Wealden Times | WT270 | November 2024

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NOVEMBER 2024 

270 

NOVEMBER 2024 

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PLOTS 1 & 2. RESERVE NOW & BE IN FOR CHRISTMAS. 

ENJOY CHRISTMAS 

IN YOUR NEW HOME 

Call: 01233 421050 

Email: sales@jarvishomes.com 

www.jarvishomes.com 

GRANGE 

COURT 

CHILMINGTON GREEN 

ASHFORD, KENT TN23 8BJ 

CHILMINGTON GREEN 

jarvishomes.com 

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4

Contents 

November 2024 

34 

80 

52 

12 

23 

27 

34 

51 

52 

61 

HOUSE OF THE MONTH 

Dream homes on the market 

NOTEBOOK 

Upcoming events for your diary 

THE MUST LIST 

Keep up-to-date with the latest 

must-see and must-have goodies 

BRAND NEW CHAPTER 

An awe-inspiring monastery 

packed with antiques and art 

GET THE LOOK 

Invest in key pieces to emulate 

Alex’s incredible style 

LITTLE HOUSE NEXT DOOR 

Alex MacArthur’s gorgeous 

cottage renovation 

GET THE LOOK 

Perfect pieces for chic 

cottage living 

62 

80 

89 

91 

95 

97 

WISH YOU WERE HERE 

Simply Luxury Escapes share 

their ultimate travel picks 

WINTER WARMERS 

Flavourful seasonal recipes 

SNOW QUEEN 

Rebecca Cuffe chooses cosy 

winter clothes and accessories 

THE AFFORDABLE 

PRESENT HUNTER 

Josephine Fairley edits her 

selection of purse-friendly 

Christmas beauty gifts 

LESSEN THE IMPACT 

Sarah Maxwell explains how to 

choose the perfect sports bra 

NOURISH TO FLOURISH 

Charlotte Lau analyses the 

benefits of eating pomegranate 

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

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

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

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

99 

105 

107 

109 

114 

HOW DOES YOUR 

GARDEN GROW 

Jo Arnell helps to uncover 

your gardening style 

BEST IN CLASS 

Education news 

WHEN TO STEP IN 

Mike Piercy’s tips for raising 

concerns with your child’s school 

WHAT’S ON: FESTIVE SPECIAL 

Fun-filled dates for your diary... 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard’s latest instalment 

from Coopers Farm 

GIFT 

SUPPLEMENT 

Shop our pick 

of the finest 

Christmas presents. 

After page 64 

istockphoto.com/ Ekaterina_Jurkova 

GIFTS 

5

Success needs 

planning 

We will help you find the best outcome 

from securing the future of your business 

to protecting your family’s assets. 

warners-solicitors.co.uk | 01732 770660

From the 

Editor 

I 

like many have admired Alex MacArthur’s incredible 

renovation of a 14th century monastery in Rye 

from afar, via Instagram and snippets from various 

world-famous interiors magazines over the years. So I 

was absolutely beaming when we were invited to shoot 

the place for ourselves. Exploring not only the incredible 

events space that Alex has created within the monastery 

building itself, but the attached cottage he has painstakingly 

renovated, we have split our visit over two interiors features 

this issue. Positively bursting with artworks, antiques 

and curios, this very special building acts as the ideal 

backdrop for Alex’s collections, most of which are for sale. 

Working for a magazine, here in the office we’ve 

naturally learned to prep for Christmas months a little 

earlier than the norm, and embrace a sprinkling of festive 

magic whilst curating our Midwinter Fair. We’re really 

looking forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors 

alike to The Hop Farm from 14-16 November. Find all 

the info you need to know at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

If Christmas shopping is well and truly on your radar, 

you’ll love this month’s Gift Guide, carefully compiled 

by Rebecca Cuffe. Find perfect presents 

for family and friends, conveniently 

categorised for ease of browsing. 

Elsewhere, Jo Fairley takes a look 

at affordable festive beauty buys and 

Louise Pickford shares cosy recipes 

to enjoy on chilly winter nights. 

Enjoy your Priceless magazine 

CANTERBURY 

MAIDSTONE 

Priceless Team 

EditorLucy Fleming 

Supplements & Features EditorRebecca Cuffe 

Sub Editor & Features Writer Emily Pavey 

Design & Production DirectorAnthony Boxall 

Sales Manager, Surrey HomesLisa Gordon-Hughes 

lisa.gordon-hughes@surrey-homes.co.uk 

Sales Manager, Wealden Times Maria Hurley 

maria.hurley@wealdentimes.co.uk 

Senior Account ManagerSarah Norwood 

Andrew Boughton 

Wealden Times Show Director Flo Simpson 

Events Manager Liz Miles 

Events Sales Director Jude Brown 

Financial ControllerStephen Hunt 

Accounts Sarah Davies 

Nicola O’Leary 

Social Media ManagerCharlotte Lau 

Managing DirectorVivien Cotterill-Lee 

Executive Chairman Julie Simpson 

Contact number for Wealden Times01580 714705 

Contact number for Surrey Homes 01580 236072 

7 

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IN OUR CANTERBURY SHOWROOM 

CANTERBURY 01227 766 655 / Roper Road, CT2 7EL 

MAIDSTONE 

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In-store & Online 

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Find us here! 

HERITAGE SPECIALISTS 

Call 01580 714705 to find your nearest distributor of 

Wealden Times or to get free copies delivered for £30 a year. 

istockphoto.com/ Maria Voronovich 

18,000 copies of Wealden Times are printed 

every month. We are available in the 

following outlets and are the only 

local magazine available at key 

commuter stations. If you have any 

questions about our distribution please 

contact Vivien Cotterill-Lee 

vivien.cotterill-lee@priceless-group.com 

Alfriston 

• Emmett & 

White Antiques 

& Interiors 

Ashford 

• Ashford 

Designer 

Outlet 

• Eastwell Manor 

• Hunters 

• Kingsfords 

Solicitors 

• Northwood 

• Perry Court 

Farm 

• Sainsbury’s 

• Secret Garden, 

Kent 

• The Wife 

of Bath 

Aylesford 

• Tesco Extra 

Battle 

• British Design 

British Made 

• Jempson’s 

Benenden 

• Village Shop 

Bexhill 

• Sivyers Antique 

Emporium 

• Wards 

Biddenden 

• The Bakehouse 

• Bloomsburys 

• Costcutter 

Boughton 

Monchelsea 

• The Cock Inn 

Broadstairs 


Bromley 

• The Glades 

Burwash 

• Londis 

Canterbury 

• Asda Superstore 

• Benton 

Kitchens 

• The Duke 

William 

• Fenwick 

• Gibson’s 

Farm Shop 


• Whitefriars 

Chislehurst 


Cranbrook 

• Hartley Coffee 

House 

• Hartley Dyke 

Farmshop 

• The Hive 

• Pages 

Crowborough 

• Costa Coffee 

Eastbourne 

• Waterstones 

Eridge 

• Fuller’s Farm 

Shop 

Faversham 

• Macknade 

Fine Foods 


Flimwell 

• The Weald 

Smokery 

Folkestone 

• Hunters 

• Loaf 

• Moda 

• Rocksalt 


Goudhurst 

• Billie Loves 

• Burfields 

House Wealth 

Management 

Ltd 

• Furnish & 

Feather 

• Goudhurst Inn 

• Goudhurst 

Newsagents 

Greenhithe 

• John Lewis 

Food Hall 

Haywards Heath 

• Cook 

Hastings 

• Judges Bakery 

• Morrisons 

• Respire Living 

• Wellington Centre 

Hawkhurst 

• Kino Cinema 

• Park Farm 

Butchers 

• Two Chicks 

Headcorn 

• Foodie’s 

Emporium 

Heathfield 

• Cuculo Deli 

• The Stores 

Horsham 

• Cook 

Hurst Green 

• Eggs to Apples 

• Merriments 

Hythe 

• The Chair Lady 

• The Flower 

Shop 

• Halcyon Days 

• Hunters 

• Hythe Bay 

Seafood 

Restaurant 

• Nutmeg Café 

• Oaks Hair & 

Beauty Retreat 


Ickham 

• The Duke 

William 

Kings Hill 

• Costa 

Lenham 

• Corner House 

Antiques 

Lewes 

• Riverside 

Shopping Hall 

Maidstone 

• Tesco 

Marden 

• Marden 

Village Store 

Mayfield 

• The House 

Café 

Northiam 

• Country 

Property Group 

• Jempson’s Local 

• Will’s Bakery 

and Café 

Nutley 

• Nutley Antiques 

Orpington 


Peasmarsh 


Pluckley 

• Pluckley 

Farm Shop 

Robertsbridge 

• Vinehall School 

Rolvenden 

• KM & JM 

Linklater 

Rushlake Green 

• The Stores 

Rye 

• Adams of Rye 


• Kino Cinema 

• Phillips & 

Stubbs 

• The White 

House 

Sandhurst 

• Johnson’s of 

Sandhurst 

Sedlescombe 

• Sedlescombe 

Post Office 

and Stores 

Sellindge 

• Hobbs & 

Hearts 

Sevenoaks 

• Cook 

• County Clothes 


Sheffield Green 

• Trading 

Boundaries 

Sissinghurst 

• TN17 Food 

& Wine 

Smarden 

• West End 

House Gallery 

St. Leonards 

on-Sea 


Shop 

Staplehurst 

• Frankie’s 

Farm Shop 

Stone Cross 

• Sharnfold 

Farm & Shop 

Tenterden 

• County Clothes 

• Hunters Estate 

Agents 

• London Beach 

Hotel 

• Tenterden 

House Interiors 

• Tesco 

Superstore 

• Warner Gray 

• Webbs of 

Tenterden 

• White Lion 

• Woodcocks 

Ticehurst 

• Londis 

Tonbridge 

• Cook 

• Neptune 

Tunbridge Wells 

• Fenwick 

• Hoopers 

• Maddisons 

Residential 

• Notcutts 

• Rencraft 


• The Buzz Lounge, 

The Pantiles 

• Truffle 

Wadhurst 


Westerham 

• Nisa 

Whitstable 

• Tea & Times 


• The Whiting Post 

Winchelsea 

• Winchelsea 

Farm Kitchen 

Wye 

• The Wife of Bath 

TRAIN 

STATIONS: 

• Ashford 

International 

• Hildenborough 

• Maidstone East 

• Orpington 

• Paddock Wood 

• Sevenoaks 

• Staplehurst 

• Tonbridge 

• Tunbridge 

Wells 

• Wadhurst 

• West Malling 

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Midwinter 

14 -16 November 

To be part of something 

wonderful and 

bring joy to others 

Lucy, our editor, asked me why I love working at the 

Midwinter Fair and why I thought customers, exhibitors, 

and the team who build this amazing pop-up shopping 

event love it too. I’m Gordon, husband of Vivien 

(WT’s MD) and I’m also ‘Chief Pinkie’ at the Fair. 

Here’s why I find it such a joyous thing to be a part of. 

Book your 

tickets NOW 

QUOTE CODE 

‘NOV24’ 

for your 

discount 

Firstly, our lovely exhibitors. It 

takes a lot of courage to start 

your own business, and then 

to design, make, and source all the 

fabulous things they sell. I’m full of 

admiration for what they do. For 

some this will be their first fair. For 

others who’ve been coming for a 

while, it’s so satisfying seeing their 

business grow from their newbie 

days. Nothing makes us happier 

than seeing them succeed. It’s 

the reason the Fair was created 

– to give independent retailers 

a place to sell their products, 

in person. By bringing together 

the coolest, most creative and stylish 

independent retailers under one roof, 

the Midwinter Fair has become a 

rather wonderful shopping event. 

Not only will you discover unique 

products that you won’t see on the 

High Street, as well as something 

for everyone on your Christmas 

list, but when you buy directly 

from the designer, creator or maker, 

you’re making a real difference to 

a small, independent business. It 

makes buying Christmas presents 

at the Fair even more enjoyable. 

Our exhibitors love the Midwinter 

Fair because our customers are 

SHOP INDOORS IN FESTIVE HEATED MARQUEES

TICKETS 

available on 

the door or buy 

in advance 

online 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

“I do hope we’ll see you at this year’s Fair, so 

that you can be part of something wonderful. 

Your presence will bring joy to others.” 

always so nice. And they love to 

shop too! It’s funny to think of 

customers contributing to the joy 

of the event, but they really do. 

Being enthusiastic, curious and 

chatty makes everyone’s day and the 

exhibitors always love reconnecting 

with our many loyal visitors. 

Being a steward – one of the 

‘pinkies’ you’ll see cleaning tables, 

emptying bins, and carrying shopping 

to people’s cars – we’re here to 

make everyone’s day as enjoyable as 

possible. Last year a customer lost a 

diamond earring. The next day we 

retraced her steps inside and outside 

the marquees, before remarkably 

finding it in the car park. That was 

such a happy moment. And I’d like 

to think, all part of our service ethos. 

Like everyone on the Wealden 

Times team, we love seeing best 

friends and generations of families 

enjoying a day out together. And 

we’re always interested to know what 

they’ve enjoyed and what they’ve 

bought. My top tips are firstly to 

walk slowly around our famous 

Food Hall and sample everything 

– but do leave space for lunch and 

a delicious chicken shawarma from 

Emilio’s. Secondly, pause, have a 

nice cup of coffee and listen to 

the school choirs singing festive 

songs. Performing live is a big thing 

for anyone, so take a moment to 

admire their bravery, encourage their 

efforts, and enjoy their delightful 

voices. It’s another moment of joy, 

in a day packed full of them. 

Over 

240+ 

independent 

retailers 

FREE 

PARKING 

14-16 NOVEMBER 

THE HOP FARM, PADDOCK WOOD TN12 6PY 

9AM - 5PM ADULTS £18 

Buy an advanced ticket to save £1 at wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

2

House 

Month 

of the 

£3,575,000 

This month Gordon Lee focuses in on 8-bedroom 

houses that could accommodate the whole 

family for the festive period or ensure multigenerational 

living for years to come 

Westerham 

The dream: Exceptional and 

fascinating Grade II listed country 

pile and former home of Alice 

Liddell, for whom Lewis Carroll 

wrote Alice in Wonderland. 

Where: The historic market 

town of Westerham. 

Setting: Remarkable 2.2- 

acre haven, in prime position 

overlooking The Green. 

Beds: 8 Baths: 4 

Special features: White walled, 

with wonderful wooden beams 

and floors throughout, and full 

of natural light. Modern open 

plan kitchen, dining and family 

room, with oven and AGA. 

Pleasing details: Original 

fireplaces in many of the 

rooms, including the spacious 

bedrooms, some of which 

now utilise cosy wood burning 

stoves. Ground floor gym. 

Outside: Over 2 acres of largely 

secluded and tranquil, south facing, 

part-walled gardens and grounds, 

with a fabulous swimming pool 

and pool house. A sweeping gravel 

driveway leads to a detached 

double and two further garages. 

Time to town: Right in the heart 

of Westerham, and close to Oxted 

(3.4 miles) and Sevenoaks (6 miles) 

with trains to London Bridge, 

Charing Cross, Cannon Street, 

and Victoria (24-35 minutes). 

Agents: Jackson-Stops 

01883 712375 jackson-stops.co.uk 

priceless-magazines.com 12

£4,000,000 

Saltwood, Hythe 

The dream: This meticulously renovated 

Grade II listed mansion was described in 

Hasted’s History of Kent (1778) as ‘a very 

commodious and handsome house’. 

Where: Saltwood, a quintessential English village. 

Setting: The house has a wonderful approach 

with a sweeping driveway up to the front of the 

property, plus a secondary drive to the rear. 


Special features: Modernised open plan kitchen 

diner. The first-floor annexe – sitting room, kitchen, 

2 double bedrooms, bathroom – provides generous 

accommodation for live-in staff or dependent relatives. 

Pleasing details: The drawing and dining 

rooms have spectacular sash windows 

and original herringbone flooring. 

Outside: Stunning Italian style garden to the south, 

with unique bothy and fireplace. Courtyard and 

kitchen gardens to the north. The lawns are separated 

by a stunning pergola, with a three-tiered pond and 

the sheltered and secluded swimming pool beyond. 

Time to town: A mile north of Hythe and a mile 

south of Sandling, with trains that connect to 

London Bridge (90 mins) and Folkestone (10). 

Agents: Strutt & Parker 01227 919095 

struttandparker.com 

£4,000,000 

Yalding 

The dream: Exquisite late 17th century country 

residence, comprehensively modernised to create a 

secure and private multi-generational family home. 

Where: On the edge of Yalding village. 

Setting: Elevated rural position, set amidst 

8 acres of formal gardens and parkland. 


Special features: Five elegant reception 

rooms accessed primarily from the grand 

entrance hall. There is also a threebedroomed 

ground floor apartment. 

Pleasing details: Lead light bay windows, 

exposed timbers and feature fireplaces. Modern, 

spacious bathrooms with roll top baths. 

Outside: You reach the house via a long, sweeping 

gated driveway. A terrace provides plentiful spaces 

for al fresco entertaining. Within the vast grounds 

beyond there’s a swimming pool, tennis court, 

stabling, various outbuildings and a lake with 

established aquatic planting, framed by mature trees. 

Time to town: Yalding sits 11 miles north-east of 

Tunbridge Wells and 10 miles east of Tonbridge, 

both with frequent and fast trains to London. 

Agents: Knight Frank 0207 8615115 

knightfrank.co.uk 

13 


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Learn more at nutshellam.com 

21 


PeterPan(Hastings)_A1Poster.qxp_Layout 1 27/09/2024 12:52 Page 1

Notebook 

Take note! We’ve rounded up the best 

of what to see and do near you 

Clare Halifax 

Valeska Hykel 

Iliana Ortega-Alcazar 

World Class 

“The closer you get to London the 

harder it is,” Anthony Wilkinson 

was warned when he founded the 

Wimbledon International Music 

Festival sixteen years ago. His response 

was to offer great music performed 

by artists of international excellence. 

