Surrey Homes | SH14 | December 2015 | Interiors supplement inside
The lifestyle magazine for Surrey - Inspiring Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
The lifestyle magazine for Surrey - Inspiring Interiors, Fabulous Fashion, Delicious Dishes
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PRICELESS<br />
DECEMBER <strong>2015</strong><br />
Wealden Times<br />
The lifestyle magazine for <strong>Surrey</strong><br />
Inspiring <strong>Interiors</strong> • Fabulous Fashion • Delicious Dishes<br />
Shop online with us 365 days a year at Wealdenfairs.com
DOWNLOAD<br />
FREE THE OFFICIAL<br />
GUILDFORD APP<br />
Pick up your Little Book of Offers from participating retailers or<br />
the Tourist Information Centre in Guildford<br />
available now<br />
For more ideas on where to go and what to do this christmas, visit:<br />
www.experienceguildford.com
FARNHAM<br />
FURNITURE • LIGHTING • SOFT FURNISHINGS • ACCESSORIES<br />
3 Lion and Lamb Yard, Farnham, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU9 7LL<br />
T: 01252 726204 E: farmham@indiajane.co.uk W: indiajane.co.uk
Contents<br />
<strong>December</strong> <strong>2015</strong><br />
76<br />
30<br />
86<br />
8<br />
17<br />
CHANGING SPACES<br />
John Graham-Hart finds<br />
properties with former<br />
lives, from an old laundry<br />
to a classic oast<br />
IT’S DECEMBER<br />
What’s going on near<br />
you this month<br />
76<br />
83<br />
AIRFIELD GLAMOUR<br />
A nod to fabulous female<br />
pilots and their adventures<br />
over the Weald<br />
WEALDEN HEALTH<br />
& BEAUTY<br />
Tips to keep you feeling<br />
gorgeous<br />
30<br />
51<br />
52<br />
72<br />
75<br />
A LITTLE BIT<br />
DOWNTON<br />
Jane Howard goes<br />
‘upstairs downstairs’ in<br />
a country house near<br />
Wadhurst in Sussex<br />
GET THE LOOK<br />
Fabulous home accessories<br />
from Wealdenfairs.com<br />
GARDENER’S<br />
COTTAGE<br />
A Sissinghurst home<br />
captures the imagination<br />
of Jo Arnell<br />
MODERN RUSTIC<br />
The versatile interiors<br />
trend that is sweeping<br />
through town and<br />
country homes alike<br />
STOCKING FILLERS<br />
Little but lovely presents<br />
for children – and<br />
grown-ups too<br />
84<br />
86<br />
93<br />
97<br />
99<br />
103<br />
104<br />
SAVE OUR SOLES<br />
Look after yourself – starting<br />
from the ground up<br />
NIBBLES OF NOTE<br />
Nicci Gurr whips up a<br />
couple of canapé recipes<br />
EARTH MATTERS<br />
Jo Arnell on the importance<br />
of looking after your soil<br />
THE GREEN GODDESS<br />
Penny Kemp on climate<br />
change and how it affects us<br />
WHAT’S ON?<br />
Find out...<br />
COMPETITION<br />
Win a selection of gorgeous<br />
copper homeware from<br />
Steamer Trading Cookshop<br />
FABLES FROM THE FARM<br />
Jane Howard’s latest<br />
instalment<br />
Published by JPS Media Ltd, Kettle Chambers, 21 Stone Street,<br />
Cranbrook, Kent. TN17 3HF. Tel: 01580 714705 Fax: 01580 715983.<br />
Email info@wealdentimes.co.uk. www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
copyright JPS Media Ltd <strong>2015</strong>©<br />
5 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
BellegroveWT166.indd 1 13/11/<strong>2015</strong> 11:45
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HOUSE OF THE MONTH by John Graham-Hart<br />
1.<br />
Changing faces<br />
John Graham-Hart finds properties with former lives<br />
I<br />
can’t remember his name and doubt, after all these years, he’s alive enough<br />
to remember mine. However, I do remember we spent a very pleasant hour<br />
or two together with his granddaughter, who spoke the English he didn’t,<br />
on a hillock overlooking an impossibly beautiful corner of the Pacific Ocean.<br />
He had been a fisherman and, when his fishing days came to an end, had<br />
dragged his old boat on to the hill, overturned it, cut a little door in the hull,<br />
fitted a couple of windows prised from a long-dead Chevy and moved in.<br />
His granddaughter explained that his sons had built him a house in the village<br />
but he preferred to live here. When I asked him why, his eloquent answer was just<br />
an incredulous wave of an arm, over his home and out in an arc across the sparkling<br />
water. Was I completely blind?<br />
Over the centuries, humans have developed the skill and will to transform any<br />
item or structure of sufficient size, into a shelter or home. And so it continues to this<br />
day – from railway carriages on Pagham beach to textile factories in Tribeca, from<br />
Boeing 727s in Mississippi to shipping containers in Costa Rica, from double decker<br />
buses and aircraft hangers to fire stations, forts, follies and, of course, fishing boats.<br />
Virtually any enclosed space is game and these conversions are much beloved by<br />
creative architects who now grandly term the process of conversion ‘adaptive reuse’.<br />
And who can blame them? The opportunity to give a neglected and disused structure<br />
– often with a considerable historical or architectural value – a completely new lease<br />
of life as a much-loved home is exceptionally attractive.<br />
In the Weald we are, perhaps, a little short on abandoned 727s but the Wealden<br />
Times usually has a rich stock of oasts, barns, mills, stables, chapels and former<br />
workhouses. Alas, we’ve yet to find a forsaken fishing boat for you but if you fancy a<br />
home with a history all its own, here’s a selection…<br />
1. Oast Barn<br />
Where? Oast Barn is on the edge of<br />
the small town of Edenbridge, close to the<br />
Kent <strong>Surrey</strong> border.<br />
(Google Maps TN9 6LE)<br />
What? The Grade II listed property<br />
is an outstanding conversion of a 17th<br />
century oast and its barn, renovated to<br />
an exceptional standard by its present<br />
owners. The heart of the building is the<br />
vast vaulted and galleried space that is the<br />
drawing room, with soaring windows and<br />
bi-folding doors opening out to the garden<br />
on both sides. On the ground floor there<br />
is also a circular family room in the base<br />
of the roundel, a kitchen/breakfast room,<br />
dining room and two bedrooms, one with<br />
an en suite shower room and doors to<br />
the garden.<br />
Upstairs are three more bedrooms and<br />
two elegant bathrooms. Outside there is<br />
a lovely stone-walled terrace, as well as<br />
attractive gardens, a large pond, summer<br />
house and views over the surrounding<br />
countryside. There is also an old piggery<br />
with great potential for a new life as<br />
garaging, a gym or office.<br />
How much? Oast Barn is on<br />
the market at £1,700,000 and is with<br />
Fine & Country in Woldingham.<br />
Call 01883 653040 or visit<br />
www.fineandcountry.com<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
8
2.<br />
3.<br />
4.<br />
2.<br />
3.<br />
4.<br />
2. The Old Laundry<br />
Where? The Old Laundry is in the<br />
village of Westcott, just over a mile from<br />
Dorking (Google Maps RH4 3PX).<br />
What? This was once the laundry of<br />
a substantial country estate and later<br />
became a boys’ school, before being<br />
converted into two private homes.<br />
The property for sale is the beautifully<br />
renovated southern half of this Grade<br />
II listed building. On the ground floor<br />
there is a superb open-plan living area<br />
that encompasses the dining room, with<br />
French doors to the garden, a family<br />
area and kitchen. Also downstairs is a<br />
drawing room, sitting room, boot<br />
room and a laundry area.<br />
Upstairs there is a honey-timbered master<br />
bedroom with en suite shower room, four<br />
further bedrooms and a large and elegant<br />
family bathroom. Outside there are<br />
attractive secluded gardens full of variety<br />
and interest and an extensive terrace –<br />
perfect for entertaining – that sweeps<br />
around the property to end outside the<br />
French windows to the dining room.<br />
How much? The Old Laundry has<br />
a guide price of £1,250,000 and is with<br />
Jackson-Stops in Dorking. Call 01306<br />
887560 or visit www.jackson-stops.co.uk<br />
3. The Coach House<br />
Where? The Coach House is on the<br />
west side of the village of Warlingham<br />
(Google Maps CR6 9JB).<br />
What? Converted in 1965, the property<br />
has been continually upgraded and is<br />
now a bright, spacious and stylish family<br />
home. All the main rooms open on to the<br />
garden, making it ideal for entertaining.<br />
The open-plan kitchen/dining/family<br />
room is outstanding, opening on to the<br />
garden through bi-folding doors. Also on<br />
the ground floor is an elegant drawing<br />
room, a TV room and a study. Upstairs<br />
there is a master bedroom with dressing<br />
room and en suite bathroom, and three<br />
further bedrooms, one of which has an<br />
en suite shower room. The rear garden<br />
is private and well-screened by fencing,<br />
hedging and trees and has a wide terrace,<br />
lawn and raised flower bed. The double<br />
garage has an electric up-and-over door as<br />
well as side access to a utility room.<br />
How much? The Coach House<br />
is on the market at £1,200,000 and is<br />
being marketed by Fine & Country in<br />
Woldingham. Call 01883 653040 of<br />
visit www.fineandcountry.com. Call 01883<br />
653040 of visit www.fineandcountry.com<br />
4. Andwell Mill<br />
Where? Andwell Mill is on the banks<br />
of the River Lyde in the pretty hamlet of<br />
Andwell, between Old Basing and Hook<br />
(Google Maps RG27 9PA).<br />
What? A beautiful 17th century,<br />
Grade II listed converted mill house<br />
with an 18th century extension, Andwell<br />
Mill has charm and elegance in equal<br />
measure. Downstairs there is a spacious,<br />
bright drawing room with an excellent<br />
herringbone brick fireplace and French<br />
doors to the garden, a kitchen/dining/<br />
sitting room with a similar, equally<br />
attractive fireplace, study and laundry<br />
room. On the first floor there is a master<br />
bedroom with en suite bathroom and<br />
large dressing room and three further<br />
bedrooms, two with en suite bathrooms.<br />
Further accommodation is provided by<br />
two ancillary thatched cottages across<br />
the lane from the main house – both<br />
with double bedrooms, kitchens and<br />
bathrooms and one with a reception<br />
room. The gardens are stunning, with the<br />
River Lyde running through them to<br />
the millpond, both of which are<br />
teaming with trout.<br />
How much? Andwell Mill is on the<br />
market at £1,650,000 and is with Savills<br />
in Farnham. Call 01252 729000 or visit<br />
www.savills.co.uk<br />
9 9 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
savills.co.uk<br />
1<br />
show home open weekends 10am - 4pm<br />
LUXURY NEW HOME BUILT BY OCTAGON DEVELOPMENTS<br />
st. george’s george's hill, weybridge<br />
Brand Grand new reception luxury hall home ø drawing built by Octagon room ø dining Developments room ø kitchen/breakfast/family electric gated entrance room ø study,<br />
cinema 5 reception and bar rooms ø master 6/7 bedrooms with separate twin bathrooms staff accommodation and dressing room with living ø 4 further room, suites<br />
bedroom ø staff accommodation and shower room to second triple floor garage ø large landscaped games room garden ø lift with access infi nity ø pool triple garage<br />
ø over approx 1 acre 1 acre south of west backing backing grounds grounds stunning ø open views weekends and access 10am-4pm to golf ø course EPC=B EPC=C<br />
Guide £9,500,000<br />
£9.5 million Freehold<br />
Savills Weybridge<br />
Simon Ashwell<br />
sashwell@savills.com<br />
01932 838000
Big enough to know -<br />
Small enough to care<br />
Buss Murton Law – for you and your family. Our services for individuals include buying<br />
or selling your home, divorce, wills and probate, arrangements for the elderly, and trusts<br />
and tax planning, as well as advice about your employment. And if you are involved in<br />
running a business, we can support you on all the legal issues that may arise.<br />
Tunbridge Wells<br />
01892 510222<br />
Wellington Gate, 7-9 Church<br />
Road, Tunbridge Wells,<br />
Kent TN1 1HT<br />
Cranbrook<br />
01580 712215<br />
31 High Street,<br />
Cranbrook,<br />
Kent TN17 3EE<br />
Dartford<br />
01322 220235<br />
2 Banks Place,<br />
Market Place, Dartford,<br />
Kent DA1 1EX<br />
www.bussmurton.co.uk<br />
East Grinstead<br />
01342 328000<br />
Crown Lodge, Cantelupe Road,<br />
East Grinstead,West Sussex<br />
RH19 3BJ
®<br />
Stressless<br />
anniversary edition<br />
The first Stressless ®<br />
recliner was produced in 1971. To mark the 45th anniversary<br />
of our iconic recliners we are offering this special limited edition model – the<br />
Stressless ® Opal. Stressless ® Opal is inspired by the fjords surrounding our factory<br />
in picturesque Norway. Available while stocks last with immediate delivery in 3<br />
beautiful leather colours.<br />
45<br />
YEARS<br />
1971 to 2016<br />
Caterham<br />
22-28 Godstone rd,<br />
Caterham,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong>,<br />
CR3 6RA<br />
01883 342 677<br />
williamhillinteriors.co.uk<br />
Limited Edition<br />
Opal Recliners M<br />
£999<br />
*Terms & Conditions apply: Opal Medium £999, Large £1099. Available only in Batick Cream & Natural, Batick Brown & Brown, Batick Mole & Teak. While stocks last. Main image features the Opal recliner.
