Wealden Times | WT248 | January 2023 | Health & Beauty Supplement inside
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Wealden Times | WT248 | January 2023 | Health & Beauty Supplement inside

The lifestyle magazine for Kent & Sussex - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes

The lifestyle magazine for Kent & Sussex - Inspirational Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes

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HEALTH & BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT <strong>inside</strong><br />

Inspirational Interiors • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes<br />

PRICELESS<br />

JANUARY <strong>2023</strong>

MINTERIORS<br />

JMade in Biddenden by a family business<br />

jminteriorsuk.uk<br />

Please email or call to make a showroom appointment<br />

info@jminteriorsuk.uk 01580 291221

Old Surrenden Manor, Bethersden<br />

01233 822595<br />

www.collinsbespoke.com

Out with the old, treat yourself new … Beautiful kitchens, beautifully bespoke, too.

PHASE 3 NOW RESERVING<br />

Visit: www.jarvishomes.com<br />

for full details of the homes<br />

l 4 and 5 bed luxury houses<br />

l Prices from £559,000 to £835,000<br />

l Over 50% sold<br />

l Stunning open plan kitchen/dining<br />

l Idyllic ‘hamlet’setting<br />

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l Traditionally built<br />

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l 10 minutes<br />

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www.kingsfords-solicitors.com<br />

JarvisNewHomes<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 16/12/2022 16:18<br />

“A personal service<br />

given in a relaxed and<br />

friendly fashion.”<br />

Conveyancing | Wills & Estates | Commercial Law | Matrimonial Law | Prenuptial<br />

Agreements | Litigation | Employment Law | Family Law | French Property<br />

Litigation Solicitor from £200 *<br />

Conveyancing Services from £550 *<br />

Lasting Power Of Attorney (LPA’s) from £350 * *<br />

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Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority 621466<br />

We will<br />

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KingsfordSolicitorsWT238.indd 1 03/02/2022 15:24

Contents<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2023</strong><br />

26<br />

80<br />

50<br />

10<br />

17<br />

21<br />

26<br />

45<br />

46<br />

50<br />

HOUSE OF THE MONTH<br />

Dream homes on the market<br />

NOTEBOOK<br />

<strong>January</strong> events for your diary<br />

THE MUST LIST<br />

Keep up-to-date with the latest<br />

must-see and must-have goodies<br />

THE BEST LAID PLANS<br />

Take a look <strong>inside</strong> WT writer<br />

Maggie Alderson’s Hastings home<br />

GET THE LOOK<br />

Emulate Maggie’s cool style<br />

A MODERN VINTAGE<br />

SEASIDE GEM<br />

Explore a family home in Margate<br />

ESCAPE TO THE COUNTRY<br />

Interior designer Jessica Bax’s<br />

farmhouse renovation with<br />

impressive eco credentials<br />

69<br />

71<br />

77<br />

80<br />

87<br />

GET THE LOOK<br />

Be inspired by Jessica’s<br />

effortless sense of interior style<br />

SHOW SOME LOVE<br />

Celebrating relationships<br />

of all shapes and sizes<br />

THE GIRL WITH THE<br />

PEARL EVERYTHING<br />

Adorn yourself with<br />

pearls galore<br />

SUPER BOOST<br />

Charlotte Butterworth shares<br />

her tips for clean, healthy<br />

New Year cooking<br />

CURVES IN ALL THE<br />

RIGHT PLACES<br />

Jo Arnell delves into the<br />

artistic world of topiary<br />

Published by Priceless Media Ltd. Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,<br />

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

Visit priceless-group.com Copyright © <strong>2023</strong> Priceless Media Ltd. The views of the<br />

advertisers & contributors are not necessarily those of Priceless Media Ltd.<br />

92<br />

95<br />

99<br />

102<br />

STOP SEEING MUSIC AS<br />

A ‘NICE TO HAVE’<br />

Benenden School’s Headteacher<br />

Samantha Price makes an<br />

impassioned speech on the<br />

importance of a musical education<br />

SPORTING SUCCESS<br />

It’s a proud moment for Mayfield<br />

School, as it’s named one of the<br />

top 20 all-girls schools for cricket<br />

WHAT’S ON?<br />

Find out...<br />

FARM FABLES<br />

Livestock gossip straight from the<br />

farmer’s mouth. This month, Jane<br />

shares some very worrying news<br />

HEALTH<br />

& BEAUTY<br />

SUPPLEMENT<br />

Top advice for<br />

a happier and<br />

healthier <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

After page 74.<br />

<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong><br />

5

Grow<br />

with us<br />

We’re expanding to GCSE<br />

Find out more about our forward-looking,<br />

academically ambitious and dynamic curriculum<br />

The Dulwich School<br />

Cranbrook<br />

Contact Admissions on 01580 712179<br />

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Find us at @DPCranbrook<br />

www.dulwichprepcranbrook.org

Editor’s<br />

Letter<br />

Welcome to the first issue of <strong>2023</strong>. I hope that by the<br />

time you read this you’ll have managed to get a head<br />

start on safely packing away the Christmas decs,<br />

tidying up the house in the aftermath of myriad family visits and<br />

clearing the after effects of New Year excesses. I recently saw on<br />

Instagram that someone packed away a nice bottle of wine (or<br />

other long-lasting festive tipple of choice) with their Christmas<br />

decorations so as to find a lovely surprise when they came to<br />

unbox them the next year – sounds like a lovely idea to me!<br />

This year, I’m certainly going to get into the habit of a little more<br />

self care. Small changes quickly add up, and I think that, in order<br />

to be able to help others, we need to make sure we’re in tip-top<br />

condition ourselves – both mentally and physically. The last few<br />

years have been, and continue to be, hard – so rather than setting<br />

ourselves up for disappointment by filling our to-do lists with<br />

overwhelmingly unachievable goals, let’s aim for something we can<br />

do little and often. Make time to do the things you enjoy, listen to<br />

your body when it’s telling you it’s exhausted (I particularly enjoyed<br />

reading Sarah Maxwell’s insight into perimenopause and menopause<br />

in this month’s <strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong>) and learn how to be<br />

a little kinder to yourself. You’ll find lots more advice – from correct<br />

pregnancy nutrition to how to tackle issues with ageing skin and<br />

hair loss and what to do if your hearing is suffering – after page 80.<br />

There’s nothing like a new project to dig into as a new year<br />

starts. If you’re on a quest to redecorate, turn to our house<br />

features for interior inspiration galore. We’ve photographed<br />

a beautiful farmhouse renovation in the Darent Valley and<br />

a super-cool Hastings home – the creation of our very own<br />

house writer and bestselling author, Maggie Alderson.<br />

Thomas<br />

Mansfield<br />

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Mansfield<br />

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The Family Law Solicitors<br />

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COST GOING Solicitors<br />

THROUGH A SEPARATION?<br />

YOU EVERYTHING?<br />

ARE ARE YOU YOU GOING GOING<br />

THROUGH A SEPARATION?<br />

A When it comes to the breakdown of a<br />

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the financial arrangements is crucial.<br />

Getting specialist advice at the<br />

right time is crucial.<br />

At Thomas Mansfield, we have a team of<br />

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At experienced Thomas Mansfield, lawyers ready to help you<br />

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At Thomas At Thomas Mansfield, Mansfield, we have we an have experienced the an right experienced outcome.<br />

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Finances Collaborative Children Finances Collaborative Children Mediation Agreement Court Litigation<br />

We We are are with with you you every every step step of the of the way way<br />

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We are We with are with you every you every step step of the of way the way<br />

Enjoy your <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> and Happy New Year!<br />

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> & Surrey Homes Team<br />

Editor ............................................................................................ Lucy Fleming<br />

News & Features Editor ...............................................................Rebecca Cuffe<br />

Design Director ..........................................................................Anthony Boxall<br />

Design Assistant...........................................................................Phoebe O’Leary<br />

Sales Managers ..............................................................................Rachel Norrie<br />

Lisa Gordon-Hughes<br />

Senior Account Managers ............................................................... Maria Hurley<br />

Sarah Norwood<br />

Sub Editor/Features Writer ................................................................Emily Pavey<br />

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> Show Director ....................................................... Flo Simpson<br />

Events Manager .............................................................................. Liz Copping<br />

Senior Account Manager, Events ....................................................... Jude Brown<br />

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Alfriston<br />

• Emmett &<br />

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& Interiors<br />

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Folkestone<br />

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Goudhurst<br />

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Hurst Green<br />

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Ashford&CranbrookRoofing<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 30/11/2022 17:50

House<br />

of the<br />

Month<br />

£1,750,000<br />

Damien Pestell picks his favourite homes on the market<br />

Speldhurst<br />

The dream: A charming<br />

16th century home with 17th<br />

century additions and further<br />

modifications in the 1960s,<br />

on the market for the first<br />

time in approximately forty<br />

years. Originally two separate<br />

houses, the current owners<br />

bought the smaller of the two<br />

houses, before selling it and<br />

buying the larger house. They<br />

then made the decision to<br />

buy the smaller house back,<br />

creating one large house.<br />

Where: The quaint <strong>Wealden</strong><br />

village of Speldhurst,<br />

with plenty of walking<br />

opportunities through rural<br />

countryside, just 5 km from<br />

Royal Tunbridge Wells.<br />

Setting: Set in an Area<br />

of Outstanding Natural<br />

<strong>Beauty</strong>, and enjoying a<br />

central village location.<br />

Beds: 10 Baths: 5<br />

Special features: The<br />

spectacular drawing room with<br />

its ornately carved beams.<br />

Pleasing details: Unlike<br />

most farmhouses of the<br />

period, it has high ceilings.<br />

Outside: There is a hidden<br />

garden at the rear with its<br />

own road access and garage.<br />

Time to town: From<br />

Tunbridge Wells station, a 10<br />

minute drive away to London<br />

Bridge in just 44 minutes.<br />

Agent: House Partnership, 0800<br />

917 0447 housepartnership.co.uk<br />

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10

Hunton<br />

£900,000<br />

The dream: A Grade II listed 17th century<br />

farmhouse tucked away in an area of special<br />

scientific beauty, between the Greensand Ridge<br />

and the River Beult. A perfect family home<br />

with a wealth of character, including exposed<br />

beams, low ceilings and a cosy fireplace.<br />

Where: The friendly hamlet of<br />

Hunton, 6 miles from Maidstone.<br />

Setting: Set down a quiet country lane<br />

overlooking beautiful Kent countryside.<br />

Beds: 5 Baths: 2<br />

Special features: The stunning second<br />

floor bedrooms, both with vaulted<br />

ceilings, have far reaching views.<br />

Pleasing details: There is a useful<br />

cellar area off the kitchen.<br />

Outside: The mature plot features a large<br />

gated driveway as well as a number of useful<br />

outbuildings that are currently used as artists<br />

studios, but which have the potential to<br />

be converted for a useful extra income.<br />

Time to town: Marden station, an 8 minute<br />

drive away, to London Charing Cross or<br />

Cannon Street in just over an hour.<br />

Agent: Rafferty & Pickard<br />

01732 905499 raffertyandpickard.co.uk<br />

Sedlescombe<br />

£750,000<br />

The dream: A gorgeous 17th century Grade II<br />

listed barn, sympathetically converted in 1985,<br />

featuring traditional timber-framed elevations with<br />

plaster infilling throughout and an opportunity<br />

to create additional accommodation.<br />

Where: Tucked away in the centre of the<br />

picturesque village of Sedlescombe.<br />

Setting: Ideally located down a private<br />

driveway removed from any passing traffic.<br />

Beds: 3 Baths: 2<br />

Special features: The impressive galleried kitchen/<br />

dining room rising to full ceiling height with<br />

stone flagged floor is simply stunning.<br />

Pleasing details: The beautiful low-pitched<br />

tiled roof adds bucket loads of character.<br />

Outside: The sweeping driveway leads to a gravel<br />

parking area, garage and double carport. The garden<br />

is a very manageable size, with a large south-facing<br />

brick terrace adjacent to the house. There is also<br />

an integral workshop as part of the property.<br />

Time to town: There are regular trains to London<br />

from Battle mainline station, 3.5 miles away.<br />

Agent: Batcheller Monkhouse<br />

01424 775577 batchellermonkhouse.com<br />

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Jane Emilie Chez Cathy Debbie Debbie S Sharon Caroline Dianne<br />

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steve@sjd-projects.com<br />

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Notebook<br />

What to do and see near you this month<br />

Perfectly on Point<br />

Nerubashenko Ballet presents Swan Lake and The Nutcracker at the<br />

Richmond Theatre this month. Ballet lovers and newcomers alike<br />

will find joy and spectacle in the classical delights of Nerubashenko<br />

Ballet’s presentations. Swan Lake, performing on <strong>January</strong> 12th and<br />

13th, is a timeless tale: Prince Siegfried falls in love with Odette,<br />

Queen of the Swans, but is tricked into the ultimate betrayal,<br />

leading to tragedy. Taking to the stage on <strong>January</strong> 14th and<br />

15th, The Nutcracker is a festive treat for all the family. Clara’s<br />

adventures begin when she is gifted a Nutcracker doll who<br />

magically comes to life. A live orchestra performing the<br />

familiar scores is the perfect complement to these remarkable<br />

ballets. This season the Smirnov-Golovanov productions<br />

will be presented by international artistes hand-picked<br />

by Ukrainian-born Ludmila Nerubashenko, the widow<br />

of the late Smirnov-Golovanov (Honoured Arts Worker<br />

of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and former<br />

Artistic Director of Odessa State Opera and Ballet Theatre).<br />

Ukrainian-born Ludmila is the driving force in schooling<br />

young artistes with the physicality, artistry and creativity to<br />

faithfully interpret the legacy of her husband. She will select<br />

the cream of these young dancers to visit the UK in <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

atgtickets.com/venues/richmond-theatre<br />

Book in!<br />

Fancy a day by the seaside? On<br />

Friday 27th <strong>January</strong> Caroline Fraser<br />

will be returning to Rye Creative<br />

Centre with her popular workshop<br />

Say it with Books. This starter book<br />

making session is designed for those<br />

who would like to learn some simple<br />

book structures that will equip<br />

you with new ways to express your<br />

creative voice. Using the traditional<br />

tools and quality papers provided<br />

you will be guided through a series<br />

of exercises in folding, cutting and<br />

simple sewing to produce four book<br />

structures including a leporello<br />

(concertina book), a sewn pamphlet<br />

book with a decorated card cover and<br />

a folding pocket book for keepsakes<br />

that makes a perfect gift. The course<br />

costs £48 per person and runs from<br />

10am-1.30pm. If you’re not able to<br />

attend in person (her courses are very<br />

popular) you can register for an online<br />

version. ryecreativecentre.co.uk/classes<br />

Raise a<br />

Glass<br />

The Nest in Appledore,<br />

Gusbourne’s tasting room, is<br />

hosting a not-to-be-missed Blanc<br />

de Blanc Vertical Masterclass<br />

and Lunch with master<br />

sommelier, Laura Rys on<br />

27th <strong>January</strong>. The perfect<br />

opportunity to taste<br />

and compare a<br />

variety of vintages.<br />

Find out more at<br />

gusbourne.com

Notebook<br />

Life Craft<br />

Stephanie Weightman’s award<br />

winning Crafting Live show is<br />

coming back to Sandown Park<br />

Racecourse, Esher, and bringing<br />

a whole host of celebrity crafters.<br />

The creative spectacular will<br />

kick off on Friday 27th <strong>January</strong><br />

<strong>2023</strong> with a full day workshop<br />

hosted by Stephanie Weightman<br />

and her crafty friends, and then<br />

continue into a whole weekend<br />

of fun. The show itself is open<br />

on Saturday 28th – Sunday<br />

29th <strong>January</strong> <strong>2023</strong>, from<br />

10am-5pm on Saturday and<br />

10am-4pm on Sunday.<br />

Both days will host an array<br />

of exhibitors with a wealth<br />

of stamps, dies, decoupage,<br />

fabric, ribbon, beads and<br />

much more. You can stock<br />

up on all your craft essentials,<br />

as well as finding inspiration<br />

from brand new products and<br />

watch on-stand demonstrations.<br />

There are also refreshment<br />

options and areas to have a much<br />

needed sit down after all that<br />

shopping! Find out more at<br />

craftinglive.co.uk<br />

Night<br />

Terrors<br />

Crammed full of adventure and mystery,<br />

The Valley Of Fear is Sir Arthur Conan<br />

Doyle’s brilliant final Sherlock Holmes<br />

novel brought to life in a spectacular new<br />

stage adaptation. Book your tickets to see<br />

the adventure unfold at Yvonne Arnaud<br />

Theatre, Guildford from 17th until<br />

23rd <strong>January</strong>. A great way to<br />

spend a winter’s evening.<br />

yvonne-arnaud.co.uk<br />

Branching Out<br />

Join a small group to learn how to<br />

prune apple trees this month. From<br />

new plantings to venerable ancients, this<br />

class will have you master the art of pruning<br />

and then practice on a variety of trees at the<br />

beautiful Standen Street Community Orchard<br />

in Iden Green. The cost is just £25 and will<br />

run on Friday 6 and 13, and Saturday 7 and<br />

14 <strong>January</strong> from 10am till 3pm and numbers<br />

are strictly limited, so book early to<br />

avoid disappointment. For more<br />

information and to book your<br />

place, phone 07977 571 368 or<br />

email guypullen1@gmail.com<br />

Food for<br />

Thought<br />

Nourish is a community foodbank working to ensure that no one in Tunbridge Wells,<br />

Tonbridge and surrounding areas goes hungry. They deliver three days of emergency<br />

food supplies to those in need to provide short term relief in difficult times. Since 2018<br />

they’ve seen a shocking 37% increase in demand. If you can help or know someone in<br />

need of their assistance take a look at their website. nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk<br />

LOOK FORWARD:<br />

SNOWDROP WALKS<br />

AT HEVER CASTLE<br />

From the 8th of February onwards, visitors will be encouraged to put<br />

on their wellies, hats and scarves and explore the snowdrop trail at<br />

Hever Castle & Gardens, featuring 115,000 snowdrops.<br />

The self-guided snowdrop walk will take you through the woodland<br />

areas, around the Outer Moat and into the colourful Winter Garden,<br />

which features flame-coloured dogwoods, ‘Early Sensation’ daffodils,<br />

heathers and winter shrubs.<br />

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How to choose a family law solicitor<br />

Deciding to see a family solicitor<br />

is a very signicant decision. It,<br />

and the reasons for it, mark one<br />

of the major decisions in your life.<br />

If you are thinking about seeing<br />

a family solicitor for advice about<br />

the breakdown of your marriage,<br />

relationship or indeed arrangements<br />

for your children, the notes below<br />

should help.<br />

Choosing a family solicitor<br />

The relationship that you have with<br />

your solicitor is an important one. You<br />

need to have condence in what they are<br />

doing and you need to feel that they are<br />

someone that you can work with.<br />

If you go into your initial meeting with<br />

a solicitor equipped with facts and<br />

gures, they should be able to give you<br />

a general indication of a likely outcome.<br />

Be quite wary of solicitors who refuse to<br />

give advice when presented with facts,<br />

gures and circumstances.<br />

Similarly, be cautious if they appear<br />

reluctant to give specically tailored<br />

advice on your situation and the process.<br />

You are paying for legal advice, not an<br />

administrator.<br />

If you are not feeling comfortable, take a<br />

second opinion, however, be very wary<br />

of continuing to take opinions until you<br />

get the advice you want to hear. If you<br />

have spoken to three solicitors and they<br />

have all said roughly the same thing,<br />

but the fourth says what you wanted to<br />

hear, the chances are that it is the last<br />

one that is wrong.<br />

Before meeting with a family solicitor<br />

Try to think objectively about whether<br />

you are in a proper frame of mind<br />

to seek and digest advice. Consider<br />

whether you need any outside support<br />

in the form of counselling or therapy.<br />

Reect on whether you are in a position<br />

to make considered decisions or<br />

whether you feel inclined towards kneejerk<br />

responses. There can be a lot to<br />

take in at this initial meeting, so it might<br />

be helpful to have a friend or family<br />

member with you.<br />

If you do not want your spouse or<br />

partner to nd out that you have been<br />

to see a solicitor keep the appointment<br />

details secret and unwritten.<br />

Have your details to hand and complete<br />

any forms that are sent to you prior to<br />

the meeting. This will provide context<br />

and will save time at the meeting.<br />

Before the meeting, put together a list of<br />

your principal concerns and the areas in<br />

which you need advice or reassurance.<br />

Write down a list of questions and bring<br />

them to the meeting. At the end of the<br />

meeting make sure that they have been<br />

properly answered.<br />

Think about the psychology of your<br />

situation. Do you think that your spouse<br />

or partner will welcome talking about<br />

matters in an amicable fashion? Do you<br />

trust them nancially? Is there a high<br />

level of anger or bitterness? What are<br />

their motivating factors likely to be?<br />

These, and other considerations, will<br />

very much feed into the advice that you<br />

receive.<br />

Finally, do not think that instructing<br />

a solicitor is a runaway train. You can<br />

change your mind, reconcile and/or<br />

progress matters entirely at your own<br />

pace.<br />

At Warners, we offer an initial meeting<br />

on a very advantageous basis at a<br />

signicantly reduced rate. This can then<br />

be claimed back against our fees should<br />

you go to instruct us to act for you.<br />

Matthew Aves<br />

Head of Family Law<br />

To nd out more contact Warners Solicitors on 01732 747900<br />

www.warners-solicitors.co.uk<br />

The contents of this article are for the purposes of general awareness only. They do not purport to constitute legal or professional advice. The law may have<br />

changed since this article was published. Readers should not act on the basis of the information included and should take appropriate professional advice.