This year the festival – running from 

2nd to 24th November – offers 

the Czech Pavel Haas Quartet, 

US Grammy-winner cellist Zuill 

Bailey, Australian pianist Piers Lane, 

German tenor Christoph Prégardien, 

Iranian-US harpsichordist Mahan 

Esfahani – all among the world’s 

finest – and the Philhamonia 

performing Beethoven 7th, Armonica 

in Purcell’s opera ‘Fairy Queen’, the 

Ronnie Scott story… Find out more 

at wimbledonmusicfestival.co.uk 

Background image: istockphoto.com/AKO / fumiko Inoue 

Lindsey Moran 

With the aim of disrupting the elitist nature of art fairs and 

pushing the boundaries of print, Woolwich Contemporary Print 

Fair runs from 21st to 24th November. Delivering innovative 

programming and social impact through progressive outreach 

initiatives, WCPF nurtures early stage collectors and provides 

significant opportunities for artists worldwide. You’ll find 50% 

specialist galleries alongside 50% independent artists, from newcomers 

to familiar favourites. With over 1,000 artists on show 

plus a programme of talks, workshops and live demonstrations 

this promises to be an inspiring event. So make space on your wall 

and in your diary and book your tickets. woolwichprintfair.com 

Images: Lucy J Toms 

Sarah Lorrimer-Riley 

23 

THE HOLLY 

AND... 

We’re excited to hear 

that The Ivy Canterbury Brasserie 

opens on 29th October, just in time 

for festive meals out! Located a mere 

‘scone’s throw’ from the worldfamous 

Cathedral, on the corner 

of The Parade and Rose Lane, it 

makes for the perfect punctuation 

during a visit to the thriving city. 

Open from breakfast to dinner 

seven days a week with excellent 

vegetarian and vegan options it 

offers a truly upscale setting. 

ivycollection.com

Making Good 

The wonderful Ceramic 

Studio are hosting their annual 

Christmas Makers’ Market on Sunday 

1st December, where they’ll be celebrating 

all things local and festive. The market will 

feature over 30 stalls from talented local small 

businesses showcasing ceramics, jewellery, art, 

homeware, cards and more! Pop along anytime 

between 10am and 4pm to pick up a gift 

or two. There will be live music along 

with mulled wine and festive treats. 

Register for free at 

theceramicstudio.co.uk 

It’s Golden... 

Celebrating 10 years of Silent Pool Gin! 

It’s ten years since the first bottle of 

Silent Pool Gin was handcrafted and 

distilled at the Silent Pool Distillery in 

Albury. Capturing the essence of 

the Surrey Hills, this luxury English 

gin was an immediate hit locally 

thanks to its blend of 24 aromatic 

botanicals and iconic teal bottle. 

Word soon spread, and Silent Pool 

Gin is now enjoyed around the 

world including the United States, 

Australia and Japan. Silent Pool Gin 

is still produced in Albury and the 

distillers are celebrating its success 

with the launch of Silent Pool Tenth 

Anniversary Celebration Edition 

Gin – a delicious limited edition 

new blend in a stunning one litre 

bottle. Available online and at local 

retailers. silentpooldistillers.com 

An appearance from 

Father Christmas and his Elves 

would usually top the bill, but at Silcocks 

Farm they will be sharing the spotlight with 

special guest shepherds watching over their reindeer 

sheep and carol singers, bringing the spirit of Christmas 

to this special late night opening event on 29th November 

(5-9pm). Nestled in the courtyard and barns at this 

organic farm, just minutes from Tenterden town centre, 

stalls will include art, craft, brocante and vintage treasures. 

Shoppers can keep warm with hot festive food, mulled 

wine and hot chocolate while snapping up extraspecial 

gifts. There’s parking on-site too. Grange 

Road, St.Michaels, Tenterden, TN30 6TL 

@silcocksfarmshop 

silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk 

Watch the Flocks 

Deck the.... 

For all those in search 

of thoughtful Christmas 

gifts for all tastes, styles and 

interests, head to one of the longest 

established, friendly and highly 

regarded fairs. This month’s Dorking 

Halls Antiques & Decorative Arts Fair takes 

place on 24th November (and will be held at the next 

door Sports Centre while work is in progress at the Halls). 

Explore exciting treasures in glass, ceramic, 

bronze and silver, beautiful jewellery and 

perfect pieces to complete your home interior, 

including pictures, furniture and lighting 

and so much more... we warn you it’s very 

hard to leave empty handed! There’s free 

parking, refreshments and wifi too. 

dovehousefineantiquesfairs.com 

Looking ahead 

Something to look forward to early next year... 

Following its acclaimed London run, the “sparkling” (West 

End Best Friend) production of Pride & Prejudice returns 

to Guildford in February. Abigail Pickard Price’s “fresh and 

genuinely romantic” adaptation features three actors 

portraying 17 of Austen’s beloved characters. 

“No doubt Austen herself would have been delighted” 

– Muddy Stilettos. Watch as the iconic love story 

between Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy unfolds in this 

vibrant romantic comedy. Find out more at... 

guildford-shakespeare-company.co.uk/prideprejudice25/ 

istockphoto.com/ AKO and Steimle

The Canterbury Auction Galleries 

FINE ART AUCTIONEERS SINCE 1911 

14th & 15th 

FEBRUARY 

Entry deadline 20th December 

2025 AUCTION DATES 

1st & 2nd 

AUGUST 

Entry deadline 27th June 

11th & 12th 

APRIL 

Entry deadline 7th March 

6th & 7th 

JUNE 

Entry deadline 2nd May 

3rd & 4th 

OCTOBER 

Entry deadline 29th August 

28th & 29th 

NOVEMBER 

Entry deadline 24th October 

Contact us to book a free valuation at home or at our Canterbury salerooms: 

40 Station Road West, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8AN 

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

JTTW CHRISTMAS GUIDE wealden times 185MM X 130MM WITH CROPS PLUS 3MM BLEED.pdf 1 16/10/2024 13:33 

Wealden - TCAG 2024 November 1:2pp.indd 1 02/10/2024 14:48 

1 Dec-5 Jan 

C 

M 

Y 

CM 

MY 

CY 

CMY 

K 

Panto classic, 

Aladdin, at Assembly 

Hall Theatre stars 

Strictly Come 

Dancing's Ore Oduba 

25 


STEAK, SEAGRILL & OYSTER HOUSE 

A STYLISH YET INFORMAL VENUE WITH ITS OWN PUB, BISTRO, 

OYSTER BAR, RESTAURANT AND STUNNING TERRACES 

SET LUNCH MENU NOW AVAILABLE 7 DAYS A WEEK! 

BOOK ONLINE: www.stubbsrestaurants.com 

01233 666111 

enquiries@stubbsrestaurants.com 

CANTERBURY ROAD, KENNINGTON, ASHFORD, KENT, TN25 4DU

For those looking to give a 

gift that will bring serenity 

and festive cheer, Temple 

of Incense has vegan and 

cruelty-free, temple-grade, luxury 

incense sticks. From £12 for a 

pack of 20 at templeofincense.com 

Orders are now open for Kent Turkeys’ free range 

KellyBronze turkeys. Slow growing they’re raised 

on the family farm near Biddenden in their natural 

season, reaching full maturity to develop a deep, 

rich flavour. Their unique taste is easy and quick 

to achieve and they come with a complimentary 

thermometer so you can cook to perfection. They 

are available at collection points across Kent and you 

can place your order at kentturkeys.co.uk 

If you’re on the hunt for a gift that’s a real 

crowd pleaser, Macknade’s hampers are each a 

tasty treasure trove. They’re made with a mix of 

premium products from local artisans and independent 

Kentish producers, along with premium suppliers across 

the continent, to really cherry pick the best of the best. 

There are 18 hampers to choose from for all budgets and 

tastes. For delivery across the UK order at macknade.com 

must 

The 

From must-sees to must-buys and 

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s 

round up of what to buy, see, do, 

and generally get excited about! 

’Tis the season for 

spectacular shopping and 

top of our must-visit list 

is The Gate Boutique’s 

new location on 

Guildford High Street. 

The new store has three 

floors of fabulous fashion 

from international brands including Farm 

Rio, American Vintage and Paige. They 

also have lots of events planned and an 

exclusive styling room for one-to-one 

shopping experiences. thegateboutique.co.uk 

With the festive season fast 

approaching it’s time to get prepping 

in the kitchen (and we don’t just mean 

the food!). For an extra special dining 

set up we have our eyes on the Classic 

Stacking Set from Our Place. With 

gorgeous colours and classic designs 

they look fab but even better they are 

super practical! We’re talking platey 

bowls, plates with lips to contain 

sauces (more Crimbo gravy anyone?) 

and ultimate bonus: a smart-stacking 

design that makes them perfect for 

storing the inevitable and much-loved 

Christmas leftovers. They are on sale 

now at £235 for a 20 piece set at 

fromourplace.co.uk 

One of our favourite things 

about this time of year is 

snuggling up for a night in, lit 

and scented by a good candle. 

This Woodland Glow soy wax 

one is inspired by the way 

the leaves change colour with 

a warm chocolatey woodsy 

scent that we love. £22.95 at 

thefloralab.com or find The 

Floral Lab at our Midwinter 

Fair from 14th-16th November 

wealdentimes-fair.co.uk 

Paddington in Peru is 

finally out this month 

and to celebrate we’ll 

be munching on 

marmalade sandwiches 

and spritzing Jo 

Malone’s Orange 

Marmalade Cologne 

for extra measure. 

The joyful zesty 

orange scent is a must! 

From £58 (30ml) 

at jomalone.co.uk 

As we are diving into our 

2024 gift guide this month 

we’re naturally thinking 

of where all those gifts 

may go. And we think 

the perfect place may be 

one of Elizabeth Scarlett’s stunning 

stockings. Made with all the joyful style 

and colour we love from their bags 

and accessories, they are a must-have! 

This is the personalisable Celestial 

Dry Rose Velvet Stocking £50 at 

elizabethscarlett.com 

27

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WhiteheadMoncktonWT254.indd 1 26/05/2023 10:56:06

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Equity Release – How important is Advice? 


Having worked as a mortgage adviser 

for nearly 30 years, with 10 years 

specialising in Equity Release, 

Sarah Ferrell, local adviser, has seen 

a significant amount of change, both in 

the needs of clients and in the products 

available in the financial services industry. 

Compared with previous generations 

reaching retirement age, there are 

considerably fewer people retiring at 

age 60, on a final salary pension, and 

with no debt. A more typical scenario is 

that at age 60/65, many people are still 

working, still have a mortgage and have 

also potentially used their savings to either 

help family, survive COVID and now to 

cover the increasing cost of living. 

The finance industry is recognising the need 

for advisers to be able to offer rounded, 

holistic advice. This month, 14 advisers 

have been awarded the accolade of 

Later Life Lending Accredited Advisers. 

Sarah is delighted to be one of these 14 

advisers as she is able to review the whole 

of the later life market and offer advice on 

traditional residential mortgages, Retirement 

Interest Only Mortgages, Payment Term 

Lifetime Mortgages, Over 50s Mortgages 

and Lifetime Mortgages /Equity Release. 

This recognition is entirely in line with 

many of the topics raised at this year’s 

Equity Release Council Summit, held in 

the summer, where the importance of 

rounded advice was a key focus. 

Sarah is keen to explain that providing 

financial advice is not just about the 

numbers. It is undoubtedly extremely 

important that a recommendation 

makes financial sense, but it is also 

fundamental to any recommendation 

to understand WHY somebody is in 

the financial position they are in, and 

what their plans for the future are. 

Regardless of the reasons for considering 

Equity Release, Sarah would strongly 

recommend seeking advice as to 

whether this route may be appropriate 

for your individual circumstances. 

Call Sarah on 

01622 631372 or 07789 007447 

or e-mail her at 

sarah@ferrellfinancial.co.uk 

You may find answers to 

some of your questions at 

www.ferrellfinancial.co.uk 

Ferrell Financial Limited is an Appointed Representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

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needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice. 

There may be a fee for mortgage advice. The precise amount will depend upon your circumstances. 

Ferrell Financial Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registration number: 678768 

29 


Your partner for Measured Surveying, 

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What’s The Plan? 

Wealden Times editor Lucy Fleming 

gets to know Trueplan’s Director 

Oliver Streeten and hears the 

company’s plans for the future 

What types of projects can you 

undertake at Trueplan? 

We specialise in measured surveys, 

land surveys, lease plans, and property 

marketing materials. Essentially, we 

provide both technical and marketing 

products and services for the property 

industry. The technical work is typically 

used by surveyors, architects, and 

solicitors, while the marketing materials 

are more relevant to estate agents. 

However, we also serve the general public 

with a wide range of these services. 

How different is Trueplan 

now compared to when it 

started 25 years ago? 

We began by drawing floorplans for estate 

agents, back when few properties were 

sold with floorplans—it just seemed like 

the obvious thing to do. From the start, 

we focused on accuracy, even when it 

wasn’t required, which naturally led to 

working with architects on their surveys. 

Our growth has always been driven by 

customer needs, expanding our range of 

services based on their demands. While 

the team and equipment have grown 

over the years, the core principle remains 

unchanged: putting the customer first and 

maintaining a commitment to precision. 

How have advances in 

technology affected your services 

and the way you work? 

When we started, I was 23 and used a tape 

measure. Now we have a full suite of laser 

scanners and advanced tools, though we 

still use 

tape measures 

and paper when they’re the fastest and 

most effective way to get the job done. I’m 

constantly amazed by the advancements 

in tech and software—each year, we 

improve either by increasing accuracy 

or reducing the time required, which 

translates into better value for our clients. 

This is a part of the job I particularly enjoy. 

What’s your favorite piece of 

equipment, and how do you use it? 

I love the drone. Not only does it capture 

incredible photo angles, but I also use 

it alongside sophisticated software for 

reality capture on sites. It allows us 

to create 3D models of large areas of 

land in a fraction of the time it would 

take to do it from the ground. The 

technology is genuinely extraordinary! 

Can you describe your 

approach to projects? 

For many of our projects, understanding 

the client’s needs is key. Personally, I handle 

land surveying and boundary disputes, 

which can be complex. It’s always about the 

people first—getting to a place where we 

can provide precision and clarity is the goal. 

When we succeed, it really feels like we’re 

making a difference. Across the firm, our 

approach is the same: putting the customer 

first and continually improving to ensure 

everyone has a great experience with us. 

Can you tell us about a 

particularly successful or 

memorable project? 

I’ve been fortunate to work on 

some incredible buildings and 

meet fascinating people. The 

variety keeps the work exciting, 

from castles and mansions to 

fire-damaged or derelict properties 

of all sizes. It’s tough to pick just 

one standout! That said, we once 

did a measured survey on the most 

expensive house sold in London—it 

had a ballroom that transformed into 

a swimming pool when the floor was 

lowered! That was definitely an eye-opener. 

What does the future 

hold for Trueplan? 

We’ve grown organically over the past 25 

years, and that approach has worked well 

for us and our clients. Our focus remains 

on steady, sustainable growth. Next year, 

we hope to take on a few apprentices and 

develop the team from the ground up. 

University isn’t the right path for many 

school leavers, and Trueplan can provide 

an excellent opportunity for those who 

prefer a more hands-on career path. 

I’ll also be cheering on Marden 

Russets Ladies and Men’s hockey 

teams, who we proudly sponsor, 

as they progress this season! 

www.trueplan.co.uk | 36 Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells | 01892 614881

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33 


Brand new 

Chapter 

Scale and impact abounds in Alex MacArthur’s captivating monastery in Rye. 

Undertaking the huge challenge of restoring this 14th century building singlehandedly, 

antiques and interiors specialist Alex has succeeded in not only 

creating a breathtaking space in which to showcase his constantly evolving 

collection of furniture, lighting and art, but also a truly unique event space 


34

Words: Antonia Deeson 

Photographs: David Merewether 

The Negroni Bar, complete with 

a stunning 20th century yellow 

velvet spiral love seat (the Tatlin 

model by Mario Cananzi and 

Roberto Semprini for Edra, Italy), 

a pair of 19th century marble 

church fonts from Italy and a 

rare carved giltwood mirror with 

original plate glass (c. 1670, 

Florence). The upholstered brass 

banquette is 1970s Spanish 


C R E A T I N G T H E A R T O F S T Y L I S H L I V I N G 

Visit our kitchen and bathroom showroom, situated over two floors. 

01732 848444 

www.potts.ltd.uk 

info@potts.ltd.uk 

Kiln Barn Road | East Malling | Maidstone | Kent | ME19 6BQ

This page: An 18th 

century Italian 

marble torso of Venus 

surveys the first 

floor event space 

Sometimes you walk into a building that is so 

much more than the sum of its parts. There are 

bricks, walls and a roof, signifiers of normality, 

but just now and again there is also an unidentifiable 

sensation, an atmosphere of otherness, a feeling within 

those stones and beams that simply takes your breath 

away and transports you into another dimension. The 

Monastery in Rye is just one of those very special places. 

Now for the first time it is being made available by 

owner Alex MacArthur, as a truly unique event space. 

Antiques and interior specialist MacArthur felt something 

of this ‘otherness’ when he first stumbled across the building 

in 2015, hidden away on a cobbled side street in Rye. 

The Cinque Port coastal town, known for its picturesque 

chocolate box style cottages, the monastery, with its high 

walls and soaring roofline, offered something completely 

and utterly different. The fact that it was also in a total 

state of crumbling disrepair was just part of the magic 

37 


This page: Exciting lighting abounds, either suspended from the ceiling, 

nestled between sofas or mounted on the walls. A stunning brass palm tree 

floor light by Maison Jansen and a brass palm floor light from Italy stand 

either side of a cream sofa below striking glass chandelier and wall lights 

that Alex felt he had stumbled across. Tracing the steps of the 

14th century Austin Friar monks who had once called the 

building home, Alex knew that a new chapter was waiting for 

him. “I had a list of requirements when I began looking to 

move from Brighton: I wanted a church or an ecclesiastical 

building, in East Sussex/Kent, I wanted industrial scale, for 

it to be of architectural interest, a lateral space with a walled 

garden for my dogs and several points of access. Imagine…” 

Just like the transformation of the building, Alex has also 

been on a physical and emotional journey. Relocating Alex 

MacArthur Interiors, an established business selling art and 

antiques from the 17th century right up to the contemporary, 

from a smart Regency townhouse in Brighton, the move 


38

HANSONS 

A U C T I O N E E R S 

K E N T & S U S S E X 

AUCTION 

27TH NOVEMBER 2024 

JEWELLERY, WATCHES, SILVER, 

FINE ART & ANTIQUES 

HANSONS KENT & SUSSEX 

OLD POST OFFICE, LEICESTER SQUARE, 

PENSHURST TN11 8BJ 

Consignment deadline: 5th November 

Enquiries, please contact the Penshurst Saleroom 

01892 642146 

penshurst@hansonsauctioneers.co.uk 

www.hansonsauctioneers.co.uk 

HansonsKentSussex 

HansonsKentSussex 

HansonsKent 

39 


This page: Artworks and sculpture – both contemporary and antique – are important to Alex, who exhibits works by Michel Koven, 

Eve Shepherd, Mark Charlton and Christina Grant throughout the building. Down a few steps and you’re into a chic dusky pink 

powder room complete with a long run of elegant marble basins, designed by Alex, and rose artworks by Matthew Pagett 

to Rye and the following decade of 

blood, sweat and (undoubtedly) tears, 

has not only provided Alex with a 

new life, but also opened up unknown 

levels of self-belief and faith in ‘the 

process.’ Alex, who had been working 

in furniture restoration and then 

antiques for several decades, first in 

London and then in Brighton, had 

been looking for a change. Having 

studied Psychosynthesis, Alex was keen 

to unlock his own potential, identity 

and self-realisation. The Monastery 

appeared at just the right time. 