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE<br />
A Hidden gem in <strong>Surrey</strong>!<br />
In the same location in Caterham since 1948 and with a Sales team of 5 with a century<br />
of experience collectively, we are able to meet the needs of nearly everyone!<br />
With a broad range<br />
of famous brands,<br />
alongside some less<br />
well known quality<br />
alternatives, William Hill is a larger<br />
store than many customers expect!<br />
We also have a very large<br />
selection of quality beds in our<br />
dedicated studio from Tempur,<br />
Dunlopillo and Harrisons.<br />
It is our aim to support quality<br />
British made furniture wherever<br />
we can so we feature Duresta,<br />
Parker Knoll, Sherborne and Vale<br />
upholstery and many more. We<br />
also have several ranges of cabinet<br />
furniture from Andrena, a small<br />
maker that specialises in bespoke<br />
and special size furniture for very<br />
little more than their standard range.<br />
We also show Tom Schneider’s<br />
unique and distinctive designs<br />
with flowing curves created by<br />
multiple thin layers. This range too<br />
offers bespoke design and a truly<br />
individual aesthetic appeal.<br />
With our own vans and delivery<br />
team, we take pride in our skill and<br />
care in getting your new furniture<br />
to you safely and quickly!<br />
We also remove all packing and<br />
undertake to assemble larger items<br />
such as beds and wardrobes. We<br />
can also dispose of old furniture<br />
for a small fee.<br />
Our Sales team are not paid<br />
commission which ensures we are<br />
focused on your needs and there<br />
is no pressure.<br />
We also feature an attractive<br />
range of accessories including<br />
lighting, mirrors and artwork,<br />
alongside seasonal gifts of<br />
distinctive hand painted animals<br />
that might make ideal gifts!<br />
We have a large selection of<br />
contemporary leather furniture<br />
from Stressless and Himolla, all<br />
with a focus on strong seat comfort<br />
and high backs. Most offer reclining<br />
functions and in some cases with<br />
powered operation too.<br />
We are happy to undertake home<br />
visits to assist with design and<br />
colour/fabric choices and to<br />
ensure the most attractive and<br />
practical result.<br />
In a world of rather soulless<br />
corporate retailers operating<br />
from out of town ‘sheds’, William<br />
Hill <strong>Interiors</strong> stands out for its<br />
traditional service and characterful<br />
showrooms and offers a real<br />
alternative. Why not pay us a visit to<br />
see how we can help enhance your<br />
home? We even have free parking<br />
at the rear of the store.<br />
Caterham 22-28 Godstone rd, Caterham, <strong>Surrey</strong>, CR3 6RA | 01883 342 677 | williamhillinteriors.co.uk
Pudding proof<br />
Tuck into an education at Hazelwood and<br />
you will find a curriculum rich in variety and<br />
bursting with inspiration. Served with lashings of<br />
enthusiasm, you’ll discover more than a simple<br />
sixpence with every helping. Happy Christmas!<br />
www.hazelwoodschool.co.uk. Contact Nick Tappin on 01883 733841
A helping hand...<br />
Join Shooting Star Chase for a wonderful evening of Christmas<br />
carols and festive celebrations on Thursday 17 <strong>December</strong>. Starting<br />
at 7pm, Connie Talbot, star of Britain’s Got Talent will perform a<br />
trio of magnificent songs for everyone’s enjoyment. There will also<br />
be performances from Elmbridge Choir, our extremely talented<br />
Shooting Star Chase Family Choir and of course the opportunity<br />
for you to sing along to much loved Christmas carols. After the<br />
concert, enjoy a wine reception with canapés. Your support will<br />
allow Shooting Star Chase to make Christmas extra special for<br />
the babies, children and young people it supports. For tickets<br />
visit www.shootingstarchase.org.uk or phone 01932 823100.<br />
Freeimages.com/Julia Freeman-Woolpert<br />
<strong>December</strong><br />
notebook<br />
Exhibitions & events<br />
near you this month...<br />
Crafty Christmas...<br />
This year Farnham Maltings is hosting a<br />
wonderful Christmas Fair. It will be held on<br />
Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 <strong>December</strong> from<br />
12 noon till 9pm. This annual event is full of<br />
festive charm, featuring a bustling marketplace<br />
with over 150 stands specialising in handmade<br />
gifts, unique stocking fillers, crafts, vintage<br />
treasures and delicious food and drink. For more<br />
information visit www.farnhammaltings.com<br />
Decorative charm...<br />
Create something to be truly proud of this festive<br />
season. Visit Witley and Milford Commons for<br />
their wreath making workshop from 10am-3pm on<br />
Sunday 6 <strong>December</strong>. Using locally sourced materials,<br />
you can make a beautiful Christmas decoration to<br />
hang on your front door, or give to a friend. Hot<br />
homemade soup will be served at lunchtime to keep<br />
your creative energy topped up. To book visit www.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/events or phone 01372 220644.<br />
Freeimages.com/jede_hoog<br />
Santa’s little helper...<br />
Reindeer will return to Garsons at Esher on<br />
Saturday 21 November to delight animal lovers<br />
young and old and mark the beginning of the<br />
festive season. Staying at Garsons in their specially<br />
built stable, the reindeer can be visited every day<br />
until Christmas Eve, when they will return to help<br />
Santa on the busiest night of the year. There is no<br />
charge to visit the reindeer, but a collection at the<br />
reindeer enclosure will raise money for Garsons’<br />
chosen local charities. For more information visit<br />
www.garsons.co.uk or phone 01372 460181.<br />
Soulful chorus...<br />
Visit G Live, Guildford on Sunday 13 <strong>December</strong><br />
at 3pm for a seasonal celebration. This charming<br />
show will feature a festive cocktail of familiar<br />
and much-loved traditional carols with plenty of<br />
choral and instrumental music to enjoy. Guildford<br />
Choral Society is delighted to be joined for this<br />
concert by Guildford High School Junior School<br />
choir, under their director Rachel Wardell, and<br />
the brilliant brass and percussion of Southern<br />
Pro Musica. Be prepared for plenty of audience<br />
participation and lots of festive fun to raise<br />
money for Home Start. For tickets phone 01483<br />
369350 or email boxoffice@guildfordchoral.org<br />
Jacqui Kelly, Gingerbread Houses & Royal Icing<br />
Sugar & spice...<br />
On Saturday 12 <strong>December</strong> come and learn<br />
the timeless skills of royal icing in this relaxed<br />
workshop with award-winning cake artist Jacqui<br />
Kelly and create your very own Christmas<br />
gingerbread house to eat, keep or give away to<br />
friends and family. Learn how to make your own<br />
icing bags, how to mix the perfect royal icing and<br />
how to create exquisite patterns and borders. All<br />
ingredients and equipment will be provided, but<br />
please bring an apron and a 6’’ box to take your<br />
masterpiece home in. A recipe sheet with hints<br />
and tips will also be provided along with a practice<br />
board. To book and for more information visit<br />
www.thelightbox.org.uk or phone 01483 737800.<br />
Artistic indulgence...<br />
If you get a chance over the festive months,<br />
then take a visit to No Naked Walls Galleries<br />
in Bramley and Chertsey to view the latest<br />
collection of stunning artwork. Enjoy a glass<br />
of warm mulled wine and a mince pie, while<br />
perusing a potential purchase. Festive days<br />
are taking place on Saturday 5 <strong>December</strong> in<br />
Bramley, and 12 <strong>December</strong> in Chertsey. For more<br />
details on their exhibiton schedule for 2016,<br />
visit their website www.nonakedwalls.co.uk<br />
17 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
No Naked Walls are independent art galleries<br />
based in the heart of <strong>Surrey</strong> – on Windsor Street in Chertsey<br />
& on The High Street in Bramley.<br />
Offering a selection of unique contemporary artwork,<br />
original paintings, limited editions, sculpture,<br />
ceramics and bespoke jewellery and Christmas gift ideas.<br />
6a Windsor Street<br />
Chertsy, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT16 8AS<br />
Tel: 01932 561758<br />
email: info@nonakedwalls.co.uk<br />
24 High Street, Bramley,<br />
Guildford, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU5 0HB<br />
Tel: 01483 894466<br />
Opening times:<br />
Wednesday - Friday 10.30am - 5.30pm<br />
& Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm<br />
www.nonakedwalls.co.uk<br />
Opening times:<br />
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday<br />
& Saturday 10.00am - 5.30pm
For all life’s twists and turns,<br />
we’re just around the corner<br />
FAMILY LAW<br />
PROPERTY<br />
WILLS & PROBATE<br />
InhERITAncE TAx PLAnnIng<br />
POWERS OF ATTORnEY<br />
DISPUTE RESOLUTIOn<br />
EMPLOYMEnT<br />
nOTARIAL SERVIcES<br />
www.downslaw.co.uk<br />
coBHam office<br />
The old coaching mews<br />
7b High Street<br />
cobham<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> kT11 3DH<br />
01932 506887<br />
Dorking office<br />
156 High Street<br />
Dorking<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong><br />
rH4 1BQ<br />
01306 880110<br />
goDalming office<br />
The Tanners<br />
75 meadrow<br />
godalming<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> gU7 3HS<br />
01483 861848<br />
SOLICITORS & NOTARIES
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VAT No. 929 7920 74<br />
NEW SHOWROOM DISPLAYS<br />
COMPANY: Sussex Stone Marble and Granite Ltd<br />
DATE: 17 November <strong>2015</strong><br />
PROOF TO: Laura Robinson<br />
FROM: Kim<br />
ISSUE: <strong>December</strong> <strong>2015</strong><br />
OAK STAIRCASES & WINDOWS<br />
OAK DOORS AND PORCHES<br />
OAK DECKING & BEAMS<br />
Please check and advise any corrections to this copy by 19 November. If we do not hear<br />
from you we will assume copy is correct and will publish the advertisement as shown.<br />
www.orlestoneoak.co.uk 01233 732179<br />
SHOWROOm Open mOnday tO FRiday 9am-5pm, SatuRday 9am-12pm<br />
Natural Stone Specialists<br />
OrlestoneOakWT162.indd 1 21/07/<strong>2015</strong> 15:44<br />
Wishing all our Customers a<br />
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SussexStoneWT166.indd 1 18/11/<strong>2015</strong> 09:50<br />
Terms are strictly 20 days from date of invoice. All artwork, colour matches and scans are done as a free of charge service, so no credits can be given for
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Editor’s<br />
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For those who love Christmas, the month of <strong>December</strong> brings<br />
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gifts on sale this festive season. For aspiring hosts and hostesses<br />
we have Nicci Gurr’s super-special canapé recipes, which taste<br />
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Escapists will find sanctuary in our gardening pages, where<br />
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while a look <strong>inside</strong> the Gardener’s Cottage at Sissinghurst<br />
Castle offers us a taste of times gone by. If, after all this, you still<br />
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Wealden Times Team<br />
Editor .................................................................................Jennifer Stuart-Smith<br />
Fashion & Beauty Editor................................................................Helen Barton<br />
Design ..........................................................................................Powerful Pierre<br />
Design Team ...............................................................................Anthony Boxall<br />
Rob Cursons<br />
Phoebe Gilbert<br />
Tanya Goldsmith<br />
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Hayley Biddulph<br />
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Distribution ......................................................................................Jude Brown<br />
Emma Murphy<br />
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PriorsfieldS14.indd 1 23/11/<strong>2015</strong> 12:51
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
30
Seasonal splendour<br />
Words: Jane Howard Photographs: David Merewether<br />
Styling: Jennifer Stuart-Smith and Helen Barton<br />
This magnificent country house near Wadhurst has more than a touch of Downton Abbey<br />
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31 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
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Above: The magnificent hall, with oak panelling on all sides is the perfect place to entertain at Christmas. The table, which comfortably seats 14 is from<br />
Maison in Tunbridge Wells, the antler chandelier from Georgia Lacey and glass drops from Le Petit Jardin<br />
A secret door in the wood panelling by the fireplace opens from the hall into what was a<br />
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OK, I’ll admit it, I’m a Downton Abbey fan. So<br />
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Turning off the public road you dip down through the<br />
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They had originally lived in London but, like so many<br />
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The house was built in 1586 but had extensive additions<br />
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Entering through the front door you step into a really<br />
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fittings and shutters remain but here, and throughout<br />
the house, Becky has carefully added colours,<br />
<br />
33 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
An imposing stag-horn chandelier hangs over the table and gives the<br />
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36<br />
FloorDesignsS14.indd 1 18/11/<strong>2015</strong> 16:53
Top left: former owners have left pictures which they felt it was only fitting<br />
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fabrics and pieces of furniture that cleverly combine a<br />
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A beautiful table from Maison in Tunbridge Wells, which<br />
easily seats 14 people, sits in the middle of the room,<br />
complemented by button-backed chairs in two shades of<br />
soft grey linen. An imposing stag-horn chandelier (sourced<br />
from Georgia Lacey) hangs over the table and gives the<br />
room a real hunting-lodge feel – an idea that has been<br />
followed through with carefully placed vintage riding boots<br />
