Wealden Times | WT272 | January 2025| Good Living Supplement inside
The lifestyle magazine for Kent & Sussex - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
The lifestyle magazine for Kent & Sussex - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
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PRICELESS
JANUARY 2025
272
JANUARY 2025
GOOD LIVING SUPPLEMENT inside
Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes
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
Contents
January 2025
32
88
52
10
21
23
HOUSE OF THE MONTH
Dream homes on the market
COHABITATION
Amanda Wilson from Berry
& Lamberts Solicitors
runs us through legal
rights and protections
NOTEBOOK
Upcoming events for your diary
50
52
63
GET THE LOOK
Emulate Marta Nowicka’s
seaside style
THE MOTHER OF
INVENTION
Explore a Faversham home
with vintage chateau vibes
GET THE LOOK
Create that lived-in aesthetic
103
105
106
SOMETHING TO
THINK ABOUT
Mike Piercy stresses the importance
of learning from past experiences
WHAT’S ON
Fun-filled dates for your diary...
FABLES FROM THE FARM
Jane Howard’s latest instalment
from Coopers Farm
27
THE MUST LIST
Keep up-to-date with the latest
must-see and must-have goodies
88
COMFORT & JOY
Jo Arnell’s soup recipes
for chilly January days
29
32
MONEY MONEY MONEY
Give your finances a healthcheck
FROM CITY TO SHORELINE
A coastal cottage with a stylish
blend of old and new
95
97
HIGHLAND FLING
Rebecca Cuffe edits
tartans and tweeds
THE GARDENING YEAR
Tips for planning
ahead in 2025
GOOD LIVING
SUPPLEMENT
Our start-of-theyear
guide to all
things health
and wellbeing
After page 64
Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,
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4
From the
Editor
A
fresh New Year and a chance to reset and
recharge. We’ve rounded up the latest health
and beauty news in a special supplement
that covers everything from private healthcare
and exercise to nutrition and wellbeing.
Our interiors this month are a wonderful celebration
of the old mixed with the new. We start off with
interior architect Marta Nowicka’s coastal cottage
that she’s recently re-updated. Photographed in midwinter,
this pared-back space encapsulates Marta’s
passion for converting abandoned architectural gems.
In a similar vein, Susan Wild has made a career for
herself out of doing-up interesting properties. Her
latest project, in the heart of Faversham, doesn’t
disappoint in the creative department. Her almost
theatrical staging of this unusual house-of-two-parts
takes inspiration from historical French chateaux with
soaring ceilings, ageing plaster and grand doorways.
Recipes come courtesy of garden and food wonder
woman, Jo Arnell, who has created three soup
recipes to help ease you through the chilly
month of January. All you need is a
chunk of freshly baked bread.
Elsewhere, Rebecca Cuffe edits
tweed and tartan on our fashion page
and Emily Pavey tracks down fun and
interesting dates for your diary in our
Notebook and What’s On sections.
Enjoy your Priceless magazine
and happy New Year
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
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Executive Chairman Julie Simpson
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Please email or call to make a showroom appointment
info@jminteriorsuk.uk 01580 291221
Find us here!
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House
Month
of the
£3,500,000
This month Gordon Lee explores
striking new builds
Sevenoaks
The dream: Magnificent family
residence, built to the highest
specification in a prime location.*
Where: Central Sevenoaks.
Setting: Located on one of
the most sought-after roads
in lovely Sevenoaks.
Beds: 6 Baths: 6
Special features: Designed for
family living and entertaining,
this exceptional 8,000 square
foot home is arranged over
four floors with lift access. The
basement includes a cinema
room, games rooms and a gym.
There’s even a dog shower – much
needed after all the country
walks that are on the doorstep.
Pleasing details: Built with
sustainability at its heart, it
includes underfloor heating, a
ventilation and air-conditioning
system and dedicated EV charging
point, all powered by an air
source heat pump and solar
power with battery back-up.
Outside: The landscaped gardens,
with porcelain paving, have a
plunge pool, garden house, firepit
with seating and external WiFi.
Time to town: It’s just a short
walk downhill to Sevenoaks
station with trains that connect
to London Bridge, Waterloo
East, Cannon Street and Charing
Cross in as little as 24 minutes.
Agents: Knight Frank
01732 809549 knightfrank.co.uk
*Computer generated images
priceless-magazines.com 10
£1,225,000
Tenterden
The dream: Contemporary Kentish farmhouse
style home, with far reaching views.
Where: Overlooking Tenterden Golf Club.
Setting: Tucked away in a small, gated
development, surrounded by mature trees.
Beds: 5 Baths: 3
Special features: Spacious and light, this stunning
home takes full advantage of its exceptional
location, with all the principal rooms overlooking
the golf course and ancient woodland. The modern
kitchen and open plan family area opens onto the
garden and the spectacular views beyond. The
main bedroom has a wonderful walk-in dressing
area. The formal dining room would make a
fabulous den/children’s room or could be converted
into a downstairs bedroom as needs change.
Pleasing details: There’s underfloor
heating throughout the ground floor and
Siemens appliances in the kitchen.
Outside: The double garage with sizeable driveway
provides ample parking and EV charging.
Time to town: It’s a short walk to Tenterden’s
vibrant town centre, whilst nearby Headcorn
and Ashford have trains that connect
to London and the Kent coast.
Agents: Warner Gray 01580 766044
warnergray.co.uk
£560,000
Maidstone
The dream: Spacious and modern 3 bed family
home with pleasingly traditional period features.
Where: Just three miles south of Maidstone.
Setting: Monchelsea Park is a
prestigious new development.
Beds: 3 Baths: 3
Special features: The classically inspired
exterior is combined with a contemporary
interior. Downstairs has a wonderful sense of
light and space, with a large lounge at the front
of the house, and a full width family/kitchen/
dining room across the back, with double patio
doors that open to the garden. Upstairs, all
three bedrooms have en suite bathrooms.
Pleasing details: Built and insulated to
the highest energy efficient standards.
Outside: There’s a front and rear garden
and private driveway with single garage
and option for EV charging.
Time to town: It’s about 3 miles to the centre
of Maidstone, Mote Park and the train stations
that connect to London. 2½ miles the other
way is the stunning Leeds Castle and the
wonderful Kent countryside that surrounds it.
Agents: Redrow 01622 534300 redrow.co.uk
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SJD 297x210 adverts 01.24.qxp_Layout 1 19/01/2024 17:20 Page 1
PLOT OR NOT?
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Estate Planning and Probate Specialists
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared,
especially when it comes to protecting what you’ve worked hard for.
We provide personalised strategies tailored to your unique needs so
that your legacy is preserved, and your future is secure.
Contact us to start a simple, important conversation about your future.
Call us on 01892 577092
willsandprobate@thomasmansfield.co.uk
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Estate Planning • Wills & Inheritance • Powers of Attorney • Court of Protection • Probate
13
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Hammer Price £2,500 Hammer Sold for Price £3,800 £1,100
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Your Local
Property Law Firm
For Kent & East Sussex
Natalie Mortimer, Solicitor & Partner
Residential and Agricultural Property Specialist
Experienced | Professional | Pro-Active | Approachable
T. 01797 228471
E. natalie.mortimer@heringtons.com
Heringtons Solicitors, Bank Chambers,
80 High Street, Rye TN31 7JR
To discuss any aspect of
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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
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Equity Release – when is the right
time to buy security for life?
As a specialist Equity Release
adviser, Sarah Ferrell
continually discusses Equity
Release as a potential
solution for a multitude of different
scenarios and circumstances.
“For clients with existing mortgages
there seems to have been a theme
over recent years to “hold out for as
long as possible” before considering
a move from a traditional mortgage
to a Lifetime Mortgage/Equity
Release plan,” says Sarah, “however,
in many cases, acting sooner rather
than later may save a huge amount
of financial stress and pressure.”
Currently, clients paying a lender’s
Standard Variable Rate are likely to
be paying more for their mortgage
than if they had a Lifetime Mortgage
and were servicing the interest.
Innovations in the Later Life Lending
market have seen new products being
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of their existing mortgage coming to
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plans can take these pressures away.
Unlike historical plans, it
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• Release a lump sum,
• Create a drawdown facility to
use as and when needed,
• Service interest and some capital,
• Repay the plan – in some
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• Secure the tenure of your home for life.
There are certainly many factors to
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priceless-magazines.com
20
Legal
Cohabitation
What are your legal
rights and protections?
Cohabitation has become increasingly
common, with couples choosing to
live together without getting married
or entering into a civil partnership. However,
cohabiting couples do not have the same legal
rights and protections as married couples.
Partner and family law expert at Berry &
Lamberts Solicitors, Amanda Wilson, explores
the legal landscape surrounding cohabitation.
What is cohabitation?
Cohabitation is when a couple live together and share a
domestic life without being married or in a civil partnership.
There is no legal recognition of a ‘common law marriage’
in the UK, meaning that cohabiting couples do not have
the same legal rights and protections as married couples.
What property rights do cohabiting couples
have?
The legal position for cohabiting couples is complex. Unlike
married couples, cohabiting couples do not automatically have
rights over property owned by their partner. If the property
is solely owned by one partner, the other partner has no legal
entitlement to it, regardless of the length of the relationship
or any financial contributions made, unless it can be proved
that there was an agreement that they should have an interest
in the property. However, there are steps that cohabiting
couples can take to protect their interests in a property:
• A Declaration of Trust is a legally binding document that
sets out each partner’s ownership rights and financial interests
in a property, and what
should happen to the
property in the event
of a breakup or death.
• A Cohabitation
Agreement is a legal
document that covers
various aspects of the cohabiting
couple’s relationship, including property ownership,
financial responsibilities, and arrangements for children.
Do cohabiting couples automatically inherit
from each other?
One area where cohabiting couples face significant challenges
is inheritance. Unlike married couples, cohabiting partners
do not have an automatic right to inherit from each other.
If one partner dies without a valid will, the surviving
partner may not receive any inheritance. It is, therefore,
crucial for cohabiting couples to make wills to ensure that
their assets are distributed according to their wishes.
Should cohabiting couples get legal advice?
Cohabitation presents unique challenges and legal
complexities. One partner can be left financially vulnerable
in the event of a breakup or death of the other partner.
It is essential for cohabiting couples to take proactive
steps to protect their interests. Seeking legal advice
from a family law solicitor is recommended as they can
provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances
and help you understand your legal position.
For more information, and to seek legal
advice, see berryandlamberts.co.uk
priceless-magazines.com
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Why January is the perfect time
to update your will
Charlotte Thomas, Thomson Snell & Passmore
As 2025 begins and we look ahead
to a new year, it is worth considering
whether you need to review your
existing will or make a will if you
have not yet done so.
We are often asked what should
prompt someone to make a will,
or to update their existing wishes.
There is no quick answer to this,
and it will depend upon a multitude
of factors. Changes to your family
life, changes to your assets, and
changes to the law applicable to
wills and taxation, are all potential
trigger events. These changes
might not necessarily be bad, either;
for example, you may come into an
inheritance or welcome a new child
or grandchild into the world.
It is often easier to think about these
types of trigger events by giving
consideration to the five ‘Ds’, each
of which can be challenging enough
in isolation but even more so if one
ends up triggering another.
Divorce
January is one of the busiest months
of the year for divorce or separation
enquiries. It is important that you
seek advice on your will as soon as
possible in the proceedings given
the impact that this could have on
the wishes you have previously
expressed, especially as the divorce
itself will invalidate certain aspects
of your will. Likewise, if one of the
beneficiaries of your will is going
through a divorce, or is likely to in
the near future, you may need to
reconsider the provision you have
previously made for them.
Death
The loss of a loved one can be very
distressing, and the same is true
if you or they are diagnosed with
a terminal illness. Whilst your will
may not be at the forefront of your
mind in such circumstances, it is
nevertheless essential to review
the wishes you have made and get
advice on whether any aspects of
your will ought to be changed as a
result.
Disability
You should also consider making a
will or updating an existing will if any
of your chosen executors, trustees
or beneficiaries has a disability or
has been incapacitated in some
way, whether through an accident,
illness, or simply as part of the
natural ageing process.
Dispute
It is not uncommon for disputes
to arise between family members,
and spending time together over
the festive period can sometimes
provoke conflict and tensions.
Whilst disputes of this nature will
hopefully be short-lived, in other
instances they can have far-reaching
consequences. It is important that
you are aware of the impact such
a dispute could have when you
die and your estate needs to be
administered.
Debt
If anyone named in your will has
been or is likely to be declared
bankrupt, you should ensure
that your will is updated as a
consequence. A beneficiary who is
an undischarged bankrupt could risk
losing their inheritance through a
claim by their trustee in bankruptcy.
It is also not advisable for someone
who has been declared bankrupt to
act as an executor or trustee under
your will.
With all of these elements, it is
essential to take expert advice. Get
in touch info@ts-p.co.uk or scan the
QR code for more information.
Notebook
Take note! We’ve rounded up the best
of what to see and do near you
istockphoto.com/ Dmitr1ch & Tamara Luiza & Olga_Kotsareva & PixelEmbargo
Walk
on the
Wild Side
Hever Castle have the perfect way to blow the cobwebs away
and boost those flagging winter spirits. From 12th February
until 2nd March they’ll be hosting their Snowdrop Walk.
Wrap-up warm and take yourself on a self-led tour exploring
and learning as you go. Around 150,000 snowdrop bulbs
have been planted, including some unusual varieties in the
Winter Garden. Will you spot the giant Galanthus called
‘Colossus’ which at nine inches is one of the tallest of the
snowdrops? Aside these early-year favourites you’ll also see
camellia, quince, daphnes, hellebores and early daffodils. If
you’re feeling chilly you can always head to the Moat Café
to warm up with a bite and a drink. The Snowdrop Walk is
included in the normal admission price. hevercastle.co.uk
James Graham’s powerful new adaptation
of Alan Bleasdale’s BAFTA-winning TV
series comes to Richmond Theatre this
BAFTA
Winning
Spring direct from the National Theatre
and West End.
James Graham’s powerful new
adaptation of Alan Bleasdale’s
BAFTA-winning TV series comes to
Richmond Theatre this spring direct
from the National Theatre and West
Set the scene: 80s Liverpool. Chrissie,
Loggo, George, Dixie and Yosser are used
to hard work and providing for their
families. But there is no work and there is
no money. What are they supposed to do?