“I have always had a weird fascination 

with religion and religious iconography – 

something to do with going to school in 

a convent, maybe. This building is part 

of my obsession with both buildings and 

with religion, and with transformation. 

It has also pushed me, it has challenged 

me to my maximum potential and I 

just felt that I needed to express myself 

and this building is like a calling for me. 

It was certainly a high-risk decision to 

buy this place, financially, but I did it 

simply based on intuition, synchronicity 

and serendipity and a huge leap of faith. 

This whole journey has been a practice 

of faith over fear, but I do feel like I 

belong here in my soul and that this 

place will look after me. It’s very special.” 

Despite pigeon infestations, water, 

rot, planning issues related to a Grade II 

building and piles and piles of decades 

of debris, The Monastery was waiting. 

What was once a retreat for monks 

and then latterly a pottery warehouse, 

has, under Alex’s unwavering focus 

and unbelievably hard work and trust, 

transformed into his very own escapist 

cocoon. “I feel like I have dug up 

41 


This page: Alex has styled a beautiful suite – an area where the host or hostess, bride or groom, can get ready for their big day. An antique 

marble free-standing bath sits under a gold 18th century Italian icon, whilst, through a door, Carrara mona marble completes the shower area. 

Brass taps and huge rainwater showerheads were bespoke from Thomas Crapper and Aesop beauty products complete the experience for guests 

the past of this building, I have released 

the trauma and let in the light again. I 

opened up the space and created a place 

that really is a fantasy of my personal 

and aesthetic expression.” The Monastery 

defies a single vision or explanation, and 

just like Alex, is a mille-feuille of ideas, 

feelings and experiences all constantly 

adapting, changing and evolving. “This 

place is like an external canvas for me, it 

gives my work meaning and purpose, it 

feels like a representation of who I am. 

I hope people who come here want to 

experience that, to celebrate the beauty, 

the love and the optimism of this space.” 

The sense of other worldliness at The 

Monastery is instant, as though you have 

walked into another dimension. Alex 

takes me up the dramatically lit stairs, 

the smell of deep smoky incense hits 

you, as the music of Erik Satie dances 

around the building. A Caravaggio style 

oil painting sits atop a series of antlers 

and skulls, dark grey wood panelling, 

the original riveted steel beams (part 

of the 1907 interventions when the 

monastery became a factory) and rough 

plastered walls envelop you as you climb 

upwards. There are pops of gilding 

in the framed mirrors and a splash of 

pale grey that bounces light from an 

industrial fitting overhead. Corical lime 

paint which contains marble dust gives 

off a light reflecting, almost internal, 

glow to the walls. The ecclesiasticalmeets-industrial 

juxtaposition of the 


42

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44

This spread: Downstairs the ‘monastery chapter’ gives 

way to the more recent ‘industrial chapter’ of the building, 

when it was turned into a pottery warehouse (and before 

that a barracks) a utilitarian space in 1907. Used by Alex as 

a ground floor showroom, this area is transformed into an 

event space for cocktails, dining or dancing for events 

building’s history is immediately apparent as the darkness of the 

stairway opens up to the majestic light-filled first floor gallery. 

“It’s so romantic,” says Alex. “And spiritual, if I was getting 

married then I think this place would be ideal…or maybe 

Venice!” he laughs. With the need for a more modern approach 

to the tradition of marriage, The Monastery, with its 

unique history, rooted in ecclesiastical tradition yet 

now transformed into an entirely contemporary space, 

would seem to be the perfect answer. With Alex’s 

incredible eye, the flowers, the food and the styling 

would be guaranteed perfection. It feels cinematic. It feels 

monumental. It also feels very romantic and intimate. 

Wooden floorboards and the same pale grey marble 

dusted paint of the gallery floor have been used across 

all the roughly hewn, original exterior walls and lets the 

drama of the space and Alex’s unique interior design, play 

out. A soaring wooden pitched roof and supporting beams 

(which Alex has painstakingly re-coloured to oak with many 

coats of lye & oil) crisscross above your head. A panelled 

facade wall and balustrade, in the same dark grey as the 

stairs, offers a theatrical division of the space. Conservation 

skylights sit above the bricked up original 14th century 

tracery windows on one side of the space, added to allow 

the south light back in to the space. Warehouse windows 

from the factory era of the building run down the other side 

of the space. Again, the interplay and juxtaposition of 

45 


This page: An early 18th century Chinoiserie bureau stands in a room off the main event space. Murano glass sconces 

are mounted either side of a bronze of Mercury. A cloakroom, with vintage bullet mirror and marble sink 

the building’s complex past, from a place 

of sanctuary to a place of enterprise, 

has been fully embraced by Alex. 

The soaring 8.7m high gallery is 

the perfect venue for Alex’s new events 

venture. Offering a select group of guests 

access to The Monastery for exclusive 

weddings, parties and launches, for 

anyone looking for a truly special, totally 

glamorous and entirely unique venue, 

there can really be none better. As an art 

and antique dealer, Alex has been able 

to create a space that perfectly shows 

off his eclectic collection of upholstery, 

lighting, tables, rugs, art and objets that 

bounce from style to style, period to 

period. A vintage French Maison Jansen 

circa 1970 Italian gold palm leaf floor 

lamp sits next to a 17th century classical 

nude marble sculpture, a 1950s French 

chair paired with a 19th century gilt 

sofa, an 18th century pair of Rococo 

gilt mirrors close by. This aesthetic 

could only have been created by Alex, 

with an eye and a sense of drama that 

is embodied everywhere you look. 

Behind a small door, hidden away 

amidst the drama of the main gallery, 

Alex has not forgotten to add an equally 

glamorous bathroom – or should I 

say powder room, as this is really how 

it feels. Soft chalky pink walls, round 

silk rugs, brass detailing in legs and 

mirrors and taps, gilt edged, bevel 

edged and rounded mirrors that bounce 

light and a pair of the most stunning 

Art Deco style Carrara mona marble 

sinks, designed by Alex, make this a 

most spectacular space to wash your 

hands! Luckily there are 18th century 

boudoir chairs in which to sit and 

relax and take in your surroundings. 

Up some stairs, down some more stairs 

and Alex takes me to see the suite – an 

area where the host or hostess, bride 

or groom, can get ready for their big 

day. Decorated in similar soft dusty 

pinks and greys as the powder room 

on the opposite side of the building, a 

vast antique marble free-standing bath 

sits under a gold 18th century Italian 

icon in a stunning 17th century carved 

gilt frame , brass handrails and 18th 

century lanterns from Florence create 

a vignette of luxuriating fabulousness. 

Through a door, the same Carrara mona 

marble is repeated in the shower area. 

A heavy pink fabric curtain and brass 

taps and huge 18inch wide rainwater 

showerheads (have all been made 

bespoke) and are old school glamour by 

Thomas Crapper. Aesop beauty products 

complete the experience for guests. 

Downstairs the ‘monastery chapter’ 

gives way to the more recent ‘industrial 

chapter’ of the building, when it was 

turned into a pottery warehouse (and 

before that a barracks) a utilitarian space 

in 1907. Used by Alex as a ground floor 

showroom, this area is transformed 

into an event space for cocktails, dining 

or dancing for events. With a colour 

palette of soft aquamarine and taupe, 

the feel is very different and yet Alex’s 

taste for the eclectic is everywhere: 


46

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47 



On Strong Foundations 

Every now and then, you discover a business story that warms 

your heart, lifts your soul, and restores your faith in mankind 

Restoration, with heart and soul, 

and exceptional craftmanship 

is what A T Palmer have been 

doing for 75 years, and even if you 

never have the pleasure of employing 

them, their story is one that you’ll 

enjoy retelling with pride to others 

because it’s one that we all yearn for: 

a traditional, local business whose 

success and reputation has been built 

on doing things the right way, with 

strong values, and skilled craftsmen 

– something you can see clearly in 

their before and after snapshots. 

A T Palmer are a three-generation 

family business of period restoration 

contractors, whose foundations were 

laid by Arthur and Myra, who set up 

the business, not long after World 

War II. Their son Marcus had a long 

and notable career and is Chairman. 

His son, Simon, the MD and his wife 

Natasha now run the business and have 

been at the helm for over 20 years. 

From those humble beginnings this 

family business has grown into a thriving 

company, now employing 43 dedicated 

staff, highly skilled tradespeople and 

an approved list of tried and tested 

subcontractors. 

They employ apprentices and 

teach them their craft. Many of those 

apprentices have never left. Of the 43 

staff, some have been there 25, 45 even 

55 years. All those skills and all that 

knowledge lives within the business. 

When combined with the latest 

construction technologies and 

sustainable building methods, you can 

see why A T Palmer are flourishing 

75 years after they were formed. 

They have built their business exactly 

how you’d want them to restore your 

historic home, extend your house, or 

convert your barn: with great care. 

www.atpalmer.co.uk

This page: Outside, the palazzo-style garden is hidden away from the surroundings 

of Rye by a high brick wall, a series of Cypress trees and ancient olive trees 

the pairing of a vast (1960s) bespoke 

Italian capiz chandelier with a vast 

19th century distressed public clock 

face, a 1970s leather Italian corner 

sofa and a series of contemporary 

abstract paintings, donated to the 

monastery by Brighton based artist 

Mark Charlton, that would not look 

out of place in a New York penthouse. 

The huge industrial windows offer 

glimpses of the palazzo-style garden 

outside that Alex has created, hidden 

away from the surroundings of 

Rye, by a high brick wall, a series of 

Cypress trees and ancient olive trees. 

Transported to a Medici courtyard in 

the heart of Tuscany, the scale of the 

outside space is yet another treasure 

for a town that is traditionally built 

cheek-by-jowl, houses jostling with 

each other for space on the edge of 

what was the ancient Kent coastline. 

Another magical element to this 

completely other worldly space. 

We are lucky that people like Alex 

MacArthur are here to pour their 

love, their sweat and their hard work into 

saving buildings like the Monastery, bringing 

them back to life, allowing them to have 

their next chapter. We are also lucky that 

The Monastery is now available for us to 

celebrate our own life goals. The Monastery 

is the manifestation of a unique vision, a 

love letter to Rye and an essay in the selfrealisation 

of the life of Alex MacArthur. 

Address Book: 

For more details on events and 

Alex MacArthur Interiors 

visit themonasteryinrye.com 

and alexmacarthur.co.uk 

or call 07931 765488 

49 


Get the 

LOOK 

1 Three tier conchita chandelier £500 Pooky pooky.com 2 Golden ginko leaf canvas £150 Cox & Cox 

coxandcox.co.uk 3 Cloud of Dharma (Triptych III) by Daniel Acuña limited edition print from £100 Studio 

Parga studioparga.com 4 MDF Wall panelling strips £2.94 Wall Panels World wallpanelsworld.co.uk 5 Florentine 

mirror £12,000 La Maison London lamaisonlondon.com 6 Love Story velvet armchair £465 French Bedroom 

frenchbedroom.co.uk 7 Buckingham 3 seater sofa £2,899 Bridgman bridgman.co.uk 8 Vita female torso £69 

Nicnac Home nicnachome.com 9 Zenith coffee table with round glass top, black mango base and metal 

frame £210 Where Saints Go wheresaintsgo.co.uk 10 Piper statue £775 Haddonstone haddonstone.com 

51 


Little house 

Next Door 

Words: Antonia Deeson 

Photographs: David Merewether 


52

Opposite: From the kitchen, the through brick 

fireplace allows the light from the north-west facing 

snug to connect and flow with the back of the 

building This page: For the snug, Alex has chosen 

a pair of pink and grey upholstered mid-century 

armchairs, a 1950s Sputnik centre piece light and a 

19th century Ormolu writing cabinet from France 

Alex MacArthur’s Georgian cottage, attached to his remarkable 

14th century monastery in Rye, is another example of his 

genius ability to imbue interiors with dramatic impact 

 

53 


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“I love brass,” says Alex. 

“It’s very traditional, with 

a sense of industrial, but 

also has a distinct touch 

of golden glamour to it.” 

A 

small inconspicuous 

doorway leads from The 

Monastery, the magnificent 

scale-defying business end of Alex 

MacArthur’s fantastical world, 

in Rye. It’s as though you open a 

gateway to another realm, albeit 

one that is Lilliputian in scale 

compared to the vastness of next 

door. Where one building is all 

about full throttle dramatic impact, 

the other, a tiny two-up-two-down 

Georgian cottage, is all about 

quiet pleasures and hidden gems. 

If ever there was an antithesis to 

the industrial, the ecclesiastical 

and the monumental, this is it. 

Although compact in size, the 

cottage still offers a vision that could 

only have come from the singular 

imagination of interior and antiques 

expert, Alex. The architectural 

substance of the building has, just 

like The Monastery, been stripped 

back to its true self, divested of 

decades of decay and abandonment. 

Brick walls, open beams, a ceiling 

taken up to the eaves – all these 

features make the building, 

unquestionably smaller in scale 

in every way than its imposing 

neighbour, still retain many of the 

same visual details. There is an 

honesty to the original architectural 

integrity of the house which has 

been combined with bespoke 

metal work artfully employed 

(combining both practicality and 

glamour), delicious vintage finds 

from European flea markets and 

antique dealers, hints of exotic 

travels and the same love of soft 

tones and tactile fabrics, like linen 

and velvet, that MacArthur has 

used next door. They are two 

very different chapters, but both 

from the same book and author. 

From the kitchen, the through brick 

fireplace allows the light from the northwest 

facing snug to connect and flow 

with the back of the building. Juxtaposed 

with the exposed brickwork is the 

original pencil-beaded tongue-and-groove 

panelling painted in aqua. Brass features 

have been made or sourced especially 

for the space – a sink was handmade 

in Florence and Alex’s metalworker 

has created open brass, vintage luggage 

style shelving, that allows the French 

copper pans to sing against the creamy 

brickwork. “I love brass,” says Alex. 

“It’s very traditional, with a sense of 

industrial, but also has a distinct touch 

of golden glamour to it.” In the centre 

of the kitchen sits a vintage French café 

style brass-topped table and bentwood 

chairs. A stunning larder cabinet was 

found at a flea market in Paris. “I won’t 

tell you how much it cost to ship it all 

over, but it was worth it!” he laughs. A 

17th century painting of St Anthony 

 

55 


Left: An 18th century painting on glass of 

the Madonna and child from Spain features 

on one wall of the snug. A heavily patterned 

throw from Morocco drapes over the sofa 

Below: The bedroom has roughly hewn dusky 

pink walls, painted with Corical paint, packed 

with marble minerals that bounce light back 

into the room. Another Spanish piece on glass, 

this time 19th century and depicting St Michael 

defeating the Devil, hangs next to the window 

nods to Alex’s ‘other’ life next door. 

A heavily patterned pink and aqua 

Moroccan encaustic tiling scheme 

underfoot adds a dose of geometric 

pattern, tying together the floor, the 

brick work and the walls, painted in 

the same Corical lime covering from 

Belgium, as in The Monastery. 

The snug, painted in soft pink, 

with deep fuchsia and burnt orange 

velvet curtains, is a continuation of 

the colour palette that Alex has used 

in the bedroom suite next door, which 

he offers to hosts as an escape boudoir, 

a place of elegant sanctuary as they 

prepare for their big event. Back in 

the snug, a pair of pink and grey 

upholstered mid-century armchairs, a 

1950s Sputnik centre piece light and a 

19th century Ormolu writing cabinet 

from France sit next to gold framed 

Spanish icons on the walls. A heavily 

patterned rug and throw, both from 

Morocco, bring the room’s stylish 

colour scheme effortlessly together. 

Coming from London via a Regency 

townhouse in Brighton, the ‘cottage 

aesthetic’ was not something that came 

naturally to Alex. So, as with everything 

he approaches, he has created his own 

interior language, one that takes the 

core elements of The Monastery, but 

scaled down into miniature. “I tried to 

keep things more minimal here, whereas 

next door, I could really do whatever 

my imagination allowed, here it has to 

be more considered, more controlled, 

in a way.” The cottage had originally 

been decorated in darker colours, 

which Alex calls his ‘Abigail Ahern’ 

period. However, as with next door 

in The Monastery, Alex has reclaimed 

colours such as pinks and oranges and 

has cleverly moved them away from 

the cute end of the colour spectrum 

and transformed them into elegant 

and slightly more masculine tones. 

Winding your way up the dolls’ 


56

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Above: Alex was allowed to open up the ceilings of the cottage 

to the roof, allowing the architecture to soar up to its apex 

Right: The bathroom is a room that defies its own scale. 

A stunning vintage marble washstand on brass legs, 

made bespoke by Alex, is topped with a 1940s French 

folding mirror and bespoke brass splashback 

house size staircase, there is a double bedroom and bathroom. 

Alex has maximised the space of the bathroom by opening 

up the ceilings to the roof, creating a room that defies its own 

scale – a large copper free-standing bath and huge rain head 

shower and romantic linen shower curtain, worthy of the 

roomiest five-star hotel suite, takes precedence. A stunning 

vintage marble washstand on brass legs, made bespoke by Alex, 

is topped with a 1940s French folding mirror and bespoke 

brass splashback. Just like next door, Alex really knows how 

to add drama to a bathroom and by maximising the size of 

the room, through painted floorboards and a soaring roof 

overhead (complete with a large antique French lantern light) 

you lose any sense that you are still in a tiny cottage in Rye. 

Next door, the bedroom with roughly hewn dusky 

pink walls (again painted with Corical paint, packed with 

marble minerals that bounce light back into the room) 

has soft grey velvet and pink velvet curtains. Painted 

floorboards bounce all available light back into the room 

from the double aspect windows. As with the bathroom, 

Alex has played with the scale, due to the unexpectedly 

high ceilings. The cottage, deserted since the 1950s, had a 

pigeon infestation and so Alex was allowed to open up the 

ceilings to the roof, exposing the chimney breast, allowing 

the architecture of the cottage to soar up to its very apex. 