and trunks. The pictures on the walls are an interesting<br />
and eclectic mix of finds, gifts and treasures. Some <br />
37 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Above: the huge and informal family kitchen was once the library, and some<br />
of the shelves remain. Right: one of the many original fireplaces<br />
lovely sketches and watercolours of the house were kindly<br />
left behind by previous owners who felt they should stay<br />
with the house. In a kitchen drawer the Gunnings came<br />
across an old picture of a former owner taken about a<br />
hundred years ago, standing by one of the old oak trees<br />
on the estate that is recorded in the Domesday Book.<br />
A secret door in the wood panelling by the fireplace opens<br />
from the hall into what was a small and dark extension<br />
added to provide the Victorians with lavatories and sculleries.<br />
This whole area has been opened up and covered in jolly<br />
chicken wallpaper to create a wonderful bright and light<br />
laundry and cloakroom. Two original Victorian side-by-side<br />
loos (no one is quite sure why) each with its own cubicle<br />
have been kept, complete with beautiful elm seats, and not<br />
surprisingly the boys have each adopted one as their own.<br />
An original dark and stained double sink turned out to<br />
be a very rare John Balding ‘Trone’ (gasps here from anyone<br />
who knows their antique sinks) and, following a complete<br />
renovation, it now looks spectacular in an upstairs bathroom.<br />
Another secret door, this time a trap door carefully set<br />
in the wooden floor of the main hall, leads down to<br />
cavernous cellars that spread out like tentacles in all<br />
directions under the house. Old floor plans reveal the<br />
extent of the below-stairs activity with rooms marked as<br />
‘Knives and Boots’, ‘Brushing Room’, ‘Gun Room’, <br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
38
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40<br />
GuildfordFlooringS01.indd 1 29/10/2014 18:40
Above: the guest bedroom looks out across parkland and has<br />
panelling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue for a tranquil<br />
feel. Right: a nearby bathroom is similarly serene<br />
It must be a real treat for town-dwelling<br />
guests to lie in such a beautiful room gazing<br />
out over the East Sussex countryside<br />
‘Heating Chamber’, ‘Kitchen’, ‘Dairy’ etc – you might<br />
expect Mrs Patmore to appear at any moment!<br />
The other room that leads directly off the main hall is<br />
the drawing room – a very elegant room whose Georgian<br />
proportions are superb. It still has all the original plaster<br />
moulding although, when the Gunnings first saw the<br />
house it was covered by rather shocking pink and white<br />
wallpaper. Now the room is painted in a soft grey, Slaked<br />
Lime by Little Greene, which really opens it up to create<br />
a lovely light and spacious room. Having moved from a<br />
fairly small cottage to a house with large and grand rooms,<br />
more furniture was required in a fairly short time which<br />
has been sourced from all manner of places. Some has been<br />
given and some found – Becky is especially fond of an<br />
old card index chest, now used as a side table, which they<br />
came across on a pavement in Rye with a ‘please take me’<br />
sign on it. Becky has stylishly mixed junk shop finds with<br />
contemporary pieces such as silver lamps from Georgia<br />
Lacey, some great finds from the Wealden Times Fairs<br />
<br />
41 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Above left: much of the upstairs lighting is by Olive & the Fox, Tunbridge Wells. The lamp made from a pile of books was found in a market in Ibiza<br />
Above right: trompe l’oeil ‘Library’ wallpaper from Capital to Coast is used to perfect effect on the landing<br />
and a huge mirror from Blooms in Tunbridge Wells.<br />
What was originally the library, is now the kitchen.<br />
Many features from its heyday such as the panelling, underwindow<br />
bench-seats and fabulous carved curtain rails<br />
dripping with fruit, still remain as a reminder of a grand<br />
past. Surprisingly, the eighties kitchen units and Aga are also<br />
still in place but with a lot of stripping, lifting the cream<br />
carpets and a great deal of Farrow & Ball Hardwick White<br />
paint the Gunnings have cleverly given them a new lease of<br />
life to create a really light, bright and very pretty kitchen.<br />
Upstairs, all of the rooms have been redecorated and<br />
modernised with the work carried out by Oakover<br />
Contracting, a local company with a real passion and<br />
sensitivity when it comes to working with older buildings.<br />
At the top of the stairs is the stunning guest bedroom<br />
that looks out across the beautiful parkland. The panels<br />
have been painted in Farrow & Ball Light Blue to create<br />
a very tranquil feel, perfectly complemented by stunning<br />
pale grey/green Colefax & Fowler crewelwork curtains.<br />
An old bed head was reupholstered by TJ Upholstery in<br />
Wadhurst and it must be a real treat for town-dwelling<br />
guests to lie in such a beautiful room gazing out over<br />
some of the best countryside East Sussex has to offer.<br />
Getting the guest bathroom right was a complete<br />
nightmare, as the original cast-iron pipe work could not<br />
be moved, so everything else had to be designed around it.<br />
The floor had to be reinforced to support a magnificent<br />
cast-iron bath. Great slate grey wallpaper featuring<br />
squids and coral looks smart and funky set against green<br />
tiles and lighting from Olive & the Fox in Tunbridge<br />
Wells (who supplied most of the upstairs lighting).<br />
The master bedroom and bathroom are raised a few<br />
stairs above the landing and other bedrooms, giving a<br />
sense of seclusion and privacy – though, with two small<br />
boys this is unlikely to be a reality. Huge windows face<br />
west with stunning views across to Wadhurst church. In<br />
such a light room, Becky has been able to paint the walls<br />
in Little Greene Dark Lead to really stunning effect. The<br />
en suite is home to the famous double Trone sink from<br />
downstairs, where it sits in magnificent splendour<br />
<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
42
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44<br />
BackfromBlackWT162.indd 1 15/07/<strong>2015</strong> 12:20
The guest bathroom was a nightmare as the original pipes could not be moved, so everything was<br />
designed around them, and the floor had to be reinforced to support a magnificent cast-iron bath<br />
<br />
45 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Above: mysterious stairs in one of the boys’ bedrooms disappear<br />
into yet more attic space – formerly a servants’ tunnel.<br />
Right: the house is beautiful, yet is a proper family home<br />
complemented by Farrow & Ball wallpaper and grey tiles.<br />
What is now known as ‘Granny’s Room’ is an adorable<br />
little secret annexe that occupies the first floor of the<br />
Victorian extension on the side of the house. Originally<br />
a dark corridor leading to a laundry room it was quite a<br />
challenge to know what to do. But Becky has very cleverly<br />
turned the corridor into a little anteroom using Capital<br />
to Coast ‘Library’ wallpaper which leads into a cosy<br />
bedroom with pretty strawberry toile curtains. The tiny<br />
bathroom, painted surprisingly in Farrow & Ball’s Off<br />
Black works really well with Olive & the Fox lamps.<br />
Both the boys have fun bedrooms decorated<br />
with interesting wallpapers and tones of blue –<br />
with, of course, a liberal smattering of Lego, cars,<br />
bats, balls and books to complete the look.<br />
Set in extensive parkland, the house doesn’t really need<br />
its own private garden but much of the original formal<br />
framework remains. Beautiful old York stone terraces<br />
surround the house, leading down through lawns to<br />
woodland beyond. And the views are breathtaking.<br />
A sense of history pervades – horse and carriages, butlers,<br />
and balls – no doubt this house has seen it all over the years.<br />
Now with a stunning 21 st century makeover it looks very<br />
well set for an equally imaginative and interesting future. <br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
46
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www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
48<br />
TOPSAntiquesS14.indd 1 20/11/<strong>2015</strong> 12:16
Above left: the main hall is the perfect space for Christmas decorations and festivities, with a magnificent<br />
fireplace at its heart. Above right: a rustic wreath on the impressive front door<br />
Address Book:<br />
Becky runs a cookery party business called Jolly Scrumptious<br />
Parties with Steph Janice. Together they provide cooking and<br />
cake decorating parties and classes for children or adults. Tel<br />
07971102388, www.facebook.com/jollyscrumptiousparties1<br />
The house is also available as a location for<br />
film and photo shoots. For more information<br />
email jollyscrumptiousparties@gmail.com<br />
Christmas decorations from: Spice, Cranbrook<br />
01580 714156 www.spicecranbrook.co.uk and<br />
Le petit Jardin, Tunbridge Wells, 01892<br />
541152, www.le-petit-jardin.com<br />
Rustic foliage and Christmas wreaths from<br />
Blooming Green, 01622 298676, bloominggreenflowers.co.uk<br />
Georgia Lacey, 01892 516850, www.georgialacey.co.uk<br />
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49 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
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51 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
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52
Captured by<br />
the castle<br />
Words: Jo Arnell photographs: David Merewether Styling: Jennifer Stuart-Smith<br />
A gardener’s cottage built in the 1930s<br />
by Vita Sackville-West, which overlooks<br />
Sissinghurst Castle, makes a tranquil retreat for<br />
National Trust gardener Claire Abery, whose<br />
‘make-do-and-mend’ approach is perfectly<br />
fitting for this former Land Girls’ billet<br />
53 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
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54<br />
CuratedLivingS13.indd 1 22/10/<strong>2015</strong> 12:58
Above: a fireplace which was once home to a kitchen range now acts as the focal point of the front room. A large bay window bathes the room in natural light<br />
Approaching the gardener’s cottage at Sissinghurst,<br />
I’m imagining how hard it must be to live in a house<br />
that’s only yours while you remain in your job.<br />
Perhaps it’s a mind-set. It was once a fairly normal thing to<br />
live in a home that went with the job, and tied cottages were<br />
common, built for workers in towns, on farmland and in the<br />
grounds of country houses. It makes sense, but times have<br />
changed and it’s not a common thing any more. I can also<br />
see that living in the grounds of one of the most celebrated<br />
gardens in the world, and treading in the footsteps of such<br />
illustrious forebears is a unique, exceptional experience.<br />
A privilege. A little unnerving perhaps, and here my<br />
imagination is running away with me. Is it rather haunting?<br />
From the outside, this modest, Thirties-style cottage<br />
seems simple, uncluttered and quiet. As Claire Abery<br />
appears to greet me, unperturbed by the drizzle — the<br />
sign of a proper gardener — and we go into the house,<br />
I feel as if I’m entering hallowed space, as atmospheric<br />
as anything in the castle itself. I can feel the weight of<br />
history pressing in already. The interior wears this lightly<br />
and living on site does have obvious advantages — no<br />
travelling costs for a start — and certainly not a lengthy<br />
commute, for a working day that starts at 7.30; they have<br />
to fit in a lot before the gates open to the public at 11:00.<br />
The National Trust look after the outside maintenance<br />
on the house and have recently installed secondary double<br />
glazing downstairs, which is a boon: “It always used to<br />
seem cold in this house,” says Claire. What happens<br />
<strong>inside</strong>, within reason — and without changing anything<br />
structural – is entirely up to the tenant. When she first<br />
moved in eleven years ago, the house had been empty<br />
for some time and it had been painted ‘rainbow style’.<br />
“The kitchen was bright yellow, the front room was red,<br />
the bathroom turquoise and my bedroom was peach.<br />
So it was out with the magnolia paint!” Claire laughs.<br />
Looking round it’s clear to see that the colours on<br />
the walls are more sophisticated than that ubiquitous<br />
shade of cream. She has carefully used a combination<br />
of muted neutrals that create a very natural light<br />
within the house, like the light outside on a cloudy <br />
As we go into the house, I feel as if I’m entering hallowed space, as atmospheric as<br />
anything in the castle itself. I can feel the weight of history pressing in already.<br />
55 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Above: a rustic farmhouse table overlooking the kitchen garden is the perfect<br />
place to sit down and enjoy a meal made from home-grown vegetables Left:<br />
Bloomsbury-inspired wallpaper in the living room<br />
Claire has used considerable ingenuity to<br />
personalise the cottage, and perhaps this is<br />
made more evident because changes can only<br />
be decorative. “I have to be more imaginative<br />
and I try not to spend any money. I like to<br />
‘make do and mend”<br />
day. Much of the paint comes from Little Greene. “I<br />
like colour,” Claire says, “but not on the walls. I like to<br />
use it in different pieces, and change things around.” A<br />
useful tip to follow if you’re decorating on a budget.<br />
Claire has used considerable ingenuity to personalise the<br />
cottage, and perhaps this is made more evident because<br />
changes can only be decorative. “I have to be more<br />
imaginative and I try not to spend any money. I like to<br />
‘make do and mend’ and if I do buy things they tend to<br />
be from junk shops – rather than antique shops. The most<br />
money I’ve spent is on a chest of drawers in my bedroom<br />
and that was £200. I did see a Jasper Conran bookcase in<br />
John Lewis that I really liked, but it was over £600, which<br />
was far too much, so I surreptitiously measured it, then <br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
56
A collection of beautiful home accessories with<br />
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penny@pennyhamiltoninteriors.co.uk<br />
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PennyHamiltonS13.indd 1 27/10/<strong>2015</strong> PluckleyBrickCompanyWT166.indd 14:14<br />