Work harder, work longer, buy cheaper,
spend less? They just need a chance.
End. Set the scene: 80s Liverpool.
Chrissie, Loggo, George, Dixie and
Yosser are used to hard work and
providing for their families. But there
is no work and there is no money.
What are they supposed to do? Work
harder, work longer, buy cheaper,
spend less? They just need a chance.
Life is tough but the lads can
play the game. Find jobs, avoid
Life is tough but the lads can play the
game. Find jobs, avoid the ‘sniffers’ and
see if you can have a laugh along the way.
the ‘sniffers’ and see if you can
have a laugh along the way.
Boys From the Blackstuff plays at
Richmond Theatre 11 – 15 Feb.
atgtickets.com/richmond
Paper Jam
Rye Creative Centre have a whole host of art classes
and workshops on offer to inspire you this year.
Resident painter-printmaker, Paula MacArthur,
is leading photopolymer etching workshops once a
month in their print room. These friendly oneday
workshops are suitable for absolute beginners
through to experienced printmakers who’d like
to learn a new technique. Ink and sundries are
included in the price of £70, however plates
are an additional cost (£7.56 to £48.85): For
dates and details see ryecreativecentre.co.uk
23
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Here
We
Come...
Join in the ancient tradition of Wassailing at Brogdale Farm’s first
ever event of this kind on Sunday 26th January from 4pm until
6.30pm. Your ticket will include entry, a free glass of mulled cider or
warm apple juice and a delicious piece of homemade apple cake. Take
part in blessing the orchards, warding off bad spirits and encouraging
a bountiful apple and fruit harvest for the coming year. There will be
Morris dancers, a procession, wassailing ceremony and a hullabaloo
under their oldest Bramley apple tree! Bring saucepans and spoons,
lanterns, torches and a good loud voice and get ready to enjoy some
cider and toast the trees. There will be crafts for kids on offer too.
For ticket prices and more information go to brogdalecollections.org
Wine & Dine
If you’re planning on going vegan this month then do it in
style at Balfour’s Winemaker’s Kitchen on Saturday 18th
January, as they host a memorable vegan dining experience.
This exclusive event features a beautifully crafted six-course
tasting menu, designed to showcase the finest plant-based
flavours of the season. Guests will be welcomed with a glass
of Leslie’s Reserve Gold, setting the tone for an elegant
evening accompanied by live music. With a maximum of
80 guests, this intimate evening promises an atmosphere
of warmth and sophistication. Tickets are £60 per person
– reserve your place now for an unforgettable evening of
exceptional food and wine. balfourwinery.com
Perfect
...Makes
More good news for budding artists as Drawing
with the Practise Room at Kingdom Pen
launches on Friday 7th February. Kingdom
sits in the midst of beautiful countryside near
Penshurst. Join them for a focused day of
drawing with a range of exercises to ‘prompt
one’s understanding, to explore and delve deep
and truly connect with what it is to draw’.
Running from 10am until 4pm, a rigorous,
thoughtful and poetic day awaits, led by Luke
Hannam. All materials will be provided, a copy
of their first edition zine, plus teas and coffees
on tap. The day of drawing, with everything
you need included in the cost, will be £120.
Please contact hen@practiseroom to book your
place. Find out more by following
@_practiseroom, @lukehannampaintings
All Aboard!
We love the sound of the Spa Valley Railway’s Burns Night Murder Mystery
Dining Experience. “It’s Burns Night at the prestigious Morlington School for
Girls, and the annual celebration of poetry and haggis is in full swing. But when
a horrific explosion claims the lives of young Pippa Picklewick and the stern
headmistress Miss Crisp, the evening descends into chaos. Who would commit
such a gruesome act? With the Scottish teacher’s dramatic reading of Robert Burns
interrupted forever, it’s up to you to uncover the truth behind the deadly inferno.
Was it science, malice, or something far darker at play?” You’ll board at 6.30pm
at Tunbridge Wells West with the steam hauled train departing at 7pm and
completing two return journeys along the Spa Valley Railway that evening
before returning to Tunbridge Wells West for one last time at approximately
9.30pm. Tickets are £80 per person. For a peek at the tasty menu and more
information on how to book your ticket go to spavalleyrailway.co.uk
istockphoto.com/ Mykola Sosiukin & hatman12 & Bitter
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24
The Canterbury Auction Galleries
FINE ART AUCTIONEERS SINCE 1911
NEXT AUCTION
14th & 15th
FEBRUARY 2025
Entry deadline 20th December
Something to sell?
Then contact us to book a free valuation
at home or at our Canterbury salerooms:
40 Station Road West, Canterbury, CT2 8AN
Telephone 01227 763337 Email general@tcag.co.uk
Visit thecanterburyauctiongalleries.com
11th & 12th
APRIL
Entry deadline 7th March
6th & 7th
JUNE
Entry deadline 2nd May
2025 AUCTION DATES
1st & 2nd
AUGUST
Entry deadline 27th June
3rd & 4th
OCTOBER
Entry deadline 29th August
28th & 29th
NOVEMBER
Entry deadline 24th October
Wealden - TCAG 2025 January 1:2pp.indd 1 02/12/2024 13:20
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It’s Burns Night on the 25th and
whether you are going for the
full haggis feast or a simple
toast, it’s the time to dabble
with a dram of Scotch
whisky. This is Compass
Box’s Orchard House
blended malt, a great all
rounder for beginners
with crisp apple and
pear notes. £45 at
compassboxwhisky.com
Two great goals to set in
the New Year: stay hydrated
and do your bit for the
environment. This Ocean Bottle
will help you on your way
to both. Ocean Bottles
are made with recycled
materials and each one you
buy funds the collection of 1,000
ocean bound plastic bottles.
Using a bottle like this can keep
you healthily hydrated while also
reducing the amount of single-use
plastic bottles you use. So really it’s
a win all round, plus they come
in lots of chic colours and the
designs are simple and beautiful
with a high quality feel. Bottles
from £27 at oceanbottle.co
Whether you’re going
the whole non-hog
for Veganuary or not,
you can try shopping
vegan. This bag from
Votch is made with vegan,
biobased bamboo leather.
Elsewhere at Votch you’ll find
AppleSkin and vegan leather
appearing on purses, belts, watches
and more. This hobo bag
is £195 at votch.co.uk
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!
Resolved to eat healthier
in the new year? Make
all those salads and
veggies healthier AND
tastier with a high
quality olive oil. This
premium extra virgin
olive oil by The Governor is
rich in antioxidants, promotes
glowing skin, is good for brain
health and is also entirely
delicious. From £39.95
thegovernorevoo.co.uk
This month we celebrate Chinese New Year and turn over a
new leaf to begin the year of the snake. In particular it is the
year of the wood snake or green snake. Representing wisdom,
agility, growth, flexibility and tolerance, you may wish to
embrace these symbols in the coming year. With its subtle
Jade quartz gem, this ring from Gemondo’s selection of snake
themed jewellery is perfect for the job. £60 at gemondo.com
For those aiming to get moving this
month (and year) with some exercise, we
recommend adding some music to keep
you going strong and feeling motivated.
We love these Soundcore C40i clip-on
earbuds for their comfortable fit that feels
secure but also airy, letting in some of
the sounds of the outside world. It’s the
ideal way to set a great quality soundtrack
to your run, walk, cycle or any other
outdoorsy activity that could just use a little
musical boost. £99.99 at soundcore.com
To take on the wintry world you need
appropriate footwear and to do it with style
and comfort you need some Sorels. Shop
for super cosy waterproof footwear for men,
women and children. Think snow boots
with shearling collars, faux fur lined clogs,
waterproof trainers with high traction grip
and stylish Chelsea boots. sorelfootwear.co.uk
As the festive decs get put away, now’s
the time to give your home a bit of an
organise and we love Cotswold Co’s
latest collection – with classic storage
options and cosy furniture to refresh an interior
for a new look in the New Year. cotswoldco.com
27
Face the future
with confidence...
When it comes to financial advice,
it’s important to find someone
you can trust.
For the past 33 years we have been providing unbiased, holistic
financial planning advice to clients and businesses across Kent.
We are proud of our success, our independence, and our
reputation of being a friendly, professional practice.
Folkestone Office: 01303 273 273
Maidstone Office: 01622 238 230
ifa@financial-advice.co.uk
www.financial-advice.co.uk
Authorised and Regulated by The Financial Conduct Authority
Money
Money
Money
When considering your New Year’s resolutions, why
not add a financial health check to your list? Financial
Advice & Services are helping us out with their 10
ideas to improve your financial wellbeing for 2025
istockphoto.com/ SvetaZi
Use your Individual Savings
Account (ISA) allowance
In the current tax year, each UK
resident can save £20,000 into an
ISA. In an ISA, income and interest
is exempt from Income Tax and gains
are free from Capital Gains Tax. An
ISA can help you avoid tax liability if
you are paying tax on savings interest
and is tax-efficient way to invest.
Make sure you
are protected
It is a sad fact that many
people have insufficient
financial protection to
safeguard their loved ones. Would your
family cope financially if you suddenly
died or became seriously ill and couldn’t
earn? Are your current protection
policies up-to-date and appropriate for
your needs? If not, seek independent
advice to arrange suitable protection.
Make use of
annual gift
exemptions
You are
allowed to
gift up to
£3,000 each
tax year, without
considering the
Inheritance Tax (IHT)
implications. Additional
exemptions may also be
available, depending
on your circumstances.
Regular gifts can reduce
the potential impact
of IHT on your estate
alongside other tax
planning strategies.
Arrange pension
contributions
Many of us are not saving
enough to fund a comfortable
retirement, and making additional
pension contributions can help boost your
retirement savings. Most individuals can
contribute up to 100% of their relevant
earnings (up to £60,000) into a pension
each tax year. Pension contributions
usually qualify for tax relief, and growth
within the pension fund is tax exempt.
Review your mortgage
For many people, their
mortgage is their biggest liability
and monthly outgoing. If you
took out a fixed rate mortgage
in the last few years, when interest rates
were generally much lower, it could be
worth reviewing your options before
the fixed rate period comes to an end.
Consider joint tax
allowances
If you are married or in a civil
partnership, then it is possible to
transfer assets to your partner to
make use of their allowances if available, as
well as your own. For instance, a Capital
Gains Tax liability could be reduced by
using both annual exempt amounts.
Check savings rates
It is worth checking any existing
savings accounts you hold, to
see whether the interest rate you are
receiving is competitive. Banks and
Building Societies often launch new
products which offer better rates, and with
interest rates falling generally, moving
savings to a more productive home can
increase the amount of interest you receive.
Make a will
Leaving clear instructions
to your loved ones on how
your assets are to be distributed
on death can reduce stress
for your next of kin and help in
tax planning. If you haven’t made a
will, make it a resolution to get one
prepared. If you already have a will,
review the content to make sure it
continues to reflect your wishes.
Check your State
Pension forecast
By using the Government
Gateway service, you can receive
a State Pension forecast, which
will indicate your likely State Pension
and the date at which it is payable. It
will also enable you to identify any gaps
in your National Insurance record, and
check whether any action is needed.
Seek independent
financial advice
Make it a New Year
resolution to review your
financial circumstances.
Speaking to an independent financial
planner can help identify areas that
you may have missed and determine
if you are on target to meet your
financial goals. If any action is needed,
an independent adviser can select the
most appropriate solution to meet your
needs from across the marketplace.
For more invaluable information and
advice that can help you and your
finances thrive throughout 2025 and
beyond visit Financial Advice & Services
online at financial-advice.co.uk
The content of this article is for information only and does not constitute financial advice. It is for general information only and should not be
relied upon when making any financial planning decisions. You should always obtain professional independent advice based on your circumstances.
Financial Advice & Services Limited, Independent Financial Advisers, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
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THINK
timely
THINK
For a free no obligation consultation,
get in touch today
01732 366077
admin@abmv.co.uk | abmv.co.uk
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CHARTERED
ACCOUNTANTS
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30
FromCity
to shoreline
Interior architect Marta Nowicka’s recently remodelled cottage, nestled on the
edge of Camber Sands, is the definition of a retreat. Tucked away from the
bustle of urban life, this special house offers a pared-back, lived-in aesthetic
that allows the atmosphere of its coastal surroundings to flood in
Words: Fiona Patrick
Photographs: David Merewether
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(+44) 01622 691223
www.dwellinteriors.co.uk
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34
Previous pages & this page: Marta took advantage of permitted
development rights to extend a narrow galley kitchen on the raised
ground floor into a spacious kitchen dining area. A medieval
dining table, inherited from Marta’s father takes centre stage
“
For whatever we lose (like a you or a me), it’s always
ourselves that we find in the sea.” So wrote E. E.
Cummings in his poem, ‘maggie and milly and
molly and may’, but it could easily have been written for
Coastguards Cottage, a 4-bedroom seaside haven sitting
peacefully on the edge of Camber Sands beach, transformed
from its eponymous original workspace designation by
award-winning interior architect, Marta Nowicka.
Inspired by her late, sea-loving father and the sailing
adventures they enjoyed together, Marta was drawn to the
idea of a bolthole on the coast, and when the property
popped up on Rightmove she went to visit it immediately;
“It was in a terrible state of repair,” says Marta, “it had been
rented out to some people who were essentially using it as
a junkyard, and it had become a blight on the landscape.”
Many people might have balked at such an overwhelming
project, but Marta is no stranger to reimagining rundown
spaces. With a degree in interior architecture, she worked
35
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“I decided to leave these walls as they are,” explains Marta, “but I have tried to add in some pops of
colour around the rooms using prints or accessories. In the morning room there is a striped print which
reminded me of the quintessential seaside deck-chair stripe but without the reference being too overt.”
priceless-magazines.com
36
We turn your dreams
into your reality
It may be a cliché, but turning dreams into
reality is what we do. And we do it well.
We’ve spent over twenty years perfecting
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For more details, visit our website and
download our project guide to see what
a project with Early Birds looks like.
T: 01233 333 280
W: www.earlybirdsltd.co.uk
As featured on:
37
priceless-magazines.com
Previous page & above: Leading off from the kitchen are two sitting
rooms, both with wood burners. One has a table for homework
or working from home (above), whilst the cosy space next to the
kitchen offers a more formal area to hang out in (previous page)
Right: The ascent to the top floor of the house
for a number of clients all over Europe before deciding to start her
own property development business focusing on commercial projects.