“It really has been my sanctuary,” he says with a sense of 

real fondness for this tiny house, that must have given him a 

huge amount of succour when the enormity of the renovation 

project he had taken on was in danger of overwhelming 

59 


Top: The glowing yellow walls of the bedroom are punctuated by items that Cherry and Jonathan have brought back from their travels. 

This page: A large copper free 

standing bath and huge rain head 

shower, with a romantic linen 

shower curtain, take centre stage 

him. “This building, both the cottage 

and next door, have both taught me to 

practise faith over fear. Every part of 

this project has been a huge challenge, 

but now it’s complete, I feel at peace 

with it all. Now I feel I have blown 

away a lot of the past, and now it’s 

ready to become a place of happiness 

and sanctuary.” As with next door, 

Alex is also now offering the cottage 

for rent for couples or individuals 

who are celebrating big events at The 

Monastery. “Here they can come and 

escape, to the tiny cottage next door. 

Somewhere that still has the romance 

of The Monastery but with a sense of 

intimacy that I hope will truly cement 

their celebrations and become a very 

fond memory for the rest of their lives.” 

Address Book: 

For further details on renting the 

cottage visit themonasteryinrye.com 


60

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anniesloan.com 4 Roddy wall light £142 Pooky pooky.com 5 Charleston single washstand in Arabescato 

marble with brushed brass metalwork £8,250 Catchpole & Rye catchpoleandrye.com 6 Rattan kindling 

basket £20 Marquis & Dawe marquisanddawe.co.uk 7 Timeless Glamour Emporium gold chair 

Boca do Lobo bocadolobo.com 8 Tubby Tub bath £2,025 The Albion Bath Co albionbathco.com 

61 


Wish you were here 

The experts at Simply Luxury Escapes pick their ultimate destinations from their extensive 

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62

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Christmas at 

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64

istockphoto.com/ Ekaterina_Jurkova 

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66

Personalised pearl 

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Men’s engravable St. 

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Queen of Hearts 

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Watch Domenica 

in Burgundy with 

white zirconia £255 

Sif Jakobs Jewellery 

sifjakobs.uk 

Cartier rose gold 

diamond love ring £1,870 

Luminary Fine Jewellery 

luminaryfinejewellery.com 

Men’s Personalised 

Open Bangle 95.20 

Merci Maman 

mercimamanboutique.com 

Knot and pearl 

drop earrings £49 

Estella Bartlett 

estellabartlett.com 

Unisex Sunray Midnight 

watch £175 Coeur de Lion 


Baby cockle shell earrings 

£40 Iris & Lolli Jewellery 

irisandlolli.co.uk 

Double hoop 

cuff bracelet 

£325 

Toolally 

toolally.com 

Sun rock and star 

Murano dangle 

earrings £63 Lezzeri 

lezzeri.com 

Luna moon & 

star huggie hoop 

earrings £89 

Amelia Scott 

amelia-scott.com 

Organic drop silver earrings 

£160 Thomas Sabo 

thomassabo.com 

Auria black onyx gold hoop 

earrings £85 Flutterby 

flutterbyonline.co.uk 

Amethyst & blue topaz candy 

cocktail ring £110 Fools Gold 

Jewellery foolsgoldjewellery.co.uk 

Lucky clover ring 

£139 Good Daze 

gooddazeahead.com 

Budded gold twig and diamond 

ring £2,229 Lucy Sylvester 

lucysylvester.co.uk 

23mm Grove Forest bracelet 

watch £159 Olivia Burton 

oliviaburton.com 

Clare Maiden 18ct gold 

plated Storm Bangle 

£700 Greenfinch 

greenfinchshop.co.uk 

67 


Games 

For family fun everyone 

can join in with grab a 

good board game to enjoy 

on the big day together! 

Disney Princess Chronicles 

of Light Board Game £34.99 

Amazon amazon.co.uk 

The Shakespeare Game £25 

Laurence King Publishing 

laurenceking.com 

Ridley’s Games Kazoo 

that Festive Tune £12 

Amazon amazon.co.uk 

Cut and Stick 

jumper £90 Talou 

wearetalou.com 

Gingerbread Tree 

£12 Treat Kitchen 

treatkitchen.co.uk 

Toyllectible Pufflums Niffler 

£18 The Noble Collection 

noblecollection.co.uk 

Mmmm Marmalade 

Paddington Bear Day 

Pack £55 Guest’s Shoes 

guestsshoes.co.uk 

The Kew Gardens Children’s 

Cookbook £14.99 Royal 

Botanic Gardens Kew Shop 

shop.kew.org 

Moomins 

House Playset 

£25 Play Press 

playpresstoys.com 

Stickertopium: Enchanted Christmas 

£12.99 Waterstones waterstones.com 

Tree cape costume £112 

Meri Meri merimeri.co.uk 

Musical jewellery box £22.95 

Rex London rexlondon.com 

Farmyard animal 

tumbling tower 

£12 National Trust 

nationaltrust.org.uk 

Craft box 

subscription 

gift voucher 

£26.95/month 

Craftiosity 

craftiosity.co.uk 

Organic Seeds: Basil 

Greek £4 Planet Good 

Earth planetgoodearth.com 

Liberty 4 Pro Earbuds 

£129.99 Soundcore 

soundcore.com 

Kaloo doll rabbit 

£20.99 Binky 

binkyshop.co.uk 

Disney Store official 

Moana classic doll 

£17.99 Amazon 

amazon.co.uk 

Taco Cat 

Goat Cheese 

Pizza £11.99 

Asmodee 

asmodee.co.uk 

For the Young Ones 

Christmas is all about the young – from babies and toddlers to teens and young adults there 

is no joy like seeing them open their gifts – so be sure to get them something special! 


68

KENT & EAST 

SUSSEX RAILWAY 

CREATE MAGICAL 

MEMORIES ABOARD 

THE 

SANTA SPECIAL 

STEAM TRAINS 

A festive Wonderland awaits at Tenterden Town station 

BOOK ONLINE AND SAVE 

kesr.org.uk/santa-specials-2024 

13 DECEMBER - 5 JANUARY 

HAWTH.CO.UK 

1163 KESR SANTA SPECIAL QUARTER PG A4 MULTI AD_RED_FAW_2.indd 1 30/09/2024 07:05 

Our Autumn Winter 

collection is our best yet! 

A wonderland for Ladies and Men’s 

footwear, plus our festive range of 

socks and accessories. 

Come to our store in Crowborough 

Monday to Saturday 

9:30am - 4pm 

FREE parking 

Guest’s Shoe Services Ltd 

www.guestsshoes.co.uk 

5 High Street, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 2QA 

Also at 23 Mount Ephraim, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN4 8AE 

69 


Christmas has arrived... 

RISING ☆ STAR 

A Lifestyle Emporium for the whole family 

Est 16 years 

Proud stockists of Ortigia from Sicily 

Visit us in Tenterden or shop 

01580 766226 

@risingstarkent 

SHOP ONLINE AND INSTORE 

49 High St, Cranbrook, TN17 3EE 

www.odyl.co.uk | 01580 714907 

Autumn / Winter 2024 ranges 

now available in store 

County Clothes Menswear 

A long-established menswear specialist in Kent and East Sussex 

BEXHILL - CANTERBURY - HERNE BAY - REIGATE 

SEVENOAKS - TENTERDEN - TUNBRIDGE WELLS 

WWW.COUNTYCLOTHESMENSWEAR.CO.UK 


70

Bows embroidered sweatshirt £42 

Limpet limpetstore.com 

For their Wardrobe 

Help your loved ones feel their best with something wonderful to wear! 

Frilly butterfly tulle tiered dress 

£48 Monsoon monsoon.co.uk 

Sherpa faux sheepskin 

hat £59 Helen Moore 

helenmoore.com 

Barbour tartan 

scarf £39.95 

The Golden Boot 

thegoldenboot.co.uk 

Frosted fairisle jumper £65 

Charity Farm Country Store 

charityfarmcountrystore.co.uk 

Safari cosy waterproof jacket 

from £45.50 JoJo Maman 

Bébé jojomamanbebe.co.uk 

Organza bow hair clip £14 

Accessorize accessorize.com 

Maya Grande Dolomite handbag £1,075 

Lalage Beaumont lalagebeaumont.com 

Helen Moore wrist warmers 

in black double sided faux 

fur £49 The Gate Boutique 

thegateboutique.co.uk 

Brown belt £18 M&S 

marksandspencer.com 

Love Is All Around T-shirt 

£25 Style for Stroke 

styleforstrokefashion.com 

Recycled chunky knit 

gloves £15 National Trust 

shop.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Roses square scarf 

£50 Fable England 

fableengland.com 

Gant red and 

navy scarf £125 

Jeremy Hobbs 

jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

Kimoto scandi 

sheepskin slippers 

£51.75 Moshulu 

moshulu.co.uk 

Feather yarn & faux 

fur sweater coat £299 

Odyl odyldesign.com 

Pure merino hat 

£28 By Chand 

bychand.com 

For Him 

When all else fails and 

you’re struggling to find 

something special for the 

man who has everything 

you can always go for 

some cosy winter warmers 

Liddel sweater £250 Genevieve 

Sweeney genevievesweeney.com 

Gant wool beanie £65 Jeremy 

Hobbs jeremyhobbs.co.uk 

Green stripe cotton socks £28 

Sims Wear simswear.com 

71 


Do You See Me? by Dione 

McKenna painting 

£475 Greenfinch 

greenfinchshop.co.uk 

Folklore Aromatherapy 

Candle Kit £39 Yougi 

yougibotanicals.com 

Amore picture £45 Vintage Playing 

Cards vintageplayingcards.co.uk 

Silk road enamel tray small 

£38 Rosie Dalia rosiedalia.com 

Purple Heather British wool travel rug 

£79.95 Glencroft glencroftcountrywear.co.uk 

Starry Starry Night 

dip dye dinner 

candle trio £18.25 

The Colour Emporium 

thecolouremporium.com 

Ruth Wilde 

Starter Set £50 

Constant Candle 

constantcandle.co.uk 

Candy Cane cake 

stand £30 John 

Lewis johnlewis.com 

Monte Carlo 

portable, cordless 

lamp £149 Lutris 

lutris.com 

Solo Stove Mesa 

tabletop fire pit with 

stand £104.99 Amazon 

amazon.co.uk 

Silicone 

record coasters 

£7.95 Rex 

London 

rexlondon.com 

Hever Castle print by 

C.J. Crews from £35 

Catherine Jane Designs 

catherinejanedesigns.co.uk 

The Fox And The Lost 

Soldier cushion £35 Quinn 

The Fox quinnthefox.com 

Turnbull&Hooch Large Tray 

£65 turnbullandhooch.co.uk 

Light up ceramic 

house £15 M&S 


Everything 

Will Be OK 

print from £17 

Burnt Peach 

burntpeach.co.uk 

London: A Puzzle 

for Curious 

Wanderers £16 

WHSmith 

whsmith.co.uk 

Christmas 

reed diffuser 

£26 Floral Lab 

thefloralab.com 

Silver Disco Mushroom 

£10 John Lewis & Partners 

johnlewis.com 

For Homes & Households 

A gift for the home and everyone in it can be a great 

way to treat a whole family or household in one go 


72

The handmade gifts 

you won’t find anywhere else 

West End House 

Art Gallery 

Contemporary gallery in beautiful 

Smarden. A glorious mix of artworks 

at all prices, from artists near and far 

www.westendhousegallery.co.uk 

Best Art Gallery in Kent 

3a Monson Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1LS 

01892 459 489 

www.glassbyclaudia.com 

Water Lane, Smarden, TN27 8QB. 01233 770261 

email: girls@westendhousegallery.co.uk 

Hotel Partner: 

Fri 27 – Sun 29 Dec 

Eves 7.30pm, Sat & Sun mats 2.30pm 

Tickets from £25 

Book now: GLive.co.uk | 0343 310 0055 

73 


Vouchers 

Vouchers are super easy to 

sort last minute and a great 

way to gift an experience or 

the opportunity to choose 

a much-wanted gift 

For Foodies & Chefs 

Whether for those who love to be in the kitchen or simply 

adore a good bit of food and drink – we’ve tracked down 

these treats and goodies to please taste buds and tums! 

Fairy Jelly - 

Cranberry with 

Silver £4.10 

Ouse Valley 

ousevalleyfoods.com 

Gordon Ramsay Academy Gift 

Vouchers offer a fun experience that will 

also help your giftee become a more 

confident cook, plus they can be emailed 

straight to your inbox or you can get 

a beautiful presentation wallet posted 

either to your recipient, or yourself! 

gordonramsayacademy.com 

Festive Favourites 

15 piece fudge 

gift box £18 

Fudge Kitchen 

fudgekitchen.co.uk 

Smooth 

Peanut Butter 

£6 ButterNut 

of London 

butter-nut.com 

Orange Ortega full bodied wine £34 

Tillingham Wine tillingham.com 

Cocktail Classics print from £17.50 

Alf & Bet Prints alfandbetprints.com 

Sourhouse Goldie 

sourdough 

keeper £129.99 

with £21.99 

Quart Starter Jar 

souschef.co.uk 

Silent Pool Gin Magnum £90 

Silent Pool silentpooldistillers.com 

Simply sweet 

stocking £7.99 

Popcorn Kitchen 

popcornkitchen.co.uk 

Choose a value of £5, £10, £25 or 

£50 for Weald Smokery’s vouchers, 

which will allow recipients to shop 

themselves for fish, meat, cheese and a 

whole cornucopia of other local foodie 

treats. wealdsmokery.co.uk 

Crème Brulee baking 

pouch £4.50 Treat 

Kitchen treatkitchen.co.uk 

White chocolate 

Jolly Penguin 

£9.95 Hotel 

Chocolat 

hotelchocolat.com 

Buttery Croissant 

glass candle £30 Wick 

Guru wickguru.com 

Christmas tree decorations luxe tin 

£49.95 Biscuiteers biscuiteers.com 

Balfour Winery’s vouchers include wine 

club memberships (£300 or £600), 

online wine shop vouchers (£50-£2,000) 

or a Balfour Winery Gift Voucher (£10- 

£10,000) which will fund experiences 

like tours, tastings, dining and 

masterclasses! balfourwinery.com 

8-in-1 stovetop-to-oven Perfect Pot 

£140 Our Place fromourplace.co.uk 

Live, Love, Bake by Melissa 

Forti £27.50 Waterstones 

waterstones.com 

Pastry Pecking Pigeon side plate 

£22.50 Jimbobart jimbobart.com 

75

Gold acorn 

pendant £5,760 

Lucy Sylvester 

lucysylvester.co.uk 

Daisy Necklace £70 

Iris Lolli Jewellery 

irisandlolli.co.uk 

Woodland by David Mayne (28x22x7cm, 

oxidised steel and wood) £240 West End 

House Gallery westendhousegallery.co.uk 

Finches Friend’s Cleaner Feeder 1 is 

a hanging bird feeder that keeps food 

dry to avoid disease. It will feed song 

birds and it has a removable base for 

easy washing. £44.95 finchesfriend.com 

The Volunteers by 

Carol Donaldson 

£10.99 Blackwell’s 

blackwells.co.uk 

Grow Your Own Blossom Kit £16.99 

Rosy Posy Petals rosyposypetals.co.uk 

Barbour Wilton Chelsea Boot 

£54.95 The Golden Boot 


Woodland 

Wildflowers 

Seedbom £6 

Natural History 

Museum 

nhmshop.co.uk 

Greenhouse wooden pin 

badge £6.75 Storigraphic 

storigraphic.com 

This bug hotel from A Place for 

Everything will assist vital insects 

such as bees and ladybirds £9.50 

at aplaceforeverything.co.uk 

Burwell Self-watering 

potted herb keepers £40 

Cole & Mason 

coleandmason.com 

Japanese Mini- 

Secateurs with 

leather leggings 

£79 Niwaki 

niwaki.com 

Minibeasts plastic-free sticker 

activity book £6.99 RSPB 

shopping.rspb.org.uk 

Petite Hint of 

Sunshine handcrafted 

wooden 

bouquet £40 

Poppily 

poppily.co.uk 

Waterlily earrings £35 

Royal Botanic Gardens 

Kew Shop shop.kew.org 

Set of three copper 

plant labels £20 

Copper & Green 

copperandgreen.com 

Pink plant 

mister £14.99 

Norfolk Hygge 

norfolkhygge.co.uk 

To help the bees opt for a 

bee house. This wooden one 

is £16.99 and you can buy 

from Tenovus Cancer Care 

for 100% of the net profits 

to go to care and support 

for those affected by cancer. 

shop.tenovuscancercare.org.uk 

For Wild 

Things 

While gifting for gardeners 

you can also do something 

for local wildlife 

Butterfly plant 

hugger decoration 

£10.99 Habulous 

habulous.co.uk 

Asano Mokkousho 

gardening trowel £65 

NiMi Projects nimiltd.com 

Lomi kitchen countertop 

food recycler and fertiliser 

maker £399 eu.lomi.com 

For Green Fingers 

Plant parents, gardeners, and all those who love plant life 

and all things green will enjoy these horticultural items! 


76

A Gift 

For Nature 

A gift for family, 

or a gift for you, 

that helps 

nature too. 

Bespoke design & build treehouses, playhouses 

Bespoke design 

and elevated build treehouses, 

platforms. 

playhouses 

Commercial & 

and 

International 

elevated platforms. 

commissions welcomed 

Commercial International commissions welcomed 

Garden bird feeders 

transfer fatal disease 

from bird to bird. 

Finches Friend feeders 

follow the science to 

deliver clean dry food, 

and are really quick 

and easy to clean. 

NO MORE 

SQUIRRELS OR 

PARAKEETS! 

INTERNATIONAL PATENTS PENDING 

Shop the range 

finchesfriend.com 

TEL: 01403 262219 

www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk 

www.cheekymonkeytreehouses.co.uk 

CheekyMonkeyWT249.indd 1 24/01/2023 17:06 

77 


Romney Marsh Wools is a family run business that 

was born to raise awareness of the many benefits 

of wool. Using the fleece shorn from their own 

flock of sheep, they produce a beautiful range of 

products, all of which are made by the very best 

British makers - including throws, cushions, hats, 

scarves, toiletries, gifts, yarn, raw wool and more. 

