Wealden Times | WT264 | May 2024 | Love Your Home Supplement inside
The lifestyle magazine for Kent & Sussex - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
The lifestyle magazine for Kent & Sussex - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
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PRICELESS<br />
MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
264<br />
MAY <strong>2024</strong><br />
LOVE YOUR HOME SUPPLEMENT <strong>inside</strong><br />
Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes
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Please email or call to make a showroom appointment<br />
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6
Contents<br />
<strong>May</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
28<br />
92<br />
52<br />
12<br />
21<br />
25<br />
28<br />
47<br />
52<br />
71<br />
HOUSE OF THE MONTH<br />
Dream homes on the market<br />
NOTEBOOK<br />
Upcoming events for your diary<br />
THE MUST LIST<br />
Keep up-to-date with the latest<br />
must-see and must-have goodies<br />
CUSTODIANS OF HISTORY<br />
A beautiful country estate<br />
adapted for modern family living<br />
GET THE LOOK<br />
Make a grand statement with<br />
luxe fabrics and antique furniture<br />
TWO BECOME ONE<br />
A sixteenth century house revamp<br />
GET THE LOOK<br />
Let character features shine out<br />
with a neutral colour palette<br />
and one-of-a-kind finds<br />
89<br />
90<br />
92<br />
98<br />
100<br />
101<br />
FASHION FAVOURITES<br />
Channel laid-back feminine<br />
with Patchouli Fair<br />
BACK TO BOHO<br />
Rebecca Cuffe edits 70s<br />
inspired clothes and accessories<br />
PRINT FEED<br />
Delicious seasonal dishes given<br />
The Print House treatment<br />
WHY SO SENSITIVE?<br />
Josephine Fairley finds soothing<br />
products for demanding skin<br />
PERFECTLY PEACHY<br />
Sarah Maxwell explains how<br />
to achieve a killer derrière<br />
NOURISH TO FLOURISH<br />
Charlotte Lau discusses the<br />
nutritional benefits of asparagus<br />
Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,<br />
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF | Call 01580 714705 | Email info@priceless-group.com<br />
Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © <strong>2024</strong> Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the<br />
advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd.<br />
103<br />
109<br />
113<br />
115<br />
117<br />
122<br />
CREAM OF THE CROP<br />
Jen Stuart-Smith tracks down<br />
some local plant heroes at RHS<br />
Chelsea Flower Show <strong>2024</strong><br />
MIX IT UP<br />
Jo Arnell celebrates natural hues<br />
SPEAKING SENSE<br />
Mike Piercy learns some<br />
lessons from language<br />
SCHOOL NOTICEBOARD<br />
Catch up on all the latest school news<br />
FESTIVAL WHAT’S ON?<br />
Fun-filled dates for your diary...<br />
FABLES FROM THE FARM<br />
Jane Howard’s latest from<br />
Coopers Farm<br />
LOVE YOUR<br />
HOME<br />
SUPPLEMENT<br />
16 pages of<br />
trend-led<br />
room revamps.<br />
After page 72.<br />
7
“The economy<br />
is uncertain.<br />
You<br />
needn’t<br />
be.”<br />
Smart advice<br />
to help you<br />
make the right<br />
decisions for your<br />
financial future.<br />
Call our Tunbridge Wells office to arrange a<br />
free introductory meeting with Graeme Hayden.<br />
Call 01892 739580 or email graeme.hayden@brewin.co.uk<br />
brewin.co.uk/royal-tunbridge-wells<br />
The value of investments can fall and you may get back less than you invested.<br />
RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial<br />
Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD.<br />
Registered in England and Wales company number: 2135876.
From the<br />
Editor<br />
Character abounds in this issue’s interior<br />
shoots – from a grand 10-bedroom country<br />
estate to a beam-filled sixteenth century<br />
house tucked away down a peaceful Kentish lane.<br />
If you’re wanting to revitalise your home, with<br />
plans to give it a bit of a freshen up, then turn to<br />
our <strong>Love</strong> <strong>Your</strong> <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong> for plenty of<br />
design ideas, trend-led visuals and expert tips.<br />
In our food section, bustling hotel and restaurant,<br />
The Print House, has developed this month’s<br />
recipes, with chef Martin Elliot adding his creative<br />
flair to scallops, pork belly and lemon meringue.<br />
Plus, nutritionist Charlotte Lau takes a look at<br />
the health benefits of new season asparagus.<br />
Josephine Fairley certainly piqued my interest with<br />
her product recommendations for sensitive skin in our<br />
beauty section. When it comes to skincare knowledge,<br />
she’s unbeatable, and I’m sure the brands she’s highlighted<br />
will soothe reactive complexions across the Weald.<br />
It’s all about vibrancy outside for Jo Arnell as she<br />
takes a step back from structure to analyse the truly<br />
joyful elements of the garden – colours!<br />
And Blooming Green’s Jen Stuart-<br />
Smith tracks down some local nurseries<br />
who’ll be making an appearance at this<br />
year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.<br />
Finally, fill your diary with our edit of<br />
some fantastic festivals taking place over the<br />
next few months across the South East.<br />
Enjoy your Priceless Magazine<br />
Priceless Team<br />
EditorLucy Fleming<br />
<strong>Supplement</strong>s & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe<br />
Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey<br />
Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall<br />
Sales ManagersLisa Gordon-Hughes<br />
Maria Hurley<br />
Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood<br />
Senior Account Manager Andrew Boughton<br />
<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Show Director Flo Simpson<br />
Events Manager Liz Miles<br />
Events Sales Director Jude Brown<br />
Financial ControllerStephen Hunt<br />
Accounts Sarah Davies<br />
Nicola O’Leary<br />
Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau<br />
Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee<br />
Executive ChairmanJulie Simpson<br />
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Alfriston<br />
• Emmett &<br />
White Antiques<br />
& Interiors<br />
Ashford<br />
• Ashford<br />
Designer Outlet<br />
• Eastwell Manor<br />
• Hunters<br />
• Kingsfords<br />
Solicitors<br />
• Northwood<br />
• Perry Court<br />
Farm<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
• Secret Garden,<br />
Kent<br />
• The Wife<br />
of Bath<br />
Aylesford<br />
• Tesco Extra<br />
Battle<br />
• British Design<br />
British Made<br />
• Jempson’s<br />
Benenden<br />
• Village Shop<br />
Bexhill<br />
• Sivyers Antique<br />
Emporium<br />
• Wards<br />
Biddenden<br />
• The Bakehouse<br />
• Bloomsburys<br />
• Costcutter<br />
Boughton<br />
Monchelsea<br />
• The Cock Inn<br />
Broadstairs<br />
• Tesco Extra<br />
Bromley<br />
• The Glades<br />
Burwash<br />
• Londis<br />
Canterbury<br />
• Asda Superstore<br />
• Benton<br />
Kitchens<br />
• The Duke<br />
William<br />
• Fenwick<br />
• Gibson’s<br />
Farm Shop<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
• Whitefriars<br />
Charing<br />
• Post Office<br />
Chislehurst<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Cranbrook<br />
• Hartley Coffee<br />
House<br />
• Hartley Dyke<br />
Farmshop<br />
• The Hive<br />
• Pages<br />
Crowborough<br />
• Costa Coffee<br />
Eastbourne<br />
• Waterstones<br />
Eridge<br />
• Fuller’s Farm<br />
Shop<br />
Faversham<br />
• Macknade<br />
Fine Foods<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Flimwell<br />
• The Weald<br />
Smokery<br />
Folkestone<br />
• Hunters<br />
• Loaf<br />
• Moda<br />
• Rocksalt<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Goudhurst<br />
• Billie <strong>Love</strong>s<br />
• Burfields<br />
House Wealth<br />
Management<br />
Ltd<br />
• Furnish &<br />
Feather<br />
• Goudhurst Inn<br />
• Goudhurst<br />
Newsagents<br />
Greenhithe<br />
• John Lewis<br />
Food Hall<br />
Haywards Heath<br />
• Cook<br />
Hastings<br />
• Judges Bakery<br />
• Morrisons<br />
• Respire Living<br />
• Wellington Centre<br />
Hawkhurst<br />
• Kino Cinema<br />
• Park Farm<br />
Butchers<br />
• Two Chicks<br />
Headcorn<br />
• Foodie’s<br />
Emporium<br />
Heathfield<br />
• Cuculo Deli<br />
• The Stores<br />
Horsham<br />
• Cook<br />
Hurst Green<br />
• Eggs to Apples<br />
• Merriments<br />
Hythe<br />
• The Chair Lady<br />
• The Flower<br />
Shop<br />
• Halcyon Days<br />
• Hunters<br />
• Hythe Bay<br />
Seafood<br />
Restaurant<br />
• Nutmeg Café<br />
• Oaks Hair &<br />
Beauty Retreat<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Ickham<br />
• The Duke William<br />
Kings Hill<br />
• Costa<br />
Lenham<br />
• Corner House<br />
Antiques<br />
Lewes<br />
• Riverside<br />
Shopping Hall<br />
Maidstone<br />
• House of Fraser<br />
• Tesco<br />
Marden<br />
• Marden<br />
Village Store<br />
<strong>May</strong>field<br />
• The House<br />
Café<br />
Northiam<br />
• Country<br />
Property Group<br />
• Jempson’s Local<br />
• Will’s Bakery<br />
and Café<br />
Nutley<br />
• Nutley Antiques<br />
Orpington<br />
• Tesco Extra<br />
Peasmarsh<br />
• Jempson’s<br />
Pluckley<br />
• Pluckley<br />
Farm Shop<br />
Robertsbridge<br />
• Vinehall School<br />
Rolvenden<br />
• KM & JM<br />
Linklater<br />
Rushlake Green<br />
• The Stores<br />
Rye<br />
• Adams of Rye<br />
• Jempson’s<br />
• Kino Cinema<br />
• Phillips &<br />
Stubbs<br />
• The White<br />
House<br />
Sandhurst<br />
• Johnson’s of<br />
Sandhurst<br />
Sedlescombe<br />
• Sedlescombe<br />
Post Office<br />
and Stores<br />
Sellindge<br />
• Hobbs & Hearts<br />
Sevenoaks<br />
• Cook<br />
• County Clothes<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Sheffield Green<br />
• Trading<br />
Boundaries<br />
Sissinghurst<br />
• TN17 Food<br />
& Wine<br />
Smarden<br />
• West End<br />
House Gallery<br />
St. Leonards<br />
on-Sea<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
Shop<br />
Staplehurst<br />
• Frankie’s<br />
Farm Shop<br />
Stone Cross<br />
• Sharnfold<br />
Farm & Shop<br />
Tenterden<br />
• County Clothes<br />
• Hunters Estate<br />
Agents<br />
• London Beach<br />
Hotel<br />
• Tenterden<br />
House Interiors<br />
• Tesco<br />
Superstore<br />
• Warner Gray<br />
• Webbs of<br />
Tenterden<br />
• White Lion<br />
• Woodcocks<br />
Ticehurst<br />
• Londis<br />
Tonbridge<br />
• Cook<br />
• Neptune<br />
Tunbridge Wells<br />
• Fenwick<br />
• Hoopers<br />
• Maddisons<br />
Residential<br />
• Notcutts<br />
• Rencraft<br />
• Sainsbury’s<br />
• The Buzz Lounge,<br />
The Pantiles<br />
• Truffle<br />
Wadhurst<br />
• Jempson’s<br />
Westerham<br />
• Nisa<br />
Whitstable<br />
• Tea & <strong>Times</strong><br />
• Tesco Extra<br />
• The Whiting Post<br />
Winchelsea<br />
• Winchelsea<br />
Farm Kitchen<br />
Wye<br />
• The Wife of Bath<br />
TRAIN<br />
STATIONS:<br />
• Ashford<br />
International<br />
• Hildenborough<br />
• Maidstone East<br />
• Orpington<br />
• Paddock Wood<br />
• Sevenoaks<br />
• Staplehurst<br />
• Tonbridge<br />
• Tunbridge<br />
Wells<br />
• Wadhurst<br />
• West Malling<br />
11<br />
BUILT ON REPUTATION & QUALITY<br />
TRADITIONAL & MODERN ROOFING<br />
Ashford &<br />
Cranbrook Roofing<br />
01580 242925<br />
www. c r a n b r o o k r o o f i n g . c o. u k<br />
CLAY TILE , SLATE & CEDAR ROOFING<br />
priceless-magazines.com
House<br />
Month<br />
of the<br />
£1,200,000<br />
We pick out some of our favourite<br />
homes on the market<br />
Tunbridge Wells<br />
The dream: City centre<br />
living, in a modernised period<br />
property. Commutable to<br />
London, from the heart of the<br />
Garden of England.<br />
Where: St James’ Road<br />
is a much sought-after<br />
location close to the centre<br />
of Tunbridge Wells and<br />
within easy reach of the<br />
principal shopping areas and<br />
the mainline station with<br />
frequent trains to London<br />
Bridge and Charing Cross.<br />
Setting: Comprehensively<br />
renovated and refurbished<br />
to an exceptionally high<br />
standard – AEG appliances,<br />
engineered oak flooring,<br />
Corian worktops – this is a<br />
wonderful home for day-today<br />
life and entertaining.<br />
Beds: 4 Baths: 2<br />
Special features: Private<br />
driveway with parking<br />
for multiple cars.<br />
Pleasing details: Bay windows<br />
and original fireplaces<br />
with a wood-burning stove<br />
in the living room.<br />
Outside: The kitchen/<br />
diner bi-fold doors open<br />
out onto a secluded,<br />
manicured garden, that’s<br />
perfect for al fresco dining.<br />
Time to town: Tunbridge<br />
Wells Station is 1 mile away<br />
(London Bridge from 42<br />
minutes). The Pantiles 1.6<br />
miles. A21 (Pembury) 2<br />
miles. M25 (J5) 16 miles.<br />
Agents: Knight Frank<br />
01892 887166<br />
knightfrank.co.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com 12
Iwade<br />
£1,100,000<br />
The dream: This characterful Grade II<br />
listed farmhouse, set in nearly 2 acres, is<br />
ideal for a large and growing family.<br />
Where: The village of Iwade dates<br />
from late medieval times and sits just<br />
to the north of Sittingbourne and<br />
conveniently close to the A249/M2.<br />
Setting: A long, gravel driveway, with<br />
parking for numerous cars, leads to the<br />
elegant, white-walled farmhouse, surrounded<br />
by substantial gardens with manicured<br />
lawns and charming patio areas.<br />
Beds: 4 Baths: 2<br />
Special features: Spacious bedrooms<br />
and big, modern bathrooms.<br />
Pleasing details: Brick fireplaces, timbered<br />
ceilings and garden views from every window.<br />
Outside: Huge private walled garden with<br />
outbuilding converted into a modern gym,<br />
steam room and party space with bar.<br />
Time to town: 1¾ miles to Sittingbourne,<br />
with trains to London Bridge, Cannon<br />
St, Victoria and St Pancras.<br />
Agents: Freeman & Gray 01634 310339<br />
www.freemanandgray.com<br />
Chilmington Green<br />
£995,000<br />
The dream: An idyllic traditional farmstead<br />
style family home, built to the highest<br />
modern specifications and nestled in the<br />
countryside, yet conveniently connected to<br />
Ashford, London and the Kent coast.<br />
Where: The old hamlet of Chilmington Green is<br />
to the south-west of Ashford and on the doorstep<br />
of the Kent Downs and High Weald AONBs.<br />
Setting: Surrounded by a mixture of<br />
residential properties and countryside and<br />
opposite a new village cricket pitch.<br />
Beds: 4 Baths: 4<br />
Special features: Built to the highest standards of<br />
sustainability and energy efficiency with underfloor<br />
heating from air source heat pumps. Fibre optic,<br />
fully integrated wireless networking throughout.<br />
Pleasing details: Vaulted entrance hall<br />
windows and triple glazed bifold doors flood<br />
the house with light. The price is inclusive of<br />
all premium fittings, finishes and appliances.<br />
Outside: A fully landscaped, generous garden.<br />
Time to town: 4 miles from Ashford International,<br />
then 36 minutes to London St Pancras.<br />
Agents: Jarvis <strong>Home</strong>s 01233 630999 jarvishomes.com<br />
13<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Kent’s Finest<br />
Retirement Residence<br />
WILDERNESSE HOUSE & ESTATE<br />
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
Wildernesse House, comprising<br />
of 23 luxurious apartments<br />
in the main house all<br />
with individual layouts and features,<br />
complemented by eight newly built<br />
mews houses, has been transformed<br />
by Elysian Residences into Kent’s<br />
finest retirement community. A<br />
further 53 new build apartments, set<br />
in the leafy grounds will welcome<br />
new owners in Autumn <strong>2024</strong>.<br />
All the properties at Wildernesse<br />
House benefit from on-site 5-star hotel<br />
style facilities, including the Great Hall<br />
with bar and sitting room; the library<br />
curated by award winning Sevenoaks<br />
Bookshop, the Pavilion restaurant<br />
and health spa with swimming pool<br />
and treatment rooms, set in 24 acres<br />
of gardens and landscaped grounds.<br />
Elysian Residences Chief Executive<br />
Officer, Gavin Stein, says: “Setting a<br />
new benchmark for quality and lifestyle,<br />
Wildernesse House is a classic English<br />
country house transformed into the most<br />
exceptional retirement community in<br />
the <strong>Home</strong> Counties. With its 700 years<br />
of history, state rooms and beautiful<br />
grounds, Wildernesse House provides<br />
a unique opportunity to live in either<br />
a modernised heritage property or a<br />
newly constructed modern apartment.<br />
“What makes Wildernesse House<br />
so special is the quality of the highly<br />
trained house staff whose purpose is to<br />
provide matchless day-to-day service and<br />
a warm personal approach. This is what<br />
sets Elysian Residences apart and what<br />
makes Wildernesse House so special.”<br />
Prices at Wildernesse House start<br />
from £1,050,000 for an apartment<br />
in the main house, with brand new<br />
apartments available from Autumn<br />
<strong>2024</strong> priced from £595,0000 (other<br />
fees also apply). For further information<br />
please contact Elysian Residences at<br />
Wildernesse House Tel: 01732 60 8080<br />
or visit: www.wildernessehouse.com
SJD 297x210 adverts 01.24.qxp_Layout 1 19/01/<strong>2024</strong> 17:20 Page 2<br />
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No minimum contract length and only pay us when the sale<br />
is successfully completed<br />
CINEMATIC VIDEOS<br />
Our signature cinematic videos incorporate aerial footage that<br />
really grabs buyers’ attention<br />
ABOVE AND BEYOND<br />
Our unblemished 5 star Google rating is testament to our<br />
philosophy of exceeding your expectations<br />
www.raffertyandpickard.co.uk 01732 905499 homes@raffertyandpickard.co.uk<br />
Housing for<br />
the over-55s<br />
redesigned<br />
One and two bedroom<br />
apartments<br />
Wellbeing 360 service<br />
Hair & Beauty Salon<br />
Bistro<br />
Landscaped gardens<br />
Guest Suite<br />
Pets welcome<br />
Communal lounge<br />
Library<br />
Luxury later living<br />
for over 55s<br />
Creating an ideal environment to revel in later life is key at The Landings.<br />
Every apartment has been designed to meet your needs – creating a place<br />
where comfort, luxury and peace of mind all come as standard.<br />
Call 01732 622 576 to book an<br />
exclusive tour or visit<br />
The-Landings.org.uk<br />
The Landings, Hazen Road, Kings<br />
Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME19 4SU<br />
17<br />
priceless-magazines.com
BIDDENDEN | KENT<br />
An enchanting small estate in the heart of the Weald Of Kent<br />
6-bedroom Grade II Listed moated farmhouse<br />
3-bedroom Grade II Listed detached converted oast<br />
3-bedroom cottage with planning permission for a 4-bedroom house<br />
Grade II Listed Kent barn with potential<br />
Stables, field shelters and land<br />
In all approximately 84.26 acres<br />
01233 740077 alex.cornwallis@btfpartnership.co.uk www.btfpartnership.co.uk
Land & Property Expertst<br />
Lot 2<br />
FARNINGHAM | KENT<br />
A diverse farm with residential<br />
development opportunities and<br />
agricultural land.<br />
Lot 1<br />
House, gardens and paddock<br />
land - 5.85 acres.<br />
Guide Price: £1,750,000<br />
Lot 2<br />
Old stable yard with consent for 4<br />
residential dwellings - 0.28 acres.<br />
Guide Price: £850,000<br />
Lot 1<br />
Lot 3<br />
Buildings & yard with consent<br />
for 7 dwellings - 2.79 acres.<br />
Guide Price: £1,500,000<br />
Lot 4<br />
The Sheep Shed with<br />
residential consent - 2.23 acres.<br />
Guide Price: £650,000<br />
Lot 5<br />
South facing agricultural land<br />
28.71 acres.<br />
Guide Price: £500,000<br />
As A Whole - 39.86 acres - Guide Price : £5,145,000 Lot 5<br />
Lot 4<br />
BIDDENDEN | KENT<br />
HAWKHURST | KENT<br />
An enchanting small estate in the heart of the Weald Of Kent<br />
01233 740077<br />
A charming Tudor Grade II Listed 6-bedroom farmhouse with a<br />
separate self-contained 2-bedroom annexe.<br />
A range of sporting and equestrian facilities including a swimming<br />
pool (in need of modernisation), tennis court, ménage and stables.<br />
A variety of substantial outbuildings, with commercial planning<br />
permissions, residential and income potential.<br />
challock@btfpartnership.co.uk<br />
Grade II Listed Kent barn with potential<br />
Stables, field shelters and land<br />
A mixture of pasture, woodland and wealden ponds extending in total<br />
to approximately 82 acres.<br />
In all approximately 84.26 acres<br />
Guide Price : £3,995,000<br />
www.btfpartnership.co.uk<br />
6-bedroom Grade II Listed moated farmhouse<br />
3-bedroom Grade II Listed detached converted oast<br />
3-bedroom cottage with planning permission for a 4-bedroom house<br />
01233 740077 alex.cornwallis@btfpartnership.co.uk www.btfpartnership.co.uk
M<br />
Y<br />
Y<br />
Y
Notebook<br />
Focal Point<br />
Take note! We’ve rounded up the best<br />
of what to see and do near you<br />
Castle<br />
crescendo!<br />
Leeds Castle Concert always makes for a fabulous event and<br />
this year it returns on Saturday 13th July with a packed<br />
programme of live music, Spitfire flypasts and fireworks within<br />
the magical and historic grounds of Leeds Castle.<br />
The world-renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra will once<br />
again take to the stage, this year with a distinct nod<br />
to ABBA mania as the concert references the 50th<br />
anniversary of the iconic group’s Eurovision win.<br />
This year’s showstopping lineup will also include West<br />
End star of ‘Tina The Musical’ Elesha Paul Moses<br />
plus Lara Martins from ‘Phantom of the Opera’.<br />
What’s more there’s a reader offer, so make sure<br />
you use the code WEALD when booking<br />
your ticket for a 10% discount. Early bird<br />
discounts are also available, book online<br />
today at leedscastleconcert.co.uk<br />
Craft In Focus presents the<br />
Contemporary Craft Fair at the lovely<br />
Hever Castle from 16th to 19th <strong>May</strong><br />
featuring 140 exhibitors showcasing<br />
a diverse range of contemporary<br />
craft and art. Held amidst Hever<br />
Castle’s beautiful gardens you can<br />