1 16/11/<strong>2015</strong> 15:40<br />
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Colour is an important part of our lives,<br />
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Aloe Spike shown here, is just one of 96<br />
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57 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
ColourfieldS14.indd 1 23/11/<strong>2015</strong> 14:47
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Above left: A much-loved teddy sits guard on the upstairs landing, next to Claire’s bedroom, which looks towards the castle and was once the bedroom of a<br />
Land Army matron. Above right: Chunky knits and bright fabrics hint at Claire’s love of sewing and making, while a Lloyd Loom chair looks perfectly at home<br />
gave the dimensions to a friend who made it with me.”<br />
The cottage and the adjoining cottage were originally<br />
built by Vita Sackville-West as accommodation for workers<br />
on the estate. Claire’s cottage was once the home of former<br />
head gardener Pamela Schwerdt and her partner Sibylle<br />
Kreutzberger. They gardened here at Sissinghurst for many<br />
years, originally working for Vita, then continuing to work<br />
in the gardens after her death in 1962 and once the National<br />
Trust took over the running of Sissinghurst in 1967.<br />
Claire often finds echoes of Pam and Sibylle popping up in<br />
her garden: “Plants that they once grew appear unexpectedly<br />
from time to time, which always makes me smile,” says<br />
Claire. It is Pam and Sibylle’s work – their planting schemes<br />
and landscaping – that we can still see at Sissinghurst today.<br />
The latest head gardener, Troy Scott Smith, has<br />
plans to bring the garden closer to the way it was<br />
when Vita was around — “allowing a rose to billow<br />
or a meadow to flourish”. He has been working on<br />
the ‘loosening’ for a couple of years now but, as Claire<br />
explains, “it’s a big thing to turn around. The changes<br />
are happening, but they’ll take a little while to show.”<br />
The kitchen is small and neat with a secluded view<br />
out across the back garden. “I think originally it was a<br />
scullery and pantry, with the main kitchen in the other<br />
room,” says Claire. “There must have been a range where<br />
the fireplace in the living room is.” The space is now<br />
beautifully crammed with logs for the fire in the room<br />
next door. The front room is the largest downstairs space,<br />
with plenty of room for a rustic table and chairs and<br />
some additional comfortable seating. Not much has been<br />
installed by previous occupants, but Claire thinks that<br />
the ‘built-in’ cabinet in the front room must have<br />
<br />
59 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Above: Claire’s sewing area – with magazine cuttings and other inspiring images – is in the larger upstairs bedroom, which is now used as a guest room. During<br />
the Second World War this room housed bunk beds for several land girls who were billeted to the property to grow food as part of the war effort<br />
“The views from the upstairs windows are captivating — you can look out in one direction<br />
across the roofs towards the castle, then in the other direction to a vista across the Kent<br />
countryside to the Greensand Ridge in the distance”<br />
<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
60
Quality | Variety | Integrity<br />
The most Comprehensive selection of Stoves, Fireplaces & Gas Fires in the South.<br />
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A stunning variety of Fires. Genuinely knowledgeable & helpful staff.<br />
DORKING Stoves<br />
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Telephone 01306 883201<br />
www.dorkingstoves.com<br />
GUILDFORD Stoves<br />
Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road<br />
Guildford GU3 1LP<br />
Telephone 01483 571026<br />
www.guildfordstoves.com
Above: A shelving unit painted in muted, vintage green is used to keep Claire’s collection of buttons, ribbon and other sewing items tidy. Claire made the<br />
patchwork quilt herself and has filled another unused fireplace with Chinese Lanterns to add some colour and a sense of warmth to the room.<br />
been made by someone who once lived in the house. “I<br />
can tell from the way it seems to be made from odd bits<br />
of wood. It’s as if whoever made it scraped it together<br />
from pieces they found around the place.” The room is<br />
pared back and uncluttered with a distinctly retro feel.<br />
“I love all that ‘digging for victory’ ethos; I love the<br />
clothes, the feel, the British spirit — and they all looked<br />
so stylish while doing it.” Claire has good reason to<br />
feel a connection too, as six Land Army girls and their<br />
matron were billeted to the cottage during the war to<br />
help on the farm. “The matron slept in my room and the<br />
girls slept in bunk beds in what’s now the spare room.”<br />
Perhaps it’s no coincidence that Vita Sackville-West is<br />
the author of The Women’s Land Army guide, published in<br />
1944. She writes: ‘“Gardening is surely an ideal profession<br />
for the woman who likes it. The work is not so heavy as to<br />
put too great a strain on her physical capacity; and in the<br />
more expert branches the possibilities and range of interest<br />
is really unlimited.” Claire finds the work of the Land Army<br />
just as inspirational. “My fortieth birthday party was on the<br />
theme of a Forties VE Day celebration and everyone had<br />
to dress up. I just love everything about the Forties — the <br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
62
Quality<br />
hardwood floors<br />
supplied & fitted<br />
by craftsmen<br />
SHOWROOM: The Barn, Main Road, Sundridge, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN14 6EE<br />
For a free no obligation estimate call us on 01959 563063<br />
visit our website: www.dbwf.co.uk<br />
DavidBrownS14.indd 1 23/11/<strong>2015</strong> CheekyMonkeyS08.indd 12:56<br />
1 26/05/<strong>2015</strong> 11:37<br />
LISBET HOME AND STYLE<br />
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Tel: 07502 272 007<br />
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63 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
LisbetS13.indd 1 26/10/<strong>2015</strong> 12:34
Above: A vintage ‘Make do and Mend’ poster decorates the spare bedroom,<br />
and sits above the homemade quilt and alongside Claire’s much-used sewing<br />
area. Left: Flowers from the garden complement the ‘mood board’<br />
The bedrooms are simply decorated,<br />
highlighting Claire’s sense of colour in<br />
accessories and soft furnishings. There are jars<br />
of buttons and ribbons where you might have<br />
seen face cream and hairbrushes and, by the<br />
window is a desk, or rather, a sewing station<br />
shape of the dresses, the spirit of the times, the mucking in<br />
together” a spirit epitomised by the Land Girl organisation.<br />
Upstairs, the spare room and the larger of the bedrooms<br />
— where I try to imagine the serried ranks of bunks for<br />
strapping land girls — doubles as a workspace for Claire.<br />
She has been resourceful in furnishing the bedrooms, even<br />
managing to find almost identical bedside tables for her<br />
bedroom from two completely different places, and restoring<br />
them, so that they now look as if they came as a pair. The<br />
bedrooms are simply decorated, highlighting Claire’s sense<br />
of colour in accessories and soft furnishings. There are jars<br />
of buttons and ribbons where you might have seen face<br />
cream and hairbrushes and, by the window is a desk, <br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
64
Above: a galley kitchen continues in the retro theme Above right: there is no<br />
shortage of flowers for the dining table in this cottage Right: Patterned quilts<br />
are folded up on a bedside chair, ready for use when the weather gets cold<br />
or rather, a sewing station. “I love sewing,” says Claire.<br />
The views from the upstairs windows are captivating —<br />
you can look out in one direction across the roofs towards<br />
the castle, then in the other direction to a vista across the<br />
Kent countryside to the Greensand Ridge in the distance.<br />
What happens here in the winter once the gardens are<br />
closed to the public? “Well, the winter is really when we do<br />
all the work,” says Claire. “As soon as the garden shuts at<br />
the end of the season we get stuck in pruning roses,<br />
hedge-cutting, clearing herbaceous beds. There’s lots<br />
of preparation to do before we get ready to open<br />
again in March.”<br />
Then there are the bulbs. “This year we’ll be planting<br />
37,000 bulbs! It used to be a nightmare but now we have<br />
a spreadsheet to help us work out what goes where. Every<br />
week in summer we have our Friday Tidy, we sweep and<br />
dead-head, collect seed and generally clear out the beds;<br />
‘primping and preening’, is what Adam (Nicolson) calls<br />
it,” she laughs. Back downstairs, the cosy little sitting<br />
room is the perfect space for Claire to spend winter<br />
evenings in front of the fire, making things and sewing<br />
smaller items like Christmas decorations. Striking <br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
66
Traditional or modern,<br />
discover a beautiful<br />
range of cookers<br />
at Hoad & Taylor<br />
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• Sizes: 90, 100 or 110 cm<br />
• Solid or glass doors<br />
• Dual fuel or all electric (induction hob)<br />
• Various cooker hoods to suit each<br />
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RANGEMASTER<br />
Traditional in style or a little more<br />
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• Sizes: range from 60 – 110 cm<br />
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AGA MASTERCHEF<br />
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RAYBURN<br />
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• Fuel options include: Wood, solid<br />
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Discover a beautiful cooker for your home<br />
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Our knowledgable staff will guide you through our range of both<br />
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Contact us on:<br />
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Or email:<br />
sue.walker@hoadandtaylor.co.uk<br />
HOAD & TAYLOR, FIRST AND<br />
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What we do...<br />
Natural stone, Porcelain, Ceramic, Glass, Mosaics,<br />
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Visit our new showroom to view our collection<br />
THE TILE EMPORIUM<br />
31a Bell Street, Reigate, <strong>Surrey</strong>, RH2 7AD.<br />
Tel: 01737 210125 Email: sales@thestonetileemporium.com Web: www.thestonetileemporium.com
Above: Colour-blocking with cushions keeps things simple, in front of the<br />
vibrant zig-zag wallpaper. The bookshelf is made from scaffolding boards<br />
and was inspired by a version that Claire saw in a high street store.<br />
Left: Mismatched chairs complement the informality of the rustic table<br />
zig-zag wallpaper in green and blue has been used on<br />
just one of the walls, and helps to make the room feel<br />
larger. I spy the Conran-inspired bookcase looking<br />
very effective along the side wall of the room, neatly<br />
and stylishly housing ornaments and photos. Claire is<br />
obviously a skilled craftsperson, frugal and practical. “I<br />
cook too, but there aren’t enough hours in the day. I’m<br />
thinking that I might make some jam soon, I bought<br />
some lovely quinces the other day that I really need to<br />
use, but we’ll see, I shan’t beat myself up about it.”<br />
As we prepare to leave, a wave of duck egg blue<br />
nostalgia washes over me and, for a moment, I’m<br />
transported back to a glorious period: of hard work,<br />
camaraderie, thankfulness and skilful make-do-andmend.<br />
Claire has managed to pay homage to that<br />
past in the styling and decoration of the cottage,<br />
but at the same time transcends it and lives very<br />
much in the present. This house might belong<br />
to the National Trust, but within its walls Claire<br />
has created a stylish home that is all hers.<br />
<br />
69 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Give someone a really exciting<br />
Christmas present this year, a flying lesson!<br />
Different types of aircraft available from £90<br />
Visit our website www.wlac.co.uk or<br />
Give us a call to discuss the options 01628 823272<br />
The Magpie House Reigate<br />
WestLondonAeroClubS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 16:43<br />
• Vintage<br />
• Antiques<br />
• <strong>Interiors</strong><br />
• Gifts<br />
29 Bell Street, Reigate,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong>, RH2 7AD<br />
www.themagpiehousereigate.co.uk<br />
www.tonypaynevintage.com<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
70<br />
MagpieHouseS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 10:41
Top: The view from upstairs in the cottage Above: corners of Claire’s informal garden, including a pair of her old work boots planted with sempervivums<br />
Address Book:<br />
You can visit Sissinghurst Castle Garden over the winter<br />
months and enjoy a walk around the estate, lunch in the<br />
restaurant or a cup of tea in the café. There will be special<br />
trails you can follow to uncover the stories of people who<br />
shaped Sissinghurst’s past, or you could visit the International<br />
Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition, which will be at<br />
the castle from January 16 to February 28, 2016.<br />
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden<br />
71 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Shabby Chic HOME<br />
Wooden Letters,<br />
£13.95, Fields of Blue<br />
www.wealdenfairs.com/<br />
fieldsofblue<br />
Natural reclaimed<br />
Timber Dresser,<br />
Living In Style,<br />
£699 www.<br />
wealdenfairs.com/<br />
livinginstylecranleigh<br />
Cowhides, £249,<br />
in assorted colours,<br />
01424 433000 www.<br />
respireliving.com<br />
Olympian Spiral<br />
decorative wall piece.<br />
£3000, Casa Mosaica<br />
Studios, www.<br />
wealdenfairs.com/<br />
CasaMosaicaStudio<br />
Tall Green Film<br />
Light, £220, Curated<br />
Living 01428<br />
651878 www.<br />
curatedliving.co.uk<br />
Perrin & Rowe<br />
Mayan Bibcock Tap<br />
£301.70, Burlanes<br />
www.wealdenfairs.<br />
com/burlanesonline<br />
Kit Miles Herah<br />
cushion, 55x55cm, £135<br />
01892 750101 www.<br />
ensorinteriordesign.co.uk<br />
Drawers tall and slim<br />
£1499.95 & £949.96<br />
Boatwood Collection www.<br />
madewithlovedesigns.co.uk<br />
