities across Watts 

Gallery and Artists’ Village 

including talks, workshops, 

performances and an exhibition 

of contemporary Japanese prints 

in Watts Contemporary Gallery. 

Entry: included with admission 

(details on website) 

wattsgallery.org.uk 

EASTER FUN 

Fri 29 March to Sun 14 April 

10am-6pm daily 

RHS Wisley, Wisley Lane, 

Wisley, Woking GU23 6QB 

EASTER HOLIDAY FUN 

AT RHS WISLEY 

Another one for the littlies. Join 

the giant egg hunt this Easter 

at RHS Garden Wisley to win 

a chocolate prize and discover 

the garden in all its spring glory. 

Follow the garden trail and help 

the Easter Bunny find his friends 

who are playing hide and seek 

at Wisley. As you explore, search 

for the giant eggs decorated with 

brand new competition-winning 

designs, and learn all about 

spring and what you can do at 

home for nature and wildlife. 

Once you’ve found all the eggs, 

you’ll be rewarded with a free 

chocolatey treat from NOMO, 

the UK’s No. 1 Vegan & ‘Free 

From’ chocolate brand. There 

will also be art and craft, and 

seed planting drop-in sessions. 

Entry: see website 

rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley 

Sat 30, Sun 31 March & 

Mon 1 April 11am-5pm 

Lullingstone Castle 

and Gardens, Eynsford, 

Kent DA4 0JA 

EASTER EGG QUIZ 

Lullingstone Castle and The 

World Garden kicks off the start 

of their season with family fun 

by hosting their Easter Trail & 

Quiz. Aspiring plant hunters 

will be able to scour The World 

Garden and Grounds for Easter 

clues and then report on their 

discoveries to claim a tasty 

surprise, plus the chance to 

meet some Easter characters! 

Entry: £12.50, children 

under 16 go free 

lullingstonecastle.co.uk 

Sat 30 March to Sat 8 April 

Various shops across Sevenoaks 

THE TN BUNNY 

TRAIL SEVENOAKS 

A bit of Easter fun for children 

– the TN bunnies return to 

Sevenoaks! To join this free 

trail and look out for TN card 

bunnies in shop windows, visit 

participating businesses to pick 

up a free trail sheet (or download 

a copy on the TN Card website). 

Visit the shops on the trail to ask 

them fun questions and earn a 

sticker and certificate. There’s a 

colouring competition too. Drop 

the completed sheet off at Stag 

Sevenoaks (open from 1pm-8pm 

each day) to collect your Love 

Sevenoaks Sticker and Certificate 

and enter the competition. 

Three winners will each receive 

a Jellycat bunny, a chocolate 

egg from The Chocolate 

Shop, plus a family day out. 

Entry: free 

thetncard.com 

Tues 2, Thurs 4, Tues 9 & 

Thurs 11 April 10am-4pm 

West Horsley Place, Epsom 

Road, West Horsley, 

Surrey KT24 6AN 

EASTER OPEN DAYS AT 

WEST HORSLEY PLACE 

Book for an open day and 

 

111 


visit this Easter to discover the 

ancient manor house. See all 

the principal rooms at your 

own pace and chat to expert 

guides about the history of 

the site. The building dates 

as far back as 1425 – Henry 

VIII dined in their Stone Hall 

and Guy Fawkes might have 

worked as a footman, so there 

are plenty of stories to uncover. 

There will be an additional 

craft room for children and 

a garden trail. This was also 

the location for the fabulous 

BBC Ghosts series so there 

will be fun activities for fans! 

Entry: see website 

westhorsleyplace.org 

FAIRS & FESTIVALS 

Thur 6 to Sat 8 June 9am-5pm 

Hole Park, Benenden Road, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4JB 

WEALDEN TIMES 

MIDSUMMER FAIR 

A very important date for your 

diary! Come and join us to 

welcome the joyful summer 

season. You’ll find all your 

favourite exhibitors plus a wide 

selection of exciting new stands 

from independent businesses 

selling gorgeous fashion, 

clothing, art and crafts, home 

and gardenware, beauty and 

so much more (we haven’t 

even started on the food and 

drink!). Lovely dogs on leads are 

very welcome. Your ticket also 

includes entry to the wonderful 

Hole Park Gardens which 

comprise formal and walled 

gardens along with meadows 

and woodland. So come along 

to shop, relax, wander and 

celebrate the summertime. We 

look forward to welcoming 

you. Tickets are already on 

sale, so what are you waiting 

for? Use the code EARLY24 

for your special discount. 

Entry: £17 (£16 with 

discount), children £8 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

Fri 15 to Sun 24 March 

Various locations in 

and around Maidstone 

including Balfour Winery 

and Kenward Place 

HEART OF KENT 

WALKING FESTIVAL 

It’s back! Get your walking 

boots ready for the next Heart 

of Kent Walking Festival. 

Booking is essential for all the 

guided walks, so get in quick 

to make sure you can join your 

preferred walk. Some walks are 

free of charge, and others have 

a fee to take part. The number 

of attendees on these walks 

are limited to maximise your 

enjoyment, so when walks are 

fully booked they will operate 

a waiting list.If you discover 

your preferred walk is full, email 

info@heartofkentwalkingfestival 

to be added to the waiting list. 

Should you book and find you 

are no longer able to attend, 

please let them know as far 

in advance as possible so they 

can reallocate your place. 