When she arrived at the property to find that the previous occupants
had stripped absolutely everything out upon their departure, from
the taps to the radiators, she was unperturbed, instead grasping
the opportunity of a blank canvas. “I noticed that all the original
panelling was there on the staircase, the original cupboards and
doors and floors. All the elements were already present, it was
just a case of putting in new electrics and new plumbing and
central heating and trying to make it as cosy as possible.”
With a very limited budget, she put her contacts to good
use, bringing her team of builders down to the coast where they
completed the first phase of renewal in just four months. Marta
was keen to keep things simple in homage to the pared back livework
space that it used to be, painting the walls white, allowing
the changing colours of the Cottage’s surrounds to play on the
surfaces to full effect. “I did try swatches of colour, but the light
is so strong, so powerful, so beautiful that it actually doesn’t
need anything at all.” On some of the walls where they removed
wallpaper, the colour from the wallpaper had seeped into the
original plaster, creating a mottled pattern of pinks and blues that
mirrored the raw beauty of the seascape. “I decided to leave these
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“I decided to use thick, linen curtains with
insects on them because one thing about
being by the sea, you get masses of insects. You
are literally in the midst of all this amazing
wildlife and nature, and I think people
forget that, so I wanted to embrace it.”
walls as they are,” explains Marta, “but I have tried to add
in some pops of colour around the rooms using prints or
accessories. In the morning room there is a striped print
which reminded me of the quintessential seaside deckchair
stripe but without the reference being too overt.”
This subtlety extends throughout the house, which
manages to convey both a sea-worn rusticity and hot cupof-tea
cosiness all at once. “I decided to use thick, linen
curtains with insects on them because one thing about
being by the sea, you get masses of insects. You are literally
in the midst of all this amazing wildlife and nature, and
I think people forget that, so I wanted to embrace it.”
Originally designed to be a second home for Marta
and her 8-year-old son, the first summer they counted 86
people who came to stay: “Having this house next to the
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This page: Past the bathroom, at the top of the house, Marta has created
a special bedroom space accessed via a stairway in the style of a ship’s
ladder. Tucked into the roof space, you can immerse yourself in the
house’s coastal surroundings as the sea breeze whistles around overhead
came! It was chaos but it was brilliant, a happy time full
of fun – non-stop fires and barbeques and long walks.”
The decision to rent out the property as a holiday let
emerged organically from this stream of visitors, as friends
of friends asked if they could stay, and they offered to
pay for the privilege. “I had always been focused on
commercial property,” says Marta. “I had never thought
of doing short stays, but Coastguard’s Cottage was the
springboard for adding another side to the business.”
Three years ago, Marta took advantage of permitted
development rights to improve the property further, extending
a narrow galley kitchen on the raised ground floor into a
kitchen dining area. “I hated being stuck in the kitchen
while everyone else was in the dining room or sitting room.
It felt like a 1950s house, not how I live now at all.”
The result of ‘phase 2’ is a beautiful, minimalist space that
takes full advantage of its surroundings. The trifecta of large,
single pane glass in the window, ceiling and door of the
43
priceless-magazines.com
This page: Whilst working on the kitchen expansion, Marta seized the opportunity to excavate downwards to create two further bedrooms and
a bathroom on the lower ground floor.
kitchen provides a cinematic panorama which allows all the
wondrous drama of mother nature to surround you while
you enjoy the comfort of a hearty meal and the warmth from
the white enamel wood burner. “From the table, you can see
the sky above the sea, which is constantly changing. You have
all the seasons happening in one day sometimes, and it faces
west so you get these incredible sunsets.” A wooden bench
goes all the way around the room, offering an ideal place to
remove your boots after a wind-swept walk and whisk them
underneath, and there’s also a shower room just inside the
door for when you have come in straight from the sea – if
you haven’t already used the hot and cold showers outside!
Marta wanted the kitchen to speak to the work ethic
of the coastguards, and to the utilitarian origins of the
house, so originally considered a timber top but realised
this would be impractical with hot pans. “This was
essentially a commercial kitchen at one point, so I decided
to use really thin stainless steel for the work surfaces,
and then oak around the window to mirror the new oak
steps.” She also wanted to ensure the very best quality
for the kitchen, using the same kitchen maker that she
uses for all her projects: “I use a German company called
Rotpunkt, and the mechanics are just perfect. Twenty
five years down the line you will find the drawers still
self-close perfectly, and they are beautifully made.”
Leading off from the kitchen are two sitting rooms,
both with wood burners. One has a table for homework
or working from home, whilst the cosy space next to the
kitchen offers a more formal area to hang out in. This
attention to accommodating for different needs is what
makes the perfect setup for a holiday bolt-hole. “I wanted
the house to have all these different zones – watching
Netflix or playing games in the back room, having a drink
by the fire in the middle sitting room and chatting whilst
doing the cooking in the kitchen.” The Edwardian fireplaces
have been restored, but not perfected, adding a seaworthy
roughness to the space that nudges you inexorably into a
nearby cosy sofa or armchair, and the wooden floorboards
and simple lighting all work to connect the interior with
the rugged external landscape. “People call it shabby
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44
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This page: Despite being on the lower ground floor, the second bedroom
is still flooded with that unmistakable bright coastal light
chic,” says Marta, “but I don’t think
it’s shabby or chic. That’s just how
it was, and I left it how it was.”
The garden, a hidden treasure
secluded behind a wall of scaffold
boarding, includes a lawn of
wildflowers and offers a collection
of beautiful driftwood and other
things drawn up from the beach. It is
both wild and welcoming, providing
a number of spaces to retreat to
depending on the weather. There’s a
sunken firepit surrounded by steps and
a windbreak made from scaffold boards,
as well as a timber gazebo that shelters
a long table that nestles in amongst an
array of pebbles, stepping stones and
even an old wooden boat repurposed
as a flower bed. “If it’s a windy day,
the firepit is a really nice nook to sit
in, while the gazebo is great in the
summer as it offers some shade and
a barbeque. We also have the terrace
steps where everybody sits in a very
laissez faire way, basking in the sun.”
Elsewhere in the house, Marta also
took the opportunity when doing
the kitchen to excavate downwards
to create two further bedrooms and a
bathroom on the lower ground floor.
There is no hint of over-the-top seaside
references, only the quiet emulation
of the beach in the use of terrazzo
tiles in the bathroom. “I wanted it to
be a continuation of the outside, for
the wet areas to look like you are still
on the beach. It’s a beautiful terrazzo
that just looks like beach pebbles,”
says Marta. Even the stairs have been
left to sing a shanty about the past.
When Marta first arrived, they were
covered in a piece of lino going up
the centre of the stairs with paint
on either side, but rather than give
them a full makeover she decided to
embrace the history they held: “We
took the lino off and the paint on
priceless-magazines.com 46
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48
Garden images ©Voytek Ketz
This page: The garden includes a lawn of wildflowers and offers a collection of beautiful driftwood and
other things drawn up from the beach Above right: The ground floor shower room
the edges had all been chipped. My painter said, “I’ll paint
all this and make it good,” but I loved the effect, so instead
we just cleaned and sanded them and that was that.”
At the top of the house, Marta decided to utilise the
height and the beams to create a unique bedroom space.
What could have been an awkward area to incorporate
into the house feels natural because of its location, akin to
being inside a boat cabin, not least because access to the
room is via a stairway in the style of a ship’s ladder and
a balustrade made of real rope, complete with monkey
knot. This together with the simplicity of the tongue-andgroove
walls and the furniture (just a large bed and chest
of drawers) create a charming space where you are both at
one with, and protected from, the elements. “It feels quite
adventurous, this space,” elaborates Marta, “like you’re
going up to the crow’s nest of the building. Through the
big velux windows you can only see sky, and when it’s cold
and windy outside, it’s really warm in there and you can
just cosy up in bed.” This room, along with a bedroom
on the lower ground floor, benefit from phenomenal
sunrise views all the way to Dungeness, and then the
whole house is a spectator as the sun moves across the sea
and sets over the garden. “The house experiences all these
different swathes of light as the day unfolds. You feel very
connected to nature and it is definitely good for the soul”.
Marta has since refurbished a St John Ambulance
station in the medieval port town of Rye, also available for
short stays, alongside several properties in London. You
can explore these, as well as her collection of beautifully
renovated homes for long-term rental, online at domstay.com.
49
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Words: Jo Arnell
Photographs: David Merewether
The Mother
of Invention
With a background in fashion, Susan Wild has brought her individual aesthetic to the
adventurous renovation of an old office building in Faversham, transforming it into
an interest-filled family home that’s taken its cue from an ageing French chateau
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When Susan Wild returned with her family
from New Zealand, her main thought was
to find a home and settle back into life in
England as soon as possible. She chose to house hunt
around the pretty Kent town of Faversham, famous for its
Medieval marketplace and unspoiled charm. “Faversham
seemed like a good place. I have family here and didn’t
want to make too much change for the children, but
there didn’t seem to be much around at the time.”
In the end she found a former office, viewing it the day
before it was to be sold by auction. “It had no services, no
door – and the stairs were next door too. I had to make a
quick decision as I was desperate to settle somewhere.”
Anxious to put down roots and make a home, she
entered the auction for the door-less, stair-less place
with no real plan, except to find somewhere for them
to live. Taking on a property conversion is interesting
to contemplate, fun to read about, and fine if you have
money and a plan. In this case it was a total act of bravery.
She went on to win the auction – and then found herself
with a big empty building and no clear idea of what to
do with it. “I normally have a vision,” she says, “but not
with this one.” It was potentially an overwhelming project,
but Susan was determined to apply her considerable
skills as a trained designer – albeit in fashion – and
make a family home from the improbable space she
Previous pages: The main house’s kitchen and the apartment’s
sitting room This page: The apartment kitchen’s colour scheme
is grey, with the chrome and steel of the fridge and oven making
it feel more industrial, but with an aged, vintage touch.
55
priceless-magazines.com
Above: The apartment’s dining room has a winter ski lodge feel,
with plenty of bare wood, sheepskins, vintage skis and sledge
Left: The staircase up to the first floor in the main house
had just bought. “We started by knocking a hole in the
wall to make a door, putting in electrics and installing
two staircases. We did it all while I was homeschooling
my youngest child and renting nearby for six months.”
The rebuilding process was a long one; turning an
office space into a residential property is a complete
transformation, luckily Susan is a dab hand at
metamorphosing buildings. Before moving to New
Zealand they grew a huge colonial barn out of a bungalow
(as seen in this magazine a few years ago). “I must like
doing up houses,” she laughs. “We turned that ’50s style
bungalow into an American looking house with a turret.”
This is far from being a lowly countryside bungalow. We
are in the heart of Faversham and looking at a beautiful, high
ceilinged Georgian building. Here the changes have been
mainly internal, but equally transformational. From an empty
shell with no outdoor space (or access) Susan has managed
to magic a feature-full four-bedroom home with a garden.
“There was no garden at all,” Susan explains. “We made the
garden by taking the roof off the garage, and although it has
become a four-bedroom house, because of the two staircases,
it can be split into separate dwellings – a three-bedroom
house and a one-bedroom apartment – if needed,” she adds.
This clever separation means that the main bedroom
suite is in the front of the house and the three children’s
priceless-magazines.com
56
Tunbridge Wells . 70 Calverley Road . TN1 2UJ . 01892 548 111
Oxshott . 1 High Street . KT22 0JN . 01372 841 730
This page: A chaise longue with pink velvet
throw nestles under the half glazed triple
French reclaimed doors that open into the
kitchen/dining space of the main house
rooms are in the back. There are
even two kitchens, so that the now
adult children, when they are home,
can live almost independently.
The house number is written boldly
in the glass above the front door – no
longer a bland 19a, now stylishly called
19½. Once on the inside, looking
onto an ornate and silvered mirror,
in an Alice Though the Looking
Glass way, this number reverses to
be reflected the right way round.
The ground floor is a large, open plan
space, lined with tongue and groove,
that Susan has painted in a textural
pale grey, a cool neutral that is warmed
up by the rich brown floorboards,
cowhide rugs and fur throws.
The small kitchen is a continuation
of this space, but zoned from the
living and dining area. The original
floorboards continue, but the tongue
and groove on the walls above the
kitchen units becomes thinner and
darker, the vertical lines on the walls
echoed by the creases in the curtains
under the kitchen counters. Again
the colour scheme is grey, with the
chrome and steel of the fridge and
oven making it feel more industrial,
but with an aged, vintage touch.
Texture and muted tones take over
in the large sitting room, pink and
beige mix harmoniously – beige on
the walls and pale pink in the soft
furnishings. An inviting chaise longue
with pink velvet throw nestles under
the beautifully etched half glazed
triple French doors that open into
the main kitchen dining space.
Splendidly unfitted, the main kitchen
echoes the smaller one – a gleamingly
industrial range and dishwasher are
offset by a rustic kitchen table and
soft gingham curtains have been
hung instead of conventional kitchen
unit doors. Utensils hang handily
from an open shelf above the units
and on the opposite wall Susan has
designed alcoved shelving that gives
the impression of a kitchen dresser.
Under these shelves is a carpenter’s
bench, with some useful wooden veg
boxes attached. The mix of old
priceless-magazines.com 58
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Susan’s experience as a clothes designer, her understanding of fabric and the ways it
can be used, have enabled her to employ texture to great effect throughout the house.
She often uses velvet, which adds depth and a touch of luxury to throws, curtains and
drapes. Her unique style extends to the finishes on the walls – using brushes, a plastering
trowel and a clever mix of paints, she has managed to make the new plaster look aged
– giving it an antiqued patina that brings an esoteric, timeworn atmosphere...
wood and modern chrome shouldn’t work, but it does in
here, possibly because it is mixed in with elegant furniture
– armoires and chaise longues. The atmosphere is overarchingly
French and it all feels as if it’s been here forever.
“There’s nothing standard in here,” she says, “I’m not
fond of fitted kitchens. It’s industrial, but mixed with old
objects and French bits on the shelves – an eclectic mix
of things.” This array of items comes partly from her love
of objects for their own sake, but also because she is an
immensely practical and hands-on person – and anyone who
uses a kitchen and likes to cook or entertain knows that you
need a fair amount of equipment – and the more attractive
and well-used your gadgets and tools are, the better.