Modern Rustic<br />
Perfect for town and country<br />
Chalk white round<br />
crackle handle,<br />
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theseplease.co.uk<br />
Rustic Dipped Stool<br />
in Yellow, £55 www.<br />
vincentandbarn.co.uk<br />
Levana Original Handcrafted<br />
Gothic Window Mirror, from<br />
£275, Mirror Mania www.<br />
wealdenfairs.com/mirrormania<br />
Autentico velvet wall<br />
paint, Loft, £41 per<br />
2.5L www.autenticochalk-paint.co.uk<br />
Vintage Chairs,<br />
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curatedliving.co.uk<br />
Rustic Light Trio, £17 www.<br />
theorchardhomeandgifts.com
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Preserve family history before it fades away forever!<br />
McAllisterThomasFineArtS14.indd 1 20/11/<strong>2015</strong> 10:19<br />
Stanleys Transfer House are experts in transferring precious cine films, VHS/Betamax/Hi8 tapes or<br />
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Enjoy those special moments again & again,<br />
wherever and whenever you want!<br />
You only do it once, so don’t gamble<br />
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Entrust your precious memories to Stanleys,<br />
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We are BBC-approved, located in the West End,<br />
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Personal callers are welcome, or we are more<br />
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Contact us on our website at: www.transferhouse.co.uk<br />
- or just give us a ring on 020 7494 4545 (Mon-Fri 0900-1800)<br />
Stanleys Transfer House, 10-11 Percy Street, London W1T 1DN<br />
73 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
TelevisionSetWT165.indd 1 16/10/<strong>2015</strong> 11:22
Christmas<br />
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com/isla-graceltd<br />
Stocking fillers<br />
Rocky The Nutcracker,<br />
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fieldsofblue<br />
WatchStation Diesel<br />
Camo Watch at<br />
McArthurGlen Ashford<br />
Designer Outlet, £80,<br />
www.mcarthurglen.com<br />
Aria Earrings, £14,<br />
Tanglewood Studios,<br />
www.wealdenfairs.com/<br />
tanglewoodstudios<br />
Peekaboo Animal<br />
Mugs £8.50 www.<br />
twentysixdegrees.co.uk<br />
Bracelet by Gaby’s in<br />
gun metal, £25.00,<br />
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Proto-col Miracle<br />
Balm, £14.95,<br />
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Fox Head Cufflinks, £169,<br />
Simon Kemp Jewellers<br />
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simonkempjewellers<br />
Branche d’Olive Bagged<br />
Heart Soap 100g £4.95, The<br />
Bathroom Shop 01580 763207<br />
www.the-bathroomshop.co.uk<br />
Allotment<br />
Apron, £30,<br />
Lottie Day www.<br />
madebylottieday.com<br />
The Penguin Family<br />
Card, £2.50, Art<br />
Nouvocative www.<br />
wealdenfairs.com/<br />
artnouvocative
Gerry Weber poncho, £75, The Masai Clothing Company<br />
scarf, £39, heart pendant necklace, £35, Elizabeth Rose<br />
Boutique, Tenterden 01580 763815 www.elizabeth-rose.com;<br />
Helen Moore faux fur huff, £25, Spice, Cranbrook 01580<br />
714156 www.spicecranbrook.co.uk<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
76
Aviatrix<br />
Photographs: David Merewether Styling: Helen Barton<br />
77 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Stockist of<br />
PENNYFARTHING<br />
JEWELLERS<br />
and<br />
many more<br />
Jewellery and watches sourced<br />
from around the world<br />
Autumn / Winter ranges at<br />
Bought with passion, sold with pride.<br />
28 High Street East Grinstead 01342 323331<br />
www.pennyfarthingjewellers.co.uk<br />
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64 Station Road East, Oxted, <strong>Surrey</strong> RH8 0PG<br />
www.visagesurrey.com Telephone 01883 730635<br />
PennyfarthingJewellersS13.indd 1 28/10/<strong>2015</strong> VisageS11.indd 14:27 1 24/08/<strong>2015</strong> 20:41<br />
QUALITY CLOTHING AND A PERSONAL SERVICE<br />
CHRISTMAS AT COUNTY CLOTHES<br />
As the festive season approaches we<br />
are pleased to be able to offer our<br />
usual range of quality gift ideas.<br />
Fine quality socks by<br />
PANTHERELLA of Leicester,<br />
TOOTAL silk scarves, Cotton<br />
and Irish linen handkerchiefs<br />
and hand sewn gloves from<br />
DENTS of Warminster.<br />
Our BARBOUR ranges include<br />
a large varied selection of<br />
scarves in Lambswool, Merino<br />
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As always, we are pleased<br />
to offer in all our stores a large<br />
collection of TAYLORS of<br />
Bond Street shaving products<br />
and toiletries.<br />
We look forward to the opportunity<br />
of welcoming you to our stores and<br />
showing you our ranges.<br />
19 St. Margarets St,<br />
Canterbury,<br />
Kent CT1 2TH<br />
Tel: 01227 765294<br />
2 East Cross,<br />
Tenterden,<br />
Kent TN30 6AD<br />
Tel: 01580 765159<br />
6 High St,<br />
Reigate,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> RH2 9AY<br />
Tel: 01737 249224<br />
Follow us<br />
CountyClothes<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
78<br />
CountyClothesWT166.indd 1 17/11/<strong>2015</strong> 15:54
Two Danes teal jumper, £115, scarf,<br />
£49, Gaby’s silver necklace, £35, white<br />
shirt tails, £35, Brax black jeans, £99,<br />
Elizabeth Rose, Tenterden 01580<br />
763815 www.elizabeth-rose.com; navy<br />
suede envelope clutch bag, £19.95,<br />
Lunar Chelsea style sparkly boot, £55,<br />
Manuka Shoes, Westerham 01959<br />
565644 www.manukashoes.com<br />
79 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
PLEASE NOTE WE HAVE<br />
NOW MOVED TO<br />
JeremyHobbsS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 09:47<br />
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80<br />
Find Your Style - gloves.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 12:14
lue and white striped shirt, £35,<br />
Woollovers Guernsey gilet, £49, The<br />
Golden Fleece, Rye 01797 224271<br />
www.thegoldenfleece.co.uk; Brax black<br />
jeans, £99, Elizabeth Rose, Tenterden<br />
01580 763815 www.elizabeth-rose.com;<br />
recycled rubber fringed necklace, £49.95,<br />
Manuka Shoes, Westerham<br />
01959 565644 www.manukashoes.com<br />
We would like to say a huge thank you to Aero<br />
Legends at Headcorn Aerodrome for allowing us<br />
to photograph with their stunning Tigermoth.<br />
For more information on flying experiences visit<br />
www.aerolegends.co.uk or call 01622 812830<br />
81 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
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#breathefarnham
Wealden Health & Beauty<br />
Wealden Times talks to Briony Wilkinson from<br />
textile and stationery company, English Folly ...<br />
Do you follow a<br />
beauty routine?<br />
Yes, but I have to keep<br />
it quite simple as I have<br />
quite sensitive skin which<br />
reacts badly to too many<br />
lotions and potions. I<br />
discovered a Japanese brand<br />
called SK-II when I lived<br />
in Asia, so I now cleanse<br />
with their facial wash every<br />
day. Luckily I can still get<br />
it in the UK, but only in<br />
Harrods. It’s a real beauty<br />
luxury! I use Nivea Q10<br />
day and night creams too,<br />
which I find are gentle<br />
on my skin and give me<br />
the basic SPF protection<br />
I need during the day.<br />
Do you have a particular<br />
product you couldn’t<br />
live without?<br />
I definitely couldn’t live<br />
without YSL Touche Eclat.<br />
Working long hours on<br />
close graphic and textile<br />
pieces is not kind to<br />
the eye area, and it’s my<br />
saviour when I’m tired<br />
and suffering with dark<br />
circles. Unless I am at an<br />
event, I don’t normally<br />
wear masses of makeup,<br />
so for a natural daytime<br />
look, I use just a touch<br />
here and there to even out<br />
my skin tone. It replaces<br />
a full foundation nicely.<br />
What’s your ultimate<br />
pampering treat?<br />
It has to be a spa day<br />
and a massage. When I<br />
lived in London I would<br />
treat myself to a day at<br />
the Sanctuary in Covent<br />
Garden every six months,<br />
but now I only really<br />
find the time when I am<br />
away. I have to give my<br />
back the chance to recover<br />
from being hunched over<br />
a sewing machine every<br />
day so I find a solitary spa<br />
day is a fantastic way to<br />
completely relax, recharge<br />
and centre my thoughts.<br />
Who’s your style icon?<br />
It would be really hard<br />
to pin it down to just<br />
one person, but my<br />
absolute favourite style<br />
era would have to be the<br />
50s. I love and admire<br />
the timeless beauty and<br />
elegance of Grace Kelly,<br />
but Doris Day’s style is<br />
so cute and quirky!<br />
English Folly was launched<br />
in 2000, originally as<br />
a wedding stationery<br />
business, but has since<br />
grown into a huge range of<br />
gifts, accessories, stationery<br />
and homeware. Using a<br />
variety of classic colours<br />
and prints Briony designs<br />
and creates bespoke and<br />
personalised items to<br />
order. Take a look at www.<br />
wealdenfairs.com/englishfolly<br />
or www.englishfolly.com<br />
Freeimages.com/ Martina Lukáčová<br />
Supreme Green...<br />
Spirulina. Yep, we’re talking<br />
about another odd green<br />
powder. Cyanobacteria, or<br />
blue-green algae to you and<br />
me, come in two species.<br />
Arthrospira is now cultivated<br />
worldwide and mostly used as<br />
a dietary <strong>supplement</strong> available<br />
in tablet, flake and powder<br />
form. Dried spirulina contains<br />
around 60% protein and is<br />
a complete protein, meaning<br />
it contains all essential amino<br />
acids, unlike other plant<br />
proteins such as those found in<br />
legumes. It’s a great source of<br />
iron, chlorophyll, and contains<br />
a full spectrum of antioxidants,<br />
vitamins and minerals. It has no<br />
cellulose wall, making it highly<br />
digestible, helping the body to<br />
fight off infection and keeping<br />
the gut in good condition.<br />
Despite this, however, there<br />
is some evidence that it can<br />
aggravate autoimmune diseases,<br />
so double check with your<br />
GP or a health expert before<br />
experimenting. If you do fancy<br />
giving it a go, try a teaspoon in<br />
a green smoothie, or include<br />
it in a homemade pesto.<br />
Manic Organic...<br />
Use Dr. Bronner’s Organic<br />
Hair Rinse. Do it now. It’s<br />
fab! This is no ordinary<br />
conditioner. In fact, it<br />
doesn’t work like a normal<br />
conditioner at all, but<br />
after using it a few times,<br />
and getting used to a new<br />
routine, hair is left feeling<br />
super smooth, nourished,<br />
and smelling scrummy. It’s<br />
packed with citrus extracts<br />
which help to rinse out<br />
any leftover soap, and the<br />
coconut, olive and hemp<br />
oil moisturise to the max,<br />
ensuring both hair and<br />
scalp are accounted for.<br />
Pop a small amount of<br />
product in a container and<br />
dilute with plenty of water.<br />
Gently pour this over<br />
washed hair, massage into<br />
the scalp, rinse, proceed to<br />
feeling citrusly fabulous.<br />
WT’s Helen loved it so<br />
much, she’s now using<br />
their Pure Castile Soap<br />
too! Added bonus – all Dr.<br />
Bronner’s products<br />
are certified<br />
organic, non GMO<br />
and never ever<br />
tested on animals!<br />
Get yours at www.<br />
drbronner.com<br />
83 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Save Our Soles!<br />
Our feet take the weight of our entire body, so it’s no<br />
surprise that poor foot health can lead to a whole host of<br />
other problems. There are, however, many easy ways to<br />
keep them healthy. We speak to a few specialists...<br />
Freeimages.com/Robert Beliczki<br />
The shoe fitting expert<br />
Clare Wigston has been fitting children’s<br />
shoes for over 15 years...<br />
At what stage of a child’s development should a parent consider the first pair<br />
of shoes? There are three main stages children go through while learning to walk<br />
and becoming confident on their feet: crawling, cruising and walking. Barefoot is<br />
considered best until a child takes the first steps on their own. However, this isn’t<br />
always practical, so some soft slippers may be necessary for a little extra protection.<br />
What are you looking out for when fitting a pair of shoes? When fitting children’s<br />
shoes, primarily we’re checking for adequate growing room. To do this we check the<br />
length and width for overall fit, as well as the depth, ensuring the top line of the<br />
shoe isn’t catching on the child’s ankle. We then check the closure of the shoe and<br />
make sure they don’t slip when they walk. This observation is very important.<br />
Are there any common problems that can be caused by badly fitting shoes?<br />
Ill fitting or bad quality shoes can cause a number of problems. Shoes that are<br />
too tight can cause serious deformity, while shoes that are loose and offer no<br />
support can cause the arch to drop. This consequently affects a person’s gait,<br />
causing pronation (feet turning inwards or outwards), leading to other muscular<br />
skeletal issues. Poor quality shoes are also made with synthetic fabrics that often<br />
don’t allow the feet to breathe, leading to fungal infection and smelly feet!<br />
Clare is the General Manager at The Golden Boot, Maidstone and specialises in<br />
fitting shoes for children of all ages. She’s also a member of the Society of Shoe Fitters.<br />
For more information speak to a member of staff in store or call 01622 752349.<br />
The Reflexologist<br />
Laurel Wickham is an expert<br />
Reflexologist based in Marden...<br />
What is reflexology? With its origins based in ancient civilizations, simply stated,<br />
reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage for health and wellbeing. It is based on<br />
the principle that there are reflex points on the feet (and hands) which correspond<br />
with each organ, gland, skeletal and muscular structure in the body.<br />
How does it work? Nobody is entirely sure how reflexology works, but it does<br />
free up the energy that flows through various zones of the body. Using finger and<br />
thumb pressure to stimulate the precise areas corresponding to the different parts<br />
of the body, it unblocks any tension and stagnant energies to restore health and<br />
harmony to all the body’s systems, and induces a state of absolute relaxation.<br />
Who can benefit from reflexology? Women, men, the elderly, teenagers, children and<br />
babies. Reflexology does not discriminate. Anyone of any age can derive the benefit.<br />
However, as in any therapy, there can be contradictions and a full medical history is<br />
