Wealden Times | WT166 | December 2015 | Interiors supplement inside

PRICELESS 

DECEMBER 2015 

Wealden Times 

The lifestyle magazine for the Weald 

INTERIORS SUPPLEMENT inside 

Shop online with us 365 days a year at Wealdenfairs.com

Season’s Greetings from Rencraft 

Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

76/78 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB 

Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 

Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com | www.gcollinsandsons.com

www.roundwood.com 

Now a a UK distributor of of Thermo Treated Decking, 

Cladding & Flooring Products by by Thermory ® ®

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS | | QUALITY DECKING & CLADDING 

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING | | HOME & GARDEN FEATURES 

Tel: 01435 867 072 

Round Wood | | Newick Lane | | Mayfield | | East Sussex | | TN20 6RG

OPEN EVENING 

YARD 

STUDIOS 

25th Nov 5-8pm 

FOUNDATION DIPLOMA: 

ART, FASHION, PHOTOGRAPHY & CREATIVE MEDIA 

‘Outstanding’ in ALL areas 2015 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

4 

Rye Studio will be 

bringing festive cheer, 

creative gifts and 

project outcomes; 

performance, dance and street 

theatre, along to both Tenterden 

and Rye this Christmas. 

TENTERDEN 

CHRISTMAS 

MARKET 

5th Dec 10-8pm 

We welcome you to our new 

building Yard Studios where 

there will be a Winters grotto, 

a showcase of our students finest 

work to purchase and mulled wine to 

warm to this winter. 

RYE WINTER 

FESTIVAL 

12th Dec 10-8pm 

RYE 

S 

DI TU O 

YARD 

STUDIOS 

11 King Street, Landgate 

Rye. E. Sussex, TN31 7LH 

Tel: 01797 228434 

www.ryestudioschool.co.uk 

BellegroveWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 RyeStudioSchoolWT166.indd 11:45 

1 13/11/2015 10:31

Contents 

December 2015 

16 

35 

46 

71 

73 

97 

46 

CHANGING SPACES 

John Graham-Hart finds 

properties with former lives, 

from a former reservoir 

building to a classic oast 

IT’S DECEMBER 

What’s going on near 

you this month 

A LITTLE BIT DOWNTON 

Jane Howard goes ‘upstairs 

downstairs’ in a magnificent 

country house near Wadhurst 

INTERIORS SUPPLEMENT 

Four key looks for your home as 

well as the latest homeware – for 

those planning a makeover 

GARDENER’S COTTAGE 

A Sissinghurst home captures 

the imagination of Jo Arnell 

GET THE LOOK 

Fabulous home accessories 

from Wealdenfairs.com 

99 

104 

119 

123 

125 

126 

104 

STOCKING FILLERS 

Little but lovely presents for 

children – and grown-ups too 

AIRFIELD GLAMOUR 

A nod to fabulous female 

pilots and their adventures 

over the Weald 

INSIDER BEAUTY TIPS 

Jo Fairley’s heads-up on 

the best beauty gifts 

WEALDEN HEALTH 

& BEAUTY 

Tips to keep you feeling 

gorgeous 

SAVE OUR SOLES 

Look after yourself – starting 

from the ground up 

NIBBLES OF NOTE 

Nicci Gurr whips up three 

different canapé recipes 

135 

141 

142 

151 

151 

153 

126 

EARTH MATTERS 

Jo Arnell on the importance 

of looking after your soil 

THE GREEN GODDESS 

Penny Kemp on climate change 

and how it affects us 

WHAT’S ON? 

Find out... 

COMPETITION 

Win a selection of gorgeous 

copper homeware from 

Steamer Trading Cookshop 

FABLES FROM THE FARM 

Jane Howard’s latest instalment 

INTRODUCING 

Blend Collective: an 

award-winning, natural 

body-care company from Sussex 

Published by JPS Media Ltd, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent. TN17 3HF. Tel: 01580 714705 Fax: 01580 715983. 

Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk. www.wealdentimes.co.uk copyright JPS Media Ltd 2015©. 

The views of the advertisers and contributors are not necessarily those of JPS Media Ltd. 

5 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

KENT’S LEADING COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL 

CHRISTMAS 

EVENTS 

PRIVATE DINING - at The Manor 

Experience Eastwell Manor’s private festive dining in one of 

the Manor’s exquisite oak-panelled dining rooms. We will be 

delighted to tailor-make a menu to suit your budget and 

requirements. For any size group from eight to eighty people. 

From £42 per person 

PANTO AT THE PAVILION - Aladdin 

Sunday, 13 th December 2015 

Join Aladdin, Wishee Washee, Widow Twankey and the lovely 

Princess Jasmine as they endure the evil Abanazar and his 

wicked plans to become the most powerful ruler of them 

all... With a whole host of other magical characters to meet... 

you are in for a real panto treat... ‘Oh Yes You Are’! Start the 

evening with supper with the stars. 

£35 per person half price for children under 12 

Two course supper in The Pavilion Restaurant followed by the 

performance. Supper from 4.30 pm. Performance 6.30 pm 

CHRISTMAS BALLS 

Friday 11 th December & Friday 18 th December 2015* 

BOXING DAY BALL 

Saturday 26 th December 2015 

The evenings commence with a champagne and canapé 

reception in the Great Hall followed by a special four course 

dinner including coffee and petits fours. After dinner enjoy 

dancing to our resident live band.* 

£95 per person Black Tie Events 

VEGAS NIGHT 

Sunday, 27 th December 2015 

An entertaining, American-themed evening of glitz and glamour. 

Black Tie or Tuxedo optional and a chance for the ladies 

to sparkle. Start the evening with a ‘Vegas’ cocktail at 7.00 pm 

followed by our ‘American’ menu finishing with coffee and 

popcorn. Enjoy the sound of our smooth ‘Sinatra’ style singer 

with dancing in the Great Hall and try your luck at the ‘fun’ 

casino and blackjack tables.* 

£80 per person 

MOTOWN NIGHT 

Monday, 28 th December 2015 

The evening commences at 7.00 pm with a ‘Motown’ Cocktail. 

A superb dinner awaits you in the Manor Restaurant followed 

by live singers “Motown Magic” - dance the night away to 

favourite Motown tunes.* 


1980’S DISCOTHEQUE 

Tuesday, 29 th December 2015 

Join us in the Great Hall at 7.00 pm where we will be serving 

Piña Coladas before going through to the Manor Restaurant 

and savouring a typical 1980’s menu. After dinner our resident 

DJ will play 1980’s music and keep you dancing all night long.* 


*until mignight 

Coming to an event? Why not stay the night? 

Overnight accommodation with full English breakfast and full use of the spa facilities from £85 per person 

For general enquiries please call our Reservations Team on 01233 213020 

or email: enquiries@eastwellmanor.co.uk 

Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR www.eastwellmanor.co.uk 

Special offers throughout November and December to celebrate 

20 years of The Parrett Family at Eastwell Manor 

- see our website for more information.

LET 

LET 

Sales and 

Lettings 

LET 

SOLD 

SOLD 

SOLD 

SOLD 

SOLD 

SOLD 

LET 

Local and national reach 

through a network of 

London and strategically 

placed regional offices. 

If you are contemplating 

selling or letting in 2016, 

do contact us for honest, 

sound advice and see how 

our professional, straight 

forward approach can 

assist your move. 

Cranbrook 

Canterbury 

Oxted 

Sevenoaks 

Tunbridge Wells 

Sales 01580 720000 

Lettings 01580 720400 

coming 26 January 2015 

The Property Ombudsman 

Milford House, 43-55 Milford Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP1 2BP 

Tel: 01722 333 306 Fax: 01722 332 296 Website: www.tpos.co.uk E-mail: admin@tpos.co.uk Twitter: @TPOmb

CHRISTMAS 

IS A TIME FOR 

PLANNING 

Over the festive break, hundreds 

of people will be contemplating 

their next move. 

Contact us today for a free market 

appraisal to make sure your 

property is waiting for them in the 

New Year. 

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge-wells 

tunwells@knightfrank.com 

01892 310700 

Guide price £1,850,000 

Brenchley 

A substantial Edwardian family house on the edge of a popular village 

Entrance lobby, dining hall, cloakroom, inner hall, cellar, kitchen / breakfast room, utility room, 

drawing room, sitting room, oak-framed garden room. Master bedroom with en suite shower 

room, 4 further bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, study, office. Gardens and grounds. 

Paved terrace. Woodland. Tandem garage. Store room. Planning permission for ancillary 

accommodation. EPC rating E. In all about 6.37 acres. 

@KF_TWells 

KnightFrank.co.uk 

Guide price £1,950,000 

Sandhurst 

An impressive family residence with equestrian facilities 

Entrance hall, cloakroom, utility room, kitchen / breakfast room, orangery dining room, study, sitting room, family room, drawing room, garden 

room. Master bedroom suite with dressing room, 6 further bedrooms (2 en suite), 2 family bathrooms. Gardens and grounds. Summer house. 

Swimming pool. Tennis court. Triple garage with annexe above. 2 stable blocks. Sand school. Paddocks. Open bay store. 4 substantial 

outbuildings. 2 Atcost barns. EPC rating C. In all about 25.72 acres.

opening 

doors in 2016 

There is every reason to believe that 2016 will be a very good 

year for both buyer and seller. 

If you are thinking of a move in the New Year, please contact 

us to see how we can help. 

Knight Frank Tunbridge Wells 

T 01892 310700 

tunwells@knightfrank.com 

KnightFrank.co.uk/tunbridge‐wells

Philberts would like to wish 

you all a Merry Christmas 

and a Happy New Year 

01580 761650 

www.philberts.co.uk 

PhilbertsLettingsWT166.indd 1 18/11/2015 11:11 


10 

SJDprojectsWT166.indd 1 05/11/2015 17:03

‘Our Focus ‘Our Determines Focus Determines Your Reality’ Your Reality’ 

HARPERS AND HURLINGHAM 

SOLD 

2015 

SOLD 


SOLD 


SOLD 


CRANBROOK £1,495,000 

GOUDHURST £1,475,000 

GOUDHURST £1,250,000 

CRANBROOK £895,000 

SOLD 


SOLD 


SOLD 


SOLD 


SOLD 


SOLD 



Harpers & Hurlingham 

would like to wish everyone 

a very Happy Christmas 

and New Year 


SOLD 


STAPLEHURST £845,000 

If your New Year’s Resolution 

Is to move in 2016 

Call us today 

01580 715400 

SOLD 


SISSINGHURST £845,000 

SOLD 


We are open throughout Christmas and New Year 

with the exception of Christmas Eve, 

Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Christmas Sunday 

SOLD 



LINTON £800,000 

HURST GREEN £700,000 

STAPLEHURST £595,000 

GOUDHURST £545,000 


Harpers&Hurlingham 

The Cornerhouse, Stone Street, Cranbrook 

01580 715400 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

London offiCe: KenSingTon 020 7938 2311 

Lettings Team 

Sales Team 

Chez Charlie Janey Jane Cathy Jane Sarah Debbie Catherine Caroline Dianne Helen

Marden £850,000 

Fine Grade II Listed barn • Sweeping drive and turning circle • Sitting Room 

• Open Plan Morning Room • Kitchen/Breakfast Room • Study & Open Plan 

Snug • Four Bedrooms incorp. Master Bedroom with En-Suite • Gardens & 

paddocks total plot size approx 1.4 acres • Timber Outbuilding 

CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888 

Goudhurst £595,000 

Detached Chalet Style House • Cloaks/Shower Room • Sitting Room with 

feature inglenook style fireplace housing wood-burning stove • Kitchen/ 

Breakfast Room & Utility Room • Ground Floor Bedroom 3 • Two Double 

Bedrooms • Garage 6m x 2.70m • Brick & Timber Shed 2.53m x 2.21m 

CRANBROOK OFFICE 01580 712 888 

East Peckham OIEO £500,000 

Three double bedroom period home • Overlooking open countryside 

• High ceilings, open fireplaces with well-proportioned receptions 

• Potential for extension subject to PP • Driveway with ample off road 

parking and a detached timber garage • NO FORWARD CHAIN • EPC: E 

Yalding Guide Price £499,995 

Four double bedroom, period detached home • Sitting room with large 

inglenook fireplace and two further receptions • Wealth of character 

throughout with exposed timbers & beams • Driveway and detached double 

garage • Large south facing rear garden • NO FORWARD CHAIN • EPC: N/A 

PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325 PADDOCK WOOD OFFICE 01892 832 325

savills.co.uk 

1 

CHARMING LISTED OAST HOUSE 

benenden, kent 

Benenden 1.6 miles; Cranbrook 5.3 miles; Tunbridge Wells 17 miles 

ø 4 reception rooms ø kitchen/breakfast room ø master bedroom & en suite ø 4 further 

double bedrooms ø 2 bath/shower rooms ø attractive garden & paddock ø triple garage 

ø approx 15,000 sq ft outbuilding ø about 5 acres ø 350 sq m (3,763 sq ft) 

Guide £1.495 million Freehold 

Savills Cranbrook 

James Lloyd 

jlloyd@savills.com 

01580 720161 

2 

BEAUTIFULLY SITUATED RESIDENTIAL FARM 

biddenden, kent 

Biddenden 2.2 miles; Tenterden 3.8 miles; Cranbrook 4 miles; Tunbridge Wells 18.6 miles 

ø detached period 3 bedroom oast house ø detached 4 bedroom bungalow ø range of 

outbuildings ø stables ø barn with B1 use ø about 35 acres ø oast 180 sq m (1,947 sq ft) 

ø bungalow 125 sq m (1,345 sq ft) ø EPC=D 

Offers in excess of £1.295 million Freehold 

Savills Cranbrook 

Patrick Baily 

pbaily@savills.com 

01580 720161

Demonstration house 

now available 

THE 

SQUARE 

Put New a England smile on comes your face. home. 

New homes in Rye, East Sussex, from £165,000 to £345,000. 

Only one bedroom apartments and four bedroom houses are now 

available on the current phase - due for completion this Autumn. 

Set in 15 acres of private parkland with 

• Spacious comfortable homes with parking 

• countryside 10 minutes views walk from Rye town centre 

• High specifi cation with relaxed New England style • • 10 High-speed minutes’ walk rail connection from Rye to town London centre 

• Set in 15 acres of private parkland 

• High-speed rail connection to London 

with countryside views 

THE SQUARE 

Freephone: 0800 612 7933 E-mail: sales@ValleyParkRye.com 

www.ValleyParkRye.com 

AroncorpsWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 10:10 

COUNTRY HOUSE 

DEVELOPMENTS 

MAXIMISE THE 

VALUE OF YOUR LAND 

Country House Developments is a Kent based 

company dedicated to working in partnership with 

land owners to maximise the value of their land. 

• We're experts in local planning policy 

• We have a great track record in achieving success 

• Most importantly - we cover all the costs - 

you don’t pay for anything 

Whether you are the owner of a large garden, 

a commercial site or simply have some land you think 

might be of interest, we’d really like to hear from you. 

Call US TODAY: 0843 557 4080 

Email: sales@maximiseMYland.co.uk 

Web: www.maximiseMYland.co.uk 


14 

CountryHouseDevelopmentsWT145.indd 1 13/02/2014 11:55

Residential Sales • Management and Lettings 

01580 242700 

wealdproperty.net 

Sedlescombe, East Sussex £735,000 

Woodman’s Rest presents a rare opportunity to acquire an attractive, modern four bedroom detached house set within private and secluded garden, 

grounds and paddocks totalling approximately 5 acres that include an idyllic fishing pond/bird sanctuary, a large commercial grade barn (currently used for a 

groundworks/tree surgery business) and high quality stabling for at least 3 horses. The property is accessed by electric gates, there is ample driveway parking and 

panoramic rural views of the beautiful and unspoilt surrounding countryside. For Sale – Freehold. 

WINTER 

FOOD FESTIVAL 

Saturday 5 th 

December 

10am - 8pm 

Free Entry 

Sponsored by Weald Property 

Street Food 

Santa’s Grotto 

Christmas Gifts 

Vintage Brocante 

Local Produce 

2 Windmill Oast, Windmill Farm, 

Rolvenden, Kent TN17 4PF

HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart 

1. 

Changing faces 

John Graham-Hart finds properties with former lives 

I 

can’t remember his name and doubt, after all these years, he’s alive enough 

to remember mine. However, I do remember we spent a very pleasant hour 

or two together with his granddaughter, who spoke the English he didn’t, 

on a hillock overlooking an impossibly beautiful corner of the Pacific Ocean. 

He had been a fisherman and, when his fishing days came to an end, had 

dragged his old boat on to the hill, overturned it, cut a little door in the hull, 

fitted a couple of windows prised from a long-dead Chevy and moved in. 

His granddaughter explained that his sons had built him a house in the village 

but he preferred to live here. When I asked him why, his eloquent answer was just 

an incredulous wave of an arm, over his home and out in an arc across the sparkling 

water. Was I completely blind? 

Over the centuries, humans have developed the skill and will to transform any 

item or structure of sufficient size, into a shelter or home. And so it continues to this 

day – from railway carriages on Pagham beach to textile factories in Tribeca, from 

Boeing 727s in Mississippi to shipping containers in Costa Rica, from double decker 

buses and aircraft hangers to fire stations, forts, follies and, of course, fishing boats. 

Virtually any enclosed space is game and these conversions are much beloved by 

creative architects who now grandly term the process of conversion ‘adaptive reuse’. 

And who can blame them? The opportunity to give a neglected and disused structure 

– often with a considerable historical or architectural value – a completely new lease 

of life as a much-loved home is exceptionally attractive. 

In the Weald we are, perhaps, a little short on abandoned 727s but the Wealden 

Times usually has a rich stock of oasts, barns, mills, stables, chapels and former 

workhouses. Alas, we’ve yet to find a forsaken fishing boat for you but if you fancy a 

home with a history all its own, here’s a selection… 


16 

1. Maplehurst Mill 

Where? Maplehurst Mill is on the banks 

of a mill stream about half a mile northeast 

of the pretty village of Frittenden (Google 

Maps TN17 2DT). 

What? A Grade II listed property, 

the mill is not only of considerable 

architectural and historical interest but 

comes with warmth and charm by the 

bushel. The main part of the house 

dates from 1756, with the oldest section 

going back to the 15th century. The 

mill machinery is all intact, although 

it has milled its last grain. Downstairs 

accommodation includes a reception hall, 

drawing room, sitting room and dining 

rooms with inglenooks and five further 

reception rooms including a music room 

and the miller’s office. 

Upstairs are a master bedroom with en 

suite bathroom and five further bedrooms, 

three with their own bathrooms. There is 

further accommodation – a sitting room, 

study, kitchen, bathroom and studio/ 

bedroom – in the mill’s converted stables. 

The property is in 10 acres of landscaped 

grounds with the millstream running 

through them. There is also a secluded 

swimming pool. 

How much? Maplehurst Mill is on 

the market with Jackson-Stops & Staff in 

Cranbrook who are inviting offers in excess 

of £1,250,000. Call 01580 720000 or visit 

www.jackson-stops.co.uk

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

2. Lamberden Oast 

Where? Lamberden Oast is off 

the Rye Road on the outskirts of the 

village of Sandhurst in an elevated rural 

location with views over neighbouring 

farmland (Google Maps TN18 5PH). 

What? An attached triple squarekiln 

oast, Lamberden was converted 

in the mid-1970s but it is believed to 

date from around 1850 and has been 

attractively updated since its original 

conversion and decorated in cool white 

throughout. Downstairs is a sitting 

room with a door opening out on to the 

terrace and garden and a spacious openplan 

kitchen/breakfast room/family 

room with French windows opening on 

to the garden. There is also a separate 

study. 

On the first floor is a master bedroom 

with en suite bathroom, three further 

double bedrooms and a family bath and 

shower room. Outside is an attractive 

terrace and secluded gardens of around 

half an acre surrounded by rolling 

farmland. 

How much? Lamberden Oast is on 

the market with Harpers & Hurlingham 

in Cranbrook at £795,000. 

Call 01580 715400 or visit 

www.harpersandhurlingham.com 

3. Marwood Farm 

Where? Marwood Farm is in a quiet, 

rural location about a mile-and-a-half 

south of the village of Adlington and 

within easy reach of the Royal Military 

Canal (Google Maps TN25 7BX). 

What? An unlisted former 18th 

century Kent ragstone threshing barn, 

Marwood retains an attractive range 

of original features including the 

original high barn doors – now glazed 

– vaulted ceilings and a number of the 

structure’s pretty, narrow windows. 

Accommodation includes a sitting room 

with inglenook fireplace, a galleried 

reception hall, kitchen/breakfast 

room, studio with kitchenette and five 

bedrooms. 

Attached to the main building is 

a large workshop – which could be 

converted into another bedroom or 

reception room – and a garage. The 

layout of the property is such that part 

of the building can be used as a selfcontained 

annexe. A particular feature 

of the property is its lovely ragstone 

walled garden which includes vegetable 

and fruit gardens and a greenhouse. 

How much? Marwood Farm is on 

the market at £699,000 and is with 

Hobbs Parker in Tenterden. Call 01580 

766766 or visit www.hobbsparker.co.uk 

4. Fairbourne Reservoir West 

Where? Fairbourne Reservoir West is in 

a rural location at Harrietsham, between 

Maidstone and Ashford (Google Maps 

ME17 1NA). 

What? The property is a truly stunning 

conversion of a former reservoir building 

with the architect taking considerable 

care to ensure the house pays homage to 

its industrial past while offering all the 

advantages of 21st century design. At the 

heart of the house – on the ground floor – 

is a spectacular open-plan kitchen/dining/ 

family room with sliding glazed doors 

opening on to the terrace and swimming 

pool. 

Also on the ground floor is a gym, 

cinema, games room, a master bedroom 

with en suite bathroom and four further 

bedrooms all with en suite bathrooms. 

On the upper floor is the ultimate 

entertaining space – a 130 square metre 

glass cube with panoramic view over the 

countryside to the North Downs and 

surrounded by a roof terrace. To the rear 

of the house the striking, industrial façade 

is softened by a lawn and large paddock. 

How much? Fairbourne Reservoir 

West is on the market with Knight Frank 

in Sevenoaks and is priced at £2,250,000. 

Call 01732 744477 or visit 

www.knightfrank.co.uk 

17 17 www.wealdentimes.co.uk

THE LOVE AFFAIR COLLECTION 

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Tel: 020 8303 2760 


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Maidstone, ME14 1JL 

Tel: 020 8466 8080 

Tel: 01223 464400 

Tel: 01622 756756 

www.beoshop.co.uk 


of Tunbridge Wells 

66 Mount Pleasant Road 


Kent TN1 1RB 

Tel: 01892 527525 

B & O April 15indd.indd 1 12/3/15 12:34:06

HAPPY DIAMONDS

Big enough to know - 

Small enough to care 

Buss Murton Law – for you and your family. 

Our services for individuals include buying or selling 

your home, divorce, wills and probate, arrangements 

for the elderly, trusts and tax planning, as well as 

advice about your employment. And if you are 

involved in running a business, we can support 

you on all the legal issues that may arise. 


01892 510222 

Wellington Gate, 7-9 Church Road, 

Tunbridge Wells, 

Kent TN1 1HT 

Dartford 

01322 220235 

2 Banks Place, 

Market Place, Dartford, 

Kent DA1 1EX 

Cranbrook 

01580 712215 

31 High Street, 

Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3EE 

East Grinstead 

01342 328000 

Crown Lodge, 

Cantelupe Road, East Grinstead, 

West Sussex RH19 3BJ 

PROUD SPONSORS OF CRANBROOK RFC 

www.bussmurton.co.uk

BUSS MURTON advertorial 

BUSS MURTON - CRANBROOK 

Buss Murton is one of the oldest 

law practices in Kent. We can trace 

an unbroken line back to one John 

Hassell who in 1713 was working 

as an attorney in Cranbrook and 

we are proud to continue serving 

the community in Cranbrook. 

We give advice to individuals and 

families on their personal and 

property arrangements, and also to 

businesses that are run by individuals 

with a significant ownership stake. 

The focus in both areas is on the 

provision of practical advice by 

lawyers with real experience, people 

who understand life as well as law 

and can empathise with their clients. 

At Buss Murton we regard ourselves 

as an integral part of the local 

communities in which we operate. 

We are proud to sponsor Cranbrook 

Rugby Club and have recently been 

involved with the World Cup events 

such as the RWC primary schools 

tag festival and the Mini B festival, 

both held at Cranbrook Rugby Club. 

Buss Murton Law in conjunction with 

the Cranbrook Business Association 

also host a monthly event called 

The Pudding Club. This is open to 

all businesses and organisations 

who are based within a four mile 

radius of Wilsley Pound roundabout, 

Cranbrook so if you are not already 

a member please do get in touch. 

Buss Murton welcomes Solicitor 

Julie Taylor to the Cranbrook office 

offering Family and Employment 

Law advice. Julie is a Solicitor and 

Barrister with a background in 

financial services and has been 

providing advice in employment law 

and family law since 2010 at local 

solicitors’ firms across the Weald. 

She lives in Cranbrook and has many 

local community connections. Julie 

is able to offer practical solutions to 

both personal and business situations 

Julie Taylor 

in the area of Employment Law. 

She also understands the complex 

emotional process involved in all 

areas of Family Law and promotes 

mediation and a collaborative 

approach. Julie is a member of 

Resolution, a national organisation of 

family lawyers committed to nonconfrontational 

divorce, separation 

and other family problems. 