“I love cooking. I do less now that the family are grown,
but,” – and this is possibly the reason for the swanky
number 19½ etched above the front door – “once I finished
renovating, I ran a supper club at the front of the house.”
Aside from the decorative finishes, it’s the details that
add up to the whole here. Susan has chosen wonderful
radiators – antique looking, and attractive in their own
right, but repro, so that they actually work and aren’t all
furred up with rust and grime. She has also managed to
create the most remarkable, and very cost effective, flooring
solution. She made a stencil and then was able to apply
paint in different colours across the floors, sealing it so
that it would be long lasting and easy to clean. Genius.
I’m trying to decide whether the colour of the walls
at this end of the house is grey, or green? “Grey,”
Susan assures me. “It’s just that there’s so much garden
greenery near the window that the light, when it shines
through, makes the room seem greener.” The diffusive,
soft green wash is very effective, especially as the colour
priceless-magazines.com
60
This spread, left to right: Susan’s studio at the back of the house
was once a holding cell when the building was a magistrate’s
court; The high ceilings continue into the apartment’s bedroom
will change with the time of day and the seasons.
“I have an allotment,” she continues, “and love to
grow cut flowers there.” She has an impressive collection
of healthy looking houseplants too, some used to
create curtaining effects at the windows, helping to
bring the outside in and soften windows and walls.
Susan’s studio at the back of the house is a room with
a dark history. “It was once a holding cell when the
building was a magistrate’s court. You can see the tiny
window at the top and the black line that goes all the way
around the room denotes where the original floor was.”
This unusual space was completely redundant until they
got a digger in to hollow it out, digging down to the level of
the garden and installing a new back door. Now it has a 15
foot high arching ceiling, and the small cell window – right
up high – is festooned with greenery. This room remains
uncluttered and Susan has painted directly onto the brick
– dark grey beneath the line where the old floor was and
darker grey on the curved ceiling. She has cleverly painted
the cream coloured walls above the line, rubbing them
back and making them look aged, as if the room has always
been like this. It is a workroom, but has a distinctly Gothic
theme – and I can’t help noticing all the iconography on the
walls, dotted in and around the reels of thread and fabric.
Unbelievably, the floor here is another stencil,
printed in a three-dimensional geometric design. “I
had seen it in a French chateau we stayed in once and
got inspiration,” she says. It is one thing to be inspired,
quite another to be able to make a floor that looks
as if it’s tiled using just a stencil and some paint.
Susan has not been afraid to do many things
herself, including plumbing. “I plumbed in the
kitchen myself. I had a plumber, then there were
2 leaks – the ceilings would have fallen in if it
wasn’t done immediately, so I did it myself.”
Susan’s experience as a clothes designer, her understanding
of fabric and the ways it can be used have enabled her to
employ texture to great effect throughout the house. She
often uses velvet, which adds depth and a touch of luxury
to throws, curtains and drapes. Her unique style extends
to the finishes on the walls – using brushes, a plastering
trowel and a clever mix of paints, she has managed to make
the new plaster look aged – giving it an antiqued patina
that brings an esoteric, timeworn atmosphere. Seasoned
Grandeur is the company she has formed to utilise her
skills and her ‘passion for distressed, faded grandeur
and vintage finishes.’ She will take on commissions for
both domestic and commercial spaces, creating beautiful
effects that work perfectly in period properties.
The new staircases look as if they have always been in
existence, panelled and with wall sconces holding candles
and candle-effect lights, adding mystery and history,
transporting us back to another era. Dark panelling and
dusky wall treatments work well here, because the
61
priceless-magazines.com
Below: A bathroom in the main house
An atmospheric artwork, painted by Susan, has been created within
the panelling on the wall above the bed in what was her son’s room.
In her daughters’ room (below) – “she always dreamed of living in a
New York loft apartment” – is a print of the New York skyline, encased
in a window frame to give the impression of a loft-style city view...
ceilings are high and the windows
are large. Upstairs, the bedrooms
are uncluttered and serene, made
to feel luxurious with velvet throws
and textural, deep pile rugs.
An atmospheric artwork, painted
by Susan, has been created within the
panelling on the wall above the bed
in what was her son’s room. In her
daughters’ room – “she always dreamed
of living in a New York loft apartment”
– is a print of the New York skyline,
encased in a window frame to give the
impression of a loft-style city view.
The skilful mix of paint effects,
tongue and groove, panelling, a mastery
of texture and fabric, together with
an understanding of how to create
an authentic looking, aged interior,
has enabled Susan to turn an empty,
neglected shell into a period piece.
Necessity is the mother of invention,
so the saying goes – and in this case,
it has proved to be the invention
of a unique home brimming over
with charm and seasoned grandeur.
As Susan starts the search for a new
project, we can’t wait to find out
where her creativity takes her next.
Address Book:
For more information on
Seasoned Grandeur and to find out
about Airbnb rentals, see Instagram
@seasoned_grandeur or email
susanwild@seasonedgrandeur.com
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62
Get the
LOOK
1 Small 5 light Jacobean chandelier (H2-027) £1,270 Besselink & Jones besselink.com 2 Laura Ashley Lighting and
Mirrors Ludchurch single wall light industrial black bracket £35 där lighting darlighting.co.uk 3 Exposed real brick
effect wallpaper £75/roll Lime Lace limelace.co.uk 4 Vines distressed gold mirror (M2-017) £2,200 Besselink & Jones
besselink.com 5 Antique white mirrored closet £569.95 Melody Maison melodymaison.co.uk 6 Antique military travel
trunk £395 Scaramanga scaramangashop.co.uk 7 Cotton velvet cushion with pom poms £20 The Cotswold Company
cotswoldco.com 8 The Clapham Grand Sofa £2,588 Darlings of Chelsea darlingsofchelsea.co.uk 9 Kugleask cushion £5.50
JYSK jysk.co.uk 10 Chess black and white matt ceramic floor tile £14.99/m 2 Tile Mountain tilemountain.co.uk
63
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Liz with her family
Learn more
about gifts
in Wills
Gifts in Wills fund a third
of our work, like the clinical
trial Liz took part in.
Thanks to research, she’ll celebrate more
milestones with her family.
Find out more at cruk.org/giftsinwills
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in
Cancer Research UK is a registered England charity and in Wales England (1089464), and Wales Scotland (1089464), (SC041666), Scotland (SC041666),
the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey the (247). Isle Registered of Man (1103) address: and Jersey 2 Redman (247). Place, Registered London, E20 1JQ.
address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.
The Priceless Good Living Supplement sponsored by
Chuck it
or
keep it?
When it comes to beauty resolutions for 2025, Josephine Fairley
discusses what to ditch and what to save
There are two things I do on New Year’s
Day, without fail. First, Hoover thoroughly
under the bed – I honestly don’t know
why (and it’s not like it doesn’t get vacuumed
the rest of the year!) – but I clear out any clutter,
rehome it, and get that nozzle into every last
nook and cranny. Feels like it freshens everything
up. Clean sheet of paper, and all that.
The second thing is to have a beauty clear-out.
While I’m pretty allergic to New Year’s Resolutions
generally – drop a dress size, start running three times
a week, take up Esperanto (all of which are pretty
much doomed to have been ditched by mid-Jan) – it is
definitely within my power to have a bit of a de-junk
on the beauty front, making it simpler to find things
while disposing of products that are definitely past
their use-by date, metaphorically or in real terms.
Start by cleaning up your make-up kit
Towards the end of each year, as everything seems
to accelerate, finding time to clean your tools seems
impossible. So, I want to point you in the direction
of ISOCLEAN, a range (described as ‘the makeup
artist’s secret weapon’) which became my go-to
last year for keeping everything fresh and pristine.
Specialists in cleansing products for our make-up
tools, there are several options, from the spritzable
ISOCLEAN Makeup Sanitizer, £24.50 for 525ml,
to the Makeup Brush Cleaner with Easy Pour Top,
£17 for 275ml, which I tend to opt for – a good
swish of brushes in this specialist formula dissolves
absolutely all gunk and make-up that’s embedded
in the bristles, making for the best ‘fresh start’ for a
New Year. (Ideally, you’ll repeat the procedure weekly.
In reality? Even I, who should know better,
only get round to this every few months.)
runs clean. Then leave them to dry with their
ends over-hanging the edge of the counter.
And what of your make-up bag itself? Some are
washable – in which case, do that now. But if not? I
think I’ve found the make-up bag of dreams, which
is the Caroline Gardner Mono Bloom flatlay
cosmetic bag, £26.50. So, so cleverly, it zips right
open to reveal two sections, in which you can see
all your make-up at a glance. As someone who
tends to do her make-up in bed (by dint of having
perhaps the coldest house in Sussex), this has been
transformative in terms of avoiding make-up spills
on the bed linen. As of now, it’s only available in
one black-and-white floral design, but apparently it’s
been so successful that other designs are imminent.
Throw out skincare that’s been knocking
around for – well, years
Never mind de-cluttering your shelf; beauty products
do actually go ‘off’ and lose effectiveness.
Beyond that, there’s a risk of bacterial
infections or breakouts. Use your nose: does
anything smell ‘off’? And your eyes: anything
which has separated really needs to go.
Be sure to recycle packaging
wherever you can
Glass jars and plastic
containers can be
cleaned and put in
with your other
recyclables (I
put mine
Alternatively, you can use just a little gentle
shampoo, activated by water, on the bristles;
swirl against the side of the sink till the water
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sponsors The Priceless Good Living Supplement
through the dishwasher first). It’s usually only pumps
that present a recycling problem, but more and
more brands are now offering refills; I think I’m
on my fifth or sixth round of refills for L’Occitane
Immortelle Harmony Cream, £150 for 50ml
(refills £130). It’s most definitely not cheap, but
to be brutal, most women I know spend a small
fortune chopping and changing beauty products,
leaving jars and tubes to languish on the shelf;
before you know it, you can have several hundred
quid ‘tied up’ in skincare. Remember: nothing
works unless you actually use it, and it’s day-innight-out
diligence that delivers results – using
products the way beauty brands designed them
to be used, which is from first dip to last scrape.
For eco reasons and for results, use products up.
Dispose of last year’s suncare. Sun protection
really isn’t cheap – so this can really hurt. But
not as much as sunburn hurts. SPFs should
never be ‘over-wintered’, but bought afresh
each season to ensure optimum protection,
which can diminish when you over-winter it.
Reorganise what you have
Harness some New Year throw-the-windows-open
energy to take an honest look at what’s left, and
maybe figure out how to display it more attractively.
Group like with like. (It’s easier to see what you
have that way.) Put the products that you really
do use each morning and night front and centre.
Find pretty containers: upcycled candle jars,
pretty vintage teacups, trays and acrylic beauty
organisers, for brushes, cotton buds etc. Personally,
I keep the rest of beauty stash – products that
I use less often (dry shampoos, face masks, nail
polish remover) in a glass-fronted cabinet, as
all too easily out of sight can be out of mind.
Plan to fill some gaps!
This is the fun bit, of course. The beauty world
is good at coming up with brand new product
categories, never mind improving on existing
formulations. With hundreds of products landing
on my desk each year, never mind the sheer
sensory overload of walking into a department
store like Selfridges or John Lewis, I know how
overwhelming it can feel to stay on top of launches
and trends. So, to save you the trouble, here are
my top five suggestions for products that you
might want to add into your routine, and
which I buy on repeat.
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Elemis Pro-
1 Collagen Insta-
Smooth Primer, £62 for 50ml.
To be honest, I used to think that
primers were a step too far in
anyone’s make-up regime – till
I tried this, and now I’m on my
fifth tube. Instantly smoothing,
yes (and unlike some, it doesn’t
pill). It not only turbo-charges
the staying power of your make-up,
but somehow makes it look brighter.
Nars Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base, £23
2 for 8g. Again, I’ve found this transformative:
it truly makes eye make-up budge-proof – no
creasing by teatime, no smudging. (I put a little
swipe under the eye, as well as on the lids.)
Sweed Miracle Powder, £38 for 7g. Since I
3 started using this powder – from a fabulous
Swedish start-up early in 2024, I have had so
many people ask, by way of a compliment: ‘What
are you using on your skin?’ And I know it’s this:
a blurring powder which I wear over a tinted
product like Trinny BFF De-Stress Tinted Serum,
£39 for 30ml (also definitely worth discovering
which of the 12 shades works for you), or over
foundation on more dressed-up days. You buff and
swirl a brush in the powder, whisk it over skin.
Honestly, it’s like using some kind of magic filter.
Donna May Credit Card Pocket Mirror,
4 £6.50 (donnamaylondon.com). Gosh,
just the niftiest make-up mirror, indeed as
slim as your Amex, fits into any handbag (I
went for the pillarbox red sleeve, making it
super-easy to find). An absolute godsend for
checking your face (and teeth!), on the run.
Sam McKnight Lazy Girl Dry Shampoo, £24
5 for 250ml. A godsend when I’m in a hurry, not
just for a freshen-up, but also for adding volume
when my hair’s gone flat between washings. And
it smells utterly divine, like all Sam’s haircare,
with a fresh, green floral scent created by Lyn
Harris of Perfumer H. Also available in a dinky
size, £12 for 50ml, which I keep in my suitcase.
And so, it only
remains to wish you
a gorgeous 2025…
70
Visit
beautybible.com
for more of Jo’s
fragrance, makeup,
skin and haircare
tips
istockphoto.com/lavendertime / MoustacheGirl / Sharyfox
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A Healthspa for all Seasons…
ALL WELCOME FOR SPA DAYS,
BEAUTY TREATMENTS AND FITNESS CLASSES
Nestling in three acres of Victorian gardens, just
10 minutes from Tunbridge Wells, Knowle Grange
Health Spa is a surprisingly little known retreat.
Our spa combines first class facilities with a
warm, inviting atmosphere - perfect for those
seeking relaxation and fitness. Beauty and spa
therapy treatments feature highly in what we
offer.
A personal and welcoming environment, our
facilities include private spa treatment facilities,
an airy excercise studio and a lovely café waiting
to refresh you after a fitness class!
Find your fitness after Christmas with our 6 week
health, fitness and wellbeing programme.
This includes an initial consultation, personal training and nutrition
advice. It also includes bespoke treatments for rejuvenation and
complete skin health and lymphatic drainage or deep tissue massage to
help reduce fluid retention and detoxify the lymphatic system.