enjoy live music, food and drink<br />
alongside the event. Craft In Focus<br />
selects from the finest makers from<br />
around the UK, offering a unique<br />
opportunity to appreciate and<br />
purchase original, high-quality crafts.<br />
Live demonstrations and familyfriendly<br />
attractions are sure to<br />
enrich the experience. Discounted<br />
tickets are available until 10th<br />
<strong>May</strong> with code CRAFT24.<br />
craftinfocus.com<br />
UP YOUR<br />
STREET<br />
Kingston Open Studios will<br />
see artists exhibiting work in their<br />
homes and studios on 11/12th, 18/19th<br />
and 25/26th <strong>May</strong>, from 11am to 5pm<br />
each day. This is a perfect opportunity<br />
to meet local artists, see their work and<br />
discover the techniques, passions and<br />
inspirations behind the scenes. Some<br />
exhibitors will be giving workshops<br />
or demonstrating their techniques. A<br />
highlight this year is the inaugural<br />
Kingston Young Artists competition.<br />
Shortlisted artists’ work will be<br />
exhibited at FUSEBOX during<br />
Kingston Open Studios. For details of<br />
the trail map, check out the catalogue<br />
at kingstonartistsopenstudios.co.uk
HISTORICAL HIDDEN GEM<br />
Tucked away down a side street behind ancient walls, Tonbridge Castle could<br />
easily be missed. But venture just a few steps from Tonbridge High Street<br />
and you’ll instantly be transported into a medieval world. Immerse yourself<br />
in the sights and sounds of history and explore the gatehouse, great hall and<br />
basement. And don’t miss the panoramic views from the top! The castle is<br />
open daily for tours and with its central location you can extend your outing<br />
with a stroll around the town and enjoy the local shops, pubs, restaurants<br />
and parks, all in a riverside setting. This is also a bumper year for events.<br />
Don’t miss the return of the popular Food and Drink Festival on Saturday<br />
25th and Sunday 26th <strong>May</strong> (see What’s On Festivals Special at the back of<br />
the magazine) and Artisan Market on Sunday 26th <strong>May</strong>. tonbridgecastle.org<br />
New Leaf<br />
McAllister Thomas Fine Art in<br />
Godalming are thrilled to be<br />
staging Beckie Reed’s second solo<br />
exhibition Forest Floor to Canopy<br />
featuring 15 new paintings<br />
beautifully expressing her love<br />
of woodland and treescapes. The<br />
Private View will be from 11am<br />
on Saturday 11th <strong>May</strong>. To register,<br />
call 01483 860591 or email<br />
info@mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk.<br />
Find out more at<br />
mcallisterthomasfineart.co.uk<br />
Millennium Market<br />
There has been a market in Faversham for<br />
over 1,000 years and the town is celebrating<br />
this astonishing fact by holding a one-off<br />
Millennium Market on Sunday 26th <strong>May</strong> from<br />
10am until 4pm. Expect entertainment from<br />
across the eras including hands-on activities,<br />
dressing up; live music; birds of prey; local food<br />
and drink; historical displays and, of course, a<br />
fabulous Faversham market. favershammarket.org<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
DON’T PANIC!<br />
The nation’s favourite<br />
sitcom returns to the EM Forster<br />
Theatre in Tonbridge in the highly<br />
acclaimed stage production, Dad’s Army<br />
Radio Show. Two actors, two microphones,<br />
over twenty-five characters and lots of sound<br />
effects! Three episodes of Perry and Croft’s classic<br />
BBC comedy – adapted for radio for the very first<br />
time – are hilariously and lovingly enacted on<br />
stage by two master performers. Complete with<br />
vintage music and all your favourite characters<br />
and catchphrases, you will be transported<br />
right back to Walmington. Book tickets<br />
for Thursday 6th June at 01732<br />
304241 or emftheatre.com<br />
istockphoto.com/ Oksana Nazarova / Evgeniia Siiankovskaia / Mikhail Seleznev
CAKE TASTING<br />
Scane the QR code<br />
to book!<br />
Come join us for a scrumptious afternoon of cake tasting and refreshment!<br />
Sunday 30th June <strong>2024</strong> 13:00 - 15:00<br />
l<br />
l<br />
The Bell Inn, High Street, Ticehurst, TN5 7AS<br />
Join us on Facebook & Instagram. Search Crumbs and Treacle<br />
*BOOK IN ADVANCE AND SAVE<br />
SAVE OVER<br />
£8 *<br />
on advance adult tickets<br />
using discount code<br />
CRAFT24<br />
Purchase direct<br />
from 140 of the UK’s<br />
finest contemporary<br />
craftmakers and artists<br />
Live Music • Demonstrations<br />
16 – 19 <strong>May</strong><br />
Hever Castle<br />
& Gardens<br />
TN8 7NG<br />
Putting the WOW back into Craft Fairs<br />
See website for full details on discount and admission costs<br />
Craft Fair entry included in normal Garden<br />
admission charges • RHS Members free (weekdays only)<br />
Admission £12 using offer code until Friday 10th <strong>May</strong>, valid on dates of craft fair only*<br />
9.30am – 5.30pm Daily<br />
(Garden open until 6pm daily)<br />
CIF_Hever_Spring24_130x185.indd 1 15/03/<strong>2024</strong> 09:28<br />
23<br />
priceless-magazines.com
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
Leeds Castle<br />
Concert<br />
Leeds Castle Concert will return with a packed programme for<br />
audiences to enjoy live music and entertainment within the historic<br />
setting of Leeds Castle, Kent, on Saturday 13th July.<br />
The world-renowned Royal<br />
Philharmonic Orchestra<br />
will once again be taking<br />
to the stage, this year<br />
with a touch of ABBA mania as we<br />
give a celebratory nod to the 50th<br />
anniversary of ABBA’s Eurovision win.<br />
“The Leeds Castle Concert goes<br />
from strength to strength! This year<br />
is going to be another incredibly<br />
diverse programme,” says Conductor<br />
and Artistic Director John Rigby. “I<br />
cannot wait to share the stage once<br />
again with the Royal Philharmonic<br />
Orchestra and our international line-up<br />
of soloists for what looks set to be the<br />
best party in the Kent social calendar”.<br />
The audience is invited to dust off<br />
their 1970s mod dresses and flares and<br />
come dressed ready for an afternoon of<br />
sunshine, boogie and moonlit fireworks!<br />
As always, the event will feature<br />
firing canons, an iconic Spitfire flyover<br />
and a sensational line up of soloists<br />
performing alongside John Rigby and<br />
the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.<br />
This year, for the first time, Leeds<br />
Castle Concert is delighted to welcome,<br />
straight from the West End, the<br />
incredibly talented Elesha Paul Moses.<br />
Actress, singer songwriter Elesha<br />
Paul Moses has been in the music<br />
business for over 20 years and says:<br />
“Portraying iconic figures like Whitney<br />
Houston and Tina Turner has been an<br />
extraordinary journey, shaping my career<br />
by allowing me to delve into the essence<br />
of these legendary artists. Each role has<br />
contributed to my growth as a performer,<br />
bringing a unique dimension to my craft.<br />
“As I take the stage at the Leeds Castle<br />
Concert, the influence of embodying<br />
such powerful voices infuses my<br />
performance with authenticity and a<br />
deep connection to the music, making<br />
this experience even more special”.<br />
Also taking to the stage this year<br />
will be the incomparable Lara Martins.<br />
Lara holds the record for being the<br />
longest-running Carlotta in the storied<br />
history of The Phantom of the Opera<br />
and has only recently returned to the<br />
UK, having been performing her role in<br />
Dubai. This will be Elesha and Lara’s first<br />
appearances at the Leeds Castle Concert.<br />
Reader Offer!<br />
Book with the code: WEALD<br />
and receive a 10% discount.<br />
Tickets for the Leeds Castle Concert<br />
<strong>2024</strong> are available online at<br />
www.leedscastleconcert.co.uk<br />
Early bird discounts and<br />
VIP packages are also offered for<br />
those seeking an enhanced experience.<br />
Purchase ten or more tickets<br />
and receive a 10% discount.
istockphoto.com/ Jessica Zaccaria<br />
PO.P’s new collection is a must for kids’<br />
summer outdoor explorations! There are<br />
lots of practical pieces, like zip-off waterrepellant<br />
trousers, educational tees and<br />
this vest with lots of pockets for storing<br />
natural finds. £35 at polarnopyret.co.uk<br />
must<br />
The<br />
From must-sees to must-buys and<br />
must-dos, don’t miss this month’s<br />
round up of what to buy, see, do,<br />
and generally get excited about!<br />
Kit Kemp’s latest collection for<br />
Annie Selke is as bright and<br />
pattern-packed as ever. Inspired<br />
by the New Forest, it’s just the<br />
colour-kick we’re needing to wake<br />
up our homes for summer. kitkemp.com<br />
For spring bank holiday, Bluewater shopping<br />
centre is holding a Scrumptious Food Festival<br />
from <strong>May</strong> 25-27. Expect celebrity chefs including<br />
Rosemary Shrager, street food from the likes of<br />
Whitstable Oyster Trading Company, and plenty<br />
of artisan foods to taste and shop. bluewater.co.uk<br />
As the sun begins<br />
to put its hat on,<br />
we’re heading into<br />
Sun Awareness Week and<br />
getting stocked up on sun<br />
protection. Green People’s<br />
line of organic SPF products<br />
is a great go-to for any<br />
skin type. They’ve got<br />
facial cream, age defying<br />
moisturiser, sun creams<br />
for sports, for kids, for tan<br />
boosting – basically whatever<br />
you’re after, they will likely<br />
have a solution. This is their<br />
scent-free facial sun cream<br />
which we love for how gentle<br />
it is on sensitive skin. £27.50<br />
at greenpeople.co.uk<br />
<strong>May</strong> is national walking month, and what<br />
better motivation to get on your feet and<br />
out walking than wine? Fizz on Foot’s<br />
wine tasting tours of East Sussex take you<br />
on wonderful country walks and then<br />
also guide you round one of Sussex’s various lovely<br />
vineyards. They include perks such as wine tastings,<br />
pub lunches, wildlife watching, meeting wine makers<br />
and local village tours. All in all a jolly day out that<br />
will get you moving. Win win! fizzonfoot.com<br />
As we wander about during walking month we need<br />
the right footwear. And (perfect timing!) ballet shoes<br />
remain a must-have for your summer ‘24 wardrobe.<br />
We’ve got our eyes on this ‘Carla’ pair from Blue Velvet<br />
in a beige leather. £159.99 bluevelvetshoes.com<br />
Throughout <strong>May</strong> and June,<br />
Belgravia Gallery in Cranleigh,<br />
Surrey, will be opening their<br />
showhouse for appointments. It’s a<br />
chance to view unique and diverse<br />
art in a relaxed home environment to<br />
help you envisage how it may look<br />
in situ. Expect new works by Charlie<br />
Mackesy, John Illsley (Dire Straits),<br />
Jan Coutts, Dion Salvador Lloyd<br />
and other emerging and established<br />
names. <strong>Home</strong> visits can also be<br />
arranged. belgraviagallery.com<br />
<strong>May</strong> 16 to 18 is<br />
Doughnut Week! So<br />
take the excuse to<br />
tuck into something<br />
sweet. We’re loving<br />
Crosstown’s handcrafted<br />
fresh creations which<br />
come in all sorts of fun<br />
flavours, including vegan<br />
options. They deliver anywhere<br />
in the UK and you can choose<br />
your own box of 6 from £26.28.<br />
crosstown.co.uk<br />
priceless-magazines.com
FRANCES FEATHERSTONE<br />
Frances is a figurative artist<br />
working in oils and has won<br />
‘Sky Arts Portrait Artist<br />
of the Week’ twice.<br />
BRIAN TUCKER<br />
After working in Aerospace, Brian enjoys<br />
painting watercolours of the many<br />
places he has and continues to visit.<br />
HELEN BAXTER<br />
A hobby potter, Helen is<br />
passionate about throwing<br />
pottery that is both decorative<br />
and useful. Helen’s work has been<br />
influenced by the surrounding<br />
countryside and coastline.<br />
GILL BROWN<br />
Abstract and figurative<br />
sculpture from small pieces to<br />
life size works. All are limited<br />
editions cast only in Bronze.<br />
ANNIE SOUDAIN<br />
Annie uses a variety of media, but her<br />
main focus currently is on linoprinting,<br />
mostly using the reduction method, waxresist<br />
paintings on silk, and collages.<br />
SALLY GRAFTON<br />
Bright, colourful Stoneware Ceramics.<br />
Hand made locally, to be used and<br />
enjoyed every day.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
KARIN KEIDEL-HENDERSON<br />
Contemporary jewellery using silver, gold,<br />
stones and natural materials. Karin’s work<br />
is inspired by the fluidity of nature and the<br />
changing seasons.<br />
JUDE ASKEY-BROWN<br />
Painter, Ashford<br />
Art from across<br />
THE WEALD<br />
Over 200 artists from across Kent, Sussex and the Surrey borders are getting<br />
ready to welcome visitors to South East Open Studios this June – a unique chance<br />
to explore open art studios showcasing a range of creative mediums<br />
Find out where you can<br />
explore a huge variety<br />
of artists’ studios,<br />
engage in conversations,<br />
witness demonstrations, acquire<br />
remarkable pieces, and support<br />
a vibrant arts community. Join<br />
South East Open Studios for a<br />
celebration of artistic expression!<br />
Held each summer, this event<br />
inspires interest in the visual arts as<br />
artists open their studios and exhibition<br />
spaces, giving you the chance to engage<br />
in conversations about their work,<br />
witness demonstrations, and perhaps<br />
acquire new pieces of art to love or gift.<br />
SEOS aspire to cultivate ongoing<br />
interest in the work of artists and<br />
makers, fostering connections between<br />
artists, art lovers, and communities,<br />
enhancing the regional arts scene.<br />
Organised by artists and makers,<br />
SEOS welcomes everyone, striving<br />
to build a vibrant and sustainable<br />
creative community. Support this<br />
initiative and be part of this journey<br />
to enrich the cultural landscape.<br />
1-30 JUNE <strong>2024</strong><br />
Find out more about art trails, artists, galleries and<br />
more, and plan a day out at www.seos-art.org
Custodians of History<br />
Words: Damien Pestell<br />
Photographs: David Merewether<br />
Inspired by her family home’s centuries of history, and her lifelong interest in property,<br />
Claire Whisker has drawn on the skills she has learned during the ups and downs of her<br />
seven-year-long house renovation to create a successful new business venture<br />
From a young age I’ve always lived<br />
in older houses. The home I grew<br />
up in was an old farmhouse which<br />
had been around for the best part of<br />
500 years. It had a bit of a life of its own<br />
and would creak and groan with the<br />
seasons. We also had black and white<br />
photos of the previous owners who ran<br />
it as a farm and worked the land. When<br />
I grew up and bought my own home,<br />
it was always the older ones that caught<br />
my eye and captured my imagination.<br />
So it was lovely to meet Claire Whisker,<br />
a barrister turned entrepreneur who<br />
shares my fondness for older homes<br />
and the stories they have to tell.<br />
During our time together Claire<br />
spoke of her lifelong journey with<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
28
property, the incredible family home<br />
she’s lovingly restored and an exciting<br />
new business venture which supports<br />
homebuyers. Sitting down with Claire<br />
I detect a slight accent as we begin to<br />
talk, which I discretely try to pinpoint<br />
before she tells me, “I’m from Northern<br />
Ireland but I grew up in Australia.”<br />
Claire who now lives in a small village<br />
just outside of Faversham with her<br />
husband Jonny and two girls was born<br />
in Northern Ireland, but her family <br />
This page: The rich<br />
red dining room is<br />
the perfect place to host<br />
Christmas gatherings and is still<br />
complete with its original butler bell<br />
secreted away under the table<br />
29<br />
priceless-magazines.com
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
One Couple - One Solicitor<br />
Due to the emotions involved<br />
in a separation it is<br />
unsurprising that so many<br />
divorces result in conflict.<br />
At ThomasHaywood we<br />
recognise that conflict is not good for the<br />
health of the parties or their children. It<br />
is better to engage in a process that can<br />
be concluded more quickly than going<br />
to court, where the settlement you reach<br />
is a compromise between you, rather<br />
than having something imposed upon<br />
you by a Judge who does not know you<br />
or your family. You will emerge from<br />
the process with a settlement that you<br />
can both live with meaning that your<br />
overall experience of your separation will<br />
be better for you, and your children.<br />
ThomasHaywood established One<br />
Couple One Solicitor as a way of allowing<br />
our solicitors to work with and advise<br />
couples jointly, providing legal advice<br />
to help you to resolve financial matters<br />
or arrangements for your children.<br />
This new way of working comes<br />
after the implementation of the Divorce,<br />
Dissolution and Separation Act which<br />
allows couples, for the first time, to make<br />
joint applications to end a marriage.<br />
Our process will identify your<br />
individual aims and needs and then help<br />
you to narrow the issues between you,<br />
using our experience and expertise to<br />
create a fair outcome without the need<br />
to attend court. By keeping your matter<br />
away from the court process, it means<br />
that you can resolve any issues more<br />
quickly, privately and cost effectively.<br />
If this process is not suitable for<br />
you, we will advise you of the alternative<br />
routes available. If you would like to<br />
discuss this further, please contact<br />
Sarah Haywood on 01892 765013 or<br />
sarah@thomashaywoodsolicitors.com<br />
ThomasHaywood<br />
Family Law Solicitors<br />
One couple - One solicitor<br />
Tunbridge Wells - Maidstone - London<br />
Sarah Haywood : 01892 765013<br />
Juliet Franklin : 01892 765017<br />
www.thomashaywoodsolicitors.com<br />
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This page: Claire and Jonny have been careful<br />
to find the right balance between traditional<br />
and contemporary furnishings throughout the<br />
house. In the kitchen, one of the oldest rooms<br />
in the house, Claire and Jonny have deliberately<br />
kept the fridges under counter to maintain the old<br />
fashioned look. A beamed nook area has become<br />
their girls’ living room, complete with a woodburner<br />
relocated when she was young, a move<br />
instigated by her father, who is a bit of<br />
an inspiration for Claire. “My parents are<br />
amazing, they moved us so that we could<br />
have a better life and also enjoy more<br />
sailing in the sun,” she says. And it was<br />
Perth on the west coast of Australia where<br />
Claire’s interest in property first began,<br />
“My dad started a number of property<br />
companies there and my sister and I<br />
would tag along at the weekend for his<br />
site visits. I think from those early days I<br />
have property running through my veins.”<br />
Growing up, Claire went on to study<br />
law at university before packing her<br />
bags for the UK and the bright lights of<br />
London. Once there, she quickly settled<br />
into her new life. Initially working in <br />
31<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Above: Over the course of their seven year renovation,<br />
Claire and Jonny were careful to preserve as many of the<br />
original features of the house as possible, as is evident here<br />
in the entrance hall Left: The downstairs cloakroom<br />
law before switching to the dynamic world of startups. “I<br />
was a barrister for a number of years but I joined a startup in<br />
the early 2000s which got me more interested in the business<br />
side of things.” Working for the startup was a great move for<br />
Claire and it became a stepping stone for starting a business<br />
of her own in 2011. “It was a short let business called Veeve.<br />
We thought people would rent their home out for a bit of<br />
extra money.” The business grew rapidly and opened offices<br />
in Paris as well as Los Angeles. But in 2018, Claire decided it<br />
was time to step down and she sold her stake in the company<br />
to start a new chapter and a family with husband Jonny.<br />
A few years prior, during the market peak of 2014,<br />
Claire and Jonny had started looking for a place together in<br />
London. But the market was tough for buyers and forced<br />
them to take a different approach. “Prices in the London<br />
property market were so high at the time and the market was<br />
really competitive. We were gazumped twice in the space of<br />
a couple of months, so decided to see what we could find<br />
an hour further out,” she remembers. Their widened search<br />
soon opened their eyes to a different way of life. “We never<br />
actually planned on leaving London. But we just fell in love!”<br />
The home they fell for was a 10 bedroom former country<br />
estate in a small village in Kent. They quickly had an offer<br />
accepted and were days away from completion when they<br />
got a call. “We were about to complete when we received <br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
32
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<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Half Half page page MG MG Ad.indd Ad.indd 1 1 34<br />
15/06/2022 09:33:14<br />
09:33:14
This page: A portrait-lined corridor off the panelled entrance hall leads through to the dining<br />
and drawing rooms, with a staircase that winds up to the family bedrooms<br />
a message saying the deal was off. We were<br />
so upset.” However, not wanting to walk<br />
away, Claire made a final attempt to secure<br />
the house. “I wrote a letter offering a<br />
higher price and, hey presto, we were back<br />
on! I still don’t know what happened.”<br />
The sale went through and, although<br />
joyful at getting their new home, they felt<br />
let down by the process. “It was incredibly<br />
stressful. We couldn’t speak to anyone and<br />