Buss Murton Law Solicitors for all your personal and business needs 

Personal Law: 

Residential Property 

Family and Divorce 

Employment Law 

Wills, Trusts and Powers of Attorney 

Personal Litigation 

Business Law: 

Commercial Property 

Commercial Law 

Employment Law 

Litigation & Dispute Resolution 

Mergers, Acquisitions & Disposals 

Debt Recovery 

We recognise how important it 

is that you have confidence in 

your lawyer and therefore we 

offer a free initial 30 minute 

meeting to allow you to meet us 

and discuss the way forward. 

To book an appointment please 

phone 01580 712215 or email Julie 

at: jtaylor@bussmurton.co.uk 

Get in touch with our friendly teams: 

Cranbrook 

01580 712215 

Dartford 

01322 220235 

East Grinstead 

01342 328000 


01892 510222 

www.bussmurton-cranbrook.co.uk

Festive Fizz 

Weekends 

Free winery tours & 

complimentary 

glass of fizz or 

warm mulled cider 

November 

Sat- 28th / Sun- 29th 


Sat- 5th / Sun- 6th 

Sat-12th / Sun- 13th 

25% off all cases of wine 

Tour times: 11.30, 12.30, 14.30 & 15.30 

Opening times: 11.00 -17.00 

Hush Heath Estate, Five Oak Lane, Staplehurst, TN12 0HT 

01622 832794 www.hushheath.com 

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24 

InvictaKitchensWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 12:24

AD_120362_Short courses_Ton_130x185 02/11/2015 16:30 Page 1 

POSTGRADUATE 

LEVEL SHORT 

COURSES 

New in Tonbridge for 2016 

Postgraduate-level short courses in: 

• Creative Writing – 4 weeks 

• English and American Literature – 4 weeks 

• History of Art – 6 weeks 

The courses will be taught in Tonbridge by leading 

academics from January. They are designed as 

preparation for formal postgraduate study and can 

also be taken for interest. 

A one-day Postgraduate Study Skills workshop 

can also be booked separately. 

Find out more and register your interest: 

www.kent.ac.uk/tonbridge 

01732 352316 

tonbridgeadmin@kent.ac.uk 

DESIGN & PLANNING | RESTORATION | NEW BUILD | BARN CONVERSIONS | EXTENSIONS | JOINERY 

UniversityOfKentTonbridgeCentreWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 10:41 

Oak Buildings... 

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For a brochure or free home consultation contact: 

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25 www.wealdentimes.co.uk 

AnthonyHicksWT142.indd 1 14/11/2013 10:44

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OrlestoneOakWT162.indd 1 21/07/2015 15:44 

QUALITY CLOTHING AND A PERSONAL SERVICE 

CHRISTMAS AT COUNTY CLOTHES 

As the festive season approaches we 

are pleased to be able to offer our 

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Fine quality socks by 

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and Irish linen handkerchiefs 

and hand sewn gloves from 

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Our BARBOUR ranges include 

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As always, we are pleased 

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CountyClothes 


CountyClothesWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 15:54

Design & Planning 

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Established 1986

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Spotlight on joint pain 

We take a closer look at the issues 

associated with joint pain 

Hip Replacement. The multi-team 

approach, including the orthopaedic 

surgeon, anaesthetist, theatre team, 

ward staff and physiotherapist, has 

shown excellent results in the delivery 

of patient focused care with some 

patients being discharged after only 

one day in hospital. 

Many people ask what causes joint pain and, more importantly, 

what you can do about it when you’re suffering, so we asked 

Matthew Oliver and Hugh Apthorp, orthopaedic surgeons at 

Benenden Hospital, for their views. 

Q 

What are the main causes 

of joint pain? 

MO: Joint pain is a common topic 

of conversation as many people 

suffer, either due to accidents, sports 

injuries, or congenital conditions, 

or simply through the natural aging 

process. The most common areas for 

joint pain are in the knees and hips, 

especially as you get older, as these 

are the load-bearing joints. 

Osteoarthritis has been the 

predominant diagnosis in 93% of hip 

replacement cases recorded over the 

last 11 years according to the National 

Joint Registry with a 96% rate for 

knee replacements during the same 

period. Unfortunately it is also a fact 

that the UK population, in general, is 

getting heavier with obesity being 

another cause of joint pain. 

Q What treatment options 

are there? 

MO: Options depend on the diagnosis 

but ways of easing the pain include 

heat, rest and over the counter 

medications as well as acupuncture, 

pilates, swimming, physiotherapy or, 

as a short-term solution, steroid or 

cortisone injections. Weight loss can 

be a further option to help ease the 

symptoms of painful joints. 

But in many cases the answer to 

relieving prolonged pain will be 

surgery. In 2014 over 90,000 people 

had a hip procedure and over 100,000 

had a procedure on their knee. 

Q What are the surgical 

options? 

HA: Surgeons will only consider 

replacement knee or hip surgery 

as a last resort, especially when the 

patient is younger, e.g. under 60, 

as artificial joints have a limited life 

expectancy. 

For hips it is generally some part 

of the joint wearing out and surgery 

will be performed to replace part, 

or the inside surface, of the socket, 

or both. For knees, however, if the 

cartilage has worn down or broken 

up completely, and the bones rub 

together an artificial replacement 

is implanted. 

Q Can you tell us more 

about the Short Stay Hip 

Replacement programme 

HA: I developed the short stay 

hip replacement programme in 

2004 to significantly reduce the 

amount of time patients spend in 

hospital when undergoing a Total 

Q Tell us more about 

Benenden as a Centre of 

Excellence 

MO: Kent residents are fortunate that 

they have a Centre of Excellence for 

hip and knee surgery at Benenden 

Hospital. I’m an expert on the causes 

of joint pain and ways of treating it, 

and my colleague Hugh Apthorp is 

one of the UK’s leading hip 

replacement specialists. 

With state-of-the-art operating 

theatres; en-suite rooms and secondto-none 

infection control systems 

to keep patients safe from hospital 

acquired infections, Benenden 

Hospital is the second largest single 

site independent provider in the 

South East for orthopaedic surgery. 

Q How easy is it to get 

access to treatment? 

Once its established a patient needs 

to see a consultant, the patient and/or 

GP can choose Benenden Hospital via 

the following methods:- 

- Private self-paying providing rapid 

access to treatment 

- Private Medical Insurance providing 

rapid access to treatment 

- †NHS referral through the NHS 

e-referral system 

- Benenden Personal Healthcare 

membership – providing a 

substantial discount on self-paying 

fees 

For more information 

call 01580 242 521 (quote WT) 

Or visit us online at 

www.benendenhospital.org.uk 

†NHS patients will be treated within the 

Government set 18 week waiting list, or 

sooner if possible.

Get your hip or knee 

replacement from your 

local orthopaedic 

specialists 

Rapid access to expert 

treatment and care for 

private patients 

All-inclusive 

package price 

£8,650 

Ask your GP 

to refer you 

There’s no need to sit at home waiting for 

a new hip or knee a minute longer. Get your 

life back on track as a private patient at 

Benenden Hospital. 

Your hip or knee replacement is available without delay. 

You’re in expert hands and can see an experienced 

specialist consultant right away. Your surgery is 

performed in a high-tech theatre. You’ll stay in a single 

en-suite room. And, to get you back on your feet as 

quickly as possible, you’ll be supported by our rapid 

recovery programme. 

*Hip or knee replacement is not available as part of Benenden membership, 

members do however receive an exclusive discount off the full private patient 

price. This offer is only available for treatment undertaken at Benenden Hospital 

in Kent. See www.benendenhospital.org.uk for the latest information on discounts 

for Benenden members. The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by 

guarantee. Registered in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number 

1065995. Registered office, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddard’s Green Road, 

Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX 

We’re specialists in orthopaedic care 

Why Benenden Hospital? We’re a Centre of Excellence 

having performed thousands of successful hip and knee 

replacement procedures delivered by leading specialist 

consultants. Our safety record is second to none. Our 

facilities are modern and comfortable. Our staff are 

friendly and welcoming. And, however you choose 

to travel, we’re easy to find. 

Benenden members receive an exclusive 

discount price of £7,785.* 

Find out more today 

01580 242 521 (Quote WT) 

www.benendenhospital.org.uk

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Star Wars Toys and Posters 

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Saturday 5 December 2015 to 

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#MayTheToysBeWithYou 

PLEASE 

PAY WHAT 

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Sweet & songful 

As the evening draws in, wrap up warm and get together with 

family and friends to visit Tonbridge School Chapel on Thursday 

17 December. From 6.30pm a festive celebration will be taking 

place in aid of NSPCC. The jolly sound of Christmas carols will 

dance through the winter air. Readings and guest performances 

by sensational baritone Jonathan Veira and the Fidelity Choir 

will inspire and delight audiences of all ages. Tickets are 

available from Tonbridge School Box Office. To book call 

01732 304241 or visit www.boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk 


notebook 

Exhibitions & events 

near you this month... 

Magical mishap... 

Join Buttons, Fairy Godmother, The Ugly Sisters 

and of course Cinderella, in the Assembly Hall 

Theatre’s spectacular family pantomime. From 

11 December to 3 January laugh, shout, boo 

and hiss as the stage comes alive with festive 

magic (and of course lots of fairy dust). This 

classic, old time favourite tale is told with 

familiar faces such as CBBC’s Tracey Beaker, and 

Nickelodeon’s Jamie Rickers. To book your tickets 

and secure a spot call the box office on 01892 

532072 or visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk 

A merry chorus... 

A true highlight of the festive season is returning 

to Rochester Cathedral on 8 December, 7.30pm. 

35 choristers will be accompanied by the Rochester 

Camerata Orchestra as they perform Part 1 of Handel’s 

Messiah and carols. With a promise of getting friends 

and family in the Christmas spirit, this annual fundraising 

concert is a sellout, and helps to provide the 

Cathedral with the maintenance and attention it 

needs, having not benefitted from public funding. 

Tickets are priced from £12 and are available from 

the Cathedral shop or by calling 01634 843366. 

In the frosty air... 

The Bell, Ticehurst is bringing an age old London 

tradition back to life with their very own Frost 

Fair, taking place on Sunday 6 December between 

11am and 3pm. In the spirit of helping excellent 

local artisans, stalls inside and out will be laden with 

everything you need for a very special Christmas. 

With the sweet sound of carol singers, and tasty 

seasonal refreshments in hand, you’ll be sure to be 

heading home with a bountiful supply of goodies and 

plenty of goodwill. Entry is free, but remember to 

book your Sunday roast in advance. 01580 200234 

www.thebellinticehurst.com 

Illuminate & illustrate 

‘Notes of Christmas’ will be taking place at Leeds 

Castle from 5-24 December. The magnificent 

state rooms will be adorned with works of art 

depicting Christmas carol inspired scenes, and 

gently illuminated in white, gold and silver. 

Bring the little ones along to take part in the 

musical trail throughout the castle, as they 

spot vintage instruments hidden amongst the 

beautifully decorated spruce trees. Entrance to 

‘Notes of Christmas’ is included in the price 

of general admission and more information 

can be found at www.leeds-castle.com 

The toys you’re 

looking for... 

One of the UK’s finest collections of Vintage Star 

Wars Toys and original cinema posters will go on 

display for the first time in a brand new exhibition 

at the Beaney House Of Art and Knowledge in 

Canterbury. Coinciding with the release of Star 

Wars: Episode VII, ‘May The Toys Be With You’ 

opens on Saturday 5 December, and is a true 

celebration of the now highly collectable and 

iconic design work, that inspired a generation. 

This is unmissable for both little and big kids! For 

more informaiton visit www.thebeaney.co.uk 

Cooking up a storm 

Due to popular demand, Jempson’s in Peasmarsh will 

be welcoming back celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager 

to host another fun-filled cookery demonstration 

evening. Visit the independent store on Friday 11 

December from 5-7pm to learn tips and tricks from 

the expert. Tickets are £2 and include a soft drink 

and a mince pie. They’re on sale now, so visit www. 

jempsons.com/shop/tickets to book your place! 


Christmas 

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Work Boots 

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3 Watt Focussing 

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Maidstone 

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16oz Hi-Vis 

Hammer 

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Woodford Depot: 

01580 892733 

Maidstone Road | Staplehurst |TN12 0RH 

£5.99 

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Magnetic 

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Staplehurst: 

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Compression 

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Ashford: 

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GIVE MORE 

THAN A GIFT 

THIS CHRISTMAS 

Nothing beats time spent in the great outdoors. 

From tackling a new summit, to entertaining 

the kids on a weekend away, or enjoying 

solitary moments of calm, the right gift 

can open up a whole world of adventure. 

MAIDSTONE, ME14 5LH | CANTERBURY, CT1 2JG | TUNBRIDGE WELLS, TN1 1QG 

HOME DELIVERY 

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COTSWOLDOUTDOOR.COM

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UPCYCLE YOUR OLD JEWELLERY , REPAIRS & COMMISSIONS 

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simply bring this voucher into store between now 

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LONDON 

79 Calverley Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY t.01892 548 111 

‘At Home Design Service’ available 

Visit us at

Local Showrooms at: 

Tunbridge Wells: Unit 5 Tunbridge Wells Trade Park, Longfield Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF 

Sevenoaks: Polhill Garden Centre, London Rd, Badgers Mount, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 7AD 

Sidcup: Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, Kent DA14 5BQ 

Visit granitetransformations.co.uk for more information

ARE YOUR CHILDREN 

seizing life’s adventures? 

Let them be confident, creative 

and capable with an adventurous 

education at Ashford School 

Scholarships are available for entry into Years 5, 7, 9 and 12 

Pick up the phone and speak to us at Ashford School 

01233 739030 

registrar@ashfordschool.co.uk 

Adventurous Learning 

www.ashfordschool.co.uk

Retreat Weekends in Kent 

Affordable Luxury in the Garden of England 

Treat yourself to two luxurious days of blissful 

treatments, stimulating classes, scrumptious organic 

food and idyllic country walks, all in the tranquil 

surroundings of beautiful Oxon Hoath. 

Editor’s 

Letter 

For those who love Christmas, the month of December brings 

much excitement, from Christmas shopping trips and drinks 

parties to planning the Christmas feast. Others will be looking 

forward to more simple pleasures, such as time off work and 

bracing country walks with friends and family. Whichever 

group you fit into, this month’s magazine has masses to inspire 

you and keep you entertained. 

If you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, or still have 

a few little things to buy, our Stocking Fillers pages will help 

– as will Jo Fairley’s fantastic insider tips on the best beauty gifts 

on sale this Christmas. For aspiring hosts and hostesses we have 

Nicci Gurr’s super-special canapé recipes, which taste as good 

as they look – believe us we’ve tried them – and an inspiring 

festive photo shoot at a country house near Wadhurst. 

Escapists will find sanctuary in our gardening pages, where 

Jo Arnell gets earthy, singing the praises of soil and compost, 

while a look inside the Gardener’s Cottage at Sissinghurst 

Castle offers us a taste of times gone by. If, after all this, you 

still want to flee the country before the relatives arrive you 

can take inspiration from our fashion shoot at Headcorn 

Aerodrome, dress up warm – and stylish – and imagine yourself 

taking off in a Tiger Moth. 

Enjoy your 

Wealden Times! 

Get in touch and we’ll 

put you in the picture! 

2 nights from £299 full board 

including treatments and classes 

01732 811071 www.oxonhoath.co.uk 

OxonHoathWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 14:44 

Wealden Times Team 

Editor .................................................................................Jennifer Stuart-Smith 

Fashion & Beauty Editor................................................................Helen Barton 

Design ..........................................................................................Powerful Pierre 

Design Team ...............................................................................Anthony Boxall 

Rob Cursons 

Phoebe Gilbert 

Managing Director .........................................................................Julie Simpson 

Sales Manager .....................................................................Lisa Gordon-Hughes 

Sales Team .......................................................................................Mandy Agar 

Hayley Biddulph 

Adam Donovan 

Becky Smith 

Lisa Smith 

Chloe Williams 

Distribution ......................................................................................Jude Brown 

Emma Murphy 

Wealden Times Events & Wealdenfairs.com Team 

Sales Director......................................................................................Joy Adams 

Events Organiser .........................................................................Fiona Saunders 

E-Commerce & Marketing Executive............................................James Godfrey 

E-Commerce Assistant............................................................Megan Longworth 


LondonBeachWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 10:20

Scholarship Programme 

Opening access to the best of everything 

‘A huge breadth of 

opportunity to succeed’ 

Good Schools Guide 

Assessment 

•JAnUARY 2016 • 

Additional Bursarial 

assistance is 

available based on 

financial need 

Academic, Art, Music, Drama and Sport Scholarships 

For entry into Year 5 and Year 7 September 2016 

Dulwich Preparatory School 

Cr A n b r O O k 

Independent day and flexible boarding school for boys and girls aged 3 to 13 

registrar@dcpskent.org • 01580 712179 • dcpskent.org

where to find your copy... 

call 01580 714705 

to find your nearest distributor of Wealden Times 

or to have your free copy of Wealden Times delivered 

for 12 months for just £22 postage 

Distribution of Wealden Times 

published in Cranbrook for the Weald 

If you dream of adding 

a stunning living space 

to your home, call now 

to discuss making your 

dreams a reality 

Bromley 

Orpington 

Sevenoaks 

Edenbridge Tonbridge 

Royal 

Tunbridge 

Wells 

Crowborough 

Maidstone 

Ashford 

Cranbrook 

Tenterden 

Canterbury 

Hythe 

Free 

Upgrade 

to Solar 

Control 

Uckfield 

Heathfield 

Rye 

Glass* 

Battle 

Hailsham 

Hastings 

Eastbourne 

You can get your copy at most railway stations, 

newsagents and all Waitrose stores throughout the Weald. The 

following are our major distribution points and you can also visit 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk for a complete listing 

Ashford 

• Waitrose 

• Waterstones 

Battle 

• British Design 

British Made 

• Jempson’s 

Benenden 

• Village Shop 

Biddenden 

• Bloomsburys 

• Cost Cutters 

Boughton Aluph 

• Perry Court 

Farmshop 

Burgess Hill 

• Waitrose 

Burwash 

• Londis 

Canterbury 

• The Goods Shed 

• Waitrose 


Charing 

• Charing Post 

Office 

Cranbrook 

• Ashwal Garage 

• Cocolicious 

• Gastronomia 

• Hartley Dyke 

Farmshop 

• Jackson-Stops & 

Staff 

• Pages 

Crowborough 

• Costa Coffee 

• Sussex Country 

Gardener 

Eastbourne 


Edenbridge 

• Waitrose 

Eridge 

• Fuller’s Farm 

Shop 

Etchingham 

• Bistro at the 

Station 

Faversham 

• Macknade Fine 

Foods 

Goudhurst 

• Goudhurst 

Newsagents 

• Olive Stores 

Hailsham 

• Waitrose 

Hastings 

• Judges Bakery 

Hawkhurst 

• Budgens 

Haywards Heath 

• Denovo Flowers 

Headcorn 

• Sainsbury’s 

Heathfield 

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46

Seasonal splendour 

Words: Jane Howard Photographs: David Merewether 

Styling: Jennifer Stuart-Smith and Helen Barton 

This magnificent country house near Wadhurst has more than a touch of Downton Abbey 

about it, standing nobly in ancient parkland and the rolling hills of the Sussex High Weald. Part 

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48 

atpalmer.co.uk 

ATPalmerWT165.indd 1 06/10/2015 14:34

Above: The magnificent hall, with oak panelling on all sides is the perfect place to entertain at Christmas. The table, which comfortably seats 14 is from 

Maison in Tunbridge Wells, the antler chandelier from Georgia Lacey and glass drops from Le Petit Jardin 

A secret door in the wood panelling by the fireplace opens from the hall into what was a 

small and dark extension added to provide the Victorian owners with lavatories and a scullery 

OK, I’ll admit it, I’m a Downton Abbey fan. So 

what a treat it was to visit this splendid house 

near Wadhurst, that still has many of the relics 

of its illustrious upstairs-downstairs past. 

Turning off the public road you dip down through the 

most picture perfect parkland – sheep grazing under huge 

oak trees, fields fenced in by old estate iron railings – and 

eventually happen across the magnificent house. It’s quite 

breathtaking and not surprising that when Jamie and Becky 

Gunning first drove up to the house, before even getting out 

of the car they were quite sure they would be buying it! 

They had originally lived in London but, like so many 

couples, they wanted more space for their two young 

boys and the country beckoned. Their first move was 

to a cottage near Lamberhurst but before too long this 

proved rather small and, being on a fairly busy road, ended 

up feeling noisier than their original London home. 

Funnily enough Becky had looked at the other side 

of the house – which was divided in the 1980s – but 

it was over budget and seemed like too big a project. 

Then the other half came on the market and, looking 

to move on from Lamberhurst, she urged Jamie to 

go with her to take a look – the rest is history. 

The house was built in 1586 but had extensive additions 

in the Georgian period and again in Victorian times. When 

they looked round, although all the interior furnishings 

were very pink and very eighties, the house still retained 

glimmers of its original grandeur and the Gunnings could 

see the potential for the most perfect family home. 

Entering through the front door you step into a 

really magnificent hall, huge and fabulous – and as 

Becky says, the perfect room for Christmas. Many of 

the original features such as the oak panelling (which 

luckily avoided being painted pink), the stone fireplace, 

the light fittings and shutters remain but here, and 

throughout the house, Becky has carefully added colours, 


An imposing stag-horn chandelier hangs over the table and gives the 

room a real hunting-lodge feel – an idea that has been followed through 

elsewhere, with carefully placed riding boots and trunks. 


50

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Top left: former owners have left pictures which they felt it was only fitting 

should stay with the house. Above: Carefully positioned items add to the 

atmospheric feel of the main hall. Left: a comfy love seat by a leaded window 

which looks out towards the church at Wadhurst. 

At any time you expect Downton’s 

Mrs Patmore to appear 

fabrics and pieces of furniture that cleverly combine a 

grand past with a distinctly contemporary present. 

A beautiful table from Maison in Tunbridge Wells, which 

easily seats 14 people, sits in the middle of the room, 

complemented by button-backed chairs in two shades of 

soft grey linen. An imposing stag-horn chandelier (sourced 

from Georgia Lacey) hangs over the table and gives the 

room a real hunting-lodge feel – an idea that has been 

followed through with carefully placed vintage riding boots 

and trunks. The pictures on the walls are an interesting 

and eclectic mix of finds, gifts and treasures. Some lovely 


Above: the huge and informal family kitchen was once the library, and some 

of the shelves remain. Right: One of the many original fireplaces 

sketches and watercolours of the house were kindly left 

behind by previous owners who felt they should stay 

with the house. In a kitchen drawer the Gunnings came 

across an old picture of a former owner taken about a 

hundred years ago, standing by one of the old oak trees 

on the estate that is recorded in the Domesday Book. 

A secret door in the wood panelling by the fireplace opens 

from the hall into what was a small and dark extension 

added to provide the Victorians with lavatories and sculleries. 

This whole area has been opened up and covered in jolly 

chicken wallpaper to create a wonderful bright and light 

laundry and cloakroom. Two original Victorian side-by-side 

loos (no one is quite sure why) each with its own cubicle 

have been kept, complete with beautiful elm seats, and not 

surprisingly the boys have each adopted one as their own. 

An original dark and stained double sink turned out to 

be a very rare John Balding ‘Trone’ (gasps here from anyone 

who knows their antique sinks) and, following a complete 

renovation, it now looks spectacular in an upstairs bathroom. 

Another secret door, this time a trap door carefully set 

in the wooden floor of the main hall, leads down to 

cavernous cellars that spread out like tentacles in all 

directions under the house. Old floor plans reveal the 

extent of the below-stairs activity with rooms marked 

as ‘Knives and Boots’, ‘Brushing Room’, ‘Gun Room’, 


54 

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Leading off the main hall is the drawing room; it is a very 

elegant room whose Georgian proportions are superb 


Above: the guest bedroom looks out across parkland and has 

panelling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue for a tranquil 

feel. Right: a nearby bathroom is similarly serene 

It must be a real treat for town-dwelling 

guests to lie in such a beautiful room gazing 

out over the East Sussex countryside 

‘Heating Chamber’, ‘Kitchen’, ‘Dairy’ etc – you might 

expect Mrs Patmore to appear at any moment! 

The other room that leads directly off the main hall is 

the drawing room – a very elegant room whose Georgian 

proportions are superb. It still has all the original plaster 

moulding although, when the Gunnings first saw the 

house it was covered by rather shocking pink and white 

wallpaper. Now the room is painted in a soft grey, Slaked 

Lime by Little Greene, which really opens it up to create 

a lovely light and spacious room. Having moved from a 

fairly small cottage to a house with large and grand rooms, 

more furniture was required in a fairly short time which 

has been sourced from all manner of places. Some has been 

given and some found – Becky is especially fond of an 

old card index chest, now used as a side table, which they 

came across on a pavement in Rye with a ‘please take me’ 

sign on it. Becky has stylishly mixed junk shop finds with 

contemporary pieces such as silver lamps from Georgia 

Lacey, some great finds from the Wealden Times Fairs 


58

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60 

APLProjectsWT163.indd 1 12/08/2015 16:43

Above left: Much of the upstairs lighting is by Olive & the Fox, Tunbridge Wells. The lamp made from a pile of books was found in a market in Ibiza 

Above right: Trompe l’oeil ‘Library’ wallpaper from Capital to Coast is used to perfect effect on the landing 

and a huge mirror from Blooms in Tunbridge Wells. 