Each week you will enjoy two personal training sessions, a facial,
a lymphatic drainage massage and to keep the motivation we will
include a weekly complimentary ‘power’ smoothie from our café.
Scan the QR Code to find out more.
All our therapists and instructors are qualified,
experienced and motivating. With ample free
parking and personalised service, each visit makes
you look forward to the next.
We are OPEN Mon to Sat from 9am to 5pm,
Thurs from 9am to 7pm. To find out more,
visit us at www.knowlegrange.co.uk
T. 01892 750055 | e. enquiries@knowlegrange .co.uk
Wadhurst Rd, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9EJ
KG_Wealden_HPage_AW_29.11.indd 2 29/11/2024 17:38
72
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The Priceless Good Living Supplement sponsored by
spas we
LOVE
Enter the New Year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated
with a trip to one of our fab four local spas
The one
for fitness
At Foxhills in Chertsey, Surrey you’ll find all the best
spa facilities but also active leisure pursuits galore,
to give you not only a pamper but also a pump up.
They have state-of-the-art Symbio cardio technology, a
group cycling studio, woodland yoga cabin and over 15
exercise classes every day. But don’t think they only do
fitness – the Spa Garden is beautiful, the hydrotherapy
pool’s massage jets and swan necks are perfect for
relieving aching shoulders and the spa treatment therapy
team is award-winning. You’ll leave feeling ready to
take on 2025 with a spring in your step. foxhills.co.uk
The one
for luxury
Exactly what you would expect from a heritage country
hotel in the Garden of England. At Brandshatch
Place Spa you can unwind in an indoor swimming or
spa pool or relax in the sauna or steam room. Meanwhile
their treatment rooms offer pampering-a-plenty with
options including ELEMIS facials, scrubs and wraps, and
mani-pedis. You also get to take advantage of all the hotel
facilities while you’re there. Check out their traditional
afternoon teas in the majestic dining room for an extra
sweet little post-spa indulgence. handpickedhotels.co.uk
The one
to relax
When you walk through the door to The Granary
Spa you step into a personal experience which
embraces you and takes you away from the outside
world’s everyday stresses. Their holistic therapists provide
exceptional treatments, using the best natural and organic
products to leave you restored and refreshed. They have all
sorts of beauty and holistic treatments including pamper
days. Sit back, relax and enjoy. thegranaryspa.co.uk
The one
for health
Set in three acres of Victorian gardens, just 10
minutes from Tunbridge Wells, Knowle Grange
Health Spa is a surprisingly little-known retreat. Here
you can beautify with everything from spray tans
to makeup but also find holistic therapies including
Reiki healing and Kinesiology. Elsewhere, take a dip
in the heated natural spring water pool, warm up in
the steam bath, sauna, or jacuzzi, hit the gym or take
a fitness class – it’s all going on. knowlegrange.co.uk
73
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OPTICIANS
OUR GIFT TO YOU
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To celebrate the New Year, we are giving you £75 off when you buy a complete pair of spectacles worth
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to suit your needs. Contact us for a style consultation today and look forward to a new you in 2025!
Hurry! Offer only available until 31 January 2025 | www.wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk
Hastings 01424 421717 | Lewes 01273 472360 | Rye 01797 223700 | Tenterden 01580 762069
T&Cs apply.
The Priceless Good Living Supplement sponsored by
All About the
OPTICS
Eye tests are ever-evolving and it’s not just about going for your new
pair of glasses any more! So we are asking the experts at Wilson, Wilson
and Hancock to explain the latest in eye scanning technology
Our eyes are often referred to
as the windows to the soul,
but they’re also windows to
our overall health. Enhanced
testing options go beyond
the surface to offer a deeper understanding
of eye health, but how does it all work?
What conditions can an eye exam uncover?
Common eye health concerns like macular
degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy,
and cataracts, can lead to vision loss if not
detected and treated early. But eye
exams can uncover other
health issues, such as high
blood pressure and even
neurological conditions.
What kind of scans
do you do to find
these conditions?
Wilson, Wilson and
Hancock has invested
in cutting-edge
technologies, and have
Optomap and Optical
Coherence Tomography
(OCT) scanners
available in all branches.
How do Optomap and OCT
scans work and what can they reveal?
The Optomap provides ultra-widefield imaging,
capturing up to 82% of the retinal surface in
one image. This detects signs of conditions like
macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
long before symptoms appear. The OCT
scanner uses light waves to create cross-sectional
images of the retina, enabling highly detailed
analysis of its layers, particularly effective in
spotting early signs of glaucoma and macular
The sooner a
condition is
identified, the more
treatment options are
available, and the
better the chances of
preserving vision
conditions, even in patients without symptoms.
What makes enhanced testing so valuable?
Even subtle changes can indicate an underlying
issue and it helps us spot what a standard
eye test might miss. It’s not just about vision
correction anymore, advanced diagnostics
allow us to monitor and manage these
conditions before they become problematic.
Early diagnosis is a game-changer. The
sooner a condition is identified, the more
treatment options are available, and the better
the chances of preserving vision.
Are these tests at all invasive?
These tests are noninvasive
and quick,
providing data and
detecting changes
over time.
Does family history
affect how we
should be tested?
Such tests are
indispensable for those
with family history of
eye disease or underlying
health conditions. Family
history of glaucoma, macular
degeneration, or diabetes increases
the risk of developing related eye conditions
so discuss your genetic history with your
optometrist for tailored testing and preventative
care. Our genetic history holds vital clues,
if someone has a parent or sibling with
glaucoma, for instance, we might recommend
more frequent monitoring with OCT scans.
To book an appointment at Wilson Wilson and
Hancock visit wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk
75
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My life came to a standstill with agonising back
pain… but now I’m back to health after IDD Therapy
After her
IDD Therapy
programme,
Jane can now
enjoy family
life again.
Property Investor, Jane Kent, had
never had a back problem before,
but recently her life was suddenly
put on hold by debilitating pain
and immobility.
Jane explains: “Over recent years we’ve moved
house a lot; lifting furniture and boxes had
become a way of life. Then last September I
started an RHS course and began to enjoy
gardening; no doubt this switched my back
on to ‘high alert’. Then my husband became
ill, so I slept in our spare room for weeks. I
remember having to sit on the edge of the bed
each morning waiting for my back to ‘realign’
before I got up.”
Things took a turn for the worse when
Jane did some heavy-duty DIY: “The final
straw came when my gigantic new bookcase
arrived; after a two-hour installation, my back
suddenly felt ‘different’. At first, bending felt
awkward; certain muscles in my lower back felt
permanently clenched.”
Jane tried to manage the pain herself but soon
had to seek help: “I had some physiotherapy
and acupuncture, without much success.
Eventually, my GP arranged an MRI scan.
In the weeks before the scan, things went
downhill quickly: a shooting sciatic pain
radiated down my left leg and I felt a burning
ache around my abdomen.”
Jane’s pain was completely debilitating and
soon her life was ruled by it. “I’ve never
experienced anything like it; the pain was
relentless. I could only walk slowly, sitting was
unbearable and normal daily activities were
almost impossible; my lack of mobility had a
huge impact on me. I was prescribed strong
painkillers, but these only worked for 3-4 hours
– I was quickly up to my daily limit, despite my
reluctance to take them.”
Jane had her MRI scan in February; the news
was not good: “My surgeon said that because
two prolapsed discs were pressing on the
spinal nerve, surgery was the only answer. He
suggested a spinal injection in the meantime.
I left feeling bleak. I hadn’t even contemplated
a major operation, and I was uneasy at the
prospect.”
James Pickering’s team is changing the lives of
slipped disc and sciatica sufferers with IDD Therapy
After some research, Jane’s husband found IDD
Therapy, a targeted disc treatment for persistent
back pain, neck pain and sciatica. The
non-invasive therapy uses gentle pulling forces
to draw apart spinal segments where discs are
bulging or damaged, removing pressure and
irritation from trapped nerves.
Jane saw that IDD Therapy was being offered
at Wealden Osteopaths and Spine Centre at
Flimwell Park. The expert team, led by James
Pickering, uses the programme to help patients
who find themselves on a merry-go-round of
painkillers, physiotherapy and GP visits.
“James reassured me that IDD Therapy would
not just relieve my symptoms, but actually
target the prolapsed discs. As my life had
ground to a halt by this time, I focused on
attending frequent and regular sessions over
several weeks.”
“I was astonished to feel
the results immediately:
the sciatic pain stopped
almost instantly.”
The IDD programme was a success and
things turned around quickly for Jane: “I was
astonished to feel the results immediately: the
sciatic pain stopped almost instantly. The gentle
treatment sessions were so relaxing, I began to
look forward to them. Soon I had my mobility
and independence back – it felt wonderful.
I’ve now taken up Pilates and I’ve completed
my Day Skipper Course with the Torbay
Sea School – something I could never have
imagined when my pain was at its worst. I can’t
recommend IDD Therapy and James’s team
highly enough.”
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 us at
enquiries@wealdenosteopaths.co.uk
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Your skin &
the gym
Sarah Maxwell explains how to adapt your
skincare regime to your workouts
Happy New Year – fit healthy
bodies and skin are in! Whether
lifting weights at the gym,
hitting the great outdoors or giving it your
all in yoga class, taking care of your skin
is as essential as caring for your body.
With skin being our largest organ,
it makes sense to incorporate a regular
skincare routine alongside your workout
schedule. Sweat, environmental
pollutants, and exposure to UV rays
all play a part in damaging our skin.
And a proper skincare routine will
complement your regular workout.
Gym Skin Prep
Step 1 Cleanse
Start with a gentle cleanser to remove dirt
and oil. My favourite is CeraVe, which
Beauty Guru Nadine Baggot highly
recommends. (For up-to-date beauty advice,
follow Nadine on Instagram and YouTube).
If you use a cleanser that requires washing
off with water, opt for lukewarm as hot
water can strip your skin of natural oils. Pat
skin gently to dry, using a soft, clean towel
or cloth. Rubbing can cause skin irritation.
Step 2 (Optional)
Apply a lightweight serum under
your moisturiser/UV protection
for an extra hydration boost during
your workout. Some great hydration
products include ESK Hydra boost HA
Serum, Elemis Hydraboost and EVE
LOM Intense Hydration Serum.
Step 3 Moisturise and Protect
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 30 every day. It is
essential even on cloudy days, and if your
regular workout is indoors, it’s important
to note that although glass blocks some
UV rays, more than 50% of rays can
penetrate glass and damage your skin.
Try to avoid heavy make-up,
as sweat can block your pores.
Instead, opt for a tinted moisturiser
with SPF if you want a little coverage.
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Skin
Insurance Tinted SPF30 is great.
During your workout,
avoid touching your face with
sweaty hands to minimise the
transfer of bacteria. Keep your
gym towels clean and remember
to stay hydrated throughout.
Post Workout Gym Skin
After your workout, clean your face as
soon as possible to remove sweat, oil
and any lingering bacteria. (Lukewarm
water as before and a clean, soft
towel or cloth to pat your skin gently
dry as before your workout.)
Apply moisturiser according to your
skin type. Some great moisturisers with
UV protection include CeraVe AM
Facial Moisturising Lotion with SPF50
(a lightweight moisturiser with UV
protection), Body Shop Skin Defence
Multi-Protection Light Essence SPF5,
and the most highly recommended
moisturiser for dry skin, Medik8
Advanced Day Protect SPF50.
Don’t forget – regularly reapply
your SPF to exposed areas to protect
your skin if you’re outdoors and
hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, your
skin will love you for it!
Coming in 2025 – Keep
a look out for Mist
by Les Huilettes, a
multipurpose spray
packed with vitamins
that promises
to protect your
skin before and
after a workout.
Sarah Maxwell is
a multi-award winning
Lifestyle Wellbeing and
Fitness coach. You can find
her at sarahmaxwell.com
Get in touch via email at
sarahmaxwell@mail.com
and on social
@sarahmaxlife
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An enchanting seacoast holiday
just 6 hours from the UK
Located on Canada’s East Coast, the provinces of New Brunswick,
Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
boast Canada’s most spectacular and pristine coastline. Here you’ll
find lush vistas and uncrowded beaches, breathtaking scenery and a
vibrant and welcoming culture that will ensure you feel like a local in
no time.
14 NIGHT SELF DRIVE PACKAGES
FROM £2,348 PER PERSON
INCLUDES FLIGHTS, ACCOMMODATION AND CAR HIRE
www.purelyatlanticcanada.co.uk
01372 372123
reservations@purelycanada.co.uk
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Nourish to Flourish
Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau
explores nutritional ways to help
balance your hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers that have profound
effects on your mental, physical and emotional health.
They play a major role in controlling your appetite,
weight and mood and when they are all working in symphony
with each other, things function effortlessly, however, if one is out
of balance, it tends to show up negatively, somewhere in the body.
When it comes to balancing women’s hormones, it is always
beneficial to take a holistic approach, focusing on balancing
lifestyle and daily habits to help support the stabilisation of
hormones. It is believed that up to 75% of women suffer from
some form of hormonal imbalance and at some point in their
lifetime experience symptoms, such as migraines, depression,
anxiety, joint pain, irregular periods and many more! If your
lifestyle is unbalanced in some way – i.e. excessive sugar
consumption, chronic stress, lack of sleep, little movement or
being overweight – it’s likely your hormones are unbalanced too.
So, what can we do to help balance hormones naturally? Firstly,
enjoy a hormone-supporting diet. This means prioritising eating
a variety of whole, minimally processed food and including lots
of fibre-rich fruits and vegetables. Try to incorporate fermented
foods daily like kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi, as these have
been found to positively influence the gut microbiome. Opt
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
for healthy fats, especially the omega-3 fats found in oily fish,
flaxseed and walnuts and limit your intake of sugar, choosing
whole fruits over processed snacks and convenience foods.
As well as your diet, look closely at your lifestyle choices.
Try to find a form of exercise you enjoy (such as strength
training, yoga or dancing) and make movement a natural
part of your day. Walk wherever you can, take the stairs
and find an excuse to get up from your desk every hour!
Manage stress; work, family and daily chores can hugely
impact our stress levels and too much cortisol (which typically
occurs when a person is under stress) can lead to hormonal
chaos. Think about the little daily things that bring you joy – a
good book, a long bath or a walk with friends – and plan them
into your week. Lastly, prioritise sleep. Make your bedroom a
soothing space, invest in a good mattress, de-clutter your room,
open a window and use dim lighting as you’re winding down.