we didn’t know what was happening.”<br />
During lockdown Claire and Jonny<br />
found out about buying agents and<br />
realised that they could help make the<br />
system fairer. “If you are selling your<br />
home, you have an estate agent on your<br />
side to help you achieve the highest price<br />
and get the deal over the line, but <br />
35<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Top & above left: Claire and Jonny decided to keep the bead-laden chandelier in the formal drawing room that was inherited from<br />
Sole Street’s previous owner. It’s complemented by voluminous gold curtains which add a regal glow to this beautifully proportioned<br />
room Above right: Over the other side of the house lies a smaller, snug sitting room which is bathed in afternoon light<br />
there is no one to represent the interests<br />
of the buyer. If we’d had an agent with a<br />
direct line to the other agent we would<br />
have saved so much time and money.”<br />
Claire and Jonny’s situation was also<br />
compounded by post contract issues<br />
which, if they’d known about, may<br />
have stopped the purchase. “It was an<br />
absolute minefield. We’d taken on a<br />
period property, with all of the issues<br />
this typically comes with, including old<br />
wiring, a septic tank, a roof greatly in need<br />
of repair, as well as a large parcel of land<br />
(the property sits in almost 30 acres) and<br />
a sitting tenant. We probably shouldn’t<br />
have bought it, but we just didn’t know<br />
what we were letting ourselves in for.”<br />
With time they worked through the<br />
issues and formed a great relationship<br />
with the existing tenant, who lives with<br />
her family in a characterful flat above<br />
one of the stable blocks, and continues<br />
to run a successful livery there.<br />
In 2023, the couple used their<br />
experience to create First in the Door,<br />
a property advisory platform aimed at<br />
helping other buyers, ensuring they don’t<br />
have the same negative experience as<br />
they did. Claire explains, “We connect<br />
homebuyers with buying agents who<br />
represent and assist them through the<br />
whole buying process, from providing<br />
access to private and off-market sales, to<br />
negotiating purchase terms, liaising with<br />
all third parties and helping manage the<br />
entire process through to completion. <br />
priceless-magazines.com 36
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SashWindowHeritageWT187.indd 1 15/08/2017 15:18<br />
Equity Release in the current market<br />
ocal adviser, Sarah Ferrell, is still<br />
speaking with people who are retired, or<br />
Lapproaching retirement, and who need<br />
to raise finance for a variety of reasons.<br />
Equity Release can provide a<br />
safe and welcome solution.<br />
Why might I consider Equity Release?<br />
Equity Release may be a suitable option<br />
to repay a mortgage, fund home<br />
improvements, gift to family or to supplement<br />
income. The current cost of living is a<br />
concern for many, and utilising one’s<br />
property to release funds is an option,<br />
particularly for people on fixed incomes.<br />
Back to basics<br />
With some plans, no interest is paid and<br />
the interest “rolls up” over the lifetime of<br />
the plan. Many plans allow interest to be<br />
paid on a regular or ad hoc basis which<br />
enables clients to raise the capital they<br />
need without the longer-term costs they<br />
have potentially been worried about.<br />
It is usual for a plan to be repaid from<br />
the sale proceeds of the property<br />
when the (last) client dies.<br />
Do current interest rates make<br />
Equity Release less attractive?<br />
Regardless of the economy, people may have<br />
a need for finance. Many schemes allow for<br />
an initial advance (typically from £10,000)<br />
plus a reserve facility that can be drawn as<br />
and when needed. The advantage of this<br />
type of scheme is that interest is charged at<br />
the prevailing rate when the funds are drawn.<br />
Depending on the reason and the urgency<br />
for the funds, it is therefore possible to monitor<br />
interest rates and opt to draw down funds when<br />
rates are at a level you feel comfortable with.<br />
What is your advice to people<br />
considering Equity Release?<br />
I feel it is important to carefully think about why<br />
you are looking at Equity Release and about the<br />
amount of money needed. I am a great advocate<br />
of Equity Release as I have seen people’s lives<br />
change when financial pressures are relieved,<br />
however as it is a transaction that will “last a<br />
lifetime”, careful consideration and good advice<br />
is needed before embarking on an application.<br />
I have over 29 years’ experience in finance<br />
and 10 years specialising in Equity Release.<br />
I am happy to visit clients at home<br />
and will offer flexible times to suit.<br />
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
Call Sarah on<br />
01622 631372 or 07789 007447<br />
or e-mail her at<br />
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You may find answers to<br />
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www.ferrellfinancial.co.uk<br />
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There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances.<br />
Ferrell Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number: 678768<br />
37<br />
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KarlTerryWT229.indd 1 07/05/2021 12:40<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
38
We have agents across the country including Kent, Sussex,<br />
London and the Cotswolds.”<br />
Back to the house and when tackling the renovation their<br />
focus was on how to best do it justice. Claire remembers,<br />
“The previous owner had converted it into four flats, so we<br />
spent time bringing it back into a single home and generally<br />
updating it.” Another challenge was bringing the different<br />
ages of the home together. “It’s got origins in the 1500s but<br />
with Georgian and Victorian extensions. So it’s a real mix.”<br />
Claire and Jonny renovated the house in stages across a seven<br />
year period, patiently modernising whilst bringing it back into<br />
a single home. “We’ve tried to keep it all connected to create<br />
some flow, so have opted for similar paint colours throughout.<br />
Our decorator Paul Evans has been amazing – he comes to stay<br />
with us for 2-4 weeks at a time and gets a lot done.” It was also<br />
important for them to respect the rich history of the house. <br />
Clockwise from above left: A piece by artist Sabina Pieper<br />
hangs on the ascent up to the landing in the section of the<br />
house that contains the guest bedrooms; a lovely slipper bath<br />
awaits guest use; cosy bedrooms with soft carpets offer a<br />
warm welcome in this lower-ceilinged part of the house<br />
39<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Top & right: One of the couple’s daughter’s<br />
rooms has views out over the garden through<br />
generous bay windows. Claire found the<br />
beautiful oval mirror, that looks like it was<br />
made to measure above the fireplace, in<br />
Ralph’s at The Mall Antiques in Faversham<br />
Below: A cosy seating area in one of the guest<br />
bedrooms in the other side of the house<br />
“We’ve kept it in the country house style<br />
and tried to remain true to its origins.”<br />
The result is a wonderful family<br />
home equipped for modern life but<br />
full of character. And while it still has<br />
its quirks the family has fully embraced<br />
them into their way of life. “We’re a<br />
family of four, so we don’t need all<br />
this space but we really love hosting<br />
people. So the house contracts and<br />
expands depending on who’s staying.”<br />
Walking around there are signs of<br />
the history of the home everywhere<br />
you look, but it’s the most recent<br />
incarnation as a country estate that<br />
really stands out. It’s a time Claire has<br />
been able to learn much about thanks to<br />
extraordinary connections that she made<br />
through some of the previous owners.<br />
“I got to know two of the people who<br />
used to live here quite well. Arthur was<br />
the son of the owners of the house and<br />
Ivy was the housekeeper. She lived in<br />
the cottage next door and was there for<br />
70 years.” A handful of times Claire had<br />
Ivy and Arthur round to the house for<br />
afternoon tea, where they shared their <br />
priceless-magazines.com 40
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families and businesses flourish through the power of<br />
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Our newly increased presence in Tunbridge Wells and the<br />
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Natasha Etherton<br />
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Evelyn Partners Financial Planning<br />
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Accountancy services are provided by Evelyn Partners LLP which is Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range<br />
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This page: The main bedroom and en suite.<br />
In the capacious bathroom the bath is raised<br />
on a platform below a twinkling chandelier.<br />
The wall colours are Sulking Room Pink<br />
and Setting Plaster by Farrow & Ball<br />
unique perspectives. “I asked Arthur<br />
about the different rooms in the house<br />
but he said Ivy would know better<br />
than him because he didn’t go into the<br />
servants’ areas like the kitchen.” And<br />
for Ivy it was a shock just being a guest<br />
alongside Arthur. Claire explained, “We<br />
were sitting in the drawing room and<br />
Ivy couldn’t believe she was there as a<br />
guest with Arthur and his daughter Cary.<br />
She had waited on his family her whole<br />
life and those barriers were still there.”<br />
Arthur and Ivy both died around<br />
the same time a few years ago but<br />
Claire’s lasting feeling is one of privilege.<br />
“I was just so lucky to spend that<br />
time with them both,” she says.<br />
Back in the present day and in the<br />
dining room Claire demonstrates the<br />
foot operated butler bell which still<br />
works today. Positioned under the<br />
dining table it shows just how much life<br />
has changed. The system is a source of<br />
much amusement for Claire’s two girls<br />
who enjoy playing in here. She jokes,<br />
“There’s a butler bell in all the rooms<br />
but sadly the butler never comes.” The<br />
room is also a great place to host guests.<br />
“It’s perfect for Christmas dinners as you<br />
can fit 16-17 people around the table.”<br />
Entering the kitchen – which was<br />
completely renovated by Burnhill<br />
Kitchens – you can see further evidence<br />
of the house as it would have been, with<br />
the servants’ area still boxed out behind a<br />
curtain. This being one of the oldest (and<br />
coldest) rooms in the house, Claire and<br />
Jonny have tried to honour it by bringing<br />
in more light through glazed doors and<br />
have deliberately kept the fridges under<br />
counter to maintain the old fashioned<br />
look. “Naos Floors did a brilliant job of<br />
warming up this north-facing room with<br />
underfloor heating and big flagstone<br />
tiles,” she explains. In the corner of the<br />
room a beamed nook area has become the<br />
girls’ living room. “It was a big cupboard<br />
before which we opened out and fitted<br />
with a woodburner. They love it,”<br />
Accessed via the kitchen is also the <br />
43<br />
priceless-magazines.com
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<strong>May</strong>_<strong>Wealden</strong><strong>Times</strong>_K-WT01.indd 1 11/04/<strong>2024</strong> 14:02
Top: The Victorian greenhouse has been restored and now provides the perfect summer dining space Image © Kim at Kent Life Photography kentlifephotography.co.uk<br />
original cellar and perhaps the world’s<br />
most precarious pantry. Positioned as<br />
it is around the open stairwell. On the<br />
way down the stairs Claire points out<br />
a note on the wall. Written by her dad<br />
it reads, ‘Cleaning schedule: 1st clean<br />
1587, 2nd clean 2018’. “He’s so funny,”<br />
Claire smiles. Down the steps and a maze<br />
of dimly lit rooms stretches out under<br />
the house which are spooky enough<br />
before Claire tells me that supposedly<br />
prisoners of war were held down here<br />
during the Napoleonic wars...<br />
Moving swiftly back upstairs we head<br />
outside the house where there was plenty<br />
more for Jonny and Claire to do.<br />
“In lockdown we did a lot of work in<br />
the garden. It was incredibly overgrown.<br />
We cleared a couple of acres of laurel<br />
and brambles and thinned out trees<br />
to let the light in.” The clearing work<br />
included the discovery and restoration<br />
of an old Victorian greenhouse. “We<br />
found someone to refurbish it and it<br />
all still works and the windows open.<br />
We use it as a sort of outdoor dining<br />
space. It has a vine growing through it<br />
that’s about 130 years old and it still<br />
produces the most fabulous grapes. Our<br />
gardener is going to make wine this<br />
summer and give us a couple of bottles.”<br />
Near the house there is also a concreted<br />
area that was once a pool. “There was<br />
a swimming pool put in, but when<br />
World War II broke out they turned<br />
it into a bunker. Arthur remembers<br />
hiding down there as a teenager with his<br />
nanny and watching the Spitfires raging<br />
overhead.” Past the girls’ treehouse and<br />
there’s another piece of history on the<br />
lawns. “There was a grass tennis court<br />
here where Virginia Wade used to play<br />
because she was friendly with the family.”<br />
It was a joy to meet Claire and discover<br />
more about her life and journey with<br />
property. In Jonny and Claire, the house<br />
has found the perfect owners. A couple<br />
who have not only lovingly brought<br />
the house back to life, but also the ideal<br />
custodians for the wealth of stories that<br />
it holds. The real value of a home, after<br />
all, lies not within the physical bricks and<br />
mortar but the people who reside within<br />
it. Anyway, aren’t we all just custodians<br />
of the homes we live in, adding our own<br />
stories to the rich timeline of their lives?<br />
Address Book:<br />
To explore area and buying guides<br />
and find out how Claire and her<br />
team can connect you with the<br />
right buying agent through<br />
First in the Door, see firstinthedoor.com<br />
Burnhill Kitchens burnhillkitchens.co.uk<br />
Lindsay Woolley of Fabrics in<br />
Canterbury fabricsincanterburyltd.com<br />
Ralph Lane at The Mall Antiques,<br />
47b The Mall, Faversham ME13 8LP.<br />
Naos Floors naosfloors.com<br />
Nicol Warnock Curtains<br />
07521 294986<br />
Paul Evans (decorator) 07506 646942<br />
45<br />
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<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />
Midsummer<br />
Fa i r<br />
Book your<br />
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Why I love<br />
<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />
Midsummer Fair<br />
Loyal reader Jo tells us why she’s such a fan of the Fair.<br />
For me the Midsummer Fair feels like a garden party but with shops!<br />
And not just the same old shops – these are independent retailers,<br />
who have put their heart and soul into designing, making, and<br />
sourcing unique products that you won’t find anywhere else.<br />
Set in the beautiful grounds of Hole Park, as soon as I see the<br />
marquees festooned in bunting, I get excited about what I might<br />
soon discover. But above all, it’s a day out that I really look<br />
forward to – precious time with my daughter and often as not, a<br />
chance to catch up with some of my best friends too. This year we will definitely<br />
make time to wander around the glorious gardens of Hole Park itself, it is after all<br />
included in the ticket price, so we really should.<br />
The best coffee<br />
First things first we’ll grab ourselves<br />
a delicious coffee at the Coffee<br />
Stop sponsored by Evelyn Partners<br />
and then turn either left to the<br />
Blue Marquee or right to the Red<br />
Marquee. Sometimes, if we’ve had a<br />
lazy start, we skip past the crowds at<br />
the beginning and get our coffee from<br />
one of the street food vendors at the<br />
bottom and then start our shopping<br />
in Yellow or Green. We’ll catch the<br />
other marquees later in our circuit!<br />
Foodie gifts &<br />
treats<br />
We always enjoy<br />
the Artisanal Food<br />
Avenue. It’s where I<br />
stock up on curry sauces,<br />
coffee beans, and condiments. I’m also a<br />
sucker for a sample, especially the gins,<br />
the rums, and the damson liquors! But<br />
what’s really nice is buying food with<br />
provenance, straight from the people<br />
who’ve made it. I always think that it<br />
tastes better when you do.<br />
6-8th June <strong>2024</strong>, Hole Park, Rolvenden, Kent, TN17 4JB
Lunch in the sunshine<br />
We pause our shopping for a moment,<br />
grab a table or a hay bale in the catering<br />
area and sit and enjoy a fresh salad,<br />
maybe some Indonesian curry, and<br />
almost certainly a glass of Pimm’s. The<br />
Midsummer Fair stewards in pink are<br />
always busy running around clearing tables<br />
or finding chairs for those who need one,<br />
so we always find a nice spot.<br />
Local school choirs<br />
My friend’s daughter is singing<br />
with her school choir, so we’ll<br />
pop back a bit later to listen to<br />
them. We might have cake too.<br />
Quote<br />
EARLY24 *<br />
for £1 off each ticket<br />
Garden ware & plants<br />
I usually leave the Midsummer Fair<br />
inspired to live a little more alfresco.<br />
They have everything from<br />
shepherd’s huts to squirrel’s nuts.<br />
Bird feeders, flowers, and<br />
funky deck chairs too. Those<br />
magnificent ancient olive<br />
trees are back – they were<br />
a real hit last year – plus<br />
the latest outdoor furniture<br />
and so much more.<br />
Summer fashion<br />
With our holidays ahead of us,<br />
this is the best time to update my<br />
summer wardrobe – there’s always<br />
something I find that I know I’m<br />
going to love wearing when we’re<br />
away. It’s also so nice shopping<br />
with mates, mums, and daughters<br />
– we always seem to egg each other<br />
on to get this top or that dress. I<br />
love it.<br />
Book your timed ticket now at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk
Quote<br />
EARLY24 *<br />
for £1 off each ticket<br />
220+<br />
hand-picked<br />
independent<br />
retailers<br />
We’ve hand-picked lots of fabulous new<br />
designers, creators, and makers for this year’s fair<br />
– here are just a few to whet your appetite.<br />
<strong>Home</strong>s & Interiors<br />
Mae <strong>Home</strong>ware<br />
Mae <strong>Home</strong>ware &<br />
Fowle Hall Flowers<br />
are a mother daughter<br />
duo, selling luxury faux<br />
flower creations and<br />
lovely homeware.<br />
Sofas & Stuff<br />
Sofas & Stuff create bespoke<br />
sofas, chairs and beds, offering<br />
customers a high level of<br />
choice and individual creativity,<br />
all handmade to order.<br />
Forsham Oak<br />
Shepherd’s Hut<br />
Whether you’re glamping<br />
in the garden or need<br />
an extra room for<br />
friends or family, speak<br />
to Forsham Oak about<br />
the joys and benefits<br />
of a Shepherd’s Hut.<br />
The Spongeware<br />
Company<br />
Samantha Lindsay’s<br />
exquisite, and highly<br />
collectable Spongeware<br />
placemats and coasters<br />
will enhance an elegant<br />
dining room or a rustic<br />
country kitchen.<br />
Book your<br />
tickets today<br />
wealdentimesfair.co.uk<br />
Kate Please<br />
Kate Please’s range of gifts, tableware, and prints are all<br />
inspired by the countryside. Whilst the Chilcottuk.com<br />
range for home or hound, draws inspiration from their<br />
farm, set high in the beautiful Brecon Beacons.<br />
Vintage<br />
Upholstery<br />
Rebecca Wright at<br />
Vintage Upholstery<br />
brings old furniture back<br />
to life, with a flourish.<br />
Her newly upholstered<br />
chairs, reborn in vintage<br />
fabrics, will inspire you<br />
to update some of your<br />
favourite pieces from<br />
home. Give her a project<br />
– she’s really rather good!<br />
Sponsored by
Fashion<br />
We love how By Kala x (pictured below) use<br />
vibrant African prints across both clothing and<br />
home furnishings ranges. And how<br />
Edit-One Dresses incorporate artisan<br />
techniques of smocking, embroidery, and cutwork<br />
into their stunningly beautiful dresses.<br />
Whilst La Gazelle’s unique range of clothes<br />
includes colourful vintage Berber fabrics, with<br />
a focus on recycled and distinctive materials.<br />
We’re delighted<br />
to introduce our<br />
Coffee Stop and<br />
Deck Chair Zone<br />
Sponsor<br />
Astarte Collective Ibiza<br />
The Astarte Collective Ibiza,<br />
bring their Balearic bohemian<br />
fashion, homeware, and gifts to<br />
the Fair for the first time and<br />
we can’t wait to see them.<br />
Bey Tree<br />
We adore Bey Tree’s dresses and tops, made<br />
from upcycled silk saris. Check out their Good<br />
Lookers sunglasses on their stand too.<br />
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help you manage your<br />
combined wealth and tax<br />
needs or run your business?<br />
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uniquely placed to give you<br />
the help and advice you<br />
need, all under one roof.<br />
Come and meet us at the<br />
Fair on our stand at the Coffee<br />
Stop to say hello and discuss<br />
your needs.<br />
Frangipani<br />
And if you’re looking for the perfect<br />
holiday shirt for him, make a beeline<br />
for Frangipani.<br />
Wealth and tax advice<br />
for life. Accountancy<br />
services for business.<br />
<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />
Midsummer<br />
Fa i r<br />
wealdentimes-fair.co.uk<br />
Join us on 6th-8th JUNE <strong>2024</strong><br />
9.00am - 5.00pm<br />
at Hole Park, Rolvenden TN17 4JB<br />
Find out more about these and all other exhibitors at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk<br />
*Discount available on adult tickets only, offer valid until midnight 24.05.24. Not valid with any other offer.