What was originally the library, is now the kitchen. 

Many features from its heyday such as the panelling, underwindow 

bench-seats and fabulous carved curtain rails 

dripping with fruit, still remain as a reminder of a grand 

past. Surprisingly, the eighties kitchen units and Aga are also 

still in place but with a lot of stripping, lifting the cream 

carpets and a great deal of Farrow & Ball Hardwick White 

paint the Gunnings have cleverly given them a new lease of 

life to create a really light, bright and very pretty kitchen. 

Upstairs, all of the rooms have been redecorated and 

modernised with the work carried out by Oakover 

Contracting, a local company with a real passion and 

sensitivity when it comes to working with older buildings. 

At the top of the stairs is the stunning guest bedroom 

that looks out across the beautiful parkland. The panels 

have been painted in Farrow & Ball Light Blue to create 

a very tranquil feel, perfectly complemented by stunning 

pale grey/green Colefax & Fowler crewelwork curtains. 

An old bed head was reupholstered by TJ Upholstery in 

Wadhurst and it must be a real treat for town-dwelling 

guests to lie in such a beautiful room gazing out over 

some of the best countryside East Sussex has to offer. 

Getting the guest bathroom right was a complete 

nightmare, as the original cast-iron pipe work could not 

be moved, so everything else had to be designed around it. 

The floor had to be reinforced to support a magnificent 

cast-iron bath. Great slate grey wallpaper featuring 

squids and coral looks smart and funky set against green 

tiles and lighting from Olive & the Fox in Tunbridge 

Wells (who supplied most of the upstairs lighting). 

The master bedroom and bathroom are raised a few 

stairs above the landing and other bedrooms, giving a 

sense of seclusion and privacy – though, with two small 

boys this is unlikely to be a reality. Huge windows face 

west with stunning views across to Wadhurst church. 

In such a light room, Becky has been able to paint the 

walls in Little Greene Dark Lead to really stunning effect. 

The en suite is home to the famous double Trone sink 

from downstairs, where it sits in magnificent splendour 


The guest bathroom was a nightmare as the original pipes could not be moved, so everything was 

designed around them, and the floor had to be reinforced to support a magnificent cast-iron bath 


62

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64 

RoundelDesignWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 17:50

Both the boys have fun bedrooms 

decorated with interesting 

wallpaper and tones of blue – 

with, of course, a liberal smattering 

of Lego, cars, bats, balls and books 

to complete the look 


Above: Mysterious stairs in one of the boys’ bedrooms disappear 

into yet more attic space - formerly a servants’ tunnel. 

Right: the house is beautiful, yet is a proper family home 

complemented by Farrow & Ball wallpaper and grey tiles. 

What is now known as ‘Granny’s Room’ is an adorable 

little secret annexe that occupies the first floor of the 

Victorian extension on the side of the house. Originally 

a dark corridor leading to a laundry room it was quite a 

challenge to know what to do. But Becky has very cleverly 

turned the corridor into a little anteroom using Capital 

to Coast ‘Library’ wallpaper which leads into a cosy 

bedroom with pretty strawberry toile curtains. The tiny 

bathroom, painted surprisingly in Farrow & Ball’s Off 

Black works really well with Olive & the Fox lamps. 

Both the boys have fun bedrooms decorated 

with interesting wallpapers and tones of blue – 

with, of course, a liberal smattering of Lego, cars, 

bats, balls and books to complete the look. 

Set in extensive parkland, the house doesn’t really need 

its own private garden but much of the original formal 

framework remains. Beautiful old York stone terraces 

surround the house, leading down through lawns to 

woodland beyond. And the views are breathtaking. 

A sense of history pervades – horse and carriages, butlers, 

and balls – no doubt this house has seen it all over the years. 

Now with a stunning 21 st century makeover it looks very 

well set for an equally imaginative and interesting future. 


66

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A Samuel Alcock biscuit 

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Above left: the main hall is the perfect space for Christmas decorations and festivities, with a magnificent 

fireplace at it heart. Above right: a rustic wreath on the impressive front door 

Address Book: 

Becky runs a cookery party business called Jolly Scrumptious 

Parties with Steph Janice. Together they provide cooking and 

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The house is also available as a location for 

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Christmas decorations from: Spice, Cranbrook 

01580 714156 www.spicecranbrook.co.uk and 

Le Petit Jardin, Tunbridge Wells, 01892 

541152, www.le-petit-jardin.com 

Rustic foliage and Christmas wreaths from 

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Georgia Lacey, 01892 516850, www.georgialacey.co.uk 

Oakover Contracting, 07799 145244 

Olive and the Fox, 01892 614197, www.oliveandthefox.co.uk 

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70 

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Sponsored by 

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View the Interiors Directory online at www.wealdentimes.co.uk

WT Interiors Supplement sponsored by 

Contents 

Designers Guild Pugin Weaves fabric in Ocean, £70 per 

metre from Bell House Fabrics and Interiors, Cranbrook, 

01580 712555, www.bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

4 Country 

More than a little bit rural 

Mulberry Flooring Ltd 

JosephMcCarthyWT166.indd 1 05/11/2015 14:07 

An impressive selection of carpet samples 

available in every colour and type. 

In stock a wonderful range of traditional 

and contemporary rugs. 

7 Modern rustic 

Perfect for town and country 

8 Scandi 

Style from our Nordic neighbours 

13 Retro 

Design classics that will always appeal 

14 Directory 

10% 

OFF 

Rugs 

until end 

Dec 

Visit our lovely showroom at 

137 High Street, Hythe, Kent CT21 5JL 

Telephone: 01303 262580 


MulberryFlooringWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 17:06


Deer Stag Cushion In 

Voyage Enchanted Forest, 

£32.50, Rose & Bows 

www.wealdenfairs.com/ 

roseandbows 

Boss of The Barn 

Yard Painting, £275, 

Claire Weeks Art 

www.wealdenfairs. 

com/claireweeksart 

Angelica velvet 

cushion, 50x50cm, £80 

01892 750101, www. 

ensorinteriordesign.co.uk 

Country 

More than a little bit rural 

National Trust 

Country Kitchen 

Laundry Powder 

Tin, £16.99 www. 

creative-tops.com 

Stripy door handle, 

£3.50, 01435 817153 

www.theseplease.co.uk 

‘Heart of Gold’ Painting 

Size 830mm x 930mm, 

£395, Yvonne Coomber 


yvonnecoomberdesigns 

Beatrice Striped 

Linen Chair, 

£947 www. 

artisanti.com 

Cream Chest of Drawers 

from the Country Ash 

Range, £211.95 www. 

MelodyMaison.co.uk 

Country Chicken Large 

Doorstop, £14.95 

www.livelaughlove.co.uk 

Reworked, over-dyed 

vintage Tabriz carpet, 

£2450, 01233 756072 

www.joshualumley.com 

Sophie Allport Chicken 

Oil Cloth £22.50 per m, 

Bell House Fabrics and 

Interiors, 01580 712555 

www.bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

Antique white, 

Vintage 100ml £5.95, 1L 

£18.95, 2.5L £39.50 

Velvet 2.5L £41 

www.autentico-paint.com 


Perrin & Rowe 

Ionian 2 Hole Sink 

Mix Crosshead Tap 

£364.80, Burlanes 


burlanesonline 

4 

‘Individual 

Handmade Quilt, 

£225, Caboodlies 


com/caboodlies

sTunninG HandLes For doors & draWers 


• A simply stunning range of over 550 gorgeous 

ceramic, natural and glass door knobs and hooks • 

• Mix and match styles. Transform kitchens. 

Upscale furniture • 

• Online store www.theseplease.co.uk 01435 817153 • 

Trade accounTs aLso avaiLabLe 

Preserve family history before it fades away forever! 

JoshuaLumleyWT166.indd 1 03/11/2015 ThesePleaseWT166.indd 10:27 

1 06/11/2015 09:43 

Stanleys Transfer House are experts in transferring precious cine films, VHS/Betamax/Hi8 tapes or 

vinyl/audio cassettes on to DVD, iPad/iPhone or even PC files - for easy viewing, special occasions 

or as gifts – and protected for future generations 

Enjoy those special moments again & again, 

wherever and whenever you want! 

You only do it once, so don’t gamble 

with poor quality alternatives 

Entrust your precious memories to Stanleys, 

respected industry leaders for over 40 years, 

to make the very best quality copies possible. 

We are BBC-approved, located in the West End, 

and all work is carried out in-house using 

professional equipment. 

Personal callers are welcome, or we are more 

than happy to arrange collection from your home. 

Contact us on our website at: www.transferhouse.co.uk 

- or just give us a ring on 020 7494 4545 (Mon-Fri 0900-1800) 

Stanleys Transfer House, 10-11 Percy Street, London W1T 1DN 


TelevisionSetWT165.indd 1 16/10/2015 11:22

“Every home deserves beautiful curtains and blinds” 

FURNITURE & CHRISTMAS 

GIFTS FROM THE FOUR 

CORNERS OF THE WORLD 

dif colour logos 21/06/2012 11:38 Page 1 

© Sanderson 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

furnishers 

We are the made-to-measure curtains and blinds specialists 

• Huge variety of fabrics 

• Extensive lending library 

• Wide range of tracks 

and poles 

• Enthusiastic and 

knowledgeable staff 

© 

• Individual customer 

centred design advice 

• Free home visits to 

measure your windows 

• Full after sales support 

and fitting service 

8 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2PT E: teasels@live.co.uk 

01892 616556 www.teasel-fabrics.com 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

furnishers 

Open Sundaysfurnishers 

During December 

Telephone 01732 458150 

Full range of furniture online 

www.knolehousefurnishings.co.uk 

14-18 London Road, 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1AJ 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

nole House 

furnishers 

TeaselsFabricInteriorsWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 KnoleHouseWT166.indd 12:23 

1 17/11/2015 14:40 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

furnishers 

nole House 

furnishers 


6 

AutenticoWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 11:05

Shabby Chic HOME 

Wooden Letters, 

£13.95, Fields of Blue 


fieldsofblue 

Natural reclaimed 

Timber Dresser, 

Living In Style, 

£699 www. 

wealdenfairs.com/ 

livinginstylecranleigh 


Cowhides, £249, 

in assorted colours, 

01424 433000 www. 

respireliving.com 

Olympian Spiral 

decorative wall piece. 

£3000, Casa Mosaica 

Studios, www. 


CasaMosaicaStudio 

Drawers tall and slim 

£1499.95 & £949.96 

Boatwood Collection www. 

madewithlovedesigns.co.uk 

Perrin & Rowe 

Mayan Bibcock Tap 

£301.70, Burlanes 


com/burlanesonline 

Kit Miles Herah 

cushion, 55x55cm, £135 

01892 750101 www. 

ensorinteriordesign.co.uk 

Modern Rustic 

Perfect for town and country 

Levana Original 

Handcrafted 

Gothic Window 

Mirror, from £275, 

Mirror Mania 


com/mirrormania 

Light Shade, Shade 

47, £967 www. 

rume.co.uk 

Dolphin, 

Vintage 100ml £5.95, 

1L £18.95, 2.5L £39.50 



Chalk white round crackle 

handle, £3.50 01435 817153 


Rustic Dipped 

Stool in Yellow, 

£55 www. 

vincentandbarn. 

co.uk 

Rustic Light 

Autentico velvet wall 

Trio, £17 www. 

paint, Loft, £41 per 

theorchardhomeandgifts.com 

2.5L www.autenticochalk-paint.co.uk 



Scandi 

Style from our Nordic neighbours 

Broadstripe Lambs 

Wool Throw, £78, 

Fields of Blue www. 


fieldsofblue 

Green/Blue Glass Bubble 

Lamp with Shade, £150, 

ABCD Designs 

www. 

wealdenfairs.com/abcddesigns 

Patchwork Deer Doorstop: 

£27.50 01424 433000 

www.respireliving.com 

Star Light in 

White, £10 www. 

aspace.co.uk 

Perrin & Rowe Oasis 

Round 3 Hole Mixer 

Tap £536.40, Burlanes 


burlanesonline 

Finn Juhl’s No.45 

Chair, £375 

www.voga.com/uk 

Sanderson Floral Bazaar 

£27.99 per m, Bell House 

Fabrics and Interiors 

01580 712555 www. 

bellhousefabrics.co.uk 

Alabaster folk stripe tray, 

£28 www.berryred.co.uk 

Sagaform Heart 

Shaped bowl with 

Ladle, £33.00 www. 

scandinavianshop.co.uk 

Bath Stone, 

Vintage 100ml £5.95, 

1L £18.95, 2.5L £39.50 



Swedish Fish Tea 

Towel, £12.50 

www.andshine.co.uk 


8 

White stencil heart 

handle, £3.50 01435 

817153 www. 

theseplease.co.uk 

Liberty Standing 

Robin, medium, 

£12.95 www. 

thelifestyleboutique.co.uk

SOLID WOOD FURNITURE 

NEW & OLD FURNITURE 

Open 

7 days 

a week 

EI 

E v E r n d E n 

I n t E r I o r s 

Did you know we also do... 

• Oak and Pine furniture 

made to measure 

• Furniture painted any colour 

• Beds and mattresses made 

to measure 

• Kitchens 

• Garden furniture 

• Home accessories 

Hawkhurst Road, Flimwell, East Sussex TN5 7QH 

Tel: 01580 879800 www.countryfurniturebarn.co.uk 

01580 713778 

www.everndeninteriors.co.uk 

info@everndeninteriors.co.uk 

Stone Street • Cranbrook • TN17 3HF 

STONE FLOORING SPECIALISTS 

STONE FLOORING SPECIALISTS 

CountryFurnitureBarnWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 EverndenInteriorsWT166.indd 17:16 

1 18/11/2015 11:08 

íÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉ 

íÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉ 

ëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉ 

ëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉ 

THE THE STONE STONE TILE TILE WAREHOUSE 

WAREHOUSE 

NEW PORCELAIN TILES NOW ON DISPLAY 

NEW PORCELAIN TILES NOW ON DISPLAY 

eÉêÉ=~í=qÜÉ=píçåÉ=qáäÉ=t~êÉÜçìëÉ=çìê=ÅçãéêÉÜÉåëáîÉ=ê~åÖÉ=çÑ 

wall eÉêÉ=~í=qÜÉ=píçåÉ=qáäÉ=t~êÉÜçìëÉ=çìê=ÅçãéêÉÜÉåëáîÉ=ê~åÖÉ=çÑ 

and floor tiles ~êÉ=ÉëéÉÅá~ääó=ëçìêÅÉÇ=íç=çÑÑÉê=ÉñÅÉääÉåí=î~äìÉK 

wall and floor tiles ~êÉ=ÉëéÉÅá~ääó=ëçìêÅÉÇ=íç=çÑÑÉê=ÉñÅÉääÉåí=î~äìÉK 

bñéÉêí=~ÇîáÅÉ=~åÇ=áåëí~ää~íáçå=ëÉêîáÅÉ=~î~áä~ÄäÉ 

sáëáí=çìê=t~êÉÜçìëÉJpÜçïêççã=råáí=NMI=fåíÉÖê~=jbI=_áêÅÜçäí=oç~ÇI 

bñéÉêí=~ÇîáÅÉ=~åÇ=áåëí~ää~íáçå=ëÉêîáÅÉ=~î~áä~ÄäÉ 

sáëáí=çìê=t~êÉÜçìëÉJpÜçïêççã=råáí=NMI=fåíÉÖê~=jbI=_áêÅÜçäí=oç~ÇI 

m~êâïççÇI=j~áÇëíçåÉI=hÉåíI=jbNR=Vdn 

m~êâïççÇI=j~áÇëíçåÉI=hÉåíI=jbNR=Vdn 

MNSOO=STVNRT=ïïïKíÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉKÅçKìâ 

MNSOO=STVNRT=ïïïKíÜÉëíçåÉíáäÉï~êÉÜçìëÉKÅçKìâ 

ALIE CARTER 

INTERIORS 

T: 01580 754760 

M: 07775 892 688 

W: aliecarterinteriors.co.uk 

Curtains 

Upholstery 

Cabinetry 

Lighting 

Flooring 

Kitchens 

Bathrooms 


SouthernAdhesivesWT161.indd 1 17/06/2015 AlieCarterInteriorsWT166.indd 11:43 

1 10/11/2015 11:41

WT Supplement 

’tasha 

Your Christmas Shopping All Under One Roof 

Specialise in bespoke Swedish & French beds 

& interiors with extensive stock of original 

antique beds & furniture. 

Forstal Farm Goudhurst Road Lamberhurst Kent 

Tel: 01892890769 www.tashainteriors.co.uk 

Established for over 30 years. The 

store is spread over 3 floors and 

has a huge stock of antique & repro 

pine, oak & French style painted 

furniture & beautiful, reasonably 

priced accessories to make your 

house a home. You’ll be amazed at 

the choice. Bespoke pine units made 

to order. Open 7 days a week. 

100/102 & 90 Sandgate High Street, 

Sandgate, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3BY 

Telephone 01303 248560 

www.oldenglishpineinkent.co.uk 

TashaInteriorsWT153.indd 1 13/10/2014 OldEnglishPineWT166.indd 12:13 

1 17/11/2015 17:26 


10 

EnsorInteriorDesignWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 14:39


Insider Expertise... 

Evernden Interiors 

What are the key trends for 2016? 

Firstly, we see the emergence of indigo 

blue as a key colour. This is evident in 

both interior fabrics and paint colours; William Yeowood 

has 

a lovely new range of fabrics actually called Indigo Blue, and 

The Little Greene Paint Company have produced a new range 

of bright blues. We’re already seeing the use of indigo blue in 

kitchens, bathrooms, on islands, panelling and walls and this 

trend is likely to grow. We’ve also noticed a keen interest in 

the Mid-Century Modern look, with the resurgence of Ercol, 

Danish and Scandinavian style, along with the use of bold bright 

colours, in a fresh modern English style, inspired by Kit Kemp. 

What is your stand out project of last year? We worked 

with our clients on the renovation and refurbishment of 

a medieval hall house in East Sutton. We helped with 

the lighting design and all the interior finishes, as well 

as the decorating schemes and soft furnishings. 

do you have an interior design pet hate? I don’t have a particular 

pet hate, but I’m not keen on the new plastic fixings that have to 

secure the chains of all Roman blind chain winders, due to new 

regulations. Clients aren’t happy to have these basic plastic fixings 

on their window architraves or walls as they look so ugly! However, 

one of our pole suppliers has come up with an inspirational 

design for an alternative in brass, bronze, and satin nickel, which 

we will be offering our customers from now on. For more 

information contact 01580 713778 www.everndeninteriors.co.uk 

Ensor Interior Design 

Is there a particular product or design 

feature that’s been popular this year? 

I would say that following a period of 

subtle understatement with a lot of 

grey and beige, there is definitely a trend towards stronger, 

brighter colours. Even colours you might consider to be 

clashing, such as pinks, oranges and greens. People are much 

more confident with design and are loving being bold! 

Scandinavian style is also very popular. Fewer items with a 

strong design ethos, primary colours and blonde wood. 

Where do you look for inspiration? We purchase a lot of 

our stock in Europe, so inspiration for details, finishes or 

colour trends comes from there. We regularly attend the 

major shows and keep ourselves up to speed with samples of 

new fabrics, lighting and furniture that come from the design 

houses. Even old fabrics used in a new way can be inspiring. 

What are you stocking up on for 2016? Definitely brighter 

colours and richer, bolder fabrics. There is a trend for 

technically innovative fabrics and stronger design features. We 

are also stocking a great range of statement lighting, which 

makes a huge difference to the style and ambience of any 

room. Minimalism is definitely being replaced by a richer, 

more dramatic style. For more information contact 01892 

750101 www.ensorinteriordesign.co.uk 

Bedroom Furniture 

Sale Now On 

Beautiful range of French Vintage 

& Swedish Designer pieces 

plus new Autumn Collection of 

Bedspreads & Throws 

SAVE 15%* OFF 

ORDERS PLACED DURING OCTOBER 

SHOWROOM OPEN 

10:30 am - 5pm 7 DAYS A WEEK 

72 GEORGE STREET OLD TOWN HASTINGS 

EAST SUSSEX TN34 3EE 

T: 01424 433000 E: hello@respireliving.com 

W: respireliving.com 

/respireliving 

*offer ends 31/10/15, not available with any other promotional discount 


RespireLivingWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 15:28

COUNTRY WARMTH 

A Warm Friend For Life 

Traditional to ultra modern • Established 35 years 

Full design & installation service throughout the South East 

Gas Safe, HETAS 

1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate, Kent. 

01303 240300 • www.countrywarmth.com


Retro 3 Dial Clock: 

£95, 50cm, available 

in Lime, Orange, 

Red, Yellow, Duck 

Egg, Cream or Black, 

01424 433000 www. 

respireliving.com 

The Kiss, Original Glass Art, from 

£395, Mirror Mania www. 

wealdenfairs.com/mirrormania 

Perrin & Rowe Etruscan Mix Spray 

Rinse Tap £383.60, Burlanes www. 

wealdenfairs.com/burlanesonline 

Bright Green, 

Vintage – 100ml £5.95, 

1L £18.95, 2.5L £39.50 

Velvet – 2.5L £41.00 


Fonteyn red walnut 

coffee table, £279.00 

www.made.com 

Swivel Industrial 

Chair, £100, ABCD 

Designs www. 


abcddesigns 

Retro 

Design classics that will always appeal 

Tetris light, 

£29.95 

www.red5.co.uk 

Turn of the 

Century Parisien 

Cornet Electric 

Table Lamp, £125, 

Caboodlies www. 


caboodlies 

Brazilian bird, 

Vintage – 100ml £5.95, 

1L £18.95, 2.5L £39.50 

Velvet – 2.5L £41.00 


Robot side table 

in yellow, £359.00 

www.andnew.co.uk 

Lime Green Polka 

Dot handle, £2.99 

01435 817153, 


Cherry print classic 

cushion, £45 020 

8150 0037 www. 

denysandfielding.co.uk 

Retro Phone 

French Blue, 

£55.00 www. 

berryred.co.uk 

13 

www.wealdentimes.co.uk

Mirror Mania 

Respire Living 

WT Interiors 

www.wealdenfairs.com/mirrormania 01424 433000 www.respireliving.com 

FURNITURE, FABRIC 

Rose & Bows 

& INTERIORS 

www.wealdenfairs.com/roseandbows 

ABCD Designs 

Directory 

www.wealdenfairs.com/abcddesigns.co.uk Tasha Interiors 

Lamberhurst 01892 890769 

Alie Carter Interiors 

www.tashainteriors.co.uk 

01580 Free 754760 www.aliecarterinteriors.co.uk Monthly 

Teasel Fabrics 

Bell House Fabrics and Interiors Tunbridge Wells 01892 616556 

01580 712555 

www.teasel-fabrics.com 

Magnet Media Limited, PO Box 287, Uckfield, www.bellhousefabrics.co.uk East Sussex, TN22 9ED 


Trading Boundaries 

Telephone: 0845 872 2885 or 01825 873254 - Fax: 01825 

Caboodlies 

508309 - Email: kim@magnetpublications.com 

01825 790200 www.tradingboundaries.com 

www.wealdenfairs.com/caboodlies 

INTERIOR DESIGNERS 

Country Furniture Barn 

Burlanes VAT No. 929 7920 74 

Flimwell 01580 879800 

01732 605001 / 01622 820809 

www.countryfurniturebarn.co.uk 

www.burlanes.com 

ART GALLERIES & ARTISTS Ceramic 

ADVERTISING 

Restoration 

PROOF 

www.wealdenfairs.com/burlanesonline 

Claire Weeks Art 

01273 479099 

Curated Living 

www.wealdenfairs.com/claireweeksart www.ceramicrestoration-uk.co.uk 

01428 870050 www.curatedliving.co.uk Ensor Interior Design 

Frant 01892 750101 

Yvonne Coomber 

These Please 

Denys & Fielding 

www.ensorinteriordesign.co.uk 

Sussex Stone 01435 817153 Marble www.theseplease.co.uk and Granite DATE: 17 November 2015 

Evernden Interiors 

COMPANY: www.wealdenfairs.com/ 

yvonnecoomberdesigns 

Ltd 020 8150 0037 

www.denysandfielding.co.uk 

FLOORING 

01580 713778 www.everndeninteriors.co.uk 

TO: Laura 

CARPETS 

PROOF Fludes Carpets 

Mulberry Flooring 

Robinson Hythe 01303 262580 

Fields of Blue 

www.wealdenfairs.com/fieldsofblue FROM: Ginny Peace Kim Interiors 

0800 0388 010 

www.mulberryflooringltd.co.uk 

01580 712212 www.ginnypeace.co.uk 

www.fludes-carpets.co.uk 

Knole House Furnishings 

ISSUE: December The 2015 Stone Tile Warehouse 

Sevenoaks 01732 458150 

LilyMatthews 

01622 679157 

www.knolehousefurnishings.co.uk 

Rolvenden 01580 241614 

www.thestonetilewarehouse.co.uk 

www.lilymatthews.co.uk 

Joshua Lumley Ltd 

Ashford 01233 756072 

www.joshualumley.com 

CERAMICS 

Casa Mosaica Studio 


CasaMosaicaStudio 

FRAMES & MIRRORS 

Joseph McCarthy 

01892 527528 www.josephmccarthy.co.uk 

Living in Style 


livinginstylecranleigh 

Please check and advise Sussex any Stone corrections to this copy by 19 November. If we do not hear 

01323 848100 www.sussexstone.co.uk 

from you we will assume copy is correct and will publish the advertisement as shown. 