always required. The benefits are endless. They include an improved immune system,<br />
better circulation, pain relief, stress relief, it can assist with post operative recovery,<br />
eliminate waste products from the body and encourages the body to heal.<br />
Laurel is a member of the Guild of Holistic Therapists as well as a qualified<br />
Aromatherapist and Reiki Master. To book a home visit call 07792 001230.<br />
The Chiropodist<br />
Afsaneh Smith works<br />
from her clinic in<br />
Lenham Heath...<br />
Why is it important to look after your<br />
feet? The condition of a person’s feet<br />
reflects their overall health. Many of my<br />
patients have long term problems associated<br />
with poor circulation or chronic fungal<br />
infections. In these cases good foot hygiene<br />
is essential. I explain that daily washing and<br />
drying of feet with the appropriate use of<br />
foot cream or fungicides can result in a big<br />
improvement. Younger patients often have<br />
verrucas or corns. In these cases a return to<br />
a pain free life is the objective of treatment.<br />
How often should you have your feet<br />
treated? Nowadays people pay more<br />
attention to their feet. Even if you have<br />
perfect feet you need to take care of them.<br />
For individuals with chronic problems they<br />
should see an expert every six weeks. For<br />
hard skin or corn removal a single visit to<br />
a specialist may be all that is required.<br />
Do your patients enjoy their treatments<br />
and what do you enjoy about your job? I<br />
hope so. When customers depart the clinic<br />
happy and pain free it’s a good feeling.<br />
Some patients don’t want to leave as they<br />
feel so comfortable! For customers treated<br />
at home I am often their only visitor all day<br />
so like to think that this is an important<br />
part of the care I can offer. I like to help<br />
and care for people and by doing this job<br />
I get a real satisfaction. Some of my clients<br />
ask me “How can you touch people’s feet?<br />
They are dirty and smelly!” But really I<br />
don’t see it like that - I think how can I<br />
relieve their pain, to make them better and<br />
comfortable. This is a big reward for me.<br />
Afsaneh works from her clinic, as well as<br />
visiting clients’ homes, if they’re unable<br />
to travel. To book an appointment call<br />
01622 853640 / 07506 376264.<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
84
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PrettyPermanentMake-UpS14.indd 1 23/11/<strong>2015</strong> 11:35<br />
85 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
TandridgeTrustS13.indd 1 27/10/<strong>2015</strong> 14:50
Noteworthy<br />
Nibbles
● Christmas hampers & gifts<br />
● Freshly baked bread<br />
● A large selection of cheese & charcuterie<br />
● Ready-made ‘cook’ meals<br />
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BucklandDeliS13.indd 1 22/10/<strong>2015</strong> 14:26<br />
The taste of Kent<br />
from your own local farm shop<br />
Nicci Gurr, a former student of the<br />
Roux Brothers and the co-founder<br />
of Cranbrook-based Home Gurrown,<br />
shares her expertise in making perfect<br />
Christmas canapés...<br />
photographs: David Merewether<br />
You’ll taste the difference when you purchase<br />
your produce from us.<br />
We’ve sourced fruit and veg from local<br />
suppliers so we can guarantee its’<br />
freshness – and that means great tasting food.<br />
Why not make<br />
a day of it?<br />
Visit Polhill Garden Centre<br />
for the best ideas for<br />
your garden<br />
And why not treat yourself to some of our<br />
specialist items: jams, pickles, chutney, cheese,<br />
milk, biscuits, honey, confectionary, ice cream,<br />
frozen foods and much more. Great for gifts –<br />
or treat yourself!<br />
We’ve got easy on-site parking so come and<br />
visit us soon.<br />
London Road,<br />
Badgers Mount,<br />
Sevenoaks,<br />
Kent TN14 7BD<br />
Tel: 01959 533089<br />
The Taste of Kent<br />
Winner of the Garden Centre Association<br />
Farm Shop of the Year Award 2010<br />
87 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
PolhillWT116.indd 1 16/09/2011 16:54
Spiced lamb palmier<br />
Makes: 20-25 Prep time: 45 mins<br />
Cooking time: 20-25 mins Chilling time: 1 hr<br />
You will need<br />
• 1 bunch of fresh rosemary<br />
• 1 tbsp olive oil<br />
• 2 shallots, finely sliced<br />
• 300g minced lamb (speak to your local butcher)<br />
• 1 garlic clove, peeled, crushed<br />
• 1 tbsp cumin<br />
• 2 tsp garam masala<br />
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper<br />
• 375g ready-rolled all-butter puff pastry<br />
1. Heat the oil in a small frying pan, then<br />
gently fry the shallots over a low heat,<br />
with the cumin, garam masala, and<br />
garlic clove for 5 minutes until soft and<br />
fragrant. Transfer to a bowl and cool.<br />
2. Add the lamb mince to the bowl, season<br />
and mix well. To test if the seasoning is<br />
right, fry a little of the mixture in a pan<br />
until cooked, then season to taste.<br />
3. Unroll the pastry sheet and spread evenly<br />
with the lamb mixture, leaving a 1cm border<br />
around each edge. Roll up each long side to<br />
halfway so they meet in the middle. Chill<br />
in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or wrap in<br />
cling film and freeze until ready to cook).<br />
4. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan180°C/gas 6.<br />
Cut the chilled roll into slices about 7mm<br />
thick, then arrange over 2 baking sheets,<br />
leaving a 5cm gap between each slice as<br />
they’ll spread a little as they cook. Bake for<br />
20-25 minutes until golden and puffed.<br />
5. Thread a rosemary sprig lengthwise<br />
through the palmier and serve.<br />
Home Gurrown offer original and unique<br />
menus using local, seasonal ingredients<br />
from Kent and East Sussex. Home Gurrown,<br />
0774 7816541, www.homegurrown.co.uk<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
88
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Open seven days a week, from 10:00am to 4:00pm. For details and to order online, visit the website.<br />
www.silentpooldistillers.com
Bread Making Courses<br />
Learn to make real, home-made bread on our small and friendly<br />
courses. We aim to give beginners and more experienced cooks<br />
the skills they need to tackle a range of recipes. Choose a course<br />
to suit your tastes and experience. The cost includes all of your<br />
ingredients, refreshments and a delicious, home-made lunch.<br />
Bespoke courses, talks and parties available on request.<br />
Our £60 courses make popular Christmas presents<br />
2016 Dates: Beginners 19 th March<br />
Mediterranean Breads 30 th Jan & 9 th July<br />
European & Sour Dough Feb 27 th & April 16 th<br />
A Taste of the Past<br />
Call Claire on 07999 871053 to check availability<br />
Full details at www.tasteofthepast.co.uk<br />
Contact: atasteofthepast@gmail.com<br />
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ATasteOfThePastS14.indd 1 23/11/<strong>2015</strong> <strong>Surrey</strong>HillsCookerySchoolS14.indd 12:48<br />
1 09/11/<strong>2015</strong> 11:13<br />
Find Your Style<br />
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90<br />
Find Your Style - tealight houses.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 12:15
Watercress, roasted beetroot and<br />
goat’s cheese roulade<br />
Makes: 25-30 Prep time: 1hr 30mins<br />
Chilling time: overnight<br />
You will need<br />
• 225g (9 oz) fresh watercress<br />
• 4 medium eggs, separated<br />
• 250g (9 oz) red beetroot<br />
• 200g (7 oz) soft rindless goat’s cheese<br />
(I particularly like The Traditional Cheese<br />
Dairy’s Stonegate Goat Log)<br />
• 100g (3.5 oz) of crème fraîche (Hinxden<br />
Dairy Crème Fraîche is excellent)<br />
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper<br />
1. Preheat oven to 190C<br />
2. Grease and line a 20 x 30 cm (8 x 12 inch)<br />
Swiss roll tin with non-stick baking parchment.<br />
3. Finely chop the watercress in a food processor<br />
then tip this into a large bowl, beat in the egg<br />
yolks and season with salt and pepper.<br />
4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with<br />
a pinch of salt until stiff but not dry, then fold<br />
them into the watercress mixture using a large<br />
metal spoon.<br />
5. Pour into the prepared tin and quickly level<br />
the mixture, spreading it out into the corners.<br />
6. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes until set and light<br />
golden brown.<br />
7. Meanwhile, peel the beetroot, roughly dice<br />
and roast with olive oil and salt and pepper.<br />
Cook for about 20 minutes until a knife will<br />
go through the beetroot easily. Cool, grate<br />
and set to one side.<br />
8. Beat the crème fraîche into the goat’s cheese<br />
and spread evenly over the cooled roulade,<br />
then spread the cooled beetroot mix.<br />
9. Roll up from the long side, using the<br />
greaseproof paper to help you, then carefully<br />
wrap in cling film and refrigerate overnight.<br />
10. When ready to serve, slice into rounds and<br />
push on to a cocktail stick.<br />
91 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
Earth<br />
Matters<br />
Jo Arnell reminds us of the importance of garden soil<br />
FreeImages.com/Mike Berg<br />
This isn’t a very festive topic, I know, but I’ve just<br />
discovered – in the nick of time, that <strong>2015</strong> is the<br />
International Year of Soil. Oh well, every year<br />
is a year of soil to gardeners, as we struggle to manage<br />
it, improve it and remove it from under our fingernails.<br />
It’s not only gardens that need soil, either – there’s a<br />
growing body of evidence that says that people need it too;<br />
connection with the soil is implicated in the prevention<br />
of allergies, asthma and some mental disorders.<br />
no clue about, as only 5 per cent of the bacteria in soil has been<br />
identified. There are huge implications for the health of our<br />
planet in the micro biome, and the more we’re discovering about<br />
this mysterious world, the more interesting it’s getting. Children<br />
playing outside and interacting with the soil are much less<br />
likely to develop allergies and other immune system disorders,<br />
and scientists have discovered that being near to the bacterium,<br />
Mycobacterium vaccae, could reduce depression, causing us<br />
to produce serotonin, the hormone that improves our mood.<br />
Soil creatures great and small<br />
We all know that earthworms are good for the soil,<br />
incorporating dead and decaying matter, aerating and<br />
generally improving things. Charles Darwin once wrote:<br />
“It may be doubted whether there are many other animals<br />
which have played so important a part in the history of the<br />
world, as have these lowly organised creatures.” Just as vital<br />
to soil, plant and our health, are billions of microscopic,<br />
soil organisms. Get this – just one spoonful of soil contains<br />
more microorganisms than there are people on earth.<br />
Know your soil<br />
Understanding your soil will give you an indication of what<br />
is going to thrive in your plot. There are several types of soil,<br />
derived from particles of the rocks from which they’re formed:<br />
sand, clay, silt, chalk and peat being the main ones. Then<br />
there’s the acidity level which, combined with soil type, will<br />
determine which plants will grow happily. You can buy soiltesting<br />
kits that show how acid or alkaline your soil is (most<br />
hovers around the neutral mark), but you can easily test soil<br />
with your hands, or a jam jar filled with soil and water.<br />
Micorrhizae and soil bacteria<br />
Gardeners have recently been introduced to the benefits<br />
of Micorrhizae – tiny fungi that form mutualistic<br />
associations with plant roots, helping plants to obtain<br />
nutrients that they can’t otherwise access. Sprinkling a<br />
powder containing the mycorrhizae on to plant roots<br />
when planting will help them to establish and grow.<br />
Bacteria are found in vast numbers in the rhizosphere – the<br />
area around the roots of plants – and their actions work in<br />
a similar way to the beneficial bacteria within the digestive<br />
systems of animals. One group, called Rhizobia, live in<br />
symbiosis with leguminous plants (peas, beans, lupins) in<br />
root nodules. These fix atmospheric Nitrogen and make<br />
it available to the plant in return for shelter and sugar.<br />
Some bacteria are pathogens to be avoided, but many, like<br />
the Rhizobia, are vital to plant health, and the rest we have<br />
Clay soil<br />
Clay is fertile and tends to be slightly alkaline, which many<br />
vegetables – especially brassicas – appreciate. The main problem<br />
is that it is hard to work, it’s claggy through the winter, slow<br />
to warm in spring, and is like concrete until the autumn. To<br />
improve clay soil, keep adding organic matter and grit. Clay<br />
and silty soils can be prone to forming ‘pans’ of compacted<br />
soil, leading to problems with drainage and poor penetration of<br />
roots. If your soil is compacted, you will need to dig down and<br />
break up the compacted areas and incorporate organic matter –<br />
whether this is compost, manure or spent mushroom compost.<br />
Sandy soil<br />
This is lovely and easy to work, fast to warm, so the season<br />
can start earlier. The problem with this type of soil, however,<br />
is that it is very free-draining, so water and the precious<br />
nutrients dissolved in it leach quickly out of the soil, leaving<br />
<br />
93 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
FOR ALL YOUR TREE<br />
SURGERY NEEDS<br />
Crown reduction, lifting<br />
and thinning<br />
Stump grinding<br />
Deadwooding of tree canopies<br />
Hedge trimming and reduction<br />
Supply, planting and aftercare of new trees<br />
& hedges<br />
Removal and responsible recycling of<br />
green waste<br />
Tree Protection Order (TPO) research,<br />
application for planning consents with local<br />
authorities and conservation area trees<br />
completed free of charge<br />
it parched and dry. Adding bulky organic matter will<br />
help sandy soil retain moisture and improve its fertility.<br />
Make some compost<br />
There are two main types of compostable material –<br />
nitrogen releasing, or ‘green’ waste (grass clippings, veg<br />
peelings etc) and carbon releasing, or ‘brown’ waste<br />
(shredded stems, paper and card). These need to be added<br />
to the compost heap in roughly equal measures and be<br />
well mixed. If too much ‘green’ stuff is added, the heap<br />
will become a stinky mush and if too much ‘brown’ stuff<br />
is added, it will take ages for the heap to rot down.<br />