Two<br />
become<br />
one<br />
Words: Jo Arnell<br />
Photographs: David Merewether<br />
When Emma Spencer moved into her<br />
sixteenth century home, its unusual<br />
layout was a dead giveaway that it had<br />
originally been two separate cottages.<br />
With a complete interior remodel,<br />
Emma has respectfully updated this<br />
characterful building, adjusting its<br />
layout to bring in an abundance of<br />
light and create a new sense of space<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
52
53<br />
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Previous pages & this page: Right in the centre of the<br />
house, the spacious dining area has been painted white with<br />
exposed oak beams, a large dining table, original brick floor<br />
and a huge inglenook fireplace, complete with disco ball<br />
Listed properties, protected and preserved – as they<br />
should be – by planning laws, can make updating<br />
complicated and time consuming, building<br />
consent has to be applied for and changes can be hard<br />
to make. Remarkably Emma Spencer’s sixteenth century<br />
house in Iden Green is not listed, which has meant that<br />
she’s been able to remodel the interior and make much<br />
better use of the spaces, respectfully bringing it up to<br />
date, without compromising the building’s integrity.<br />
Keen to make a practical home for her family, Emma<br />
set to work redesigning the layout, removing walls and<br />
improving the interior flow. A daunting prospect you<br />
might think, but Emma relished the project. It helps that<br />
she has her own interiors business, Emma Spencer Design,<br />
and that she had a clear vision of what was needed.<br />
“It was someone’s second home when I bought it and<br />
had a really quirky layout,” explains Emma. “It was two<br />
cottages at one point, but that was a long time ago.<br />
it wasn’t hard to reimagine the spaces.” Emma<br />
So there were still two staircases, which compromised positions herself between an architect and a builder<br />
the rooms upstairs. The kitchen was originally three – an area that would benefit from a title – perhaps<br />
rooms with just a narrow corridor out to the garden.” a structural interior designer, because she does<br />
She started by opening up the whole of the interior, to more than a room layout and decorating job.<br />
let in much needed light and create an airier feel.<br />
“Interior design is not just about putting a colour on<br />
“I use a great builder, and as I do this for a living, a wall. My job is the step before that – and it’s good <br />
55<br />
priceless-magazines.com
This page: Steps from the dining room lead through a snug<br />
and into a guest suite and office area. Emma sourced the<br />
leather and wood chair from Duck & Dog in Cranbrook<br />
to get involved at an early stage, so that decisions can<br />
be made with the end result in mind.” Frustratingly<br />
this is often not the case, as clients tend to see the<br />
two processes as separate, rather than as a part of the<br />
whole. “Architects will be focusing on a different side<br />
of the project, and might not be prioritising the aspects<br />
that become key once you are living in the space.”<br />
Emma had firm ideas about the style of her own<br />
interior too and was quick to move on from the house’s<br />
existing country aesthetic. “I wanted to strip it from the<br />
farmhouse look,” she says. “The kitchen was old wooden<br />
units that were nice, but dated. I wanted it lighter and<br />
brighter, so the chintzy curtains all came down.”<br />
A key factor in keeping things calm and uncluttered is<br />
the very useful utility room tucked behind the kitchen that<br />
“had to be tanked because we’re on a slope.” The slope of<br />
the land means that the kitchen is much lower than the rest<br />
of the house, but is an important area and needed careful<br />
thought. “We put in a new staircase down to the kitchen<br />
and approached the room in two sections,” Emma explains.<br />
“The base units went in first. The worktop is Corian and<br />
it’s nice in here at night too, as it’s lit under the cabinets. I<br />
like things to feel streamlined. You can add in colour with<br />
accessories – details like plug sockets are really important.<br />
You can install a more reasonably priced kitchen, but<br />
include more expensive taps and sink and accessories.”<br />
The kitchen now has a sleek, pared-back Scandi feel,<br />
but nevertheless it has a warm atmosphere and the<br />
resin floor has underfloor heating. The slope has<br />
<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
56
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WhiteheadMoncktonWT254.indd 1 26/05/2023 10:56:06 SBIWT244.indd 1 27/07/2022 11:26<br />
58
This page: A cosy single guest bedroom<br />
doubles up as a work space. The orange<br />
table lamp is by Artemide<br />
meant that the house is effectively<br />
on two levels, making the layout<br />
interesting and characterful and<br />
effectively creating two separate<br />
living spaces. “It’s south facing and<br />
there’s a lovely pool just outside,<br />
so it’s a nice entertaining space.”<br />
We head up to the spacious dining<br />
area situated in the middle of the<br />
house. Painted white with exposed oak<br />
beams, the large dining table, original<br />
brick floor and a huge inglenook<br />
fireplace make this room feel warm<br />
and bright. “The floor’s very practical,<br />
I really like it,” she says, “and would<br />
definitely put it into another house.”<br />
These features have immense character<br />
and help to make this central section<br />
into the heart of the house. “We<br />
have lovely candlelit dinner parties<br />
in here,” says Emma “and we’re right<br />
next to a pub, too. The footpath next<br />
to the house leads to the communal<br />
orchard and to the woods. You can<br />
walk up to Benenden through there.”<br />
The other rooms and the stairs<br />
to the top floor lead off from here.<br />
Through one door there’s a very useful<br />
office and downstairs cloakroom,<br />
and at the other end, another door<br />
opens into the sitting room. There are<br />
elevated views out across the orchard<br />
from in here, because it is effectively<br />
on the first floor. There’s a double<br />
aspect and the walls were originally<br />
painted white, so it was very bright.<br />
Although Emma is keen on light and<br />
airy spaces, she felt that a sitting room<br />
needed to have a more cosy atmosphere<br />
and painted it dark grey/green.<br />
“The kitchen is sunny and light and<br />
contrasts well with the sitting room.<br />
I love this dark colour now too – it’s<br />
Squid Ink by Paint & Paper Library.<br />
We installed the fireplace and put in<br />
the shelves to make it cosy. I changed<br />
the lighting in here too – it’s all side<br />
lights because of the ceilings.” As with<br />
many vernacular houses, the ceilings<br />
are low, but this is a bonus if you’re<br />
creating a snug, tucked away feel. <br />
59<br />
priceless-magazines.com
This page: The sitting room is painted in Squid Ink by Paint & Paper<br />
Library. Emma installed a woodburner and a wall of shelving to make it<br />
cosy and changed the lighting to side lights because of the ceiling height<br />
We head upstairs past a quirky chandelier, which on closer<br />
inspection turns out to be made entirely from magnifying<br />
glasses, and into the main bedroom. Emma explains how the<br />
layout has changed up here, from an awkward arrangement<br />
of rooms, accessed via the two original staircases, to an open<br />
and airy combination of useful spaces. “You had to walk<br />
through the main bedroom to get to a second bedroom.<br />
When we took out the staircase we changed the layout of<br />
the upstairs so that the children had separate entrances<br />
<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
60
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This page, clockwise from top left: The durable brick flooring<br />
is very forgiving and, alongside the bare wood beams, its deep<br />
terracotta tones add a warmth to the white walls of the dining<br />
room; steps lead down from the hallway into the kitchen;<br />
the magnifying glass chandelier is an old design by Habitat<br />
to their bedrooms and the main bedroom now has<br />
a spacious en suite – and a walk in dressing room.”<br />
The en suite is a good size with plenty of space for a<br />
free-standing slipper bath, which, together with the<br />
dressing room, adds a touch of opulence.<br />
“I embrace the old, but like to make it more<br />
contemporary too – to keep a building’s heart and<br />
character, embrace the features that were here, but<br />
freshen it up.” The overall design in here is simple and<br />
stylish, the pared-back colour scheme accessorised with<br />
hints of peachy pink fuzz (apparently the Pantone colour<br />
of <strong>2024</strong>) in the luxurious linen and finishing details.<br />
Maximising useful space is a key part of any<br />
redesign, as is streamlining any added storage.<br />
Emma had planned to make an en suite for son<br />
Joe’s room, but – and we can guess what most boys<br />
might prefer – instead it’s a den and gaming room.<br />
“While we were doing it I had cupboards<br />
built into the wall,” Emma explains. “You need<br />
to have wardrobes, but they can be bulky – it’s<br />
much better when they can be fitted.”<br />
Incorporating storage, reorganising the flow of <br />
63<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Oak Framed Buildings<br />
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FoxFramingWT247.indd 1 31/10/2022 16:11<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
64
This page: The slope of the land means that the kitchen is much lower than the rest of the house. The sleek, pared-back look comes<br />
courtesy of Corian worktops and gloss white cabinetry. Lighting under the cabinets means that it’s a great evening entertaining space, too<br />
the rooms to suit family life needs to<br />
be thought about at the beginning<br />
of the process, as retrofitting can<br />
end up being either impossible, or<br />
expensive. Emma is an expert at<br />
visualising the structural changes that<br />
can transform a home. She emphasises<br />
that, wherever possible, she likes to be<br />
involved at the start of a project, so<br />
that costly mistakes can be avoided.<br />
“I knew at the very beginning what<br />
I wanted to do here and then I knew<br />
what I could add to it – a piecemeal<br />
approach is not the way, you can end<br />
up undoing things, or living with<br />
compromise or errors. I like to be<br />
involved at the start, collaborating<br />
with the architects on the masterplan.<br />
If you start by having a clear idea of<br />
the whole thing then, whether it gets<br />
built in stages or not, everything is<br />
thought about. A scheme ideally needs<br />
to start from the right point so that it’s<br />
cohesive and it’s all one,” she pauses.<br />
“Flow. Everything should look fully<br />
planned, not separate. It’s about the<br />
materials, the things you can see, the<br />
details – don’t skimp on the details.”<br />
Emma explains that the detailing<br />
of windows, doors, external and<br />
internal structural features should be<br />
integral to the project, not separate<br />
to the masterplan. “The architect<br />
may not be involved with much<br />
of the detail or know where to<br />
look for the best taps, what mood<br />
the colours make, how to use and<br />
maximise the space. That’s my job.<br />
“It’s also important to set up good<br />
communications with everyone<br />
involved in the build. Meetings with<br />
trades have to happen. You need to<br />
know where to put things, need to<br />
think about where the bins are going<br />
to go, the washing, the paraphernalia<br />
of living has to be managed. You<br />
need storage for garden furniture,<br />
for the barbecue. It’s about lifestyle<br />
design – and then storage to keep<br />
the house tidy. I use all the space<br />
I can – the study, utility, dressing<br />
room and all the smaller areas.”<br />
Back downstairs, past the<br />
magnificent magnifying chandelier,<br />
we head outside to the studio,<br />
an architect designed building,<br />
which turned out to be a useful<br />
place for the family to live in.<br />
“We did the studio first so that we<br />
had somewhere to live while we were<br />
doing some of the structural work in<br />
the house,” she says. This building has<br />
proved to be a useful investment too,<br />
rented out for a while on Airbnb. It<br />
has now become Emma’s light-filled<br />
office and studio. Inside the decor <br />
65<br />
priceless-magazines.com
“I like things to feel streamlined.<br />
You can add in colour with<br />
accessories – details like plug<br />
sockets are really important.<br />
You can install a more<br />
reasonably priced kitchen, but<br />
include more expensive taps<br />
and sink and accessories.”<br />
is mainly white, but colourful mood boards and<br />
samples of paint and fabric are spread on walls and<br />
the table; evidence of Emma’s busy design practice.<br />
There is even a comfortable sunny deck outside at<br />
the back, overlooking the garden and the adjacent<br />
communal orchard – “It’s a lovely place to sit<br />
and the sun sets over there,” she gestures towards<br />
the trees to her right. The atmosphere out here is<br />
relaxed, almost Mediterranean when you look across<br />
to the pool, but the neighbouring oast house, apple<br />
orchard and the fresh green of the landscape beyond<br />
makes it charmingly and unmistakably English.<br />
It takes a clear vision, determination and a<br />
sense of place to transform a heritage property. <br />
Left: A very useful utility room is accessed<br />
to the rear of the kitchen<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
66
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The main<br />
bedroom now<br />
has a spacious<br />
en suite and<br />
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and character,<br />
embrace the<br />
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Emma has managed to protect the<br />
character of this house, and respected<br />
its integrity, while making the spaces<br />
fit our modern way of life. She has<br />
skilfully applied her knowledge of<br />
design – and design for living and<br />
brought a harmonious combination<br />
of style and functionality into this<br />
beautifully updated home. As this<br />
project comes to a close I, for one,<br />
will be looking forward to seeing what<br />
Emma seeks out for her next challenge.<br />
Address Book:<br />
To speak to Emma about a home or<br />
garden design project, visit the ESD<br />
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Get the<br />
LOOK<br />
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<strong>Love</strong> <strong>Your</strong> <strong>Home</strong>
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The Priceless <strong>Love</strong> your <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong> sponsored by<br />
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Use lighter shades of your chosen red to give you a<br />
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1 Wu Zetian by Damien Hirst Belgravia Gallery belgraviagallery.com 2 Serene Pink paint £25 (1l emulsion) YesColours yescolours.com<br />
3 Velvet moon cushion in blush £15.99 The Nook thenookhome.co.uk 4 My Wish For You pink art print £11.95 Minibeau minibeau.com<br />
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8 Red dinner candles £10.60 (pack of 6) St Eval st-eval.com 9 Friars chair £5,400 Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler shop.sibylcolefax.com<br />
10 Pink lady art print £10 Skudaboo skudaboo.co.uk 11 Chiddingfold chair in Tango Flamingo £3,527 Sofas & Stuff sofasandstuff.com<br />
12 Ottilie bud vase £110 DB CERAMIC dbceramic.co.uk 13 Glass tapered candlestick £21 Joanna Wood shop.joannawood.com 14 Redondo<br />
linen pillowcase set £75 Antipodream antipodream.co.uk 15 Nevada pink herringbone blanket throw £24.99 The Nook thenookhome.co.uk<br />
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sponsors The Priceless <strong>Love</strong> your <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
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Tone on Tone<br />
Pattern and print are your best friends in a tonal scheme to<br />
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Zesty and bright yellow aesthetics are set to<br />
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exuberant Mediterranean sunshine<br />
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1 Harrogate 3 seater sofa £2,339 Bridgman bridgman.co.uk 2 Titan size 5 pendant in yellow £595 Original BTC originalbtc.com 3 Teklan<br />
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trinket box £8 Monsoon monsoon.co.uk 7 Sass & Belle swallow wall decorations £13 (set of 3) National Trust shop.nationaltrust.org.uk<br />
8 Eden urn vase in Yellow £350 Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com 9 Mittens claypaint £57.50/2.5l Earthborn earthbornpaints.co.uk<br />
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COURTS<br />
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BE INSPIRED<br />
Trading Boundaries is a retail<br />
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ABOUT US<br />
Nestled in the Sussex countryside,<br />
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78
1<br />
The Priceless <strong>Love</strong> your <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong> sponsored by<br />
2 3<br />
4<br />
Tone on Tone<br />
Don’t forget texture and light – if you’re keeping a tonal<br />
palette then play with the senses to add drama<br />
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Sugary<br />
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For a tonal look that is sumptuous and cosy,<br />
layer warm chocolates, caramels, coffees and<br />
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1 Modena chair £1,059 BoConcept boconcept.com 2 Tea for two eco gift set £53.55 LIGA loveliga.com 3 Conker No 11 paint £44.95<br />
Victory Colours victorycolours.co.uk 4 Hoxton 7kw wood burning stove from £3,122.80 Arada aradastoves.com 5 Rustica side plate £15<br />
Where Saints Go wheresaintsgo.co.uk 6 Flow state abstract canvas art £150 Green Lili greenlili.com 7 Morse cushion cover £95 OKA<br />
oka.com 8 HAMPTON wallpaper £149 Mindthegap mindtheg.com 9 Taru one arm settee from £5,673 Ligne Roset ligne-roset.com<br />
10 Pimlico squares cushion £61.99 Jonathan Adler uk.jonathanadler.com 11 Brown sugar circular tray £170 The Trove thetrove.co.uk<br />
12 Round bread basket £28.50 Coastal Villa <strong>Home</strong>ware coastalvillahomeware.com 13 LED Pillar Candle in Caramel from £14 Lenleys<br />
lenleys.co.uk 14 Dried sea holly bunch £36 (6 stems) Click Style clickstyle.co.uk 15 Berg sofa with pom-poms £2,230 Huutt huutt.com<br />