Hormone balancing smoothie
Serves 1
• 1½ cups dairy-free
milk (I like almond)
• ½ large banana
• 1 tbsp cashew butter
• 1 serving (scoop) unflavoured
collagen powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp cacao powder
• 2 tsp maca powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 handfuls spinach
leaves (about 2 cups)
Blitz all the ingredients together and enjoy!
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Take me to...
Winter Sun
Don’t catch a cold, catch a plane and catch some rays
Treasured Island
The secret of Bermuda has been so well kept over the years
that the tiny sub-tropical island has remained just as idyllic as it
ever was. Those who have discovered the paradise of Bermuda
return year after year to enjoy the pristine creamy white beaches
flecked with pink sands, outstanding hotels with luxurious
accommodation, fine cuisine, and year-round sunshine.
No two hotels in Bermuda are alike so ask an expert which resort
suits your style and requirements. Many visitors even split their
stay between two hotels to sample different aspects of the island.
Azura, one of the island’s newest properties,
enjoys a stunning clifftop setting, centrally
located on the south coast. The beautiful
Rosewood Bermuda sits between the ocean
and two of the world’s most scenic golf
courses – its pink sand beach is one of the
most spectacular you’ll ever see. Hamilton
Princess offers the best of both worlds –
located on Hamilton harbourfront,
“its pink
sand beach
is one of
the most
spectacular
you’ll
ever see”
guests have the convenience of the main town’s
shops and restaurants and complimentary
transfers to its wonderful private beach club.
The typically Bermudian ‘cottage colony’ of
Cambridge Beaches represents understated
luxury, with individual cottages dotted about
the landscaped peninsula, surrounded by water
on three sides and four beaches to choose from.
At under 7 hours flying time, Bermuda is
probably the closest sub-tropical holiday destination to the
UK. Flights to the East Coast of North America are two hours
away, so you could also go for an exciting two centre itinerary
with a cosmopolitan city like New York, Boston or Toronto.
Transatlantic flights are direct on British Airways or fly via the
USA in both directions for an extravagant three centre package
on JetBlue Airways. With its easy flying distance, you can even
visit Bermuda for a long weekend.
To discuss your plans with someone who’s been there – and who
wants to tell you all about it, call Purely Bermuda on
01372 372123 or visit purelybermuda.co.uk
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The Priceless Good Living Supplement sponsored by
Luxury Landscapes
Burwood Travel works alongside Azure and One&Only Private
Homes and Villas to offer a collection of the world’s most elegant
and exclusive private residences. Each opulent abode is a lavish oasis
carefully designed to blend seamlessly into its natural surroundings
in a unique iconic location across the globe. A beachfront villa in
the Maldives, a treetop retreat in Mexico, a mountain hideaway
in Montana; each expansive property offers unrivalled privacy and
spectacular panoramas over your destination.
While there, try a stunning assortment of unforgettable experiences
and exciting activities from ziplining through the misty rainforest at
One&Only Mandarina to galloping through wildflower meadows
at One&Only Moonlight Basin. Or, for those seeking more Zen
than adrenaline, there are decadent rituals inspired by local traditions
and private yoga classes in hypnotic surroundings. Those looking
to immerse themselves in local life can learn traditional fishing
techniques, take workshops with regional artists, or master classic
recipes in a private culinary class. And speaking of food, it’s all
gourmet meals served in settings straight out of a storybook – your
own private chef creating meals tailored to your individual tastes,
secluded feasts harnessing the freshest local ingredients under a
moonlit sky, the world’s finest chefs at the resort’s excellent restaurants
– choices, choices!
This one is perfect for celebrations from a wedding at a cliffside villa
with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, to marking an anniversary
with dinner on a private isle.
Contact Burwood Travel on 01932 809189 for a tailor-made quote or
visit burwoodtravel.com.
“A beachfront villa in the
Maldives, a treetop retreat
in Mexico, a mountain
hideaway in Montana”
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Maldives Magic
There’s nowhere better for an island escape. Kuoni were there when
the first Maldives resort opened its doors in 1972 and since then
the premium holiday company has been finding the best places to
stay at the very best value. Out of the 100-plus resort islands, they
handpicked 38, including four that are exclusively available through
Kuoni for UK travellers. They’ll tell you where you can watch movies
on the beach, when you can swim with whale sharks, where to head
for rustic retreats and how to narrow down which island suits families
or honeymooners best.
Kuramathi Maldives is their favourite slice of island paradise thanks
to its mile-long sandbank, great choice of restaurants and infinity
edge pools with jaw-dropping ocean views. A relatively large resort,
rarely feeling crowded, with bucket-loads of activities, no wonder
it’s popular with just about everyone. There’s a whole host of
accommodation, from entry level garden villas to the more luxurious
Deluxe Beach, Pool and Overwater Villas. The mature rainforest is
enchanting at night and has a 300-year old banyan tree at its heart.
Kuoni recommend splitting a stay here with more than one room
type to experience overwater villas, or twin with another island such as
Kandolhu Maldives for a totally different vibe.
“The mature rainforest is
enchanting at night and
has a 300-year old banyan
tree at its heart. ”
To book your Maldives getaway today, visit Baldwins Travel in
locations including Tunbridge Wells, Cranbrook, Lewes, Sevenoaks,
Tenterden and Tonbridge or visit baldwinstravel.com
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82
WINNERS
High Street
Agency of the
Year 2024
We provide more than just a holiday
we deliver exceptional service, backed by years of
experience and expertise with every booking you
make.
Come and speak to the travel experts today!
Tailor-Made Travel
Package Holidays
Flights
Touring & Adventure
Holidays
Solo Travel
Coach Holidays
Rail Holidays
01732 225533
Cruises
Hotel Only
Airport Parking, Airport Hotels
& Airport Lounges
Weddings and Honeymoons
Group Travel
Destination Specialist Advice
Business Travel
www.baldwinstravel.com
Celebrating
130 Years of
Travel
Excellence
LUXURY FITNESS, DANCE AND TENNIS RETREATS
DISCOVER CHÂTEAU LOU CASTEOU
Set in the beautiful French Cote d’Azur countryside, minutes from the sea. These Luxurious Retreats provides the perfect balance of gourmet
meals, pampered luxury, energetic fitness classes, Latin dance sessions and outdoor activities including coastal treks, tennis, boxercise,
aqua-gym, circuit training, yoga, sea kayaking and beach workouts, to help guests improve their fitness level or kick start a regime.
Retreats include 5 days of luxury accommodation in the chateau in en‐suite bedrooms with sea or mountain views.
Delicious, nutritious gourmet meals served with elegant 3 course dinners. Enjoy a quality open bar, excellent provencal wines, evening parties and entertainment.
Please contact Morag.McLarenBaxter@yahoo.co.uk or 07990 573287 with questions and for reservations. www.loucasteou.com
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Mental Health at Home
Chin-wag
Talking to others is so
important for our mental
health. It doesn’t have to be a big
emotional conversation! Have a daily
sit down to text a friend, schedule
a weekly call or video chat with
family, or invite someone over for a
cuppa, any of these will enforce
important connections.
Enjoy Yourself
Self-care can just
be doing something
that makes you happy.
Find something that gives you
a sense of achievement for extra
smile points and self-esteem! Sit
down with a good book, cook a
meal, exercise, try a new hobby,
listen to music, or just have
a nice bath. Whatever
floats your boat!
Taking care of your
mind can really change your life,
and it can all start at home!
Our Top 5 Tips
Think Shrink
Snooze
Take care of your sleep as much
as you can. If you are going through
something it may be harder to sleep or
you may just need a bit more. Whether it’s
getting a comfier bed or bedding, black out
blinds, snoring solutions or just turning off
the screens a little earlier to rest your eyes
and get more sound sleep, your mind
will thank you!
You can now get therapy right in your own home. And it doesn’t have to
be for a huge problem, many people use it if they are simply going through a
rough patch and want some extra support. Most therapists will offer a video call
option which will help make time for it if you have a busy schedule, and sites like
headspace.com have options to help you pay for private therapy at a lower price.
Creative Juices
You don’t have to be an
artistic genius to get creative,
but doing so can help us build an
ability to handle life’s ups and downs –
teaching ourselves that something good can
come from bad. Draw, write a journal, knit, try
that DIY project, dance, sing, build – again
whatever floats your personal boat. It can
help process and express your emotions
and turn them into something you
are proud of.
“Supporting your mental health from home is one of the most valuable
routines you can create for yourself. Start by setting aside a dedicated time
each day and committing to a minimum amount of time for self-care. Even
just five minutes every morning to set an intention for the day and practice a
guided meditation can bring more inner peace, focus, and clarity. A guided
meditation helps you quiet your mind, reduce stress, and reconnect with
your inner self, offering gentle guidance to stay present. As this habit becomes
part of your routine you’ll begin to notice the benefits – improved emotional
resilience, reduced anxiety, better focus – you can gradually increase the time
you dedicate to your wellbeing.”
– Integrative Holistic Wellbeing Expert, Naomi Buff of Nourish By Naomi
nourishbynaomi.com
Flower Power
The experts at Health’s Angels explain the
benefits of using Bach’s Flower Remedies
for enhancing wellbeing
Bach Flower Remedies are a set of 38 flower
essences developed by Dr. Edward Bach,
designed to help balance emotions and support
mental wellbeing. Associated benefits include:
1. Emotional Balance
Bach Flower Remedies are believed to help
balance emotional states by addressing
the underlying feelings contributing to
anxiety and overwhelm, such as fear,
indecision, or lack of confidence.
2. Natural and Gentle
These remedies are made from flowers and are
non-toxic, non-addictive, and free from side
effects, making them a gentle option for those
who prefer natural healing methods. They
are perfect for all ages and even animals!
3. Personalised Approach
Each remedy targets a specific emotional state.
For anxiety and overwhelm, you could try
Rescue Remedy, a blend of five flower essences,
or go for individual essences. Mimulus, for
example is for fears of known origin (e.g., fear of
public speaking), while Aspen is aimed at more
vague, unexplainable fears or feelings of dread.
Meanwhile Elm is good for those
feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities,
White Chestnut for repetitive, racing
thoughts and worries, or Impatiens
for impatience and irritability.
4. Stress Relief
Regular use of remedies like Rescue Remedy
is reported to help calm the mind and
reduce stress. We use them extensively
with both adults and children in our clinic
with amazing results. There are powerful
techniques we use in Kinesiology to support
and help mental health and wellness and the
Bach essences are an integral part of this.
We muscle test to determine which flower
remedy is relevant for each emotion and
what system of the body it will support, and
then we suggest the best usage for them.
Usually drops under the tongue regularly
and in a bottle of filtered water which you
shake and then sip on throughout the day.
Find out more about Bach Flower
Remedies at healths-angels.com
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84
Your Holistic Guide To An Empowered
Break Up & Divorce
From Break Up To Breakthrough
Explore how coaching and breathwork can
help you navigate your new beginning
naomibuff.com
07512 144268
@naomibuff_
Coaching | Breathwork | Events
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Meet the...
Biohacker
Introducing Ryan Ashford-Smit. He and his wife
Victoria, have opened the UK’s first OsteoStrong
in Tunbridge Wells, a new way to biohack your
way to bone health, posture and strength
What is OsteoStrong?
OsteoStrong is a wellness centre focused on
strengthening bones, muscles, and balance
in a way that’s safe, quick, and effective. It
uses a unique technology called Osteogenic
Loading, which enables you to create the
right amount of force to stimulate your
bones for them to grow stronger naturally.
Sessions take about 20 minutes once
a week, and there’s no sweating, heavy
lifting, or long workouts involved. It’s
great for improving bone health, building
strength, enhancing posture, and even
helping with balance and joint pain.
It’s especially beneficial for people with
osteoporosis, athletes, and anyone looking
to stay strong and active as they age.
How did you get the idea to open OsteoStrong?
My wife and I discovered it while visiting
friends, Sharon and Rob in Texas, USA.
Sharon had reversed her osteoporosis and
Rob had rehabilitated his knee osteoarthritis
doing OsteoStrong and this grabbed
our attention. We then did our research,
visited other centres around the world,
and spoke to people who had transformed
their lives doing this. We also attended a
Tony Robin’s event in Birmingham which
featured OsteoStrong. We knew that by
bringing this biohacking technology to the
UK we could make a positive impact with
the growing skeletal health crisis here. In
the UK, half of the women and a quarter
of men will suffer an osteoporotic fracture
in their lifetimes. And half the people who
break a hip will die within two years.
What do your sessions involve?
An OsteoStrong session is a guided, 15-20
minute experience once a week. Suitable for
all ages and abilities. It uses four specialised
machines targeting the legs, upper body,
core, and back, with each exercise involving
a short, controlled maximum effort. A
session coach is with you the whole time
to guide and track your progress. The
wellness centre also incorporates other
powerful wellness modalities, Red Light
Therapy, Compression Boot Therapy, and
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF)
Therapy to enhance results and offer other
health benefits. Each session is recorded
to closely track progress and results.
“We have
already seen
clients increasing
their bone density
and in some
cases reversing
their osteoporosis”
What results do you see people
getting from using OsteoStrong?
We have already seen clients increasing
their bone density and in some cases
reversing their osteoporosis. Everyone
also experiences great gains in strength,
with most people 80% stronger in only
12 weeks. As well as big improvements in
balance and posture – resulting in clients
feeling more confident and energised.
Can you track your progress?
Absolutely, we do four baseline marker tests
to get your starting metrics, including an
ultrasound heel bone scan. At OsteoStrong
we are very results driven and the machines
automatically measure your performance
each session and generate a weekly
repost to closely track your progress.
Do you use it yourself?
Yes, I have osteoarthritis in my left knee,
and was struggling to walk a year ago.
Today after doing OsteoStrong for 12
months, I am completely pain free, walking
long distances and even playing touch
rugby with my sons. When we started
my wife, Victoria discovered she has
osteopenia, she has her next bone density
scan in January to track her progress.
Do you recommend any other
lifestyle changes alongside using
OsteoStrong for maximum results?
Absolutely, OsteoStrong is one part of
the puzzle to improved skeletal strength.
We guide clients on exercises they
can do at home, the right nutrition,
lifestyle choices, and other biohacks to
ensure they optimise their results.
How often do you need to do it to get results?