The other vital ingredients are air and water. The heap needs<br />
to be moist, but not wet. You can speed up the rate<br />
of decomposition by adding activators like manure or<br />
shop-bought activators. Peeing on your heap is extra<br />
planet-saving, as it also saves on flushing – but watch<br />
out for brambles and wasps nests. Regular mixing or<br />
turning over of the heap will also help it rot down.<br />
Leaves can be incorporated into the existing compost<br />
heap or, for a superior product, make a separate heap<br />
– or use a perforated black plastic bag for leaves.<br />
Waller & Smith<br />
Landscape & Driveway<br />
AlpineS13.indd 1 28/10/<strong>2015</strong> 17:12<br />
Family Construction Est.<br />
Business<br />
1984<br />
Patios, Paths, Driveways,<br />
Hard Landscaping, Block Paving and Fencing<br />
Green manure<br />
Often clover, peas or other legumes that fix atmospheric<br />
nitrogen are sown in the ground where the crop is to grow<br />
and then dug in, so that the nitrogen is released as the plants<br />
decay. They have the additional advantage of preventing soil<br />
and nutrients being lost in winter – and keeping out weeds.<br />
I’ll contemplate the microbial population lurking under my<br />
nails with fresh interest and less shame in future, although I<br />
still lament the fact that nail varnish is a pointless addition<br />
to my Christmas list. If you’re now doing the same, take<br />
comfort in the benefits that come along with a healthy dose<br />
of dirt. Let’s get on with that mud bath. Happy gardening!<br />
Contact Jo for border designs, planting and garden<br />
advice: 01233 861149, jo@hornbrookmanor.co.uk<br />
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WallerAndSmithS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 16:46<br />
94
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The<br />
Green<br />
Goddess<br />
Penny Kemp<br />
shares her tips<br />
for taking<br />
care of the<br />
natural world...<br />
FreeImages.com/Safegear<br />
Some scientists are calling Paris the last chance to get<br />
agreement on a programme to tackle climate change.<br />
For twenty-one years, with varying degrees of success,<br />
countries have gathered together to try to find global agreement<br />
on how to reduce global emissions of greenhouse gases. At<br />
present, if we do nothing, climate scientists are telling us that<br />
we could see a temperature rise of around five degrees by 2100.<br />
That might seem a long way off but children born today could<br />
be enduring our refusal to take climate change seriously. A five<br />
degree rise would mean many parts of the planet would become<br />
inhospitable, even uninhabitable, sea levels would rise by<br />
metres, weather patterns would become more unpredictable and<br />
some scientists maintain it would mean the end of civilisation<br />
as we know it. It is truly shocking and very worrying.<br />
However, it seems our governments across the globe have<br />
‘woken up’ to the seriousness of the situation, and they are<br />
meeting at the end of the year in Paris to try and work out a<br />
deal to tackle climate change. Starting on 30th November 190<br />
nations will sit round the table determined to get emissions<br />
below 2.5 degrees. Some warming is inevitable but if the world<br />
can agree a deal around this figure, scientists believe we have a<br />
fighting chance.<br />
The good news is that many of the major players including<br />
China and the USA have agreed to significantly cut greenhouse<br />
gas emissions and the European Union has endorsed a binding<br />
40% reduction target by 2030. The biggest contention at the<br />
moment is how to help the poorer countries reach binding<br />
targets and that means investment from the richer nations.<br />
Poorer countries maintain that they haven’t caused climate<br />
change yet they will suffer most first and the richer countries<br />
must take some responsibility.<br />
Is there anything we can do? We could all try to be<br />
conscious of the energy we use, even the simple act of switching<br />
off the light when you leave the room helps. Buying local<br />
produce helps, using public transport when you can and<br />
informing yourself about climate change. The United Nations<br />
Environment Programme website is a good start.<br />
www.unep.org/climatechange/Introduction.aspx<br />
If these governments can find and agree equitable solutions<br />
in Paris, and I believe those taking part understand the huge<br />
importance of getting this right, our children and grandchildren<br />
can look forward to a life less burdened by climate change.<br />
Subscribe and NEVER<br />
miss out...<br />
If you would like to contribute to future issues of<br />
Total Grooming Magazine please contact :<br />
Sue Corfield<br />
editor@totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk<br />
If you would like to subscribe to the magazine or<br />
have an interest in advertising then please contact :<br />
Mike Smith<br />
mike@cimltd.co.uk<br />
01795 509110<br />
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk<br />
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk<br />
Love is...<br />
WILDWASH<br />
WildWash Natural Skin<br />
and Coat Care For Pets<br />
To see Pepper’s fi rst bath visit:<br />
www.youtube.com/WildWashCo<br />
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JUNE <strong>2015</strong><br />
APRIL <strong>2015</strong><br />
CELEBRATING<br />
20 YEARS<br />
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk<br />
www.totalgroomingmagazine.co.uk<br />
MAY <strong>2015</strong><br />
March <strong>2015</strong><br />
97 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
walk this way<br />
Join one of our free and<br />
friendly short walks in<br />
Mole Valley today!<br />
Discover the many benefits of walking from<br />
reducing stress, to losing weight, to sharing laughs.<br />
Walking for Health has something for everyone.<br />
T: 01306 885 001 E: estelle.holmes@molevalley.gov.uk<br />
w: www.molevalley.gov.uk/walkforhealth
What’s On In <strong>December</strong><br />
Children & Family<br />
Tues 1 Dec - Fri 29 Jan 10am-4.30pm<br />
RHS Garden Wisley, Woking,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> GU23 6QB<br />
Winter Walk<br />
Explore this newly created winter<br />
walk full of winter scents, colours<br />
and textures. With architectural<br />
outlines softened by modern mass<br />
plantings and new views to enjoy.<br />
Entry: Free with normal<br />
garden admission.<br />
Info: 08452609000 / www.<br />
rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley<br />
Tues 1 - Thurs 31 Dec<br />
Museum of Farnham, 38 West<br />
Street, Farnham, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU9 7DX<br />
cycling activity trail<br />
Ready, steady, on your bike! A<br />
new self-guided activity challenge<br />
along the family cycle trail.<br />
Info: 01252 715094 / www.<br />
farnhammaltings.com/museum<br />
Wed 2 & Thurs 3 Dec 5-8pm<br />
Painshill Landscape Garden,<br />
Portsmouth Road, Cobham,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> KT11 1JE<br />
Crystal Grotto<br />
Festive Walk<br />
Enjoy a magical moonlit walk in<br />
the 18th century landscape garden.<br />
Follow the special festive route<br />
past follies and trees lit up with<br />
colourful lights to the amazing<br />
sparkling crystal Grotto. Advanced<br />
booking required. Adults only<br />
Info: 01372 464348 /<br />
www.painshill.co.uk<br />
Fri 4 Dec - Wed 23 Dec<br />
Polesden Lacey House, Great<br />
Bookham, near Dorking,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> RH5 6BD<br />
1930s Christmas<br />
house party<br />
Experience the sounds, tastes<br />
and aromas of glamorous parties<br />
in the 1930s. Sip mulled wine<br />
before taking in the fabulous<br />
festive sparkle in the house.<br />
Entry: £4 Adults, £2 children<br />
and £10 families<br />
Info: 01372 452048<br />
Fri 4 Dec - Sun 3 Jan<br />
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Millbrook<br />
Guildford <strong>Surrey</strong> GU1 3UX<br />
Jack and the Beanstalk<br />
Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre are<br />
full of beans to announce that Olivier<br />
Award-nominated actress, singer and<br />
comedienne Dillie Keane will star as<br />
the Fairy in this year’s magical family<br />
pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.<br />
Book your tickets now for some feefi-fo-FUN<br />
this Christmas: it would<br />
be a GIANT mistake to miss out.<br />
Info: 01483 44 00 00 / www.<br />
yvonne-arnaud.co.uk<br />
Sat 5, Sun 6, Sat 12, Sun 13, Sat<br />
19 - Tue 22 Dec 10am-5pm<br />
Ham House and Garden, Ham<br />
Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-<br />
Thames, <strong>Surrey</strong> TW10 7RS<br />
Visit Father Christmas<br />
Follow our Christmas trail in the<br />
gardens to visit Father Christmas<br />
in his grotto where every child will<br />
receive a Christmas gift. Booking<br />
not needed. Children welcome.<br />
Assistance Dogs only are welcome.<br />
Info: 020 8940 1950 / www.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/events<br />
Sun 6 Dec 1-3pm<br />
Gatton Park, Reigate,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> RH2 0TW<br />
Santa’s Grotto<br />
Enjoy a golf buggy ride to the<br />
start of a trail of clues leading<br />
to Santa’s Grotto, then return to<br />
Gatton Hall to make a Christmas<br />
decoration. Tea and cake available<br />
to purchase. Prebooking essential.<br />
Entry: £5 per child<br />
Info & Booking: 01737 649066<br />
/ www.gattonpark.com<br />
Weekends in Dec 9am-5pm<br />
RHS Garden Wisley Woking<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> GU23 6QB<br />
Decorating gingerbread<br />
& storytelling with santa<br />
Come and make festive gingerbread<br />
and enjoy storytelling with Santa. 3+<br />
years, accompanied by a responsible<br />
adult. Booking essential.<br />
Info: 08452 609000 / www.<br />
rhs.org.uk/wisley<br />
Thurs 10 Dec<br />
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue,<br />
Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6YZ<br />
The Chimes & A<br />
Christmas Carol<br />
These classic tales of man’s search<br />
for redemption are beautifully<br />
told in this festive double bill.<br />
Info: 01293 553636 / www.hawth.co.uk<br />
Thurs 10 Dec - Sun 3 Jan 2016<br />
Princes Hall, Aldershot Princes<br />
Way, Aldershot GU11 1NX<br />
Cinderella<br />
Experience the magic and excitement<br />
of another Aldershot professional<br />
pantomime. This enchanting story tells<br />
the rags-to-riches tale of a beautiful<br />
young girl who is confined to the<br />
kitchen, and is picked on by her Ugly<br />
Sisters and Wicked Stepmother.<br />
Info: 01252 329155 /<br />
princeshallboxoffice@rushmoor.gov.uk<br />
Thurs 10 Dec<br />
Petworth House, Church Street,<br />
Petworth, West Sussex GU28 0AE<br />
A Festive Feast<br />
Join Miranda Gore Browne, finalist<br />
from the ‘Great British Bake<br />
Off’ in the Historic Kitchens for<br />
a wonderful Christmas baking<br />
demonstration with festive treats for<br />
you to taste and recreate at home.<br />
Info: 01798 342207 / www.<br />
nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth-house<br />
Sat & Sun throughout<br />
Dec 10.30am-4.30pm<br />
Ham House and Garden, Ham<br />
Street, Ham, Richmond-upon-<br />
Thames, <strong>Surrey</strong> TW10 7RS<br />
Family art activities<br />
Create an art piece inspired by<br />
your visit to Ham - free family<br />
art activities in the below-stairs<br />
rooms. Booking not needed.<br />
Info: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/events<br />
Tues 22 Dec 10-11.30am<br />
The Living Planet Centre, Brewery<br />
Road, Woking GU21 4LL<br />
Arctic christmas craft<br />
Find out how polar bears are so<br />
perfectly adapted to where they live<br />
in the chilly Arctic. Make your own<br />
polar bear and snowy Arctic habitat<br />
to hang from your tree. Suitable<br />
for children aged 4 and over.<br />
Entry: Suggested donation £3<br />
Info: 01483 426444 /<br />
livingplanetcentre@wwf.org.uk<br />
Fairs & exhibitions<br />
Tues 1 - Thurs 24 Dec<br />
Grounds All Saints Parish Church,<br />
Clarence Street, Kingston Upon<br />
Thames, <strong>Surrey</strong> KT1 1JS<br />
Royal Kingston<br />
Christmas Fair<br />
You will be spoilt for choice by<br />
the exhibitors, offering everything<br />
from jewellery, skin care, massages<br />
and unique gifts all displayed in<br />
a large marquee on the green.<br />
Tues 1 Dec - Sat 9 Jan<br />
New Ashgate Gallery, Waggon<br />
Yard, Farnham, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU9 7PS<br />
Contemporary Textiles<br />
Included in this showcase are quirky<br />
textile sculptures by Jule Mallett<br />
and Corinne Young. Jule’s take on<br />
animating owls is humorous and<br />
complemented by Corinne’s’ faux<br />
taxidermy of deer and hares. The work<br />
is bold and intricate, from scarves and<br />
ties to detailed maps. There will be<br />
something to suit all tastes, perfect<br />
for gifts or a treat for yourself.<br />
Info: 01252 713208 / www.<br />
newashgate.org.uk<br />
Sat 5 Dec 10am–2.30pm<br />
St Thomas-on-The Bourne Church<br />
(opposite The Bourne Club)<br />
Frensham Road, Farnham GU9 8HA<br />
Christmas Market<br />
The Christmas Market at St. Thomason-The<br />
Bourne returns for another<br />
fantastic year with unique and exciting<br />
stalls: Christmas gifts, bric a brac,<br />
woodland santas, cakes, garden gifts,<br />
homemade preserves, books, tombola,<br />
raffle, silent auction and more.<br />
Entry: donation £3, children free<br />
Info: 01252 729446 / www.pth.<br />
org.uk/events/christmas-market<br />
Sat 12 Dec 10am-5pm<br />
Church Rooms, Send Road,<br />
Send, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU23 7EU<br />
Christmas Tree Festival<br />
An exciting and original display of<br />
Christmas trees presented by local<br />
groups, organisations and families. As<br />
well as trees to admire, there will be<br />
a Christmas tree themed sales table, a<br />
raffle and light refreshments available<br />
all day. During the day there will be<br />
musical entertainment, and at 4pm the<br />
lights on the community tree will be lit<br />
and we will have some carol singing.<br />
Entry: Free<br />
Info: 01483768420 /<br />
sendparishchurch.co.uk<br />
Music & Dancing<br />
Fri 4 Dec 7.30pm<br />
Dorking Halls, Reigate Road,<br />
Dorking, <strong>Surrey</strong>, RH4 1SJ<br />
Let’s Hang On<br />
The Music of Frankie Valli<br />
& The Four Seasons<br />
A musical journey through the career<br />
99 www.wealdentimes.co.uk
What’s On In <strong>December</strong><br />
of one of the most successful bands of<br />
all time. From the early 50s, the show<br />
takes you through hits such as Grease,<br />
Bye Bye Baby, Sherry and Can’t Take<br />