Entry: some walks are 

free, some have a fee 

visitmaidstone.com/ 

walking-festival 

Fri 15 to Sun 17 March 

Fri 4pm-8.30pm, 

Sat & Sun 10am-5pm 

Landmark Arts Centre, 

Teddington TW11 9NN 

CONTEMPORARY 

TEXTILES FAIR AT 

LANDMARK ARTS 

The biennial Contemporary 

Textiles Fair makes a welcome 

return to The Landmark. This is 

a must-visit event on the textile 

lovers’ calendar when enthusiasts, 

collectors and makers come 

together for a showcase of 

high-quality contemporary 

textile art. This year, the 

Landmark is collaborating with 

international non-profit arts 

organisation, ArtCan, with 

a pop-up of the ArtCan – 

Unravelled exhibition, featuring 

over 20 of ArtCan’s members’ 

work with fibre and textiles, 

curated by founders Catherine 

Sweet and Melanie Jordan. 

Entry: £4-£5 

landmarkartscentre.org 

MUSIC 

Sun 7 April 3pm 

Assembly Hall Theatre, 

Crescent Road, Tunbridge 

Wells, Kent TN1 2LU 

RTWSO: DUKAS, 

DVORÁK & BARTÓK 

This concert is proudly 

presented by Royal Tunbridge 

Wells Symphony Orchestra 

as part of their 2023-2024 

Season. Sir Stephen Hough 

returns for a third performance 

with the RTSWO, this time 

performing the Dvořák Piano 

Concerto. He particularly 

wanted to play this concerto 

and bring it to wider acclaim. 

The concert, and indeed the 

season, ends with the Concerto 

for Orchestra by Béla Bartók. 

Entry: £5-£36 

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going to press 

but may be subject to change. Readers are 

advised to check with venues before making 

arrangements. We can list your event in 

the next issue of Wealden Times for only 

£75+VAT. Please supply up to 200 words 

that should include date, time, venue, 

contact for enquiries and any entry price to 

whatson@priceless-group.com or send with 

payment (cheques payable to Priceless Media 

Ltd.) to What’s On, Priceless Media, Kettle 

Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves 

the right to edit text to fit space allocated. 

Deadline for the next issue is 9th March. 

istockphoto.com/ Rawpixel & Jan Zabrodsky & JaySi 

WEALDEN TIMES 

MIDSUMMER FAIR 

HEART OF KENT 

WALKING FESTIVAL 

CONTEMPORARY 

TEXTILE FESTIVAL 


112

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GrahamClarke:A Retrospective 

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7th Februaryto 1stJune2024 

MaidstoneMuseum 

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StudioOpenDays 

8th 9th 10th March 

17th 18th 19thApril 

Etchings,watercolours,posters,books,cardsandmore . 

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Do you yearn for your own 

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and learn tips and tricks 

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Be sure to check out our 

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Garden Border Design Day 

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113 


Jane gathers some fascinating 

honey bee facts as she checks 

the Coopers Farm hives before 

their very busy year ahead 

April… the evenings are 

longer, the countryside greener 

and the birds louder. Bliss. 

Spring has arrived and nowhere is this 

more apparent than in the apiary where 

hopefully I will still have two healthy hives. 

Most insects overwinter either by laying eggs 

which hatch out in the spring or by having a fertilised 

queen who hibernates and then emerges to lay eggs when 

it warms up. First out will always be those big queen 

bumble bees which, being furry, are well adapted to 

our cold northern climates. The hairs act as insulation 

so they can emerge earlier than most other insects 

to feed on nectar and pollen from 

crocuses and daffodils before hunting 

out a suitable nest site. This is likely to 

be a hole in the ground or on a bank 

which is why you’ll see them flying 

very low zig-zagging across your lawn. 

Once they find a site they’ll lay their 

fertilised eggs and the whole bumble bee 

production line starts all over again. 

But honey bees do it differently. They 

spend all summer collecting nectar from 

flowers and taking it back to the hive 

where other bees remove most of the 

water to turn it into honey and store it 

in a labyrinth of wax combs. Most plants 

flower in June and July and at this time 

a good colony of bees will contain about 

50,000 worker bees and each one will – 

in her six week lifetime – produce 1/12th of a teaspoon of 

honey. To make a pound of honey thousands of them will 

fly 55,000 miles and tap two million flowers which is why 

they need such a big workforce and why we should be 

very impressed when we spread it on our breakfast toast! 

As the summer draws to a close the queen stops laying 

and the numbers reduce to about 10,000 who spend the 

winter living in the hive and feeding the queen on all 

Most plants flower 

in June and July 

and at this time a 

good colony of bees 

will contain about 

50,000 worker 

bees and each one 

will – in her six 

week lifetime - 

produce 1/12th of a 

teaspoon of honey 

the stored honey. By the winter they will also have sealed 

up all the cracks in the hive with a sticky glue called 

propolis which they make from the sap of pine trees, and 

hunker down with a well stocked pantry. Cosy or what. 

Six months later, on the first spring 

day when you can venture out without 

a jumper – usually this coincides with 

flowering redcurrant bushes flowering 

– it’s time to crack open the hives and 

see what’s been going on. The first 

visit is always a time of excitement 

that I will find lots of busy bees (and 

trepidation that I might not). 

I’m hoping that both hives will contain 

a queen already laying lots of eggs to start 

the herculean task of building numbers 

back up to 50,000 for the season ahead. 

Each egg that the queen lays takes 

three weeks to hatch out as a worker 

bee, and that young bee then spends 

the first three weeks of her (they 

always are) life in the hive carrying 

out domestic chores like feeding the young, spring 

cleaning and making and storing the honey. Only 

then does she leave the hive to start foraging. 

So, do the maths and you see that my queens have their 

work cut out to lay enough eggs to get from 10,000 in 

January to 50,000 in July. But I’m sure they’re up to the 

job and – weather and global events permitting – here’s 

hoping for a busy and productive bee-keeping season. 


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Wealden Times | WT262 | March 2024 | Kitchen & Bathroom Supplement inside

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