Romney Marsh Wools, Rushfield, 

Giggers Green Road, Aldington, Kent TN25 7BT 

01233 721800 info@romneymarshwools.co.uk 

www.romneymarshwools.co.uk 

01306 877994 

www.thefigtreedorking.co.uk 

4-5, Old King's Head Court, 

Dorking, RH4 1AR 

TheFigTreeS51.indd 1 04/12/2018 11:14 


78

Didier geranium 

bath pearls £21.85 

Helios Homeopathy 

helios.co.uk 

Bedsure satin pillowcase for hair and 

skin £5.59 Amazon amazon.co.uk 

Renewal bio-active moisturiser 

cream £85 Cornish Seaweed Bath 

cornishseaweedbath.co.uk 

Oh so dreamy hypoallergenic ethically 

soured 90% Alpaca wool bed socks £18 

Alpaca Annie alpacaannie.com 

Orange Bitters cologne 

(100ml) £124 Jo Malone 

jomalone.co.uk 

Christmas Dog 

& Wreath Print 

pyjama set £45 

Chelsea Peers 

chelseapeers.com 

To Pamper & Spoil 

For health and beauty fans, or just those who you want 

to gift a well-deserved treat – shop hair and makeup, 

sumptuous soft things and at home spa vibes 

Pomegranate silk eye mask 

£43 Pink House Mustique 

pinkhousemustique.com 

Serum Duo with Anti- 

Aging and Hydrating 

Serums £18 Barber Pro 

barberpro.com 

Boho Mysticism everyday 

pouch £32 Elizabeth Scarlett 

elizabethscarlett.com 

Ten Lords a Leaping soap £8 

Victoria Eggs victoriaeggs.com 

Bleu de Chanel 

from £75 

Chanel 

chanel.com 

Heatless Curl gift set £12 

M&S marksandspencer.com 

Morris & Co Soft 

Sage Honeysuckle 

linen scrunchie 

£10 Piglet in Bed 

pigletinbed.com 

Frankincense & 

Myrrh candle £45 

Czech and Speake 

czechandspeake.com 

Ortigia Fico D’India 

eau de perfum (30ml) 

£49.50 Rising Star 

insta @ risingstarkent 

Cocoa Bean & Juniper 

Berry diffuser (200ml) £88 

Chandrika Thomas London 

chandrikathomas.co.uk 

Pamper Days 

For those who could do 

with a good pamper, a 

gift experience will give 

them flexibility to choose 

what they want and a 

day to really remember 

Knowle Grange health spa in 

Tunbridge Wells offers gift 

vouchers from £30 to £400. 

knowlegrange.co.uk 

Gatehouse Health’s vouchers for 

Chiropractic treatments are £60 

and Sports Massages are £30-£60. 

gatehousehealth.co.uk 

The Gallivant’s gift cards are from 

£10 or gift experiences are from 

£85 with options for couples or 

groups. thegallivant.co.uk 

79 


80

Winter 

warmers 

Chilly winter days call for some seriously cosy cooking. Here, in an 

extract from her latest book A Cookbook for Winter Louise Pickford shares 

nurturing and comforting recipes to nourish the body and spirit 

Photographs: Ian Wallace & Alex Luck 

Ginger & crab fondue 

Serves 8 as an appetiser 

This is such a simple yet delicious appetiser. 

If you can’t find green ginger wine, use 

sherry instead and increase the quantity 

of fresh ginger to 1 tablespoon. You 

could also serve this as a dip at parties 

– just make sure the burner and pot are 

safely fixed on the serving platter. 

• 25g toasted flaked almonds 

or 50g Brazil nuts 

• 250g cream cheese 

• 4 tablespoons green ginger wine 

• 4 spring onions, finely sliced 

• 2 tsps grated fresh ginger 

• 175g cooked crab meat 

• crackers, breadsticks, grissini or toast 

cut into strips or triangles, to serve 

You will need: a fondue pot 

and tabletop burner 

1. If using Brazil nuts, use a mandoline 

or vegetable peeler to finely slice 

them into shavings. Set aside. 

2. Put the cream cheese and ginger wine 

into a fondue pot and stir until smooth. 

Add the spring onions and grated ginger and 

heat gently on the stovetop until bubbling. 

Stir in the crab meat, then scatter over the 

toasted almonds or Brazil nut shavings. 

3. Transfer the pot to its tabletop burner to 

keep warm and serve with crackers, breadsticks, 

grissini or toast alongside for dipping. 

Kingston negroni 

Serves 1 

This is a rum-based version of a Negroni that marries the 

herbal complexity of the cocktail with the warm, intense 

and gently sweet character of rum. The drink works with 

a variety of rums, but the best results come from using 

a Jamaican pot-still rum such as Smith & Cross, which 

is packed full of complex spicy notes, and helps to make 

the perfect warming drink for the colder months. 

• 25ml Smith & Cross Jamaican Rum 

• 25ml red vermouth 

• 25ml Campari 

• a flamed orange zest, to garnish 

Add the ingredients to an ice-filled mixing glass and 

stir. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass. Finish and 

garnish with a flamed orange twist and serve at once. 

Variation: For a less 

intense drink, mix 

30ml Cachaça (a 

Brazilian cane spirit) or 

white rum with 30ml 

bianco vermouth, 

15ml Campari and 

15ml lime juice. Shake 

in an ice-filled cocktail 

shaker and pour 

(without straining) 

the entire contents 

of the shaker into 

a rocks glass. Add 

more ice and garnish 

with a lime wedge. 

Serve at once. 

81 


Open Open 

8am - 8am 5pm - 5pm 

Tuesday Tuesday - - 

Saturday Saturday 

SILCOCKS 

SILCOCKS 

FARM 

ORGANIC • n n SUSTAINABLE • n LOCAL n LOCAL 

With With our our new new chef chef 

in in place, we we once again 

serve hot hot meals 

Christmas Late Night Shopping - 29th November 5-9pm 

Join us, Father Christmas, Shepherds and Reindeer Sheep for an evening of 

mulled wine, festive hot food and the opportunity to shop for unique gifts. 

Our Our famous famous cooked cooked breakfast is back, is back, along along 

with with lunch lunch specials specials featuring our our organic organic and and 

locally locally sourced sourced produce. produce. 

Breakfast Breakfast 9am-1pm 9am-1pm - Lunch - Lunch 12-3pm. 12-3pm. 

Great Great coffee coffee and and homemade cake cake all day. all day. 

Our new Chef is pleased to launch a full Winter menu featuring 

our own organic and locally sourced produce. Drop into the 

cafe for our famous cooked breakfast, hot lunch, homemade 

cake & great coffee in the heart of our Organic working Farm. 

OUR OUR BUTCHERY IS TAKING IS TAKING ORDERS ORDERS FOR FOR CHRISTMAS 

BUTCHERS SHOP, SHOP, CAFE CAFE AND AND FUNCTION ROOMS 

Open 8am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday 

GRANGE ROAD, ST.MICHAL’S, TENTERDEN TN30 6TL 

Instagram GRANGE @silcocksfarmshop GRANGE ROAD, ROAD, ST T: 01580 ST MICHAELS, 763351 E: shop@silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk 

TENTERDEN TN30 TN30 6TL 6TL 

@silcocksfarmshop Call: Call: 01580 Free 01580 on 763351 site 763351 parking Email: - just Email: minutes shop@silcocksfarm-organics.co.uk 

from Tenterden town centre 

Call Call to book to book 

a table a table for for 

Christmas lunch lunch 

WE ARE TAKING CHRISTMAS ORDERS IN THE BUTCHERY & LUNCH BOOKINGS IN THE CAFE 

THE PEPPERBOX INN 

WINDMILL HILL, HARRIETSHAM, MAIDSTONE ME17 1LP 

Christmas Eve - Normal Hours 

Christmas Day - 12-3pm Drinks Only 

Boxing Day - Closed 

Friday 27th- Normal Hours 

New Year’s Eve Lunch 12-3.30 

New Year’s Eve Live Music - Dougal & The Blue Cats - 

ticket details coming soon! 

New Year’s Day Lunch 12-3pm Closed 5.30pm 

01622 842558 

www.thepepperboxinn.co.uk 

MERRY & BRIGHT 

Come celebrate the festive season with us. With open log 

fires and twinkling lights amongst the oak beams, there is 

nothing quite like Christmas at the Pepperbox Inn. 

STARTERS 

Sweet potato & cumin soup, croutons & sour cream 

Smoked fish platter, pickled cucumber, spiced butter, rye toast 

Smoked ham croquettes, tomato & chilli jam 

Baked brie with walnuts & honey, fig relish, sourdough toast 

MAIN COURSES 

Traditional roast turkey, sausage meat & bacon stuffing, duck fat roast potatoes & gravy 

Roast squash & cranberry nut roast, roast potatoes, Madeira gravy 

Treacle braised beef short ribs colcannon mash, parsnip crisps 

Roast duck breast, Grand Marnier & orange sauce, dauphinoise potatoes 

Pan fried seabass fillet, crab, fennel & lemon risotto 

Wild mushroom ravioli, sautéed girolles, chestnut & parsley butter 

DESSERTS 

Christmas pudding & brandy sauce 

Chocolate tart, honeycomb, vanilla ice cream 

Passionfruit & lime tart, coconut ice cream 

Coffee & caramelised pistachio semi freddo 

Cheeseboard, biscuits, plum chutney (£2 supplement) 

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS 

PRICING PER HEAD 

2 Course (mid week only) £28.00 

3 Course £36.50 

MENU AVAILABLE 

3rd to 24th December, 

excludes Sundays & Mondays 

A non-refundable deposit of £10 per head is required to secure all bookings. 

A discretional 10% service charge is added to parties of 8 or more 

Bookings should be provisionally made via telephone and confirmed with a deposit 

(within 7 days) & completed order form. Email to thepepperbox@hotmail.co.uk 


82

Slow-braised duck with 

spices, soy sauce & pears 

Serves 4 

East meets West in duck heaven in 

this delicious slow-braising recipe. The 

duck is braised in spices, herbs and 

aromatics until tender, then left to 

cool before it is crisped in a hot oven. 

• 1 onion, roughly chopped 

• 2 leeks, trimmed and thickly sliced 

• 4 garlic cloves, bashed 

• 2cm piece of root ginger, 

sliced and bashed 

• 2 sprigs of fresh thyme, bashed 

• 6 star anise, lightly bashed 

• 2 cinnamon sticks, lightly bashed 

• 1.5 kg whole duck 

• 1 tsp Chinese 5 spice powder 

• ¼ teaspoon Sichuan 

peppercorns, lightly bashed 

• 1 tsp each sea salt and freshly 

ground black pepper 

• approx 250ml chicken stock 

• 150g cup soft brown sugar 

• 100ml fish sauce 

• 3 tbsps dark soy sauce 

• 2 tbsps rice wine vinegar 

• 3 firm pears, peeled, 

cored and quartered 

• sliced spring onions and 

coriander leaves, to garnish 

• jasmine rice, to serve 

You will need: a 6L Dutch 

oven and a baking sheet lined 

with parchment paper 

1. Preheat the oven to 210°C fan. 

2. Place the onions, leeks, garlic, 

ginger, thyme and whole spices in 

the Dutch oven. Pierce the duck skin 

all over (especially the breast) with a 

metal skewer. Combine the Chinese 

5 spice powder, Sichuan pepper and 

salt and rub all over the duck skin. 

3. Place the duck on top of the 

vegetables and add 50ml tablespoons 

water. Transfer the pan to the preheated 

oven and cook for 15 minutes, 

uncovered, rendering the fat. Then 

reduce the oven temperature to 120°C 

fan, cover the pan with the lid and bake 

for 1½-2 hours or until the meat is very 

tender. Transfer the duck to a board and 

set aside to cool for 30 minutes. Increase 

the oven temperature to 180°C fan. 

4. Strain the remaining duck pan 

juices through a sieve/strainer, pressing 

down lightly to extract as much juice 

as you can. Discard the vegetables. 

Remove as much fat as possible from 

the drained liquid. Measure the juices 

and make up to 300ml with the 

chicken stock, if necessary. Set aside. 

5. Using poultry shears or a sharp 

knife, cut the cooled duck in half 

down the breastbone and backbone. 

Transfer the halves, skin side up, to 

the prepared baking sheet, spoon 

some of the reserved stock over the 

duck halves (about 3 tablespoons will 

be enough), and transfer to the oven. 

Roast for 15 minutes, basting every 5 

minutes until the duck skin is crisp and 

golden and the flesh heated through. 

6. Place the remaining stock and 

the sugar in a saucepan and bring 

to a gentle simmer, stirring to 

dissolve the sugar. Stir in the fish 

sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. Place 

the pears in the pan and simmer, 

stirring from time to time, for 10-15 

minutes until the pears are tender. 

7. Cut the duck halves into portions, 

place on a serving dish, add the pears 

and the pan juices. Scatter over some 

sliced spring onions and coriander 

leaves and serve with jasmine rice. 

83 


A Cookbook for Winter by 

Louise Pickford is published 

by Ryland Peters & Small 

rylandpeters.com 

Croûte chocolat 

Serves 6 

Bread and chocolate are an ever popular 

combination in Switzerland, and this 

sweet spin on the classic croûte fromage 

(melted cheese on bread) makes a 

great finale for any meal. Serve it with 

lashings of vanilla custard on the side. 

• 1 tbsp butter, for greasing 

• 400g panettone, brioche or raisin 

bread (approx. 12 slices, about 

10cm square and 1.5 cm thick) 

• 2 bananas, sliced 

• 250g strawberries, hulled and halved 

• 60ml Amaretto 

• 150g dark chocolate, grated 

• vanilla custard, to serve 

You will need: a 2L baking dish, greased 

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C fan. 

2. Arrange the slices of panettone, 

brioche or raisin bread in overlapping 

rows in the prepared baking dish. 

3. Insert the slices of banana and 

strawberry halves between the 

slices of panettone. Sprinkle with 

amaretto and then add a layer 

of grated chocolate on top. 

4. Transfer to the preheated oven and 

bake for 25 minutes until puffed up 

and the chocolate has melted. Serve 

with plenty of vanilla custard. 


84

WILD VENISON 

RESPONSIBLY SOURCED 

Sustainable wild venison from the Sussex countryside, 

delivered direct to your door. 

Order today from sustainablemeateater.co.uk 

Tel +44 (0)7733 278574 | Email: info@sustainablemeateater.co.uk | www.sustainablemeateater.co.uk 

Trade and Catering Enquiries Welcomed 

The Butler’s 

Pantry is a true 

Sussex Farm 

Kitchen 

Every season in Sussex provides us with 

constantly fabulous produce, which is shown 

to its full potential by our Head Chef, who 

also shares our passion for sustainable 

farming in Sussex, we are hoping to create a 

seasonal Sussex menu that encompasses our 

ethos and also promotes it to our children. 

We are obviously huge ambassadors of the 

British countryside, and this will be evident 

throughout our menus and events. 

thebutlerspantrysussex.co.uk 

85 


Introducing the new Garden Room at 

The Kentish Rifleman 

Order your Christmas meat online 

www.parkfoot.net/butchers 

265 London Road, West Malling 

ME19 5AE | 01732 840000 

A family run, traditional country pub 

Close to both Tonbridge & Sevenoaks 

www.thekentishrifleman.co.uk 


86

Nigerian cuisine 

now in Larkins’ Alehouse, Cranbrook 

Starting from 7th Nov 2024 

odunje.com 

Place your orders now for Christmas 

www.parkfarmonline.co.uk 

DELUXE CHRISTMAS HAMPER £75 

FROM OUR FARMS 

• Sussex Beef • Romney Lamb • Free-Range Pork 

FREE RANGE POULTRY 

• Bronze turkeys • Geese • Duck • Chicken 

LOCAL GAME 

• Venison • Partridge • Duck • Mallard • Pheasant • Rabbit 

SAUSAGE AND BACON 

• Pigs in blankets • Sausage Meat • Dry Cured Bacon 

The Colonnade, Hawkhurst, Kent 

01580 753558 | shop@parkfarmbutchers.co.uk 

www.parkfarmbutchers.com | www.parkfarmonline.co.uk 

At Planters Farm Shop - North of Hurst Green, on A21 - TN19 7QS - plantersa21.com 

Christmas Lunch menu served in the Garden Cafe 

Bookings only available from 4th to 22nd December. 

Starters 

Cream of wild mushroom and truffle oil soup with grilled Italian bread. 

Classic prawn cocktail with smoked salmon Marie Rose sauce. 

Avocado and grilled halloumi salad with roasted seeds and a drizzle of chilli oil. 

Mini southern fried chicken fillet with little winter salad and sweetcorn salsa. 

Main dishes 

Sussex bronze roasted turkey with all the seasonal trimmings. 

Beef and winter vegetables stew cooked in Sussex Ale and crowned with herb dumplings. 

Grilled Scottish salmon with a chive and garlic mash stem broccoli and a chilli glaze. 

Baked portobello mushroom with a herb and cheese crumble. 

Desserts 

Christmas plum pudding with brandy sauce. 

Profiteroles filled with Chantilly cream with chocolate sauce. 

Treacle sponge pudding with custard. 

Warm mincemeat and apple Bakewell tart with cream. 

2 course £23.50 | 3 course £27.95 

Open 9am till 4pm Monday to Saturday. 10am till 4pm Sunday 

Tel: 01580 860959 / 07894 064 327 Email: spicercatering@gmail.com 

87 


Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3PS 

48 London Road, Sevenoaks, TN13 1AS 

T: 01732 902019 E: info@suitsshoessir.com 

A Gift For Everyone 

at Charity Farm 

At Suits, Shoes Sir we are pleased to offer 

ranges of ready to wear suits from £199, for 

all occasions, from Proms to Weddings and 

Business to Sixth Form, with a collection 

of co-ordinating shirts and accessories. 