must<br />

The<br />

From must-sees to must-buys and<br />

must-dos, don’t miss this month’s<br />

round up of what to buy, see, do,<br />

and generally get excited about!<br />

It’s Veganuary again! Whether you’re<br />

doing a full month of veganism or just<br />

trying it for a night, Balfour Winery<br />

has just the ticket to do so in style.<br />

Their special vegan six-course dinner<br />

on Saturday 14th will be held in their<br />

fabulous tasting room, The<br />

View, is just £60 per person,<br />

and (if you needed another<br />

reason), there will of course<br />

be plenty of wine! Book in<br />

advance at balfourwinery.com<br />

Sometimes we can get a little down<br />

on ourselves in <strong>January</strong>, which is why<br />

Solvi is a great Kentish brand to look<br />

into right now. Promoting positive bodyimage<br />

and donating 10% of profits to a<br />

UK based mental health charity, this<br />

necklace is full of positive vibes.<br />

solvijewellery.com<br />

Local illustrator Imogen<br />

Partridge’s latest creations<br />

celebrate the quaint shops<br />

and charming community<br />

of Ticehurst, including Buy<br />

the Weigh (pictured),<br />

Greenfinch, and The Bell.<br />

They are available as prints<br />

(£25) or greeting cards (£15 for 5).<br />

Read more at imogenpartridge.com<br />

Ready for a home refresh? Wild<br />

Home Studio’s latest range of<br />

wallpapers and wallcoverings,<br />

Orb, is a fabulously funky way<br />

to add some retro cool flavour<br />

to your home. Designed and<br />

printed to order in house from<br />

their Surrey studios, the new style<br />

combines earthy tones with a<br />

geometric look to gracefully tread<br />

the line of adding real maximalist<br />

impact without feeling too<br />

overwhelming. From £150 for 10<br />

metres at wildhomestudio.co.uk<br />

Brighten up this cold grey winter<br />

with a healthy dose of dopamine<br />

dressing! Our pick to lift your mood<br />

is this cosy knit by Hope Fashion,<br />

an inclusive brand that we loved<br />

having at our Midwinter Fair last<br />

November. Made with soft Italian<br />

yarn in an on-trend bright fuchsia,<br />

it just makes you smile. £135 at<br />

hopefashion.co.uk<br />

Perfino’s beautiful scent<br />

pendants are made with<br />

100% recycled silver or<br />

gold and offer a new way to<br />

wear scents without putting<br />

chemicals on your skin,<br />

or solvents in the air. The<br />

pendant is designed to house<br />

a little lava stone, which can<br />

absorb a drop of essential<br />

oil and have you smelling<br />

wonderful for days. Full set<br />

£100 at perfino.co.uk<br />

Take a trip to the roaring 20s on the 29th, at<br />

Folkestone’s recently opened Brasserie MS. Enjoy a<br />

spectacular Gatsby-style black tie dinner where Chef<br />

Patron Mark Sargeant will be joined by CUT at 45<br />

Park Lane’s executive chef, Elliot Grover, to create<br />

a specially prepared 9-course menu, complete with<br />

canapés and cocktails. the-brasserie-ms.co.uk<br />

21<br />

It’s the year of the rabbit!<br />

Chinese New Year will be on<br />

Sunday 22nd and it’s the<br />

perfect time to get in the<br />

spirit with this adorable<br />

handmade enamel brooch<br />

from Fable England. £21<br />

at fableengland.com

Tel: 01233 630000<br />

www.mageegammon.com<br />

Working WITH YOU, not just FOR YOU<br />

Tax planning<br />

Profit improvement strategies<br />

Business development advice<br />

Inheritance tax advice<br />

Succession planning<br />

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priceless-magazines.com<br />

26

The best<br />

laid plans<br />

The <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> house writer shows<br />

us round her own home – which didn’t<br />

turn out as she expected, but better<br />

27 priceless-magazines.com

priceless-magazines.com<br />

28

Previous pages: A green and red drum became a fun side table in the sitting room. A graffiti-style piece by Australian artist Patricia Harry<br />

hangs above the sofa. Maggie found the yellow chair on the street Left: Maggie bought the factory chairs in Sydney, where she lived for<br />

eight years. The vintage Formica table was a present from leading interiors stylist Hilary Robertson. The blue painting – called Bondi Walls<br />

– is by another Aussie artist, Gail English. The orange Anglepoise lamp is one of seven in the house Above: With the help of Magnet and<br />

local trades, Maggie realised her graph paper sketches of her ideal kitchen layout. A Crittall-style door leads straight to a suntrap courtyard<br />

When you buy a new house<br />

which is a bit of a project,<br />

you think you know exactly<br />

what to do with it, but the sage advice<br />

from experts is always: live in it first. I<br />

can now attest from personal experience<br />

that this is, indeed, wise counsel.<br />

The first time I entered my<br />

current home, six years ago, I was<br />

too busy screaming ‘Stop!!!’ in my<br />

head to think anything sensible.<br />

I was there on a hot tip from a<br />

friend (thank you, Gail) that the<br />

man who owned the place as an<br />

investment rental was planning to sell<br />

it after a quick strip out and refurb.<br />

I literally ran there, hoping to stop<br />

them at the point where the stripping<br />

had reached a knocked-through<br />

ground floor and bare plaster walls,<br />

before vinyl flooring and cheapo<br />

kitchen and bathrooms went in.<br />

I made it just in time and sealed<br />

the deal on the same day.<br />

Once we owned it, walking around<br />

the space, with its filthy floorboards,<br />

no kitchen or bathrooms and not<br />

even a French window onto the back<br />

garden – because I’d hated the PVC one<br />

they’d put in – I knew exactly what I<br />

wanted to do with it. Or so I thought.<br />

The whole reason we were moving<br />

was to get a ‘social kitchen’ like all<br />

the lovely ones I’ve seen writing<br />

about houses for this magazine.<br />

I longed for the cool set up with the<br />

cooking action right next to the eating<br />

area, with adjacent sofas and room for<br />

guests to waft about chatting with a<br />

glass of something sparkling, while I<br />

threw together a witty weekend supper.<br />

Our last place, which was featured<br />

in <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> some years ago, was<br />

a very special Georgian town house in<br />

Hastings Old Town. It was a privilege<br />

to live there – but that came with all<br />

the limitations of a listed building.<br />

There was certainly no potential<br />

for ‘knocking through’ there (we<br />

weren’t even supposed to change a<br />

light switch without asking first) <br />

29 priceless-magazines.com

My vision was<br />

that from the<br />

sitting room<br />

you wouldn’t be<br />

able to tell there<br />

was a kitchen<br />

there. It seems<br />

to work, because<br />

often people are<br />

very surprised to<br />

find a kitchen<br />

just behind<br />

the bookcase<br />

and when friends came over I was<br />

stuck in the kitchen on the lower<br />

ground floor, feeling like Cinderella,<br />

hearing peels of laughter from the<br />

drawing room, one flight up.<br />

The only way to get with the<br />

modern lifestyle was to move, so the<br />

Victorian terrace house just round<br />

the corner – so still in the Old Town<br />

conservation area we love, but not<br />

Listed – was the perfect solution.<br />

My plan was very simple. As with<br />

most Victorian terraces, it has a small<br />

one-storey extension at the back for<br />

the kitchen (which was to avoid fires<br />

spreading). In many of the houses<br />

in the street, these have already been<br />

extended across the back to double<br />

the kitchen space and that’s what I<br />

wanted to do. A tiny little extension,<br />

half the size of the back of the house.<br />

Simples, right?<br />

After three months in a rental, round<br />

the corner, we had two lovely new <br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

30

WINTER SALE<br />

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This page: Maggie made the sitting room curtains out of her large collection of vintage scarves. The painted floorboards<br />

are brightened with a kilim found years ago in Turkey. The vintage armchair was from 20th Century Funkin Junk and<br />

the wooden lightshade was the first thing Maggie bought for the house, from Sideshow Interiors in St Leonards<br />

bathrooms and a temporary kitchen<br />

thrown together from eBay (it cost<br />

£300 in total…) and moved in, but<br />

despite a steady flow of builders<br />

coming through, we were making no<br />

progress on my social kitchen plan.<br />

It was clear the minute they<br />

had a sniff around none of them<br />

wanted to do it – but why not?<br />

Six months later a builder we knew<br />

as a friend finally spelled it out in<br />

words I could understand. It was<br />

a relatively small job, but it was a<br />

nightmare because of the sewage system<br />

of the street. “Why bother?” was his<br />

conclusion, and I finally understood<br />

it was time to find a Plan B.<br />

Two years later, we were still<br />

living with the £300 kitchen and<br />

the hole where the PVC French<br />

doors had been was blocked up<br />

with plywood and cardboard, but<br />

we were very happy… how?<br />

After two summers in the house,<br />

we’d discovered that the sunniest bit<br />

of the garden was exactly where we’d<br />

planned to build the eat-in kitchen<br />

extension. So if we’d steamed ahead<br />

with that, we would have lost the<br />

best spot for a bit of reading and<br />

sunbathing on a summer afternoon…<br />

But having established that the<br />

original plan was a no-go, the temporary<br />

kitchen was getting unbearable. How<br />

could we realise the social kitchen<br />

dream, without the extension? Had we<br />

moved from our beautiful Georgian<br />

house for nothing? Then inspiration hit.<br />

We could tuck a kitchen along<br />

one wall of the back half of the<br />

knocked-through living area, with a<br />

small dining table in the middle.<br />

I got busy with my tape measure<br />

and some graph paper and found it<br />

worked. Along that run of wall there<br />

was just enough room for a sink, a hob,<br />

some prep space and a tall fridge.<br />

Room below for a bin cupboard,<br />

drawers and an oven. Space on the<br />

turn wall at the end for a small<br />

dishwasher and a corner cupboard.<br />

A couple of shelves above – and a<br />

full-length pantry cupboard in the<br />

corner of the opposite wall and it<br />

was just enough for a kitchen.<br />

The lovely staff at Magnet in<br />

Tunbridge Wells drew my plans out <br />

33 priceless-magazines.com

This page: The leopard print lino runner is from Abigail Ahern and the chandelier is another treasure from Sydney. The large monochrome<br />

artwork by St Leonards artist, Adrienne Hunter, fits perfectly with the cool-white theme of the house. The white paint throughout is<br />

Alabaster by Designers Guild<br />

properly on their computer, advised<br />

on gadgets to get the most out of the<br />

space and supplied the carcasses.<br />

Then, the world’s best builder Rob<br />

Lewis (who doesn’t love a chap who<br />

drinks green tea, listens to Radio 4 and<br />

used to be in a successful heavy metal<br />

band?) did the fitting and carpentry.<br />

He also helped me design the exact<br />

shape of the hand aperture in the<br />

doors, because I wanted a very sleek,<br />

clean look with no handles. Having a<br />

wooden worktop, to warm up the black<br />

and white scheme, was also his idea.<br />

When it came to other details, the<br />

light fitting I chose for the kitchen<br />

was inspired directly by a flat I’d<br />

written about for this magazine,<br />

where the owner had an even larger<br />

Serge Mouille multi-armed fitting.<br />

The choice of Crittall-style garden<br />

door (before they became all the<br />

rage…) came from the first-ever<br />

house I wrote up for this mag,<br />

Goodnestone Park, where interior<br />

designer Francesca Rowan-Plowden<br />

had used them to great effect <strong>inside</strong>.<br />

All my own idea is the wall facing<br />

the kitchen run, where there is<br />

a slightly eccentric arrangement<br />

of furniture that came about by<br />

accident, but seems to work.<br />

The mid-century sideboard had<br />

always been planned for that spot<br />

– in my original scheme it was<br />

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and vinyl collection beneath.<br />

That idea had to be ditched, but<br />

then I realised that the six drawers<br />

made it perfect kitchen storage –<br />

without looking like it, which was<br />

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It seems to work, because often<br />

people who have been having a<br />

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room are very surprised to find a<br />

kitchen just behind the bookcase.<br />

Another bonus of the new plan<br />

is the empty spot where the £300<br />

temporary kitchen had been, which<br />

is now a study and snug. We put a<br />

window in on the back wall, which<br />

brings light in from both ends of the<br />

house, and moved the door into the<br />

garden along, to make room for some<br />

bespoke bookshelves built by Rob.<br />

It was his brilliant idea to tuck<br />

a cat flap for Gonzo at the<br />

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Untitled-1 1 30/11/2021 10:08

This page: The space that once housed the £300 temporary<br />

kitchen is now a study and snug. Bespoke bookshelves conceal a<br />

clever cat flap. The walls are painted in London Plane by Mylands<br />

bottom of them, because we couldn’t put one in<br />

the treasured Crittall kitchen door. “I’ll make him<br />

a tunnel…” said Rob and it’s very amusing to see a<br />

furry head emerging from between the books.<br />

Another change of use worked brilliantly on the<br />

half-landing up the stairs, which had a guest loo<br />

on it. My friend Nicki suggested making it into<br />

a laundry and it’s great not having to take all the<br />

washing down to the kitchen and back up.<br />

The first part of the house we finished was also<br />

the smallest – the shower room adjoining the master<br />

bedroom. Because it’s such a teeny space, I chose<br />

gloriously bold hand-blocked wallpaper by Cole &<br />

Son which dictated the darkest navy and orange colour<br />

scheme. It still delights me every time I look at it.<br />

To normalise the tricky proportions of the space, much<br />

taller than it is wide, I added a picture rail and painted<br />

the ceiling the same midnight blue as the wallpaper<br />

background, to create the illusion that it’s lower.<br />

When I couldn’t find tiles marvellous enough to set off<br />

the wallpaper, I bought satisfyingly cheap navy-blue subway<br />

tiles and had them set in a herringbone pattern, with bright<br />

orange grouting, tinted with special pigment found online.<br />

The next space to be finished was the main bathroom<br />

– probably still my favourite room in the house.<br />

I’m a devotee of the Marie Kondo philosophy of <br />

37 priceless-magazines.com

This page: The shower room is papered<br />

in Cole & Son Gondola wallpaper. The<br />

ceiling is painted the same midnight blue<br />

to create the illusion that it’s lower. Marie<br />

Kondo’s philosophy of tidying, where all<br />

toiletries are put away after use, has been<br />

employed in both bathrooms. Maggie<br />

found a small mid-century sideboard<br />

on eBay for £120 which was converted<br />

into a sink unit with masses of storage<br />

tidying, and one of her rules is that<br />

toothbrushes (and shampoo and<br />

everything else) is put away after<br />

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everything that also looked nice?<br />

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Storage was also my starting<br />

point in the main bedroom. I had<br />

a walk-in closet at the old house,<br />

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<br />

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

This page: The fish-like object over the bed is actually a<br />

vintage snowshoe. The bespoke bamboo blinds on either<br />

side conceal storage shelves. The bedside tables are classic<br />

plastic pieces by Kartell. The bamboo chair was a junk shop<br />

find and Maggie sourced the dressing table on eBay. The<br />

curtains were made by Vintage Bird in Hastings Old Town<br />

again and prune a lot of it out, but even when I’d<br />

done that I had to be creative – especially once I<br />

found out how much good fitted wardrobes cost.<br />

Stumbling across a lovely Edwardian triple-door<br />

wardrobe in a Hastings junk emporium was the start –<br />

and I also saw it would give me the perfect spot to display<br />

my hatboxes, which I’ve been collecting since the 1980s.<br />

With the wardrobe in the middle, I put hanging rails<br />

on either side and then commissioned curtains to cover<br />

them, made from vintage velvet sourced from a shop in St<br />

Leonards (now gone and much missed). Very satisfyingly,<br />

it perfectly matched the walls painted in Little Greene’s<br />

Rolling Fog, which I chose for its serene quality.<br />

The other bedroom storage is shelves in the<br />

bays on either side of the chimney breast. I didn’t<br />

want more curtains, or more doors to cover them<br />

– there were already enough of both in the room<br />

– so I had to come up with another idea.<br />

After snapping up bamboo window blinds in B&Q<br />

for day-time privacy (the houses opposite are very<br />

close) inspiration struck – I could use the same to<br />

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come in very limited sizes, so I found a Danish <br />

41 priceless-magazines.com

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Above: The blue cupboard is a vintage<br />

Australian meat safe. The painting over it<br />

is by Maggie’s late father-in-law and the<br />

Tunisian birdcage a gift from a friend<br />

Above right: Maggie found the Edwardian tripledoor<br />

wardrobe in a Hastings junk emporium.<br />

She added hanging rails on either side and<br />

then commissioned curtains to cover them<br />

made from vintage velvet sourced from a shop<br />

in St Leonards Right: There is far less storage<br />

in the kitchen than at their previous home,<br />

so Maggie decided to wall-mount favourites<br />

from her collection of Willow Pattern and blue<br />

and white plates. The baskets and hamper at<br />

the top of the stairs are another obsession<br />

firm who make them to measure.<br />

Everything else in the room just fell<br />

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43 priceless-magazines.com

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A<br />

Modern Vintage Seaside Gem<br />

Natasha and John Lyon<br />

seem to have an instinct for<br />

buying property in upand-coming<br />

areas before<br />

anyone (even they) realize<br />

that they’re up and coming.<br />

They’ve progressed from a<br />

two-bedroom flat in a nowfashionable<br />

part of North<br />

London to a four-bedroom<br />

house in a newly desirable<br />

part of East London to this<br />

impressive six-bedroom family<br />

home in Margate, quickly<br />

becoming the coolest coastal<br />

town on the Kent coast.<br />

For 15 years Natasha<br />

was a handbag designer for<br />

well-known luxury brands<br />

– a job that allowed her to<br />

travel extensively, picking up<br />

interiors inspiration along the<br />

way. She and John bought this<br />

house more than three years<br />

ago and initially tackled the<br />

less-exciting jobs – treating<br />

damp and fixing the roof and<br />

chimneys. They were lucky<br />

that the house already had<br />

a large kitchen extension.<br />

Knowing that much of the<br />

space could be updated<br />

cosmetically, and relying on<br />

Natasha’s talent for styling<br />

her many vintage furnishings<br />

and accessories, the couple<br />

decided the kitchen was<br />

where they would spend<br />

their money. John is a keen<br />

cook, so a well-functioning<br />

kitchen is important to him.<br />

After extensive research on<br />

kitchens from high to low<br />

price points and everything<br />

in between, they chose to<br />

work with a local joiner<br />

who built a bespoke kitchen<br />

to meet John’s culinary<br />

requirements. They sold the<br />

existing kitchen on Facebook<br />

Marketplace and are planning<br />

on reusing the slate floor<br />

tiles for the garden patio.<br />

When the pandemic hit<br />

and work came to a standstill,<br />

the couple decided to<br />

collaborate on a new business<br />

– Appreciation Project, an<br />

online sustainable dried<br />

flower delivery and homeware<br />

brand. Natasha runs the<br />

creative side and John advises<br />

on operations while also<br />

working in technology sales.<br />

Natasha has set up a home<br />

studio in the attic, filled with<br />

dried bouquets and branded<br />

packaging yet also oozing

When<br />

to splurge:<br />

There are times when you<br />

may need or choose to invest in<br />

something new, as was the case in this<br />

kitchen. John is a keen cook and the<br />

open kitchen/dining room is the family<br />

hub. The old units were removed and<br />

sold online, and a local joiner was hired<br />

to build new cabinets, including this<br />

large island, topped with robust<br />

stainless steel and painted in<br />

Little Greene’s Olive.<br />

Colour balance: In the family bathroom (above), the<br />

blingy tub was already in place. Natasha brought it into<br />

line with her style by adding an eclectic and colourful<br />

collection of furniture and textiles. The wooden cabinet<br />

was painted red and adapted to hold a sink, while the<br />

striped curtain is a piece of fabric pinned onto a pole.<br />

The blue walls are Little Greene’s Brighton. In the main<br />

bedroom (below) the walls are painted in Myland’s<br />

Borough Market. On the bed, Natasha has deftly<br />

mixed patterns and colours, with stripes playing a<br />

key role. A piece of unhemmed striped fabric has<br />

been draped over a side table; a simple trick that<br />

can be used to jazz up small tables in any room.<br />

Explore Natasha and John Lyon’s thrifty renovation of<br />

a six-bedroom Edwardian house in Margate, Kent.<br />

style, thanks to her decision<br />

to paint the room a rich shade<br />

of green. Throughout the<br />

house, colour plays a starring<br />

role, with every room except<br />

the kitchen painted in bold<br />

hues. In fact, there was so<br />

much painting to be done<br />

that it took nine months to<br />

complete! Nothing was safe<br />

from the painter’s brush, and<br />

the result is a captivating<br />

palette from top to bottom.<br />

Aside from the kitchen and<br />

armchairs and sofas (which<br />

were bought new from Sofa.<br />

com), pretty much everything<br />

is second-hand. Natasha is<br />

dedicated to vintage and has<br />

a few favourite haunts aside<br />

from the usual online sources.<br />

While there’s no strict<br />

colour scheme for the home<br />

as a whole – something that I<br />

entirely approve of – a splash<br />

of red pops up in almost<br />

every room. Sometimes that’s<br />

all you need to create a link<br />

throughout an interior – a<br />

small pop here and there. The<br />

Lyons have created a joyous<br />

home, lived-in and relaxed<br />

yet filled with mementoes<br />

that tell their story.

Rich hues: The hallway (top, far right) has original parquet flooring and a rich combination of<br />

paint colours; the paler shade is Oval Room Blue while the darker one is De Nimes, both from Farrow<br />

& Ball. In the sitting room (above) the wall and shelf are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue.<br />

Dark & moody: The main bedroom’s fireplace (above middle) is<br />

painted in Myland’s Borough Market like the walls.<br />

Colour clash: The stair runner was created by piecing together vintage rugs (opposite).