79<br />
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sponsors The Priceless <strong>Love</strong> your <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
A spathroom sauna<br />
This beautiful bathroom complete with an in-built steam cabin, was designed<br />
around the dream of bringing the sauna home. Ripples Tunbridge Wells’ client<br />
for this project also wanted to be able to look out of the window whilst using<br />
their home spa, so the layout was carefully considered. They opted for chrome<br />
brassware (to complement the cool tones used on the tiles and vanity unit) and<br />
a slate-effect tile in a porcelain finish was chosen for a low-maintenance easierto-clean<br />
alternative to real slate – ideal for a busy room used by the whole family.<br />
The end result is a truly spa-like bathroom that offers proper pampering luxury.<br />
ripplesbathrooms.com<br />
LOUD<br />
Luxuries<br />
The spa at home is a dream we have all dreamed<br />
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moment, we also quite enjoy showstopping fantasy<br />
features that give Barbie-dream-house-spa vibes<br />
A hydrotherapy indoor pool and spa<br />
This indoor pool and spa was created by Tanby<br />
Pools in Surrey for a modern mansion. It is deck<br />
level on two sides, and features a large wall of<br />
marble with three slot flumes for hydrotherapy, to<br />
soothe the soul with relaxing sounds. A spa was<br />
added to the design for further hydrotherapy and<br />
wellness, with gentle lighting in both the spa and<br />
the pool hall adding to the relaxing ambience. An<br />
Oase slatted cover helps economical running costs<br />
and also looks very slick indeed as it disappears<br />
behind the entry steps into the floor pit below.<br />
You’ll also notice that the positioning of the<br />
spa allows for views of both the pool and the<br />
landscaped gardens which can be seen through<br />
large glass walls. tanbypools.co.uk<br />
An outdoor hot tub<br />
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for those who like a ‘back-to-nature’ style spa experience. It has an elegant<br />
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moment that is also super down-to-earth. These are available for a reduced<br />
price of £3,914.95 at Bushgear in Faversham, where you’ll also find lots of<br />
complementary gear like pizza ovens, fire pits and Japanese grills. bushgear.co.uk<br />
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54 | SEPTEMBER 2023 | SO Magazine SO Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2023 | 55<br />
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54 | SEPTEMBER 2023 | SO Magazine SO Magazine | SEPTEMBER 2023 | 55<br />
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The Library ceramic<br />
scented candle £58<br />
Chase and Wonder<br />
chaseandwonder.com<br />
Mango wood bookstand £18<br />
Habitat habitat.co.uk<br />
Framed vintage book<br />
cover art print £49<br />
Beach House Art<br />
beachhouseart.co.uk<br />
Step stool by Majid<br />
Furniture £350<br />
Handmade in Britain<br />
handmadeinbritain.co.uk<br />
Living George<br />
monkey floor<br />
lamp with shade<br />
£64 ScS scs.co.uk<br />
Hémicycle Conversation<br />
seat £5,350 Ligne Roset<br />
ligne-roset.com<br />
Phileas<br />
cordless lamp<br />
with 16cm<br />
Empire shade<br />
in emerald silk<br />
£122 Pooky<br />
pooky.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
84
The Priceless <strong>Love</strong> your <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong> sponsored by<br />
Rare Indian<br />
antique tiled<br />
Damachaya<br />
£1,395<br />
Arch antique<br />
Indian temple<br />
doors £1,250<br />
Blue glass-blown<br />
sphere lamp<br />
from £99<br />
Designer Dreams<br />
Tracy’s Dining Room<br />
Tracy Thomson, director at Trading Boundaries envisions a kitchen/dining<br />
room filled with international flavour in a delectably rich colour palette<br />
I love cooking and my favourite room is the kitchen with a very comfortable<br />
eating area where guests can relax and chat to me while I’m preparing supper. As<br />
the buyer for Trading Boundaries since 1996 I’ve been sourcing wonderful furniture<br />
from Europe and South East Asia, but mainly India which has become my ‘home<br />
from home’ from which I draw a lot of inspiration. I love an eclectic look that<br />
brings in colour, texture and design without being cluttered. One of our key skills<br />
is finding the right accent piece for clients’ homes, so I love this remit! I like to use<br />
architectural pieces as art, so a fabulous pair of Indian doors on one wall would set<br />
the scene and the colour tone. The focal point has to be the table, and I’ve chosen a<br />
live edge, solid oak dining table handmade in Italy with a tactile finish and simple<br />
design that allows the beauty of the grain to really shine through.<br />
Occasional chairs are a must, and a great way to bring in some rich colour. For<br />
storage I love pieces that are full of carving, and that use the character that takes me<br />
back to Rajasthan, and a beautiful old tiled Damachaya cabinet is perfect. Hand<br />
blown glass adds texture, so this features in my choice of lighting. Finishing<br />
touches always include vibrant tableware, cushions and candles with fragrances<br />
that evoke balmy Indian evenings. Before you know it, you’ve got a cosy and<br />
relaxing room that guests don’t really want to leave.<br />
All items shown from Trading Boundaries tradingboundaries.com<br />
Leather and<br />
acacia wood<br />
dining chair<br />
£375<br />
Antique<br />
carved<br />
elephant<br />
£165<br />
Desi patterned<br />
blue velvet chair<br />
£645<br />
Embroidered stonewash<br />
cushions from £23.50<br />
Solid Oak Master Table<br />
(various sizes and finishes<br />
available) From £2,095<br />
Organic Desi<br />
Rose candle<br />
£18.50<br />
Vibrant ceramic<br />
dish from £35
sponsors The Priceless <strong>Love</strong> your <strong>Home</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />
Ballina pendant light in<br />
brass and bevelled glass<br />
£260 Pooky pooky.com<br />
Indigo natural<br />
dyed keepsake<br />
photo frame<br />
£32.20<br />
Casa by JJ<br />
casabyjj.com<br />
Designer Dreams<br />
Melanie’s Living Room<br />
Kibibi candle<br />
stick £40 Nkuku<br />
nkuku.com<br />
Adeline 4 door<br />
display cabinet £799<br />
Furniture Outlet<br />
furnitureoutletstores.co.uk<br />
Avisa coral sculpture<br />
£69 Sweetpea & Willow<br />
sweetpeaandwillow.com<br />
Melanie Tomlinson, director & lead designer of Berkshire interior design and<br />
interior architecture studio, Melanie Tomlinson Design, shares her dreams of a<br />
multifunctional living space that balances creativity and functionality.<br />
For my dream living room, I would opt for a cohesive palette with subtle pops of<br />
colour, layering textures with plush rugs, tactile upholstery and rich fabrics for<br />
interest and a sense of luxury. I think creating ‘conversation areas’ with cosy seating<br />
arrangements is a great way to encourage interaction and optimise functionality<br />
in a living room. I would select pieces with clean lines and sculptural forms,<br />
combining modern elegance with timeless sophistication. I always embrace the<br />
principle of balance, so I would arrange these furniture pieces in a symmetrical<br />
layout to promote visual proportion.<br />
For lighting, I’d enhance the space with a blend of ambient, task and accent<br />
lighting, highlighting architectural features and functionality. If there’s potential<br />
for natural light, I’d incorporate that too, to enhance openness and connect the<br />
room with the outdoors. Accessories must be chosen thoughtfully. We should all<br />
add our own personal touches and curated items to our homes, to reflect our<br />
unique styles and personalities. But this is once again all about balance. Declutter<br />
with purpose, ensuring every object serves a function or adds aesthetic value, and<br />
incorporate storage solutions that seamlessly blend into the design, for lasting<br />
uncluttered calm. I love to strike a harmonious balance between minimalism and<br />
opulence, displaying cherished mementoes and artwork as focal points.<br />
To find out how MT Design can transform your space, as they have for the homes<br />
in the surrounding images, email studio@melanietomlinsondesign.com or call<br />
07909 795669 melanietomlinsondesign.com<br />
Orla snuggler sofa from<br />
£1,615 Huutt huutt.com<br />
Laura Ashley Tate<br />
table lamp with<br />
shade £75 (twin<br />
pack) där lighting<br />
darlighting.co.uk<br />
Navy Provence Rug from £55<br />
Weaver Green weavergreen.com<br />
Westbury 3 seater sofa<br />
in Light Beige £2,699<br />
Bridgman bridgman.co.uk<br />
86
E S T . 1 9 8 8<br />
D E S I G N E R B A T H R O O M S<br />
CREATING BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS SINCE 1988<br />
| ripplesbathrooms.com<br />
RIPPLES TUNBRIDGE WELLS, 13 THE PANTILES, TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, TN2 5TD | 01892 341284<br />
SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE<br />
RIP468 - <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Tunbridge Wells 210x297+3mm.indd 1 19/02/<strong>2024</strong> 17:02
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS<br />
Cool Tones for Spring<br />
New Collections from Seasalt,<br />
White Stuff, Yerse and Ariat.<br />
ETHICAL & BOHEMIAN LIVING<br />
Embrace the beautiful free spirit that you are<br />
with our unique ethical & bohemian products.<br />
www.patchoulifair.co.uk<br />
HERNE BAY STORE - NOW OPEN<br />
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COUNTY CLOTHES<br />
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priceless-magazines.com<br />
88
Fashion<br />
favourites<br />
Patchouli Fair’s Dresses<br />
For summer styling with bountiful boho flavour, we adore Patchouli Fair’s dress shop. Dressed up or down,<br />
they are comfy and flattering with the kind of features we love to see in a dress – we’re talking elasticated<br />
busts and bodices to flatter all shapes and sizes, fun sleeves, soft colourful fabrics, hand block-printing, even<br />
POCKETS! Add one of these to your wardrobe for a go-to dress that will have you feeling confident again<br />
and again for all your summer plans. This one is the Azalea dress in magenta and is just £59. You can find<br />
yours at our <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Midsummer Fair at stand number O06 or online at patchoulifair.co.uk<br />
89<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Lion graphic tee £30<br />
Oliver Bonas oliverbonas.com<br />
Ivory floral maxi skirt<br />
£45 Lipsy next.co.uk/lipsy<br />
Lunella moon & star<br />
drop earrings £155<br />
Koukla London<br />
koukla-london.com<br />
Mini link<br />
sun anklet<br />
£175 ChloBo<br />
chlobo.co.uk<br />
Aquarius zodiac<br />
coin pendant £21<br />
Betty & Biddy<br />
bettyandbiddy.com<br />
Round sunglasses £29.50 Oliver<br />
Bonas oliverbonas.com<br />
Luna tan leather<br />
sandles £139.99<br />
Blue Velvet<br />
bluevelvetshoes.com<br />
Blue Print Quilted<br />
Waistcoat £38 Lipsy<br />
next.co.uk/lipsy<br />
Set sail<br />
earrings £10<br />
Hooples<br />
hooples.co.uk<br />
Back to<br />
Boho<br />
With a swoosh of seventies style, flowing fabrics,<br />
joyful prints and natural textures, boho is<br />
dancing back into our wardrobes<br />
Sun huggie hoops<br />
£25 Estella Bartlett<br />
estellabartlett.com<br />
Silver daisy goldwork<br />
patch £80 Hand & Lock<br />
handembroideryshop.com<br />
istockphoto.com/ gpointstudio<br />
Moroccan decorative heart<br />
babouche slippers £48<br />
Bohemia bohemiadesign.co.uk<br />
Judies denim clogs £85 Dune<br />
London dunelondon.com<br />
Lapis gemstone drop hoops £39<br />
Estella Bartlett estellabartlett.com<br />
“be happy” enamel<br />
pin badge £7.50<br />
enamelhappy<br />
enamelhappy.co.uk<br />
Blue forget-me-not<br />
floral ring £28<br />
Fable England<br />
fableengland.com<br />
Crown chakra<br />
bracelet £70<br />
Warrior Addict<br />
warrioraddict.com<br />
Gold woven bead hoop<br />
earrings £20 A Short Story<br />
ashortstory.co.uk<br />
Free Fallin’ suede<br />
bag £65 Joe Browns<br />
joebrowns.co.uk<br />
Melissa<br />
bamboo bag<br />
£239.99<br />
Blue Velvet<br />
bluevelvetshoes.com<br />
Katy Freeway suede western boots<br />
£65 Joe Browns joebrowns.co.uk<br />
Ivy foil<br />
maxi dress<br />
£98 Fatface<br />
fatface.com<br />
Dena dress in Fruit<br />
Punch £395 Pink<br />
House Mustique<br />
pinkhousemustique.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
90
Come and see us at<br />
<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Midsummer Fair,<br />
Yellow Marquee, Stand Y01<br />
New spring / summer Barbour shirts<br />
and knitwear available in store<br />
Bring some of your personality to your wardrobe with a<br />
personally tailored suit or jacket with a choice of fabrics, linings<br />
and trims. Complement your look with our stylish footwear.<br />
48 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS<br />
01732 902019 | www.suitsshoessir.com<br />
SHOP ONLINE AND INSTORE<br />
49 High St, Cranbrook, TN17 3EE<br />
www.odyl.co.uk | 01580 714907<br />
The<br />
Canterbury<br />
Auction<br />
Galleries<br />
FINE ART<br />
AUCTIONEERS<br />
SINCE 1911<br />
Auctioneers of the rare,<br />
the collectible<br />
and the exceptional<br />
FORTHCOMING AUCTION DATES<br />
7th & 8th<br />
June<br />
Consignment deadline<br />
3rd <strong>May</strong> <strong>2024</strong><br />
2nd & 3rd<br />
August<br />
Consignment deadline<br />
28th June <strong>2024</strong><br />
4th & 5th<br />
October<br />
Consignment deadline<br />
30th August <strong>2024</strong><br />
29th & 30th<br />
November<br />
Consignment deadline<br />
25th October <strong>2024</strong><br />
Contact us to book a free valuation either<br />
at your home or at our saleroom.<br />
T: 01227 763337 E: general@tcag.co.uk<br />
Visit our website for more information:<br />
thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com<br />
thecanterburyauctiongalleries<br />
DIAMOND EARRINGS, BY LUGANO<br />
Set with a large triangular rose cut diamond,<br />
approximately 2.5ct each, surrounded by brilliant cut<br />
round diamonds. Estimate £10000 - £12000<br />
<strong>Wealden</strong> - TCAG <strong>2024</strong> April 1/2pp.indd 1 01/03/<strong>2024</strong> 12:48<br />
91<br />
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Print<br />
Feed<br />
Martin Elliot, Head Chef at The Print House in Tenterden, guides<br />
us through the creation of three seasonally inspired dishes that<br />
make the most of local produce from across the South East<br />
Photographs: David Merewether<br />
Pork belly with apple<br />
purée, Tenderstem broccoli<br />
& dauphinoise potatoes<br />
Serves 6-8 Prep time: 15 minutes<br />
Cooking time: 2 hours<br />
• 2kg pork belly (bones removed, skin on)<br />
• 4 Bramley apples<br />
• 1 pack Tenderstem<br />
• 8 King Edward or Maris<br />
Piper potatoes, peeled<br />
• salt & pepper<br />
• caster sugar<br />
• 1 bottle cider<br />
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme<br />
• 200ml double cream<br />
1. Place the pork belly in a roasting tray<br />
and cover with the cider, season with salt<br />
and pepper and cover with tin foil.<br />
Roast in the oven for 2 hours at 150°C.<br />
2. For the dauphinoise potatoes,<br />
thinly slice the peeled potatoes, place<br />
in a mixing bowl and season with salt<br />
and pepper, add the thyme and mix<br />
well. Pour over the double cream.<br />
3. Line a roasting tray with baking paper and<br />
pour the potato mix in. Level it out and cover<br />
with more baking paper and then tin foil.<br />
Roast for about 1 hour at 180°C. To check<br />
that the potatoes are cooked place a knife in<br />
the middle and, if soft, they are done. Remove<br />
the foil and brown off the top for 10 mins.<br />
4. For the apple purée, peel the apple and<br />
chop into chunks and place in a saucepan<br />
with a little sugar and a bit of water. Cook<br />
until soft and then blend until smooth.<br />
5. Cook the Tenderstem to your<br />
taste in boiling salted water.<br />
To serve: Place the apple purée in a line down<br />
the plate and add the dauphinoise to one side.<br />
Put the Tenderstem in front and place the pork<br />
belly on top and serve. You can make some<br />
crackling out of the cooked pork belly skin. <br />
93<br />
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Looking for healthy and<br />
wholesome recipe ideas?<br />
SILCOCKS<br />
FARM<br />
ORGANIC • SUSTAINABLE • LOCAL<br />
Herb<br />
crusted<br />
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online at priceless-magazines.com<br />
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AND FUNCTION ROOMS<br />
GRANGE ROAD, ST MICHAELS, TENTERDEN TN30 6TL<br />
Call: 01580 763351 Email: silcocksfarmshop@outlook.com<br />
Web: silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk<br />
Follow us on silcocksfarmshop silcocks farm<br />
At Planters Farm Shop - North of Hurst Green,<br />
on A21 - TN19 7QS - plantersa21.com<br />
Come along and enjoy our delicious home-made<br />
Pastries, Cakes and Biscuits in the relaxing<br />
setting of our spacious Café garden.<br />
Martin & his team would like to welcome<br />
you to our café. We’re open throughout the<br />
bank holiday weekends, featuring an array<br />
of enticing new summer cakes & dishes.<br />
Open 9am till 4pm Monday to Saturday. 10am till 4pm Sunday<br />
Tel: 01580 860959 / 0789 406 4327<br />
Email: spicercatering@gmail.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
94
Pan fried king scallops<br />
with minted pea purée<br />
& crispy Parma ham<br />
Serves 2 Prep time: 15 minutes<br />
Cooking time: around 15 minutes<br />
• 6 king scallops – leave the roe on<br />
• 30g frozen peas<br />
• 5g fresh mint<br />
• salt & pepper<br />
• 4 slices Parma ham<br />
• pea shoots<br />
1. Lay the Parma ham on a baking<br />
tray and place another tray on top.<br />
Put in the oven to become crispy<br />
for about 10 minutes at 180°C.<br />
2. For the pea puree, place the frozen<br />
peas in a pan of boiling water for 2<br />
minutes and then drain. Put the peas<br />
in food blender with the mint and<br />
season with salt and pepper to taste.<br />
Purée until smooth – you may need to<br />
add a little water to help this happen.<br />
To Serve: Heat a pan on the hob until<br />
it is just smoking. Add the 3 scallops<br />
and season with salt and pepper<br />
and leave to cook for 3 minutes,<br />
and then turn over and leave for 3<br />
minutes on the other side. Remove<br />
from the pan and put to one side.<br />
Place the pea purée down the centre of<br />
the serving plate and arrange the scallops<br />
on top of the purée, then add the Parma<br />
ham crisps in between the scallops,<br />
dress with pea shoots and serve.