My Eyes Off You, and many more,<br />
with a spectacular finale, of course.<br />
Entry: £24.50 Groups 10+ £22.20<br />
Info & Booking: 01306 881717<br />
/ boxoffice@molevalley.gov.uk<br />
Sat 5 Dec 7.30pm<br />
St Andrew’s Church, Downside<br />
Bridge Road, Cobham,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> KT11 3EJ<br />
Gloria<br />
Featuring Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ Christmas<br />
Music and Carols Soloists - Jane<br />
Searle & Sarah Ince & The Ravens<br />
Ensemble. Retiring collection<br />
in aid of <strong>Surrey</strong> Air Ambulance.<br />
Interval refreshments available.<br />
Entry: £12 (under 18s £6)<br />
Info: 01483 280756 / www.<br />
horsleychoralsociety.com<br />
Wed 9 - Fri 11 Dec<br />
The Electric Theatre, Onslow Street,<br />
Guildford, <strong>Surrey</strong> GU1 4SZ<br />
Mozart’s Così fan Tutte<br />
Così follows two young officers<br />
(Matthew Palmer and James Savage-<br />
Hanford) who are manipulated into<br />
attempting to prove their love and<br />
fidelity to their betrothed (Aoife<br />
O’Connell and Claire Filer) by the<br />
wry puppet-master Don Alfonso<br />
(Gheorghe Palcu) and the girls’<br />
maid Despina (Clare Treacey) – with<br />
darkly hilarious consequences.<br />
Info: 01483 444789 / www.<br />
guildford.gov.uk/electrictheatre<br />
Join us for our Winter Concert.<br />
Downland Chorale is an enthusiastic<br />
local choir, who perform three<br />
concerts a year at St John’s. Join us<br />
for a winter’s evening of relaxing and<br />
atmospheric choral music, including<br />
traditional carols celebrating the festive<br />
season. The programme will also<br />
include music from Bach’s Christmas<br />
Oratorio and from Handel’s Messiah.<br />
Entry: Adults £10 Children<br />
£5 Family £25<br />
Info: www.downlandchorale.org.uk<br />
Sun 20 Dec<br />
Colour House Theatre, Watermill<br />
Way, London, SW19 2RD<br />
Music among friends<br />
Sunday Evening Music Among<br />
Friends, now in its nineteenth year, is<br />
a monthly series of informal chamber<br />
concerts in which both seasoned<br />
professionals and gifted young players<br />
perform the music they love for<br />
your and their own enjoyment.<br />
Info: 020 8542 5511 / www.<br />
colourhousetheatre.co.uk/rebrand<br />
Wed throughout Dec 7.30pm<br />
Faygate Village Hall Park<br />
Road, Faygate, Horsham,<br />
West Sussex RH12 4SG<br />
Beginners Ballroom<br />
and Latin Dance Class<br />
Learn to dance Waltz, Quickstep,<br />
Rumba, Cha Cha and other<br />
Ballroom and latin dances<br />
Entry: £6<br />
Info: 01293 851927 / www.<br />
faygatevillagehall.webeden.co.uk<br />
Denbies Wine & Gift Shop<br />
Wide range of gifts for all the family<br />
Late Night Shopping until 8pm every Thursday<br />
The Gallery Restaurant<br />
A la carte & fixed price menus<br />
Open daily for lunch and every Thursday,<br />
Friday & Saturday evenings<br />
Please visit the website for Jazz Night<br />
information throughout <strong>December</strong><br />
Santa’s Cellar Grotto and<br />
Vineyard Train Ride<br />
Every weekend from 28th November<br />
& selected dates<br />
Visit website for details<br />
Christmas Winter Fair<br />
Tuesday 1st <strong>December</strong>, 5.30 – 8.30pm<br />
Monday 14th <strong>December</strong>, 5.30 – 8.30pm<br />
Great Festive range of stalls perfect<br />
for gift ideas<br />
Santa will be arriving in his horse drawn<br />
carriage with rides throughout the evening<br />
Wide range of entertainment<br />
Free Mulled Wine & mince Pies<br />
Santa’s Charity Fun Run<br />
Sunday 13th <strong>December</strong><br />
Perfect fun run for adults & children<br />
Visit www.eventstolive.co.uk<br />
for full details & entry<br />
Children’s Christmas Disco<br />
Saturday 19th <strong>December</strong> 11am & 2pm<br />
Enjoy a Christmas bop with our favourite<br />
DJ ‘Boogie nights’<br />
Fancy dress welcome<br />
£7.25 per child<br />
Denbies Wine Estate London Road Dorking <strong>Surrey</strong> RH5 6AA<br />
T. 01306 876616 / email events@denbiesvineyard.co.uk / On-line reservations www.denbies.co.uk<br />
DenbiesWineEstateS14.indd 1 20/11/<strong>2015</strong> 13:31<br />
Fri 11 Dec 7.15pm<br />
Carshalton Methodist Church,<br />
Ruskin Road, Carshalton,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong> SM5 3DE<br />
A Christmas Ceilidh<br />
Join the Knock-kneed Bumblebee<br />
Band with caller for this livemusic<br />
event, part of Carshalton<br />
Village Ceilidhs all-year round<br />
programme. Music and dancing held<br />
among our lit Christmas trees.<br />
Entry: £10<br />
Info: 07866 969147 / www.<br />
carshalton-methodist.org.uk<br />
Sat 12 Dec 7.30pm<br />
St John’s Church, Canon’s Hill,<br />
Old Coulsdon, <strong>Surrey</strong> CR5 IHA<br />
Winter Concert<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 Wealden Times for only £15! Please<br />
supply up to 50 words that should<br />
include date, time, venue, and any<br />
entry price to whatson@wealdentimes.<br />
co.uk or send with payment (cheques<br />
payable to JPS Media) to What’s On,<br />
Wealden Times, Kettle Chambers, 21<br />
Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17<br />
3HF. Wealden Times reserves the<br />
right to edit text to fit space allocated.<br />
If you would like your event listing<br />
to be accompanied by a full colour<br />
reproduction (42.5 x 62.5mm) of a<br />
poster or other pictorial image, the<br />
total charge will be £95. Deadline for<br />
<strong>December</strong> issue is 9 November <strong>2015</strong>.<br />
christmas at the maltings<br />
Ballet Cymru: Cinderella<br />
Thu 03 <strong>December</strong>, 7pm · £17 (£15 conc., £10 under 15s);<br />
3 course maltings menu & ticket £37 (£35 conc.)<br />
Christmas Fair<br />
Tue 08 & Wed 09 <strong>December</strong>, 12pm - 9pm (Each day) · £1<br />
(members & under 15s free)<br />
theatre maltings: It’s a Wonderful Life<br />
Thu 10 - Sat 12 <strong>December</strong>, 7pm (2pm Sat Matinée· £12 (£10<br />
conc., £40 family); pre-show dining & ticket £20 (£18 conc.).<br />
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, by Blunderbus<br />
Theatre<br />
Sat 19 & Sun 20 <strong>December</strong>, 11am & 2.30pm · £7<br />
farnhammaltings<br />
@farnhammaltings<br />
01252 745444<br />
farnhammaltings.com<br />
101 www.wealdentimes.co.uk<br />
FarnhamMaltingsS14.indd 1 19/11/<strong>2015</strong> 16:12
Home & <strong>Interiors</strong><br />
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TerryGoddardBricklayingS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> ValleyFencingS14.indd 12:42<br />
1 20/11/<strong>2015</strong> 14:45<br />
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KnightsDrycleanersS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 15:34<br />
Photography<br />
APinteriorDesignWT166.indd 1 12/11/<strong>2015</strong> 14:55<br />
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EmergingColourS14.indd 1 25/11/<strong>2015</strong> 14:55<br />
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GinettesPetServiceS14.indd 1 24/11/<strong>2015</strong> BeverleySpringhamWT166.indd 10:12<br />
1 09/11/<strong>2015</strong> 12:14
competition<br />
WIN A SELECTION OF<br />
GORGEOUS, ON-TREND COPPER<br />
HOMEWARE FROM STEAMER<br />
TRADING COOKSHOP<br />
Fables<br />
From<br />
The Farm<br />
Jane gets festive,<br />
collecting sloes and<br />
hunting for a yule log<br />
Steamer Trading Cookshop is a family-owned and family-run<br />
business based in Lewes, East Sussex, selling an outstanding range<br />
of top quality cookware, kitchen gadgets and tableware from<br />
world-leading homeware brands. The company prides itself on<br />
outstanding customer care, thanks to its friendly and expertly trained<br />
staff who are always on hand to offer a demonstration or answer<br />
questions. Steamer Trading has stores nationwide, with many in the<br />
counties of Sussex, Kent and <strong>Surrey</strong>. As well as offering online sales at<br />
www.steamer.co.uk the company also offers a click & collect service<br />
for extra customer convenience.<br />
Steamer Trading have a rainbow of stunning, top quality kitchen<br />
electrical items from coffee machines, juicers, blenders, food mixers<br />
and processors, toasters, kettles, sous vide machines, hand blenders<br />
and so much more.<br />
In addition to well-known brands, Steamer Trading also prides<br />
itself on finding those ‘extra special’ items from new and upcoming<br />
companies. This Christmas the trend is very much the gorgeous<br />
lustre of copper – in many different guises. To celebrate this we<br />
are offering one lucky winner the chance to win all of the glorious<br />
copper items in this picture, plus a few additional surprises.<br />
The prize includes: four copper mugs; four copper shot glasses (two<br />
sets of two); bamboo bowls with copper coating, large (shown) and<br />
small (not shown), a slate with copper serving bowl, copper water<br />
jug, storage jar (shown) and two storage jars (not shown).<br />
For your chance to win this<br />
hand-picked selection of copperware,<br />
just answer this question: ‘Where is<br />
Steamer Trading based?’ Enter your<br />
answer with your contact details* in<br />
the online form at www.wealdentimes.<br />
co.uk/competition or post to: The<br />
Steamer Trading Competition,<br />
Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street,<br />
Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 14<br />
<strong>December</strong> <strong>2015</strong>. There is no cash<br />
alternative and the prize must be taken before 31 March 2017. *All entrants’<br />
details will be passed on to Steamer Trading and Wealden Times Events. Please<br />
let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on.<br />
The cows are now all in the sheds and, at this<br />
time of year – before all the muck builds up and<br />
they have generally wrecked all the gates and<br />
partitions – it’s still rather a novelty. There’s nothing<br />
better on a cold wet winter’s evening than sitting by a<br />
log fire imagining them all tucked up in deep beds of<br />
straw happily munching away on lovely summer hay.<br />
When it comes to logs, there’s special work to be done<br />
in the next week or so. My children call me an old hippy<br />
and there is much mirth every year as I badger the whole<br />
family to come with me into the woods to choose our<br />
special yule log.<br />
The ancient Druids spent most of their lives outdoors<br />
and, not surprisingly, they worshipped the sun which was<br />
seen as a wheel that changed the seasons. It was from the<br />
word for a wheel – houl – that the word yule is thought<br />
to have come. They believed the sun stood still for twelve<br />
days after the winter solstice on <strong>December</strong> 21 so, during<br />
this time a log was lit to conquer the darkness, banish evil<br />
spirits and bring luck for the coming year. Hence the yule<br />
log – or actually, yule tree.<br />
As we live in Sussex our log will be oak, but the Scots<br />
use birch and the French cherry, which gets soaked in wine<br />
before being burnt to give off a pleasant aroma – how<br />
very French! So we will, as a family, traipse around the<br />
wood, everyone humouring Mum, to choose our windfall<br />
log. This is also when the 2014 vintage sloe gin gets<br />
ceremoniously opened for its first tasting. Although I say<br />
so myself, it’s usually pretty good. But next year’s might<br />
prove to be the best ever. This autumn I have never seen<br />
such huge sloes, and such an abundance, which is very<br />
fortunate because my friend Jilly gave me a huge 2-litre<br />
preserving jar with a little spigot at the bottom for my<br />
birthday in October – so I felt obliged to fill it.<br />
Then we have to think about decorating the house. At<br />
the beginning of <strong>December</strong>, many of the holly trees in<br />
the woods are laden with bright red berries, just like a<br />
Christmas card, but as we creep nearer to the big day the<br />
blackbirds have a field day and strip them bare. So this year<br />
I shall be taking a handy tip from Monty Don and picking<br />
my holly early in the month and storing it in a bucket of<br />
water in a cold shed.<br />
Then it can be brought <strong>inside</strong> with the ivy to create<br />
general Christmas loveliness and hide all the cobwebs.<br />
Incidentally, the pagans (yes, the yule-log lot) considered<br />
holly to be male and ivy to be female. Whichever was<br />
brought <strong>inside</strong> first would determine who would rule the<br />
home for the following year. Guess which is coming in first<br />
at Coopers Farm!?<br />
Follow Jane on Twitter @coopers_farm<br />
Congratulations to Vicky Ashley, who wins the November competition for<br />
a one-day cookery experience for two at Rosemary Shrager’s award-winning<br />
cookery school.<br />
www.wealdentimes.co.uk
The all-new A4 Saloon<br />
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Starting from £25,900<br />
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01737 365365<br />
@DriftBridge<br />
/DriftBridgeGroup<br />
www.driftbridge.co.uk
Chestnut<br />
Chestnut View<br />
View<br />
C A R E H O M E<br />
Welcoming<br />
Welcoming you<br />
you to<br />
to a caring<br />
caring future<br />
future<br />
Chestnut<br />
Chestnut View<br />
View is<br />
is a well<br />
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home in<br />
in the<br />
the heart<br />
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Haslemere, <strong>Surrey</strong>,<br />
<strong>Surrey</strong>, providing<br />
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Nursing Dementia<br />
Dementia Care.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
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Free Wi-Fi<br />
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Come<br />
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and talk<br />
talk to<br />
to us<br />
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if someone<br />
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love requires<br />
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questions you<br />
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may have.<br />
have.<br />
Chestnut View Care Home, Lion Green, Haslemere, GU27 1LD<br />
Chestnut View Care Home, Lion Green, Haslemere, GU27 1LD<br />
Tel: 01428 652622 Email: enquiries@stcloudcare.co.uk Web: www.stcloudcare.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01428 652622 Email: enquiries@stcloudcare.co.uk Web: www.stcloudcare.co.uk
76/78 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1YB<br />
Tel. 01892 534018 | Fax. 01892 510536<br />
Email. info@gcollinsandsons.com | www.gcollinsandsons.com<br />
‘When two halves meet’<br />
Designed by Josh Collins<br />
The ‘Zoë’ ring