Where do you shop for your home?<br />

Do you have a favourite store or<br />

source? We have always bought<br />

sofas and chairs from Sofa.com, the<br />

quality is brilliant. In Norwich we<br />

stumbled across the most incredible<br />

shop called Vintage Mischief; we<br />

have bought a lot from them over<br />

the years. I also have a few treasures<br />

from Vantage Living, including<br />

the wicker elephants and the glass<br />

coffee table in the front lounge.<br />

5 minutes with<br />

Natasha & John<br />

What’s the most important thing<br />

for you at home? It’s important our<br />

home is full of creativity; things to<br />

feed the eyes and the imagination.<br />

I want this for my kids, for them<br />

to grow up around interesting art<br />

and books. It’s also important for<br />

me – as a designer, I want to be<br />

surrounded by objects, textures<br />

and colours that inspire me.<br />

Do you have a decorating/design<br />

philosophy? Colour! Don’t be<br />

afraid to use it. My take on design<br />

is eclectic – each room is filled<br />

with special pieces that have a story<br />

to go with them. I divide large<br />

rooms into ‘zones’ and accessoriZe<br />

each one individually, layering<br />

cushions, blankets, side tables,<br />

lamps and books. Soon the room<br />

starts to feel very cosy and is filled<br />

with lots of detail. I will never be<br />

a minimalist, because I’m obsessed<br />

with colours, textures and objects.<br />

Describe a creative solution to<br />

a challenge you faced with your<br />

home. When I get bored of a piece<br />

of furniture but can’t afford or find<br />

anything to replace it, I cover it in<br />

fabric. I did this to the bedside tables/<br />

nightstands in our bedroom and to<br />

a coffee table in the family room.<br />

It changes the space immediately.<br />

Do you tend to stay in one<br />

property for a long time or do<br />

you prefer to move or reinvent<br />

your home frequently? This is our<br />

third property and we have stayed<br />

in each one thinking we will be<br />

there longer than we have been.<br />

However, this home is different, it<br />

is a true family home. There is a lot<br />

of space and it can evolve; already it<br />

has taken on an office for John and<br />

my office has adapted into a studio<br />

for Appreciation Project. I can see<br />

other rooms changing over time into<br />

a library/homework room and the<br />

boot room becoming a utility room.<br />

There is also a loft space and three<br />

rooms in the cellar. Because there is<br />

still lots left to do combined with<br />

the fact we can grow into the house<br />

we will be here for a long time yet.<br />

However, I’m sure there will come<br />

a point where I will want to flex my<br />

creative interior desires once again.<br />

What’s next for your home? The<br />

next project is the family bathroom,<br />

a shower room and reinstating a<br />

toilet next to the kids’ bedroom that<br />

had been removed. We’re also keen<br />

to put stained glass into the front<br />

door and surrounding windows.<br />

This extract was taken from Create by<br />

Emily Henson, published by Ryland Peters<br />

& Small (£25). Photography by Catherine<br />

Gratwicke © Ryland Peters & Small

Words: Damien Pestell<br />

Photographs: David Merewether<br />

Escape<br />

to the<br />

Country<br />

The refurbishment of an elegant<br />

Georgian farmhouse has been<br />

a labour of love for talented<br />

interior designer Jessica Bax

priceless-magazines.com<br />

52

Previous pages & this page: In the new straw bale extension, picture windows look out onto pretty garden borders, packed<br />

with cosmos. By keeping the wall colour as a neutral base, Jessica has been able to seamlessly mix a variety of artwork<br />

styles, fabric patterns and textures and grouped collections of interesting objects and fresh flowers to create interest<br />

It was Monday morning and I was excited to be travelling<br />

to somewhere with a familiar name. Shoreham village in<br />

Kent is just five miles outside of Sevenoaks and, unlike its<br />

namesake, is nowhere near the sea. Bisected by the panoramic<br />

Darent Valley, running from the Thames at Dartford down<br />

through the Kent Downs and finishing high in the Greensand<br />

Hills above Sevenoaks, it is one of Kent’s best kept secrets.<br />

I was on my way to meet Jessica Bax to talk about her recently<br />

completed refurbishment of the stunning Georgian farmhouse<br />

which she shares with her husband Will and their three children.<br />

Jessica, who swapped her career as an Interiors Journalist to<br />

become an Interior Designer, oversaw the entire project from<br />

start to finish, creating a home which not only displays her<br />

extensive creative talents but also works for her and her family.<br />

Set back from the road and accessed via a discreetly hidden<br />

gated driveway, which you could easily miss, the farmhouse<br />

is part of a larger complex of former agricultural buildings<br />

which previously operated as a working farm. Jessica and<br />

Will bought the house with land and buildings three years<br />

ago, after making the decision to move away from London<br />

and back to the countryside, where they both grew up.<br />

After living in London for five years with small children<br />

and in Paris for four years before that, I assumed a family<br />

life in the country was the obvious motivation for the<br />

change of scene. However, Jessica explained that while<br />

important, there was another reason. Husband Will, a<br />

specialist in building community spaces, had a dream<br />

to create a community focused rural work hub, she<br />

explained, “We bought it specifically for the site.”<br />

This picture perfect farmhouse is set in a hidden valley,<br />

approached via a long gravel driveway which seems to head<br />

nowhere before sweeping round to reveal the building in all<br />

its splendour. Surrounded by rolling countryside with barely<br />

a neighbour in sight, the well proportioned garden is framed<br />

in part by pretty flint walls bordered by late autumn flowers.<br />

The house itself was previously owned by an elderly lady<br />

<br />

53 priceless-magazines.com

This page: The kitchen is a well thought out space, perfect<br />

for busy family life, with plenty of storage in the large central<br />

island and surrounding cupboards, plus breakfast bar seating<br />

and was in need of modernisation before they could move in.<br />

Inside the house the changes that have been made slowly<br />

start to unfold. It’s easy to miss the two original doorways<br />

in the entrance corridor – preserved to mark the passage<br />

of time – which previously led to a kitchen on the right,<br />

now the children’s playroom, and a living room on the left,<br />

transformed into a spacious kitchen/dining room. Jessica<br />

explained why the changes were necessary, “The way the<br />

rooms connected didn’t work, there was no way of moving<br />

through the house without going through all the rooms.”<br />

The solution was to build a new side entrance connected to<br />

a spacious central corridor, linking the smaller rooms either<br />

side to the bright open plan kitchen space and the heart of<br />

the house. This has proved to be a masterstroke, opening up<br />

the whole ground floor to give a greater sense of connection<br />

and space, as Jessica explains concisely, “I wanted to come<br />

<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

54

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WindowSanctuaryWT247.indd 1 14/11/2022 09:19<br />

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55 priceless-magazines.com<br />

ThomasHaywoodSolicitors<strong>WT248</strong>.indd ThomasHaywoodSolicitorsWT225.indd 1 01/12/2022 14/12/2020 15:03 12:12

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Grab a map from our Cellar<br />

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This page: The large dining table was bought from a local<br />

craftsman in Otford. “He collects salvaged materials wherever<br />

he goes,” explains Jessica, “the top is wood from an old French<br />

railway carriage and the legs are old oak pillars from the central<br />

reservation of the A3!” Surrounding it are colourful chairs<br />

from Anthropologie and some vintage finds from a market<br />

through the door and see right through the house.”<br />

Next to the new side entrance, just off the corridor, is a good<br />

sized study, previously a farm office, where Jessica and Will now<br />

have a desk each for their work. Having personal experience of<br />

sharing an office with a partner, I asked Jessica how they got<br />

on, “Will uses the phone a lot more than me, sometimes at<br />

length, which can be a distraction but otherwise it works well.”<br />

Opposite the study is a generous boot room, which Jessica’s<br />

family have packed with belongings. “A few years ago when<br />

we lived in London we had a few coat pegs, now we can fill a<br />

room!” Looking in I can almost imagine the excitement and<br />

trepidation the children may have had in their new environment<br />

– an endless playground of fields, woods and streams to play in.<br />

Further along, the downstairs bathroom is decked out<br />

in exquisite wallpaper with an old Victorian vanity unit.<br />

A wallpapered shelf presents a lovely collection of vintage<br />

Observers books with their rainbow colours. Jessica discovered<br />

the wallpaper with the intention of using it in one of her<br />

interior design projects, but when the right space for it<br />

didn’t arise, she decided to use it in her own scheme.<br />

Back in the central corridor, which connects the old<br />

Victorian extension with the original Georgian part of<br />

the house, we pay a brief visit to the remarkably tidy<br />

children’s playroom, Jessica quips, “It’s never this neat! I’m<br />

so happy it’s being photographed – it’ll be a souvenir.”<br />

Inside, the walls are painted Farrow & Ball Dix Blue. “It’s<br />

quite colourful but not dark,” says Jessica, “so you get a good<br />

impact from it.” There are splashes of colour from the GP & J<br />

Baker Roman blinds and lots of vibrant artwork – both framed<br />

professional pieces and the children’s own masterpieces, which<br />

are creatively pegged onto a line. Below is an antique desk, <br />

57 priceless-magazines.com

This page: The playroom walls are painted<br />

Farrow & Ball Dix Blue, and the Roman<br />

blinds were made from GP & J Baker<br />

fabric. Jessica has pegged the children’s<br />

artwork onto a line above an antique desk<br />

which she bought on a trip to Dorset<br />

a piece Jessica bought during a trip to<br />

Dorset where her parents live, a reliable<br />

source of quality antiques. I notice the<br />

kids have started to draw on it, but it<br />

doesn’t look out of place. Jessica explains<br />

her process for creating each room, “I<br />

love buying old stuff, I feel you can’t<br />

make a home if you buy everything at<br />

once, it needs to be layered up over time.”<br />

Moving from room to room I begin<br />

to see how the house reflects Jessica’s<br />

style as an interior designer, and note<br />

how the couple have cleverly managed<br />

to reuse a lot of the original materials<br />

in their renovation. Timbers that had<br />

rotted in places and needed to be<br />

replaced were re-employed to create the<br />

retaining wall on the terrace and also<br />

to make a console table in the living<br />

room. “It was a focus of this project,<br />

and is also a key part of the work I take<br />

on, to help clients rethink waste <br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

58

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MarkScottArenasWT246.indd 1 21/10/2022 15:02

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Top left: One of the children’s bedrooms Above left: The family bathroom is a soothing grey with soft accents of pink. Like the rest of<br />

the house, shelving is used to display interesting artworks alongside family photos Above right: The master bed faces a large south facing<br />

window which overlooks a wildlife pond<br />

from their building projects and design in a way that<br />

is kinder to the environment,” explains Jessica.<br />

The kitchen/dining room is at the end of the corridor<br />

and has been transformed into a glorious open plan family<br />

space with an abundance of natural light from all sides. Neat<br />

navy blue units are fitted along two adjacent walls offsetting<br />

seamlessly with the vibrant white quartz worktops. A good<br />

sized island provides additional workspace with a breakfast bar<br />

for those speedy breakfasts on the run, whilst sash windows<br />

and newly installed patio doors bring plenty of light to a<br />

corner where a fireplace once was. A delightful glass-fronted<br />

cupboard, from Jessica’s trusted supplier in Dorset, mixes<br />

old with new, offering extra storage and some contrast.<br />

Turning 180 degrees, the focal point of the dining area is<br />

the large table, which can seat up to 10 people. This is a piece<br />

with a great story bought from a local craftsman in Otford,<br />

Jessica explains, “He collects salvaged materials wherever he<br />

goes. The top is wood from an old French railway carriage<br />

and the legs are old oak pillars from the central reservation of<br />

the A3!” The beautiful table is balanced with colourful chairs<br />

from Anthropologie and some vintage finds from a market.<br />

Surrounding the table is artwork that Jessica and Will<br />

have collected from various trips over the years. One piece<br />

in particular catches my eye, it’s of waves crashing onto a<br />

shoreline. I ask Jessica about it and she explains, “It’s of a<br />

beach in Alderney, one of the smaller Channel Islands, where<br />

Will’s grandparents used to live. He has been going there<br />

his whole life and we have a close family bond with it.”<br />

Open but not attached to the kitchen/dining room is the<br />

newest part of the house. The living room is part of a modern<br />

extension made from super insulated precision crafter straw<br />

panels that lock together like a giant Lego set, with the master<br />

suite above. “We wanted to create an eco friendly extension<br />

with a minimal use of concrete and artificial materials,” says<br />

Jessica. On the wall a narrow window gives you a view of the<br />

panels behind the clay render, used so that it can breathe<br />

<br />

61 priceless-magazines.com

This page: The children’s bathroom is papered in Jelly Fish Bloom wallpaper by Thibaut<br />

and flex with the weather. Jessica said of the decision to<br />

create a modern extension rather than a period replica, “We<br />

wanted to mark the passage of time rather than obscure it.”<br />

A large aspect window looks out over the south facing garden<br />

with far reaching views of the valley beyond. Behind, a cosy<br />

seating area is huddled around the striking glass-fronted wood<br />

burner and shelving to the left holds a collection of books<br />

with colourful Arabic tiles displayed from a trip Jessica took to<br />

Iran many years ago to visit a friend who was studying there.<br />

It’s not only the new extension that boasts impressive <br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

62

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Above left and left: Navy tongue-and-groove panelling lines<br />

the staircase with a carefully curated selection of artworks<br />

mounted above Above: A corner of the entrance hall<br />

eco-credentials, “We went to great lengths to design the house<br />

so as to be maximally environmental. This was one of my<br />

main focuses, and is also a major part of my interior design<br />

work,” says Jessica. “The choice of straw for the extension, the<br />

replacement of all the windows, the insulation to all external<br />

walls, breathable wall paint and my never-ending quest to<br />

find old furniture and reuse it… this is all part of our story, to<br />

realise a home that was minimally disruptive to the planet.”<br />

Walking up the beautifully crafted timber staircase<br />

I admire more art on the walls before entering a<br />

brightly lit landing. Upstairs another long corridor<br />

mirrors the one below, with a spare room at the end<br />

patrolled by a sleepy cat, perturbed by my presence.<br />

Gathered around the landing area are the two girls’<br />

rooms opposite one another. The right hand room has a<br />

twin outlook, with an additional window achieved through<br />

the removal of the chimney in the kitchen below. Facing<br />

it, the other room has a four poster bed with another<br />

painting from Alderney, this time of the puffin colony.<br />

Approaching the master suite we enter another more intimate<br />

corridor, this time with integrated wardrobes cleverly <br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

64

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SmartRangeWT245.indd 1 21/09/2022 12:34<br />

Is Equity Release an answer to the “Interest Only Time Bomb”?<br />

Local adviser, Sarah Ferrell, specialises in<br />

Equity Release and is seeing many more<br />

people considering this as a solution to<br />

their financial problems. Increasingly, plans are<br />

taken out to repay Interest Only mortgages.<br />

Sarah explains more…<br />

What is the ‘Interest Only time bomb’? This<br />

refers to the number of Interest Only mortgages<br />

that are due for repayment over the next few<br />

years where there is no ‘repayment vehicle’.<br />

Essentially, the interest has been paid, often<br />

for many years, but the capital is now due<br />

for repayment. One option for repayment<br />

is to sell the property however, for some, a<br />

more attractive option is to re-finance.<br />

The difficulty is that if the borrower<br />

has retired, or is over 65, the options<br />

suddenly look very limited.<br />

Equity Release/Lifetime mortgages are<br />

often the most attractive solution if people<br />

do not want to, or are unable to sell.<br />

What is the difference between Equity Release<br />

and Lifetime Mortgages? There is no difference!<br />

The term ‘Equity Release’ had got itself a<br />

bad name. As products have evolved and<br />

become much more flexible, the term ‘Lifetime<br />

mortgage’ is a much better description<br />

however, essentially, they are the same thing!<br />

With most of today’s plans, YOU still own<br />

your property, and the lender requires a “first<br />

charge” – just like any other mortgage.<br />

What are the different types of plan?<br />

There are typically two ‘routes’ for Equity<br />

Release. ‘Roll up’ and ‘Pay as you go’.<br />

With a Roll up plan, the interest charged on<br />

the initial release is added to the debt, so,<br />

over time, the debt grows. The original loan,<br />

plus the accumulated interest, would typically<br />

be repaid when the property is sold (either<br />

on death or on moving into residential care)<br />

A ‘pay as you go’ plan also provides an<br />

initial release, but instead of the interest<br />

being added, you pay it (on a regular<br />

or ad hoc basis), meaning that the debt<br />

remains level throughout its lifetime.<br />

Neither is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ and there<br />

are benefits/merits to each depending<br />

on individual circumstances<br />

Regardless of the reasons for considering Equity<br />

Release, Sarah would strongly recommend<br />

seeking advice as to whether this route may be<br />

appropriate for your individual circumstances.<br />

There are many plans to choose from<br />

so finding the RIGHT option is important.<br />

Sarah is keen to ensure that any decision<br />

is not just suitable at the outset, but as far<br />

as possible, remains suitable later in life.<br />

Equity Release can reduce the value of your estate and can affect your eligibility for means tested benefits.<br />

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priceless-magazines.com<br />

66<br />

SarahFerrell<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 08/12/2022 10:16

This page: Stackable Peach armchairs by Resol provide colourful outdoor seating. Green Sanctuary Anthracite wallpaper by Mind The Gap<br />

in the downstairs loo<br />

camouflaged using Cole & Son wallpaper. On the wall is<br />

a mirror with inlaid glass that Jessica bought from a trip to<br />

Udaipur in India. Entering the bedroom, it feels enormous,<br />

helped in part by the incredible vaulted ceiling which makes the<br />

room feel so much bigger. Behind the bed is a stunning twin<br />

chest of drawers inlaid with mother of pearl, inspired by the<br />

mirror outside and of the same style. The bed faces an almost<br />

floor-to-ceiling south facing window, overlooking a pretty<br />

pond below, Jessica comments, “There is a lovely kingfisher<br />

and herons which you can sometimes see in the mornings.”<br />

Coming back downstairs Jessica kindly hands me a jar<br />

of honey – they have a glut from the bees that Will keeps.<br />

She also offers me some apples grown on the tree outside,<br />

but I admit we actually have so many ourselves I am unable<br />

to help her out. As I start to get my things together, I say<br />

farewell to Jessica and consider everything I have seen.<br />

Jessica’s primary objective in renovating her Georgian<br />

farmhouse was to create a functional house that would work<br />

for her family. She has been hands-on with the entire process,<br />

being involved in the design and build stages to ensure that the<br />

rooms flow harmoniously with the needs of her family. She has<br />

then layered on her own unique style adding colour and flair<br />

to create that thing which is so important to all of us, a home.<br />

Address Book:<br />

To find out more about Jessica’s interior<br />

design services, visit jessicabax.co.uk<br />

For further information on building with straw, visit Barbara<br />

Jones’ site strawworks.co.uk. The company that Jessica and<br />

Will used for their project was EcoCocon ecococon.eu/gb/<br />

67 priceless-magazines.com

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the benefits of double glazing.<br />

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Antique Persian Heriz Rug<br />

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• Professional cleaning • Professional repairs • Valuations<br />

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Get the<br />

LOOK<br />

1 Ivor floor lamp base in light oak £118.80 with Innsbruck faux silk shade £49.20 där lighting group darlighting.co.uk 2 Barn Owl by<br />

Night limited edition print (various sizes) from £50 Lime Lace limelace.co.uk 3 Swallowtail butterfly botanical art print (various sizes)<br />

from £20 Lola Design loladesignltd.com 4 Time to Breathe wall art print (various sizes) from £35 Claude & Leighton claudeandleighton.com<br />

5 Curtains in Pavilion Adriatic velvet POA ILIV iliv.co.uk 6 A View from Padstow Beach framed painting (various sizes) from £45 Beach<br />

House Art beachhouseart.co.uk 7 Herbarium Alpium I wall art print (35x50cm) £198 Mindthegap mindtheg.uk 8 Monochrome Eiffel<br />

Tower print (various sizes) from £53 Abstract House abstracthouse.com 9 Marlia accent chair in dark wood and pink £1,030 Ercol<br />

ercol.com 10 Gardenia chest of drawers £1,365 Sweetpea & Willow sweetpeaandwillow.com 11 Montrose cushion in Delph with frill trim<br />

£75 Arley House arleyhouse.com 12 Polka dot lumbar cushion in fuchsia and green £125 Eloise Home eloisehome.com<br />

13 Berkeley Cottage Oak engineered wood flooring £150 /m 2 Woodpecker Flooring woodpeckerflooring.co.uk<br />

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Surrey’s<br />

Leading Occasion<br />

Wear Boutique<br />

Surrey’s<br />

Leading Occasion<br />

Wear Boutique<br />

www.melitaboutique.co.uk<br />

57 High Street, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8AF<br />

Tel: 01276 856308<br />

The Curious, for for every for every celebration<br />

Tel: 01622 299359<br />

Tel: Tel: 01622 01622 299359<br />

www.thecuriouseatery.co.uk<br />

www.thecuriouseatery.co.uk<br />

Curious Eatery, Albion Inn,<br />

1 Church Curious Street, Eatery, Boughton Albion Monchelsea, Inn, Inn,<br />

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The Family Event:<br />

The Curious<br />

Be it a birthday, anniversary or any<br />

other excuse, a family get together is<br />

a wonderful way to surround yourself<br />

with those you love. For such a day, you<br />

need something deeply personal that can<br />

also please and excite a crowd, which is<br />

why The Curious is our pick.<br />

Taking us through the looking glass,<br />

to a magical world of unique dining<br />

experiences, The Curious still remains<br />

grounded in the values of community,<br />

sustainability and fantastic food.<br />

Over the last seven years, what we once knew and loved as the<br />

eatery with its own allotment has evolved into a multipurpose<br />

event space and catering company. But whether you visit them<br />

for an in-house Supper Club or event, or hire them to cater a<br />

celebration elsewhere, The Curious’s dining experiences are always<br />

immersive and imaginative – from elegantly plated food in the<br />

middle of the woods, to bubbling cauldrons over a wood fire. The<br />

food itself makes use of ingredients from local suppliers, seasonal<br />

produce, and the spoils of their own allotment for menus that<br />

combine the classic, simple elegance of traditional dishes, but each<br />

inspired by a unique story and background for a curious twist.<br />

For your next family feast, you can book The Curious to cater<br />

a special occasion, visit them for one of their own events, or find<br />

their food at a number of other stunning venues including Sprivers<br />

Mansion, Battel Hall at Leeds Castle, Great Budds House, The<br />

Mount Vineyard and Chiddingstone Castle.<br />

thecuriouseatery.co.uk<br />

Show<br />

Some<br />

L ove<br />

Yes, Valentine’s is coming up, but<br />

love comes in so many forms and<br />

they are all worth celebrating! So we<br />

are tallying up three lovely things to<br />

do with whoever is in your heart<br />

The Bonding Opportunity:<br />

Kent Cookery School<br />

One-on-one parent bonding time can be a rare treasure<br />

that children always remember – and making it a learning<br />

experience, too, is a great bonus! So Kent Cookery School’s<br />

adult and child cooking courses are a fabulous option.<br />

Young people from 8-16 years can spend some time<br />

learning to cook with a parent, guardian or other adult<br />

over 18, both gaining valuable skills along the way. These<br />

classes focus on street food based topics including Thai,<br />

Mexican, and Pasta and Pizza. They cost £130 for an<br />

adult and child, and are taught by head chef James, with<br />

room for six pairs per event. The class will teach students<br />

how to pick fresh ingredients, mix flavours and cook<br />

meat and vegetables properly, ending with a delicious<br />

meal to share together. kentcookeryschool.co.uk<br />

The Date Destination: The Ivy Castle View<br />

Whether you are starting out a budding romance or celebrating<br />

decades of marriage, sharing a meal with that special someone is the<br />

classic date idea with good reason. For something special that really<br />

shows the other person you care, we’ve chosen The Ivy Castle View<br />

in Guildford, Surrey.<br />

For a dramatic view, it doesn’t get much better; as the name<br />

implies you can dine like royalty looking out at the historical<br />

Guildford Castle. But you can also feel comfortably enjoying<br />

each other’s company as this sophisticated setting has a very<br />

relaxed vibe. The menus combine modern British classics and<br />

internationally inspired dishes, from traditional fish and chips<br />

and roast chicken to duck liver parfait and lobster linguine (so<br />

you don’t have to worry about your date not finding anything<br />

they want!). Go on a weekday to enjoy two courses for £16.95,<br />

or three for £21.<br />

This one will impress with the view and decor, and then sit<br />

you down and put you at ease for an enjoyable experience,<br />

making it not just a great option for romance but also a great<br />

place to go with friends, family or really any company you choose.<br />

theivyguildford.com<br />

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WWW.CHAPELHOUSEESTATE.CO.UK<br />

01843 881290 info@chapelhouseestate.co.uk Thorne Hill, Minster, Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 5DS<br />