OsteoStrong sessions are limited to once
a week, as we are triggering primary bone
mineralisation this effect works for 5 to 6
days. The other wellness modalities can be
used more often and will be determined
by your individual health goals. Our
teenage boys are using it to build their
bone strength and for injury prevention in
their respective sports, and in the process
their strength has also more than doubled.
How can we start?
The best way to get started is to book a
1 hour OsteoStrong Discovery Session,
which will give the full experience, as well
as knowledge of the science and studies,
meet the team and learn about the other
wellness therapies available. There is an
exciting new year special offer in January to
save 30% for new memberships in January
To find out more about
OsteoStrong visit osteostrong.me
istockphoto.com/ Vladi333 & anuwat meereewee
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26 High Street,
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent, TN1 1UX
02039788875
EMPOWER YOUR LIFE WITH THE
ULTIMATE LONGEVITY SOLUTION
Quick, painless sessions for people at all ages and
levels of activity to promote skeletal strength
FOR OSTEOPOROSIS | FOR ATHLETES | FOR BALANCE | FOR DIABETES | FOR POSTURE
New Year, New You from Helios Homeopathy
Our aim at Helios is to offer a natural and holistic
approach to healthcare for all the family.
During the winter months we are more
susceptible to coughs, colds, flu, sore throats
and other viruses, so being in the best of
health and supporting your immune system
important. Our team or qualified homeopaths
and pharmacists are on hand to offer advice for
minor ailments and common complaints over
the counter or on the phone, or for longer term
and more serious ailments we offer homeopathic
consultations, by appointment, at our clinic
adjoining Helios Pharmacy in Camden Road.
Alongside our homeopathic remedies we
have a wide range of supplements, organic
and natural skin and hair care, flower
essences, essential oils and so much more
to support your health naturally in 2025.
We look forward to seeing you.
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
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88
Comfort
andjoy
Jo Arnell brings some cosiness to chilly January afternoons with three soups
that are sure to enrich the soul Photographs: David Merewether
A
warming bowl of nourishing soup is the ultimate fix on a bleak winter day;
lifting the spirits and chasing away the cold and gloom. Flavour is key, especially
with these lighter meals and a good stock is at the heart of any soup – so if you
have the time, make your stock from scratch, using whatever vegetables you have – a
mix of onion, celery, carrot and plenty of herbs will make a good base. If you’re not
sticking to a vegetarian option, chicken bones/giblets render into a rich broth. Having
said all that, good-quality shop-bought versions will be fine too – and much quicker.
Butter bean & kale soup
Serves 4 Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
A simple, but flavoursome and nutritious
soup that looks and tastes luxurious. The
blend of creamy butter beans, kale, and
a hint of zesty lemon means it is actually
really light and healthy – no cream in sight.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 leeks, washed and sliced
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tsp rosemary
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 2 cans of butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 150g chopped kale, tough stems removed
• 50g (a handful) of parsley, saving
a few sprigs to garnish
• juice and zest of 1 lemon
• salt and black pepper to taste
1. Gently fry the leeks, garlic and herbs in
a large, heavy bottomed pot for 5 minutes
until the leeks are soft, but not going brown.
Add the stock and 1 can of butter beans to
the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the
heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Remove from the heat and blitz with
an immersion blender (or jug blender).
Blend well – until the soup is really
creamy looking, then add the other tin
of butter beans, the kale and lemon.
3. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes
or so, until the kale is cooked and
the beans are nice and soft. Season
and serve with fresh crusty bread,
garnished with a parsley sprig or two.
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W E A L D S M O K E R Y
F INE FOOD EXP E R IEN C E
Traditionally smoked fish,
meats and cheeses created
with passion, pride and care
W E A L D S M O K E R Y
F INE FOOD EXP E R IEN C E
Multiple
award winner
for over
20 years!
A warm welcome
in the coldest
of months
Nestled in the beautiful Kent countryside,
our cafe is serving a full breakfast and
lunch menu to beat the January blues.
Featuring our own organic and locally
sourced produce, hearty, homemade
& nourishing food for every mood, right
here in the heart of our working farm.
And did we mention our great coffee?
Butchers Shop & Cafe
Tuesday to Saturday | 8:00am – 5:00pm
Grange Road, Tenterden, TN30 6TL
W E A L D S M O K E R Y
F INE FOOD EXP E R IEN C E
Get in touch
01580 763351
@silcocksfarm
Tel: 01580 879601 Email: info@wealdsmokery.co.uk
www.wealdsmokery.co.uk
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Nepalese Spices Meets British Ingredients
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90
Hearty lentil, chorizo
& tomato soup
Serves 4 Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: 20 mins
Spice up a winter mealtime
with this chunky, smoky soup.
This recipe turns a mix of red
lentils, chorizo, and tomatoes
into a rich and filling dish.
• 200g chorizo sausage,
diced into small chunks
• 1 medium onion,
finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 cans (400g)
chopped tomatoes
• 200g dried red lentils, rinsed
• 1 litre chicken stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp chilli flakes
(optional or to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp thyme
• 1 tbsp olive oil (or omit
and just use the oil released
when you cook the chorizo)
• salt and pepper, to taste
• a little fresh parsley, or
cress, a small handful of
chorizo and a swirl of
soured cream, to garnish
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive
oil (optional) in a large pot,
add the diced chorizo and cook
for 4-5 minutes until it starts
to crisp. Remove the chorizo
with a slotted spoon and set
aside, leaving the oil in the pot.
2. Sauté the chopped onion in
this oil for about 5 mins, until
translucent. Mix in the garlic
and spices, stir and cook for a
minute before adding lentils,
then the chopped tomatoes
and stock. Bring the mixture
to a gentle boil, turn the heat
down and add the cooked
chorizo. Simmer for approx 20
mins, until the lentils are soft
and start thickening the soup.
3. Season, garnish with
soured cream etc. and serve.
91
At Planters Farm Shop - North of Hurst Green, on A21 - TN19 7QS - plantersa21.com
FOR 2025 OUR NEW SUNDAY BRUNCH MENU (Served 10.00am - 3.00pm )
Planter’s Breakfast Two Bodiam sausages, bacon,
mushrooms, tomato with a fried egg and baked
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Posh Brioche Roll Sausage or bacon with
homemade rosti and a fried egg £8.50
Eggs Benedict Two soft poached eggs with carved ham
served on toasted muffin with hollandaise sauce £10.95
Gruyere & Ham Pudding Served with two poached
eggs and hollandaise sauce £11.25
Ciabatta Bap Warm Ciabatta bap with coffee
grilled maple bacon and a fried egg £8.50
Avocado Toasted Bagel Served with two poached eggs,
hollandaise sauce and drizzled chilli oil £11.25
Asparagus & Smoked Salmon Parcel served in a
pastry case with poached eggs and topped with
hollandaise sauce and fresh dill £14.00
Vegan Greenhouse Delights Avocado served on toasted sourdough
with wild mushrooms, sunflower seeds, cherry tomatoes
drizzled with chilli oil £11.25 Add a poached egg +£1.60
Gardner’s Shed Hash Potatoes, sausage and bacon with
onions served with a fried egg and beans £11.75
Traditional Welsh Rarebit Served with griddled tomatoes £9.50
Buck Rarebit Served with poached egg
and griddled tomatoes £10.50
Eggs Your Way Scrambled, fried or poached
eggs served on granary toast £8.95
Eggs Florentine Two soft poached eggs with wilted spinach
served on toasted cheese scones with hollandaise sauce £10.95
All-Day Gnocchi Breakfast All day gnocchi fry up with
Bodiam sausages, bacon, mushrooms and cherry
tomatoes served with two fried eggs £11.95
Sweetcorn & Feta Breakfast Loaf Toasted sweetcorn feta loaf
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Open 9am till 4pm Monday to Saturday. 10am till 4pm Sunday
Tel: 01580 860959 / 07894 064 327 Email: spicercatering@gmail.com
Don’t miss our next
Weddings
Supplement
Find
it in the
February 2025
issue of Wealden
Times
For advertising
opportunities, call
Maria Hurley on
01580 236073
or email
maria.hurley@priceless-group.com
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92
Seasonal greens &
Stilton soup
Serves 4 Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time: approx 20 mins
A healthy, but creamy vegetable soup,
combining a seasonal mix of green
vegetables with Stilton cheese. Adapt
the recipe to suit whatever greens you
have to hand. Use up the leftover
Christmas Stilton or substitute with
any strong blue cheese – and turn a
simple soup into a comforting meal.
• 1 medium head of broccoli,
cut into florets
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 medium floury potato, peeled and diced
• 75g watercress
• 120g young spinach leaves
• 150g frozen peas
• 175g Stilton or blue cheese, crumbled
(save around 20g for garnish)
• 1.2 litres vegetable stock
• 30g butter or 2 tbsp olive oil
• salt and freshly ground
black pepper, to taste
• a little crumbled Stilton,
croutons (optional) and a sprig
of watercress to garnish
• crusty bread, to serve
1. Gently
sauté the chopped
onion and potato in a large, heavy
bottomed pot, for about 8 minutes.
Add broccoli and pour in the stock.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the
heat and simmer for 10 minutes or
so – until the broccoli is cooked.
2. Add watercress,
spinach and peas: stir
and cook for another
3-4 minutes until the
leaves have wilted and the
peas are heated through.
3. Remove the pot from heat and
blend with an immersion blender,
(or transfer in batches to a jug
blender) and blend until smooth.
4. Return to the hob for
a few minutes and stir in
crumbled Stilton cheese.
5. Season to taste and serve
garnished with a little extra cheese,
croutons (optional) and watercress.
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94
Sheep scarf £34.95 At
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Scottish & English double
coin pendant and chain
£250 Katie Mullally
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The Glasgow
Flourish necklace
£210 Dower & Hall
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Annandale quilted
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boots £205 Lanx
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Enamel squirrel charm
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Tiah tweed jacket £85 Joe
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Katrine tartan leather
saddle bag £79.95 Barbour
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Tucci knee high boots
£200 Dune London
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Laura Ashley lace trim pintuck
blouse £45 Next next.co.uk
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thistle brooch
£52 Gemondo
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Aran hand-knitted vest
crafted from traditional Aran
wool £400 Le Kilt lekilt.co.uk
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Midi Celt kilt
skirt £149
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96
The gardening
year
Jo Arnell shares her
tasks, tips and seasonal
joys for the year ahead
A
goldfinch
nest
We start to groan under the
weight of all our January
plans, but the lovely
thing about the garden in winter is
that it is asleep and so none of the
plans need to be urgent. Gardens are
forgiving places and I have a sneaking
suspicion that they’d rather be left
alone anyway, so if the resolutions and
to-do lists for your outdoor space don’t
completely go to plan, it will manage
– and the wildlife will be happier.
Still, we’re only at the start, so best
foot forward and it’s good to make a
plan. If you want to get a bit organised,
or at least know the main tasks for the
year, here are some – grouped by season,
not by month, because the weather, the
conditions in your garden and life itself
have a habit of thwarting our plans...
Winter
How I love a winter garden! Frosted
effects, elegant branches, evergreens,
topiary and bright dogwood stems.
Just look in any garden magazine or
visit an RHS garden in the depths
of winter and you’ll see a wealth of
fabulous plants that look their best
in the bleak midwinter. This season
reveals the very bones of a place,
making it the perfect time to look at
the structure – or the lack of it – in
our own gardens. If the ground isn’t
frozen you can plant trees, shrubs
and hedges to give your garden more
backbone. They’ll establish themselves
quietly over the colder months and be
ready to grow away strongly in spring.
Prune roses and woody plants
Late winter is the perfect time to prune
roses – they’re dormant, and you can
see exactly what you’re working with.
Remove any dead, diseased or crossing
stems and aim for an open structure
that lets light and air circulate. It’s
like giving them a good haircut –
they’ll thank you with a better shape
and better blooms in summer.
Make plans
Use this quieter time to sketch out your
garden ambitions. Reorganise borders,
dream up new planting schemes, and
decide where to put that wildflower
meadow you’ve been meaning to
start. This can all be done on paper
for now, but somehow setting ideas
and plans down makes them more
real, and hopefully more achievable.
Spring
Spring is the season of new life and
renewal, leaves unfurl, buds burst
and colour and energy returns.
There’s plenty to do to prepare your
garden for the months ahead, but
with so much to tackle it can get
overwhelming, so allocate your time
carefully and (note to self) try not to
bite off more than you can chew.
Lift and divide perennials
As the soil warms, it’s time to
divide any overcrowded perennials
like hardy geraniums, asters, or
daylilies. This rejuvenates the plants,
encourages better growth, and gives
you free plants to fill out your
borders – or share with friends.
97
priceless-magazines.com
Autumn
acer
Discourage weeds,
encourage nature
Spring is a wonderful time for
wildflowers and native plants – many
are weeds in our gardens, and can
overwhelm the borders if not kept in
check. Rather than waging war, try
to work smarter. A layer of mulch
not only suppresses weeds but also
locks in moisture and improves soil
health. For wildlife, leave small gaps
in your weeding regime and let the
garden grow a little wild around the
edges —the chickweed and dandelions
may be a nuisance, but they’re also
a lifeline for early pollinators.
Ready, set, veg!
Early crops like peas, broad beans,
lettuce and radishes do well in the
cool of early spring. If your soil is
sandy and free draining you’ll be able
to sow seeds directly into the ground,
but for clay soils – and protection
from pests – start them under cover
to plant out as plugs. Plant some
flowery companions like marigolds
and nasturtiums to attract beneficial
insects for pollination and pest control.
No mow May
Lawn care is a year round task, but grass
grows fast in the spring and will end
up needing a cut once or even twice
a week. The idea behind ‘No Mow
May’ is to allow the grass to grow long
for a month so that it can flower and
set seed, allowing it to become part
of the ecosystem and be of benefit to
wildlife – and it also gives us a break
from all that mowing. If you have a
large enough space, mowing paths
through your long grass, or mowing
a section or even a strip around the
edges will make it look less unkempt.
Summer
By summer, the garden is in full swing,
and maintenance is the key task of
the season. Get out and about and
visit some beautiful gardens at their
best, but also spend some leisure time
in your own garden. Eat outside, sit,
dream and just enjoy being in it.
Holidays
Arrange for holiday watering
and – if you grow vegetables,
try to plan for the harvest when
you are at home. Otherwise your
hard work might go to waste.