Old English Pine 

01303 248560 

www.oldenglishpineinkent.co.uk 

PAINTS & PAINT WORKSHOPS 

Autentico Paint 

Ashford 01233 878303 


Natural Stone Specialists 

Wishing all our Customers a 

Wonderful Christmas and New Year 

Brand 

new 

capaBilities 

Unit 1 Croft Works 

Diplocks Industrial Estate 

Hailsham East Sussex BN27 3JF 

Email: sales@sussexstone-ceramic.co.uk 

www.sussexstone-ceramic.co.uk 

open mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-3pm 


Bespoke worktops in 

Granite, quartz and marble 

Architectural and monumental masonry 

Large selection of natural tiles and mosaics 

Waterjet cutting service on various materials 

Glass tops and splash backs 

WE NoW HavE a NEW StatE oF tHE art FaCtory at FramFIElD 

14 

waterjet cutting available 

from as little as 

£4 plM subject 

to t&cs 

SussexStoneWT166.indd 1 18/11/2015 09:50

Poppies from Firle Beacon 4ft x 3ft - £1200 

Paintings by Sarah Burges 

5 Lansdown Place, 

Lewes, BN7 2JT 

07828 427699 

3ft x 4ft - £1000 3ft x 4ft - £1000 

www.sarahburges.co.uk


74

Captured by 

the castle 

Words: Jo Arnell Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Jennifer Stuart-Smith 

A gardener’s cottage built in the 1930s 

by Vita Sackville-West, which overlooks 

Sissinghurst Castle, makes a tranquil retreat for 

National Trust gardener Claire Abery, whose 

‘make-do-and-mend’ approach is perfectly 

fitting for this former Land Girls’ billet 


FrenchDepot 

www.ilexbuildings.co.uk 

01892 539745 

01892 614614 

www.ilexdesignandbuild.co.uk 

si 

ILEX 

PLANNING APPLICATIONS 

extensions NEW BUILD HOUSES 

new houses 

EXTENSIONS & ANNEXES 

drives and patios 

oak OAK framed FRAMED buildings BUILDINGS 

GARAGES & GARDENS 

The largest French furniture 

warehouse in the South. 

5000sq.ft. of French furniture 

and effects including 

over 200 French beds. 

Telephone Hastings 

01424 423703 

www.thefrenchdepot.com 

IlexWT156.indd 1 08/01/2015 FrenchDepotWT160.indd 15:16 

1 11/05/2015 17:07 

& 

de 

si 

ILEX 

& 

de 

gn 

b u ild 

gn 

b u il d 

01892 614614 

extensions 

new houses 

drives and patios 

oak framed buildings 

www.ilexbuildings.co.uk 

FINE HANDMADE FURNITURE • BESPOKE JOINERY 

de 

si 

gn 

ILEX 

& 

b u il d 

ONE DAY MASSIVE 

CHRISTMAS SALE 

SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER 10 AM - 4.30 PM 

• DRINKS AND MINCE PIES • EXPERT ADVICE • 

• ALL FURNITURE MADE EXCLUSIVELY IN OUR KENT WORKSHOPS• 

SEE THE CHAIRS THAT ARE FEATURED IN JAMES BOND: SPECTRE. 

You can find us at: Parsonage Farm, Heath Road, Boughton Monchelsea ME17 4JB 

Tel. +44 (0)1622 743747 www.tudor-oak.co.uk Email. info@tudor-oak.com 


WealdonAdvertiser_TudorOak_180x135mm_Nov.indd 1 11/11/2015 13:50 

76 

BespokeAndPeriodJoineryLtdWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 15:18

Above: a fireplace which was once home to a kitchen range now acts as the focal point of the front room. A large bay window bathes the room in natural light 

Approaching the gardener’s cottage at Sissinghurst, 

I’m imagining how hard it must be to live in a house 

that’s only yours while you remain in your job. 

Perhaps it’s a mind-set. It was once a fairly normal thing to 

live in a home that went with the job, and tied cottages were 

common, built for workers in towns, on farmland and in the 

grounds of country houses. It makes sense, but times have 

changed and it’s not a common thing any more. I can also 

see that living in the grounds of one of the most celebrated 

gardens in the world, and treading in the footsteps of such 

illustrious forebears is a unique, exceptional experience. 

A privilege. A little unnerving perhaps, and here my 

imagination is running away with me. Is it rather haunting? 

From the outside, this modest, Thirties-style cottage 

seems simple, uncluttered and quiet. As Claire Abery 

appears to greet me, unperturbed by the drizzle — the 

sign of a proper gardener — and we go into the house, 

I feel as if I’m entering hallowed space, as atmospheric 

as anything in the castle itself. I can feel the weight of 

history pressing in already. The interior wears this lightly 

and living on site does have obvious advantages — no 

travelling costs for a start — and certainly not a lengthy 

commute, for a working day that starts at 7.30; they have 

to fit in a lot before the gates open to the public at 11:00. 

The National Trust look after the outside maintenance 

on the house and have recently installed secondary double 

glazing downstairs, which is a boon: “It always used to 

seem cold in this house,” says Claire. What happens 

inside, within reason — and without changing anything 

structural – is entirely up to the tenant. When she first 

moved in eleven years ago, the house had been empty 

for some time and it had been painted ‘rainbow style’. 

“The kitchen was bright yellow, the front room was red, 

the bathroom turquoise and my bedroom was peach. 

So it was out with the magnolia paint!” Claire laughs. 

Looking round it’s clear to see that the colours on 

the walls are more sophisticated than that ubiquitous 

shade of cream. She has carefully used a combination 

of muted neutrals that create a very natural light 

within the house, like the light outside on a cloudy 

As we go into the house, I feel as if I’m entering hallowed space, as atmospheric as 

anything in the castle itself. I can feel the weight of history pressing in already. 


Above: a rustic farmhouse table overlooking the kitchen garden is the perfect 

place to sit down and enjoy a meal made from home-grown vegetables Left: 

Bloomsbury-inspired wallpaper in the living room 

Claire has used considerable ingenuity to 

personalise the cottage, and perhaps this is 

made more evident because changes can only 

be decorative. “I have to be more imaginative 

and I try not to spend any money. I like to 

‘make do and mend” 

day. Much of the paint comes from Little Greene. “I 

like colour,” Claire says, “but not on the walls. I like to 

use it in different pieces, and change things around.” A 

useful tip to follow if you’re decorating on a budget. 

Claire has used considerable ingenuity to personalise the 

cottage, and perhaps this is made more evident because 

changes can only be decorative. “I have to be more 

imaginative and I try not to spend any money. I like to 

‘make do and mend’ and if I do buy things they tend to 

be from junk shops – rather than antique shops. The most 

money I’ve spent is on a chest of drawers in my bedroom 

and that was £200. I did see a Jasper Conran bookcase in 

John Lewis that I really liked, but it was over £600, which 

was far too much, so I surreptitiously measured it, then 


78

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Above left: A much-loved teddy sits guard on the upstairs landing, next to Claire’s bedroom, which looks towards the castle and was once the bedroom of a 

Land Army matron. Above right: Chunky knits and bright fabrics hint at Claire’s love of sewing and making, while a Lloyd Loom chair look perfectly at home 

gave the dimensions to a friend who made it with me.” 

The cottage and the adjoining cottage were originally 

built by Vita Sackville-West as accommodation for workers 

on the estate. Claire’s cottage was once the home of former 

head gardener Pamela Schwerdt and her partner Sibylle 

Kreutzberger. They gardened here at Sissinghurst for many 

years, originally working for Vita, then continuing to work 

in the gardens after her death in 1962 and once the National 

Trust took over the running of Sissinghurst in 1967. 

Claire often finds echoes of Pam and Sibylle popping up in 

her garden: “Plants that they once grew appear unexpectedly 

from time to time, which always makes me smile,” says 

Claire. It is Pam and Sibylle’s work – their planting schemes 

and landscaping – that we can still see at Sissinghurst today. 

The latest head gardener, Troy Scott Smith, has 

plans to bring the garden closer to the way it was 

when Vita was around — “allowing a rose to billow 

or a meadow to flourish”. He has been working on 

the ‘loosening’ for a couple of years now but, as Claire 

explains, “it’s a big thing to turn around. The changes 

are happening, but they’ll take a little while to show.” 

The kitchen is small and neat with a secluded view 

out across the back garden. “I think originally it was a 

scullery and pantry, with the main kitchen in the other 

room,” says Claire. “There must have been a range where 

the fireplace in the living room is.” The space is now 

beautifully crammed with logs for the fire in the room 

next door. The front room is the largest downstairs space, 

with plenty of room for a rustic table and chairs and 

some additional comfortable seating. Not much has been 

installed by previous occupants, but Claire thinks that 

the ‘built-in’ cabinet in the front room must have 

 


Above: Claire’s sewing area – with magazine cuttings and other inspiring images – is in the larger upstairs bedroom, which is now used as a guest room. During 

the Second World War this room housed bunk beds for several land girls who were billeted to the property to grow food as part of the war effort 

“The views from the upstairs windows are captivating — you can look out in one direction 

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countryside to the Greensand Ridge in the distance” 

 


82

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84 

SofasAndStuffWT166.indd 1 12/11/2015 11:18

Above: A shelving unit painted in muted, vintage green is used to keep Claire’s collection of buttons, ribbon and other sewing items tidy. Claire made the 

patchwork quilt herself and has filled another unused fireplace with Chinese Lanterns to add some colour and a sense of warmth to the room. 

been made by someone who once lived in the house. “I 

can tell from the way it seems to be made from odd bits 

of wood. It’s as if whoever made it scraped it together 

from pieces they found around the place.” The room is 

pared back and uncluttered with a distinctly retro feel. 

“I love all that ‘digging for victory’ ethos; I love the 

clothes, the feel, the British spirit — and they all looked 

so stylish while doing it.” Claire has good reason to 

feel a connection too, as six Land Army girls and their 

matron were billeted to the cottage during the war to 

help on the farm. “The matron slept in my room and the 

girls slept in bunk beds in what’s now the spare room.” 

Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Vita Sackville-West is 

the author of The Women’s Land Army guide, published in 

1944. She writes: ‘“Gardening is surely an ideal profession 

for the woman who likes it. The work is not so heavy as to 

put too great a strain on her physical capacity; and in the 

more expert branches the possibilities and range of interest 

is really unlimited.” Claire finds the work of the Land Army 

just as inspirational. “My fortieth birthday party was on the 

theme of a Forties VE Day celebration and everyone had 

to dress up. I just love everything about the Forties — the 


Above: A vintage ‘Make do and Mend’ poster decorates the spare bedroom, 

and sits above the homemade quilt and alongside Claire’s much-used sewing 

area. Left: Flowers from the garden complement the ‘mood board’ 

The bedrooms are simply decorated, 

highlighting Claire’s sense of colour in 

accessories and soft furnishings. There are jars 

of buttons and ribbons where you might have 

seen face cream and hairbrushes and, by the 

window is a desk, or rather, a sewing station 

shape of the dresses, the spirit of the times, the mucking in 

together” a spirit epitomised by the Land Girl organisation. 

Upstairs, the spare room and the larger of the bedrooms 

— where I try to imagine the serried ranks of bunks for 

strapping land girls — doubles as a workspace for Claire. 

She has been resourceful in furnishing the bedrooms, even 

managing to find almost identical bedside tables for her 

bedroom from two completely different places, and restoring 

them, so that they now look as if they came as a pair. The 

bedrooms are simply decorated, highlighting Claire’s sense 

of colour in accessories and soft furnishings. There are jars 

of buttons and ribbons where you might have seen face 

cream and hairbrushes and, by the window is a desk, 


86

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Above: a galley kitchen continues in the retro theme Above right: there is no 

shortage of flowers for the dining table in this cottage Right: Patterned quilts 

are folded up on a bedside chair, ready for use when the weather gets cold 

or rather, a sewing station. “I love sewing,” says Claire. 

The views from the upstairs windows are captivating — 

you can look out in one direction across the roofs towards 

the castle, then in the other direction to a vista across the 

Kent countryside to the Greensand Ridge in the distance. 

What happens here in the winter once the gardens are 

closed to the public? “Well, the winter is really when we do 

all the work,” says Claire. “As soon as the garden shuts at 

the end of the season we get stuck in pruning roses, 

hedge-cutting, clearing herbaceous beds. There’s lots 

of preparation to do before we get ready to open 

again in March.” 

Then there are the bulbs. “This year we’ll be planting 

37,000 bulbs! It used to be a nightmare but now we have 

a spreadsheet to help us work out what goes where. Every 

week in summer we have our Friday Tidy, we sweep and 

dead-head, collect seed and generally clear out the beds; 

‘primping and preening’, is what Adam (Nicolson) calls 

it,” she laughs. Back downstairs, the cosy little sitting 

room is the perfect space for Claire to spend winter 

evenings in front of the fire, making things and sewing 

smaller items like Christmas decorations. Striking 


Above: Colour-blocking with cushions keeps things simple, in front of the 

vibrant zig-zag wallpaper. The bookshelf is made from scaffolding boards 

and was inspired by a version that Claire saw in a high street store. 

Left: Mismatched chairs complement the informality of the rustic table 

zig-zag wallpaper in green and blue has been used on 

just one of the walls, and helps to make the room feel 

larger. I spy the Conran-inspired bookcase looking 

very effective along the side wall of the room, neatly 

and stylishly housing ornaments and photos. Claire is 

obviously a skilled craftsperson, frugal and practical. “I 

cook too, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m 

thinking that I might make some jam soon, I bought 

some lovely quinces the other day that I really need to 

use, but we’ll see, I shan’t beat myself up about it.” 

As we prepare to leave, a wave of duck egg blue 

nostalgia washes over me and, for a moment, I’m 

transported back to a glorious period: of hard work, 

camaraderie, thankfulness and skilful make-do-andmend. 

Claire has managed to pay homage to that 

past in the styling and decoration of the cottage, 

but at the same time transcends it and lives very 

much in the present. This house might belong 

to the National Trust, but within its walls Claire 

has created a stylish home that is all hers. 

 


90

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Above: One look in the porch, and it’s clear this is the home of a gardener; bulbs, seed packets, vegetables and herbs – and the essential pair of wellies – stand at 

the ready. A gift of ornamental rose hips from a friend lie ready for use in the house as decoration, and logs are stacked to take in for the fire 

“I love all that ‘digging for victory’ ethos; I love the clothes, the feel, the 

British spirit — and they all looked so stylish while doing it.” 

 


92

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BRING THE FAMILY, SOAK UP SOME CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AND SUPPORT THE NSPCC

Top: The view from upstairs in the cottage Above: corners of Claire’s informal garden, including a pair of her old work boots planted with sempervivums 

Address Book: 

You can visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden over the winter 

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& bespoke 3D blazer buttons 

in gold, silver & platinum 

T: 01892 724951 info@rodneyjrigby.com 


100 

RJRigbyLtdWT165.indd 1 16/10/2015 LittleLinensWT166.indd 14:07 

1 17/11/2015 16:14

Ed repair reconstructing 

shampoo 250ml, £9.99, 

reconstructor 150ml, 

£10.99, www.chill.uk.com 

Rocky The Nutcracker, 

£19.95, Fields of Blue 


fieldsofblue 

Proto-col Miracle Balm, 

£14.95, 0333 0007788, 

www.proto-col.com 

Christmas Ornament, 

£24, Jo Malone www. 

jomalone.co.uk 

Aria Earrings, £14, 

Tanglewood Studios, 


tanglewoodstudios 

B’temped Lace Kiss 

Chemise £26.00 Siren 

and Pearl, Rye 01797 

224116 

Stocking fillers for... 

Grown-ups 

Initial Necklace, £30, 

Crystal & Stone www. 

wealden fairs.com/ 

crystalandstone 

Bracelet by Gaby’s in 

gun metal, £25.00, 

01580 763815, www. 

elizabeth-rose.com 

Allotment 

Apron, £30, 

Lottie Day www. 

madebylottieday.com 

Diana Wilson Arcanca 

Snowfall Silk Square with 

Tassels, £90, Cashara, 

Tenterden 07966 033000 

www.cashara.co.uk 

Fox Head Cufflinks, £169, 

Simon Kemp Jewellers 


simonkempjewellers 

‘Equilibrium’ brown 

stitched wallet. £22, Sussex 

Country Gardener www. 

sussexcountrygardener.co.uk 


Find Your Style 

Rose & Gold 

Macaron 

Necklace 

£32.50 



A UNIQUE COLLECTION OF GIFTS, CERAMICS, KILIMS & RUGS, FOOD & MORE 

1 find your style half page macaron necklace.indd 1 24/06/2015 16:02 

BY APPOINTMENT 

TO HRH THE 

PRINCE OF WALES 

SUPPLIER OF 

TERRACOTTA POTS 

DELICIOUS FOOD FROM 

THE MEDITERRANEAN 

SERVED DAILY IN 

OUR CAFÉ 

The Barns, East Street, Turners Hill, 

West Sussex, RH10 4QQ 

01342 714793 potsandpithoi.com 


102 

PotsAndPithoiWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 14:03

Flower&Glory 

Flowers For Weddings, Funerals & Events 

Making a 

Christmas wreath 

with De Novo Flowers 

Materials needed: Wire ring, moss, mossing wire or string, 

pine, blue spruce, ivy, other materials such as eucalyptus or 

pheasant or peacock feathers, ribbon 

Step 1: Attach your string to the wire 

ring, leaving the rest on the spool. 

'Deck the Halls' 

Gorgeous Christmas Wreaths, Garlands & Table Arrangements 

Inspirational Gifts and Decorative items 

Everything you need for that magical finishing 

touch over the Festive Season 

Neom Luxury Organics Stockist 

12 Blacks Yard, Blighs Meadow, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1DS 

Tel: 01732 743419 www.flowerandglory.co.uk 

1 

2 

Step 2: Grab clumps of the moss and 

dip them in water to dampen, then apply 

to the ring, attaching with the string 

by wrapping the string around the wire 

frame and the clumps of moss. Build 

up evenly so that you end up with 

a ring of moss. 

Step 3: Now start attaching a base 

layer of the blue spruce. Follow the same 

direction as you add each piece of spruce 

to maintain an even, balanced look. 

Introduce different greenery and carry on 

in the same direction aiming for an even, 

full looking wreath. 

FESTIVE LIGHTING 

FOR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE AT ILLUMINATIONS 

Flower&GloryWT165.indd 1 20/10/2015 10:31 

3 

4 

Step 4: Add additional materials such as 

feathers, beads or baubles using florist’s 

wire pushed through to the back of the 

wreath. Twist this wire around part of a 

blue spruce stem to secure. Your string 

should now be cut and tied to a secure 

point or stem on the back of the wreath. 

Attach your ribbon with or without a 

bow to the wreath and your gorgeous 

creation is ready to hang. 

De Novo Flowers, Commercial Square, Haywards Heath 

RH16 1DJ, 01444 459166, www.denovoflowers.co.uk 

ILLUMINATIONS 

t: 01892 533454 e: info@illuminations.co.uk www.illuminations.co.uk 

37-41 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2PS 

Queens Rd, Hastings, TN34 1RP 


IlluminationsWT142.indd 1 19/11/2013 11:44

Gerry Weber poncho, £75, The Masai Clothing 

Company scarf, £39, heart pendant necklace, 

£35, Elizabeth Rose Boutique, Tenterden 01580 

763815 www.elizabeth-rose.com; Helen Moore faux 

fur huff, £25, Spice, Cranbrook 01580 714156 

www.spicecranbrook.co.uk 


104

Aviatrix 

Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton 


Personalised Acorn 

Necklace, From £79 

mercimamanboutique.com

Gerry Weber blouse, £75, Two 

Danes pink jumper, £99, NYDJ 

jeggings, £149, Kirsten faux 

fur coat, £219, Elizabeth Rose, 

Tenterden 01580 763815 

www.elizabeth-rose.com; Geox 

over the knee boot, £165, 

Manuka Shoes, Westerham 

01959 565644 www. 

manukashoes.com 


Linda Pope 

F.B.D.O 

Helping 

Saint 

Nicholas 

since 

1796 

Cornell 

Est 1796 

12-14 Gabriels Hill, Maidstone | cornelljewellers.co.uk | @cornell1796 

Spectacular 

Christmas 

facebook.com/LindaPopeOpticians 

Rye Road • Hawkhurst 

Telephone. 01580 753744 

CornellWT153.indd 1 22/10/2014 LindapopeQRTWT166.indd 12:56 

1 10/11/2015 15:48 

Irresistable fashion jewellery and accessories 

Buy online 


Great gift ideas in store & online 

Host a party* 

Become a stylist 

Contact 

Rachel Carson 

Independent Stylist 

07967 808092 

www.stelladot.co.uk/rachelcarson 

*A pop-up shop in your home or place of work at coffee mornings, lunches, afternoon 

teas or evening events. Hostesses have the opportunity to receive free and discounted 

jewellery. 

It is illegal for a promoter or a participant in a trading scheme to persuade anyone to 

make a payment by promising benefits 

Tel: 01797 224271 

16 Lion Street, Rye, E.Sussex TN31 7LB 

e: shop@thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

w: www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk 

@goldenfleecerye 


108 

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1 13/11/2015 10:57

Barbour roll neck jumper, 

£119, Peter James Harris Tweed 

jacket, £229, Helen Moore faux 

fur collar, £59, The Golden 

Fleece, Rye 01797 224271 

www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk; 

Powder chunky knitted mittens, 

£14, Spice, Cranbrook 01580 

714156 www.spicecranbrook. 

co.uk; clutch bag, £55, Manuka 

Shoes, Westerham 01959 565644 

www.manukashoes.com; trousers, 

model’s own 


Two Danes teal jumper, 

£115, scarf, £49, Gaby’s silver 

necklace, £35, white shirt tails, 

£35, Brax black jeans, £99, 

Elizabeth Rose, Tenterden 

01580 763815 www. 

elizabeth-rose.com; navy suede 

envelope clutch bag, £19.95, 

Lunar Chelsea style sparkly 

boot, £55, Manuka Shoes, 

Westerham 01959 565644 

www.manukashoes.com 


110

Christmas Wishes from Cashara, please join us for a glass of 

champagne and mince pie on Saturday 5 th December for the 

Tenterden Christmas Market 10am-8pm 

5 High Street, Tenterden TN30 6BN 

Telephone 07966 033000 Email sales@cashara.co.uk 

Shop online at www.cashara.co.uk 

cashmere and silk knitwear 

The Multiway Wrap £55 

Available in up 

to 30 colours 

Made In Italy 

The Clever Dresser 

Boutique stocks 

some of the most 

sought-after brands 

of the moment 

Helmut Lang 

DVF Diane Von 

Furstenberg 

MILLY New York 

McQ McQueen 

Tom Ford 

AG Jeans 

Rebecca Taylor 

Rebecca Minkoff 

Frame Jeans 

Zoe Karssen 

Duffy 

Muubaa 

Parajumpers 

CleverDresser 

6 Bank St. Sevenoaks, 

Kent TN13 1UW 

01732 453 002 

www.thecleverdresser.com 

THE CLEVER DRESSER 

BOUTIQUE 

CasharaWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 CleverDresserBoutiqueS12.indd 15:43 

1 29/09/2015 10:45 

3 The Square • Riverhead 

01732 779 555 www.dominicwalmsley.com 

Made in London 

18ct Yellow Gold £1,560, 18ct Red Gold with Brown Diamonds £1,560, 18ct White Gold £1,690 


DominicWalmsleyWT166.indd 1 05/11/2015 11:57

STYLISH SHOES FOR STYLISH FEET 

Gifts & 

Glamour 

from 

Spice 

Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm 

15 High Street, Westerham, Kent. TN16 1RA 

01959 565644 or order online at: 


5 Stone Street, Cranbrook, 

Kent TN17 3HF 

Tel: 01580 714156 


ManukaShoesWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 SpiceWT166.indd 12:30 1 09/11/2015 10:01 

What’s on 

your wish list? 

Whether you're looking for yourself or a lover?! 

You're sure to find something naughty or nice from 

our decadent lingerie, loungewear and nightwear 

collection. 

The Square • Forest Row • East Sussex • RH18 5ES 

contact@lilygracelingerie.co.uk 

01342 822122 

Lily & Grace 

Lingerie 


112 

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1 29/10/2015 15:17

Seeberger pom pom beanie, 

£39, Elizabeth Rose, 

Tenterden 01580 763815 

www.elizabeth-rose.com; 

blue and white striped 

shirt, £35, Barbour quilt 

jacket, £159, The Golden 

Fleece, Rye 01797 224271 


Braintree organic cotton 

cardigan, £49.90, Modalu 

leather tan bag, Spice, 

Cranbrook 01580 714156 

www.spicecranbrook.co.uk; 

trousers, model’s own 


Gerry Weber scarf, £29, print trousers, 

£95, Just White fluffy gilet, £95, 

Elizabeth Rose, Tenterden 01580 

763815 www.elizabeth-rose.com; Jack 

Murphy wax jacket, £169, The Golden 

Fleece, Rye 01797 224271 

www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk; Lisa Kay 

shoes, £110, Manuka Shoes, Westerham 

01959 565644 www.manukashoes.com; 

Ochre blue knit top, £65, Powder gloves, 

£21, Spice, Cranbrook 01580 714156 



114

Concept 

Hair 

salon 

50 High Street, Tenterden 01580 762 564 

Book online at www.williamcharleshair.co.uk 

or through our facebook page 

OttewillWT158.indd 1 20/03/2015 WilliamCharlesWT166.indd 14:38 

1 06/11/2015 11:26 

Introducing 

Elle Sport! 