Suits available for Children* 

. Youth / Adults . Dress wear and Footwear 

*Suits from £132.75 

BLUE VELVET SHOES 

Visit Blue Velvet Shoes at 174 Kings Road, SW3 4UP or buy online www.bluevelvetshoes.com 


88

istockphoto.com/ Patrick Daxenbichler 

North star necklace 

£27 Estella Bartlett 

estellabartlett.com 

Cable knit scarf 

£29.50 M&S 


Cloud-yarn 

knitted crew neck 

waistcoat £25 M&S 


Mother of pearl 

charm pendant £28 

Loel loel.co.uk 

Rainbow moonstone 

necklace £79 

Vianne Jewellery 

viannejewellery.com 

Ice Burst bracelet 

watch £199 

Olivia Burton 

oliviaburton.com 

Pearl & blue topax studs £78 

Flutterby flutterbyonline.co.uk 

ANYDAY Hennriette Point Toe Mary 

Jane Sachetto Ballerina Pumps £49 

John Lewis & Partners johnlewis.com 

Maud lambswool cashmere 

sweater in light grey 

£220 Genevieve Sweeney 

genevievesweeney.com 

Velvet bow hair clip in white with 

jewels £35 QueenMee queenmee.com 

Caroline Svedbom Mini Dione 

earrings £119 Odyl odyldesign.com 

Faux fur pillbox hat in ermine white 

£49 Helen Moore helenmoore.com 

Snow Queen 

Holland Cooper slim 

logo belt white leather 

£89 Golden Boot 


Diana pearl choker £195 

Toolally toolally.com 

Baby it’s cold outside and we are piling on sumptuous 

layers of luxe heavy fabrics in cool pale tones for a look 

that feels royally ready for fabulous frosty festivities 

Freya coat in vegan feather faux fur 

neutral £249 Issy London issylondon.co.uk 

Dancing Crystals earrings in 

gold aqua £69 Coeur de Lion 


Radiant Shine platinum 

zircon bracelet £54.99 

Starfish Project 

starfishproject.org.uk 

Silver ring with 

white stones £160 

Thomas Sabo 

thomassabo.com 

Gaia Vacchetta paper tote bag £132 

UASHMAMA uashmamauk.com 

Shooting star leather 

boots £75 Joe Browns 

joebrowns.co.uk 

Shine On Duo 

silver earrings £45 

Lezzeri lezzeri.com 

Irregular faux pearl 

bracelet £16 John 

Lewis & Partners 

johnlewis.com 

Paul Green-5321 

sneakers £109 

Blue Velvet 

bluevelvetshoes.com 

Carrie shawl coat 

ivory Monsoon 

monsoon.co.uk 

Winter Wonderland David 

Attenborough festive sweatshirt 

£42 Limpet limpetstore.com 

Bling clutch £150 

Dune London 

dunelondon.com 

89 


FIND YOUR EYEWEAR WARDROBE 

At Wilson Wilson and Hancock we understand that your glasses are an extension of 

your style and who you are. Our style consultation service will help you find distinctive 

frames you’ll love, pair with our thorough, unhurried eye tests for the best possible 

eyecare available. Contact us today and we’ll help you find your perfect eyewear. 

OPTICIANS 

7 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762069 | www.wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk 

Also at Hastings 01424 421717 | Lewes 01273 472360 | Rye 01797 223700

Beauty 

The affordable 

present hunter 

Josephine Fairley tracks down beauty gifts that won’t break the bank 

My simple question to you, this Christmas, 

is: when it comes to buying beauty gifts, 

why pay more? Because – contrary to what 

the glossy fashion mags and Sunday supplements 

might have us believe – for most of us, it’s not 

actually normal (never mind achievable) to lavish 

£375 on a fragrance for your sister, or £1,300 on a 

lipstick coffret for your goddaughter, or even £75 

on a bath oil for your beloved mum, frankly. 

Sure, there are many who can afford it – but truth 

is there are many more of us who can’t. And so, my 

mission, for Christmas 2024, has been to come up with 

some fabulous beauty gifting suggestions that are actually 

affordable by normal human beings – not least because 

it feels like we’re now expected to give presents to way 

more people than we used to (teachers, colleagues, our 

accountant, etc.) The good news? This year, the beauty 

world has really read the room when it comes to those 

four dreaded words, ‘cost of living crisis’ – and as a result, 

there are great gifts out there at non-bank-breaking prices. 

As ever, meanwhile, please rest assured that 

I have only listed those that – hand on heart 

– I’d very, very happily receive myself. 

Heathcote & Ivory Merry and Wild Hand Cream 

in Tin Gift Set, £9 for 100ml. If you’re looking for 

affordable beauty, heathcote-ivory.com is a truly great place 

to start. This all-British brand is especially good at two 

things: fabulous hand-care, and great keepsake tins. (I’ve 

repurposed them for everything from sewing essentials to 

stamps.) They have some seriously pretty ones designed 

by French illustrator Nathalie Lété, but I have fallen 

for this year’s Merry and Wild ‘puffin’ tin, opening to 

reveal a beautifully hand-softening tube of shea butterrich 

cream, scented with fresh green leaves of eucalyptus 

and lavender, with lily of the valley and sandalwood. 

For a little more (£14) you might want to check out 

the Merry and Wild Velvety Soft Handbag Essentials 

pouch (containing two hand creams), while at a 

seriously Secret Santa price, you can find more simplypackaged 

hand cream trios from just six quid. H&I have 

absolutely nailed the formula of their handcare, which 

is rich, but sinks in brilliantly, whatever the fragrance. 

Sanctuary Spa Signature Starter Kit Gift Set, £8 

(containing 75ml Body Wash and Body Lotion, 

50ml Body Scrub). My perfume-writing 

 

91 


colleagues and I adore Sanctuary Spa’s signature scent, 

which warms jasmine and grapefruit by enfolding them in 

nuzzleable vanilla, offered here as three bath delights. Another 

surprise, for anyone who’s been unjustly snooty about this 

line: it features up to 95% natural origin ingredients. 

Weleda Skin Food Pocket Pack, £10. When I want to 

make a foolproof skincare recommendation, whether for 

those who are wannabe-natural beauties or have a touchy 

complexion, Weleda’s Skin Food is the range I send them off 

to try. In a splash round tub, this offers a dinky introduction 

to the biodynamic brand’s multi-award-winning original 

Skin Food moisturiser, along with Skin Food Lip Balm. 

Nails Inc. 8 Days of Nails 8-Piece Nail Polish Gift Set, £25. 

A slightly higher price tag, for a stunning line-up of eight, yes 

EIGHT long-wear polishes, ranging from pearly shimmer 

shade Snowglobe Sparkles through to a classic cherry red, and a 

multi-coloured glitter to go over the top, in generous ‘minis’ – 

though in truth, they’re not that dinky, and who ever got to the 

end of a full size of polish, anyway? Hours of fun promised. 

This Works Sleep Retreat Trio Gift Set, £18. Deep Sleep Pillow 

Spray is one of my desert island must-haves (in every sense of 

the word, since when I was on ‘Desert Island Discs’, my actual 

pillow was my luxury item). Its blend of vetiver, chamomile and 

lavender has stilled my racing brain and enabled me to nod off 

on many a night of tossing and turning. The perfect gift for a 

stressed or anxious friend, then, this set also features a 100ml 

Deep Sleep Shower Gel and luscious 50ml Deep Sleep Body 

Cocoon. Laudably, there are LOADS of affordable This Works 

gift sets for Christmas 2024 – but this is my foolproof pick. 

NEOM Mini Candle Scent Discovery Set, £20. A quartet of 

minis featuring aromatherapy brand NEOM’s four fragrances – 

Perfect Night’s Sleep, Real Luxury, Happiness and Feel Refreshed 

– so they can find their perfect candle ‘match’. The darling little 

tins are travel-friendly (provided you’re careful not to set off the 

hotel’s smoke alarms, or ignite the curtains!), all created from 

100% natural wax and blended with 100% natural fragrances. 

By Terry Starlight Glow Baume de Rose Lip 

Care, £17. The seriously glam one, in this 

‘affordable gifts’ line-up: a limited edition 

of one of the best lip treats on the 

planet, from make-up guru 

Terry de Gunzburg’s 

range – she’s the woman we have to thank for YSL’s Touche 

Éclat – and as the name suggests, this liquid balm is 

infused with rose flower wax, and a heavenly rosy scent. 

Arkive Fragrances, £30 for 30ml. Honest truth, I’ve 

recently received info about a range of (albeit spiffilypackaged) 

fragrances that cost £6,000 a bottle. Even 

Frédéric Malle launched something that’s nudging 

£800! What is the perfume world coming to? 

Well, the antidote has just been launched by hair guru 

and scent fanatic Adam Reed, who’s Arkive fragrances are 

designed for hair and skin, and smell just fab. Decorated 

Woods is my favourite, a ‘unisex’ scent that evokes a lush 

English woodland, with amber, cedarwood, frankincense, 

patchouli, moss and vetiver in its grounding base. If you’re 

unsure about which Arkive fragrance someone might like, 

there’s a cute Discovery Set in the collection for £25 for 4 x 

10ml sizes – and if you were feeling generous, you could always 

promise to enhance the gift with the full size of their choice. 

Neal’s Yard Bee Lovely Nourishing Trio, £17.50 for 30ml Hand 

Cream, 50ml Body Lotion, 15g tin of Beautiful Lips balm. This 

certified organic range never fails to delight. 3% of sales goes to 

charities that protect bees, upping its feel-good factor – but the 

silkifying textures and the soft orange-y scent are equally pleasing. 

Gaia Spa Bath Oil Cracker, £12 for 30ml. I’m a huge fan of 

Gaia, born out of Plymouth’s Boringdon Hall Spa, where I’ve 

enjoyed some of my best-ever spa treatments, and I’m a longstanding 

fan of their Awakening aromatherapy blend (tangerine, 

grapefruit, peppermint) which is infused into this lovely soak. 

It’s packaged in a stocking-worthy cracker; at a similar price, 

there’s a Lip Balm Cracker and a Body Wash Cracker, and 

there are plenty of other Gaia options priced £30 and under, 

as well as up and up, if budget allows. A brand that deserves 

to be as famous as Aromatherapy Associates, in my book! 

These are more than ‘it’s the thought that counts’ gifts; they’re 

honestly little treasures. And I 

really mean it when I say: 

why pay more…? 

Visit beautybible.com for 

more of Jo’s fragrance, 

makeup, skin and 

haircare tips. 

istockphoto.com/ Daria Hurst 


Are you experiencing a 

problem with your 

hair or scalp? 

Stop Hair Loss 

Today 

Kate@HairTherapyUK.com 

Visit King's Hill's 

Award Winning Trichology Clinic 

for expert help and advice 

Scalp conditions • Wigs • Hair systems 

Hair loss • Cancer support 

www.HairTherapyUK.com 

Suite 22, 70 Churchill Square, 

Kings Hill West Malling 

ME19 4YU 

A fully qualified member of 

07736461615 

Gifts in Wills fund a third of 

our work, like the clinical 

trial Alfred took part in. 

Thanks to research, he can be by 

her side again. 

Find out more at cruk.org/giftsinwills 

Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England 

and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of 

Man (1103) and Jersey (247). Registered address: 

2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ. 

Supporting Childrens’ Health with Helios 

At Helios we are busy giving advice 

on remedies and products to boost 

immunity and support children’s 

health through Autumn and Winter. 

Children respond well to homeopathy and 

common ailments such as coughs, colds, 

fevers, flu, sore throats and so much more 

can easily be treated at home. We have 

a wide range of homeopathic remedies, 

supplements and flower essences to 

support your children both with common 

winter ailments and emotionally through 

stressful times such as taking exams. 

Our friendly team of homeopaths offer 

a warm welcome and are on hand in 

our pharmacy shop, on the phones 

or by email to offer their expertise 

and advice for all the family. 

Helios Homeopathy Ltd, 97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2QR 

Open Mon-Fri 9.00am - 5.30pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm 

01892 537254 www.helios.co.uk 

93 


Start the New Year as you mean 

to go on with help from our 

Good Living Supplement. 

Find it in the January issue 

of Wealden Times 


Knowle Grange is the perfect retreat right 

on your doorstep. Set in beautiful Victorian 

country gardens on the Kent and Sussex 

border between Tunbridge Wells and 

Wadhurst. Boasting a range of indulgent 

spa and beauty treatments, a delightful 

Café and ample free parking, Knowle 

Grange is tailored for anyone looking to 

trade a busy life for unadulterated bliss. 

WIN 

AN EXCLUSIVE HIS&HERS COSY NIGHT IN HAMPER 

WE’VE GOT CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP… 

Spa Days, Spa and Beauty Treatments and 

Fitness Classes are available to all. We offer 

a comprehensive range of Spa and Beauty 

Treatments from luxurious massages to 

invigorating facials. Our experienced 

therapists provide that extra personal 

touch catering to your every need. 

Come see us at the Wealden Winter Fair from the 14th to the 16th 

November. We will have an exclusive selection of Christmas Gifts on 

display, from Stocking fillers, Pick’nMix gift bags & boxes, Gift vouchers 

and Caudalie products & Gift sets. Our friendly team will be offering 

complimentary mini-beauty treatments so don’t miss out. PLUS you 

will get FREE entry to our Caudalie Prize Draw and a chance to WIN an 

exclusive ‘His&Hers Cosy Night In’ Luxury Hamper worth £200. 

Visit www.knowlegrange.co.uk to find out more 

T. 01892 750055 | knowlegrange.co.uk 

Wadhurst Road, Frant Kent TN3 9EJ 

KG_Wealden_HPage_AW_16.10.indd 1 17/10/2024 08:24 

94 


Health 

Lessen the 

impact 

Sarah Maxwell takes control of rollercoaster boobs 

istockphoto.com/ Drazen Zigic 

Never underestimate the 

power of a good sports 

bra; the benefits are huge, 

and they look great, too! Gone 

are the days of buying a smaller 

bra in the hope of fastening your 

girls down or even using tape to 

contain their activity while still 

suffering pain and discomfort 

playing sports or working out. 

Thankfully, over the last few 

years, scientific developments and 

the range of sports bra styles and 

colours have rocketed. We are 

now spoilt for choice – so why do 

you need a sports bra, and how 

do you choose the right one? 

A good sports bra provides 

support and stability by minimising 

the movement of your breasts 

(especially when doing high-impact 

exercise). It can help minimise 

potential injuries in your back, 

neck and shoulders. A well-fitted 

exercise bra provides the necessary 

support to reduce movement, 

helping to prevent discomfort and 

potential damage to breast tissue. 

What to look for when 

choosing your perfect bra 

Fitting 

Make sure the bra fits snugly but 

isn’t too tight. The band should 

sit level on your body and not 

ride up. The straps should be 

adjustable and comfortable on 

your shoulders. You should be 

able to fit two fingers between 

the straps and your shoulders. 

The sports bra should be snug 

but not dig in or pinch the skin. 

Be comfortable 

Look for a breathable fabric that 

will keep you dry; seamless or 

flat seams can minimise the risk 

of painful chafing. Choosing a 

bra with wider straps will give 

you the proper support without 

digging into your skin. 

Support 

Determine the level of support you 

need based on your activity and 

breast size. The type of exercise 

you do significantly impacts the 

level of support you will need. 

For high impact exercise and 

contact sports (e.g. running, 

rugby, martial arts, HIIT, 

high impact aerobics) go for 

high/max support bras. 

For medium impact exercise 

(e.g. cycling, dancing) go for 

medium support bras. 

For low impact exercise 

(e.g. walking, yoga, pilates) 

go for low impact bras. 

Sizing 

Your bra size will change several 

times over your lifetime. Weight 

loss or gain, pregnancy and 

hormones will affect it. It’s well 

worth re-checking your current 

size and do consider having it 

measured professionally. 

Sports bras can lose elasticity 

over time, so be careful 

when washing and replace 

them as soon as you feel 

you lack the support 

you need. Having 

spent a large 

amount of time e-searching for 

THE perfect sports bra, 

I recommend checking 

out the links below. 

Happy sweating! Sarah x 

• boobydoo.co.uk 

• sweatybetty.com 

• fabletics.co.uk 

• underarmour.co.uk 

• bravissimo.com do a great 

range of sports bras for 

D cups and up. 

Sarah 

Maxwell is a multiaward 

winning Lifestyle 

Wellbeing and Fitness coach. You 

can find her at sarahmaxwell.com 

Get in touch via email at 

sarahmaxwell@mail.com 

and on social 

@sarahmaxlife 

95 


istockphoto.com, miwa_in_oz , Magone, chokja, Elena Tsvetkova, Drazen Zigic, Agustin Vai /Olga Mazyarkina / Roman Samokhin / Fattyplace /xamtiw 

Nourish to Flourish 

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau 

explores the benefits of incorporating 

another healthy ingredient into our diets. 

This month it’s pomegranate 

Pomegranates are round, red fruits which feature 

a white inner flesh that’s packed with jewellike 

seeds, called arils. They may be best known 

for the vibrantly coloured juice, but enjoyed in their 

natural form, these tasty fruits have a lot more to 

offer as they are packed with fibre, vitamins and 

minerals. Pomegranates are particularly rich in an 

array of antioxidants that help protect your cells from 

free radical damage and inflammation, which can 

contribute to heart disease, type-2 diabetes and cancer. 

Delicious sprinkled over salads, on cereal or in yoghurts, 

eating pomegranates may also help support the health of 

your gut microbiome, increasing levels of beneficial gut 

bacteria, suggesting that they may have prebiotic effects. 

Prebiotics serve as fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your 

gut and support a healthier gut microbiome. Pomegranate 

arils are also rich in fibre (11.3g in one average sized 

pomegranate) which is essential for digestive health. 

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice 

for weight management, controlling cravings, sleeplessness, stress 

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

Warming roast vegetable rice bowl 

topped with pomegranate jewels 

Serves 4 

• 1 sweet potato, cut 

into wedges 

• 1 small aubergine, cut 

into half moons 

• a handful of broccoli florets 

• 250g pouch of precooked 

brown rice 

• small bunch of spring 

onions, finely sliced 

• 1 pomegranate 

• handful of sesame seeds 

• olive oil 

• salt and pepper 

• 2 cloves of garlic 

• ⅓ cup tahini 

• 1 teaspoon grated 

lime zest, plus 3 

tablespoons fresh juice 

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C. On a baking tray, toss the 

sweet potato, aubergine and broccoli with 3 tablespoons 

of oil. Season with salt and pepper and spread in a 

single layer. Roast, stirring halfway through, until 

tender and golden in places, for about 30 minutes. 

2. In a large frying pan, heat a tablespoon of oil over 

medium-high. Add the pre-cooked rice, spring onions and 

garlic and season. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is 

warmed through and has a nutty aroma – 4 to 5 minutes. 

3. Whisk together the tahini, lime zest and juice, 2 

tablespoons oil and 3 to 4 tablespoons water to reach 

the desired consistency. Season with a little salt. 

4. Serve the roasted vegetables over the rice mixture, drizzle 

with tahini dressing, and top with pomegranate arils. 