Deal with pests, naturally
Monitor plants for pests like aphids
and caterpillars, but try biological
methods where possible. Ladybirds,
lacewings, wasps and birds will often
take care of the problem if you let
them. Provide water and shelter to
keep these allies in your garden.
Keep the show on the road
Bad weather and high winds may still hit
us in the summer, so stake tall plants like
delphiniums before they flop, deadhead
flowers to prolong blooming, feed
container displays and keep watering
consistently during dry spells.
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98
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DESIGN | CONSTRUCT | MAINTAIN
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100
Winter
stems
istockphoto.com/ ElenaMedvedeva
Autumn
As summer fades into autumn, the
garden takes on a quieter, more
reflective beauty. Stay outside and
enjoy the last warm rays, and don’t be
in a rush to tidy up. It is the season
of preparation though too, and work
done now will really pay off next year.
Reorganise a border
If something isn’t working – a
plant is sulking in the shade,
scorched in the sun, or crowding
its neighbours – don’t be afraid
to move things around. Autumn
is the perfect time for a border
revamp – lifting and repositioning
plants while the soil is warm.
Plant for the future
Autumn is bulb-planting season.
Daffodils, tulips, and alliums go into
the ground now, so they grow strongly
for spring’s grand display. It’s also
a great time to establish new hardy
perennials, shrubs or hedges. They’ll
quietly grow good strong roots over the
autumn and winter and will perform
better in the following seasons.
Lawns and meadows
Give your lawn one last mow
before the frost arrives, but raise the
blade to leave it longer. If you’ve
got a wildflower meadow, allow
it to set seed before cutting back,
ensuring it will come back stronger
next year. If you are establishing a
new meadow, early autumn is the
perfect time to sow wildflowers.
Enrich your soil
Clear away spent plants from
vegetable beds and borders, but
don’t let the soil lie bare – nature
abhors a vacuum. Add a thick layer
of compost or plant green manure
to enrich it for the coming growing
season. This keeps the soil alive and
teeming with beneficial organisms.
Help wildlife
Resist the urge to tidy too much.
Piles of leaves, hollow stems, and
quiet corners offer essential shelter
for overwintering insects and small
mammals. Leave seed heads on plants
like teasels, sunflowers and ivy for the
birds to eat during the lean months.
Each season brings its own rhythm,
tasks and joys. As you go through
the year ahead, try to celebrate your
successes, forgive the mistakes, and
remember that gardening is a process,
not an end destination. With care,
planning – and some help from
nature – your outdoor space will
flourish, and hopefully so will you.
Jo’s new gardening course is booking
now. Call 07923 969634 or email
jo@hornbrookmanor.co.uk
101
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...
Ashford Prep School
where every child plays their part
Places Available
Book a tour with us
www.ashfordschool.co.uk | admissions@ashfordschool.co.uk | 01233 620493
Something to
Education
think about
A Head for 25 years, Mike Piercy is now an educational
consultant and school governor. Here, he explains
the importance of encouraging reflection
istockphoto.com/ master1305
The wrapping paper fills the recycling bin, already
overflowing with bottles and cardboard. It has been a
festive Christmas. A very happy 2025 to all our readers.
January is full of promise and good intentions. Those resolutions – how
long will they last? Research shows the most common adult resolutions relate
to diet, weight, alcohol and money. As to children, might it be: keeping
my room tidy, helping more at home, doing my homework properly,
in timely fashion – even going so far as being kinder to my younger
siblings? In a school assembly, late January, I would ask how many had
sustained those good intentions. Their expressions told the story.
So what advice and support can we give our young people as 2025
dawns? The alarm clock will come as something of a shock after those late
nights and lie-ins but school, college, university and life must go on.
The January reset is important. Equally so is the need to look
back – to reflect. The Roman God Janus – hence January – is
pictured looking both back and forward. A former colleague (why
is it always the Head of Classics?) had a great expression: the past is for
informing, not inhabiting. Learning from past experience can only enhance
learning and development; child and adult alike. Learn and move on.
I am no neuroscientist but my understanding of the emerging adolescent is that
the developing emotional brain lags behind that of the logical brain. This leads to
what we will recognise as teenage spontaneity and impulsivity. Ask a teenager about
any ethical matter where there is a right and a wrong and you will, most likely, be
given the right answer. The same will not necessarily be found in their everyday
behaviour and decision-making: they will sometimes, inevitably, get it wrong.
One of our many responsibilities as parents and teachers is to encourage
reflection. As adults we might not want to spend too long looking back at
2024 but, in the context of education and learning, we should do so with our
young people. Don’t be afraid of tackling those things that didn’t go so well.
Revisit them, reflect on them, discuss the learning, check the compass.
Many of our young people will face national or school entry exams in the coming
months. Look at last term’s report – if there is one. Return to any targets set back in
September. Were those targets achievable and how far have we travelled? What are
the actions needed to sustain or even accelerate progress? What support is needed?
Admittedly rather clichéd, leading a horse to water won’t necessarily make it
drink. Giving the direction to young people doesn’t necessarily mean they will take
or follow it. But that is as it should be – they must learn to take responsibility for
their own lives, their decisions, their learning and, so it follows, the consequences.
Thomas Henry Huxley, the Victorian anthropologist and biologist, did not benefit
from any formal education. He was, however, determined to educate himself, rising to
prominence as an academic and even Privy Councillor. What a fantastic role model for
our young people, witnessed by these wise words: “Perhaps the most valuable result of all
education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have
to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not.”
Excellent advice for the new year – perhaps for children and
adults alike? May 2025 bring you all happiness and fulfilment.
Mike’s book, Careering is available now with troubador.co.uk. You can
contact Mike at mikepiercy@hotmail.com with your education-related queries.
103
priceless-magazines.com
Learn to prune apple trees
Sat 4 th , 11 th , 18 th &
Sun 5 th , 12 th , 19 th Jan 2025
From new plantings to venerable
ancients, apple trees require the right
pruning to ensure they are beautiful,
sturdy and productive.
Learn from an expert in a beautiful
orchard near Benenden and practice
all day on a variety of trees.
£55
Numbers are limited,
so book early to avoid
disappointment.
To book and for more information contact Guy Pullen
info@goldfinch-gardens.co.uk | 07977 571 368
¡FELIZ AÑO NUEVO!
Discover Kent Life,
where heritage and family
fun sit side by side!
Kent Life offers a delightful blend of family fun and
rural heritage, featuring adorable animal encounters,
exciting play areas, and a charming Vintage Village,
all wrapped up in a year-round calendar of events that
promises unforgettable memories for visitors of all ages.
Residential care home for the
elderly in Headcorn, Kent
We provide both long-term accommodation
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Large independent living flat for the elderly
available within grounds of the home 24
hr care and usual amenities on site.
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01622 890112 or yth@mail.org
yewtree-carehome.co.uk
9 Station Road, Headcorn TN27 9SB
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What’s On
in
2025
istockphoto.com/ DisobyARt
istockphoto.com/SeventyFour
11 Jan 1pm – 2.30pm
Bourne Hall Museum, Spring
Street, Ewell Surrey KT17 1UF
BOURNE HALL MUSEUM
KIDS’ CLUB: EPSOM AND
EWELL IN WW2
Find out what it was really like
in the borough during World
War II, as it suffered heavily
from bombing. The club aims
to bring history alive. Contact
David Brooks for more details
and to book a place.
Entry: £6 per child
dbrooks@epsom-ewell.gov.uk
0208 394 1734 bournehall.org
24 Jan
The White Rock,
Hastings TN34 1JX
SIMON & GARFUNKEL
– THROUGH THE
YEARS PERFORMED
BY BOOKENDS
Said to be the most authentic
sounding concert of the
duo’s music, you won’t want
to miss this one. Made up
of Dan Haynes & Pete
Richards, Bookends have
toured the globe extensively.
Entry: £33.40
whiterocktheatre.org.uk
2 Feb 3pm
Assembly Halls, Crescent
Road, Tunbridge
Wells TN1 2LU
RTWSO: ROSSINI,
BEETHOVEN, SIBELIUS
The Royal Tunbridge Wells
Symphony Orchestra (RTWSO)
is made up of gifted, local
musicians and professional
orchestral players from
London and the south east.
Entry: from £22, students
and under 18s £5
assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
rtwso.org
Every day except 25 & 26 Dec
until 9 Feb
Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill,
Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA
EMMETTS GARDEN:
WINTER FAMILY
GARDEN TRAIL
Embrace the magic of winter
with your family at the
National Trust’s Emmetts
Garden. Collect a trail sheet at
the Visitor Centre and enjoy
exploring this lovely garden.
Entry: admission fee plus
£2 (includes a prize)
nationaltrust.org.uk
4 Jan to 26 Feb 11am – 3pm
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens,
Biddenden Road, near
Cranbrook TN17 2AB
SISSINGHURST CASTLE
GARDEN: THE SOUTH
COTTAGE 1935
The South Cottage reopens for
a new sensory ‘living museum’
experience that will immerse
you in the sights, sounds,
and smells of a day in the life
of Vita Sackville-West and
Harold Nicolson in 1935.
Entry: see website
nationaltrust.org.uk
19 Jan 2pm
Dorking Halls, Reigate Road,
Dorking, Surrey RH4 1SG
‘RAVE IN SPACE’ BIG FISH
LITTLE FISH FAMILY RAVE
The original family rave Big Fish
Little Fish blasts off to Dorking
for the second time for some
award-winning fun at this space
themed event for families with
0-8 year olds. Dance through
the bubbles, foam and balloons.
Fancy dress (optional): all things
spacey from stars to aliens!
Entry: £16, children £13
dorkinghalls.co.uk
22 Jan 10am – 11.30am
Polesden Lacey, Great
Bookham, near Dorking,
Surrey RH5 6BD
POLESDEN
LACEY: MONTHLY
RAMBLERS WALK
Taking place every fourth
Wednesday of the month, this
volunteer-led walk takes an
hour and a half. Dogs on a lead
are welcome. Meet outside the
coffee shop at 10am. Bring
friends or make new ones.
Entry: free no booking needed
nationaltrust.org.uk
25 Jan 6.30pm – 11.50pm
Denbies Wine Estate,
London Road, Dorking,
Surrey RH5 6AA
DENBIES BURNS NIGHT
CELEBRATIONS
Celebration of Robbie Burns
including dinner and a
traditional Scottish Ceilidh
band in the Conservatory.
Includes sparkling wine on
arrival, 3 course meal, wine
to accompany the meal, live
entertainment and a wee dram.
Entry: see website
denbies.co.uk
26 & 30 Jan; 2, 5 & 7 Feb
Spring Platt, Boyton Court
Road, Sutton Valence,
Maidstone, Kent ME17 3BY
NATIONAL GARDENS
SCHEME – SNOWDROPS
The garden season gets off
to a wonderful start with the
National Garden Scheme’s
Snowdrop and Spring
Flower gardens. Spring Platt
specialises in snowdrops with
approximately 500 varieties to
enjoy. Pre booking is essential.
Entry: £5, children free
ngs.co.uk kentsnowdrops.com
18 – 22 March
Richmond Theatre, Little
Green TW9 1QJ
PETER JAMES’
PICTURE YOU DEAD
A multi star cast (including
Peter Ash and Fiona Wade) has
been announced for the World
Premiere of this brand new stage
production. It’s the latest latest
thrilling crime adaption from
Peter James’ best-selling novel
– a tale of greed, deception
and murder. Book your tickets
now and don’t miss out.
Entry: From £15
(transaction fee of £3.95)
atgtickets.com
105
priceless-magazines.com
Jane Howard explains
how January's earned
the title of maintenance
month at Coopers Farm
So another New Year arrives. That means farm
resolutions as well as the lose weight, drink
less, join a Pilates group variety. Top of the list
is being stricter about the time the rams and the bulls
spend with their respective female counterparts. As
warm May days extend to long June days and hopefully
hot July ones, it’s easy to be relaxed about the herd
and, apart from a daily check, we’re happy to let them
pretty much get on with life. But come February when
we start calving it’s a novelty for the first month and
the second usually passes fairly swiftly, but after eight
weeks the prospect of getting up in the night to check
the calving shed distinctly loses its
appeal. And the same goes for the rams
in the autumn. So this year the boys will
be in and then out – two months and
it’s done and dusted – and I’ve made
a note to self in the diary in red ink!
January is the lull before the storm.
A quiet month when we spend time
focusing on the farm infrastructure –
fences, gates, ditches, water troughs
and the like. It may sound mundane,
but to walk round a farm where
every gate opens and pleasingly
shuts with a resounding clunk is an
absolute joy. One we strive for – but rarely achieve.
Every year we do a gate check and every year
about half of them no longer open without brute
force and the other half no longer shut without
being tied up with string. The alarming rate of gate
destruction is down to various guilty parties.
Lusty young bulls have a habit of overestimating
their ability to leap a five bar gate in search of cows.
It results in their front legs getting over and reaching
the ground while their back legs are left dangling, and
January is the lull
before the storm. A
quiet month when
we spend time
focusing on the farm
infrastructure – fences,
gates, ditches, water
troughs and the like...
unable to push off. So they become suspended over
the gate. As long as important parts aren’t trapped then
it’s annoying but not disastrous and involves wedging
two bales of straw, one under each back leg, so they
can complete the leap. This leaves the gate severely
bowed and no longer will it easily open and shut.
The horses, Betty and Murphy, are also in on the act.
They’ve worked out that if Murphy pushes the bottom
bar down with his hoof to ease the
catch at the same time as Betty pushes
forward with her nose, they too can
open gates. While not inflicting major
damage it’s often enough of a bend to
make closure annoyingly problematic.
At least the sheep can’t get over
or through, though of course there’s
always the third option of wriggling
under. If the grass is greener on the
other side, lambs are canny at scraping
their way beneath the bottom bar.
And, as more and more burrow
out, so the space under the gate
gets bigger and sooner or later the ewes follow.
So major gate repairs are scheduled this month,
and also fencing. Same culprits: cows pushing,
horses leaning and sheep rubbing... As the old saying
goes, there’s nothing sheep like more than escaping,
apart from dying – and if they can die escaping
they couldn’t be happier. It’s true they are real
Houdinis and the slightest weakness will be exploited
resulting in sheep happily munching in an angry
neighbour’s garden. All part of the farming year!
priceless-magazines.com 106
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