Lemon meringue<br />
gâteau<br />
Serves 6-8 Prep time: 15 minutes<br />
Freezing time: at least 4 hours<br />
• ¼ pint double cream<br />
• 400g carton Greek yoghurt<br />
• 170g icing sugar, sifted<br />
• finely grated rind of 3 lemons<br />
• 115g ready-made meringue<br />
nests, crushed<br />
• 6 tbsp lemon curd<br />
1. Pour the cream into a large<br />
bowl and add the yoghurt, icing<br />
sugar and lemon rid. Whisk<br />
until mixture forms soft peaks.<br />
2. Fold in the crushed meringue<br />
and the lemon curd and stir<br />
through the mixture just<br />
enough to marble it through.<br />
3. Spoon the mixture into a<br />
prepared tin (see chef’s tip below)<br />
and cover. Put in the freezer to<br />
set for at least 4 hours, or for<br />
best results leave overnight.<br />
To serve: Remove from the freezer<br />
and allow to stand for 2-3 minutes<br />
before cutting. Return any left<br />
over to the freezer immediately<br />
making sure it is well covered.<br />
Serve with raspberry<br />
coulis on the side.<br />
Chef’s tip: I use paper loaf tin<br />
liners in a loaf tin or you could<br />
use non-stick baking paper<br />
and, of course, you could do a<br />
circular one in a cake tin but<br />
make sure it is a spring clip type.<br />
This amount will be sufficient<br />
for a 7inch tin or 2 loaf tins.<br />
Find out more about booking<br />
a meal or stay at The Print<br />
House, and keep up to date<br />
with their full programme of<br />
weekly and seasonal events at<br />
theprinthousetenterden.com
Why so<br />
sensitive?<br />
Josephine Fairley explores<br />
reactive skin and how<br />
our product-packed<br />
skincare regimes could<br />
be part of the problem<br />
istockphoto.com/ anneleven<br />
Once upon a time, I wrote a whole<br />
book about sensitive skin. 200<br />
odd pages. But in truth (maybe<br />
don’t tell the publishers), the skin wisdom<br />
in that book can be distilled into the<br />
amount of space that this magazine gives<br />
over to me each month. So, here goes.<br />
Now, I know of what I write, because since<br />
childhood I’ve had touchy skin – exacerbated<br />
in adult years by having to try myriad products<br />
for a living. Red, inflamed, itchy, sore, flaky –<br />
you name it. But over the years, I’ve learned<br />
to deal with it and rarely have<br />
a flare-up on my face, now.<br />
The reality is that our<br />
beauty regimes have, in many<br />
cases, become too harsh and<br />
complicated for our complexions, which<br />
haven’t evolved to be assaulted by acids,<br />
peels, scrubs, microdermabrasion, etc.<br />
They’ve rebelled (understandably), and the<br />
result is reactive skin. As many as 40% of<br />
women who apply to become testers for our<br />
Beauty Bible Awards, when we run them,<br />
self-identified as having sensitive skin.<br />
So it’s no wonder, really, that ‘barrier<br />
function’ is such a buzzword, in the beauty<br />
media. As skin wizard Dr. Barbara Sturhnam<br />
observes, “The strategy to treat sensitive<br />
skin should be based around protection of<br />
your barriers, while hydrating and calming<br />
priceless-magazines.com 98
Beauty<br />
the skin.” We need to take care of all<br />
the layers of our skin – which keep out<br />
irritants and keep moisture in – rather<br />
than constantly strip them away in a<br />
constant and often multi-pronged quest<br />
for brightness, ‘glow’ and radiance.<br />
But before my product suggestions<br />
(and I’ll come on to some favourites for<br />
sensitive skin), first I’d like to share some<br />
of the lifestyle shifts that can help skin to<br />
‘chill’ out – whether you have occasional<br />
flare-ups and reactions to products, or<br />
even more entrenched skin conditions<br />
such as psoriasis, eczema and acne...<br />
Never use very hot water on<br />
sensitive skin. Use cool or tepid<br />
for washing face and hands and<br />
warm for showering/bathing.<br />
Don’t chop and change products.<br />
There’s a fad for ‘self-prescribing’ what<br />
your skin needs on a daily basis – this<br />
or that ‘wonder serum’ – but skin craves<br />
consistency. Buy gentle products; use<br />
them up. Let your skin relax into a<br />
proper regime, rather than never knowing<br />
what you’re going to throw at it next.<br />
Stress can cause a ‘perfect storm’ with<br />
skin. This is definitely something I’ve<br />
identified (through my own symptom<br />
tracking, see below); I’ll be fine with a<br />
product, and then, bang! Something<br />
sends me off-kilter emotionally, and I’ll<br />
have a reaction to a product I’ve been<br />
fine with, up till that point. Staying<br />
mentally balanced – perhaps through<br />
yoga, or an app like Calm.com (my<br />
go-to each morning) not only makes me<br />
emotionally less reactive and volatile,<br />
but does the same for my skin, too. (I<br />
know we live in a weird and troublesome<br />
world, and suffer all sorts of individual<br />
pressures, but this is useful wisdom for life<br />
management, not just skin challenges.)<br />
Stick to a routine and keep it simple.<br />
Sounds boring? Not as boring as flaky,<br />
touchy skin, I reckon. Introduce products<br />
one at a time, if you are buying things<br />
you’ve never used before, and see how skin<br />
responds. And fun as it is to ‘play’ with<br />
skincare, less is more when it comes to<br />
soothing skin. A great cleanser (a balm,<br />
a milk, an oil – but not a wash or foam,<br />
which contain drying detergents). Serum,<br />
if you use it, but make sure it doesn’t<br />
have retinoids or any acids. A good sunprotective<br />
day moisturiser, certainly at<br />
this time of year. Eye gel or lightweight<br />
eye cream. At night, after cleansing,<br />
facial oil and/or cream. Yup. That’s it.<br />
Rebuild your barrier function. Avoid<br />
scrubs, exfoliating toners, fruit acid/AHAbased<br />
products, alcohol-based products,<br />
strong perfumes and soaps. Ditch anything<br />
that makes you tingle, immediately. If you<br />
want to use a mask, much as we all like<br />
the idea of ‘brightening’ skin, products<br />
which trumpet their ‘glow-getting’ action<br />
generally feature ingredients that strip<br />
off the top layers of skin, which yours<br />
needs for protection. Instead, layer on<br />
moisturising, barrier-building ingredients,<br />
squalene and squalane, hyaluoronic<br />
acid, omega essential fatty acids,<br />
ceramides, wheatgerm and glycerine.<br />
The reality is that our<br />
beauty regimes have, in<br />
many cases, become too<br />
harsh and complicated<br />
for our complexions,<br />
which haven’t evolved<br />
to be assaulted by<br />
acids, peels, scrubs,<br />
microdermabrasion, etc<br />
Avoid exposure to passive smoke. It<br />
will inflame skin, just as it irritates the<br />
rest of your body. I’m not just talking<br />
cigarettes, but open fires as well.<br />
Switch to household products which<br />
avoid harsh chemicals. This may help<br />
alleviate allergies, too; towels and face<br />
cloths touch our faces, and in some cases,<br />
that can be enough to cause a reaction,<br />
so look for ‘non-biological’ formulas.<br />
My Beauty Bible colleague Sarah’s<br />
decades-long eczema disappeared when<br />
she started using Ecover and Bio-D.<br />
Keep a symptom/lifestyle diary. It can<br />
be hard to figure out what’s working<br />
(though I’ve a hunch all of these tips will<br />
help). So, take brief notes of what you<br />
do, in lifestyle terms (and that includes<br />
food), to deal with your sensitive skin each<br />
day – and see if you can spot patterns.<br />
There are certain ranges and products<br />
which I point people in the direction<br />
of, meanwhile, who are experiencing<br />
short- or long-term sensitivity. A brilliant<br />
choice is the Simple range, which is<br />
fragrance-free and hypoallergenic and<br />
covers every product category imaginable<br />
and is as gentle on the wallet as it is on<br />
the face. Two favourite new finds in the<br />
range, one for drier skins and one for the<br />
less dehydrated, are Simple Repairing<br />
Rich Cream and Simple Restorative<br />
Cream, £9.99 each for 50ml, both<br />
specifically designed for barrier repair.<br />
Good old Clarins offer a specific range<br />
for sensitive skin; I particularly like the<br />
redness-reducing Clarins Calm-Essentiel<br />
Soothing Emulsion, £42 for 50ml,<br />
and Clarins Calm-Essentiel Soothing<br />
Repairing Balm, £34 for 30ml, a nongreasy<br />
but very nourishing balm that<br />
can be used on any areas of sensitive,<br />
irritated skin on face and body; it’s also<br />
great around the nose when you’ve<br />
had a cold, and constant blowing has<br />
caused flaking and painful dryness.<br />
Another just-launched barrier-boosting<br />
product that I’m enjoying is the brightlypackaged<br />
(and again, pocket-friendly)<br />
BYOMA Barrier+ Treatment, £16.99 for<br />
50ml – rich and buttery but not heavy,<br />
with a ‘barrier lipid complex’, avocado<br />
oil and squalene for lasting hydration.<br />
French pharmacy brands which are<br />
most worth checking out by anyone with<br />
a reactive complexion include Avène<br />
(who’ve notched up multiple winners in<br />
our Beauty Bible Awards, over the years)<br />
– their Tolerance Control Soothing<br />
Skin Recovery Cream, £21 for 40ml, is a<br />
classic. La Roche-Posay offer a wide range<br />
for sensitive skins under the Toleriane<br />
banner, including Toleriane Rosaliac AR<br />
SPF30, £26 for 30ml, albeit a mouthful,<br />
is one of the best daily SPFs for touchy<br />
skin. (I like Avène’s lightweight sunscreen<br />
option, too, Antirougeurs Day Soothing<br />
Emulsion SPF30, £20.50 for 30ml.)<br />
And at the other end of the spectrum?<br />
If you want to go properly posh, there’s<br />
the beautifully packaged (of course)<br />
CHANEL La Solution 10 de Chanel,<br />
£67 for 30ml, with soothing white tea,<br />
among other calming inclusions, on their<br />
unusually short – just 10 ingredient – list.<br />
In other words? Gently does it.<br />
Visit beautybible.com for more of Jo’s<br />
product reviews and beauty tips.<br />
99<br />
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Health<br />
Perfectly peachy<br />
Sarah Maxwell shares her expert tips for a perky posterior<br />
istockphoto.com/Orest Lyzhechka<br />
In the 1980s, small bottoms were all<br />
the rage, as seen in photos and videos<br />
of women wearing shiny thong<br />
leotards. The song, ‘Total Eclipse of<br />
the Heart’ gave rise to many variations,<br />
‘Total Eclipse of the Ar*e’ being belted<br />
out by my colleagues whenever I stood<br />
up. Such fond memories of those days.<br />
Then came Kim Kardashian and a full<br />
trunk became de rigueur. The popularity<br />
of Brazilian bum lifts, implants and<br />
padded knickers has exploded.<br />
Focusing on achieving a toned<br />
and sculpted posterior goes beyond<br />
appearance alone, however. It offers<br />
numerous benefits that contribute<br />
to your overall health, strength,<br />
performance and everyday movement.<br />
Here are a few reasons why giving special<br />
attention to your derriere is important...<br />
1. Improved Posture. A firm bottom<br />
helps to stabilise your pelvis and<br />
align your spine, promoting better<br />
posture. Weak glutes (the muscles in<br />
your bottom) can lead to imbalances<br />
in the lower body, causing issues<br />
such as knee pain, hip discomfort<br />
and lower back strain. Toning your<br />
bottom can alleviate back pain<br />
and reduce the risk of injury.<br />
2. Better Performance. A welldeveloped<br />
bottom provides a solid<br />
foundation for various physical<br />
activities, such as running, jumping and<br />
lifting. It improves your power, agility<br />
and overall athletic performance.<br />
3. Increased Strength and Stability.<br />
Strong glutes contribute to overall<br />
lower body strength. They assist in<br />
squats, lunges and deadlifts, enabling<br />
you to lift weights and build muscle.<br />
4. Improved Daily Function.<br />
Strong glutes are crucial in everyday<br />
activities like walking, climbing<br />
stairs and bending over.<br />
A strengthening routine:<br />
Glute Bridges. Lie on your back<br />
with your knees bent and feet flat<br />
on the floor. Lift your hips off the<br />
ground, squeezing your glutes at the<br />
top. Hold in this position for about<br />
one second and then lower back<br />
down without resting completely.<br />
Clams – 20-30 each leg. Begin by<br />
laying on your side on an exercise mat<br />
while keeping your body straight and<br />
resting your head on one arm while the<br />
other goes on your hip. Next, bend both<br />
knees to a 90-degree angle with your<br />
feet aligned with your body. Lift one of<br />
your knees while keeping your feet glued<br />
together until your knee is perpendicular<br />
to the floor, then bring it slowly back<br />
down. Repeat about ten times, then<br />
work on the other side. When you start<br />
doing clams, you may find that you can’t<br />
feel it on your bottom. This is often<br />
because bottoms are notoriously lazy<br />
and recruit other muscle friends to take<br />
over. Concentrate on where you should<br />
be feeling it, and you will find that with<br />
consistent practice, you will start to feel<br />
it after a few repetitions. Placing your<br />
hand on the side you are working on<br />
can help you focus and progress quickly.<br />
Forward Leaning Lunge – 12-20. You<br />
can engage your glutes more effectively<br />
by leaning slightly forward with your<br />
upper body weight over your mid-thigh.<br />
Take a deep breath in and breathe out as<br />
you take a big step forward with one leg<br />
and lower your body until the knee of<br />
your back leg almost touches the floor.<br />
At the same time, allow your torso<br />
to tilt forward 15 to 20 degrees.<br />
Breathe out as you push yourself back up<br />
and step back into the starting position.<br />
Repeat with your opposite leg.<br />
Step Ups – 12-20 each leg. Find<br />
yourself a 12-inch platform<br />
(approximately) – this can be an<br />
aerobic step with risers added,<br />
a step up box at the gym, or<br />
even a tall stair or stepping<br />
up 2 lower steps at home.<br />
Step up onto the box<br />
with the right leg,<br />
bringing the left up to<br />
meet it. Step off the box<br />
with the right leg, the<br />
left foot following it (this<br />
counts as 1 repetition).<br />
Kneeling Leg Raise<br />
– 20-30 each leg.<br />
With a mat underneath, get onto<br />
your hands and knees. Tuck your left<br />
knee to your chest and straighten it<br />
behind you. With your knee straight,<br />
lift your leg toward the ceiling as high<br />
as possible, then bring it back into<br />
your chest. Perform three sets of 10,<br />
and then switch to the right leg.<br />
Do a good warm up before<br />
starting this routine. When you’ve<br />
completed it, do some long stretches,<br />
holding for 20-30 seconds.<br />
Try this routine three times per week<br />
for 6-8 weeks to see a difference (have<br />
at least 24 hours between<br />
each session and build<br />
up the amount<br />
of repetitions<br />
gradually).<br />
Doing this<br />
routine regularly,<br />
and with good<br />
form, can help<br />
you develop a<br />
strong, firm<br />
and shapely<br />
bottom,<br />
creating<br />
that<br />
perfect<br />
peach.<br />
Sarah<br />
Maxwell is a multiaward<br />
winning Lifestyle<br />
Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You<br />
can find her at sarahmaxwell.com.<br />
Get in touch via email at<br />
sarahmaxwell@mail.com<br />
and on social<br />
@sarahmaxlife<br />
priceless-magazines.com 100
istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai / PippiLongstocking / ValentynVolkov<br />
Nourish to Flourish<br />
Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau<br />
explores the benefits of incorporating<br />
another healthy ingredient into our<br />
diets. This month it’s asparagus<br />
British asparagus season kicks off at the end of<br />
April and you’ll find it in farm shops and local<br />
supermarkets in abundance… the season usually<br />
only lasts around 8 weeks, so be sure to make the most<br />
of it! My children love to go asparagus picking every<br />
year, there is something so satisfying about hearing<br />
the snap when you pick one and walking up and<br />
down the dusty rows to choose the perfect size.<br />
Asparagus comes in a variety of colours – green, purple<br />
and white – and is one of the first crops of spring. It<br />
is a versatile ingredient and can be used in salads, stirfries,<br />
pastas or – my personal favourite – simply steamed<br />
and dipped in boiled eggs with a pinch of salt.<br />
This seasonal favourite is low in calories but is nutrient<br />
dense. It’s an excellent source of vitamin K, folate,<br />
copper, selenium, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin<br />
C, and vitamin E. As well as being a good source of<br />
dietary fibre, it is also rich in manganese, phosphorus,<br />
vitamin B3, potassium, choline, vitamin A, zinc,<br />
iron, protein, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid.<br />
Just like other green vegetables, it’s high in<br />
antioxidants, such as glutathione, as well as various<br />
flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants prevent the<br />
accumulation of harmful free radicals and may reduce<br />
your risk of chronic disease, so enjoy asparagus while<br />
you can, alongside other fruits and vegetables.<br />
Seasonal roast asparagus<br />
Serves 2<br />
• 2 bunches of British asparagus<br />
• 1 clove of garlic<br />
• salt and pepper<br />
• juice of half a lemon<br />
• drizzle of olive oil<br />
• Parmesan cheese<br />
1. Snap the woody ends off the asparagus and drizzle<br />
with olive oil, toss with salt, pepper and crushed garlic.<br />
2. Roast in a hot oven at 220°C (430°F) for 7-10<br />
minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.<br />
3. Squeeze over the lemon juice while hot, as it absorbs<br />
some of the flavour, then just give it a quick toss.<br />
4. Pile onto a serving plate and grate<br />
the Parmesan over the top!<br />
This is utterly delicious served<br />
with spring roast chicken<br />
or pan-fried salmon.<br />
Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice<br />
for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress<br />
and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com<br />
101<br />
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IDD Therapy has changed Paul’s life<br />
Paul even completed the punishing<br />
Tough Mudder obstacle race, finishing<br />
60th out of 260 competitors.<br />
Non-invasive treatment solves<br />
Paul’s back pain agony<br />
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
Paul Bowman has always lived an<br />
active life. A regular in his local gym,<br />
he runs his own construction business,<br />
and loves the physical side of the<br />
job. “Occasional aches and pains go<br />
with the territory,” Paul explains, “but<br />
gradually as I got older, low back pain<br />
started to become a real problem, and<br />
about three years ago I was referred<br />
for an MRI scan on my back.”<br />
The scan revealed two compressed<br />
and bulging discs in Paul’s lower spine.<br />
“Back then, I was just about managing,”<br />
says Paul. “My back ached quite a lot,<br />
and I was losing some of my mobility.”<br />
Things steadily got worse, and<br />
Paul started to suffer from sciatica<br />
radiating down his legs. Another<br />
scan revealed a nodule in his spine,<br />
pressing against a spinal nerve root.<br />
“The sciatica was shooting down<br />
both legs. I couldn’t walk, I couldn’t<br />
sleep, I could hardly work. The pain<br />
was unbearable, and a consultant<br />
advised surgery on my spine,<br />
which can be risky of course.”<br />
Paul decided to take matters into<br />
his own hands, and discovered<br />
IDD Therapy, a targeted spinal disc<br />
treatment, which is offered at <strong>Wealden</strong><br />
Osteopaths & Spine Centre in Flimwell.<br />
“I made an appointment with James<br />
Pickering, the Clinical Director. He<br />
examined me, and recommended 20<br />
sessions of gentle treatment on the<br />
IDD machine. James explained that<br />
this would gradually decompress<br />
the bulging discs, and take pressure<br />
off the nerve root, which was<br />
causing my terrible sciatica.”<br />
Because of the severe nature of his<br />
pain, Paul knew that he needed a series<br />
of treatments, but actually started to<br />
feel considerable relief after the first<br />
four. Within a couple of weeks, he<br />
was even back in the gym, swimming<br />
and walking for pleasure again.<br />
“I walked all the way<br />
around Herm island in a<br />
single afternoon. There<br />
was once a time when<br />
the sciatica was so<br />
intense it made me fall<br />
over. Not any more.”<br />
“Today, I feel fine and I’m near<br />
enough pain-free. Best of all, I can<br />
walk long distances again and<br />
things just keep getting better.”<br />
“A few months after my course of IDD<br />
Therapy, my partner and I went on<br />
holiday to the Channel Islands, and I<br />
walked all the way around Herm island<br />
in a single afternoon. There was once a<br />
time when the sciatica was so intense<br />
it made me fall over. Not any more.”<br />
“I no longer need the surgery, and<br />
I’ve avoided all the after-effects<br />
of that. I would recommend<br />
this treatment to anyone.”<br />
James Pickering is delighted with<br />
Paul’s progress. “We see so many<br />
patients like Paul, who’ve been taking<br />
painkillers long term, and struggling<br />
with other forms of treatment, such<br />
as physiotherapy. People often feel<br />
like they’ve run out of options, but<br />
we offer a non-invasive solution<br />
that’s safe, gentle and effective.”<br />
“IDD Therapy is an invaluable<br />
part of our service now, and<br />
our first choice for long term<br />
back, neck and sciatic pain.”<br />
To find out about IDD Therapy<br />
and other treatments offered<br />
at <strong>Wealden</strong> Osteopaths & Spine<br />
Centre, call: 01580 212833 or visit<br />
www.wealdenosteopaths.co.uk
C<br />
of<br />
ream<br />
crop<br />
the<br />
Garden<br />
Jen Stuart-Smith highlights the celebrated South<br />
East nurseries who’ll be appearing at this month’s<br />
RHS Chelsea Flower Show <strong>2024</strong>, from 21-25 <strong>May</strong><br />
istockphoto.com/BethAmber<br />
There can be few garden shows<br />
that cause as much excitement<br />
as the RHS Chelsea Flower<br />
Show. Founded in 1913 and known<br />
as the Great Spring Show, since then<br />
the event has given rise to a gardening<br />
technique – the ‘Chelsea chop’ – a<br />
week-long floral extravaganza known<br />
as ‘Chelsea in Bloom’ and has become<br />
the place for celebrities to mingle with<br />
gardening greats, the Royal family – and<br />
those of us who are lucky enough to<br />
attend. If you haven’t been, it’s definitely<br />
worth going, even only the once. That<br />
said, if you can’t face the crowds or<br />
the cost of a ticket, it really does make<br />
brilliant TV viewing. At least from your<br />
sofa you don’t have to stand on tiptoe<br />