97 



My sciatica 

was so bad, it 

was a struggle 

just to put 

my socks and 

shoes on… 

Phil Parsons from Staplehurst 

was struck with back pain and 

sciatica at the age of 38. But this 

wasn’t surprising, given the stress 

his body had suffered during his 

very physical career. 

Phil’s job as a freelance lighting technician 

meant he was lifting heavy equipment and 

stretching his body to its limit on a daily basis. 

He often worked long and unsociable hours; 

taking care of his back wasn’t always a priority. 

However, when the shooting 

sciatic pain in his leg began to impact 

on his daily activities, Phil knew he needed 

to take his health seriously. He explains: 

“To begin with, the sciatic pain would 

come and go, and it was manageable with 

painkillers. But soon it became constant and 

started to affect the way I moved. It felt like I 

had a tight wire between my lower back and foot, 

stopping me from bending and stretching.” 

Soon, Phil found it increasingly 

difficult to go about his usual daily activities: 

James Pickering’s team is changing the lives of 

slipped disc and sciatica sufferers with IDD Therapy 

Phil’s strenuous job took a toll on his back, but IDD Therapy allowed him to continue working 

“The pain began to impact on simple 

things which I’d taken for granted, like 

drying myself after a shower and putting 

my socks and shoes on. Travelling to jobs 

became more and more difficult too; getting 

in and out of a car was a real struggle. 

Worst of all, was the effect it had on 

my family life: relationships at home were 

strained. I was unable to keep up the pace 

with my two young children, and my poor 

wife had to put up with my moods; I felt low 

and exhausted by the constant pain and the 

last thing I wanted was to be around people.” 

“As the programme progressed, the 

changes were huge. I’ve been free 

of sciatica for over a year now.” 

Phil sought advice from his GP; 

surgery was discussed, but with the risks 

and waiting times, Phil knew this would 

be his very last option. In the meantime, 

he’d tried sports massage to ease the pain, 

but this only gave him temporary relief. 

Phil’s pain came to a head in Summer 

2019. When a friend mentioned that they had 

been treated successfully with IDD Therapy 

- a specialist disc treatment - at Wealden 

Osteopaths, Phil was keen to investigate. A 

consultation with Clinical Director James 

Pickering confirmed that IDD Therapy was the 

best option. James says: “I referred Phil for an 

MRI scan and it confirmed my thoughts that he 

was suffering a disc bulge which was irritating 

his sciatic nerve – IDD Therapy is our firstchoice 

treatment for this type of disc-related 

condition; it uses gentle pulling forces to relieve 

pressure on the discs and surrounding nerves.” 

Phil was hesitant initially: 

“To be honest, I was a bit cynical about IDD 

at first, but the pain was so bad I was willing 

to try anything. James told me I needed to 

commit to a series of treatments, but he assured 

me that the result would be a significant 

improvement in my pain and mobility. I 

was also relieved to hear that I’d be able to 

continue working during my treatment.” 

Phil found the treatment relaxing and he 

was encouraged by the results after each session: 

“Initially, I noticed small improvements 

in my pain and mobility after each session. As 

the programme progressed, the changes were 

huge. I was still suffering from a little bit of 

sciatic pain - something I felt I might have to 

live with - but James assured me 

that my body would continue to 

heal after treatment, now that IDD 

had given it a kick start. He was 

right: two weeks later, I woke up 

with no sciatic pain whatsoever. 

I’ve been free of sciatica for over a year now. 

If I get the occasional tightness in 

my back from working particularly strenuous 

days at work, I can stretch my back out 

using the exercises James has shown me. 

I’m still astonished at the difference IDD 

Therapy has made to my health and quality of 

life. My children have got their active Dad back; 

we now enjoy bike rides, camping and plenty of 

outdoor activities as a family. Great news during 

the first lockdown, when I was their teacher: 

unsurprisingly, PE was their favourite subject!” 

Don’t let back pain, neck pain or sciatica 

put your life on hold. For a FREE 15 

minute phone consultation with one of 

our experts, call 01580 212833 or email 

enquiries@wealdenosteopaths.co.uk

How does your garden 

grow? 

Jo Arnell gives her 

advice for identifying 

your gardening style 

A formal garden style 

If you’ve ever taken a personality 

test, you’ll be familiar with the 

questions that try to fit your 

characteristics into a type – or none 

of the above, if you prefer to throw 

said questions to the floor... some of 

us won’t be pigeonholed! When it 

comes to gardens, left to their own 

devices, or planted with no particular 

style in mind, they will exhibit their 

own traits too. Fortunately it’s easier 

to change a garden than a personality, 

but remember that its underlying 

nature will be trying to escape, and as 

we all appreciate nature now, despite 

its wayward character, we do need to 

be kind as we mould it into shape. 

Which shape will depend on many 

things – and often budget turns 

out to be the deciding factor. It is 

worth thinking about a style for your 

garden though, even if it is as simple 

as choosing between formal and 

informal. This will help you to choose 

and organise the layout, any features 

you want to install, and how to pick 

the right plants for the borders. 

Architecture 

The period and external design of your 

house – and the surrounding area – may 

give you an indication of the sort of 

garden that will work. If you live in a 

pleasingly symmetrical Georgian town 

house, then a reflection of its classical 

proportions and a neat layout would 

be the obvious way to go, whereas a 

more asymmetrical or quirky vernacular 

building may suit a relaxed approach. In 

general, modern (and older mid-century 

modern) houses cope well with strongly 

architectural plants that have sculptural 

and contrasting effects, while an old 

cottage will happily nestle down amongst 

clouds of roses, swathes of perennials and 

opportunistic self-seeders like foxgloves 

and poppies. Plants can soften hard lines, 

but they can also be used to reflect and 

reinforce a layout, especially if they are 

clipped, or of a naturally neat shape. 

Formal gardens 

Neat hedges, paths, a restricted, 

harmonising colour palette and symmetry 

define the formal garden. Traditionally 

box hedging was used to create formal 

shapes, either as low hedging to give 

a neat crisp edge to beds and borders, 

or as topiary to provide focal points 

and sculptural effects. The pesky box 

moth caterpillar has all but put paid to 

that, and although there are treatments 

for it now, it may not be wise to plant 

box hedges for the foreseeable future. 

Fortunately the plant breeders have 

been busy suggesting – and making 

improvements to some alternative 

small-leaved evergreens that almost do 

the same job as a neat box hedge. Ilex 

crenata ‘Jenny’ is the current favourite for 

both topiary and hedging, small-leaved 

Euonymus ‘Jean Hugues’ is another good 

choice and will grow in sun or shade. 

Clipped evergreens do look the part, 

especially when they are dark green – 

there’s not much to beat a well pruned 

yew hedge as a backdrop to a planting 

scheme, or a topiary shape as a focal point 

to lead the eye. The only problem with 

the well groomed, formal looking garden 

style is that, just like those of us with neat 

hair, it will need clipping regularly. 

99 


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100

Cottage garden style 

The earliest cottage gardens were mainly vegetable 

and herb plots that gradually became populated 

by flowers – often semi-wild varieties. Even 

today much of the appeal of this classic style 

lies in the self-sown, easy-going nature of 

the plants. A traditional cottage garden is a 

relaxed affair, with a combination of roses, tall 

spires, friendly hummocks and a few sprawling 

wanderers in the mix. It should look informal, 

charming and ever so slightly wayward. 

If you want a more updated look to your 

cottage garden, try using a few architectural 

plants and grasses amongst the perennials. Adding 

structure will help to stop the more floaty, meadowy 

perennials looking too messy and will also provide 

interest once the first flush of June flowers is over. 

Geographically themed spaces 

Many Japanese gardens have a calm, Zen atmosphere, 

a controlled look that is achieved as much by the space 

between the plants and features in the garden as by the objects 

themselves. Here it is often the natural shape of a stone, tree 

or shrub that informs the rest of the garden. A multi-stemmed 

acer, quince or cherry tree becomes a living sculpture, (nonspreading) 

bamboo whispers in the breeze, architectural ferns 

and low growing grasses like the iconic Hakonechloa provide 

texture and movement, so that a quiet walk around the garden 

A contemporary style 

becomes a sensory experience and a place for contemplation. 

Japanese themed gardens have become popular in urban 

situations or zones within big gardens, because many of the 

plants are shade tolerant, edge of woodland plants. 

Another gardening idea that has gained popularity in recent 

 

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102

A cottage garden – RHS Rosemoor 

A Japanese garden 

A faux meadow at Wakehurst Place 

istockphoto.com/ Yuliya Derbisheva 

years is the jungle, which also works 

in a smaller space. The plants in this 

group thrive in shade too, but tropical 

looking, large-leaved plants need 

humidity and the shelter that garden 

boundaries and warm house walls 

provide. Many of the jungle plants 

are tender and will need protection in 

winter, but a surprising number are 

beginning to manage our milder winters 

now, especially in the warmer microclimates 

of towns and cities. Bananas 

and avocados are occasionally bearing 

properly edible fruit, and it’s now 

common to see ripe figs hanging from 

the trees. I live in a rural location in a 

frost pocket, but am trying to cultivate 

a jungly look in a small sheltered area 

of the garden. I have to rely more on 

plants that look tropical, like the good 

old stalwart Fatsia japonica – often 

grown as a houseplant, but just as 

suitable in a shady part of the garden. I 

grow dahlias too and leave them outside 

– under a blanket of mulch once 

winter arrives, but the baby banana I 

have in a pot will be dragged into the 

polytunnel along with the non-hardy 

salvias and cannas. When it’s too big 

to lift I will have to wrap it up in straw 

and hessian and hope for the best. 

Mediterranean gardens were the go-to 

a few years ago, when we had a series 

of droughts and cold, dry winters. The 

climate is changing, not just warming 

though, which makes for periods of 

wind and wet as well as dry. Lavender, 

rosemary and many other silver leaved 

shrubs with blue flowers look beautiful 

in the right situation, but it is quite 

painful to witness them struggling 

about in damp clay soil, especially when 

they have to sit in puddles through 

the winter. If you are determined to 

grow sun-loving plants in less than 

parched conditions, try to make sure 

that the soil is free draining, either by 

incorporating drainage, or by growing 

the plants on mounds or in raised beds, 

where the soil will naturally be drier. 

Many wildflowers used to be 

called weeds, so for a natural 

looking garden that doesn’t 

get overtaken by enthusiastic 

wild plants, choosing tamer 

meadow plants from other 

climates – that flower for longer, 

or at different times of the 

year – might be the way to go 

Meadows and prairies 

Wilder, more natural styles suit larger 

spaces, but well managed meadows 

can look surprisingly good in smaller 

spaces too. The key to success is in the 

management. There are different types 

of meadows for a start – perennial and 

annual – for spring or summer flowers, 

pictorial, or faux meadows, which allow 

for non-natives like cosmos. It can all 

get quite confusing. Just letting the 

grass grow long – and perhaps mowing 

paths around or through it so that it 

looks deliberate, rather than neglected, 

will create a meadow of sorts, especially 

if you plant some yellow rattle within it to 

weaken the grass and allow the wildflowers 

that are native to your area to establish. 

Many wildflowers used to be called 

weeds, so for a natural looking garden that 

doesn’t get overtaken by enthusiastic wild 

plants, choosing tamer meadow plants 

from other climates – that flower for 

longer, or at different times of the year – 

might be the way to go. The prairie style 

of garden, or New Perennial Movement, 

features swathes of ornamental grasses and 

clump forming perennials, that also look 

good as seed heads once the flowers have 

finished. Meadow type plants are good for 

pollinators and, later, seed eaters – and 

if left to die down naturally also provide 

snug overwintering places in amongst 

the dead stems. Maintenance involves 

just a once a year cut – depending on the 

type of plants and when they flower. 

If you’re still unsure about which style 

of garden to adopt, don’t worry. There are 

no strict rules – if you are lucky enough 

to own a garden, then it is your own 

private paradise where you can create a 

space to suit your own style and grow a 

garden with its own unique personality. 

Jo’s new gardening course is now 

booking. See hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

or call 07923 969634 

103 


“Kent College PreP 

is going fully Co-ed.” 

too exciting not to shout about! 

Boys can join up to Year 3 currently, and from September 2025, will be able to 

join all years from Nursery to Year 6. 

Come along to our Open Morning on Thursday 21st November 8.30am 

to 10.00am to discover an ISI Excellent Prep School set in 75 acres 

of beautiful countryside, just outside Tunbridge Wells. 

Book your place here: www.kent-college.co.uk

Best in Class 

The latest in education from inside and outside the classroom 

We hear from Tuition Extra – who provide 

flexible education opportunities 

The Tuition Extra Group, led by celebrated CEO, Ruth 

Minhall, is an outstanding Kent-based education service 

offering aspirational learning programmes for children 

and young people aged 4 to 25 years. Many students have 

EHCPs and may have struggled to access mainstream 

schooling due to SEND or complex needs. The holistic 

approach understands the individual behind the presentation 

of behaviour - and the results speak for themselves! 

Committed to creative teaching and removing barriers 

to learning, we believe that every child, has the potential to 

improve life chances and become a more successful learner. 

The Group has three branches: Tuition Extra’s Kent 

wide tutoring service, Maypole Farm animal therapy 

and vocational site, and Haven Nook independent 

special school. These services work cohesively to 

support students, staff and associated families. Young 

people can access their education on-site, at home or 

online, depending on preference or requirement. 

As a child-centric organisation, Tuition Extra Group 

harnesses a triangular approach to student development 

focusing on a foundation of therapeutic intervention 

alongside targeted emotional development, using the 

celebrated Thrive Approach. These elements naturally 

enable academic progress and life changing outcomes. 

Tuition Extra is a trusted and preferred supplier to Local 

Authorities, schools, parents and carers. The organisation’s 

approach removes barriers to learning to achieve meaningful 

outcomes for its young people. By building trusted 

relationships and engaging students with their individual 

interests, the team facilitates outstanding academic results, 

even with youngsters who have historically struggled to 

engage, or experienced exclusion or previous failure. 

The organisation focuses on enabling students to achieve 

personal growth, wellbeing and academic success. With an 

outstanding GCSE pass rate of 74% (Levels 9 – 4), Tuition 

Extra’s results demonstrate life-changing and aspirational 

achievement for the amazing students in their care! 

Find out more at tuition-extra.co.uk. To join 

our incredible tutoring team, email your CV to 

info@tuition-extra.co.uk 

The Granville School’s Early Years team 

explain The Power of Pre-School 

At this time of year, the media is awash with ‘Tips 

for Starting School’ and ‘Preparing Your Child 

for Reception’. But how about the vital and formative 

years before that or – The Power of Pre-School. 

Although Reception is the start of compulsory formal 

schooling, here at The Granville, the Power of Pre- 

School is strong. Our 3 and 4 year-olds are superheroes 

in their classrooms, and their superpowers stem from our 

highly qualified Pre-School teachers who have detailed 

knowledge of child development and early years learning. 

A fine balance is struck between structured learning of 

early phonics and maths, alongside learning through play 

both inside and outside of the classroom. Key tenets of 

independence, active learning, responsibility, teamwork and 

confidence are nurtured through carefully planned activities. 

Communication with parents and families is a cornerstone 

of effective pre-school education. A parent consultation reveals 

that one 3-year-old wants to be a teacher – the next day, the 

role play corner has been transformed with a pretend register 

and teacher ID card. A Tapestry post (the online platform we 

use for home-school communication and assessment) shows a 

boy playing with dinosaurs and the next day, a tuff tray is full 

of mud and tools ready to excavate and develop motor skills. 

All of these activities centre around the Characteristics 

of Effective Learning. By linking to children’s individual 

needs, they are able to become active learners, immersing 

themselves in an area of passion. Our Forest School 

and Woodland Playground allow the children to play 

and explore, to take risks and to build resilience as 

well as having lots of muddy fun and physical activity. 

Children are encouraged to lead their own learning and 

continuous provision allows them access to whatever 

they might need to create, explore, share and learn. 

The Power of Pre-School in the end is not just academic 

preparedness for Reception, but so much more. Our 

pre-schoolers are inquisitive, confident and independent 

learners. They are collaborative, kind and inclusive. They are 

ready physically, socially and academically for the transition 

into Reception, which is just in the classroom next door 

(and might have been sneakily visited a few 

times in the run-up to September). 

The Power of Pre-School cannot 

be underestimated – with 

our combination of superlearners 

and super-teachers, 

we’re ready to take on the 

world! granvilleschool.org 

105

Co-ed Pre-School for ages 3-4 

Girls’ Prep School for ages 4-11 

Unrivalled 

academic results 

including 

100% pass rate* 

for Kent 11+ 

Wraparound 

care from 

7.30am to 

6.00pm 

Year-round 

provision for all 

pupils including 

Pre-School 

“It’s a wonderful, caring school with small class sizes. The school focuses on 

maximising each child’s potential.” Year 6 parent 

2 Bradbourne Park Road 

Sevenoaks 

Kent TN13 3LJ 

granvilleschool.org 

01732 453 039 *for pupils with us since Reception 

*for pupils with us since Reception

Education 

When to 

Step In 

istockphoto.com/ Cheryl Ramalho 

A Head for 25 years, Mike Piercy is now an educational 

consultant and governor at two schools. Here, he 

looks at assessing when parents should intervene 

istockphoto.com/ Cheryl Ramalho 

‘ 

How was your day, darling?’ the routine 

words on collecting from school as 

he clambers into the car. The daily, 

customary, ‘Good,’ doesn’t follow. There 

is a pause, a catching of breath, a sniff, then, 

‘My teacher called me a disgusting elephant!’ 

rapidly followed by racking sobs. 

‘Well, that’s absolutely disgraceful!’ 

Little Johnny doesn’t have the capacity, the voice to 

respond. The sobs subside on the way home, supper 

is served, homework done without complaint, a 

favourite bedtime story and he’s out for the count. 

The parent, now armed with a second very large glass 

of white wine (not noticing it’s corked in haste to get to 

the computer) starts typing a ferocious email. Stopping 

just short of the expletive the email is, nonetheless, 

explosive. ‘How dare anyone speak to my son like that?’ 

The school’s reply comes the next morning. The truth is 

the teacher had called Johnny a ‘disruptive element’. He’d 

been sitting next to his best friend at assembly. They’d 

been poking and prodding the younger ones in front, 

spotted by Mr. Jones – aptly nicknamed ‘The Eagle’. 

In years gone by if a child came home having been in 

trouble he would be in double trouble at home. To question 

the school was out of the question. We are all protective of 

our children, umbilically connected, so it is understandable for 

us to have difficulty separating the emotion from the data. It 

is the data and context which needs to be critically examined. 