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Country Class:<br />

Chapel House Estate<br />

Country charm at its best, this is the one for<br />

understated luxury. Surrounded by 35 acres of<br />

rustic wildness and beautiful landscaping, this<br />

country estate provides a unique backdrop for<br />

relaxing, entertaining and celebrating in the<br />

most private of settings.<br />

At the heart of the Estate is Chapel House<br />

itself, a converted chapel built in 1290, filled<br />

with charm and character. This holds five<br />

bedrooms and is the perfect restful retreat for<br />

the night of your wedding. Outside, you’ll find<br />

panoramic views, beautiful formal gardens, an<br />

orchard and a secluded walled courtyard with its<br />

own lounge bar and private chefs table.<br />

There are twelve more bedrooms throughout<br />

the estate, between its contemporary Hideaway<br />

Lodges in the sprawling paddocks, and Chapel<br />

Cottage on the edge of the site. For winter<br />

weddings a rustic converted barn, the Old<br />

Malt Granary, is perfect for a ceremony, while a<br />

state-of-the-art Banqueting Barn awaits for the<br />

wedding breakfast.<br />

With all the facilities on the Chapel House<br />

Estate you can create an small intimate<br />

celebration, or fabulously large affair, here.<br />

Register for an appointment to view the estate<br />

online and discover it for yourself!<br />

chapelhouseestate.co.uk<br />

Something New<br />

We couldn’t list places to celebrate love without also looking at a<br />

few wedding venues! These three favourites are each something<br />

a little different, for a big day filled with style and personality<br />

Fabulous & Fun: The Bell in Ticehurst<br />

A venue filled with quirky fun and sumptuous style. Get married in the Big<br />

Room with its hand-painted wallpaper, glamorous chandeliers, and velvet<br />

curtains, followed by a Champagne reception in the garden. And then, in true<br />

Bell tradition, make your big entrance as newlyweds by walking down the<br />

middle of an oak dining table, to the applause and confetti of your guests.<br />

With exclusive use of a suite of rooms, including The Snug, The Stable<br />

and the new Stable Bar as well as the Big Room, The Bell can cater for up<br />

to 90 guests for a wedding ceremony, and 120 for an evening party. The<br />

flexibility and style of the rooms means that it’s also ideal for smaller, more<br />

intimate weddings. The bride and groom can stay in The Bell’s beautiful Love<br />

Nest lodge, or the newly decorated Pour L’Amour lodge, with its stunningly<br />

romantic hand-painted mural by Jane McCall, inspired by Charleston House<br />

and Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant’s love affair.<br />

Visit The Bell on Sunday 26th February for Quirky Wedding Fair to sample<br />

what your wedding could look like at The Bell, with the opportunity to meet<br />

some carefully selected suppliers over bubbles and canapés.<br />

thebellinticehurst.com<br />

Picture Perfect: Dulwich Picture Gallery<br />

This spectacular gallery offers something truly unique – a wedding<br />

surrounded by one of the finest collections of Old Masters<br />

paintings in the world.<br />

Dulwich Picture Gallery is licenced for civil ceremonies in both<br />

the magnificent Soane Gallery and the more sleek and modern<br />

Linbury Room. Entertainment for guests before the ceremony<br />

and after dinner is built right in as friends and family can explore<br />

the permanent collection. And the Soane Gallery is also available<br />

for your reception space, where your guests can dine right beside<br />

Rembrandts, Gainsboroughs and Canalettos, at a long table<br />

running through a series of arches in the gallery.<br />

dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk<br />

Backgrounds: Branch Van Gogh Almond Blossom<br />

Wallpaper £69/roll Bobbi Beck bobbibeck.com

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />

“Playing golf was no fun with agonising<br />

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After his IDD Therapy<br />

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Keen golfer Bill Langan struggled with<br />

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sport. But eventually the pain and<br />

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Bill explains: “My back pain and sciatica<br />

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Over the next few months Bill’s pain<br />

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After expressing concerns to his GP, Bill<br />

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“I was half expecting my GP to suggest<br />

surgery but instead I was told there was<br />

nothing they could do for me. I felt deflated<br />

and I didn’t really know what to do next.”<br />

Bill struggled on until early last year when<br />

he saw a local magazine article featuring<br />

IDD Therapy, a targeted disc treatment for<br />

persistent back pain, neck pain and sciatica.<br />

The non-invasive treatment uses gentle<br />

pulling forces to draw apart spinal segments<br />

where discs are bulging or damaged,<br />

removing pressure and irritation from<br />

trapped nerves.<br />

Bill saw that IDD Therapy was being<br />

offered at <strong>Wealden</strong> Osteopaths and Spine<br />

Centre in Goudhurst. The expert team<br />

uses the programme to help patients who<br />

find themselves on a merry-go-round of<br />

painkillers, physiotherapy and GP visits.<br />

“When I read the magazine story, the<br />

person featured in it had gone through a<br />

similar ordeal to me and they were now<br />

pain-free after IDD Therapy. I suddenly<br />

felt hopeful and quickly arranged a spinal<br />

assessment with Clinical Director, James<br />

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he reassured me that the treatment would<br />

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IDD Therapy is changing the lives of back pain,<br />

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Bill was determined to recover his health<br />

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programme and it was totally worthwhile:<br />

the sessions were actually relaxing and<br />

even before the course finished, my back<br />

felt the best it had done in years and my<br />

sciatic pain had disappeared completely:<br />

amazing! Nearly two years later, I have<br />

occasional osteopathic treatments to stay on<br />

top of things, but I’m still sciatica-free, I’m<br />

enjoying life… and playing golf three times<br />

a week!”<br />

“After my IDD Therapy<br />

programme, my sciatic<br />

pain disappeared<br />

completely: amazing!”<br />

James Pickering is delighted with Bill’s<br />

progress:.“Bill is a great example of someone<br />

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health since his treatment with us, and<br />

IDD Therapy was just the start of that;<br />

the springboard, if you like. IDD got him<br />

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Don’t let back pain, neck pain or<br />

sciatica put your life on hold.<br />

Call <strong>Wealden</strong> Osteopaths & Spine<br />

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or email us at: enquiries@<br />

wealdenosteopaths.co.uk

<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong>

<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Age-defying<br />

<strong>Beauty</strong><br />

Josephine Fairley recommends her top products<br />

for a gorgeously youthful complexion<br />

Call it ‘age-defying’. Or ‘anti-ageing.’ Or ‘positive<br />

ageing’, if you like. There’s a lot of debate right<br />

now about how we label the idea that basically, we<br />

all want to look good for our age. End of. It’s not about<br />

‘trying to look younger’, or chasing impossible dreams.<br />

Almost every woman I know, from about thirty onwards,<br />

just wants to hear the words, ‘Gosh, you look well!’<br />

I’ve learned a LOT over the years about how to make this<br />

happen – and it’s not rocket science. It certainly doesn’t<br />

mean going for endless ‘tweakments’ – though if that’s what<br />

you want to do, I won’t judge, merely wanting to make sure<br />

you’re armed with the right info to maximise your chances<br />

of being happy with the results. (To which end, I<br />

will simply point you in the direction of Alice<br />

Hart-Davis’s excellent book, The Tweakments<br />

Guide: Fresher Face, and the accompanying<br />

website, thetweakmentsguide.com.)<br />

It means choosing the right products,<br />

but also getting into some good<br />

habits. And I’m about to share what<br />

I know 100% works, here.<br />

There’s skincare that really works.<br />

Thing is, you have to USE it. <br />

3 priceless-magazines.com<br />

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Diligently. Twice a day, in the case<br />

of age-defying moisturisers and<br />

‘anti-wrinkle’ creams and serums.<br />

I’ve lost count of<br />

the people who’ve<br />

said to me over<br />

the years, for<br />

instance: ‘Oh,<br />

eye creams don’t<br />

work.’ And it<br />

turns out that<br />

they’ve been using<br />

something once or<br />

twice a week, and<br />

still expecting it<br />

to work miracles.<br />

The sooner your<br />

skincare becomes<br />

a true ritual,<br />

with products<br />

diligently applied,<br />

the better your<br />

skin will look;<br />

approach it as a<br />

pleasurable ‘pause’<br />

in a busy life, rather than a chore.<br />

Don’t chop and change. Give<br />

any new product a month<br />

at least – one skin cycle<br />

– to deliver results;<br />

again, constantly<br />

trying new<br />

products for<br />

a short burst<br />

(and I know<br />

so many<br />

women who<br />

do this) will<br />

never deliver<br />

the intended<br />

improvements.<br />

But what to<br />

buy, I hear you<br />

chorus? I can<br />

tell you that, too –<br />

because having for 26<br />

years run ‘The <strong>Beauty</strong> Bible<br />

Awards’ (the winners of which are<br />

all viewable on beautybible.com), I<br />

have consistently been blown away by<br />

reading comments from real women<br />

about real products that have far<br />

exceeded their expectations. (They’re<br />

divided into teams of 10, and any<br />

Don’t chop and<br />

change. Give any<br />

new product a<br />

month at least –<br />

one skin cycle – to<br />

deliver results;<br />

again, constantly<br />

trying new products<br />

for a short burst<br />

(and I know so<br />

many women who<br />

do this) will never<br />

deliver the intended<br />

improvements.<br />

product that earns one of our Awards<br />

has pretty much wowed all of them.)<br />

We actually have a section called<br />

‘Miracle Treatments’,<br />

setting the bar superhigh<br />

for these categories<br />

and even asking women<br />

to trial them on one<br />

side of the face, for<br />

comparison. (They do!)<br />

2022’s Gold Award,<br />

for instance, went to<br />

the mega-hydrating<br />

Transformulas Marine<br />

Miracle Crème, £95 for<br />

50ml, with the Silver<br />

Award going to Freya<br />

+ Bailey Forte Retinol<br />

Lustre Moisturiser,<br />

£42 for 60ml, which<br />

features 0.5% (the<br />

highest permitted<br />

dose) of retinol.<br />

Now, once upon a<br />

time, retinol – which<br />

works to minimise fine lines,<br />

wrinkles, pigmentation and sun<br />

damage – was something that caused<br />

many users to experience irritation,<br />

but clever formulations tend now<br />

to be gentler and effective. (To<br />

the point where I’ve changed my<br />

mind on retinol completely.)<br />

Add a serum into your regime. This<br />

style of formulation tends to pack a<br />

concentrated punch of age-defying<br />

ingredients – an extra step before<br />

moisturising. I absolutely flipping swear<br />

by serums, loving the glide-y feel as I<br />

apply them. (And the results observed<br />

in the mirror.) They are rarely cheap<br />

– the best serums, in my observation,<br />

tend to be pricey – but if you stick with<br />

one, it can last a surprisingly long time<br />

as only a few drops are needed. <strong>Beauty</strong><br />

Bible identified some impressively<br />

high-scoring serums: Elemis Pro-<br />

Collagen Renewal Serum, £70 for<br />

15ml; de Mamiel First Fix Stress<br />

Response Serum, £135 for 30ml; and<br />

– something different here – OSKIA<br />

Super C Smart Nutrient <strong>Beauty</strong>, £70<br />

for 60 capsules, where you massage the<br />

contents of a pre-dose capsule into skin.<br />

Which neatly brings me to the subject<br />

of massage. To me, this is the oftoverlooked<br />

but incredibly important<br />

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<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

istockphoto.com/ jacoblund / Yulia Lisitsa<br />

age-defier. Facial massage brings<br />

circulation to the skin, restoring<br />

glow instantly while also stimulating<br />

cells; I’m convinced it improves<br />

skin’s ‘bounce-back’ factor. Using<br />

the time spent cleansing my face, I<br />

massage deeply (but not painfully)<br />

with my fingers, always in an<br />

upwards or circular direction. But<br />

even more effective, I’ve discovered,<br />

is a gadget that again scooped a<br />

<strong>Beauty</strong> Bible Award, the Opatra<br />

LumiQuartz Rose Face Wand, £499<br />

(sorry, it’s pricey again, but you<br />

can also get amazing results from a<br />

rose quartz gua sha roller or stone,<br />

both of which are readily available<br />

from a wide range of sources for<br />

around fifteen quid). Meanwhile,<br />

a slender tool with a rose quartz<br />

embedded in the end, the Opatra<br />

device offers LED light therapy to<br />

help support collagen and elastin<br />

synthesis, while also relaxing the<br />

face immeasurably as the warmed<br />

quartz buzzes on the surface; I am<br />

frankly completely addicted and use<br />

it with a couple of drops of facial oil<br />

to reduce facial tension at bedtime,<br />

when it’s become a ritual part of my<br />

wind-down routine, before sleep.<br />

Ah, beauty sleep. That’s a whole<br />

other story. Maybe I’ll come to<br />

that next month<br />

because, trust<br />

me: beauty sleep<br />

is NOT a myth.<br />

More is more.<br />

Eight hours really<br />

is ideal, seven just<br />

about OK – and<br />

if you’re skimping<br />

and getting by on<br />

less than that, it’s<br />

going to show.<br />

<strong>Supplement</strong>s<br />

can be useful to<br />

add into your diet.<br />

Fact: it’s just about<br />

impossible to get all the nutrients we<br />

need for great skin in a normal, busy<br />

modern lifestyle, unless we really<br />

dedicate ourselves to that goal. We<br />

need plenty of antioxidants – citrus<br />

fruits, orange-coloured fruit and veg<br />

– plenty of nuts and wholegrains.<br />

We need protein, iron, zinc, and<br />

Book in at a makeup<br />

counter – I<br />

recommend By Terry<br />

or Bobbi Brown –<br />

pick up some ideas,<br />

and I’m pretty sure<br />

you’ll be thrilled<br />

with what you see<br />

in the mirror.<br />

essential fatty acids, found in oily<br />

fish such as sardines, mackerel,<br />

salmon, walnuts, chia seeds and<br />

linseed. And can we all be sure to<br />

get those on a daily basis? Nah.<br />

And beyond that, experts now also<br />

recommend ingesting collagen, too.<br />

My go-to for skin supplements is<br />

always victoriahealth.com, where<br />

genius pharmacist Shabir Daya stays<br />

on top of all the latest research<br />

(translated into easy-tounderstand<br />

articles that<br />

will keep anyone up to<br />

speed), and where you<br />

can find supplements<br />

including veganfriendly<br />

Vollagen<br />

Complex, £16.95<br />

for 50 (with potently<br />

antioxidant rose<br />

hips, matcha green<br />

tea and bilberry);<br />

Ingenious <strong>Beauty</strong><br />

Ultimate Collagen, £60<br />

for 90 capsules; and my<br />

‘desert island beauty supplement’,<br />

their bestselling VH Hyaluronic<br />

Acid Capsules High Strength, £35<br />

for 30 capsules. I’m also convinced<br />

that Manifesto <strong>Beauty</strong> Vitamin<br />

Gummies, £40 for 60, have helped<br />

my hair and nails, which also<br />

suffer through the<br />

ageing process.<br />

Last but not least,<br />

get a makeover.<br />

One of the reasons<br />

we look in the<br />

mirror and feel<br />

ancient is because<br />

we look washed<br />

out and almost<br />

‘faded’. Skin, hair,<br />

even eyes fade with<br />

time. Book in at a<br />

make-up counter<br />

– I recommend<br />

By Terry or Bobbi<br />

Brown – pick up some ideas, and<br />

I’m pretty sure you’ll be thrilled with<br />

what you see in the mirror. Call it<br />

the icing on the age-defying cake…<br />

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Wellbeing<br />

Keep in<br />

the know<br />

Sarah Maxwell gets personal with<br />

vital menopause info<br />

istockphoto.com/ Olga Strelnikova<br />

Perimenopause refers to the period of time right<br />

before menopause begins. Actual menopause<br />

technically lasts only 1 day, it is the day a woman<br />

has gone 1 full year without a period. The next day,<br />

a woman would be classed as post-menopausal. If<br />

this sounds confusing to you, you’re not alone!<br />

During the perimenopause phase, your body is<br />

beginning the transition into menopause. This can<br />

last between 4 and 10 years with the average age range<br />

being 45 to 55. This can cause a lot of confusion – for<br />

example, using contraception can make it difficult<br />

to know where you are in this transition, periods can<br />

become irregular, heavier or you may still have regular<br />

periods (you are still able to conceive during this time).<br />

Hormone levels start to fluctuate and, for many, it can<br />

be a real rollercoaster – both physically and mentally. One<br />

of my clients likened her experience of perimenopause<br />

to the ‘Boiling Frog’ parable. If you put a frog in<br />

boiling water it will jump out, if you heat the water<br />

slowly it doesn’t realise the danger until it’s too late.<br />

Unfortunately there is not one stand alone test to<br />

determine where you are in this phase, hormone levels and<br />

symptoms can ebb and flow widely during this time and<br />

this makes it difficult to get a clear and accurate picture.<br />

According to menopause<br />

experts there are four<br />

most common symptoms<br />

of the perimenopause,<br />

known as ‘the core four’.<br />

• Hot flushes<br />

• Disturbed sleep<br />

• Depression<br />

• Vaginal dryness<br />

Perminenopause is currently<br />

associated with around 34<br />

different symptoms such as:<br />

• Hair loss<br />

• Muscle aches and pains<br />

• Burning mouth<br />

syndrome (tingling<br />

tongue, lips and gums)<br />

• Stomach bloating<br />

• Dry eyes<br />

Looking back, I realise I was completely unaware of<br />

what was happening to me. Physically I didn’t feel<br />

different, apart from the odd hot flush and poor sleep<br />

quality. Mentally, it was a different story. I did feel<br />

different, but I couldn’t put my finger on why I felt so low<br />

and not at all myself. It was a gradual process that crept up<br />

so slowly, just like the boiling frog. I got used to it – until it<br />

became way too much. The transition affected not only me,<br />

but everyone close to me, too. I strongly feel that if I had better<br />

information about what the process of perimenopause was, I<br />

would have been better equipped to deal with it at the time.<br />

Every woman will, at some point, go through menopause<br />

with different symptoms and experiences. And often, at this<br />

stage in her life, she may also be caring for elderly parents<br />

and/or coming to terms with children flying the nest as<br />

well as a multitude of other pressures into the mix.<br />

What you can start doing right now?<br />

• Increase good fats and protein<br />

• Keep hydrated<br />

• Exercise regularly<br />

• Relaxation and time for yourself is essential<br />

• Above all, be kind to yourself!<br />

Seeing your GP<br />

Learn as much as you can about your menopause and the variety<br />

of options you have in order to keep you fit, well and sane.<br />

Make a list of your symptoms and keep a diary if possible.<br />

The more informed you are, the better your GP can<br />

help you. This worked well for me because brain fog<br />

is a frequent occurrence and still no better!<br />

Recommended reading<br />

I’m a huge fan of Meg Mathews’ website, Meg’s Menopause.<br />

It’s my one-stop-shop for everything menopause.<br />

megsmenopause.com<br />

A great menopause information site<br />

https://www.benendenhospital.org.uk/health-news/<br />

womens-health/understanding-the-menopause/<br />

A gentle approach to encourage dialogue<br />

with partners and loved ones<br />

healthtalk.org/menopause/advice-to-partners-about-the-menopause<br />

Sarah Maxwell is a multi award-winning weight loss, lifestyle and fitness coach. Find out more about her work...<br />

Facebook & Instagram: @sarahmaxlife Twitter: @sarahmax100 sarahmaxwell.com<br />

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<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

istockphoto.com/ ClusterX / baibaz<br />

Nourish to Flourish<br />

Nutrition & Lifestyle Coach Charlotte Lau<br />

explains how to stay nourished during pregnancy<br />

A<br />

mother’s diet is the only source of nutrition for a<br />

developing baby, so it is important to be aware of what<br />

we should and shouldn’t be eating during pregnancy.<br />

During the three trimesters of pregnancy there are many<br />

factors that can have a huge impact on a child’s future<br />

health, including the women’s diet, weight fluctuations, physical<br />

and mental wellbeing, lifestyle choices and environment. For<br />

many, pregnancy can bring with it food aversions, reduced<br />

or increased appetite, reflux and sickness and can prove to be<br />

a challenging time for many women. However, by following<br />

a generally healthy diet and lifestyle, paying attention to the<br />

essential nutrients for a baby’s development and avoiding<br />

risky foods and drinks, you can ensure that you are getting<br />

all the vitamins and nutrients that you and your baby need.<br />

Learn to… EAT A VARIETY<br />

To ensure you and your baby get all the nutrients you need, a<br />

varied and balanced diet is one that we should be focusing on<br />

throughout pregnancy, bearing in mind quality and quantity.<br />

The Mediterranean diet is a great one to base your food choices<br />

around, with a focus on fresh seasonal produce where vegetables,<br />

legumes (beans and lentils), wholegrains and nuts form the bulk<br />

of meals, moderate animal protein from fish and poultry and a<br />

lower intake of red meats, eggs, yoghurt and cheese. (Read on<br />

for exceptions.) Try to think about your diet over the course of a<br />

week, rather than a day, and look carefully at the colour, variety<br />

and the quality of your food sources. Help promote a healthy<br />

digestive system with plenty of fibre, fluids and movement.<br />

Step away from… CERTAIN FOOD & DRINKS<br />

Most of the foods that we are advised to avoid whilst pregnant,<br />

carry a risk of food poisoning from harmful bacteria. UK guidelines<br />

suggest only consuming ready meals that are thoroughly heated<br />

and cooked, avoid pâtés as they may contain listeria, do not eat<br />

raw or undercooked eggs unless they are British Lion eggs (with<br />

a lion stamp on them) as they are less likely to contain salmonella<br />

and avoid undercooked meats. Fish is an important part of our diet<br />

in pregnancy, however eat no more than 2 portions a week of oily<br />

fish, sea bass, sea bream, turbot, halibut or crab as they may contain<br />

pollutants. Also limit your intake of tuna, marlin and swordfish<br />

which contain high levels of mercury. Avoid soft, unpasteurised<br />

cheeses, soft blue cheese, soft goats cheese and mould-ripened soft<br />

cheese, as they can cause listeriosis, unless they are cooked until<br />

steaming hot! Limit caffeine to under 200mg per day, that’s around<br />

2 regular coffees and it is safest to avoid alcohol completely, as it has<br />

been linked to low birth weight, premature birth and miscarriage.<br />

Give it a go… FOOD SUPPLEMENTS<br />

Eating a healthy, varied diet in pregnancy will help you get most<br />

of the vitamins and minerals you need, but when you are pregnant<br />

or if there’s a chance you might get pregnant, it’s important to<br />

also take a folic acid supplement. The NHS recommend that you<br />

take 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, from before you’re<br />

pregnant until you’re 12 weeks pregnant, this is to reduce the risk of<br />

problems in the baby’s development in the early weeks of pregnancy.<br />

If you get little or no sunlight exposure, and especially between<br />

September and March due to limited sunlight, it is recommended<br />

that you take a daily 10 micrograms of a Vitamin D supplement<br />

to help regulate how much calcium and phosphate are in the<br />

body, keeping muscles, bones and teeth healthy. If you are taking<br />

a multivitamin, always read the label and avoid those that contain<br />

vitamin A as too much Vitamin A can be harmful to an unborn baby.<br />

Charlotte runs Plume Nutrition, where she offers support and advice for weight management, controlling<br />

cravings, sleeplessness, stress and increasing energy levels. Find out more at plumenutrition.com<br />