or elbow your way through the crowds<br />
to see the incredible show gardens.<br />
Of course, the show gardens are the<br />
biggest draw but the Chelsea Flower<br />
Show also offers fantastic shopping<br />
opportunities, access to specialist<br />
growers and plant breeders, as well as<br />
fancy food stalls and Champagne bars.<br />
When it comes to people-watching,<br />
it doesn’t get much better... If you’re<br />
lucky, you may catch one of your<br />
favourite TV presenters, talking to<br />
camera – just don’t be tempted to<br />
photo-bomb! As well as celebrities and<br />
gardening royalty, you may also spot some<br />
familiar local faces, as our fair counties of<br />
Kent, Sussex and Surrey contribute a huge<br />
amount of talent to the show each year.<br />
So, who is going to be there this year?<br />
Kent<br />
If you’re on the lookout for plants, there<br />
are several Kent nurseries at Chelsea<br />
this year. Former gold-medal winners<br />
Brookfield Plants will be displaying<br />
their impressive collection of hostas and<br />
hemerocallis while Swallowfields Nursery<br />
offer a gorgeous selection of ‘cottagegarden’<br />
plants including a wide range<br />
of salvia and species pelargoniums.<br />
The No Name Nursery, brainchild<br />
of Steve Edney and Louise Dowle,<br />
is unlikely to disappoint... with its<br />
sustainable approach, impressive<br />
reputation and connection to the famous<br />
Salutation Gardens in Sandwich.<br />
Following on in the environmentally<br />
friendly vein, those of you looking to<br />
re-wild your grassy areas should pop<br />
in and see Kent Wildflower Seeds<br />
in the Great Pavilion. As the name<br />
would suggest, the company – set up<br />
by the Denne family – specialises in<br />
wildflower and native seed mixes.<br />
C<br />
East Sussex<br />
Big kids – or those who simply want<br />
a bit of peace and quiet indoors –<br />
might want to check out Blue Forest<br />
treehouses. The company, based in<br />
Wadhurst, design and build bespoke,<br />
luxury treehouses with sustainability<br />
at the heart of their designs. From<br />
castles to garden accommodation<br />
– anything is possible, a chance to<br />
let your imagination run wild.<br />
Also from Wadhurst are the<br />
wonderfully exotic Plantbase, owned<br />
by Graham Blunt. A bit elusive online,<br />
this nursery is worth tracking down<br />
for its alpines, Australasian, South<br />
African and South American plants,<br />
amongst many exciting others.<br />
After traipsing round the show,<br />
you may well need to take the<br />
weight off with a stop at the Daybed<br />
Company. Just don’t get too comfy!<br />
This small family company, based in<br />
Pett, between Hastings and Rye, is a<br />
relatively new kid on the block – but<br />
if the beds are as comfortable as they<br />
are stylish, they could be on to a<br />
winner. Designed to work <strong>inside</strong> or<br />
out, the turned Iroko wood<br />
will turn silvery over time, if<br />
you opt for the latter.<br />
<br />
103<br />
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104
Surrey<br />
Garden designers from Surrey,<br />
involved in this year’s show, include<br />
Helen Olney, from Godalming, who<br />
has designed the Burma Skincare<br />
Initiative Spirit of Partnership<br />
Garden. The ‘Sanctuary Garden’<br />
design tells the story of a global<br />
dermatological partnership which<br />
supports Burmese healthcare workers<br />
treating adults and children with skin<br />
conditions. All of the plants in this<br />
garden are found in Myanmar but<br />
will grow happily here in the UK.<br />
Matthew Childs, from Reigate,<br />
is returning to Chelsea 10 years<br />
after his debut and has designed<br />
this year’s Terrence Higgins Trust<br />
Bridge to 2030 Garden – to mark<br />
the progress of the Trust, from the<br />
fear and misinformation of the 1980s<br />
through to today, and its mission<br />
to end new HIV cases by 2030.<br />
Those on the hunt for specialist<br />
growers are in for a treat at the<br />
Ottershaw Cacti stand – just don’t<br />
stand too close – or head on over to the<br />
luscious leaves of Sienna Hostas who<br />
can be found in the Great Pavillion.<br />
West Sussex<br />
Based on a farm in Steyning, the Caley<br />
Brothers – who are in fact sisters,<br />
Jodie and Lorraine – have created a<br />
fascinating business focusing on edible<br />
and medicinal mushrooms. As well as<br />
farming and selling their crop they also<br />
sell kits so that you can grow your own<br />
mushrooms at home, from Lion’s Mane<br />
to oyster mushrooms of every colour.<br />
They also run workshops, so if you want<br />
to learn more about this wonderful,<br />
Burma Skincare Initiative<br />
edible crop, these are the people.<br />
Also at the show is The Little<br />
Botanical, specialising in house<br />
plants and accessories with a strong<br />
sustainable ethos; British-grown, quality<br />
plants in peat-free soil. Their mission,<br />
apparently, is to inspire people to<br />
make plants a part of their everyday<br />
lives, and what better place to be!<br />
Miles Japanese Maples, from<br />
Pulborough, will be in the Grand<br />
Pavilion, tempting those of us who love <br />
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105 CityEscapesWT250.indd 1 07/02/2023 16:52
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autumn colours, to plan ahead – or simply<br />
channel our love of Japanese-style gardens.<br />
Chelsea in Bloom<br />
As if the show doesn’t offer enough of<br />
a mind-blowing experience, it’s worth<br />
exploring the streets of Chelsea before<br />
or after the show, to enjoy Chelsea<br />
in Bloom – a local floral festival and<br />
competition, planned to coincide<br />
with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.<br />
Just a short walk away is the<br />
Fulham Road showroom of Catchpole<br />
& Rye, the Pluckley-based luxury<br />
bathroom company who, for the first<br />
time, will be filling their windows<br />
with seasonal Kentish flowers.<br />
So, if this hasn’t whet your appetite,<br />
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Kent Wildflower Seeds<br />
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Blue Forest blueforest.com<br />
The Daybed Company<br />
Ottershaw Cacti<br />
Burma Skincare Initiative<br />
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Matthew Childs Design<br />
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Terrence Higgins Trust tht.org.uk<br />
Ottershaw Cacti ottershawcacti.com<br />
Sienna Hostas siennahosta.co.uk<br />
Caley Brothers caleybrothers.co.uk<br />
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107<br />
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108
Garden<br />
I<br />
spend a lot of my time adding<br />
structure to gardens – trees, shrubs,<br />
evergreens and architectural foliage<br />
plants. We need these to give our borders<br />
cohesion and good overall shape, to act<br />
as backdrops and frames for the seasonal<br />
plants as they come and go. Structure<br />
is sensible and important, but without<br />
colour there’s not much joy – it can seem<br />
like an empty stage waiting for the action.<br />
It could be a floaty, soothing blend of<br />
harmonious pastels or a riotous clash of<br />
the most vibrant and cheerful hues – taste<br />
is personal and often idiosyncratic, but<br />
whatever side of the colour wheel you<br />
roll on, adding a splash (or a flood) of<br />
colour will instantly bring a garden to life.<br />
Some effects of colour –<br />
and colour schemes<br />
Pale colours recede and make things seem<br />
larger or further away. Strong colours are<br />
dominant and rush towards us. You can<br />
use this to create illusions with space or<br />
to play with perspective – make an area<br />
seem bigger by using paler plants in the<br />
background and brights and darks closer<br />
in. Dense, dark colours are sombre, but<br />
can provide an anchor point, and make<br />
excellent backdrops for other plants.<br />
Pale colours will lift a shady area (as will<br />
glossy foliage – it is reflective). Fiery reds<br />
and oranges create excitement, whereas<br />
pastel colours are calming. The quality of<br />
light changes during the day too – whites,<br />
pale creams, mauves and blues shine out<br />
at dawn and dusk and are ‘washed out’<br />
in strong light, whereas bright colours<br />
look best in full sun and fade into the<br />
background as the sun goes down.<br />
It’s easy to forget that green is a colour<br />
too. In the garden it becomes a calming<br />
neutral background, because there’s<br />
so much of it around, but its effects<br />
are felt nevertheless. Green falls in the<br />
middle of the spectrum and is restful<br />
to look at – it is the colour of nature<br />
and immediately makes us more relaxed<br />
(this is why so many hospital walls<br />
are painted in soft greens and blues).<br />
Whether it’s the darkest shade of holly<br />
through acid lime, chartreuse, glaucous,<br />
almost blue to pale and silvery, green<br />
remains a tranquil foil, harmonising<br />
with other shades of green and providing<br />
a buffer between patches of colour.<br />
Harmonies are created by using<br />
similar colours – pale pastel shades<br />
of mauve, blue and pink blend well<br />
Dahlia ‘Nicholas’<br />
Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’<br />
Ranunculous grown in a pot<br />
together and look lovely in semi-shade<br />
or the dappled light under trees. Cottage<br />
garden perennials like Nepeta (catmint),<br />
Geranium ‘Johnsons Blue’, or the<br />
longer flowering, but less interesting to<br />
pollinators, G. ‘Rozanne’ look romantic<br />
under roses. Sunny borders may need<br />
to be brighter to stand up to harsh<br />
sunlight. Geranium ‘Ann Folkhard’ has<br />
magenta flowers with a dark central ‘eye’,<br />
Geum like the sun (but also damp soil)<br />
and are available in cheerful shades of<br />
orange and yellow – my favourite (at<br />
the moment`) is G. ‘Totally Tangerine’,<br />
which seems to manage and even clump<br />
up unusually well in free draining<br />
conditions. For a splash of vibrant red<br />
you can’t do much better than tall and<br />
architectural Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’, which<br />
enlivens both exotic and cottage schemes.<br />
Fabulous Foliage<br />
The range of flower colours available<br />
to us is mind-blowing, but flowers are<br />
fleeting and can’t be used to carry a<br />
scheme through every month of the year.<br />
Foliage can offer nearly as much variety<br />
in terms of colour – and for a much<br />
longer period. Leafy plants can have the<br />
added advantage of good shape and form<br />
too. Foliage can still be a part of colour<br />
schemes – picking up the colours and<br />
Mix it<br />
up<br />
Jo Arnell<br />
celebrates the joys<br />
of myriad colours<br />
in the garden<br />
Pink cosmos<br />
enhancing their effect, or even to carry<br />
the scheme once the flowers have finished.<br />
A leaf can often have as much colour as<br />
a flower, and is far longer lasting. Large<br />
leaves and architectural foliage will also<br />
bring structure and unity to the border.<br />
Cotinus coggygria (the ‘smoke’ bush – so<br />
called because its flowery plumes look<br />
puffs of smoke) is a large shrub grown<br />
mainly for its leaves. The best known<br />
varieties are ‘Royal Purple’ which has<br />
deep plum coloured foliage, or ‘Grace’<br />
whose leaves are more translucent<br />
and ethereal. Plant Cotinus in a sunny<br />
position at the back, or as a specimen<br />
– the sunshine will make the vibrant<br />
red of the autumn colour stronger.<br />
Berberis is smaller leaved and spiny,<br />
with orange flowers in spring, but<br />
offers similar deep red/bronze and<br />
the deciduous varieties will be fiery in<br />
autumn. It’s a big group – a Berberis<br />
could be a huge back of the border<br />
monster, a diminutive dwarf like B.<br />
‘Nana’, or even columnar – B. ‘Helmond<br />
Pillar, ‘Orange’ or ‘Golden Rocket’.<br />
Try the exotic looking Melianthus<br />
major, with glaucous, serrated leaves<br />
(it will be cut down by the frosts as it<br />
is slightly tender, but perks up again<br />
in the spring). Euphorbia ‘Wulfenii’<br />
also has glaucous blue/green leaves, <br />
109<br />
priceless-magazines.com
ut these are evergreen and it has<br />
the added advantage of handsome<br />
lime coloured bracts in spring.<br />
A useful, if diminutive, group of plants<br />
that seem to grow in any situation,<br />
including tricky dry shade, are the<br />
Heucheras. There is a striking, almost<br />
black variety called ‘Obsidian’, several<br />
cultivars come in opulent maroon shades,<br />
but there are lighter colours too, and for<br />
a splash of orange, try H. ‘Marmalade.’<br />
An Annual Blast<br />
You can’t beat annuals for a long and<br />
colourful season. Their short, but actionpacked<br />
lives are focused on flowering.<br />
Annuals only have one short year in<br />
which to complete their life-cycle. If you<br />
can thwart them in their life’s purpose<br />
by continually dead heading, they will<br />
keep trucking along, flowering until the<br />
frosts. Floriferous and reliable annuals<br />
include Cosmos – usually in shades of<br />
white and pink, but some orange and<br />
yellow varieties too, – Antirrhinums<br />
that bring a rainbow of spires, and<br />
Tithonias and Zinnias that sing out,<br />
acid bright in the sunshine. For the<br />
shadier parts of the garden, use scented<br />
and muted tones of Nicotiana, or low<br />
growing Impatiens (busy lizzies)<br />
Colourful Containers<br />
Annuals and tender bedding plants in<br />
pots will bring instant colour and impact<br />
to key areas – terraces and paving are<br />
the immediate thought, but you can<br />
even put pots into gaps in the borders,<br />
or places where the interest is flagging.<br />
The great thing about bedding plants<br />
is that they flower for a long period.<br />
Remember to look after them – water<br />
containers daily in warm weather and<br />
if you planted them up in late spring<br />
for a summer long show, the multipurpose<br />
compost only has enough<br />
food in it for 6 weeks, so after that<br />
they will need a weekly feed of liquid<br />
seaweed, or a high potash fertiliser.<br />
Pelargonium are a good old stalwart,<br />
but there’s a multitude of container plants<br />
on sale right now at the garden centres –<br />
choose your colour scheme, but also think<br />
about shape. Depending on the size of<br />
the container (and in summer try to use<br />
larger containers as they won’t dry out as<br />
quickly), you will need a tall central plant<br />
– an Antirrhinum majus, a tall tobacco<br />
plant or spire of some kind will work well,<br />
Mauve foxgloves<br />
Pastel tulips<br />
Alchemilla and Geranium<br />
‘Johnsons Blue’<br />
then mid height and with a contrasting<br />
flower shape – large flowered like a<br />
Petunia or Zinnia and then something<br />
to spill over the edges – Nemesia, Diascia<br />
or Lobelia, even ivy. The phrase used in<br />
container gardening circles (I’m guessing<br />
there are such things) is ‘thriller, filler,<br />
spiller’ to remind us of the types of<br />
plants that make good shapes in a pot.<br />
Seasonal Colour<br />
The quality of light changes through the<br />
year – furthest away and weaker in the<br />
winter, blazingly close in the summer.<br />
The seasonal light of the sun will affect<br />
the colour palette of plants too. Pale<br />
winter light favours silhouettes and husky<br />
shapes. Most of the late winter and early<br />
spring flowers are white, yellow or cream<br />
to signal more strongly to pollinators in<br />
low light. Spring is all new and green,<br />
interspersed with fresh blues, yellows<br />
and froths of pink. As the light gets<br />
stronger and the sun rises higher in the<br />
sky, the colours strengthen – to attract<br />
in sun-loving butterflies and bees.<br />
Our cottage garden favourites –<br />
geraniums, lupins, delphiniums and geum<br />
will have finished flowering by July and<br />
can also have quite straggly foliage by that<br />
time too. Keep the June blooms coming<br />
by being ruthless – cut them all back<br />
A raised bed in late summer<br />
– right down to the ground as soon as<br />
they’ve finished flowering and by the end<br />
of August they will be back with a repeat<br />
show of flowers and tidy new leaves.<br />
During late summer and early autumn<br />
the palette changes again as the light<br />
softens and sinks lower in the sky.<br />
Bring in Heleniums and Rudbeckias in<br />
russet, gold and mellow orange, the<br />
deep blue of Echinops and brighter hue<br />
of Ceratostigmas, Salvias in a myriad of<br />
colours and the dusky pinks and mauves<br />
of Asters. The flowers of Sedum spectabile<br />
are a magnet for butterflies and bees and<br />
are a great addition to the front of the<br />
border, providing long lasting colour right<br />
through the autumn too, as the nectarpacked<br />
flowers fade into attractive seed<br />
heads in shades of russet and bronze.<br />
Every season brings in a range of<br />
different colour choices – I once gave each<br />
month a colour (but we know that way<br />
madness lies). In the end it will always<br />
be down to personal preference – the<br />
important thing is to enjoy the colours<br />
of your garden, calm harmony or riotous<br />
assembly – it’s entirely up to you.<br />
Join Jo for a gardening class at her<br />
garden in Woodchurch. Call 07923<br />
969634 or see hornbrookmanor.co.uk.<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
110
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111<br />
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Education<br />
Speaking<br />
Sense<br />
Mike Piercy, education consultant and former Head<br />
of The New Beacon, turns language pupil<br />
istockphoto.com/ Vladislav Zolotov<br />
A<br />
favourite word: smellfungus. A favourite<br />
book: The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary<br />
(two weighty tomes). A favourite pursuit:<br />
looking up a word, getting distracted by other,<br />
hitherto unknown words and fascinated by them.<br />
That’s how I found smellfungus – I love language.<br />
Last year I tried to learn Italian – tried being the operative<br />
word. My Venetian tutor, Pietro, arrived for my first lesson<br />
(late), immediately spouting a burble of words exceeding the<br />
Italian speed limit. As per protocol he taught in the target<br />
language. His willing student was often clearly baffled, trying<br />
to ignore Pietro’s barely concealed, impatient, sometimes<br />
exasperated expression. In the third lesson he gave me a<br />
printed handout, though it quickly became apparent he<br />
had not looked at it prior to the lesson. The fourth lesson,<br />
my bewilderment growing, I spoke in English asking<br />
him to explain the grammar and we began to make some<br />
progress. Having taught for many years and witnessed many<br />
others’ teaching, this was a lesson in how not to do it.<br />
The experience did, however, give me a far more empathic<br />
understanding of how challenging it can be for pupils to learn<br />
another language (and, for some, our own language). As a nation<br />
we are perhaps a little lazy in learning other languages as we<br />
expect English to be understood across the nations and globe.<br />
That aside, the process of learning a language is an important<br />
one for students. A modern language is compulsory for schools<br />
at Key Stage 3 (11-14) but not at KS4, with overall numbers<br />
taking a modern language GCSE declining over recent years.<br />
French is traditionally the predominant modern language<br />
taught in schools. Globally, Spanish is more widely spoken<br />
and some schools have in recent years introduced Mandarin.<br />
Latin and Greek, the classics, are now somewhat fringe<br />
yet they have enormous value in lending understanding to<br />
modern language. A reader of this magazine recently wrote<br />
to me about a project which sees Esperanto spreading<br />
across schools in Africa. Music, referenced last month,<br />
has a language of its own and in recent years coding has<br />
grown like wildfire becoming another modern language.<br />
Students outgrow their uniforms. The school curriculum has<br />
outgrown the day with important additions: personal, social,<br />
health education, design technology and computer science to<br />
name but three. There are only so many hours in a school day,<br />
however, and something has to be squeezed. The humanities<br />
sometimes pay the price, as do languages – some might<br />
question the need when software packages do the translation<br />
for you; yet that isn’t the point. Learning another language is<br />
an important academic discipline. Sentence construction, the<br />
acquisition of grammar, can only improve the correct use of<br />
our own language, never mind the wider, cultural benefits.<br />
Aged ten I had an inspirational French teacher. He would<br />
drag us from a dusty, dull classroom to the sports field<br />
where he taught us The Marseillaise. He told the history<br />
of the anthem which enthused us to bellow all the louder<br />
– we lived the music and words, learning the translation<br />
and grammar along the way. Then I think of the pitiful<br />
Pietro. It was humbling for the teacher to become pupil,<br />
struggling over grammar and vocabulary – I felt for him in<br />
that respect. He did, however, give a fine lesson in how not<br />
to teach, ill-prepared, impatient, lacking in vim and vigour.<br />
I salute those who teach languages in our schools,<br />
adopting strategies and multimedia to enhance learning –<br />
so much easier today – and encourage our young people<br />
to persist with language learning. How do we differ<br />
from other species? Imagination, reasoning, emotion<br />
and the nuance of language – now there’s a debate!<br />
Smellfungus: a grumbler, a fault-finder.<br />
Contact Mike with your education-related<br />
queries at mikepiercy@hotmail.com<br />
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Eddy Newton, Head of Marlborough House School in<br />
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“At Marlborough House, a holistic education has quite<br />
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Our pupils achieve fantastic results in all areas of school<br />
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School<br />
Newsboard<br />
Bitesize updates from schools<br />
across the South East<br />
Marlborough House School<br />
Claremont School tell us about their Open House Week<br />
Somerhill<br />
Somerhill<br />
The latest from Somerhill about<br />
their Open Mornings<br />
“At Somerhill we offer the best of co-education<br />
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Book a place at one of our Open Mornings<br />
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Recognised as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted four times<br />
running, we offer scholarships for exceptional talent in<br />
areas like Sports, Creative Arts, Academics and Equestrian.<br />