Available in 

store now. 

dressing undeniable beauty 

www.odyl.co.uk 

01580 714907 

No 6, The Colonnade, Rye Road, 

Hawkhurst, Kent TN18 4ES - 01580 752118 

12 High Street, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7JF - 01797 224 369 

Mon-Sat 10am-5.30pm www.cordeliajames.com 


OdylWT166.indd 1 12/11/2015 CordeliaJamesWT164.indd 14:57 

1 09/09/2015 15:15

Make Christmas Magical 

with our hand-picked Edits at 

Clothing, Footwear, 

Accessories, 

Toys and Gifts 

Cardigan Maluca £44.99 

Dress Sherry £42.99 

HELLO, HANDSOME 

Skirt Sariah £32.99 

Pant £37.45 

Coveralls Rohan £54.99 

Blazer Jacob £54.99 

STYLISH SPARKLE 

Saseline Skirt £44.99 

Cardigan Ryan £49.99 

Vest Florian £42.99 

Dress Robeb £69.99 

IS NOT JUST FOR CHRISTMAS, AFTER ALL... 

Dress Sherry £42.99 

HAND MADE DOLLS 

& TEDDIES 

from £18.45 

Dress Roben £59.99 

Dress Robeo £44.99 

Gilet £89.99 

MINI A TURE PYJAMAS GIFT SET 

SPOIL THEM WITH HAND KNITS 

PJ Paola £28.99 

PJ Paco £36.45 

Baby Blankets £64.99 

Spike Slippers £15.00 

Lucky Slippers £15.00 

Ladies Snood & Gloves Set £84.99 

HAIR CUTS EXCLUSIVELY FOR CHILDREN 

Children’s Hairdressing is open Thursday, Friday & Saturday and parents can relax with a tea or coffee while they wait 

Telephone: 01580 765021 | 9 Sayers Square, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6BW | www.kidella.co.uk

lue and white striped shirt, 

£35, Woollovers Guernsey gilet, 

£49, The Golden Fleece, Rye 

01797 224271 


Brax black jeans, £99, 

Elizabeth Rose, 

Tenterden 01580 763815 

www.elizabeth-rose.com; 

recycled rubber fringed 

necklace, £49.95, 

Manuka Shoes, 

Westerham 

01959 565644 


We would like to say a huge thank you 

to Aero Legends at Headcorn Aerodrome 

for allowing us to photograph with their 

stunning Tigermoth. For more 

information on flying experiences visit 

www.aerolegends.co.uk or call 01622 812830 



Treat someone to a gift voucher this 

Christmas, we will make them feel special 

Get ready for Christmas parties with 

glamorous eyeframing lash extensions 

and high shine longlasting OPI nails 

Book your treatments and vouchers now on: 

01892 750055 

Wadhurst Road, Frant, Kent TN3 9EJ 

www.knowlegrange.co.uk 

Freeze Your Fat Away 

Holistic 

& Beauty 

Treatments 

One session. One hour. 

No surgery. No downtime. 

www.coolsculpting.co.uk 

the only safe, non-surgical 

treatment with results 

similar to Liposuction 

• 1000’s of patients 

worldwide. 

• No needles. 

• Virtually painless. 

• Fat cells frozen 

and destroyed away 

over weeks. 

• Good for spare tyres, love handles and all 

areas that dieting & exercise cannot treat. 

9 New Street, Ashford, TN24 8TN 01233 661662 

www.wellsclinic.com 

71 London Rd, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1DX 01892 530265 

www.wellsmedicalcentre.com 

37 Cambridge Rd, Hastings, TN34 1DJ 01424 444633 

www.cambridgecourtclinic.com 

KnowleGrangeHealthWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 WellsMedicalCentreWT165.indd 16:46 

1 19/10/2015 14:17 

Celebrating Our 10 th Birthday! 

We will be offering 20% off cut, colour & blow dry in January & February* 

*advert must be presented at appointment 

Sara Purdy of Purdy & Power Cranbrook has just completed 

her Master Colour Programme with Wella International, 

one of the biggest names in the hair colour industry. Colour 

is a technical speciality which requires years of training and 

constant education to keep you ahead of the game. 

Wella Professionals Master Colour Programme is the ultimate 

course to provide the highest achievers in colour with 

absolutely everything that could ever be needed within the 

salon to promote colour to the ever demanding clientele. 

There are 4 stages to the programme: 

After a gruelling selection process of three stages Sara was 

invited to participate in the final stage of the Master Colour 

Programme. This stage is the ultimate colour course in the 

hairdressing industry and is BY INVITATION ONLY! 

During this stage you learn the chemistry of colour and 

extreme colour correction, the emotion and psychology 

of the effects that colour has on clients and the legal 

considerations to do with colour. This was followed by a 

technical colour exam where the hair you have to colour has 

already been coloured in 4 different sections. The aim is to 

get all 4 sections back to one chosen colour and in good 

condition. One section was black, the second section was 

blonde and damaged, the third was green and the final 

section was red/orange with black specks. For each section 

there was an allotted amount of time. Unsurprisingly this 

exam has a high failure rate and was one of the most stressful 

and testing things Sara has had within her hairdressing career. 

After successfully passing the course Sara is now a Master 

Colour Educator and can pass on her exceptional skills and 

knowledge to the rest of the salon ensuring all Purdy & Power 

stylists benefit from Sara’s expertise in the use of colour. 

So with Sara Purdy from Purdy & Power, you know your hair is 

in the very best hands... you could say it’s like your colourist 

being awarded the 3 Michelin stars of the restaurant world! 

HAIR BEAUTY LIFESTYLE 

Tel: 01580 720990 

www.purdyandpower.co.uk 

25 High Street 

Cranbrook, Kent 


118 

PurdyAndPowerWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 16:08

Penhaligon’s Christmas Collection – The Nutcracker, 

£38 for 6 x 25ml (at Fenwick and Penhaligon’s stores). 

Penhaligon’s really comes into its own at Christmas, with stunning 

and excellent value gifts – and this is a wonderful introductory set 

featuring bestselling shareable scents, including Empress, Ostara, 

Juniper Sling (a G&T in a bottle!), Artemesia and my new favourite 

Iris Prima. Do check out their ‘musical box’ offering, too. 

Christmas 

The twelve 

Josephine Fairley shares her top tips for fabulous 

beauty gifts 

Illustrations: Susanne Hayes 

gifts of 

My friends and family never seem to read what I write 

for YOU Magazine or Waitrose Weekend, where 

I also happen to be Beauty Editor. But Wealden 

Times…? Every time this column appears, I get feedback from 

my nearest and dearest about the advice contained in the pages 

of this glossy magazine, which they all – to a woman/girl – seem 

to devour, month after month. So, a little plea to Stephanie, 

Maggie, Roxy, Saba, Sally, Gill, Lisa, Amy, Joanna and the rest 

of my adored family, friends and team: please flick a couple of 

pages on – or go back to enjoying the property ads at the front. 

Otherwise there’ll be no surprises on Christmas Day, as you 

unwrap some of the top ‘beauty picks for 2015’ which follow… 

Aromatherapy Associates, The Star, £10 for 9ml. 

Pop this on the Christmas tree, if you like: a little star-shaped 

box with a bath oil inside, by the brand whose aromatherapeutic 

treats are the most effective I’ve ever used. Come January, when 

they’re feeling slothful, the Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil 

will put the bounce back in anyone’s step (male or female). 

Cath Kidston Painted Rose Hand Creams, 

£6 for 3 x 30ml at www.cathkidston.com. 

Brilliant little stocking filler: the set of three means there’s 

a tube for beside the bed, in your handbag (perfect on-thego 

size), and one for the downstairs loo. The Cath Kidston 

cosmetics range is actually all amazing value (it’s made by 

bodycare maestros Heathcote & Ivory) and this is a beautifully 

softening formula scented prettily with roses – one of the 

most universally appealing scents, I’ve always found. 

The Perfume Society VIP Subscription, 

£25 at www.perfumesociety.org. 

OK, a little blowing of own trumpet here: as some of you may 

know, I founded The Perfume Society last year to create a ‘hub’ 

for fragrance-lovers, offering ‘Discovery Boxes’, events around 

the country, an on-line (and now print) magazine, The Scented 

Letter, and much more. We had such truly fantastic feedback from 

everyone who received this as a gift last year: the intro box features 

eight fragrance samples, ‘Smelling Notes’ to explore in depth (like 

a wine society, but for perfume), eight issues a year of our digital 

magazine and a VIP Subscriber card with many, many privileges 

including insider discounts at Penhaligon’s and Miller Harris. 

Diptyque Mini Candle Set, £58 www.liberty.co.uk. 

With dozens of different scents to choose from, I find it almost 

impossible to decide which Diptyque candle to gift to a friend 

– unless I know her fave. Featuring a quintet of votives – Feu 

de Bois, Opopanax, Ambre, Pomander and Vanille (five of 

Diptyque’s bestselling fragrances (and including the very festive, 

orange-and-spice Pomander), this will save much dithering. 

Acqua di Parma Rosa Nobile Gift Set, 

£74 at www.uk.spacenk.com. 

There are so many different fragrance gift sets around this 

Christmas, but this is one of my absolute favourites: open 

the too-beautiful-to-throw-away hatbox to reveal a generous 

50ml size of the Velvet Body Cream, Velvet Bath & Shower 

Gel and the Rosa Nobile fragrance itself, a summery swirl of 

soft roses and cool green notes that’s utterly beguiling. 

Bobbi Brown Caviar Mini Eye Palette, £26.50. 

Is there a make-up lover alive whose heart doesn’t pitter-patter a tad 

faster when opening a Bobbi Brown gift…? The textures are always 

fab, the shades invariably spot-on – and this downsized version 

is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, squeezing seven shadows and 

lipcolours into one palette. While you’re at the Bobbi Brown counter, 

have a good snoop around for other Christmas gifts; she’s on the 

money this year with just about everything, including fabulous sets of 

make-up brushes – and if you’re looking to give ‘experiences’ rather 

than just more ‘stuff’, her make-up lessons are the best in the biz. 

Face Paint: The Story of Makeup by Lisa Eldridge 

(Abrams Image), £18.99. 

Have to admit: notwithstanding the brilliance of her YouTube 

videos, which get millions of views, and her talent at making-up 

famous faces, I did slightly wonder what this make-up pro could 

possibly have to add to the cosmetics oeuvre with her book. Turns 

out she’s a serious make-up historian as well as a genius with the 

brushes and this book is as fascinating a beauty read as I’ve ever 

turned the pages of, packed with utterly gorgeous images and 

the stories behind the make-up items we take for granted. 


GIVE 

BEAUTIFULLY 

Visit us in December to 

receive a voucher for 

20% off in the new year 

Stalwart Wellness provides a unique setting nestled in the grounds 

of a private residence in Tenterden offering: 

n Clinical pilates classes 

n Ante and Post natal 

n Yoga classes 

n Private lessons 

For more information and details on the classes please go to 

www.stalwartwellness.co.uk or contact info@stalwartwellness.co.uk 

or 07779 670502 

Stalwart Wellness Tenterden Kent 

stalwartj 

Call for details 

01580 766298 

The Green Room 

bespoke hairdressing 

Rear of 92 High St, Tenterden TN30 6JB 

Terms & Conditions Apply 


purely beauty 

Beauty Salon Hawkhurst 

Christmas Packages! 

Dazzling Sensation 

60(Save £15) 

1hr 45mins (approx) 

- Prescription one hour Facial 

- Gel Polish Fingers or Toes - 

Or - Back Neck and 

Shoulder Massage 

Party Ready - 50 (save £20) 

1hr 45 mins (approx) 

- LVL Lashes (lift, volume and length) 

- Gel Polish Fingers or Toes 

Warm and Cosy 1hr 30 mins- 40 (save£15) 

Revive yourself after all that Christmas Shopping 

- Deluxe Manicure or Pedicure 

- Hot Stone Back Neck and Shoulder Massage 

Count Down to Christmas 1hr 15 mins- 30 (save £17) 

Get your glad rags on with this 

Perfect package prior to that Christmas party! 

-Half leg wax 

- Bikini wax 

- Underarm or Eyebrow 

- Eyelash and Eyebrow Tint 

Healthy Elf 1hr - 45 (save £10) 

Gents get yourself spruced up this Christmas 

- Deep Tissue Back Massage 

- Hopi Ear Candles or 

- Express Skin Treatment 

Gift Vouchers Available 

Call 01580 753383 www.purenique.co.uk 

120 

Jola Sikorska 

Beautician & Hairstylist 

Specialist in Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion Treatments & 

Oxygen Therapy for Women & Men. Results are visible immediately. 

Latest COMCIT treatment now available, highly advanced 

skin technology to rejuvenate from the root of the skin. 

Also • Manual Facials 

• Indian Head Massage • 

Manicure & Pedicure with 

Biosculpture Gel • Waxing 

• Eyebrows & Eyelashes 

Treatment • Hair Extensions 

10% OFF 

A COURSE OF 

FACIAL TREATMENTS 

StalwartWellnessWT166.indd 1 06/11/2015 GreenRoomHairdressersWT166.indd 12:46 

1 12/11/2015 10:53 

www.jolasikorska.co.uk 

Telephone 07833 562573 or 01580 715672 

The Estate Office, Stone St, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HE 

PureniqueWT166.indd 1 29/10/2015 JolaSikorskaWT166.indd 15:22 

1 12/11/2015 15:53

voucher for a Neom Wellbeing Spa Treatment (worth £10), 

so they can kickstart the New Year in the most positive way. 

Guerlain Rouge G de Guerlain Merveilleux 

Rose Collector Lipstick, £31.50. 

For your bold-lipstick-loving friend – we all have one – 

this is as glamorous a gesture as make-up gets. Pull out 

the ‘bullet’ and the lid becomes a mini-compact, with a 

mirror perfect for applying this perfect deep rose pink (867 

Merveilleux Rose). Lovely snowflake packaging, too. 

The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible, £16.99 (Kyle Books). 

Another little personal plug, here (sorry!)… If you’ve a 

friend who likes to keep her finger on the pulse of all that’s 

happening, and most importantly effective, in the world 

of age-defiance, the latest edition of this book – which I 

co-wrote with Sarah Stacey, my longstanding co-author 

– just came out. Our publisher didn’t consider it ‘a 

Christmas book’ but grateful friends tell us otherwise! 

Neom Scent to Make You HappyTM Gift Collection, 

£39.95. Aromatherapy whizzes Neom have some sublime (and 

sparklingly packaged) Christmas gifts this year, but this powerful 

collection of mood-lifters is the one I’d love Santa to be slipping 

into my stocking. In addition to the HappinessTM Wick Candle 

and the Daily Boost Face, Body & Hair Oil, there’s a useful 

Cailyn Cosmetics O Wow! Brush, £20 at 

www.victoriahealth.com. I’ve written about this before, and have 

gifted it to several friends in 2015 – but it went down so well, 

the rest are now getting it for Christmas. It is a life-changing 

foundation brush: you squeeze/squirt base on to the back of your 

hand, pick up the colour with the brush’s microfibre bristles, and 

then literally ‘smoosh’ into skin for the most flawless finish ever. 

Truly astonishing and absolutely my Beauty Find of the Year. 

Have a great one! (And, to my lot: if you did cheat 

and have read to the end, don’t blame me if you’ve just 

done the literary equivalent of peeking under Mummy’s 

bed, and now know what you’re getting…) 

Check out Jo Fairley’s www.beautybible.com site – 

recently redesigned and a one-stop info destination 

for all things health and beauty related 

Give a gift she’d really love… 

More Confidence 

PRETTY PERMANENT MAKE UP 

We can give you Beautiful 

Natural looking Eyebrows, 

Smudge Free Eyeliner, 

Kissable Lips and more… 

BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION 

01342 823431 

INFO@PRETTYPERMANENTMAKEUP.COM 

WWW.PRETTYPERMANENTMAKEUP.COM 


PrettyPermanentMake-UpWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 16:39

Private Care Service 

at Bathtimes 

Our Private Care Service carers can 

come to your house and assist you in 

taking a bath or a shower. This help can 

form part of a tailored package of care 

that could help you stay in your own 

home for longer, rather than going into 

a care home before its really needed. 

We can assist those who need help due 

to frailty, disability or illness to live as 

independently as possible, with comfort 

and dignity, in their own home. 

www.townandcountryhomecare.co.uk 

Domestic 

Care 

£9.77 

per hour 

For a free assessment 

of your care needs or to 

receive your brochure 

Call us on 01580 762244 

Town & Country Homecare Limited 

102a High Street, Tenterden, Kent TN30 6HT 

AvanteCare&SupportLtdWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 TownCountryHomecareWT133.indd 16:59 

2 04/02/2013 16:20 

Bespoke non-surgical 

treatment packages for a 

fresher, brighter you in 2016! 

Combining the latest in non-surgical aesthetic 

treatments including thread lifts, mesotherapy, 

laser treatments and more. 

Contact us to book a no obligation 

free aesthetic consultation on 01580 762323. 

Woodbury Clinic 

149 High Street 

Tenterden 

Kent TN30 6JS 

www.woodburyclinic.co.uk 

Dr Jaimini Vadgama 

BDS Hons (Lond) PG Cert MFDS RCSEd 


122 

WoodburyDentalAndLaserClinicWT166.indd 1 30/10/2015 11:05

Wealden Health & Beauty 

Wealden Times talks to Briony Wilkinson from 

textile and stationery company, English Folly ... 

do you follow a 

beauty routine? 

Yes, but I have to keep 

it quite simple as I have 

quite sensitive skin which 

reacts badly to too many 

lotions and potions. I 

discovered a Japanese brand 

called SK-II when I lived 

in Asia, so I now cleanse 

with their facial wash every 

day. Luckily I can still get 

it in the UK, but only in 

Harrods. It’s a real beauty 

luxury! I use Nivea Q10 

day and night creams too, 

which I find are gentle 

on my skin and give me 

the basic SPF protection 

I need during the day. 

do you have a particular 

product you couldn’t 

live without? 

I definitely couldn’t live 

without YSL Touche Eclat. 

Working long hours on 

close graphic and textile 

pieces is not kind to 

the eye area, and it’s my 

saviour when I’m tired 

and suffering with dark 

circles. Unless I am at an 

event, I don’t normally 

wear masses of makeup, 

so for a natural daytime 

look, I use just a touch 

here and there to even out 

my skin tone. It replaces 

a full foundation nicely. 

What’s your ultimate 

pampering treat? 

It has to be a spa day 

and a massage. When I 

lived in London I would 

treat myself to a day at 

the Sanctuary in Covent 

Garden every six months, 

but now I only really 

find the time when I am 

away. I have to give my 

back the chance to recover 

from being hunched over 

a sewing machine every 

day so I find a solitary spa 

day is a fantastic way to 

completely relax, recharge 

and centre my thoughts. 

Who’s your style icon? 

It would be really hard 

to pin it down to just 

one person, but my 

absolute favourite style 

era would have to be the 

50s. I love and admire 

the timeless beauty and 

elegance of Grace Kelly, 

but Doris Day’s style is 

so cute and quirky! 

English Folly was launched 

in 2000, originally as 

a wedding stationery 

business, but has since 

grown into a huge range of 

gifts, accessories, stationery 

and homeware. Using a 

variety of classic colours 

and prints Briony designs 

and creates bespoke and 

personalised items to 

order. Take a look at www. 

wealdenfairs.com/englishfolly 

or www.englishfolly.com 

Freeimages.com/ Martina Lukáčová 

Supreme Green... 

Spirulina. Yep, we’re talking 

about another odd green 

powder. Cyanobacteria, or 

blue-green algae to you and 

me, come in two species. 

Arthrospira is now cultivated 

worldwide and mostly used as 

a dietary supplement available 

in tablet, flake and powder 

form. Dried spirulina contains 

around 60% protein and is 

a complete protein, meaning 

it contains all essential amino 

acids, unlike other plant 

proteins such as those found in 

legumes. It’s a great source of 

iron, chlorophyll, and contains 

a full spectrum of antioxidants, 

vitamins and minerals. It has no 

cellulose wall, making it highly 

digestible, helping the body to 

fight off infection and keeping 

the gut in good condition. 

Despite this, however, there 

is some evidence that it can 

aggravate autoimmune diseases, 

so double check with your 

GP or a health expert before 

experimenting. If you do fancy 

giving it a go, try a teaspoon in 

a green smoothie, or include 

it in a homemade pesto. 

Manic Organic... 

Use Dr. Bronner’s Organic 

Hair Rinse. Do it now. It’s 

fab! This is no ordinary 

conditioner. In fact, it 

doesn’t work like a normal 

conditioner at all, but 

after using it a few times, 

and getting used to a new 

routine, hair is left feeling 

super smooth, nourished, 

and smelling scrummy. It’s 

packed with citrus extracts 

which help to rinse out 

any leftover soap, and the 

coconut, olive and hemp 

oil moisturise to the max, 

ensuring both hair and 

scalp are accounted for. 

Pop a small amount of 

product in a container and 

dilute with plenty of water. 

Gently pour this over 

washed hair, massage into 

the scalp, rinse, proceed to 

feeling citrusly fabulous. 

WT’s Helen loved it so 

much, she’s now using 

their Pure Castile Soap 

too! Added bonus – all Dr. 

Bronner’s products 

are certified 

organic, non GMO 

and never ever 

tested on animals! 

Get yours at www. 

drbronner.com 


Golden Boot 

est. 1790 

Expertly Fitting Children’s Shoes For Over 220 Years 

These were 

my daughter’s 

The Golden Boot in 1957. “I am here today to have my great 

” 

First steps are so precious. 

With over 220 years experience of fitting shoes, 

you can ensure your children’s feet are in safe hands. 

www.thegoldenboot.co.uk 

The Golden Boot, 25-31 Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, ME15 6HX 

E. sales@thegoldenboot.co.uk T. 01622 752349

Save Our Soles! 

Our feet take the weight of our entire body, so it’s no 

surprise that poor foot health can lead to a whole host of 

other problems. There are, however, many easy ways to 

keep them healthy. We speak to a few specialists... 

Freeimages.com/Robert Beliczki 

The shoe fitting expert 

Clare Wigston has been fitting children’s 

shoes for over 15 years... 

At what stage of a child’s development should a parent consider the first pair 

of shoes? There are three main stages children go through while learning to walk 

and becoming confident on their feet: crawling, cruising and walking. Barefoot is 

considered best until a child takes the first steps on their own. However, this isn’t 

always practical, so some soft slippers may be necessary for a little extra protection. 

What are you looking out for when fitting a pair of shoes? When fitting children’s 

shoes, primarily we’re checking for adequate growing room. To do this we check the 

length and width for overall fit, as well as the depth, ensuring the top line of the 

shoe isn’t catching on the child’s ankle. We then check the closure of the shoe and 

make sure they don’t slip when they walk. This observation is very important. 

Are there any common problems that can be caused by badly fitting shoes? 

Ill fitting or bad quality shoes can cause a number of problems. Shoes that are 

too tight can cause serious deformity, while shoes that are loose and offer no 

support can cause the arch to drop. This consequently affects a person’s gait, 

causing pronation (feet turning inwards or outwards), leading to other muscular 

skeletal issues. Poor quality shoes are also made with synthetic fabrics that often 

don’t allow the feet to breathe, leading to fungal infection and smelly feet! 

Clare is the General Manager at The Golden Boot, Maidstone and specialises in 

fitting shoes for children of all ages. She’s also a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters. 

For more information speak to a member of staff in store or call 01622 752349. 

The Reflexologist 

Laurel Wickham is an expert 

Reflexologist based in Marden... 

What is reflexology? With its origins based in ancient civilizations, simply stated, 

reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage for health and wellbeing. It is based on 

the principle that there are reflex points on the feet (and hands) which correspond 

with each organ, gland, skeletal and muscular structure in the body. 

How does it work? Nobody is entirely sure how reflexology works, but it does 

free up the energy that flows through various zones of the body. Using finger and 

thumb pressure to stimulate the precise areas corresponding to the different parts 

of the body, it unblocks any tension and stagnant energies to restore health and 

harmony to all the body’s systems, and induces a state of absolute relaxation. 

Who can benefit from reflexology? Women, men, the elderly, teenagers, children and 

babies. Reflexology does not discriminate. Anyone of any age can derive the benefit. 

However, as in any therapy, there can be contradictions and a full medical history is 

always required. The benefits are endless. They include an improved immune system, 

better circulation, pain relief, stress relief, it can assist with post operative recovery, 

eliminate waste products from the body and encourages the body to heal. 

Laurel is a member of the Guild of Holistic Therapists as well as a qualified 

Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. To book a home visit call 07792 001230. 

The Chiropodist 

Afsaneh Smith works 

from her clinic in 

Lenham Heath... 