9 priceless-magazines.com

<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Lost<br />

F<br />

& ound<br />

Hair loss in women is often a sensitive subject; a<br />

medical issue that is very much linked to emotional<br />

health – both as a cause and effect. It affects so many<br />

women today and yet really needs more research,<br />

understanding and awareness. We have asked a<br />

couple of experts to shine a light on the topic<br />

Finding the Pattern<br />

Trichologist and multi award-winning hair extensionist<br />

Kathryn Nash CiT WTS, from Harvey-Smith Hair<br />

Enhancement Clinic, tells us about how hair loss happens in<br />

women and what can be done to help<br />

Female pattern hair loss (a.k.a. androgenetic alopecia) is very<br />

common – around 50% of women can be affected. It can have<br />

a significant psychological impact, causing depression and low<br />

self-esteem in some cases, so it is important that those affected can<br />

access help and support.<br />

How it starts<br />

Hair loss can begin as early as the teenage years, although it is<br />

typically noticed more between the ages of 25-50 and can continue<br />

into your 70s and 80s. Women may sometimes notice excessive<br />

hair shedding, but usually first notice that their hair starts to thin<br />

in the parting area. This kind of hair loss follows a distinctive<br />

pattern – the front hairline is retained, while the parting area thins<br />

and widens with the hair appearing ‘see-through’.<br />

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by a combination of genetic and<br />

hormonal factors. It is usually hereditary and can be inherited from<br />

either side of the family. Hormones known as androgens also play a<br />

part – they enter the hair follicle and make thicker hairs (known as<br />

terminal hairs) much finer as the follicle becomes smaller.<br />

Who we can talk to<br />

In the early days, the first person someone will confide in about<br />

their hair loss is often their hairdresser. It is sadly a myth that<br />

cutting your hair will make it grow quicker, but the right cut can<br />

improve how you feel about your hair. Try to avoid thinning out<br />

your hair further with heavy layering, but a regular trim can make<br />

the ends look thicker by blunting the edges. This being said, in<br />

most cases, for any type of hair loss, treating it early is far more<br />

effective. So by all means, go to your hairdresser, but it is also best<br />

to see a trichologist.<br />

A trichologist is a specialist who focuses on the diagnosis and<br />

treatment of hair loss and scalp conditions. At my clinic we<br />

offer extensive consultations in which we discuss hair, lifestyle,<br />

medication and diet, before examining the hair and scalp, using<br />

clinical photos and magnified images from a trichoscope to<br />

understand each case. I always say hair loss can be a bit like a jigsaw<br />

puzzle; you need all the pieces to be able to see the full picture. It is<br />

only then you can make an informed diagnosis and any treatment<br />

suggestions. Most importantly a good trichologist should support<br />

you through your hair journey.<br />

Products to try<br />

Nioxin products support thinning hair and hair loss. Diaboost is a<br />

treatment that thickens each strand, giving you a fuller look.<br />

Hair fibres such as Toppik come in various forms such as powders<br />

and sprays, and can camouflage hair loss. Be mindful to wash these<br />

out properly after use to avoid build up and clogging the follicle.<br />

Mediceuticals’ Advanced Hair Thinning Kit includes a shampoo,<br />

conditioner and topical scalp treatment. There are various kits to<br />

target different hair and scalp conditions as well as male and female<br />

hair loss.<br />

Philip Kingsley No Scent No Colour Shampoo and Conditioner<br />

can be used on any type of hair, even those with sensitive scalps. It<br />

is free from fragrances, parabens, colours, and sulphates and is very<br />

gentle on the hair and scalp.<br />

Lamberts Maxi Hair is a supplement that contains a good spread of<br />

nutrients including 25 essential micronutrients.<br />

istockphoto.com/ Irina Nurtdinova<br />

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10

<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Specialist Care<br />

Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley, Jane Martins,<br />

answers our questions about the many kinds of hair loss and<br />

how to get proper treatment<br />

Have you seen any changes since the pandemic?<br />

Since the pandemic, there appears to have been an increase in<br />

individuals experiencing hair shedding (telogen efflluvium). Some<br />

factors influencing this include having had COVID, changes in<br />

lifestyle and changes in hair care routines.<br />

How much can a topical over-the-counter product<br />

like a shampoo or scalp serum actually do?<br />

This would depend on the diagnosis, the formula of the product<br />

and whether it is suitable for the type of hair loss. Typically<br />

shampoos will not have an effect on hair loss related to telogen<br />

effluvium or androgenic alopecia (male of female pattern baldness)<br />

they simply are not applied to the scalp for long enough and<br />

are diluted under water. Targeted scalp serums or drops are the<br />

most effective at treating hair loss. At Philip Kingsley we have<br />

preventative drops to help slow hair loss and reduce hair shedding<br />

– our Density Preserving Scalp Drops. For active genetic hair loss<br />

(male or female pattern baldness) we offer prescription scalp drops<br />

via our Trichological Clinics upon seeing one of our Trichologists to<br />

assess the correct route of treatment.<br />

Lifestyle Changes<br />

Alopecia simply means ‘hair loss’ and is an umbrella term for<br />

several different types of hair loss conditions. These can be caused<br />

by various factors; some, unfortunately, we cannot control but there<br />

are some that we can. As much as these hair loss types vary, there<br />

are some things we can do generally to support our hair growth<br />

and keep it in good condition.<br />

How can a trichologist help someone struggling with hair loss?<br />

A Trichologist will be able to help to ascertain the causative<br />

factors. Here at the Philip Kingsley Trichological Clinic a thorough<br />

case history is taken, discussing topics including general health,<br />

lifestyle, family history and diet. The hair and scalp are also<br />

examined using a magnifying lamp. Then, following the diagnosis,<br />

any necessary products and blood tests are then recommended if<br />

further investigation is required.<br />

What is the difference between a dermatologist and a trichologist?<br />

A trichologist specialises in hair and scalp disorders, and, although<br />

dermatologists do too, not all of them will be familiar or have<br />

experience with certain hair loss conditions so their approach to<br />

treatment may be different to those of a trichologist. Dermatologists<br />

are experts in skin disorders, not specialists in hair and scalp.<br />

How much help can we get from GPs without seeing a specialist?<br />

Of course, with any medical problem, seeing a GP is much<br />

better than doing nothing. However, GPs don’t have the same<br />

understanding and focus as Trichologists who specialise in hair and<br />

scalp. An example of the difference this can make is blood tests –<br />

when undertaken by your GP they will measure for your general<br />

health, but even if your levels are sufficient for your general health,<br />

they may be much lower than required for healthy hair growth.<br />

This is on a case-by-case basis, but some patients have also expressed<br />

that a visit to their GP left them feeling more negative about their<br />

hair loss. Try not to be disheartened in this way, a specialist may be<br />

able to come up with more hopeful avenues for treatment.<br />

To find out more about Philip Kingsley, or book a call<br />

back with their clinic, visit philipkingsley.co.uk<br />

3. Medication<br />

While many medications are necessary, some can contribute<br />

towards hair loss. If the onset of hair loss coincides with starting a<br />

medication, speak to your GP. If the medication does carry a side<br />

effect of alopecia, they may be able to find an alternative.<br />

1. A good hair care routine<br />

Wash around 2-3 times a week, and brush at least once a day.<br />

Those suffering with hair loss often avoid this because they do not<br />

want to see their hair falling out or feel that these things are making<br />

it worse, but this certainly is not the case.<br />

2. A well-balanced diet<br />

Diet and nutritional deficiencies are one of the biggest causes<br />

of hair loss. Crash dieting or very restrictive diets can have a<br />

detrimental effect on your hair because the follicle is not receiving<br />

enough nutrients. Around 80% of our hair is made of keratin, a<br />

protein formed from amino acids that keeps hair healthy, strong<br />

and elastic. We need these proteins in our diet to keep our hair<br />

growing healthily and the rest of our body functioning properly.<br />

Our tissue cells rely on protein to reproduce new cells for healthy<br />

hair skin and nails! Lean red meats, fish, eggs, nuts, lentils, quinoa<br />

and tofu are all good sources of protein to include in your diet.<br />

4. Stress<br />

Our lives are now more stressful than ever and stress alone can<br />

cause hair loss, so reducing this as much as we can is really<br />

important. Something simple like writing down your feelings,<br />

going for a walk, meditating, gentle exercise or a chat with a friend<br />

or relative, may be all you need to manage your stress.<br />

5. Seasonal Changes<br />

Someone may have low iron or vitamin D for a short period of<br />

time and experience shedding, or they may experience more<br />

breakage than usual in the summer due to sun damage, salt water<br />

and dry hair. Not a lot of research has gone into seasonal hair loss,<br />

and because hair loss has so many contributing factors, it can be<br />

difficult to tell if it is simply seasonal. If you feel you may have<br />

seasonal hair loss, get it checked anyway to ensure that there is<br />

nothing else going on.<br />

For more help and advice visit theharveysmithclinic.co.uk<br />

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Our team of fully qualified homeopaths<br />

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Alongside our remedies we stock a wide<br />

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HeliosPharmacy<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 02/12/2022 17:02

Yoga Body,<br />

Yoga Mind<br />

Exercise has many physical benefits but<br />

clinical research supports mind-body<br />

practices like yoga to restore mental and<br />

emotional wellbeing too; JoJo Hancock,<br />

founder of Yoga Creative, explains<br />

Yoga combines mindful movement with<br />

paced-breathing, meditation and relaxation.<br />

These powerful tools increase our sense of<br />

safety, stimulate a relaxation response and<br />

reduce stress.<br />

<strong>Health</strong> & <strong>Beauty</strong> <strong>Supplement</strong><br />

On Your Mind<br />

Christmas is over, winter has well and truly set in and it's time to embark upon a<br />

new year. At this time, it's important to take care of our mental health<br />

What happens in Vagus<br />

Got the winter blues? Kate Munden, a trauma and<br />

embodiment specialist based in Cranbrook, shares 5 simple<br />

steps to manage stress and anxiety through the vagus nerve<br />

istockphoto.com/ Katerina Kuzmenko<br />

Mental stress is an embodied experience, and<br />

yoga teachers can guide awareness to where<br />

we are holding tension and show us how to<br />

release it, breaking down stress hormones and<br />

boosting feel-good ones. The most effective<br />

yoga teachers empower their students to take<br />

these skills off the mat so that they can change<br />

how they feel at any point during their day.<br />

Yoga can have an immediate effect and<br />

just one class can give a sense of mental ease<br />

and wellbeing, but the benefits accumulate.<br />

Over time yoga can be transformational in<br />

not only lifting mood, but also enhancing<br />

immune response, boosting digestion, reducing<br />

pain and stress, restoring sleep, conserving<br />

energy, improving focus and enriching social<br />

connection.<br />

JoJo recommends one or two taught sessions a<br />

week as well as self-practise, starting with ten<br />

minutes daily. If you'd like to try for yourself,<br />

she teaches classes, workshops and retreats at<br />

the Rye Creative Centre in East Sussex. She<br />

is also hosting an Earth Day Yoga Retreat on<br />

Saturday 22 April to celebrate how nature<br />

nourishes and sustains our wellbeing. Space<br />

is limited, so advanced booking is essential.<br />

Contact JoJo at jojo@yogacreative.co.uk or<br />

find her online at yogacreative.co.uk<br />

'Tis the Season<br />

Healing Alternative shares their top 3<br />

tips for beating the Winter Blues<br />

It's <strong>January</strong>. The days are shorter, the nights<br />

are longer and the temperature has dropped.<br />

This can lead to feeling low, anxious or even<br />

depressed. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)<br />

affects many of us every winter, and if you’re<br />

struggling at this time of year, know that you<br />

are not alone and help is at hand.<br />

Try these three simple ways to improve your<br />

winter mental health:<br />

1. Get as much natural sunlight as possible. If you feel<br />

you aren't getting enough, then investing in a lightbox<br />

– which can simulate sunlight – could be useful.<br />

2. Regular exercise such as a daily walk will help<br />

you to manage any excess stress you might be<br />

experiencing.<br />

3. Quality sleep is essential for physical and<br />

mental health. Create an enjoyable sleep<br />

ritual that you can stick to. Start by going to<br />

bed and waking at the same time to regulate<br />

your body’s internal clock.<br />

For aiding sleep, try Healing Alternatives' Sleep<br />

Easy Collection. There is a pillow spray, balm,<br />

roll-on, bath oil and bath salts, all made with<br />

organic CBD and a blend of other botanicals<br />

to encourage a good night’s sleep.<br />

healingalternatives.co.uk<br />

When we become anxious it is often difficult to lift ourselves out<br />

of overwhelming thoughts because primitive responses and stress<br />

hormones take over. They shut down the cortex (thinking brain)<br />

and we simply can’t think our way out of it. But we can use the<br />

body to help us instead.<br />

The vagus nerve is part of our autonomic nervous system. It helps to regulate our stress responses,<br />

and is connected to our eyes, ears, face, neck muscles, vocal cords, heart, lungs and stomach. Our<br />

vagal tone tells us how well the vagus is functioning by measuring our heart rate variability (the<br />

amount of time between heartbeats). Low vagal tone is associated with depression, anxiety and<br />

disorders such as IBS and heart disease. High vagal tone is associated with good physical and mental<br />

health. The great news is that we can take easy steps every day to raise our vagal tone. The following<br />

techniques have all been shown to increase heart-rate variability:<br />

1. Singing, humming, chanting and gargling can activate the throat and stimulate your vagus<br />

nerve. Sing in the shower every morning and gargle after brushing your teeth.<br />

2. Deep breathing with an extended out-breath – keep it simple. Deep breath in, slow gentle<br />

breath out as far as you can go and then repeat.<br />

3. Thymus Thump – just like Tarzan! Make a fist and briskly tap the centre of the chest 7-10<br />

times. Try humming or singing at the same time.<br />

4. Splash the face with cold water to stimulate the branches that come into the face and head.<br />

5. Ear and side of neck massage. Using moderate pressure, massage, move and stimulate the skin<br />

around the neck and also the inner and outer part of one ear. Gently pull the ear lobe away<br />

from the body until you can feel your inner ear. Hold and breathe. Repeat on the other side.<br />

Next time you feel anxious try one of these techniques and feel the difference.<br />

Repeat as often as you can to lift those winter blues.<br />

Find out more about Kate at katemunden.com<br />

Alternative<br />

Option<br />

Helios Homeopathy's Stress Relief<br />

contains Aconite, Arg nit and<br />

Arsenicum. These three remedies have<br />

a long and proven history of relieving<br />

symptoms associated with mild stress and<br />

anxiety. Being natural, Helios Stress Relief<br />

has no known side effects and is suitable<br />

for short or longer term use. For more<br />

information visit their website or speak<br />

to one of their friendly, qualified and<br />

experienced homeopaths in person<br />

in Tunbridge Wells. helios.co.uk<br />

13 priceless-magazines.com

Sweetest<br />

ESCAPES<br />

A good spa break or getaway retreat can be just the boost you need to get yourself through the harsh winter months<br />

Spa Escape: Pennyhill Park, Surrey<br />

Pennyhill Park is a luxury hotel and spa set within 123 acres<br />

of beautiful Surrey parkland with a well-earned reputation<br />

for excellence. A simply fabulous spa, Michelin star dining,<br />

and plush individually designed rooms (with gorgeously decked-out<br />

bathrooms) are all wrapped up in this classic 19th Century house.<br />

The Spa at Pennyhill Park is really a destination in its own right.<br />

It checks all the boxes for an indulgent spa experience, and then<br />

throws in more than a few special extra options – there are 23<br />

relaxing treatment rooms, a nail bar, Pool View Bar, state-of-the-art<br />

fitness suite, hot tubs and a brilliant selection of both indoor and<br />

outdoor pools (this one has underwater music, that one is a bubbly<br />

hydrotherapy pool... you get the idea). With all this to explore, you<br />

can tailor your spa journey to whatever you're looking to gain from<br />

it, be it to unwind, beautify or invigorate, all you have to do is choose<br />

your own spa adventure!<br />

It is a great time of year to visit, too. The Spa is a Mediterraneanfeel<br />

escape in the summer, but in the winter it becomes an indulgent<br />

thermal heaven. Picture lounging in a jacuzzi (indoor or outdoor<br />

of course), warming up in a thermal cabin, or, if you want to try<br />

something different, there's the new Himalayan Salt Ritual treatment,<br />

designed to warm you through while also aiding dry skin and<br />

improving blood circulation – just what you need at this time of year!<br />

Rates for spa days at Pennyhill Park start from £255.<br />

exclusive.co.uk/pennyhill-park<br />

City Break: Four Seasons at Park Lane, London<br />

Does it get better than the Four Seasons for a City Break? Dip into the<br />

excitement and glamour of London luxe at its best with a trip to their Park<br />

Lane branch's spa. Balancing all the highlights of the big city and the relaxing<br />

presence of nature, you can experience the rooftop spa with its views of Hyde Park, head<br />

out to the country's most-coveted shopping streets, enjoy a leisurely meal on the one-ofa-kind<br />

al fresco terrace, and return at night to a room surrounded by greenery.<br />

As far as spa experiences go, there's a list of fabulous options for facials, massages and<br />

body treatments, including the Penhaligon’s Royal Relaxation Massage inspired by their<br />

gorgeous scents. However, at this time of year, the new Winter wellness experience is the<br />

ultimate choice, designed to help escape the cold and nourish the soul. It begins with an<br />

hour to explore the spa’s heat facilities – the Eucalyptus Steam Room, Himalayan Salt<br />

Wall Sauna, and Cooling Vitality Pool. Then, after a snuggle in a relaxation pod with a<br />

cup of tea, the treatments really get going.<br />

A body treatment captures the essence of winter and stimulates blood circulation with<br />

warming oils of black pepper and tangerine. You are then treated to a full-body salt scrub<br />

and natural clay cocoon wrap, and while the clay deeply cleanses and hydrates the skin,<br />

you also get a face and head acupressure massage to ease stress and tension. Finish up<br />

with a 60-minute personalised full-body massage, and as a memento you are also given a<br />

Four Seasons Winter Candle or diffuser to bring that spa serenity home over winter.<br />

The Four Seasons Winter Spa Experience is £350. fourseasons.com/london<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

14

Creative Courses: Curious House, Kent<br />

An option for those seeking inspiration and creative energy. Curious<br />

House runs on the belief that learning something new makes us more<br />

in tune with our bodies and engaged with our minds, and engaging in<br />

art in particular can feed the soul to improve our happiness and health.<br />

Curious House's courses all take place at either the lovely Bell in Ticehurst or<br />

Birchwood Studio (both on the Kent and Sussex border), each with inspiring<br />

spaces that are perfect for a relaxed learning environment. You can visit just for<br />

the day, but for a real immersive escape, you can stay at The Bell, which is also<br />

an award-winning historical pub and boutique hotel with fabulous rooms and<br />

scrumptious seasonal food.<br />

This year you could learn to paint, try your hand at pottery, go foraging,<br />

make a sculpture out of willow, master iPhone photography, or become an<br />

expert on peonies (to name just a few upcoming options). Needless to say there<br />

are classes of all sorts, and the teachers are all wonderfully friendly experts in<br />

their fields.<br />

Prices are from £80 for a half day and £105 for a full day including a<br />

delicious lunch. curioushouse.net<br />

Nature's Healing: South Lodge, Sussex<br />

South Lodge is a quintessential West Sussex country escape, and its<br />

spa is a natural haven. Situated within the grounds of luxury fivestar<br />

hotel, South Lodge, The Spa was inspired by the landscape<br />

around it, following the natural contours of the land in its sustainable<br />

design. The idea is to let in the surrounding nature and wildlife as much<br />

as possible, while also showcasing some seriously spectacular views of the<br />

South Downs.<br />

It is home to UK’s first wild, heated swimming pool (slash pond),<br />

which comes complete with reeds and moss, and uses no chlorine or<br />

chemicals but instead oxygenating plants clean the water. There is also<br />

an indoor infinity pool which may be your pool of choice in the winter,<br />

where you can still swim against the dramatic Sussex landscape from<br />

<strong>inside</strong>.<br />

Elsewhere there is also a vitality hydrotherapy pool, sound mood pods,<br />

a private mud room and an infused sauna, as well as marble-lined salt<br />

steam and jasmine herbal steam rooms.<br />

The food has nature at its heart, too – in the spa’s Mediterranean<br />

inspired restaurant, Botanica, the South Downs is drawn on as a larder<br />

for fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu features all sorts of plant-based<br />

plates including the undeniably delicious Wasted Burger, made entirely<br />

from the pulp from the freshly prepared morning’s juices!<br />

Rates for spa days start from £230. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge<br />

Get Active: Chateau Lou Casteou, Cote d'Azur<br />

Chateau Lou Casteou is a grand and luxurious residence, set in the<br />

stunning French Cote d’Azur countryside which offers an energetic<br />

fitness-focused escape to feed body and soul. Its three regular<br />

residential retreats provide the perfect balance of fitness classes, Latin dance<br />

sessions and exciting outdoor activities – we're talking coastal treks, tennis,<br />

boxercise, aqua-gym, circuit training, yoga, sea kayaking and beach workouts.<br />

For all those missing Strictly and looking to live out their dance dreams,<br />

Let’s Salsa is just the ticket. Get whisked away to the stunning Chateau, where<br />

European dance professionals will teach Latino and Afro dance styles. If you'd<br />

rather focus on physical fitness, Body Tonic will hit reset on your health and<br />

fitness, to leave you feeling transformed and revitalised. Last but not least,<br />

Lou Casteou’s Tennis Academy is set to sharpen up your serve, with six hours<br />

of daily professional tennis coaching sessions, and a day at the Monte-Carlo<br />