There will always be bumps in the road. Our 

children are not perfect. They will make mistakes, 

they will be spontaneous, they will come under the 

influence of the less scrupulous. An alternative, better 

course of action for this parent would have been 

to write asking what had happened that day. 

So, when our children return from school telling a troubled 

story, what should we do? Teachers and schools don’t always 

get things right (the best schools will acknowledge this) but 

we sometimes do have to ask questions when our children 

come home with a worry. Dr. John Rae, a former Head 

of Westminster, used a great line when welcoming new 

parents to the school: ‘If you believe only half of the stories 

which come home from school; we in turn will believe only 

half of the stories which come to school from home.’ 

It is somewhat tongue in cheek but bears great wisdom 

and advice. Much has been written about the helicopter 

parent syndrome, the debate revolving around when and how 

much to intervene in school matters. In my view the key is 

knowing your children and being open to the idea they may 

not always get things right. Ask the school rather than tell. 

Many years ago I remember the craze for Baby-G 

watches – a not inexpensive fashion item as much as a 

timepiece. A pupil ‘lost’ hers. We searched and searched 

but to no avail. She returned to school the following 

Monday with a new one. That, in turn, was lost. A week 

later she came to school with a third Baby-G. Where 

was the learning? Part of growing up is the baton of 

responsibility passing from parent to child, gradually 

removing safety nets as they learn to manage their own lives. 

Mike’s book, Careering is available now with troubador.co.uk. 

You can contact Mike at mikepiercy@hotmail.com 

with your education-related queries. 

107 


Social icon 

Circle 

Only use blue and/or white. 

For more details check out our 

Brand Guidelines. 

© National Trust 2024. Registered charity no. 205846. 

Photography © Penny Tweedie. 

23rd & 24th November 

Saturday: 10am – 4pm 

Sunday: 10am – 2pm 

An Elizabethan Christmas 

at Sissinghurst Castle Garden 

Food & Gift Stalls 

Santa’s Grotto 

Enjoy traditional festive tidings this winter 

at this historic garden in the heart of Kent. 

23 Nov - 5 Jan, excl. 24 & 25 Dec 

Wreath Making 

Workshops 

Biddenden Road, Nr Cranbrook, TN17 2AB 

nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst 

Visit hospiceintheweald.org.uk, contact us via 

email at Fundraising@hospiceintheweald.org.uk, 

or call us on 01892 820 533. 

Christmas Market 2023 - A4.indd 1 27/09/2023 15:42:12 

Untitled-7 1 17-Oct-24 10:39:06 

Pottery Classes 

CHRISTMAS 

MAKERS’ MARKET 

SUNDAY 1ST DECEMBER 

10am - 4pm 

Join us in celebrating all things local and festive! 

The market will feature over 35 stalls from talented 

local small businesses showcasing ceramics, 

jewellery, art, homeware, cards and more! 

Pop along anytime to pick up a gift or two. There will 

be live music along with mulled wine and festive treats. 

Free parking available. 

Register for free at theceramicstudio.co.uk 

The Ceramic Studio, 

Brenchley, TN12 7BX 

Supporting: 

@the.ceramic.studio 


108

What’s On 

this Festive Season 

Throughout Nov & Dec 

Guildford Cathedral 

Virtual Advent Calendar 

Everyone is welcome to experience 

a festive wonderland at Guildford 

Cathedral this November and 

December with art, music and 

excellent shopping experiences. 

From Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to John 

Rutter and The Snowman, their 

events cater to all tastes and ages. 

Join the Advent services starting 

December 1, with the Advent Carol 

Service at 6pm. Explore the Virtual 

Advent Calendar featuring daily 

choir performances. Make it your 

destination for shopping, food, and 

cultural delights this season. 

guildford-cathedral.org 

Sat 2 Nov 10am-3.30pm 

Penshurst Village Hall TN11 8BP 

Penshurst Vintage 

Christmas Fair 

Showcasing a festive mix of vintage, 

antique and one-off homewares, 

French finds, decorative interior 

pieces, clothing, decorations, 

jewellery, furniture, beautiful 

wrapping, cards, seasonal floristry 

and gifts, all with a little Christmas 

sparkle! Make it a Vintage 

Christmas and shop from 25+ 

fabulous vintage traders from 

throughout Kent and Sussex. 

Entry: £2.50 

Contact Estelle 07904 614824 

Instagram @penshurstvintagefair 

Sun 10 Nov, Denbies Wine Estate 

Fri 22 Nov & Sat 23 

Nov, Syon Park, 

Tues 3 Dec, Denbies Wine Estate 

Curated by Dapper & Suave 

Christmas Pop Up Events 

Three events with an ethos of 

friendly, creative and unique. More 

than just a shopping destination 

they bring together the community 

with events that offer something 

for everyone. Festive celebrations 

of community, tradition, and the 

magic of seasonal joy. Don’t miss 

out on this exciting chance to 

shop and support small businesses. 

Free entry and parking. 

dapperandsuave.uk/curated-by 

Thurs 14 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 

Kingston upon Thames 

Kingston this Christmas 

Experience the magic of 

Christmas in Kingston. Follow 

the enchanting Nutcracker Trail 

and have the opportunity to win 

a Christmas hamper! Capture 

moments at the brand new 

light-up ‘KINGSTON’ sign, 

explore the walk-through present 

installation, and marvel at the 

giant twinkling reindeer. Discover 

unique shopping experiences, 

indulge in seasonal food and drink, 

and be merry with the popular 

Christmas Market, festive bar, 

and live music. There’s no place 

like Kingston this Christmas! 

Kingstonuponthames.info 

Background: stockphoto.com/lavendertime 

Sat 16 & Sun 17 Nov 

Rare Breeds Centre TN26 3RJ 

Christmas Market 

Looking for gift ideas? Visit the 

Rare Breeds Centre Christmas 

Market. Explore locally crafted 

items, gifts, toys, sweets, and 

delicious edible treats in the festive 

Benson Barn. Enjoy free entry 

and parking while browsing for 

the perfect gifts. Be sure to try 

the pumpkin spice or gingerbread 

lattes, perfectly paired with a 

sweet treat from the Granary 

Restaurant. Don’t miss this 

festive shopping experience! 

rarebreeds.org.uk 

Sat 16 Nov – Tue 24 Dec 

Chessington Garden Centre 

Santa’s Wonderland 

Treat the kids to a visit to the 

magical Santa’s Wonderland 

(SEND visits available). Enjoy 

a Christmas tale reading, 

decorate gingerbread with Mrs 

Claus, travel through magical 

scenes and meet the great man 

himself. Then choose a gift 

from the elves’ toy workshop! 

chessingtongardencentre.co.uk 

Mon 18 – Thur 21 Nov 

Rural Crafts at The Loseley House 

The Loseley House 

Christmas Fair 

Taking place over four days in the 

stylish setting of Loseley Park. Special 

pavilions and the Tithe Barn host this 

exciting event with over 65 talented 

makers and designers bringing a 

range of craft and design-led products 

offering a perfect opportunity to find 

special presents for special people, the 

ideal place to enjoyably solve your 

Christmas list. Indulge your family 

and friends with stunning fashions 

and accessories, leather belts, dazzling 

jewellery and luxurious soaps and 

skincare. Celebrate the festive season 

and entertain in style this Christmas, 

decorate your home with beautiful 

glass decorations alongside candles, 

platters and bowls and tasty treats. 

ruralcraftsassociation.co.uk 

Wed 20 & Thur 21 Nov 

Farnham Maltings 

Christmas at Farnham Maltings 

Find the perfect gift for everyone on 

your list at the Maltings’ Christmas 

Fair. Support local artisans and small 

businesses by shopping directly from 

the creators. This is a wonderful 

opportunity to hear the stories 

behind their crafts and pick up 

truly unique pieces that you won’t 

find anywhere else. Advance tickets 

available online. 

farnhammaltings.com 

109 


Carol Concert 

Rochester Cathedral, Kent 

Friday 6 December 2024, 7.30pm 

Join us for a festive evening of 

beautiful carols and music to get 

you into the Christmas spirit. Your 

support helps raise vital funds for 

your local air ambulance charity. 

Without you, we can’t save lives. 

Your support will help us be ready 

to save lives this Christmas. 

Tickets 

from 

£15 

Buy your tickets now 

aakss.org.uk/carolsrochester 

Registered Charity No. 1021367 

Scan me 

The Jungle Book Christmas 

© National Trust 2024. Registered Charity no. 205846. 

Photography © National Trust Images/Lucy Evans 

at Bateman's 

Sat 16 Nov 24 to Sun 5 Jan 25 (Closed 24 & 25 Dec) 

This Christmas, discover animals from The Jungle Book swinging, 

climbing, hiding, and jumping around the house. Plus, see original 

illustrations by local artist Claire Fletcher in a new display. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/batemans 


110

10am-4pm Fri 22, Sat 

23 & Sun 24 Nov 

West Horsley Place 

West Horsley Arts & 

Artisan Christmas Fair 

The very best artists and 

artisans in Surrey bring you 

a high quality, beautiful 

Christmas shopping experience. 

Soak up the atmosphere in 

the historic Manor House 

at West Horsley Place while 

shopping for stunning gifts. 

Book in advance online 

Entry: £10, all artists 

keep their profits. 

westhorsleyplace.org 

Sat 23 Nov 10am-4pm 

Chiddingstone Castle 

Christmas Artisan Fair 

Featuring over 50 hand curated 

stalls. Add a touch of seasonal 

magic to your Christmas shopping 

experience whilst exploring the 

historic building with friends and 

family. Within the beautiful rooms 

you will find Christmas gifts, crafts, 

decorations, fashion, festive food, 

mulled wine and plenty of unique 

products that are not found on 

the high street, as well as one of a 

kind vintage items. More stalls can 

be found in the heated marquee 

and the tea room courtyard. 

Online tickets in advance: 

£7.50 adult £4 child 

Tickets on the day: £9 

adult £6 child 

chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 

23 Nov – 5 Jan 

Ightham Mote, Sevenoaks 

Tudor Christmas 

Celebrate the festive season 

in style! Enjoy a roaring fire, 

traditional carols, and festive 

crafting workshops for the 

whole family. Immerse yourself 

in the rich history of this 

700-year-old moated manor 

house, and see if you can spot 

all the hidden mice in the Mice 

at the Mote Christmas Trail! 

and don’t miss the Christmas 

shopping opportunities 

and local choirs performing 

throughout the festive season. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/ightham-mote 

Weekends from 30 Nov & 24 Dec 

Kent and East Sussex Railway 

Santa Specials 

Meet Santa on a magical steam 

train! Celebrating 50 years of 

making lasting Christmas memories, 

the award-winning K&ESR Santa 

Specials are bigger and better than 

ever, offering even more treats and 

fun this year. Bronze, Silver and 

Gold packages available. Including a 

special Quiet Train for a less intense 

experience at 11.15am on 30 

November. Early booking essential. 

kesr.org.uk 

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 

Painshill, Cobham 

KT11 1AG 

A Touch of Nostalgia 

Inspired by the festive song, 

The 12 Days of Christmas 

Trail at Painshill for 2024 

will see visitors searching 

out each of the gifts 

mentioned; from two turtle 

doves through to twelve 

drummers drumming and 

of course, a partridge in 

a pear tree! With a touch 

of nostalgia, figures will 

be made from traditional 

wooden materials and each 

one will be individually 

hand-painted. 

painshill.co.uk 

Sat 30 Nov – Sun 5 Jan 

Yvonne Arnaud Theatre 

Robin Hood 

Yvonne Arnaud Panto is back 

and full of slapstick, slosh and 

silliness. Starring EastEnders 

and Detectorists favourite Lucy 

Benjamin who continues her 

villainous panto streak as The 

Sheriff of Nottingham. Peter 

Gordon returns for his 19th year, 

this time as Nanny Fanny Annie, 

alongside Guildford Shakespeare 

Company’s Matt Pinches! 

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk 

Fri 6 Dec 

Rochester Cathedral 

KSS Kent Surrey Sussex 

Air Ambulance Charity 

Join KSS for a festive evening 

of delicious mince pies, mulled 

wine, and carol singing alongside 

a live Christmas choir. Hear 

about their life-saving work 

and shine candles bright for the 

crews working on the night. 

The money raised by the carol 

concert will make sure they can 

always be there when someone 

needs them – day or night, 

throughout the Christmas 

season and beyond, helping 

them to keep more families 

together this Christmas. 

aakss.org.uk 

10am-4pm Sat 7 

& Sun 8 Dec 

Godinton House TN23 3BP 

Swinford Studio’s 

At these six stunning studios 

a warm welcome, log fires 

and mulled wine awaits you 

all within the delightful 

setting of Godinton House 

and Gardens Estate. ‘We 

are a thriving community 

of artists and makers, 

come and celebrate unique 

handmade gifts, ceramics, 

art, jewellery, woodenwares, 

furniture, soft furnishings, 

gorgeous felted animals, 

cards and Christmas tree 

decorations within our own 

individual courtyard studios.’ 

godintonhouse.co.uk 


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Sat 7 Dec – Sun 5 Jan 

Richmond Theatre 

Beauty & the Beast 

Dame Maureen Lipman 

returns to Richmond 

to star as Mrs Potty 

in this enchanting 

pantomime adventure, 

alongside comedy 

magician Pete Firman 

as Silly Billy. One of the 

most romantic pantos 

of all time, Beauty 

and the Beast will be a 

spectacular production 

for all the family. 

atgtickets.com 

Sat 14 Dec to Sat 4 Jan 

Epsom Playhouse 

Cinderella 

Don’t be a pumpkin; grab 

your glass slippers and get 

ready for this classic tale of 

Cinderella, a kind-hearted 

girl mistreated by her wicked 

stepmother and stepsisters. 

With a little help from her 

fairy godmother’s magic 

she transforms for the royal 

ball, where she catches 

the attention of Prince 

Charming. But when the 

clock strikes midnight, the 

illusion fades, leaving only a 

single glass slipper behind. 

epsomplayhouse.co.uk 

Sat 14 & Sun 15 Dec 

Faversham 

Faversham Market 

Visit magical Faversham 

for a weekend of Christmas 

shopping. The picturesque 

town centre will be home to a 

Christmas Market Weekend, 

packed with stalls selling local 

produce, gifts and Christmas 

decorations.The markets will 

be attended by a selection of 

local designers, makers and 

producers selling unique, 

hand-crafted items. There 

will also be live festive music 

and a visit from the adorable 

Happy Endings donkeys. 

favershammarket.org 

Wed 11 Dec 

Guildford Cathedral 

KSS Kent Surrey Sussex Air 

Ambulance Charity Concert 

Join KSS for a festive evening 

of delicious mince pies, mulled 

wine, and carol singing alongside 

a live Christmas choir. Hear 

about their life-saving work 

and shine candles bright for the 

crews working on the night. The 

money raised by the carol concert 

will make sure they can always be 

there when someone needs them 

– day or night, throughout the 

Christmas season and beyond, 

helping them to keep more 

families together this Christmas. 

aakss.org.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. Readers are advised to check with venues before making arrangements. We can list your 

event in the next issue of Wealden Times for only £175+VAT. Please supply up to 100 words that should include date, time, venue, contact for enquiries and any 

entry price to whatson@priceless-group.com or send with payment (cheques payable to Priceless Media Ltd.) to What’s On, Priceless Media, Kettle Chambers, 

21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless Media reserves the right to edit text to fit space allocated. Deadline for the next issue is 8th November. 

Christmas 

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113 


Jane Howard readies the 

Coopers Farm cows and bees 

for the onset of winter 

November is the time for tidying up the 

farm, fixing the problems and sorting 

the stock. And that includes the bees. 

At the heart of the summer there are up to 50,000 

bees in a colony, almost all are female worker bees, 

one queen and a few dozen males called drones. This 

is max population, created to take advantage of all the 

flowers, collect nectar and make the honey which is 

then stored in the hive to see them through the winter. 

A busy summer bee will live for about six weeks, 

so the queen is in full production mode laying up to 

2,000 eggs a day, but as autumn approaches she slows 

right down and the number of bees 

in the colony drops to about 10,000. 

These will live all winter eating the 

honey and, most importantly, feeding 

the queen so she can start to lay again in 

the New Year and build those numbers 

up. However, that means the boys, 

the drones, are redundant and rather 

unceremoniously the girls just turf them 

out to meet an uncertain (not very!) end. 

Apart from what the bees are doing, 

to prep them for the cold months 

ahead, there are a few things I need 

to do. I took about twenty jars of 

honey from each hive in the spring and again in the 

summer so I need to make sure they have at least 30 

pounds left for themselves. This should be plenty if 

the winter is cold, but if we get a warm winter then 

rather than being tucked up at home the bees will be 

out and about and will need more food – so I will 

check them again around Christmas. Your average 

mouse considering his winter lodgings might also want 

to hunker down in a nice warm hive full of honey 

so I have to put metal mouseguards with bee-size 

I took about twenty 

jars of honey from 

each hive in the spring 

and again in the 

summer so I need to 

make sure they have 

at least 30 pounds 

left for themselves 

holes across the entrance to stop them. And finally 

I cut up plastic feed sacks to make flappy fringes 

that I pin round the outside to deter woodpeckers 

who have the same intentions as the mice! 

As far as the cattle are concerned this is also the time 

of year for a sort out. The cattle, born in '23 have 

spent the summer grazing and growing, so now is the 

time to decide what to do with them. Last autumn 

we picked out the best male calves and 

they will get their own living quarters 

(adolescent males being only interested 

in one thing) where they will get fed 

and primed ready for the Sussex Society 

spring sale next March. By then they 

will be two and ready to go to 'work' on 

another farm. The best females, known 

as maiden heifers at this stage in their 

lives, will overwinter on more meagre 

rations and then 'see the bull' next 

spring to have their first calf at three. 

That leaves the steers and the heifers 

who aren’t good enough to breed from. 

These are 'store cattle', i.e. well-grown but not fat, 

and will be sold at Hailsham in a store market where 

'finishers' will buy them to fatten for the butcher. 

Interestingly many store cattle bred on livestock farms 

in the South East get bought by big arable farmers in 

East Anglia. They have plenty of straw and barley to 

keep and fatten the cattle but what they really want is a 

barn full of manure at the end of the winter to spread 

on their arable fields. It’s true, where there’s muck 

there’s brass and it’s not called Black Gold for nothing. 

istockphoto.com/ William Jones-Warner 


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Wealden Times | WT270 | November 2024 | Gift Supplement inside

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