Why is it important to look after your 

feet? The condition of a person’s feet 

reflects their overall health. Many of my 

patients have long term problems associated 

with poor circulation or chronic fungal 

infections. In these cases good foot hygiene 

is essential. I explain that daily washing and 

drying of feet with the appropriate use of 

foot cream or fungicides can result in a big 

improvement. Younger patients often have 

verrucas or corns. In these cases a return to 

a pain free life is the objective of treatment. 

How often should you have your feet 

treated? Nowadays people pay more 

attention to their feet. Even if you have 

perfect feet you need to take care of them. 

For individuals with chronic problems they 

should see an expert every six weeks. For 

hard skin or corn removal a single visit to 

a specialist may be all that is required. 

do your patients enjoy their treatments 

and what do you enjoy about your job? I 

hope so. When customers depart the clinic 

happy and pain free it’s a good feeling. 

Some patients don’t want to leave as they 

feel so comfortable! For customers treated 

at home I am often their only visitor all day 

so like to think that this is an important 

part of the care I can offer. I like to help 

and care for people and by doing this job 

I get a real satisfaction. Some of my clients 

ask me “How can you touch people’s feet? 

They are dirty and smelly!” But really I 

don’t see it like that - I think how can I 

relieve their pain, to make them better and 

comfortable. This is a big reward for me. 

Afsaneh works from her clinic, as well as 

visiting clients’ homes, if they’re unable 

to travel. To book an appointment call 

01622 853640 / 07506 376264. 


Noteworthy 

Nibbles

Press ad_Layout 1 19/08/2011 4:06pm Page 1 

The taste of Kent 

from your own local farm shop 

??? 

You’ll taste the difference when you purchase 

your produce from us. 

We’ve sourced fruit and veg from local 

suppliers so we can guarantee its’ 

freshness – and that means great tasting food. 

Why not make 

a day of it? 

Visit Polhill Garden Centre 

for the best ideas for 

your garden 

And why not treat yourself to some of our 

specialist items: jams, pickles, chutney, cheese, 

milk, biscuits, honey, confectionary, ice cream, 

frozen foods and much more. Great for gifts – 

or treat yourself! 

We’ve got easy on-site parking so come and 

visit us soon. 

London Road, 

Badgers Mount, 

Sevenoaks, 

Kent TN14 7BD 

Tel: 01959 533089 

The Taste of Kent 

Winner of the Garden Centre Association 

Farm Shop of the Year Award 2010 

PolhillWT116.indd 1 16/09/2011 16:54 

Give a Unique 

Gift This Christmas 

Nicci Gurr, a former student of the 

Roux Brothers and the co-founder 

of Cranbrook-based Home Gurrown, 

shares her expertise at making perfect 

Christmas canapés... 

Photographs: David Merewether 

Give an Enrolment Voucher for our 1/2 day 

Butchery Course in Pork, Lamb or Beef 

1 to 1 training with Gary or Ian, our 

experienced in-house Butchers 

Make and take home 2kg of your 

own prepared sausages 

Or order a luxury hamper instead 

Join Our mailing List - hello@hartleycoffeehouse.co.uk 

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter 

Hartley Dyke Farm, Hartley Road, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3QG 


HartleyCoffeeHouseWT166.indd 1 16/11/2015 18:19

FrasersWT165.indd 1 12/10/2015 12:40 

Cookery Courses ▪ Chef’s Table ▪ Private Parties ▪ Corporate Events ▪ Hosted Meetings 

Vouchers for Christmas 

Chef's Table Exclusive Dining Experience 

with ever-changing menus created by Michelin trained chefs 

Day & Two Day Weekend Cookery Courses 

with Rosemary Shrager & Iain More 

Telephone: 01892 528700 

Email: school@rosemaryshrager.com 

RSCookerySchool RSCookerySchool 

www.rosemaryshrager.com 


128 

RosemaryShragerWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 12:53

Spiced lamb palmier 

Makes: 20-25 Prep time: 45 mins Cooking 

time: 20-25 mins Chilling time: 1 hr 

You will need 

• 1 bunch of fresh rosemary 

• 1 tbsp olive oil 

• 2 shallots, finely sliced 

• 300g minced lamb (speak to your local butcher) 

• 1 garlic clove, peeled, crushed 

• 1 tbsp cumin 

• 2 tsp garam masala 

• 1 tsp cracked black pepper 

• 375g ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry 

1. Heat the oil in a small frying pan, then 

gently fry the shallots over a low heat, 

with the cumin, garam masala, and 

garlic clove for 5 minutes until soft and 

fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and cool. 

2. Add the lamb mince to the bowl, season 

and mix well. To test if the seasoning is 

right, fry a little of the mixture in a pan 

until cooked, then season to taste. 

3. Unroll the pastry sheet and spread evenly 

with the lamb mixture, leaving a 1cm border 

around each edge. Roll up each long side to 

halfway so they meet in the middle. Chill 

in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or wrap in 

cling film and freeze until ready to cook). 

4. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6. 

Cut the chilled roll into slices about 7mm 

thick, then arrange over 2 baking sheets, 

leaving a 5cm gap between each slice as 

they’ll spread a little as they cook. Bake for 

20-25 minutes until golden and puffed. 

5. Thread a rosemary sprig lengthwise 

through the palmier and serve. 

Home Gurrown offer original and unique 

menus using local, seasonal ingredients 

from Kent and East Sussex. Home Gurrown, 

0774 7816541, www.homegurrown.co.uk

Watercress, roasted beetroot and 

goat’s cheese roulade 

Makes: 25-30 Prep time: 1hr 30mins 

Chilling time: overnight 

You will need 

• 225g (9 oz) fresh watercress 

• 4 medium eggs, separated 

• 250g (9 oz) red beetroot 

• 200g (7 oz) soft rindless goat’s cheese 

(I particularly like The Traditional Cheese 

Dairy’s Stonegate Goat Log) 

• 100g (3.5 oz) of crème fraîche (Hinxden 

Dairy Crème Fraîche is excellent) 

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

1. Preheat oven to 190C 

2. Grease and line a 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inch) 

Swiss roll tin with non-stick baking parchment. 

3. Finely chop the watercress in a food processor 

then tip this into a large bowl, beat in the egg 

yolks and season with salt and pepper. 

4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with 

a pinch of salt until stiff but not dry, then fold 

them into the watercress mixture using a large 

metal spoon. 

5. Pour into the prepared tin and quickly level 

the mixture, spreading it out into the corners. 

6. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until set and light 

golden brown. 

7. Meanwhile, peel the beetroot, roughly dice 

and roast with olive oil and salt and pepper. 

Cook for about 20 minutes until a knife will 

go through the beetroot easily. Cool, grate 

and set to one side. 

8. Beat the crème fraîche into the goat’s cheese 

and spread evenly over the cooled roulade, 

then spread the cooled beetroot mix. 

9. Roll up from the long side, using the 

greaseproof paper to help you, then carefully 

wrap in cling film and refrigerate overnight. 

10. When ready to serve, slice into rounds and 

push on to a cocktail stick. 


130

Award Winning 

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dairy 

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AND LEARN TO MAKE CHEESE 

Make a hard, a soft and halloumi cheese 

in a fun and friendly atmosphere 

Tour of the Dairy • Home cooked lunch • Cheese Tasting 

Plenty of your own cheese to take home 

Visit www.highwealddairy.co.uk 

or call Sarah on 01825 791 636 

High Weald Dairy, Tremains Farm, Horsted 

Keynes, West Sussex, RH17 7EA 

Try out a whole new dining Sussex Pond puddings with 

concept, private parties, or farm cream are on offer as part 

couples, can dine within the 

of the gamekeepers menu. 

walls of an 18 th 

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Bishopsdale Oast also offers 

countryside and a deer park. 

B&B, log fires and no need for 

taxis after dinner, for those who 

Menus are all designed around 

fancy making a real getaway. 

locally sourced produce. 

Smoked venison with locally 

Special diets are catered for. 

foraged blackberries and 

Bring your own alcohol, 

sloes, Bishopsdale Pheasant 

there’s no corkage fee. 

in whiskey sauce and mini 

Bishopsdale Oast 

Biddenden, Kent TN27 8DR 

Telephone 01580 291027 

www.bishopsdaleoast.co.uk/pop-up.php 

HighWealdDairyWT166.indd 1 16/11/2015 BishopsdaleOastWT166.indd 12:36 

1 17/11/2015 10:19 

LET US SPOIL YOU THIS CHRISTMAS WITH A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER 

festive lunches 

from £20.00 per person 

Festive Lunches 

FROM £20.00 PER PERSON 

Available throughout December 

available from £29.00 per person 

available throughout december 

THEMED Party Nights 

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES DISCO 

christmas day lunch 

PRICES FROM £29.00 PER PERSON 

£69.00 CASINO per NIGHT person 

£29.00 £42.50 per child PER PERSON under 12 

Available weekends in december 

themed party nights 

dancing through 

the decades disco 

prices from £29.00 per person 

casino night 

£42.50 per person 

available weekends in december 

private party nights 

boxing day lunch & dinner 

PRIVATE PARTY NIGHTS 

Available £27.50 from per £29.00 person 

person 

£18.00 per child under 12 

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH 

£69.00 PER PERSON 

£29.00 PER CHILD UNDER 12 

new year’s eve las 

vegas themed party 

£63.00 per person 

BOXING DAY LUNCH & DINNER 

£27.50 PER PERSON 

£18.00 PER CHILD UNDER 12 

Dale Hill Hotel 

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t. 01580 200 112 e. christmas@dalehill.co.uk £63.00 PER PERSON w. dalehill.co.uk 


DaleHillWT164.indd 1 08/09/2015 16:13

EAST St. 

EXPERIENCE THE 

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3rd December Somebody like Olly - Ultimate 

Tribute to Olly Murs, plus party set - £25.00 per head 

9th December More magic on 

Wednesday - £20.00 per head 

17th December Justin Timberlake 

Tribute Night - £25.00 per head 

23rd December Pre-Christmas Special, 

night of festive music - £25.00 per head 

New Year’s Eve Party with the talented 

Darren (Kent Solo Singer) who’ll be singing 

through the generations - £29.50 per head 

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26 HIGH STREET 

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To BooK call 01580 388501 

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Bethersden, Kent TN26 3LF 

01233 820800 

- WEDDINGS - CELEBRATIONS - HOG ROASTS - BBQ’s - BAKES & CAKES - 

The Silver Room at Kino Rye - 

perfect for that Christmas party 

with a difference! 

BrickHouseFarmWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 MumbaiGateWT166.indd 12:14 

1 17/11/2015 15:24 

What better than your own 

private screening of a festive film 

accompanied by delicious Kino food 

and drinks to get you in that 

Christmas spirit? 

Contact Kino Rye to discuss your requirements and for availability. 

Contact caroline: caroline@plumtreecatering.com 

or call 07739 708599 

Contact SARAH: sarah@plumtreecatering.com 

or call 07771 332576 

PLUM TREE 

Catering 

- WEDDINGS - CELEBRATIONS - HOG ROASTS - BBQ’s - BAKES & CAKES - 

open every day from 9am films daily from 10am 

01797 226293 

rye 

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www.kinodigital.co.uk follow us on Kino Rye kino_digital kino_digital 

LION St. 


132 

BrickHouseFarmWT162.indd 1 22/07/2015 KinoWT166.indd 10:25 1 29/10/2015 11:00

Smoked mackerel and horseradish pâté in a filo star 

Makes 20 Prep time: 30 mins 

Cooking time: 1hr Chilling time: 10 mins 

You will need 

• 4 peppered mackerel fillets 

(The Weald Smokery 

smoked mackerel is 

exceptional) 

• 1 lemon 

• 7 oz (150 g) crème fraîche 

(Hinxden Dairy Crème 

Fraîche is excellent) 

• 3 teaspoons prepared 

horseradish sauce 

(Tracklements Horseradish 

sauce is really good) 

• Pack of filo pastry 

1. Skin and flake the smoked mackerel, making sure that all 

the bones are removed. 

2. Zest and juice the lemon into a large bowl. Add the mackerel, 

crème fraîche and horseradish and mix thoroughly together 

by hand, using a fork – this gives a more rough-textured pâté. 

3. Put the pâté into a container and chill in the fridge. 

4. Cut four or five sheets of filo pastry into small squares 

(approximately 5cm across) and brush each sheet with melted 

butter layering into small tartlet tins approximately 4.5cm 

diameter, and blind bake for 5-6 minutes, or until crisp and 

golden brown. Place to one side and cool. 

5. When cups are cool, pipe in the mackerel pâté and garnish 

with food safe gold brushed leaves or gold leaf. 

Supplying Milk, Cream, Yoghurt and 

Crème Fraîche from our pedigree Guernsey 

and pedigree Holstein Friesian herds 

across Kent and East Sussex. 

Open: 

8.30am - 5.30pm 

Monday - Saturday 

WEALD SMOKERY 

FINE FOOD EXPERIENCE 

GREAT TASTE AWARD 

WINNERS 

Look at the blackboard on road outside 

shop for weekly 25% off offers! 

Gold Award Winning Traditionally Smoked Food. 

Quality range of British and Continental Farmhouse Cheeses. 

WEALD SMOKERY 

Delicious Delicatessen range of and Bread Gourmet delivered Foods. daily . 


Range 

See 

of 

our 

excellent 

Christmas 

Ready 

display. 

Meals. 

Make 

Jams, 

up your 

Chutneys, 

own basket 

Biscuits, 

trays 

Chocolates, 

and hamper 

Coffee 

from as 

and 

little 

Tea. 

as £15. 

Solve your Christmas present problems by using 

Delicatessen and Gourmet Foods. 

our Mail Order service for family and friends. 

Mail Order Gift Service. 

Order now for Christmas 

It’s well worth a visit 

WEALD SMOKERY 


Hinxden Farm Dairy 

Telephone 01580 240685 

HinxdenFarmDairy.co.uk 

enquiries@hinxdenfarmdairy.co.uk 

Mount Farm, Flimwell, East Sussex TN5 7QL Tel: 01580 879601 

Mount Farm, On the Flimwell, Hawkhurst East Road Sussex – near TN5 the Flimwell 7QL Tel: traffic 01580 lights879601 

On the Open: Hawkhurst 8.30am Road - 5.30pm – near the Monday Flimwell - Saturday traffic lights 

Open Sundays Open: 8.30am in Dec - before 5.30pm Christmas Monday - 10.00am-4.00pm 

Saturday 

info@wealdsmokery.co.uk 

www.wealdsmokery.co.uk 


HinxdenFarmDairyWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 WealdSmokeryWT166.indd 09:46 

1 16/11/2015 13:57

The finest of British 

Country Outbuildings 

From Passmores - Est 1909 

Garden Perfection 

City Escapes provide domestic & commercial garden solutions 

The ideal home for your 

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AND STAND ALONE 

TIMBER GARAGES 

View our picture gallery on line 

for ideas and inspiration. 

Excellent range and service. 

HIGH STREET, STROOD 

ROCHESTER, KENT ME2 4DR 

Est 1909 

Tel: 01634 290033 

For further information visit : www.passmores.co.uk 

■ 

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Regular Maintenance 

Design & Construction 

Small one off works 

Turf care management 

Problem area Solutions 

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Approved pesticide/ 

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Tel: 01435 868211 | M: 07831 302107 | E: damian@cityescapes.co.uk 

www.cityescapes.co.uk 

PassmoresWT141.indd 1 10/10/2013 CityEscapesWT166.indd 11:00 

1 30/10/2015 12:07 


134 

OpenviewLandscapeDesignWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 16:17

Earth 

Matters 

Jo Arnell reminds us of the importance of garden soil 

This isn’t a very festive topic, I know, but I’ve just 

discovered – in the nick of time, that 2015 is the 

International Year of Soil. This should have been 

headline news – street parties held, allotments hailed, earthy 

celebrations enjoyed. Oh well, every year is a year of soil 

to gardeners, as we struggle to manage it, improve it and 

remove it from under our fingernails. It’s not just gardens 

that need soil, either – there’s a growing body of evidence 

that says that people need it too. In fact, connection with 

the soil is implicated in the prevention of allergies, asthma 

and some mental disorders. There are some very good 

reasons why we should all be getting down and dirty. 

Soil creatures great and small 

We all know about earthworms and how good they are for 

the soil, incorporating dead and decaying matter, aerating 

and generally improving things. The well-known worm 

appreciator Charles Darwin once wrote: “It may be doubted 

whether there are many other animals which have played so 

important a part in the history of the world, as have these 

lowly organised creatures.” But, just as vital to soil, plant 

and ultimately our health, are billions of microscopic soil 

organisms. Get this – just one spoonful of soil contains more 

FreeImages.com/Andrew Richards 

microorganisms than there are people on the earth. Don’t rush 

to wash your hands (again) – some of them are good for us. 

Micorrhizae and soil bacteria 

Gardeners have lately been introduced to the benefits of a 

substance containing Micorrhizae – tiny fungi that form 

mutualistic associations with plant roots, helping plants to 

obtain nutrients that they can’t otherwise access, in return 

for sugars and minerals. Sprinkling a powder containing 

the mycorrhizae directly on to plant roots when planting 

will help them to establish and grow more strongly. 

Bacteria are found in vast numbers in the rhizosphere (the area 

around the roots of plants) and their actions work in a similar 

way to the beneficial bacteria within the digestive systems 

of animals. One group, called Rhizobia, live in symbiosis 

with leguminous plants (peas, beans, lupins) in root nodules. 

These fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available to the 

plant in return for shelter and sugar (sounds familiar). 

Some bacteria are pathogens to be avoided, but many, like 

the rhizobia, are vital to plant health, and the rest we have 

no clue about, as only five per cent of the bacteria in soil has 

been identified as yet. It’s becoming clear that there are huge 

implications for the health of our planet in the microbiome, 

and the more we’re discovering about this darkly mysterious 

world, the more interesting it’s getting. It’s already known 

that children playing outside and interacting with the soil 

are much less likely to develop allergies and other immune 

system disorders, and now scientists have discovered that 

being near to one particular bacterium, Mycobacterium 

vaccae, could even help cure depression, causing us to produce 

serotonin, the hormone that improves our mood. Before 

we rush out for a mood enhancing mud bath though, 

there’s some soil improvement to be considered. 

 

FreeImages.com/Mike Berg 


email: production@indexmagazine.co.uk 

Below is a proof of your ad to be published Positions in the in the maga 

tel: 01892 517320 

PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisment it will be taken that this ad 

WEST is KENT the responsibiluty MAY edition of the Index Magazine. positions tel: PLEASE NOTE are agreed 0189 The co 

PLEASEadvertiser NOTE The – content the publisher of the advertisment cannot email: accept production@indexmagazine.co.uk 

is responsibility the responsibiluty for any of inaccuracies. 

the every detail email: 

advertiser and will PLEASE – be the 

prod 

pub NO 

WEST KENT 

advertiser 

MAY 

Positions – the publisher in the magazine cannot cannot accept be guaranteed 

We trust 

except 

this is 

where 

as you 

special 

wish your advertisement to 

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the mag 

PLEASE 

responsibility 

NOTE The appear content 

for 

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any 

please the 

inaccuracies. 

advertisment let us know is the if not. responsibiluty However, of the advertiser 

Positions positions in the magazine are agreed cannot in writing be and on payment of a Special Position Fee. 

positions are agreed 

advertiser guaranteed – the publisher except where cannot accept special responsibility for any inaccuracies. PLEASE NOTE 

please note that if no response Please is received remember by this Positions The co in 

positions are agreed in writing and Positions on payment in the office magazine of a Special by 

cannot Position be guaranteed Fee. except where special advertiser 

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positions are agreed in writing and on payment of a Special Position 

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Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, PLEASEstone, NOTE The fireplaces, content of the antiqu adverti 

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e-mail 

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address, 

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etc... positions slates, are agreed stone, in writing fireplaces and on p 

PRUNING SPECIALIST 

Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, stone, fireplaces, antiqu 

tel: 01892 517320 

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vage@aol.com 


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magazine 

Creating Beautiful Gardens 

PLEASE NOTE The content of the advertisment is the responsibiluty of the 

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advertiser – the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. 

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positions are agreed in writing and on payment of a Special Position Fee. 

Delve through centuries old oak beams, tiles, bricks, slates, stone, fireplaces, antique furniture, garde 

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MFDesignConsultancyWT164.indd 1 08/09/2015 SymondsSalvageWT147.indd 10:44 

1 17/04/2014 10:24 

email: 

Architectu 

For Brilliant Year Round Results 

Wealden Country Landcraft 

Wealden Country Landcraft 

For all your design, construction and maintenance requirements, contact: 

Adam Sutton BSc (Hons) Environmental Science | Tim Playfoot BA (Hons) Garden Design 

Tel:01892 722699| Adam:07979 362241 | Tim:07990 751353 | www.playfootgardendesign.co.uk 


136 

WCLandcraftWT162.indd 1 13/07/2015 16:28

Know your soil 

Understanding your soil will give you an indication of 

what is going to thrive in your plot. There are several 

types of soil, derived from tiny particles of the rocks from 

which they’re formed: sand, clay, silt, chalk and peat 

being the main ones. Then there’s the acidity level which, 

combined with soil type, will determine which plants will 

happily grow in the space. You can buy soil-testing kits 

that show how acid or alkaline your soil is (most hovers 

around the neutral mark), but you can easily test soil with 

your hands, or a jam jar filled with soil and water: 

Soil Test – hand 

You don’t need a soil-testing kit necessarily, although this will 

give you a good idea of the soil’s pH (how acidic/alkaline 

it is). Go out to your plot and take a small trowelful of soil 

from just under the surface. Take a handful and squeeze it, 

then open out your hand again. If the soil stays in a ball, or 

feels sticky to the touch, it is clay. If, on the other hand, the 

handful feels gritty – you can easily see the particles – and it 

won’t stay in a ball, even when wet, then it is sandy. The holy 

grail of soil is loam, which when squeezed will almost form a 

ball and then crumble nicely into a heap again. These are the 

three main types of soil, but yours could also be silty (silky, 

almost soapy to the touch) or peaty (spongy and fibrous). 

Soil Test – with a jam jar 

Half fill a jam jar with a sample of soil, taken again from just 

under the surface. Fill to near the top with water and screw 

the lid back on tightly. Shake the jar thoroughly and leave it 

on the side for an hour or two. When you go back to look 

at it, it should have separated into layers, with the heaviest, 

largest particles at the bottom and the finest, smallest nearer 

the top. If there’s a lot of stuff floating on top of the water, 

that’s called humus (no, not the Greek dip). Humus is mainly 

decomposed plant and animal waste and, if there’s lots of it, 

be pleased – it’s a good sign. Humus helps the fertility and the 

structure of the soil. Sandy soils will have a large proportion 

of big particles (the bottom layer) and clay soils will have 

a bigger top layer. The loam will be roughly even. If your 

jar still looks cloudy, or there doesn’t seem to be much of a 

bottom layer at all, then the soil is silty – which means that 

the particles are very fine. If the water is chock-full of floating 

debris, it may be peaty (do a pH test to see how acidic it is). 


PetalsForPlantsWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 10:01

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138 

WWLandscapesWT162.indd 1 17/07/2015 12:58

FreeImages.com/B.B 

Clay soil 

Clay can turn out to be one of the best soils – in the 

end. It is fertile and tends to be slightly alkaline, which 

many vegetables – especially brassicas – appreciate. The 

main problem is that it is hard to work, it’s claggy 

through the winter, slow to warm in spring, and then 

becomes like concrete until the autumn. To improve 

clay soil, just keep adding bulky organic matter and 

grit. Clay and silty soils can be prone to forming pans of 

compacted soil, either on or under the surface, leading 

to problems with drainage and poor penetration of plant 

roots. If your soil is badly compacted, you will need to 

(cancel your gym membership and enjoy some outdoor 

workouts) dig down and break up the compacted areas, 

incorporating organic matter – this can be homemade 

compost, well-rotted manure or spent mushroom compost. 

Sandy soil 

This is lovely and easy to work, fast to warm, so the season 

can start earlier. The problem with this type of soil, however, 

is that it is very free-draining, so water and the precious 

nutrients dissolved in it leach quickly out of the soil, leaving 

it parched and dry. Adding bulky organic matter will 

help sandy soil retain moisture and improve its fertility. 

Make some compost 

There are two main types of compostable material – nitrogen 

releasing, or ‘green’ waste (grass clippings, veg peelings etc) 

and carbon releasing, or ‘brown’ waste (shredded stems, paper 

and card). These need to be added to the compost heap in 

roughly equal measures and also be well mixed. If too much 

‘green’ stuff is added, the heap will become a stinky mush 

and if too much ‘brown’ stuff is put on it will take ages for 

the heap to rot down at all. The other vital ingredients to the 

compost heap are air and water. The heap needs to be moist, 

but not wet. You can speed up the rate of decomposition by 

adding activators like manure, existing well-rotted compost, 

garden soil, or shop-bought activators. Peeing on your heap 

is extra planet saving, as it also saves on flushing but watch 

out for (among other things) brambles and wasp’s nests. 

Regular mixing or turning over of the ingredients in your 

heap will also help it rot down more quickly. This is how the 

‘tumbling’ compost bins are able to make compost so quickly. 