ATP tennis tournament.<br />

Whichever you choose, you can kick back after all the excitement, and<br />

enjoy delicious, nutritious, elegant three-course dinners, a quality open bar<br />

with excellent Provençal wines, plus evening parties and live entertainment,<br />

before retiring to a sumptuous en suite bedroom with stunning views of<br />

either the sea or the mountains.<br />

For more information or to reserve a space contact Morag McLaren Baxter<br />

on +44 (0)7990 573287, email morag@loucasteou.com or visit loucasteou.com

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />

Midsummer Midwinter<br />

<strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong><br />

Fair<br />

Fairs<br />

O nline<br />

1st-4th 12-15 November July 2021<br />

Live Local,<br />

Love Local,<br />

Shop Local<br />

Those of you that have been to our<br />

Midwinter or Midsummer Fair will know<br />

that there’s a burgeoning independent<br />

retail scene, bursting with creative talent,<br />

beautifully designed products and lovely<br />

people who put their heart and soul into<br />

their shops. We find the very best of them<br />

and invite them to our fairs. But once our<br />

marquees have come down, you can find<br />

them either in their hometowns or, if you<br />

keep up with their latest news on Instagram,<br />

at other pop-up locations around the country.<br />

Go and pay them a visit if you can.<br />

Golden Boot<br />

Maidstone<br />

thegoldenboot.co.uk<br />

Chandrika Thomas London<br />

Kew<br />

chandrikathomas.co.uk<br />

Reigate Pop Up<br />

Reigate<br />

thereigatepopup.co.uk<br />

Fires and More<br />

Ashford<br />

firesandmore.co.uk<br />

Bottle Bar and Shop<br />

Catford Broadway<br />

bottlebarandshop.com<br />

SJ Feist & Co Ltd.<br />

St Leonards on Sea<br />

sjfeistandco.co.uk<br />

Organic Village Market<br />

Tonbridge<br />

organicvillagemarket.co.uk<br />

County Clothes<br />

Canterbury, Golden Boot Reigate,<br />

Bexhill-on-Sea, Maidstone<br />

Tenterden, Sevenoaks &<br />

thegoldenboot.co.uk<br />

Tunbridge Wells<br />

countyclothesmenswear.co.uk

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SitSmart<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 16/12/2022 TrainLearnGo<strong>WT248</strong>-Hastings.indd 11:03<br />

1 19/12/2022 10:51<br />

Welcome to The<br />

Spa at Green Farm,<br />

a nature-inspired<br />

boutique spa offering<br />

luxurious ESPA<br />

treatments, relaxing<br />

Spa Days and unique<br />

wellness experiences<br />

in the heart of the<br />

Kent countryside.<br />

Quote ‘<strong>Wealden</strong>’ to receive a complimentary Green Farm Gift.<br />

FIND OUT MORE & BOOK<br />

www.greenfarmkent.co.uk<br />

01233 808707<br />

Green Farm, Church Lane,<br />

Shadoxhurst, Kent TN26 1LT<br />

17 priceless-magazines.com<br />

GreenFarmKentWT245.indd 1 15/09/2022 16:18

HAVE YOU<br />

HEARD?<br />

The quality of our hearing can greatly impact our wellbeing and enjoyment of<br />

life, and fortunately the technology of hearing aids has greatly improved in recent<br />

years. So what is involved? To get some answers, we speak to Dr Priya Carling,<br />

AuD, RHAD, Director and Consultant Audiologist at Kent Hearing<br />

How visible or noticeable<br />

are hearing aids?<br />

Generally, hearing aids are far less<br />

visible than most people think.<br />

Their visibility will depend on<br />

the individual needs and ear size<br />

of each patient, but in many<br />

cases they can be completely<br />

hidden in the ear canal.<br />

What is involved in a<br />

hearing test?<br />

A hearing test is a painless<br />

procedure and will include<br />

responding to sounds of different<br />

loudness levels and pitch. It<br />

should also include how you<br />

respond to words and speech in<br />

the presence of background noise.<br />

Can hearing aids do anything<br />

other than help with hearing?<br />

Yes, they can stream sounds and<br />

music from a mobile phone, tablet or<br />

any Bluetooth enabled device. They<br />

can also help treat Tinnitus and may<br />

help reduce the risk of dementia,<br />

depression and social isolation for<br />

those with hearing loss.<br />

At what point should we<br />

get our hearing tested<br />

and how regularly?<br />

You should get your hearing tested<br />

if you have any difficulty in hearing<br />

clearly, or if friends or family<br />

complain that you mishear or that<br />

they have to repeat themselves. You<br />

should also book a hearing test if you<br />

have Tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing<br />

sound in your ears) or if you have ever<br />

been regularly exposed to loud noises.<br />

What are the advantages<br />

of hearing aids?<br />

Well selected, properly fitted hearing<br />

aids improve communication in many<br />

everyday situations, ensuring you<br />

remain socially active and helping to<br />

improve overall quality of life. They<br />

can also help you watch television,<br />

listen to music, and talk on the<br />

telephone with greater ease.<br />

How much money<br />

do hearing aids cost?<br />

This will be entirely dependent on<br />

the quality and technology level<br />

of the hearing aids recommended.<br />

Prices usually start at around £2,000<br />

per pair, while the most advanced<br />

hearing aids may cost up to £5,000<br />

per pair, on average.<br />

For more information or to book a hearing test with Dr Carling, call<br />

Kent Hearing on 01732 525912 or visit kenthearing.com<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

18

EARWAX REMOVAL AT<br />

KENT HEARING<br />

Earwax removal using microsuction is now available from<br />

Dr Priya Carling, AuD, RHAD, at Kent Hearing.<br />

We also offer:<br />

• Comprehensive hearing testing<br />

• The latest hearing aids<br />

• Tinnitus management<br />

• Children’s hearing testing<br />

• A personalised hearing<br />

management plan for<br />

every patient<br />

For more information please call us on<br />

01732 525912 or visit www.kenthearing.com<br />

Kent Hearing, Suite 15, 80 Churchill Square, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4YU<br />

KentHearing<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 12/12/2022 14:16<br />

The opticians with the personal touch. Thorough, unhurried eye tests. Creative designer frames.<br />

Hastings 01424 421 717 hastings@wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk<br />

Rye 01797 223 700 rye@wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk<br />

Lewes 01273 472 360 lewes@wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk<br />

Tenterden 01580 762 069 tenterden@wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk www.wilsonwilsonandhancock.co.uk<br />

75 priceless-magazines.com<br />

WilsonWilsonHancock<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 20/12/2022 09:11

Always<br />

in favour<br />

“The pearl is the queen of<br />

gems and the gem of queens.”<br />

Grace Kelly<br />

Reinvent treasured heirloom pieces or invest in some contemporary<br />

new styles – pearls are having a comeback, and we’re glad!<br />

Photograph: David Merewether<br />

Baroque large pearl necklace on a 30” chain £278, pearl and blue topaz gold<br />

vermeil drop earrings £237, pearl double ball stud earrings £90, all Tisan Jewellery<br />

tisanjewellery.com; pearl headband with crystals £33 QueenMee Accessories<br />

queenmee.com; faux coral, from a selection, HomeSense homesense.com

Faille trim Tuxedo<br />

blazer £240 Jigsaw<br />

jigsaw-online.com<br />

Pearl and diamond ring<br />

£2,800 Dominic Walmsley<br />

dominicwalmsley.com<br />

Silver drop<br />

earrings £169<br />

Thomas Sabo<br />

thomassabo.com<br />

Wisdom necklace<br />

£249 Atelier Romy<br />

atelierromy.com<br />

Shooting star<br />

necklace €495<br />

Perle de Lune<br />

perledelune.com<br />

Cashmere blend jumper<br />

£90 Hope Fashion<br />

hopefashion.co.uk<br />

Rosantica Holli<br />

Osiris tote £1,155<br />

Net-a-Porter<br />

net-a-porter.com<br />

Chunky chain bracelet<br />

£165 Coeur de Lion<br />

coeur-de-lion.org<br />

Straight wool-blend coat<br />

£119 Zara zara.com<br />

The Girl with the Pearl<br />

EVERYTHING<br />

For a fresh start to the year<br />

we are channelling the classic charm of the<br />

pearl as pearl-core continues to shine in <strong>2023</strong><br />

Ray Makes Things Leila<br />

drop earrings £120<br />

Pearls and Pomegranates<br />

pearlsandpomegranates.com<br />

Jimmy Choo faux<br />

pearl pumps £675<br />

Net-a-Porter<br />

net-a-porter.com<br />

Pearl drops<br />

£3,050<br />

Budrevich Fine<br />

Jewellery Studio<br />

budrevich.co.uk<br />

Ivory pearl beaded<br />

shoulder bag<br />

£24.50 Accessorize<br />

accessorize.com<br />

Silver ring £59<br />

Thomas Sabo<br />

thomassabo.com<br />

Faux pearl money<br />

clutch bag £65<br />

Oliver Bonas<br />

oliverbonas.com<br />

Baroque pearl necklace<br />

£80 Lily Blanche<br />

lilyblanche.com<br />

Luna freshwater and<br />

Keshi pearl bracelet<br />

£155 Dower & Hall<br />

dowerandhall.com<br />

Wool-blend<br />

tulip skirt with<br />

pockets £109<br />

Zara zara.com<br />

Anika knee boot<br />

£290 Jigsaw<br />

jigsaw-online.com<br />

Villeneuve sequin<br />

dress £‌2,900<br />

Temperley London<br />

temperleylondon.com<br />

Pearl and coin<br />

bracelet £360<br />

Dominic Walmsley<br />

dominicwalmsley.com<br />

Sister Jane Oyster cream<br />

embellished bouclé tweed<br />

jacket £190 and mini skirt<br />

£110 Harvey Nichols<br />

harveynichols.com<br />

Toggle earrings<br />

£46 Annie Haak<br />

anniehaakdesigns.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

78

For amazing designer and bespoke<br />

hats and fascinators as well as seasonal<br />

hats, umbrellas and pashminas.<br />

We also stock Rainbow shoes which can<br />

be dyed to any colour imaginable.<br />

The Mad haTTer<br />

12 Castle Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3UW<br />

01483 566845<br />

www.themadhattermillinery.com<br />

Bring some of your personality to your wardrobe<br />

with a personally tailored suit or jacket with a<br />

choice of fabrics, linings and trims. Complement<br />

your look with our stylish footwear.<br />

48 London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1AS<br />

01732 902019 | www.suitsshoessir.com<br />

TheMadHatter<strong>WT248</strong>.indd<br />

County<br />

1<br />

Clothes<br />

14/12/2022 SuitsShoesSir<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 13:27<br />

Menswear<br />

1 05/12/2022 10:56<br />

Canterbury Tenterden Sevenoaks Tunbridge Wells Reigate Bexhill-on-Sea<br />

Beat the<br />

<strong>January</strong><br />

blues<br />

in style!<br />

www.countyclothesmenswear.co.uk<br />

79 priceless-magazines.com<br />

CountyClothes<strong>WT248</strong>-SH.indd 1 12/12/2022 12:55

Recipes: Charlotte Butterworth Photographs: David Merewether<br />

Recipe developer Charlotte Butterworth creates delicious,<br />

easy, healthy recipes that work around real life. Here, she’s<br />

put together a day of healthy <strong>January</strong> meals to start New Year<br />

with a tasty blast of nutrients. Find more of Charlotte’s dishes<br />

and advice on Instagram or Facebook @theneedy.greedy<br />

Super<br />

BOOST<br />

Homemade Nutty Granola with Berries & Greek Yoghurt<br />

Prep time: 10 mins<br />

Cooking time: 20 mins Makes 6-8 portions<br />

This a super delicious healthy<br />

granola, and so tasty you can enjoy<br />

with yoghurt, fruit, milk or even as<br />

quick snack on its own. It is so much<br />

healthier than the shop bought ones<br />

as it has very little sugar and contains<br />

all natural ingredients. It will keep for<br />

at least a week in a sealed container.<br />

Do mix it up with whatever nuts,<br />

seeds and fruit you’d like to use.<br />

• 100g of mixed nuts (I use<br />

pecans, flaked almonds,<br />

walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts)<br />

• 150g jumbo oats<br />

• 1-2 apples grated<br />

• 1 tsp cinnamon<br />

• 1 or 2 tbsp honey or agave<br />

nectar or even maple syrup<br />

• 75g dried fruit (such as chopped<br />

apricots, dates, cranberries etc.)<br />

• 50-75g seeds (I use pumpkin,<br />

sunflower, linseed)<br />

1. Preheat the oven to 180˚C.<br />

Mix the nuts, oats, grated apple,<br />

cinnamon and agave nectar.<br />

Make sure the apple separates.<br />

2. Spread over a large baking tray<br />

or two and cook for 20 mins. You<br />

may need to turn it a couple of times<br />

to make sure it browns evenly.<br />

3. When browned, remove from<br />

the oven and allow to cool.<br />

4. Once cooled, add the seeds and<br />

dried fruits. It keeps for at least a<br />

week in a sealed container. Do play<br />

around with quantities, types of nuts,<br />

fruit etc. according to your tastes.<br />

5. Served as pictured with Greek<br />

yoghurt, blueberries, pomegranate<br />

seeds and mint leaves.

Watercress Soup with Cannellini Beans<br />

Prep time: 10 mins<br />

Cooking time: 20 mins<br />

Serves 2-3 generously<br />

I love the peppery flavour of<br />

watercress, which is also incredibly<br />

good for you. The cannellini<br />

beans, for fibre and protein, create<br />

a warming hearty meal of soup.<br />

This freezes beautifully so it’s a<br />

good one to have on standby.<br />

• 2 onions, chopped<br />

• 2 celery sticks, sliced to 1-2cm<br />

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed<br />

or finely chopped<br />

• 1 tin of cannellini beans, drained<br />

• nutmeg to grate<br />

• 500ml stock (homemade<br />

chicken stock gives it a beautiful<br />

flavour but any good stock<br />

such as Knorr would do)<br />

• 2 bags of watercress<br />

• freshly grated nutmeg (optional)<br />

1. In a large pan, drizzle some<br />

olive oil and a knob of butter.<br />

Gently soften the onions for a<br />

few minutes, adding some salt to<br />

speed the softening process.<br />

2. When the onions are soft, add<br />

the celery and garlic and cook gently<br />

for a few more minutes. Add some<br />

freshly grated nutmeg, drained<br />

beans and the stock and cook until<br />

veg is all tender, about 10 mins.<br />

3. Finally add the watercress and<br />

allow to wilt for a few moments.<br />

4. Using a stick blender, whizz<br />

the soup until smooth. You may<br />

want to add more liquid. Add<br />

some more freshly grated nutmeg,<br />

salt and pepper. Taste and add<br />

more seasoning if needed.<br />

5. Serve with a dollop of<br />

yoghurt, some whipped crème<br />

fraîche or a swirl of cream.

Lemon Roast Chicken with<br />

Pomegranate Molasses &<br />

Cauliflower on a Bed of Lentils<br />

Prep time: 10 mins Cooking<br />

time: 30-40 mins Serves 2<br />

This dish sounds fancy, but it’s so<br />

simple, totally flexible and utterly<br />

flavoursome, filling and feel good food.<br />

Pulses are so good for our health and<br />

longevity. These little lentils vertes<br />

are simply boiled while the chicken<br />

roasts, and then dressed in the delicious<br />

chicken cooking juices. Add some salad<br />

and, voila, easy meal! I used natural<br />

yoghurt for a dressing and roasted<br />

some cauliflower with the chicken for<br />

extra veg, but that is entirely optional.<br />

• 1 pack chicken thighs<br />

(bone in, skin on)<br />

• 50ml pomegranate molasses<br />

(I use Waitrose)<br />

• 15ml olive oil<br />

• 1 lemon, quartered<br />

• 200g cauliflower, broken into<br />

small florets (optional)<br />

• 100g lentils vertes or<br />

puy lentils, rinsed<br />

• natural yoghurt (approx 50ml)<br />

• microgreens, pomegranate seeds,<br />

salad leaves (optional, to serve)<br />

1. Preheat the oven to 190˚C.<br />

Place the lentils in a pan and bring<br />

to the boil for approx 30 mins<br />

(look at packet instructions).<br />

2. Mix the molasses and olive<br />

oil in a largish bowl (you will be<br />

adding the cauliflower to it).<br />

3. Pop some olive oil in a roasting<br />

tin. Add the chicken thighs and<br />

season with salt. Brush the chicken<br />

thighs with a generous amount<br />

of the pomegranate mix.<br />

4. Mix the cauliflower with the<br />

remaining mix, season and add to<br />

the roasting tin, along with the<br />

lemons. Put in the preheated oven<br />

and cook for approx 30 mins until<br />

chicken browned and crispy, and the<br />

cauliflower tender. Halfway though,<br />

squeeze the lemon quarters a little<br />

with some tongs (you will be amazed<br />

how much juice comes out), mix<br />

with the juices and the cauliflower.<br />

5. When lentils are cooked, drain,<br />

add some seasoning and spinach<br />

(allow to wilt a moment). Keep<br />

warm if the chicken is not ready.<br />

6. To plate, put the lentils on the plate<br />

with the chicken and cauliflower. Then<br />

– this is IMPORTANT – pour over all<br />

those incredible juices from the roasting<br />

pan. It makes the most wonderful<br />

dressing for the lentils, which absorb<br />

the flavours. Add a dollop of yoghurt<br />

and mix with the juices. Heaven. <br />

I love using<br />

microgreens in my dishes.<br />

They are a superfood with<br />

very high levels of nutrients and<br />

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delicious – so easy to add to any meals.<br />

Throughout I’ve used microgreens from<br />

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83 priceless-magazines.com

Cod with Smokey Black Bean Cassoulet<br />

Prep time: 20 mins Cooking time: 40 mins Serves 2<br />

This gloriously satisfying but healthy<br />

dinner is so delicious and really easy to<br />

prep. Sweet cod, married with deeply<br />

savoury smokey black beans, is heaven<br />

on a plate. Prepare the cassoulet in<br />

advance if you want – even the day<br />

before – as the flavours just intensify<br />

with time. The cod just takes a few<br />

minutes to cook, and you have a<br />

gourmet dinner on the table. Serve<br />

with a green salad and lemon wedges.<br />

If you’re vegetarian, the cassoulet is<br />

equally satisfying if served with rice<br />

or other grains as a hearty main!<br />

• 2 skinless cod fillets<br />

• 1 onion finely chopped<br />

• 1 large carrot finely chopped<br />

• 1 stick celery finely sliced<br />

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed<br />

• 2 tsp smoked paprika (hot<br />

smoked paprika if you like it<br />

spicy – which I used), or a mix<br />

• 2 red, yellow or orange peppers<br />

• 1 tin black beans<br />

• 200g passata<br />

• freshly chopped parsley<br />

• extra virgin olive oil, balsamic<br />

vinegar, salt and pepper<br />

• lemon wedges to serve<br />

1. Heat the olive oil in a decent<br />

size saucepan and slowly cook the<br />

onions until soft and translucent.<br />

Add the garlic, celery and carrots,<br />

and cook for a further few mins.<br />

2. Stir in the smoked paprika –<br />

this is the key to the dish – let<br />

it cook for a few minutes.<br />

3. Finally add the pepper, black beans<br />

and passata. Give it a good stir and<br />

cook slowly on the hob for about<br />

30 mins (or longer in a low oven).<br />

Keep checking the liquid content<br />

– you don’t want it to dry out.<br />

4. When ready to serve (the carrots<br />

and peppers should be soft), season,<br />

add the chopped parsley, a splash of<br />

balsamic vinegar, taste and season again.<br />

5. Lightly coat the base of a non-stick<br />

frying pan with olive oil then place the<br />

pan over a medium-high heat. When<br />

the pan is hot, season the cod with salt<br />

and place it in the pan. Cook until the<br />

fish has turned a nice golden colour.<br />

Gently turn the cod over and cook for<br />

a further 2–3 minutes, depending on<br />

the thickness of the fillet. The fish is<br />

cooked when the flesh becomes opaque.<br />

If you prefer to oven roast -<br />

then pop in a preheated oven<br />

at 180˚C for 10-15mins,<br />

depending on the size of fillet.<br />

6. Serve with plenty of lemon wedges<br />

– the juice really enhances the flavour<br />

of this dish – and a green salad.<br />

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Garden<br />

Curves in all the<br />

right places<br />

Jo Arnell takes a look at the (frustratingly) skilled art of topiary<br />

There’s something<br />

soothingly barbaric<br />

about topiary. A tightly<br />

pruned tree growing exactly<br />

how we want it to grow – forced<br />

into submission and yet still happy<br />

enough to have green leaves, as alive<br />

as a well-groomed dog show<br />

poodle – is a sign that we are in<br />

control. All is calm. It would be<br />

a freak of nature if a tree grew of its own<br />

accord to look like a squirrel or a peacock,<br />

but somehow the thought of making it<br />

grow into a shape of our choosing – even<br />

if all we can manage is a cone or a lollipop<br />

– is almost irresistible, and the results can<br />

be highly ornamental and attractive.<br />

What I love about topiary is the contrast<br />

it makes with the rest of the plants – a pair<br />

of well trained box or bay trees either side<br />

of a front door looks smart, but tightly<br />

clipped and dense shapes out in the garden<br />

mingling with the more unruly natural<br />

forms can be really effective – they add<br />

backbone and focal points, like living<br />

sculptures in the landscape, bringing<br />

height, structure and form all year round.<br />

In the winter, when everything else has<br />

turned skeletal, or rotted away, and in<br />

the sparkly light of a frosty morning,<br />

topiary becomes a truly magical sight.<br />

The plants to choose<br />

Some shrubs and trees grow tidily, but<br />

don’t like to be pruned (I’m thinking of my<br />

nemesis the Daphne, that seems to wither<br />

under my gaze, let alone the clippers) and<br />

those that are prone to disease – that gets<br />

in through cut surfaces. In the main, any<br />

shrub or tree that will make a hedge can<br />

be topiariarised. Evergreens are best, as<br />

they will provide year round foliage, but<br />

occasionally deciduous plants are used,<br />

especially if they have flowers – dwarf<br />

Lilac makes a pretty and fragrant little tree,<br />

colourful foliage – Salix ‘Flamingo’, or the<br />

autumnal tints of Beech or Hornbeam.<br />

The most familiar plants would be Box or<br />

Yew, and these are traditional, hardy and<br />

amenable, but Box is under threat from<br />

blight and caterpillars, and Yew can be<br />

expensive and slow to establish. Ilex crenata<br />

is a very good substitute for Box with<br />

similar miniature leaves. Some conifers<br />

can also be clipped, but make sure<br />

you get a variety that will grow back<br />

from the old wood. Larger leaved<br />

evergreens, like Viburnum tinus,<br />

Holly, Bay and Photinia can be grown<br />

as standards. You can even use trailing<br />

plants like Ivy, but these should be<br />

trained over a wired frame, rather<br />

than being trimmed back to a<br />

shape. Some small leaved evergreens<br />

and conifers are particularly effective<br />

when cloud pruned – a style of pruning<br />

that originated in Japan that results in<br />

artful bare stems with clipped leaves<br />

just at the ends – in cloud shapes.<br />

The tools to use<br />

There are electric trimmers around<br />

that are not much bigger than<br />

shavers, which are fine for basic<br />

shapes and mini hedges, but a good<br />

87

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WCLandcraftWT223.indd 1 28/08/2020 10:20