Join us for our Open House Week from <strong>May</strong><br />
7th – 10th at both the Prep and Senior schools<br />
and discover why Claremont could be the perfect<br />
fit for your child’s educational journey.”<br />
Register your place:<br />
admissions.claremontschool.co.uk/en/open-house-week<br />
Claremont School
MAY-SEPTEMBER<br />
at HEVER CASTLE<br />
NEW IN <strong>2024</strong><br />
THE HISTORY FESTIVAL AT HEVER CASTLE<br />
« FAMILY « THEATRE « MUSIC « SPEAKERS «<br />
« COMEDY « OPERA « JAZZ « BALLET «<br />
07379 488477<br />
HEVERFESTIVAL.CO.UK<br />
www .sevenoaksfestival.org.uk<br />
BOOK NOW<br />
Join us for a summer of fun at<br />
www.tonbridgecastle.org<br />
Tel: 01732 770929<br />
Email: tonbridge.castle@tmbc.gov.uk<br />
Castle Street, Tonbridge TN9 1BG<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
116
SUMMER SEASON<br />
AT HEVER<br />
SHYNEFEST<br />
TONBRIDGE<br />
CASTLE FOOD<br />
& DRINK<br />
istockphoto.com/ Jan Zabrodsky & RolfSt & Biletskiy_Evgeniy<br />
What’s On<br />
Festivals<br />
Special<br />
MAY<br />
Tues 7 – Sat 18 <strong>May</strong><br />
Various locations<br />
SURREY HILLS<br />
INTERNATIONAL<br />
MUSIC FESTIVAL<br />
A real treat for classical music<br />
lovers and all in the stunning<br />
Surrey countryside! This fabulous<br />
festival promises magnificent<br />
performances by inspirational<br />
world-class musicians. Dame<br />
Sarah Connolly will sing a very<br />
special programme of Bach and<br />
Handel arias with leading early<br />
music ensemble, the English<br />
Concert (Sat 18 <strong>May</strong>) at Holy<br />
Trinity Guildford; the gorgeous<br />
Mendelssohn Octet will perform<br />
with leading chamber players (Sat<br />
11 <strong>May</strong>) at RHS Wisley; Sharon<br />
Kam and the award-winning<br />
Sitkovetsky Trio will play the<br />
Mozart Clarinet Quintet (Thurs<br />
9 <strong>May</strong>) plus a spectacular concert<br />
for two pianos including Festival<br />
Artistic Director Wu Qian and<br />
featuring the winning entry<br />
in the <strong>2024</strong> Young Composer<br />
competition (Thurs 16 <strong>May</strong>).<br />
shimf.co.uk<br />
Sun 19 <strong>May</strong> 11am-4pm<br />
St Mary Magdalene Church,<br />
Ruckinge TN26 2NU<br />
FLOWER FESTIVAL<br />
‘THE JOY OF MUSIC’<br />
This little country church will be<br />
alive with flowers from garden<br />
and hedgerow, celebrating the<br />
joy that music brings to all our<br />
lives. Children from the school<br />
and local Scouts and Guides will<br />
take part, together with the art<br />
group from Canterbury Oast<br />
Trust, a local charity that supports<br />
adults with learning disabilities.<br />
All ages, all experiences, and<br />
all adding their wonderful<br />
flowery touch. Refreshments<br />
will be available all day.<br />
Entry: Free Contact:<br />
Margaret 07748 006249<br />
Sat 25 <strong>May</strong> – Mon 2 Sep<br />
Hever Castle, Hever Road,<br />
Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG<br />
FESTIVAL THEATRE<br />
AT HEVER CASTLE<br />
SUMMER SEASON<br />
In a splendid celebration of their<br />
new home, complete with an<br />
exceptional roof that’s perfect for<br />
stargazing, The Festival Theatre at<br />
Hever Castle have programmed an<br />
array of star-studded events this<br />
year including loads of returning<br />
festival favourites, and many<br />
new artists and events dotted<br />
amongst the programme. The<br />
opening week boasts a diverse<br />
mix, from jazz and opera to<br />
musical performances, family fun<br />
and comedy. The Ronnie Scott’s<br />
Club are featuring highly with<br />
three different Ronnie’s groups<br />
including The Jazz Dynamos<br />
re-imagining songs from the 70s<br />
& 80s. Nestled in the enchanting,<br />
award-winning gardens of Hever<br />
Castle, festival spots (including<br />
The Loggia, Main Lawn and<br />
Two Sisters’ Theatre) promise<br />
many magical moments.<br />
Contact: 07379 488 477<br />
(M-F 10am-2pm)<br />
heverfestival.co.uk<br />
Sat 25 – Sun 26 <strong>May</strong><br />
Tonbridge Castle, Castle<br />
St, Tonbridge TN9 1BG<br />
TONBRIDGE FOOD AND<br />
DRINK FESTIVAL<br />
Fire up your taste buds at this<br />
year’s fabulous Tonbridge Food<br />
& Drink Festival in the town’s<br />
beautiful castle grounds close to<br />
the banks of the picturesque River<br />
Medway. Try, taste and buy from<br />
more than 60 stallholders selling a<br />
delicious range of food and drink<br />
produced in and around Kent and<br />
from across the globe. Discover<br />
tasty cheeses, breads, cakes, sweet<br />
treats such as fudge and chocolate<br />
brownies, locally roasted coffee,<br />
and other food-related stalls.<br />
In its eighth year, these foodie<br />
spectaculars are organised by the<br />
team behind the award-winning<br />
Tonbridge Farmers Market so<br />
you know you’re in for a treat.<br />
facebook.com/Tonbridge<br />
FoodandDrinkFestival<br />
JUNE<br />
31st <strong>May</strong> & 1 June<br />
Merrist Wood College,<br />
Holly Lane, Worplesdon,<br />
Guildford GU3 3PE<br />
SHYNEFEST<br />
ShyneFest has become a regular<br />
feature on the Surrey music<br />
scene and this year there will be<br />
a great array of fun activities for<br />
the whole family to get involved<br />
with, including varied food and<br />
drink outlets and festival stalls.<br />
If you fancy joining in the fun<br />
across the entire two-day festival,<br />
camping and glamping on site<br />
is available along with fixed<br />
bathroom facilities in nearby<br />
blocks, breakfast catering and<br />
free parking. It’s the perfect<br />
way to spend the end of the<br />
117<br />
priceless-magazines.com
15TH-18TH august <strong>2024</strong><br />
THE ORIGINAL FESTIVAL OF BUSHCRAFT AND MUSIC<br />
Bushcraft ◆ Primitive Skills ◆ Blacksmithing<br />
Basket Weaving ◆ Ancient Crafts ◆ Tracking<br />
Bone Carving ◆ Woodcraft ◆ Leatherwork<br />
Archery ◆ Axe Throwing ◆ Bow Making<br />
Canoeing ◆ Music ◆ Family Activities<br />
book NOW: wildernessgathering.co.uk<br />
CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE<br />
3161-Hever-in-Bloom-Campaign-90x130mm-AW.indd 1 08/04/<strong>2024</strong> 16:17<br />
SUMMER VINTAGE FAIR<br />
The Summer Vintage Fair returns to Chiddingstone Castle for its Ninth year. With an extensive array of fabulous<br />
vintage stalls, homewares, textiles, furniture, fashion, jewellery, accessories, pre-loved items and gardenalia. Picnic<br />
from the delicious food stalls on the lawns of our Grade II listed Orangery whilst enjoying singing performances from<br />
Miss Vintage and dancing from <strong>Home</strong> Front Lindy Hop. Make a whole day of it and explore the historic house and<br />
collections as part of your visit. For tickets scan the QR code or visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk/whats-on/<br />
Sunday 30th June. 10:30am - 4pm Adult £7.50 : Child £2.50<br />
HELLO@CHIDDINGSTONECASTLE.ORG.UK | 01892 870 347 | CHIDDINGSTONE CASTLE, KENT, TN8 7AD<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
118
istockphoto.com/ Elena Emchuk & Nattakorn Maneerat & grahedphotography & happy8790<br />
half term break and have fun<br />
with a like-minded, fun seeking<br />
community of festival go-ers<br />
whilst enjoying all that the<br />
event has to offer, including<br />
some great live music such as<br />
headline act, Dodgy, who will be<br />
playing on the Saturday night.<br />
shynefest.uk<br />
Sat 22 June – Sun 7 July<br />
Various locations<br />
across Sevenoaks<br />
SEVENOAKS<br />
SUMMER FESTIVAL<br />
The festival kicks off with<br />
entertainment for all the family<br />
at the Festival Fair with a mix<br />
of music stages, children’s<br />
entertainment, walkabout and<br />
street theatre throughout the<br />
day in Bligh’s Meadow and The<br />
Shambles, as well as puppet<br />
shows in Stag Theatre’s Footlights<br />
Bar. On the following Saturday<br />
29 June, Colourscape may be<br />
enjoyed on the Vine Gardens,<br />
where a children’s event, Painting<br />
for Fun, will also be held. The<br />
Festival continues until Sunday<br />
7 July with the Finale Concert<br />
in Pamoja Hall, featuring Snake<br />
Davis and his ‘Classic Sax Solos’.<br />
The other sixty events include<br />
Gilbert & Sullivan’s Mikado<br />
at Stag Theatre; an open air<br />
production of Shakespeare’s As<br />
You Like It at White Rock Inn;<br />
Liz Grand and her one-woman<br />
drama Where Is Mrs Christie?<br />
about the disappearance of Agatha<br />
Christie in 1926, in Sevenoaks<br />
School’s Sackville Theatre; The<br />
LP Swing Orchestra with Joe<br />
Stilgoe at Stag Theatre; and<br />
A3A Americana for the Third<br />
Age in the Footlights Bar.<br />
sevenoaksfestival.org.uk<br />
Sat 29 & Sun 30 June launch<br />
then throughout July<br />
Various locations<br />
around Ashford<br />
ASHFORD FOOD AND<br />
DRINK FESTIVAL<br />
The festival will launch with<br />
ASHFOOD! – a two-day<br />
celebration of local food and drink<br />
businesses at Elwick Place. Other<br />
activities include the return of<br />
Wine Garden of England with<br />
Boys Hall and Kent Vineyards at<br />
Revelation, and Curious Brewery<br />
hosting a two-day beer festival.<br />
There really is something for<br />
everyone this year from The Great<br />
Ashford Sandwich Competition<br />
and teddy bears picnic, to<br />
pizza making, wine tasting and<br />
some fabulous competitions.<br />
loveashford.com<br />
JULY ONWARDS<br />
Fri 26 July, Weds 31<br />
July & Thurs 8 Aug<br />
Sandown Park, Portsmouth<br />
Road, Esher, Surrey<br />
KT10 9AJ UK<br />
THE JOCKEY CLUB LIVE<br />
AT SANDOWN PARK<br />
Get ready for an incredible<br />
season of live music at Sandown<br />
Park Racecourse this summer!<br />
A day at the races promises to<br />
be more exhilarating than ever<br />
before, combining a nail-biting<br />
evening of racing followed by full<br />
headline performances from the<br />
UK’s biggest music artists. The<br />
line-up this year includes Pete<br />
Tong’s Ibiza Classics returning<br />
with a brand-new set for <strong>2024</strong> on<br />
Friday 26th July; music legends<br />
Madness on Wednesday 31st July;<br />
and the beloved pop band McFly<br />
on Thursday 8th August. To top<br />
it off, Sandown Park Racecourse<br />
features award-winning restaurants<br />
that cater for all tastes, from fine<br />
dining through to delicious bistro<br />
food. Tickets are on sale now with<br />
prices and hospitality packages<br />
available to suit all budgets.<br />
thejockeyclublive.co.uk<br />
Thurs 15 – Sun 18 August<br />
Hole Park, TN17 4JA<br />
THE WILDERNESS<br />
GATHERING AT HOLE PARK<br />
If you love the outdoors and fancy<br />
learning more about knot tying,<br />
willow weaving, pewter casting<br />
and traditional arrow making,<br />
then this is the festival for you.<br />
It’s a unique event encompassing<br />
crafts and bushcraft skills for all<br />
the family, trade stands, food,<br />
drink and entertainment. There<br />
will be workshops, demonstrations<br />
and activities including wood<br />
carving, basketry, canoeing and<br />
axe throwing. There will also<br />
be many bushcraft activities<br />
specifically tailored for children.<br />
So get the kids outdoors in the<br />
fresh air and have some fun<br />
while you’re at it! Day tickets<br />
are available on the gate from<br />
16th August and weekend tickets<br />
in advance on the website.<br />
wildernessgathering.co.uk<br />
Sat 28 Sept – Sun 6 Oct<br />
Turner Contemporary,<br />
Margate CT9 1HG<br />
THE MARGATE<br />
BOOKIE LITFEST<br />
This gem of a festival gets bigger<br />
and better every year and promises<br />
creative writing workshops, talks<br />
and walks and a host of big<br />
name authors – all in marvellous<br />
Margate. Don’t miss out. Sign up<br />
online to get your ticket news.<br />
margatebookie.com<br />
Sun 23 Oct<br />
Brooklands Museum,<br />
Brooklands Drive, Weybridge,<br />
Surrey KT13 0SL<br />
LONDON BUS MUSEUM<br />
TRANSPORTFEST<br />
Jump on board for a fun day of<br />
heritage bus trips, rarely seen early<br />
vehicles, live music, collectors’<br />
market and children’s attractions<br />
at the ever-popular Brooklands.<br />
Alongside a huge collection of<br />
buses you’ll see taxis, military and<br />
emergency vehicles plus all the<br />
usual displays including aircraft.<br />
londonbusmuseum.com<br />
THE WILDERNESS GATHERING<br />
AT HOLE PARK<br />
THE JOCKEY<br />
CLUB LIVE<br />
ASHFORD FOOD &<br />
DRINK FESTIVAL<br />
119<br />
priceless-magazines.com
THURS 6 TH JUNE 7.30PM<br />
Two actors, two microphones, over twenty-five characters<br />
and lots of sound effects!<br />
Tickets: £20<br />
emftheatre.com 01732 304241<br />
emftheatre emforstertheatre emforstertheatre<br />
Residential care home<br />
for the elderly in Headcorn, Kent<br />
We provide both long-term accommodation and short stay respite stays.<br />
Small friendly residential care home that can offer 24 hour care,<br />
we also offer day care. All rooms are comfortable and fully furnished.<br />
t. 01622 890112<br />
e. yth@mail.org<br />
yewtree-carehome.co.uk<br />
9 Station Road, Headcorn TN27 9SB<br />
Wood Floor<br />
Sanding<br />
- Family Business -<br />
We also restore wooden kitchen tops<br />
FREE estimates - call any time<br />
07794953597 gerardgrover@gmail.com<br />
priceless-magazines.com<br />
AllWoodsSandingServicesWT2171/8.indd 1 21/02/2020 12:55 120
FLETCHING GARDEN TRAIL<br />
ASHBURNHAM ENGLISH<br />
SONG AWARDS FINAL<br />
HOSPICES<br />
OF HOPE<br />
istockphoto.com/ jacoblund & Furtseff & evgenyatamanenko & lolostock<br />
What’s On<br />
this Season<br />
FAIRS<br />
Thur 6, Fri 7 & Sat 8<br />
June 9am-5pm<br />
Hole Park, Benenden Road,<br />
Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4JB<br />
WEALDEN TIMES<br />
MIDSUMMER FAIR<br />
Come and join us to welcome<br />
the joyful summer season. You’ll<br />
find all your favourite exhibitors<br />
plus a wide selection of exciting<br />
new stands who’ll be selling<br />
gorgeous fashion, sustainable<br />
products, art and crafts, home<br />
and gardenware, beauty and so<br />
much more (we haven’t even<br />
started on the food and drink!).<br />
<strong>Your</strong> ticket also includes access<br />
to the wonderful Hole Park<br />
Gardens, which is always stunning<br />
at this time of year. We look<br />
forward to welcoming you.<br />
wealdentimes-fair.co.uk<br />
GARDENS<br />
Thur 16 <strong>May</strong> 1.30-4pm<br />
Reuthes, The Lost Gardens of<br />
Sevenoaks, Sevenoaks Road,<br />
Seal Chart TN15 0HB<br />
HOSPICES OF HOPE<br />
PRESENTS THE TALKING<br />
GARDENS OF KENT<br />
Founder of Hospices of Hope,<br />
Graham Perolls, invites you<br />
to accompany him on one of<br />
a series of exclusive tours and<br />
talks in three unique gardens in<br />
West Kent. Join Graham and<br />
Reuthe’s owner, Claire Price, in<br />
exploring the magical 11-acre<br />
rare species woodland that hosts<br />
one of the country’s best selection<br />
of specialist rhododendrons,<br />
azaleas, camellias and conifers.<br />
Finish your adventure with<br />
refreshments! Proceeds will<br />
benefit Hospices of Hope’s vital<br />
work supporting hospice care<br />
in South and East Europe.<br />
Tickets: £25<br />
hospicesofhope.co.uk<br />
Sat 6th July 10am-4pm<br />
Reading Street, Broadstairs,<br />
Kent CT10 3AZ<br />
READING STREET VILLAGE<br />
OPEN GARDENS<br />
This is Reading Street’s fifth open<br />
garden event. Gardens range from<br />
a small cottage garden to an award<br />
winning wildlife one, a Dragon<br />
garden with surprises for the little<br />
ones plus Taddy’s Allotments. All<br />
gardens are within 5 to 10 minutes<br />
walk from St Andrew’s Church.<br />
There will be plant and produce<br />
sales, as well as refreshments<br />
and lunches available in the<br />
Community Hall and a fabulous<br />
cake stall. Tickets are available<br />
from various points in the village.<br />
Entry: £5 (accompanied<br />
children free)<br />
Contact: offstand@btinternet.com<br />
Sun 30 June<br />
Fletching, East Sussex TN22 3SP<br />
FLETCHING GARDEN TRAIL<br />
The Garden Trail guarantees<br />
fun for all, including children’s<br />
activities, a raffle and a popular<br />
plant and seed sale. Some of the<br />
gardens have featured in national<br />
publications so it promises to be<br />
a visual treat. The Garden Café<br />
will be situated on the Village Rec,<br />
serving delicious light lunches,<br />
refreshments and homemade cakes<br />
throughout the day, all set in an<br />
idyllic location. Tickets should be<br />
purchased on the day from the<br />
school playground (contactless<br />
card machine available). Included<br />
in your entry fee is a brochure<br />
which includes a map to help<br />
you navigate your way from<br />
exquisite garden to garden.<br />
Entry: £10 (children free)<br />
MUSIC<br />
Thur 16 <strong>May</strong> 7pm<br />
(doors open 6.30pm)<br />
Ashburnham Place,<br />
Battle, TN33 9NF<br />
ASHBURNHAM ENGLISH<br />
SONG AWARDS FINAL<br />
We’re so thrilled to hear about<br />
this year’s final. Eight immensely<br />
talented singers and their pianists<br />
will compete for prizes worth<br />
over £5000, to be awarded at<br />
the end of the evening. This<br />
is a wonderful opportunity to<br />
hear these exciting young artists<br />
perform settings of some of our<br />
greatest poetry by composers<br />
from the British Isles and Ireland.<br />
The Judges include Dame<br />
Felicity Lott and – for one prize<br />
– the audience! Tickets include<br />
a programme and an interval<br />
drink and are available online<br />
and from Rother Books on Battle<br />
High Street. On the door tickets<br />
are cash only please. This is an<br />
accessible event with free parking.<br />
Entry: £25<br />
ashburnhamenglishsongawards.<br />
co.uk / eventbrite.co.uk<br />
Listings are correct at time of going<br />
to press but may be subject to change.<br />
Readers are advised to check with venues<br />
before making arrangements. We can list<br />
your event in the next issue of <strong>Wealden</strong><br />
<strong>Times</strong> for only £75+VAT. Please supply<br />
up to 200 words that should include date,<br />
time, venue, contact for enquiries and any<br />
entry price to whatson@priceless-group.<br />
com or send with payment (cheques<br />
payable to Priceless Media Ltd.) to What’s<br />
On, Priceless Media, Kettle Chambers,<br />
21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent<br />
TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves the<br />
right to edit text to fit space allocated.<br />
Deadline for the next issue is 7th <strong>May</strong>.<br />
121<br />
priceless-magazines.com
Jane Howard explains how<br />
agricultural shows came<br />
to be and just how much<br />
preparation is needed<br />
in order to compete<br />
The Heathfield Show at the end<br />
of <strong>May</strong> will be the first outing for<br />
the Coopers Farm team, in a busy<br />
summer that ends up with the Edenbridge and<br />
Oxted show on August bank holiday. It’s the time<br />
of year when jams and preserves get competitive,<br />
beer tents are buzzing, ferrets race furiously and farmers<br />
show and parade some of the country’s finest livestock.<br />
Agricultural shows are part of our rural heritage and<br />
date back to the 18th century when they played an<br />
important educational role. At that time, as a result of<br />
the Industrial Revolution, the population of Britain<br />
boomed and farming had to change swiftly to keep the<br />
nation fed. A network of county agricultural societies<br />
promoted new scientific methods of stock breeding and<br />
crop management, but not enough farmers took any<br />
notice. So the idea of the agricultural<br />
show was born, where all the advances<br />
would be displayed and explained,<br />
the superiority of the new methods<br />
demonstrated and – to encourage good<br />
practice – prizes would be awarded for<br />
the best stock and produce. The shows<br />
were high-minded and serious. If people<br />
wanted fun, they could go to the circus.<br />
These days for the many visitors<br />
who flock to the shows each year they<br />
are absolutely about having fun, but<br />
it’s also a great chance to get up close<br />
to all our farm animals and learn more about them.<br />
Showing cattle is a bit like competing at Crufts.<br />
In the first instance there are the individual breed<br />
classes with categories for young and mature bulls,<br />
and cows and heifers (females that haven’t yet had a<br />
calf) resulting in a male and female champion for each<br />
breed. These breed champions then compete with<br />
each other to get the supreme champion of the show,<br />
but to get there – indeed even to turn up – means<br />
a great deal of hard work, started months before.<br />
Around Christmas I start picking out the potential<br />
Showing cattle is a<br />
bit like competing at<br />
Crufts... to get there<br />
– indeed even to turn<br />
up – means a great<br />
deal of hard work,<br />
started months before<br />
contenders for the Coopers team. What am I looking<br />
for? The easiest explanation is a topline (backbone)<br />
that is parallel to the bottom line (belly) and plenty<br />
of width. Think about a box of After Eights with<br />
a leg in each corner and you won’t be far out.<br />
By about March the training begins, but your average<br />
cow sees no reason to put on a halter and be walked<br />
round on the end of a rope, why would they? It always<br />
helps if there are cattle in the team who<br />
have been round the circuit the year<br />
before to lend a relaxed 'been there,<br />
done that' vibe to proceedings. Even<br />
so, first steps are always unpredictable.<br />
Having tied them up to get used to<br />
the halter you then have to untie them<br />
and encourage forward movement.<br />
At this point one of two things can<br />
happen. Some set off round the yard<br />
rodeo style, bucking and bronking with<br />
yours truly holding on to the end of<br />
the rope, trying to calm things down.<br />
These are the easy ones as they soon settle down.<br />
Far trickier are those that take the “nah, no thank<br />
you” approach and refuse to budge. Much harder to<br />
do anything about half a ton of uncooperative beef!<br />
But somehow we always seem to get them there,<br />
though it must be said, like children there are<br />
always the little angels that rise to the occasion<br />
and behave impeccably... and those that don’t.<br />
So here’s hoping this year's lot will oblige<br />
and it will be a sunny, easy, enjoyable show<br />
season. <strong>Love</strong> to meet some of you there.<br />
priceless-magazines.com 122
Visit our newly refurbished Tunbridge Wells showroom - Voted Best Kitchen Showroom in the UK<br />
81 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY - Tel: 01892 520730<br />
Sevenoaks - Tel: 01732 762682<br />
Tunbridge Wells - Tel: 01892 520730<br />
Email: info@rencraft.co.uk<br />
NEW WEBSITE | www.rencraft.co.uk
OPTICIANS<br />
PROUD PROVIDERS OF EXCELLENT<br />
EYECARE FOR KENT AND EAST SUSSEX<br />
Eyewear as individual as you<br />
www.wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk<br />
Contact us at Hastings 01424 421717 | Lewes 01273 472360 | Rye 01797 223700 | Tenterden 01580 762069