Leaf mould 

Leaves can be incorporated into the existing compost 

heap or, for a superior product, make a separate heap (or 

use a perforated black plastic bag) for leaves. It will take 

longer to rot down than ordinary compost (up to 2-3 

years), but is gorgeous once it does, highly prized as a 

component of potting compost, or as a fine grade mulch. 

Green manure 

Often clover, peas or other legumes that fix atmospheric 

nitrogen are sown in the ground where the crop is to 

grow and then dug in, so that the fertilising nitrogen is 

released as the plants decay. They have the additional 

advantage of preventing soil and nutrients being lost in 

winter weather – and (hooray) keeping out weeds. 

I’ll contemplate the microbial population (of Europe) 

lurking under my nails with fresh interest and less 

shame in future, although I still lament the fact that 

nail varnish is a pointless addition to my Christmas 

list. If you’re now doing the same, take comfort in the 

benefits that come along with a healthy dose of dirt. 

Let’s get on with that mud bath! Happy Gardening. 

Contact Jo for border designs, planting and garden 

advice: 01233 861149, jo@hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

FreeImages.com/Woolpert 


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Some scientists are calling Paris the last chance to get 

agreement on a programme to tackle climate change. 

For twenty-one years, with varying degrees of success, 

countries have gathered together to try to find global agreement 

on how to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases. At 

present, if we do nothing, climate scientists are telling us that 

we could see a temperature rise of around five degrees by 2100. 

That might seem a long way off but children born today could 

be enduring our refusal to take climate change seriously. A five 

degree rise would mean many parts of the planet would become 

inhospitable, even uninhabitable, sea levels would rise by 

metres, weather patterns would become more unpredictable and 

some scientists maintain it would mean the end of civilisation 

as we know it. It is truly shocking and very worrying. 

However, it seems our governments across the globe have 

‘woken up’ to the seriousness of the situation, and they are 

meeting at the end of the year in Paris to try and work out a 

deal to tackle climate change. Starting on 30th November 190 

nations will sit round the table determined to get emissions 

below 2.5 degrees. Some warming is inevitable but if the world 

can agree a deal around this figure, scientists believe we have a 

fighting chance. 

The good news is that many of the major players including 

China and the USA have agreed to significantly cut greenhouse 

gas emissions and the European Union has endorsed a binding 

40% reduction target by 2030. The biggest contention at the 

moment is how to help the poorer countries reach binding 

targets and that means investment from the richer nations. 

Poorer countries maintain that they haven’t caused climate 

change yet they will suffer most first and the richer countries 

must take some responsibility. 

Is there anything we can do? We could all try to be 

conscious of the energy we use, even the simple act of switching 

off the light when you leave the room helps. Buying local 

produce helps, using public transport when you can and 

informing yourself about climate change. The United Nations 

Environment Programme website is a good start. 

www.unep.org/climatechange/Introduction.aspx 

If these governments can find and agree equitable solutions 

in Paris, and I believe those taking part understand the huge 

importance of getting this right, our children and grandchildren 

can look forward to a life less burdened by climate change. 

Call today for a free home consultation. 

0800 0742 721 SBIPRODUCTS.CO.UK 

SBIWT164.indd 1 23/09/2015 14:16 

 

 

 

 

 


CrownOakBuildingsWT165.indd 1 19/10/2015 10:43

What’s On In December 

ARE YOU SINGLE? 

Yours truly is affordable, 

exclusive, traditional and 

successful 

*Confi dential Interviews* 

*Personal Matching* 

CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND CALL 

Louisa Sheridan 

01892 667750 

www.yourstrulyintroductions.co.uk 

exhibiting and selling stunning 

work, including paintings, prints, 

ceramics, glass, pewter, mosaics 

and hand-painted furniture. 

Open to the public Sat 5 & Sun 6 

/ Sat 12 & Sun 13 Dec 12-4pm 

OBS Gallery, Tonbridge School 

Lustre 

Lustre15 showcases highly original 

artists and designers based in 

Kent and the South East. From 

thought-provoking sculpture to 

contemporary painting & luxurious 

textiles to innovative prints and 

ART 

stunning ceramics, Lustre15 

YoursTrulyWT133.indd 1 19/02/2013 17:54 offers something for everyone. 

Tues 1 - Sun 6 Dec 10am-8pm Entry: Free 

Powdermills Hotel, Powdermills Info: 01732 365555 / www. 

Lane, Battle TN33 0SP 

tonbridge-school.co.uk 

The December Art Show 

An exciting and varied selection Carols & Concerts 

of affordable art from 7 talented 

artists displaying their work, 

Fri 4 Dec 7.30pm 

using various mediums and styles. Riseden, Goudhurst, 

Gifts and cards also for sale. 

Kent TN17 1HH 

Info: 07850 388877 

Live Jazz 

Enjoy an evening of live jazz 

Tues - Sat until 24 Dec 

music with the house trio and 

9.30am-4.30pm 

guest jam sessions. Fully licensed 

Artichoke Gallery, Church 

bar, light suppers and snacks. The 

Street, Ticehurst TN5 7AE 

first Friday of every month. 

MODERN RUSTIC 

Entry: Adult £12 Student 

Drawing inspiration from the old, to & under 18s £6 

present, to the now: natural materials, Info: 01580 211702 / www. 

ancient traditions, myths and legends; finchcocks.co.uk/pages/events 

evoking the time honoured skills 

of our ancestors given a twist to fit Sat 5 Dec 5.30pm 

snugly into our modern world. Hospice in the Weald, Maidstone 

Info: www.artichokegallery.co.uk Road, Pembury, Kent TN2 4TA 

Light Up a Life 

Sat 5 Dec 10am-6pm & 

Starting outside in our Hospice 

Sun 6 Dec 11am-5pm 

grounds, choirs will perform 

Bourne Grange Oast East, Natal beautiful Christmas carols, followed 

House & Gingerbread Gallery by heart-warming readings before 

CHRISTMAS ART HUB 

the lighting of our Christmas tree. 

IN HADLOW 

Everyone is very welcome, please 

16 artists will be displaying their work bring a torch and dress warmly. Hot 

for sale, ranging from glittering refreshments and mince pies will 

glass and jewellery to vibrant ceramics, be served afterwards where you can 

photography and painting, at three light a candle for your loved one and 

studios in Hadlow. Visitors to all three view our Book of Remembrance. 

studios will be entered in raffle prize. Info: 01892 820527 

Entry: Free 

Info: 01732 852054 

Sun 6 Dec 3pm 

St Nicolas Church, Pevensey 

Sat 5 Dec 10am-5pm & 

Vivace! Christmas Concert 


Featuring a wide range of seasonal 

Tenterden Town Hall 

music, Vivace! are a wonderful group 

Tenterden Artists 

of singers who specialise in singing for 

Artists and their guests will be good causes! Something for all musical 

tastes. Interval refreshments available. 

Entry: £10 

Info & Booking: 01424 216651 

/ g.stephens45@btinternet.com 

Fri 11 & Sat 12 Dec 7.30pm 

St Edith Hall Kemsing 

Kent TN15 6NA 

Mistletoe and wine 

Kemsing Singers Christmas concert 

“Mistletoe and wine”, in aid of 

Guide Dogs for the Blind 

Entry: £8 

Info: 01959 523752 / www. 

kemsingsingers.com 

Sat 12 Dec 7.30pm 

St. Andrew’s Church, Paddock Wood 

The Glory of Christmas 

Paddock Wood Choral Society 

will sing Vivaldi’s Gloria and 

pieces by Philip Stopford. 

Entry: £12 

Info & Booking: 01892 822448 / 

www.paddockwood-choral.org.uk / 

xmas15@paddockwood-choral.org.uk 

Wed 16 - Sun 20 Dec 4.45pm / 

7.30pm / 2.30pm / 5.30pm 

Wintershall, Bramley near Guildford 

The Wintershall 

Nativity Play 

This play will be performed by 50 

volunteers in wonderful costumes, 

assisted by sheep, donkeys, horses 

and a sheepdog. Free parking. 

Info & Booking: 01793 418299 

/ www.wintershall-estate.com 

Wed 16 Dec 6.30pm 

St. Mary’s Church , West 

Malling ME19 6NE 

20th Annual Christmas 

Carol Concert 

Join Peter Brice and his Christmas 

Choir for an evening of festive music. 

Donations to Heart of Kent Hospice 

very welcome. Advance booking 

required. Drinks and canapes will 

be served during the interval. 

Entry: Free 

Info & Booking: 01622 790195 / 

fundraising@hokh.co.uk / www.hokh.org 

Thurs 17 Dec 6.30pm 

Tonbridge School Chapel 

NSPCC Family Christmas 

Carol Concert 

This family carol concert in aid of 

NSPCC will be a festive celebration 

featuring carols, readings and guest 

performances by sensational baritone 

Jonathan Veira and the Fidelity Choir. 

Entry: £8 adults £5 children under 5 free 

Booking: Tonbridge School Box 

Office 01732 304241 / www. 

boxoffice.tonbridge-school.co.uk 

Tues 22 Dec 7.30 pm 

St Stephen’s Church, Waterloo 

Road, Tonbridge TN9 2SW 

Lydian Orchestra 

Christmas Concert 

The Lydian gives talented West 

Kent young musicians (ages 14-25) 

the opportunity to play together. 

Our 2015 Christmas concert, 

conducted by Peter Young, will 

include: Sarmientos’ Marimba 

Concerto with soloist Lizzie 

Brightwell, Sibelius’ Karelia Suite 

and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony 

no. 2 “Little Russian”. Entry 

includes a drink & programme. 

Entry: £12 adults £5 children 

Info & Booking: 0844 3320187 

/ www.brownpapertickets.com 

Fairs & markets 

Tues 1 Dec - Sat 5 Dec 

Pashley Road, Ticehurst, 

Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 7HE 

Gift shopping 

Pashley’s Shop will be open for 8 days 

in winter for Christmas shopping. 

As usual the shop will be packed 

with a wide selection of high quality 

gifts and cards, as well as special 

Christmas stock for the festive 

season. If you are looking for present 

ideas, or something for yourself or 

your home, do come and visit. 

Info: 01580 200888 / www. 

pashleymanorgardens.com 

Fri 4 Dec 11am-7pm, Sat 5 Dec 

10am-6pm & Sun 6 Dec 12am-5pm 

St Mary’s Church, Hadlow 

1ST CHRISTMAS TREE 

SEOS 

Open 

Studios 

16 artists in 3 studio 

locations 

5th Dec 

10-6pm 

Bourne Grange 

Oast East 

TN11 0EJ 

Carpenters Lane 

Natal House 

TN11 0EF - High Street 

XMAS 

in 

Hadlow 

Raffle & refreshments 

Free Entry 

6th Dec 

11-5pm 

Gingerbread 

Gallery 

TN11 0DG 

Hadlow Square 


142 

HidegardPaxWT166.indd 1 06/11/2015 15:03


Come and join 

Heaven Farm 

For Late night 

Christmas 

Shopping 

Every Thursday from 

3 rd December till 8pm 

Every Friday from 

11 th December till 8pm 

PLUS Christmas Special 

Weekend 12 th –13 th December 

From Granary Flowers 

• Handmade wooden products 

• Christmas decorations • Gifts • Silk Flowers 

From Heaven Farm Shop 

• Christmas food hampers • Festive food 

• Mulled wine • Mince pies • Gifts 

Call Tracey 01825 790331 

or email info@heavenfarmshop.co.uk 

HEAVEN FARM, FURNERS GREEN 

NR DANEHILL TN22 3RG 

A275 between Danehill and the Bluebell Railway 

festive tales 

Learn all about the 

people who helped shape 

Sissinghurst Castle 

Garden's history with our 

trail this December. 

When you need warming 

up afterwards, try one of 

our festive lunches. 

1 December - 

3 January daily 

Sissinghurst Castle 

Garden 

TN17 2AB 

01580 710700 

Normal admission applies 

© National Trust Images/. 

The National Trust is a registered charity, number 205846. 

HeavenFarmShopWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 10:50 

SissinghurstCastleWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 10:20 

Notes of Christmas 

5th to 24th December 2015 

Join us this Christmas for an exceptional festive display. 

Christmas trees, adorned with twinkling lights and musical 

decorations will fill the magnificent State rooms. Each 

room will feature an illuminated paper sculpture, inspired 

by traditional Christmas carols and hand-made by talented 

artist Helen Musselwhite. 

The Christmas Market 

5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th to 23rd December 2015 

A wonderful array of seasonal gift ideas, toys, decorations, 

food and drink. Visit the Leeds Castle reindeer and birds 

of prey. Enjoy our nostalgic fairground attractions and 

children’s rides. 

Both events are included 

with the price of admission. 

Book online for 

10% OFF your ticket 

leeds-castle.com 


27217 LC XMAS 185x130.indd 1 17/11/2015 14:02 

ZestLtdLeedsCastleWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 14:10


Christmas Show 

Beautiful work by Talented Artists 

Runs until 30 th January 2016 

The Singing Soul Gallery 

19 Stone St. Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF 

01580 714551 

www.singingsoulgallery.co.uk 

MariePrettWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 15:37 

Hornbrook Manor Farm 

Garden advice and border planting service 

New Hay Farm, Old Hay 

(Off Pearsons Green Road) 

Brenchley, Paddock Wood Kent TN12 7DG 

01892 83 4306 info@westkentshooting.co.uk 

www.westkentshooting.co.uk 

Gift vouchers available for: 

Border Designs Workshops Consultations Gardening sessions 

01233 861149 www.hornbrookmanor.co.uk 

Detling 

Antiques, Vintage 

& Collectors’ Fair 

WestKentShootingWT165.indd 1 01/10/2015 HornbrookManorWT166.indd 14:33 

1 10/11/2015 16:40 

Up to 300 exhibitors in two buildings, 

shopping arcades, marquees & outside offering a 

wide range of items from ceramics, glass, vintage 

clothing, furniture, books, metalware, kitchenalia, 

postcards, pictures & much more. 

Sat 9th - Sun 10th 

January 2016 

Sat: Early Entry 8.30am - £6 

Sat: General Entry 10am - 4.30pm - £5 

Sun: 10am - 3.30pm - £4 

Kent County Showground, Detling, ME14 3JF 


Tel: 01636 676531 

www.b2bevents.info 

144 

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1 18/11/2015 09:56

FESTIVAL IN HADLOW 

Visit St Mary’s Church and marvel at 

over 30 Christmas trees imaginatively 

decorated by community groups, 

businesses and schools. Refreshments 

will be on sale throughout the weekend 

and the festival closes with a short 

carol service on Sun 6 at 4.30pm. 

Entry: Free 

Info: 01732 851519 

Sat 5 Dec 10am-8pm 

High Street, Tenterden, 

Kent TN30 6AN 

Tenterden Christmas 

market 

A wonderful festive event, 

Christmas market stalls, gifts, 

street food, children’s rides, Santa’s 

Grotto, glittering Christmas lights, 

trees, magical atmosphere. 

Tel: 01580 767104 


St Mary’s Hall, Oxford 

Street, Whitstable, Kent 

Mainwaring’s seaside 

brocante 

Top dealers are gathering together 

in preparation for this much 

loved Christmas Fair. Do some 

clever Christmas shopping and 

find that super special present for 

that super special someone. Enjoy 

fresh seafood and take in the sea 

air, whilst browsing amongst the 

vintage treasures on offer. Don’t 

forget to pick up a 2016 date list! 

Info: 01227 773037 / 07778 318319 


St Mary’s Church, Church 

Yard, Ashford TN23 1QG 

Ashford Artisan Fair 

Meet the makers and buy unique gifts 

for Christmas in the beautiful setting 

of St Mary’s Church. There will be 

something for everyone including 

local produce, ceramics, textiles 

design, jewellery, art and hand-crafted 

cards, books, candles and soap. 

Entry: Free 

Info: www.ashfordartisanfair. 

wordpress.com 

Sat 12 Dec 2pm-4.30pm 

All Saints Parish Church, 

Woodchurch 

CHRISTMAS FAIR 

There will be stalls including crafts, 

bric-a-brac, cakes, lucky boxes 

and lots of fun activities. You can 

also visit Santa’s Grotto! We look 

forward to seeing you there. 


The Hand & Sceptre, 

Southborough Common 

Wealden Brocante 

Come along to this fabulous pop 

up vintage Christmas emporium. 

Info: 07885 610912 / www. 

facebook.com/wealdenbrocante 


The Square, Lenham, 

Maidstone, Kent 

ME17 2PQ 

lenham country market 

Everything from organic fruit and 

vegetables, to fresh meats, fish 

and bread with specialties such 

as cheese, chutneys and game. 

Info: 01622 679709 / www. 

kfma.org.uk/Lenham 

Friends & Family 

Tues 1 Dec to Wed 23 

Dec 10am-4pm 

Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 6BA 

Elf trail 

Find out what the elves have been 

up to this year at Emmetts Garden. 

Make your way around the garden 

with a new festive adventure helping 

the elves get ready for the big day. 

Booking Not Needed. Children 

and dogs on leads welcome. 

Info: 01732 868381 / www. 

nationaltrust.org.uk/events 

Thurs 3, Fri 4, Sat 5, Thurs 

17, Fri 18 Dec 8pm 

Trinity Theatre, Church Road, 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1JP 

Christmas Comedy cafe 

Get yourself fully into the festive mood 

with our Christmas Comedy Café 

Meal deal - a delicious 2 course meal 

with a free glass of Prosecco for only 

an extra £12. All Meal Deal Tickets 

will have a reserved table so why 

not make it a group party? To make 

sure you’re all seated together please 

book under one name - and be aware 

that numbers are strictly limited. 

Info & Booking: www.trinitytheatre.net 

Wed 9 Dec 7pm 

Eastwell Park, Boughton Lees, 

Ashford, Kent TN25 4HR 

A dickens Christmas 

dinner 

 


SANTA’S 

BREAKFAST 

& GROTTO 

VISIT SANTA IN HIS 

WINTER WONDERLAND 

GROTTO EXPERIENCE 

November 

Saturday 28th 

& Sunday 29th 

11am - 4.30pm 


11am - 4.30pm 

Every Saturday & Sunday 

in December running up 

to Christmas Day 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

£7.95 

PER CHILD 

2 

FOR 

£12 

OR £7 PER 

CHILD 

November 

Sunday 29th 

9.30am - 10.30am 


9.30am - 10.30am 

Every Saturday 

& Sunday in 


running up to 

Christmas Day 

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

FOR BOTH EVENTS 

01892 852828 

www.sussexcountrygardener.co.uk 

Mark Cross (A267), East Sussex TN6 3PJ 


SussexCountryGardenerWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 14:22


® 

Mulled wine, the hotel’s renowned 

Christmas decorations and a traditional 

Christmas Dinner, accompanied 

by readings of Dickens tales. 

Info: 01233 213020 / www. 

eastwellmanor.co.uk 

Sissinghurst way. Spend some time 

with members of our garden team 

and find out some hidden tricks 

of the trade. Booking Essential. 

Info & Booking: 01580 710700 / 

www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events 

“teaching the chefs of the future” 

Christmas • Monthly Cookery cookery Workshops clubs 

17 th December • Pre-uni - Sevenoaks cooking survival Junior Cookies courses (4-10yrs) 

21 st December • School - Frant workshops Junior Cookies • Parties (4-10yrs) 

21 

Sign st December - Tonbridge Creative Cooks (11-16yrs) 

up now for our Junior Cookies club in Redhill, Reigate 

Monthly Clubs - Parties 

Register for our new clubs coming to Guildford and Epsom 

Christmas 

Gift Ideas for 

Budding Cooks. 

Taster sessions & 

Gift Vouchers. 

Call for details 

Contact us for more information... 

performed by 

Ashley Ramsden 

Saturday 28 November 

at Brambletye School 

by kind permission of the Brambletye Trust 

Free glass of 

wine/juice 

T: 07786 07749 271227 927783 

E: info@cookieskitchen.co.uk 

@Cookies_Kitchen 

www.cookieskitchen.co.uk 

at 6.30pm 

(doors open 6pm) 

Tickets: £12.50 

Children: £8 Family(4): £40 

Available from: 

Foresta Travel, Sophie’s Shop 

and Ashurst Wood News Store 

In aid of Holy Trinity & St Dunstan’s Churches 

Cheques payable to Forest Row PCC 

Cookies-Kitchen/ 

112650702118404 

26 Dec- 3 Jan 

Maidstone, Kent ME17 1PL 

CookieskitchenWT166.indd 1 18/11/2015 15:41 WINTER TRAIL 

Wander through the woodland walk, 

A Christmas Carol grounds and gardens as you answer 

questions about wildlife and nature 

by Charles Dickens in this post-Christmas activity. 

Entry: £1 per person. A valid 

admission ticket is also required. 

Info: 01622 765400 / www. 

leeds-castle.com 

Raffle 

Fri 11 Dec / 18 Dec 

Ashdown Park, Wych Cross, Forest 

Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR 

Christmas Dinner Dance 

Enjoy the fine surroundings of the 2 

AA Rosette Anderida Restaurant with a 

four course meal, followed by dancing 

to the live house band until 1.00am. 

Entry: £68 

Info: 01342 820265 / www. 

ashdownpark.com 

Sat 12 Dec 10.30am-2pm 

Bore Place, Chiddingstone, 

Kent TN8 7AR 

WINter day 

Gather friends and family for a 

morning activity followed by a 

delicious lunch prepared using 

produce from the farm and gardens. 

Info & Booking: 01732 463255 

/ www.commonwork.org 

Workshops 

Tues 1 Dec 7-9pm 

Smallhythe Studio, Small Hythe 

Rd, Tenterden TN30 7NB 

life drawing 

Learn new skills or develop an 

existing passion for drawing with this 

inspiring class. Booking essential. 

Entry: £15 

Info & Booking: art@ 

smallhythestudio.com 

Wed 2 Dec 9.30am-2pm 

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, 

Sissinghurst, Biddenden Road, 

near Cranbrook, Kent TN17 2AB 

Rose Care day 

Learn about cultivation, pruning and 

taking good care of your roses the 

Mon 7 Dec 9am-1pm 

3 The Village, Chiddingstone, 

Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7A 

Winter Wreaths 

Celebrate the seasons at The 

Tulip Tree. Learn how to make 

stunning displays while enjoying 

delicious food and drinks. You 

can book each course individually 

or get them all at a discount. 

They make great presents too! 

Entry: £65 

Info & Booking: 01892 871504 

Tues 8 Dec 1.30-4.30pm 

Knole, Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0RP 

Christmas Wreath 

Workshops 

Make a beautiful Christmas wreath 

for your home. All materials are 

supplied in these hands-on workshops 

which include a demonstration and 

help, to create your magnificent 

decoration. Tea, coffee and biscuits 

will be served. Booking Essential. 

Info: 01732 462100 

Tues 29 Dec 11am-2.30pm 

The Bakehouse, Biddenden 

Hello 2016 workshop 

Join Yvonne Fernando, NLP Master 

Practitioner and Life Coach, to 

reflect on 2015 and set yourself up 

in a positive way for the year ahead. 

Using creative journaling and creative 

visualisation in a relaxed way. 

Entry: £60 

Info & Booking: 01233 878474 / 07968 

785714 / www.yvonnefernandolp.co.uk 

Listings are correct at time of going to 

press but may be subject to change. 

Readers are advised to check with venues 

before making arrangements. We can list 

your event in the next issue of Wealden 

Times for only £15! Please supply up 

to 50 words that should include date, 

time, venue, and any entry price to 

whatson@wealdentimes.co.uk or send 

with payment (cheques payable to JPS 

Media) to What’s On, Wealden Times, 

Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF. Wealden 

Times reserves the right to edit text to fit 

space allocated. If you would like your 

event listing to be accompanied by a full 

colour reproduction (42.5 x 62.5mm) 

of a poster or other pictorial image, the 

total charge will be £95. Deadline for 

January issue is 9 December 2015. 


AChristmasCarolWT166.indd 1 18/11/2015 16:07 

146

Music Tutors 

Pet Care 

GUITAR LESSONS 

Rock/Pop, 

Finger‐Style, Classical 

Pete Metcalfe 

www.petemetcalfe.co.uk 

Phone: 01892 522 006 

petermetcalfe22@btinternet.com 

KENT PIANO TUTOR 

Lessons in your home! 

Also Clarinet - Sax - Trumpet 

Louise 07989 370624 

www.KentPianoTeacher.co.uk 

HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO PLAY THE DRUMS? 

PeteMetcalfeWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 LouiseWoodcockWT166.indd 12:44 

1 30/10/2015 10:36 

All equipment provided - no experience necessary. 

Lessons by Professional drummer in private, relaxed 

studio near Pashley Manor 

COMPUTING FOR 

BEGINNERS 

One-to-one computer 

training in your own home. 

Now also iPad training. 

Call Lynn 01622 745654 

07778 210374 

daviddriverdrums@aol.com 

www.daviddriverdrums.com 

I.T. Services 

GIFT 

VOUCHERS 

AVAILABLE 

DavidDriverWT166.indd 1 17/11/2015 13:04 

WA Ad (2015)_Layout 1 01/05/2015 13:40 

TN17DOG 

walking 

WaggingTailsWT164.indd 1 17/09/2015 11:25 

•Fully Insured•One-Off or Regular• 

07719 070864 

on 01580 714705 

WA 

www.tn17dogwalking.co.uk 

Ad (2015)_Layout 1 01/05/2015 13:40 adam.donovan@wealdentimes.co.uk 

WA Ad (2015)_Layout 1 01/05/2015 13:40 

TN17 

DOG 

walking 

To your dog a 

daily walk means 

EVERYTHING 

•Fully Insured•One-Off or Regular• 

07719 070864 

www.tn17dogwalking.co.uk 

Full colour 

advertising from as little as 

£40 a month. Call Adam 

CHERISHED HOUSE 

& PET SITTING 

Fully insured, experienced, 

one‐off to regular care of property 

& animals while you’re away. 