Enhance Do you need your shelter outdoor and living shade?<br />

space<br />

A terrace in Pershore with<br />

hanging baskets and topiary bushes<br />

quality pair of topiary clippers (sheep shears are<br />

great) will be an essential piece of kit for more<br />

detailed and intricate trimming. You can use<br />

secateurs, but they are not as effective for<br />

the quick and repetitive clipping action<br />

that will result in a more sculpted and neat<br />

shape. Whatever tools you use it is essential to keep them really<br />

sharp and well-oiled, and, if you are clipping more than one plant<br />

in a session, to clean them thoroughly before you move onto the<br />

next victim. Infections and diseases are easily spread though cut<br />

surfaces and ragged cuts cause die-back and look unsightly.<br />

How to do it<br />

If you are just starting out, it’s a good idea to begin with geometric<br />

shapes like balls, spirals or pyramids. You can use formers – wire<br />

frames that are placed over the plant that you trim to, or if the<br />

shape is straight or diagonal, you can use a string line to cut to.<br />

This is very useful for hedges and for triangular shapes that need<br />

to be symmetrical. In time you will become practised and once<br />

the shape is established, be able to cut to the outline each time.<br />

The more regularly you cut topiary, the denser the leaves will<br />

look and the stronger the outline. If you want to keep your shapes<br />

looking crisp and sharp, or are using a faster growing plant, you<br />

will need to cut more often, but slow growing shrubs like box and<br />

yew can sometimes be kept in shape with just one summer cut –<br />

which is what makes them popular, especially when there is a lot<br />

of it to snip. Evergreens are generally trimmed in the summer, as<br />

this gives them time to recover before the winter weather – and<br />

the damaging frosts that would ravage tender new growth.<br />

More complicated shapes will take practice and an understanding<br />

of how the plant grows. It helps to have a good eye too. I went<br />

on a course once and the Chelsea gold medallist who ran it was a<br />

hairdresser before he turned his scissors to plants. It turns out that<br />

hairdressers are great at styling plants. There is a lot of stepping<br />

back required, surveying and imagining, working out what shape<br />

is going to be made by the absence of a twig before that twig is<br />

removed – and remembering that wherever you make the cut, this<br />

is where the new growth will start from (but there’s no discussing<br />

holidays or dealing with unreasonable client expectations).<br />

Practice makes perfect – as does experience and making mistakes.<br />

You will learn by doing – and by cutting. The great thing is <br />

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Garden<br />

Clipped yew in an English country garden<br />

istockphoto.com/ Michel VIARD / Jennifer Sanerkin / AndyRoland / Sofya Ivanova<br />

that your elephant’s trunk, or whatever<br />

it is you are shaping, will grow back if<br />

you accidentally snip it off, even if you<br />

have to wait a while for that to happen.<br />

Caring for topiary specimens<br />

No plants choose to be pruned – tiny<br />

pairs of secateurs don’t grow out of the<br />

ground as the shoots emerge. Plants are<br />

able to regrow once they’ve been attacked<br />

or cut, because they can’t run away fast<br />

enough from whatever is attacking them..<br />

Recovering from a ravaging is how a plant<br />

manages to survive – and this is also how<br />

we can manipulate them to grow back in<br />

certain ways, but it comes at a cost. Plants<br />

make energy for growth through their<br />

leaves and constantly cutting the foliage<br />

back can weaken the overall plant, so it<br />

pays to look after your topiary specimen<br />

well. This means helping the plant to<br />

replenish nutrients lost – planting into<br />

good soil in the first place, fertilising<br />

appropriately in the spring, watching<br />

out for signs of pests and disease and<br />

keeping it adequately watered, especially<br />

if the plant is growing in a pot. Stressed<br />

plants never really thrive, so try to keep<br />

closely clipped plants in excellent health.<br />

Where to see it<br />

Topiary on a grand scale can look<br />

spectacular – a testament to gardeners’ skill,<br />

imagination and manipulation of plant<br />

material. It can be majestic, breathtakingly<br />

smart and formal, or whimsical<br />

and faintly comic, like the garden<br />

of a fairytale giant or the set of<br />

a Tim Burton film. While we<br />

might not be able to create such<br />

fantasies in our own spaces, there<br />

are several large gardens where you<br />

can visit and wander among looming<br />

evergreen shapes and living sculptures.<br />

Levens Hall in Cumbria is a wonderful place, home<br />

to the most magnificent and massive topiary, Clivedon in<br />

Buckinghamshire boasts peacocks and pyramids as well as an<br />

extensive parterre garden and a maze, no less. Closer<br />

to home in Northiam, East Sussex, Great<br />

Dixter’s huge yew hedges and<br />

topiary dominate the gardens<br />

and meadows like eccentric<br />

characters in a wonderland.<br />

Most public gardens are closed<br />

during the winter months,<br />

but any that do stay open<br />

and feature tightly clipped<br />

evergreens are much visited<br />

– on winter mornings<br />

especially – by photographers<br />

in search of frosted effects.<br />

These places can provide<br />

us with inspiration to tackle<br />

our much smaller projects and<br />

encourage us to experiment with<br />

gardening techniques – even if these<br />

are in the end limited to mere admiration without mimicry.<br />

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Stop seeing music as a<br />

‘nice to have’<br />

Benenden School’s headteacher Samantha Price is fighting the cause to<br />

prevent musical education being sidelined in our schools<br />

It’s time to stop considering music in schools as a luxury,<br />

Benenden School’s headteacher Samantha Price has<br />

said. Describing music as “transformational” to young<br />

people, she warned that it was likely to face cutbacks<br />

as a lack of funding has left state schools desperately<br />

trying to balance their books. “As a nation we cannot<br />

afford to regard music as a ‘nice-to-have’ when it comes<br />

to the education of our young people,” said Mrs Price,<br />

who has been Headmistress at Benenden since 2014.<br />

As she unveiled her school’s new music facilities,<br />

which <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong>’ Rachel and Emily were<br />

delighted to attend, Mrs Price pledged that Benenden<br />

would do its best to help any local schools that were<br />

struggling to offer music to their pupils, saying that<br />

there were some extraordinary examples of partnership<br />

working between the state and independent sectors.<br />

Mrs Price delivered her speech in front of an audience<br />

of local dignitaries, school leaders and the media in<br />

Benenden’s new Centenary Hall, an 800-seat multiuse<br />

space. It forms part of the stunning new Centenary<br />

Buildings, together with a new music school, The Sir<br />

David K. P. Li Music School, which features more<br />

than 20 music practice rooms, a music tech suite and<br />

a 120-seat Recital Hall for smaller performances.<br />

This year sees Benenden School celebrating its<br />

centenary year, having opened in September 1923, and<br />

these facilities are a fitting addition to the site to lead the<br />

school into its second century. “As a school, Benenden<br />

has long been admired for its musical achievements,”<br />

says Mrs Price. “Our choir has performed in coveted<br />

venues around the world including St Paul’s Cathedral,<br />

Westminster Abbey, St George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle<br />

and Notre Dame, while to date we have released two<br />

commercial CDs, each to critical acclaim. Our students<br />

produce stunning music – but they were doing so from<br />

portable cabins and rooms without soundproofing.<br />

I deemed music something worth investing in.”<br />

Mrs Price argued that music had a special place for young<br />

people, citing some of the benefits of music as boosting<br />

wellbeing, community cohesion, academic success and<br />

confidence. She referenced the impact on schools of the<br />

current tough economic times, with cutbacks having to<br />

be made and reports that funds are being diverted to help<br />

feed pupils who arrive at school hungry. “Clearly, against<br />

this backdrop, it is difficult to make the case for continued<br />

investment in Music. And this is a problem that needs<br />

to be addressed. If schools are having to make the choice<br />

between employing an extra chef or offering Music clubs<br />

to their children, then clearly schools are underfunded.”<br />

She pointed out that school per-pupil funding is rising<br />

by 1.9 percent next year, while inflation is currently at<br />

10.7 percent, and that by 2024-25, Government schools<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

92

spending is forecast to be 3 percent lower per head than<br />

it was back in 2010. “The new Education Secretary<br />

needs to fight to ensure that education is a priority<br />

for the Government. If there’s no funding to support<br />

essential and transformational subjects such as Music<br />

then I fear that education faces a bleak future in our<br />

schools, which would be a disaster for this country.”<br />

Mrs Price said that the UK’s internationally renowned<br />

creative industries – accounting for more than £116<br />

billion, or 6 percent of the UK economy<br />

– had its origins in venues like Benenden’s<br />

new facilities, which inspire young people.<br />

“I am acutely aware that I am in the<br />

privileged position of being an independent<br />

school headteacher, standing in a stunning<br />

new multi-million pound building, giving<br />

the Government advice on education<br />

spending,” says Mrs Price. “Independent<br />

schools are undoubtedly better funded than<br />

their counterparts in the state sector. The independent<br />

sector is an enormous success story for the UK – our<br />

independent schools are admired across the globe and<br />

contribute £13.7 billion each year to the British economy.<br />

“More importantly, there is no rivalry between the<br />

independent sector and the state sector. We can work<br />

wonderfully well together. For example, there are more than<br />

“In my view<br />

music is not just<br />

important in the<br />

lives of young<br />

people – it can be<br />

transformational.”<br />

11,500 partnership projects between independent and state<br />

schools and here at Benenden we are extremely proud of<br />

our mutually beneficial relationships with local schools.”<br />

Of the Centenary Buildings, Mrs Price said: “We<br />

are proud to have achieved this wonderful facility<br />

and we have managed this through careful borrowing<br />

and the extraordinary generosity of our patrons.<br />

“We have chosen to invest – both in our school<br />

community and in the local community. We have<br />

established one of the foremost concert<br />

halls and multi-use performance<br />

venues in the South East that will<br />

benefit generations to come.”<br />

Mrs Price concluded her speech with<br />

an offer to local state schools, saying: “If<br />

state school cuts do arrive at the door of<br />

music departments locally, I want this<br />

facility and this school to be able to help.<br />

The building we are standing in today<br />

represents a vital community asset so if any local schools<br />

are struggling with their music provision, I want them<br />

to contact us. We will do whatever we can to help.<br />

“This is not just a building for Benenden School.<br />

It’s for the community to use. If Music is worth<br />

investing in, then the community certainly is.”<br />

benenden.school<br />

93 priceless-magazines.com

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istockphoto.com/ RNko<br />

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Cricketer Schools Guide <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

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included in the guide. All entries<br />

were then judged against an extensive<br />

set of criteria, which included a<br />

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in the curriculum, facilities, fixture<br />

programmes and coaching.<br />

Emily Starr, Mayfield’s Head<br />

of Cricket, who has represented<br />

England (Indoor) at U19 level and<br />

Northamptonshire County Cricket,<br />

said, “We’re delighted that the school<br />

has been recognised as one of the<br />

top 20 all-girls schools for cricket<br />

for the third year in a row. Since<br />

cricket was introduced five years<br />

ago we have reached regional finals<br />

at U13 and U15 age groups. This<br />

year several of our girls have been<br />

selected to represent Sussex in their<br />

respective age groups. But just as<br />

importantly, last summer, every girl<br />

in Year 7 and 8 played a competitive<br />

match. The love and desire to play<br />

cricket is there and the girls know<br />

they can have fun with their friends,<br />

which is what cricket is all about.”<br />

mayfieldgirls.org<br />

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ThomasMansfieldWT246-WEALD (Private Law).indd 1 21/10/2022 10:00

Don’t miss our February issue<br />

Education<br />

<strong>Supplement</strong><br />

Find out what our amazing local schools<br />

have to offer your child in <strong>2023</strong><br />

priceless-magazines.com

the MHS Jubilee Olympics. The school also marked the<br />

occasion by planting a field maple for The Queen’s<br />

Green Canopy. As Marlborough House School<br />

approaches a special anniversary of its own<br />

with 150 years on the horizon, the day was<br />

a chance to reflect on and celebrate<br />

Tonbridge’s upper sixth will be taking up places<br />

at leading universities across the world, including<br />

Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard, later this year. A total<br />

of 16 Tonbridge boys have been offered places to study at<br />

the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, to read a variety of<br />

subjects. Many other leavers have offers from the Russell Group<br />

London. Some will be taking up places at highly prestigious<br />

US universities, including Harvard, Massachusetts<br />

Institute of Technology (MIT), Dartmouth and Duke<br />

University. Headmaster, James Priory, said: “With<br />

competition from national and international<br />

candidates stronger than ever, such highquality<br />

offers are notable achievements.<br />

Well done to all.” tonbridge-school.co.uk<br />

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East Sussex College have had their work selected to<br />

be exhibited in the world’s leading museum of art, design<br />

and performance, Victoria & Albert (V&A) Museum, with<br />

Award for her exceptional work titled ‘Tree of Life Body Sculpture’<br />

which will be displayed at the V&A Museum. Sara Lee, 44,<br />

and Amanda Pattenden, 55, will also have their incredible work<br />

displayed at the V&A Museum with ‘Swimming medals’ and<br />

‘Emergence’ pieces respectively. The works will be shown<br />

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artwork which represented something or someone<br />

who inspired them. Olivia Springer, said: “My<br />

role model is Anne Frank because she is an<br />

inspiration to everyone, and believed<br />

that, ‘The final forming of a person’s<br />

character lies in their own hands’.”<br />

Reed’s School in Cobham are thrilled to<br />

share that, in their recent ISI Inspection report,<br />

they were judged as ‘excellent’ (the highest grading)<br />

in both categories: the quality of the pupils’ academic<br />

and other achievements and the quality of pupils’ personal<br />

particularly rewarding to note that our ethos, values, and<br />

aims were expressed by all members of our community<br />

consistently and enthusiastically. The Reporting<br />

Inspector commented that our parent and pupil<br />

surveys were amongst the most positive she had<br />

ever read!” You can read the full inspection<br />

report using the QR code (below left) or<br />

to have joined the Repton Family of Schools on 17<br />

May 2022. Headmaster Joff Powis, continues to lead this<br />

thriving co-educational boarding school and says: “This<br />

is an exciting moment in Vineha l’s rich history. Whilst the<br />

exciting era as we join a global network of world-class schools.”<br />

Repton has established a growing family of schools,<br />

both internationa ly and here in the UK, that share<br />

an outward-looking, forward-thinking philosophy<br />

focussed on giving children the very best chances in<br />

the world that awaits them. This move wi l enable<br />

• Have a<br />

read of the<br />

latest school<br />

news<br />

sponsored by<br />

• Learn how<br />

schools are<br />

educating about<br />

social media<br />

Education <strong>Supplement</strong> sponsored by Education <strong>Supplement</strong> sponsored by<br />

Jubilee celebrations<br />

Rose Hill School makes<br />

at Marlborough House School<br />

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was<br />

celebrated in style at Malborough with the<br />

whole school community coming together for<br />

a very British tea party. As the maypole ribbons<br />

flew, the children proudly paraded to parents in crowns<br />

they had made, before taking part in traditional games for<br />

06WT242SUPP 1.indd 1 14/12/2022 16:39<br />

the final of an international<br />

school art competition<br />

A nine-year-old pupil from Rose Hill<br />

School has been named runner up of iart 2022<br />

finalists having competed against 160 entries<br />

from children from over 70 of the world’s leading<br />

schools. iart 2022 asked children to submit a piece of<br />

the school’s ethos and values.<br />

rosehillschool.co.uk<br />

marlboroughhouseschool.co.uk<br />

Award-winning East Sussex<br />

College students selected to<br />

exhibit work at V&A Museum<br />

Three BA (Hons) Designer Maker students at<br />

Busy<br />

Find out the latest news from our thriving education providers<br />

Vinehall joins the Repton<br />

Family of Schools<br />

Vineha l prep school in East Sussex are delighted<br />

two of the students having won City & Guilds national awards<br />

Reed’s School celebrates an<br />

fabric of our school – our dedicated staff, values, picturesque<br />

© Images by Grazzie le Lefranc<br />

with cash prizes. The Pewter Live competition is held annually by<br />

the Worshipful Company of Pewterers. Alice Lawson, 28, won the Targett<br />

‘excellent’ inspection<br />

location, uniform and name – wi l a l remain the same,<br />

becoming part of the Repton Family of Schools marks a new and<br />

From Tonbridge to the<br />

at the V&A’s Whitely Silver Galleries from Saturday<br />

28th May to Sunday 31st July. Find out about the<br />

development. The inspection was led by an experienced team<br />

and their judgements were driven directly from pupil, parent<br />

Vineha l to continue to ensure outstanding<br />

provision, bolster admissions and safeguard<br />

world – Tonbridge School<br />

BA (Hons) Designer Maker Degree course and<br />

the school’s future and traditions.<br />

boys heading to top universities<br />

more from East Sussex College at escg.ac.uk<br />

and staff feedback, lesson observations, work scrutiny and pupil and<br />

staff interviews. Headmaster, Mark Hoskins commented, “It’s<br />

vineha lschool.com<br />

of world-class, research-intensive universities, including Durham,<br />

Edinburgh, London School of Economics and King’s College<br />

at reeds.surrey.sch.uk<br />

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6<br />

06WT242SUPP 1.indd 6-7 14/12/2022 16:40<br />

Independently<br />

minded<br />

Since 1867<br />

Question<br />

the answer<br />

We don’t just teach them to answer<br />

the question. We empower pupils<br />

to question the answer. Grades are<br />

important. So is thinking for yourself.<br />

Join us for our Open Morning<br />

Saturday 8 October<br />

eastbourne-college.co.uk<br />

34267_art_EC_Ad_<strong>Wealden</strong>_<strong>Times</strong>_Education_Section_Main_Magazine_v2.indd 1 10/12/2021 11:30<br />

12<br />

29<br />

9<br />

Contents<br />

6 BUSY BEES<br />

Find out the latest<br />

news from our<br />

local education<br />

providers<br />

Cover<br />

image:<br />

Tonbridge School<br />

taking part in the<br />

RSC Schools’ Analyst<br />

Competition<br />

tonbridge-school.<br />

co.uk<br />

9 MEET<br />

THE CAPTAIN<br />

We find out what it’s like to be a<br />

school captain<br />

11 EARLY DAYS<br />

Explore the early years<br />

of education<br />

15 SUBJECTS MATTER<br />

Top tips on how to navigate<br />

subject selection<br />

19 SPORTING STARS<br />

Let’s celebrate some superb<br />

sporting achievements<br />

23 MEET THE HEAD<br />

Hear from a Head inspired<br />

by the natural world<br />

25 EXTRA HELP<br />

We speak to the<br />

experts on tutoring<br />

27 THE GAME OF LIFE<br />

Modern approaches to<br />

PSHE explained<br />

31 THAT’S A WRAP!<br />

How two top local schools are<br />

handling wraparound care<br />

33 ON YOUR MIND<br />

We hear from a local school that<br />

recently held a conference on<br />

mental health<br />

35 THE GREAT OUTDOORS<br />

How to inspire kids with nature<br />

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Gri finTeachingWT242.indd 1 13/06/2022 12:56<br />

For further informaon or<br />

to book a visit, please contact:<br />

registrar@hildenoaks.co.uk<br />

01732 353941<br />

www.hildenoaks.co.uk<br />

Places available for 3–4 year olds from<br />

September 2022<br />

A springboard to excellence<br />

Hilden Oaks Preschool<br />

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19/12/2022 10:06<br />

• Get to know<br />

the teachers and<br />

their specialist<br />

subjects<br />

9<br />

21<br />

Extra images throughout supplement: istockphoto.com/ Mar ia Poliakova / Rudzhan Nagiev / thanaphiphat / sabelskaya / Ekaterina Skorik / IconicBestiary<br />

Grow<br />

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Contact Admissions on 01580 712179<br />

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DSC-Advert-Update-26-04-22.indd 1 27/04/2022 18:33<br />

DulwichPrepWT241.indd 06WT242SUPP 10-11 1 20/05/2022 09:22<br />

Junior King’s<br />

Fun and excitement nurture a love of<br />

learning for life<br />

Tell us about your early years provision.<br />

Our Pre-prep department provides a safe,<br />

caring and nurturing environment where every<br />

child is an individual. We enjoy spending<br />

time getting to know each of them. We lay<br />

down the foundations for a love of learning<br />

during these formative years and provide<br />

a breadth of different experiences to give<br />

children the confidence to be what they want<br />

to be. Our provision is innovative, industrious<br />

and above a l, fun! Our Early Year setting<br />

is exceptional, both Nursery and Reception<br />

classes are fi led with excitement and laughter.<br />

What do you find most rewarding<br />

abou teaching this age group?<br />

The bond that is formed between adults<br />

and children. It is one built on trust and<br />

mutual respect. Playing a critical role at<br />

the start of a child’s learning journey is a<br />

great joy and privilege. Teaching a child<br />

to read must come near to the top of<br />

the list of rewarding experiences too.<br />

How can parents/carers help suppor their child?<br />

Parents are of course their child’s firs teachers,<br />

and we strongly believe tha triangulating<br />

learning between home, school and child is<br />

key to successful outcomes. Parents can play<br />

a pivotal role in preparing their children for<br />

school and making tha transition a smooth<br />

experience. It’s importan to paint a positive<br />

image of school, even if as a child one didn’t<br />

enjoy it much. Schools have changed quite a bit<br />

since then! An ability to carry out some simple<br />

tasks independently will have obvious benefits.<br />

How is it bes to prepare for the first day?<br />

Careful labelling of clothing is always a good<br />

plan. Show your child where you have labe led<br />

their items and pick a nice bright pen or<br />

label font. Try no to fuss your child as they<br />

approach the school building, this just leads to<br />

anxiety. Relax and enjoy your day and it wi l be<br />

more likely that your child will do the same!<br />

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Tell us about your Pre-school.<br />

At The Granvi le School we have a<br />

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We ca l it a Pre-school rather than a<br />

Nursery or Kindergarten as we really<br />

focus on giving the pupils a strong<br />

educational start before they transition<br />

to Reception. From 7.30am to 6pm<br />

we have wraparound care which is<br />

great as it a lows our families to take<br />

advantage of a flexible day and to<br />

balance school life with their family life.<br />

What do pupils learn a thi stage?<br />

Phonological awareness, phonics<br />

teaching, early maths and environmental<br />

science a l play a part in the curriculum<br />

and are balanced with child-led, handson<br />

learning opportunities through<br />

play and exploration. Our pupils also<br />

have access to a large woodland area<br />

for weekly Forest School sessions,<br />

where they learn resilience, problem<br />

solving ski ls and co laboration. As<br />

part of a larger prep school, our pupils<br />

also benefit from specialis teaching<br />

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and PE from this young age.<br />

11<br />

What is most<br />

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granvi lesc

4-5 FEBRUARY <strong>2023</strong>. KENT EVENT CENTRE<br />

MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME HAPPEN<br />

Planning a self-build? Renovating a property?<br />

Or looking to add more space to your current home?<br />

Make sure you spend a day at Build It Live - Build It magazine’s<br />

dedicated exhibition for self builders and home renovators.<br />

FIND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO YOUR PROJECT<br />

MEET BUILD IT’S TEAM OF EXPERTS FOR FREE ONE TO ONE ADVICE<br />

ATTEND OUR INSPIRING FREE SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS<br />

TEST OUT 1000s OF INNOVATIVE & TRADITIONAL PRODUCTS<br />

BROUGHT TO YOU<br />

BY BUILD IT MAGAZINE<br />

FREE TICKETS FOR ALL READERS<br />

COME & JOIN US<br />

ENTER PROMO CODE<br />

WEALDEN<br />

WHEN BOOKING<br />

THE ESSENTIAL EVENT<br />

FOR CREATING AN<br />

INDIVIDUAL HOME<br />

FOR MORE INFO & TO REGISTER FOR FREE TICKETS WORTH £24 VISIT:<br />

www.builditlive.co.uk

What’s On in <strong>January</strong><br />

COURSES<br />

Fri 6 & 13, Sat 7 & 14 Jan<br />

10am – 3pm<br />

Standen Fruit Farm Community<br />

Orchard, Iden Green TN17 4LA<br />

LEARN TO PRUNE<br />

YOUR APPLE TREES<br />

Do you have fruit tress and would<br />

like to know more about how to<br />

look after them? Learn to prune<br />

apple trees from expert, Guy<br />

Pullen. From new plantings to<br />

venerable ancients. Join a small<br />

group to learn all you need to<br />

know to gain confidence and<br />

then practice on a variety of trees<br />

at the beautiful Standen Street<br />

Community Orchard, Iden Green.<br />

Numbers are strictly limited for<br />

these sessions to ensure the best<br />

possible experience, so please book<br />

early to avoid disappointment.<br />

Entry: £25<br />

07977 571 368<br />

guypullen1@gmail.com<br />

Wed 11 Jan – Wed 15 Feb<br />

Wednesday Evenings<br />

from 7pm – 9pm<br />

G Live, London Road<br />

Guildford GU1 2AA<br />

6 WEEK COMEDY<br />

IMPROV COURSE<br />

G Live’s Improv Comedy Course<br />

is the next instalment from their<br />

unique comedy programme<br />

where you will develop and<br />

learn key improv techniques and<br />

skills for building responsiveness<br />

and improvisational bravery.<br />

Sessions are delivered in a fun and<br />

supportive environment, where<br />

you will improve your creativity<br />

and focus on your playfulness<br />

and ability to work on the hop.<br />

The course is suitable for both<br />

those new to improv and those<br />

wishing to improve their skills.<br />

Booking link is for the full<br />

6-week programme starting on 11<br />

<strong>January</strong> <strong>2023</strong>. For ages 18+. If you<br />

would like to attend this course<br />

and finance is a barrier, email<br />

glcreativelearning@glive.co.uk.<br />

Entry: 6 week course £95<br />

(transaction fee may apply)<br />

glive.co.uk<br />

Wed 25 Jan 2pm – 4pm<br />

Maidstone Museum, St.<br />

Faith’s Street, Maidstone,<br />

Kent ME14 1LH<br />

MAIDSTONE MUSEUM:<br />

ACTIVELY INVOLVED<br />

Are you over 55 and living with<br />

a long term health condition?<br />

Are you looking for something<br />

different to keep your mind active?<br />

Join Actively Involved to enjoy<br />

the company of other like-minded<br />

people, handle fascinating objects<br />

from the past and share all of<br />

your memories and insights of<br />

them. Plus there’s tea and cake<br />

too! And, if you miss this one,<br />

don’t worry, the sessions will<br />

continue to take place on the<br />

last Wednesday of each month.<br />

01622 602862<br />

museumevents@maidstone.gov.uk<br />

museum.maidstone.gov.uk<br />

Sat 28 Jan 10am – 4pm<br />

The Ceramic Studio, The<br />

Old Workshop, Hononton<br />

Farm, Furnace Lane,<br />

Brenchley TN12 7BX<br />

POTTERY EXPERIENCE DAY<br />

Head to the wonderful Ceramic<br />

Studio surrounded by stunning<br />

views for a thorough and fun<br />

introduction to working with clay.<br />

You’ll enjoy a full day covering a<br />

range of hand-building techniques<br />

and will also have a chance to<br />

get acquainted with the pottery<br />

wheel. The day costs £185 and<br />

includes a delicious home-cooked<br />

two course lunch, as well as other<br />

tasty refreshments throughout<br />

the day. Any work you make, and<br />

wish to keep, will be fired and<br />

can be picked up at a later stage.<br />

Please note that this is a long<br />

process and can take up to four<br />

weeks to be ready for collection.<br />

The studio will get in touch with<br />

you once your work is ready. For<br />

this and many other opportunities<br />

to learn ceramic skills for a day<br />

or over the course of several<br />

weeks and to find out about<br />

visiting potters, see the website.<br />

Entry: £185<br />

theceramicstudio.co.uk<br />

FOOD & DRINK<br />

Sat 14 Jan 7.30pm - 10.30pm<br />

Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane,<br />

Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0HT<br />

VEGAN DINNER AT<br />

HUSH HEATH ESTATE<br />

To celebrate Veganuary,<br />

Balfour are hosting a special<br />

vegan six-course dinner in<br />

their spectacular tasting room,<br />

The View near Staplehurst.<br />

The evening starts with a predinner<br />

glass of Balfour Wine<br />

followed by an inventive vegan<br />

six-course set meal. The entire<br />

range of Balfour Wines and<br />

Jake’s Drinks are vegan and will<br />

be available to purchase on the<br />

evening from the Cellar Door<br />

bar in addition to alcohol-free<br />

sparkling wine, Wild Idol.<br />

If you require a taxi it is<br />

essential that you book well in<br />

advance for both journeys.<br />

Entry: £60pp<br />

balfourwinery.com<br />

HISTORY<br />

Sat 7 Jan 1pm – 2.30pm<br />

Bourne Hall, Spring Street,<br />

Ewell, Surrey KT17 1UF<br />

TERRIBLE TRENCHES<br />

An interesting time awaits<br />

kids at Bourne Hall Museum.<br />

March back up the line and<br />

prepare to go over the top as<br />

you discover what life was like<br />

in the trenches on the Western<br />

Front for ordinary infantryman.<br />

Were the rats really as big as<br />

cats and why did the men spend<br />

so much time chatting? Could<br />

you tell the difference between a<br />

moaning Minnie and Archie?<br />

Join up and keep your uniform<br />

smart despite the dreadful<br />

conditions. Learn what equipment<br />

and weapons you would be<br />

issued with and how effective<br />

they were. Decide if you could<br />

survive longer than the average<br />

6 weeks lifespan of a second<br />

lieutenant or if you would just<br />

hope to get a Blighty one?<br />

bournehall.org<br />

Every Tues – Fri 10.30am –<br />

12.30pm & 2.30pm – 4.30pm<br />

Every Sat 10am – 12noon<br />

Marden Library and<br />

Heritage Centre, High Street,<br />

Marden, Kent TN12 9DP<br />

MARDEN HISTORY GROUP<br />

Did you have ancestors in<br />

Marden? The village history<br />

group will help you investigate.<br />

They have just launched two<br />

new booklets, Marden at War<br />

and World War Two Women’s<br />

Land Army in Marden. They<br />

can teach you to trace how<br />

and where your grandparents<br />

and great grandparents lived<br />

in Marden, what occupation<br />

they had and much more.<br />

Visit the history group HQ in<br />

Marden Library to get involved<br />

or to book an appointment<br />

to start your research.<br />

mardenhistory.org.uk<br />

THEATRE<br />

12 Jan – 15 Jan<br />

Richmond Theatre, 1 Little<br />

Green, Richmond TW9 1QH<br />

NERUBASHENKO BALLET<br />

PRESENTS SWAN LAKE<br />

& THE NUTCRACKER<br />

Ballet lovers and newcomers alike<br />

will find joy and spectacle in the<br />

classical delights of Nerubashenko<br />

Ballet’s presentations. This<br />

season the Smirnov-Golovanov<br />

productions will be presented by<br />

international artistes hand-picked<br />

by Ukrainian-born Ludmila<br />

Nerubashenko, who preserves<br />

the legacy her late husband,<br />

Smirnov-Golovanov (Honoured<br />

Arts Worker of the Ukrainian<br />

Soviet Socialist Republic and<br />

former Artistic Director of<br />

Odessa State Opera and Ballet<br />

Theatre). Ludmila is the driving<br />

force in schooling young artistes<br />

with the physicality, artistry and<br />

creativity to faithfully interpret<br />

that legacy. She will select the<br />

cream of these young dancers<br />

to visit the UK in <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

atgtickets.com/venues/<br />

richmond-theatre<br />

<br />

99 priceless-magazines.com

What’s On in <strong>January</strong><br />

Thu 19 Jan<br />

G Live, London Road,<br />

Guildford GU1 2AA<br />

GIOVANNI PERNICE<br />

MADE IN ITALY<br />

Strictly Come Dancing 2021<br />

champion and dance heart-throb<br />

Giovanni Pernice invites you<br />

to join him on a journey to his<br />

homeland for his brand new <strong>2023</strong><br />

production of ‘Made in Italy’.<br />

Joined by an outstanding ensemble<br />

of some of the best dancers and<br />

singers from the ballroom and<br />

theatre world, this show promises<br />

to be a fantastic night out!<br />

This Italian themed show<br />

features an incredible sound<br />

track, stunning choreography<br />

and beautiful costumes. But<br />

be warned… in Italy, it can<br />

get HOT HOT HOT!!!!<br />

There are a limited number of VIP<br />

tickets available which includes<br />

a pre-show meet & greet with<br />

Giovanni, a signed print, VIP<br />

lanyard and photo opportunities.<br />

The VIP meet and greet is PRE-<br />

SHOW, 90 minutes before the<br />

performance is due to start.<br />

glive.co.uk<br />

Wed 25 Jan<br />

Churchill Theatre, High Street,<br />

Bromley BR1 1HA<br />

LAST DAYS OF DISCO<br />

So Diva famously championed<br />

by Sir Tom Jones on ITV’s The<br />

Voice UK embark on their first<br />

national theatre tour in a show<br />

with a unique setlist of 80s<br />

dancefloor classics from Irene<br />

Cara, Lipps Inc, Debarge, The<br />

Pointer Sisters, Evelyn Champagne<br />

King, Kool and The Gang,<br />

Stacey Lattishaw, Shalamar,<br />

Stephanie Mills and many more.<br />

Five amazing lead vocalists<br />

complimented by a seven<br />

piece live band - this is the<br />

must see show of <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

Prepare to travel back to the<br />

time of your life and revisit THE<br />

LAST DAYS OF DISCO<br />

Entry: £29<br />

churchilltheatre,co,uk<br />

COMING UP<br />

Dates in Feb, May,<br />

Aug and Nov ‘23<br />

The Small Holding,<br />

Ranters Lane, Kilndown,<br />

Kent TN17 2SG<br />

GROW THE SEASONS<br />

Booking is now open. Learn to<br />

‘Grow the Seasons’ on a series of<br />

new horticultural courses at Will<br />

Devlin’s Michelin Green Starred<br />

farm and restaurant, The Small<br />

Holding. The hands-on courses<br />

are led by Head Gardener Jenny<br />

Huddart and her team, for a<br />

behind-the-scenes experience.<br />

Each full-day course will include<br />

a mix of practical and theory<br />

learning, as guests discover and<br />

share in the team’s knowledge on<br />

seasonal vegetable growing, ‘No<br />

Dig’ principles and how to be<br />

sustainable in their own gardens.<br />

Each course will be relevant to the<br />

season, such as making the most<br />

of Harvest in August, reaping<br />

the rewards of your hard work<br />

and making organic compost<br />

and feeds. In November’s Winter<br />

Planning course learn how to make<br />

the most of the end of the season<br />

by mulching, lifting and dividing<br />

the perennial plants and the last<br />

chance to sow overwintering crops.<br />

The full-day courses cost £125 per<br />

person and will run throughout<br />

the year, in tune with the four<br />

growing seasons and include a<br />

relaxed lunch, using ingredients<br />

from the farm. Find out more<br />

and book now for February, May,<br />

August, and November <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

Entry: £125 including lunch<br />

growtheseasons.com<br />

From Wed 8 Feb daily<br />

Hever Castle & Gardens,<br />

Hever Road, Hever,<br />

Edenbridge, Kent TN8 7NG<br />

SNOWDROP WALKS<br />

AT HEVER CASTLE<br />

One to really provide a welcome<br />

boost to any flagging winter<br />

spirits. From the 8th of February<br />

onwards, visitors to the lovely<br />

Brighter days<br />

all year round<br />

1/3<br />

OFF *<br />

JOIN TODAY<br />

With 5 RHS Gardens and 220 Partner Gardens** to<br />

explore across the UK, you’ll never be far from exciting days<br />

out and endless inspiration. Enjoy unlimited garden visits,<br />

exclusive discounts to our Flower Shows and events, plus so<br />

much more.<br />

Visit rhs.org.uk/bright23 or call 020 3176 5820<br />

Your membership supports our work as a charity<br />

*Introductory offer by annual Direct Debit. Offer ends 31 <strong>January</strong> <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

For more information, visit rhs.org.uk/join or call 020 3176 5820.<br />

**Free at selected periods. Terms and conditions apply. RHS Registered Charity No. 222879/SC038262<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

100<br />

MediaForce<strong>WT248</strong>-RHS-MEMBERSHIP.indd 1 21/12/2022 14:56

What’s On in <strong>January</strong><br />

Hever Castle and Gardens,<br />

will be encouraged to put on<br />

their wellies, hats and scarves<br />

and explore the snowdrop trail.<br />

Featuring 115,000 snowdrops,<br />

this self-guided snowdrop walk will<br />

take visitors through woodland<br />

areas, around the Outer Moat and<br />

into the colourful Winter Garden.<br />

You’ll see both single and double<br />

snowdrops, as well as some more<br />

unusual varieties in the Winter<br />

Garden such as the yellow tipped<br />

‘Wendy’s Gold’, a giant Galanthus<br />

called ‘Colossus’, and Galanthus<br />

‘Green Brush’ with its green-tipped<br />

flowers. The Winter Garden<br />

also features flame-coloured<br />

dogwoods, ‘Early Sensation’<br />

daffodils, heathers and winter<br />

shrubs. Frosted topiary on the<br />

walk towards the Castle is another<br />

delight to behold, and over on<br />

the outer banks of the moat,<br />

the crocus will begin to appear<br />

towards the end of the month<br />

too. If you happen to be feeling<br />

adventurous, you can even can add<br />

in a walk around the 38 acre Lake.<br />

hevercastle.co.uk<br />

Fri 17 Feb & Sat 18 Feb<br />

2pm & 7.30pm<br />

Trinity Theatre, Church Road,<br />

Tunbridge Wells TN1 1JP<br />

TRINITY YOUTH<br />

THEATRE’S EVERYBODY’S<br />

TALKING ABOUT JAMIE<br />

– TEEN EDITION<br />

The fabulously talented Trinity<br />

Youth Theatre’s big February<br />

musical is back! Following on<br />

from High School Musicals 1 and<br />

2, and Legally Blonde, they are<br />

now tackling Everybody’s Talking<br />

About Jamie: Teen Edition – the<br />

full-length musical with small<br />

adjustments for a teenage cast.<br />

Jamie New is sixteen and lives<br />

on a council estate in Sheffield.<br />

Jamie doesn’t quite fit in. Jamie<br />

is terrified about the future.<br />

Jamie is going to be a sensation.<br />

Supported by his brilliant,<br />

loving mum and surrounded<br />

by his friends, Jamie overcomes<br />

prejudice, beats the bullies, and<br />

steps out of the darkness into the<br />

spotlight. Sixteen: the edge of<br />

possibility. Time to make your<br />

dreams come true. Book your<br />

tickets soon for this fun musical.<br />

trinitytheatre.net<br />

Sat 25 Feb 7pm<br />

Balfour Winery, Five Oak Lane,<br />

Staplehurst, Kent TN12 0HT<br />

AN EVENING OF JAZZ<br />

WITH JOE STILGOE<br />

Joe Stilgoe is an internationally<br />

acclaimed singer, pianist, and<br />

songwriter. He has created a<br />

fresh sound for jazz and topped<br />

the UK Jazz Chart on multiple<br />

occasions. Over the course of<br />

his varied career, he has become<br />

a true modern-day entertainer,<br />

known globally as a performer<br />

of wit, style, and a level of<br />

musicianship which has seen<br />

him recognised as one of the best<br />

singer-pianists in the world.<br />

Enjoy a glass of sparkling Balfour<br />

Wine followed by a delicious<br />

three-course set meal whilst<br />

you tap your feet to the beat in<br />

this unmissable event. Please<br />

book taxis well in advance for<br />

journeys to and from this event.<br />

Entry: £95<br />

balfourwinery.com<br />

Listings are correct at time of going<br />

to press but may be subject to change.<br />

Readers are advised to check with<br />

venues before making arrangements.<br />

We can list your event in the next issue<br />

of <strong>Wealden</strong> <strong>Times</strong> for only £75+VAT.<br />

Please supply up to 200 words that<br />

should include date, time, venue,<br />

contact for enquiries and any entry<br />

price to whatson@priceless-group.com<br />

or send with payment (cheques<br />

payable to Priceless Media Ltd.)<br />

to What’s On, Priceless Media,<br />

Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,<br />

Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF. Priceless<br />

Media reserves the right to edit<br />

text to fit space allocated. Deadline<br />

for the next issue is 7 <strong>January</strong>.<br />

Wood Floor<br />

Sanding<br />

- Family Business -<br />

We also restore wooden kitchen tops<br />

FREE estimates - call any time<br />

07794953597 gerardgrover@gmail.com<br />

AllWoodsSandingServicesWT2171/8.indd 1 21/02/2020 12:55<br />

Conversational Spanish<br />

for adults, teens & Kids<br />

Join our face to face or online courses<br />

starting in <strong>January</strong> <strong>2023</strong>.<br />

Call<br />

Call<br />

us<br />

us 01622 735292<br />

or<br />

or<br />

email<br />

email<br />

us<br />

us<br />

www.spangles.org<br />

info@spangles.org<br />

Kings Hill, Detling, Maidstone, Bexley<br />

101 priceless-magazines.com<br />

SouthEastOpenStudios<strong>WT248</strong>.indd 1 14/12/2022 SpanglesWT247.indd 12:53<br />

1 08/11/2022 16:43

Jane Howard shares her concerns<br />

over trade agreements and<br />

payments to farmers<br />

In so many ways it is a privilege to<br />

farm in this beautiful part of the<br />

world. But as we come into another<br />

year the outlook for all farmers and<br />

especially livestock farmers is looking very<br />

uncertain. So you’ll have to forgive me,<br />

but this month I want to share my views.<br />

Following Brexit, the UK government<br />

announced it would no longer pay farmers<br />

the annual Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)<br />

payment – which in almost all cases represents a<br />

farm’s profit and the farmer’s wage. It is being phased<br />

out and in its place the ELMS scheme will pay farmers<br />

for delivering a range of ‘public goods’ including<br />

improved environment, better climate outcomes and<br />

improved animal health and welfare. All very worthy,<br />

though rather alarmingly no mention of food – but<br />

even before the details of the scheme were clarified, Liz<br />

Truss when PM announced a review<br />

of ELMS. All we want is certainty.<br />

On top of that Ms Truss announced<br />

what I consider to be a dreadful<br />

trade agreement with Australia.<br />

UK farming has worked tirelessly<br />

to build up its reputation for highquality,<br />

high-welfare, climate-friendly<br />

and sustainably produced beef and<br />

lamb. Our production standards are<br />

underpinned by the most robust<br />

regulations which cover everything from<br />

animal traceability, health, welfare and<br />

use of medicines to the environment.<br />

There is no comparison whatsoever<br />

between production methods in this<br />

country and those in Australia where it is all about<br />

scale. Feedlots finishing up to 50,000 head on a single<br />

site would be unacceptable here, both morally and<br />

environmentally. But we know that more than 40% of<br />

Australian beef cattle are finished in such systems and<br />

now much of this will be destined for the UK market.<br />

There is widespread use of hormone growthpromoters,<br />

and while our government has said that beef<br />

from these animals will not enter our market, given the<br />

lack of lifetime traceability in Australia, it’s questionable<br />

We have the news<br />

about the closure of<br />

our local abattoir,<br />

Tottingworth at<br />

Heathfield. This will<br />

be a particular blow<br />

to all the livestock<br />

farmers in the area<br />

who sell quality, grassfed<br />

beef and lamb<br />

how robust these guarantees really are. All of this, along<br />

with the routine use of antibiotics and feed additives<br />

banned in the UK make it a very unlevel playing field.<br />

And it’s not going to be a two way flow of traffic!<br />

And now, much closer to home, we have the news<br />

about the closure of our local abattoir,<br />

Tottingworth at Heathfield. This will<br />

be a particular blow to all the livestock<br />

farmers in the area who sell quality,<br />

grass-fed beef and lamb through<br />

box schemes, farmers’ markets and<br />

farm shops; independent butchers<br />

and, of course, those of you who<br />

seek out locally produced meat.<br />

Tottingworth closed mainly because<br />

of the huge number of regulations<br />

imposed on it. Back in the 70s there<br />

were hundreds of small abattoirs<br />

dotted around the country, but as<br />

numbers fell the government woke<br />

up to the problem and in 2021<br />

set up a Small Abattoirs Task Force to propose<br />

solutions. They gave themselves five years to consider<br />

the problem – and nothing has happened.<br />

It’s just one more issue threatening the future of<br />

farming in the High Weald. Its rolling hills, scattered<br />

farmsteads, small woodlands and irregular-shaped<br />

fields make it one of the best preserved mediaeval<br />

landscapes in Northern Europe. It’s special and let’s<br />

all hope that <strong>2023</strong> sees some good news to encourage<br />

us to keep farming and ensure it stays that way.<br />

Find out more about daily life at Coopers Farm by visiting coopersfarmstonegate.co.uk<br />

priceless-magazines.com<br />

102

Supporting communities<br />

in Kent since 1781.<br />

With offices across Kent and London,<br />

we provide specialist legal services for<br />

individuals and businesses in the Southeast.<br />

+ Contracts & Transactions<br />

+ Conveyancing<br />

+ Employment<br />

+ Family<br />

+ Licensing<br />

+ Probate<br />

+ Property<br />

+ Tax & Estate Planning<br />

+ Wills<br />

To find out how we can help,<br />

call us on 01622 698000<br />

or email enquiries@wmlaw.uk<br />

whitehead-monckton.co.uk<br />

Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales.<br />

Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3EN. Authorised<br />

and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.

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