Telephone 01233 732539 

cherishedhousepet@gmail.com 

TN17DogWalkingWT166.indd 1 18/11/2015 CherishedHousePetWT166.indd 11:10 

1 17/11/2015 13:07 

Wealden Times - Classified 

Photography 

ComputingForBeginnersWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 NorthOneWT165.indd 10:33 

1 21/10/2015 17:03 

Paint Spray Finishers 

Cleaning Services 

Doug Harman Photography's Gift Vouchers 

start at just £75 and are redeemable 

against all our photo services including 

photo tuition. An ideal gift this festive 

season. Doug Harman Photography. 

T: 07812 459590 

W: dougharmanphotography.com 

E: doug@dougharmanphotography.com 

For family fun this Christmas, call now to 

book your space 01580 893040 

www.photomegorgeous.com 

Paint Spray Finishers 

We spray anything to a high standard 

Our professional painters will work on 

site or at our paint shop in Headcorn 

If you want a perfect paint finish 

give us a call 01622 892 411 

CLEANING SERVICES 

FOR SUSSEX 

Window cleaning from £5. 

Fascias & Gutters. Mobile car & 

caravan cleans. House & office 

cleans. End of tenants. Carpet 

cleaning. Grass & Lawn mowing. 

Call 07756 248128 

Chimney Sweeps 

DougHarmanPhotographyWT165.indd 120/10/2015 PhotoMeGorgeousWT166.indd 18:04 

1 06/11/2015 Hi-FlightAerospaceWT165.indd 16:37 

1 13/10/2015 Tim'sCleaningServicesWT166.indd 17:32 

1 11/11/2015 10:21 

SOOTY STEVE’S 

Chimney Sweep 

07872 072401 

Sooty_Steves@Yahoo.co.uk 


SootyStevesWT164.indd 1 17/09/2015 SouthBoroughSweepWT164.indd 16:20 

1 17/09/2015 16:58

P H C 

P H C 

P H C 

P H C 

for a fuler more active life 

Wealden Wealden Times Times - Bazaar - Classified 

P 

Procter Health Care 

P H C 









H 


C 

8-9 Station Parade, Eastbourne, E.Sussex BN21 1BE 

Located 60m from Railway Station 01323 417508 

when presenting this advert* 

10% off *offer valid until 31/12/2015 

We stock Cosyfeet footwear, and much more... 

• Bathing Aids 

• Tens Machines 

A free catalogue is • Toileting Equipment • Nebulisers 

available by calling 

• Incontinence Products • Wheelchairs 

01323 417508, visiting our 

• Household Items 

• Riser Recliner Chairs 

shop or can be downloaded 

from our website • 3&4 Wheeled Walkers • Fireside Chairs 

www.procterhealthcare.co.uk • Walking Sticks 

• Magnetic Jewellery 

See our website www.procterhealthcare.co.uk 

For more information please phone, visit our Eastbourne branch or email us at: eastbourne@procters.com 

Baby Swimming Lessons 

& Lessons For Toddlers 

In Ashford 

Aquababies Swimming School 

Tel: 07584 039504 

Email: aquababieskent@gmail.com 

www.aquababies-uk.com 

Lisa Everett Beauty Therapy 

20% off your first treatment 

ProcterHealthCareWT166.indd 1 03/11/2015 RecoverNowWT166.indd 17:53 

1 17/11/2015 09:59 

Inspired by nature, enhanced 

by science, we use amazing 

botanically based products 

that are pure, safe and 

benefi cial for all skin types. 

This combined with the 

award winning Caci 

microcurrent treatment 

gives the most effective, 

anti-ageing results available. 

At Jola Sikorska Hair Salon, 

Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent 

lisaeverett@hotmail.com 

Telephone 07912 657201 

Lisa Everett Beauty Therapy 

Health & Wellbeing 

Psychotherapy at The Garden Room 

A place to find trust and comfort if you are 

finding certain things in your life difficult. 

I offer tailored counselling and psychotherapy sessions 

to individuals and couples struggling with addiction, 

relationships, anxiety, stress and depression. 

For help and more information, feel free 

to call me on the numbers below. 

David Gilmour PG Dip, MBACP Registered. 

01580 441506 | 07976 247833 

www.balancerecovery.co.uk 

www.Relax-in-Harmony.co.uk 

Award Winning 

Spa & Holistic Therapy 

Luxury Packages 

Gift Vouchers available 

44 Wellington Square, Hastings, East Sussex TN34 1PN 

Tension, mind & 

body, we can help 

TotalHealthMatters 

AquababiesWT165.indd 1 13/10/2015 LisaEverettBeautyTherapyWT166.indd 12:12 

11/11/2015 RelaxInHarmonyWT166.indd 17:19 

1 16/11/2015 14:40 

Relax in a warm, 

comfortable environment 

Deep tissue & fascia release through 

warm bamboo & holistic massage 

Jaw tension release 

Headache tension 

Mobile service in Tonbridge 

& Tunbridge Wells area 

Gift vouchers 

Loyalty scheme 

Professional, friendly service 

Weekday & weekend/evenings 

Promotions throughout the year 

Ongoing appointments to address 

specifi c issues & for maintenance 

Clinic at Kings Hill 

Heather Bailey Holistic Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner. Member of FHT 

01892 836550 or 07716 393946 hather.bailey@btinternet.com 

www.kentmassagetherapy.co.uk 

www. 

.co.uk 

Visit the website above if you would like to: 

Live a longer healthy life. Look and feel younger. Have more energy. 

Lose weight, if you’re overweight. Lower your blood cholesterol without 

statins. Prevent or even reverse heart disease. Lower your risk of 

prostate, breast or other cancers. Preserve your eyesight in your later 

years. Prevent and treat diabetes. Avoid surgery in many instances. 

Vastly decrease the need for pharmaceutical drugs. Keep your bones 

strong. Avoid impotence. Diminish the risk of a stroke. Prevent kidney 

stones. Alleviate constipation. Lower your blood 

pressure. Diminish the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. 

Beat arthritis. And much more…..? 

Watch leading doctors tell you how on video. 

Contact: Michael Lingard BSc. DO. 

Tel: 01580 752 852 

SUDDENLY SINGLE? 

KentMassageTherapyWT166.indd 1 04/11/2015 ButeykoWT165.indd 11:29 

1 21/10/2015 17:07 

Mobile Hairdresser 

Make dating less daunting. 

Experienced style, lifestyle & 

40 years experience specialising 

dating coach. From what to I am a level 3 personal trainer who 

in perming, shampoo and set, 

wear, to what to say, I can help can bring the gym to you so you 

you through the dating process 

cut and blow dry. Contact Sue 

to find love anywhere. 

can start achieving your goals 

on 07795 380707 Eastbourne 

Beverley Springham 

on 07968 444555 

SueFrieslaarWT166.indd Elizabeth 1Davenport-Fry 

10/11/2015 12:24 

Registered Osteopath 

GOUDHURST 

35 years experience 

FREE CONSULTATION 

with this advert 

Telephone 01580 211880 

Full colour 

advertising from as little 

as £40 a month. 

Call Adam on 

01580 714705 

BeverleySpringhamWT166.indd 1 09/11/2015 12:14 

Bringing The Gym To You 

Amanda Kelsey Personal Training 

07921 839769 

www.amandakelseypersonaltraining.com 

amandakelsey1979@gmail.com 


148 

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1 18/11/2015 17:10 

AmandaKelseyWT166.indd 1 13/11/2015 16:35

Home & Interiors 

Pop-up Shop Now Open 

Ockley Road, Hawkhurst TN18 4DP 

bespoke ironwork for home & garden 

07765 344298 

www.cranbrookiron.com 

VISIT OUR LARGE SHOWROOM 

& TRADE COUNTER 

LEARN A TRADE OR IMPROVE YOUR 

SKILLS AT OUR C.I.T.B. APPROVED 

TILING TRAINING SCHOOL 

www.tenterdentiling.co.uk 

Leigh Green Industrial Estate, Appledore Rd, Tenterden TN30 7DE 

Wealden Times - Classified 

Alterations, curtains making, 

all kinds of sewing from soft 

toys to clothing to upholstery. 

Contact Annette Watts 

on 07814138111 or visit 

www.awsewing.co.uk 

Peter Fournel 

Antique & Modern 

Furniture 

Restoration 

Collection and delivery, Advice given 

01622 843284 07712 801308 

www.peterfournel.com 

Norris 

CranbrookIronWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 TenterdenTilingWT166.indd 16:14 

1 10/11/2015 14:23 

Family Upholsterers 

Est. 1945 

Free estimates and advice 

Sofas and chairs for sale 

Call 01424 812129 

K W EMBROIDERY SERVICES 

AWSewingWT165.indd 1 19/10/2015 NorrisFamilyUpholsterersWT163.indd 17:23 

112/08/2015 11:02 

Embroidery clothing, bags, 

hats, names, etc. 

Tel: 07749375427 

kwembroideryservices@gmail.com 

The cabinet painter 

Refresh your kitchen 

with a stylish painted 

makeover 

Minimal fuss, 

Maximum effect 

The affordable solution 

01797 270163 

chameleon-kitchens.co.uk 

email: alisonstevensarts@gmail.com 

SUPER LASTING GIFT! Chicken house & 8’ run with: 

PeterFournelWT145.indd 1 10/02/2014 KWEmbroideryServicesWT166.indd 13:47 

1 05/11/2015 AlisonStevensWT161.indd 16:23 

1 17/06/2015 13:30 

• 4 supa-laying 

chickens 

• Sack of mixed food 

• Waterer 

• Shavings 

• Hay for nest box 

NEW HOUSE (flatpacked) only £245 or built ones, Second-hand (less 

than 6mo) only £195. Beacon Stud, Benenden TN17 4BU, look for 

the Union Jack flag! Open 7 days 10am-4pm. We also have a HUGE 

selection of rare breed chickens, ducks & other unusual animals 

Reindeers on Mon 21 st + Tues 22 nd December £5 entry fee pp 

FREE delivery in Kent call to order 01580 240120 

The complete kitchen service... 

...from a hinge to a complete makeover 

The supply & replacement of 

drawers, doors, worktops, 

hinges, all fitted kitchen 

components/appliances, door 

renovation & polishing, bedroom 

doors & bespoke cabinets. 

Please call 

01689 850000 

www.thekitchendoctor.com 

Serving London & the South-East since 1984 

Wallgem 

General 

Building & 

Gardening 

Services 

07921 143851 

01233 713126 

StylishStovesWT166.indd 1 18/11/2015 KitchenDoctorWT145.indd 17:07 

1 28/01/2014 WallgemWT165.indd 10:12 

1 20/10/2015 21:29 

AP INTERIOR DESIGN 

DO YOU NEED YOUR HOME DECLUTTERED? 

WOULD YOU LIKE HELP TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE A HOME? 

If so, please don’t hesitate to contact me: 

Alison 07770 273863 alison.pilk@btinternet.com 

Restoring Quality 

Full restoration service, 

over 25 years experience. 

Including Cabinet making, 

French polishing, finishing 

/ colouring / distressing, 

Gilding, Veneering, Call 

me for a free quote or 

advice. On site work. 

SUSAN SURGEY 

Restorer of Fine Antique Furniture 

Faversham 01795 227698 

or 07712 451104 


APinteriorDesignWT166.indd 1 12/11/2015 SusanSurgeyWT132.indd 14:55 

1 15/01/2013 16:40

Gardens 

Food & Drink 

Wealden Wealden Times Times - Bazaar - Classified 

Battle Mowers Ltd 

Second Hand Ride On Tractors For Sale, ready for work & have been fully serviced! 

Castel Garden XJ140 36 cutting 

deck and collector ready for 

work £995 Reduced £800 

Allen Turf Trooper 2 triple 

cylinder mower ideal for 

cricket ground, tennis 

courts or stately gardens 

give a refined finish £1695 

Go Cart with petrol engine, 

we are selling this for a client 

and we have serviced it but 

can give no warranty on this 

product £600 Reduced £490 

A selection of used rotary and 

cylinder mowers also available 

For further information please phone 01424 773096 

or email: battlemowers@btconnect.com www.battlemowers.co.uk 

visit our showroom at The Granary, Station Rd, Battle. TN33 0DE 

RYE BAY FISH 

1 st prize winners with Time & Leisure Magazine 

Shane & Terry Haddon Mostly Local Fish 

Open Seven days a week Find us on Facebook 

Phone 01797 222377 email: thaddon@live.co.uk 

We send Fresh Fish By Mail Order To Anywhere in UK 

BattleMowersWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 RyeBayFishWT165.indd 11:05 

1 20/10/2015 18:23 

www.sandrafi eldcaterer.co.uk 

www.weddingcateringinkent.co.uk 

CATERING SPECIALIST 01580 890 554 

STUMP GRINDING 

Parties to hog roasts, buffets, weddings, barbecues to chocolate 

fountains, we'll give you a personal and professional service for any 

event, just visit us online and see what our clients are saying. 

SandraFieldWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 16:16 

QUALITY CATERING 

Telephone 07769 663053 

www.bigdishcatering.co.uk 

Find us on Facebook 

FOR ALL OCCASIONS 

GIANT PAELLAS - GOURMET BBQ’S 

AND MUCH MORE! 

Weddings • Parties • Celebrations 

Indoor / Outdoor Catering 

Finest Crockery & Cutlery Hire 

Book Now For 

Christmas 

GeoffTiltmanWT164.indd 1 22/09/2015 18:04 

TomHopeWT166.indd 1 11/11/2015 12:39 

BigDishCateringWT165.indd 1 15/10/2015 11:32 

For rats, mice, fleas, 

rabbits, moles & 

much more.. 

Tenterden, Rye, Ashford 

& surrounding areas. 

Mark Seymour 07989 111150 

Call us now for more information 

www.seymourpestcontrolservices.co.uk 

seymourpestcontrol 

markseymour404 


150 

SeymourPestControlWT166.indd 1 10/11/2015 16:06 

TOM HOPE 

SueDaviesFlowersWT166.indd 1 06/11/2015 09:47 

SERVICE 

Phone Mark 

01580 753249 / 07818 256319 

www.wealdhire.com 

Geoff Tiltman 

WealdHireWT165.indd 1 15/10/2015 11:45 

City & Guilds in Horticulture N.C.T 

CREATING GARDENS OF DISTINCTION 

All Garden Construction • Drives 

Paving • Walling • Fencing 

All Garden Work 

Probably the most experienced, established 

and qualified contractor in the area 

SMARDEN 01233 770777 

MOBILE 07775 694963 

Pest Control 

ALL TRACTOR WORK 

UNDERTAKEN 

Haying - Round, Square (4/6 

string), Conventional, Bale 

wrapping. 13 Tonne, 3 Tonne 

Diggers. All Buckets/Breakers/ 

Post Banger. Hedge Cutting, 

Flail, Mowing, Circular Saw on 

360. Horse muck - Loaded & 

taken. Most types of fencing. 

Oak off-cuts/Logs seasoned 

dry. Half tonne Apple Bins. 

All Forage Supplied. 

ANYTHING CONSIDERED. 

01233 756673 / 07890 818783 

Full colour 

advertising 

from £40 

a month. 

Call Adam on 

01580 714705 

This isn’t just a car 

It’s a personal service you can trust 

with quality executive vehicles 

Dining out 

Business 

Airport Transfers 

and more 

07747 066544 01892 652142 

colin.hardman@heritagehire.co.uk 

HeritageHireWT144.indd 1 22/01/2014 12:26

competition 

WIN A SELECTION OF 

GORGEOUS, ON-TREND COPPER 

HOMEWARE FROM STEAMER 

TRADING COOKSHOP 

Fables 

From 

The Farm 

Jane gets festive, 

collecting sloes and 

hunting for a yule log 

Steamer Trading Cookshop is a family-owned and family-run 

business based in Lewes, East Sussex, selling an outstanding range 

of top quality cookware, kitchen gadgets and tableware from 

world-leading homeware brands. The company prides itself on 

outstanding customer care, thanks to its friendly and expertly trained 

staff who are always on hand to offer a demonstration or answer 

questions. Steamer Trading has stores nationwide, with many in the 

counties of Sussex, Kent and Surrey. As well as offering online sales at 

www.steamer.co.uk the company also offers a click & collect service 

for extra customer convenience. 

Steamer Trading have a rainbow of stunning, top quality kitchen 

electrical items from coffee machines, juicers, blenders, food mixers 

and processors, toasters, kettles, sous vide machines, hand blenders 

and so much more. 

In addition to well-known brands, Steamer Trading also prides 

itself on finding those ‘extra special’ items from new and upcoming 

companies. This Christmas the trend is very much the gorgeous 

lustre of copper – in many different guises. To celebrate this we 

are offering one lucky winner the chance to win all of the glorious 

copper items in this picture, plus a few additional surprises. 

The prize includes: four copper mugs; four copper shot glasses (two 

sets of two); bamboo bowls with copper coating, large (shown) and 

small (not shown), a slate with copper serving bowl, copper water 

jug, storage jar (shown) and two storage jars (not shown). 

For your chance to win this 

hand-picked selection of copperware, 

just answer this question: ‘Where is 

Steamer Trading based?’ Enter your 

answer with your contact details* in 

the online form at www.wealdentimes. 

co.uk/competition or post to: The 

Steamer Trading Competition, 

Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, 

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 14 

December 2015. There is no cash 

alternative and the prize must be taken before 31 March 2017. *All entrants’ 

details will be passed on to Steamer Trading and Wealden Times Events. Please 

let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on. 

The cows are now all in the sheds and, at this 

time of year – before all the muck builds up 

and they have generally wrecked all the gates 

and partitions – it’s still rather a novelty. There’s nothing 

better on a cold wet winter’s evening than sitting by a 

log fire imagining them all tucked up in deep beds of 

straw happily munching away on lovely summer hay. 

When it comes to logs, there’s special work to be done 

in the next week or so. My children call me an old hippy 

and there is much mirth every year as I badger the whole 

family to come with me into the woods to choose our 

special yule log. 

The ancient Druids spent most of their lives outdoors 

and, not surprisingly, they worshipped the sun which was 

seen as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the 

word for a wheel – houl – that the word yule is thought 

to have come. They believed the sun stood still for twelve 

days after the winter solstice on December 21 so, during 

this time a log was lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil 

spirits and bring luck for the coming year. Hence the yule 

log – or actually, yule tree. 

As we live in Sussex our log will be oak, but the Scots 

use birch and the French cherry, which gets soaked in wine 

before being burnt to give off a pleasant aroma – how 

very French! So we will, as a family, traipse around the 

wood, everyone humouring Mum, to choose our windfall 

log. This is also when the 2014 vintage sloe gin gets 

ceremoniously opened for its first tasting. Although I say 

so myself, it’s usually pretty good. But next year’s might 

prove to be the best ever. This autumn I have never seen 

such huge sloes, and such an abundance, which is very 

fortunate because my friend Jilly gave me a huge 2-litre 

preserving jar with a little spigot at the bottom for my 

birthday in October – so I felt obliged to fill it. 

Then we have to think about decorating the house. At 

the beginning of December, many of the holly trees in 

the woods are laden with bright red berries, just like a 

Christmas card, but as we creep nearer to the big day the 

blackbirds have a field day and strip them bare. So this year 

I shall be taking a handy tip from Monty Don and picking 

my holly early in the month and storing it in a bucket of 

water in a cold shed. 

Then it can be brought inside with the ivy to create 

general Christmas loveliness and hide all the cobwebs. 

Incidentally, the pagans (yes, the yule-log lot) considered 

holly to be male and ivy to be female. Whichever was 

brought inside first would determine who would rule the 

home for the following year. Guess which is coming in first 

at Coopers Farm!? 

Follow Jane on Twitter @coopers_farm 

Congratulations to Vicky Ashley, who wins the November competition for 

a one-day cookery experience for two at Rosemary Shrager’s award-winning 


cookery school.

New This Month... 



Bowler Hat With Pendant Bulb // £58 

Wealdenfairs.com/fieldsofblue 

Hot Carnelia Painting // £100 

Wealdenfairs.com/littlepaintingscompany 

Winter Wonderland 

Greetings Card // £2.50 

Wealdenfairs.com/artnouvocactive 

Wooden Star With LED Lights // £25 

Wealdenfairs.com/holsabee 

Knot Ring // £14 

Wealdenfairs.com/crystalandstone 

Marvellously Made 

Melamine Plate // £12 

Wealdenfairs.com/peasinapod 

Stag Head Chalk Board // £15 

Wealdenfairs.com/helmsleyhome 

Tallulah Necklace // £45 

Wealdenfairs.com/tanglewoodstudios 

Rudolph Reindeer 

Christmas Cushion // £37 

Wealdenfairs.com/englishfolly 

Handmade Girl’s Christmas Party 

Crown, £18; Cotton Lawn Top, £28 

Wealdenfairs.com/tattytess 

Alpine Stag Night Light (left), £6.50; 

Flared Mug (middle), £7.95; Bowl, £10.99 


Follow us for new products, 

competitions and promotions.

Introducing... 

BLEND 

Collective 

Clive Walker & Pippa Bennett turned their 

fascination with blending essential oils into an 

award-winning cosmetics business focused upon 

creating a luxury yet truly natural product. 

What’s the significance of your company 

name, ‘Blend Collective’? The name was inspired 

by our fascination and commitment to the art of blending 

pure essential oils, a talent that relatively few people possess. 

Rather like the appreciation of gourmet foods or fine wine, 

the subject of fragrance is far reaching and evocative. 

What inspired you both to start your business? 

Clive had always wanted to work for himself, and Pippa had 

previously had her own businesses since 1998. We wanted to 

create a brand from scratch and needed the absolute freedom 

to do this. The thrill of starting something from scratch is most 

satisfying as is being the complete masters of our own destiny! 

Have you always been creative people? Yes, both of 

us have had jobs that allowed our creative sides to be nurtured, 

and behind closed doors we are to be found engaged in hobbies 

that range from re-building old cars to landscaping our gardens. 

What influences your product aesthetic? We 

wanted to be different - our desire was to appeal to a chic 

modern individual, irrespective of age or gender. We wanted 

our ‘customer’ to appreciate the finer things in life and to have 

an eye for detail and design. 

What is the essence of the 

business? To provide a truly 

natural, luxury product that we can 

feel 110% confident in. To us, the 

superior quality of the pure essential 

oils used and our constant desire 

to make our brand completely 

natural are our driving factors. 

How did you go about 

choosing and sourcing your product range? 

We studied the already crowded marketplace and selected 

products that complemented one another, whilst still allowing 

the customer enough choice. With each of our three signature 

fragrances, the products were developed specifically to play 

to the strengths of the essential oil blends. So, for example, a 

morning shower is where you need your senses to be awoken 

and for your skin to feel fresh and clean - this is achieved by 

our Enlivening blend which features Sicilian lemon and limes. 

What’s your favourite product from your 

collection? We both like all the products and for different 

reasons - you can’t help having 

some favourites though! 

The Enlivening Hand Wash 

is a personal favourite of 

Pippa whilst Clive’s favourite 

is the 100% Organic 

Balancing Soap Bar with 

its exquisite Mediterranean 

bouquet. The overall top 

favourite probably goes to 

the Unwinding Sandalwood 

and Frankincense Hand 

Cream. Many customers have said it is without a doubt 

the best hand cream they have ever used. It is that kind 

of genuine feedback that makes it all worthwhile! 

Do you enjoy working for yourselves? Yes, 

when things are going well there is nothing quite like the 

feeling of achievement you get when working for yourself. 

With no company politics to worry about you can do 

what you want, when you want, how you want, within 

reason - the reality is you end up working every hour that 

God sends. Most people will work harder for themselves 

than for others and hopefully enjoy every moment! 

What makes all the hard work worth it? Th e 

amazing feeling of personal satisfaction when you look through a 

shop window and see ‘your’ products on the shelf alongside some 

of the oldest and most well established cosmetics brands in the 

world. Also, the buzz when one of your products is picked from 

amongst many, by an expert, to be the winner of a coveted prize! 

Clockwise from above, Unwinding Hand 

Cream, £15; Assorted Products from Balancing 

Range, from £12; Enlivening Gift Pack, £38 

www.wealdenfairs.com/blendcollective

Season’s Greetings from Rencraft 

Designers and makers of handmade kitchens

76/78 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB 

Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536 

Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com | www.gcollinsandsons.com 

Please call for a brochure or visit our showrooms 

Unit 9, Chart Farm, Seal Chart 

Sevenoaks, Kent TN15 0ES 

Tel: 01732 762682 

81 Calverley Road 

Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2UY 

Tel: 01892 520730 

www.rencraft.co.uk

CHRISTMAS AT 

DANCING AND PRANCING DEER - £17.50 EACH 

WWW.W O O DCO C K S I N T E R I O R S .C O.U K 

T E N T E R DE N 

B AT T L E 

O N L I N E

Wealden Times | WT166 | December 2015 | Interiors supplement inside

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