April Issue AC163 by Aspect County Magazine

AC163 - Cover_Aspect County 16/03/2012 12:02 Page 10

ASPECT COUNTY Mid-Spring Issue - 2012

Quality Spanning Four Decades

Front Cover: Midsummer Dreaming by Jessica Zoob

PROPERTY ■ GOLF ■ FASHION ■ HOMES ■ GARDENS ■ CARS ■ HISTORY

AC161 - Shire Battle_Aspect County 24/01/2012 17:04 Page 10

END OF SEASON SALE NOW ON

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AC163 - Contents_AC105 - 3.qxd 27/03/2012 10:05 Page 3

INSIDE

THE PREMIER

ASPECT COUNTY: ESTABLISHED 1989 LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE SOUTH EAST

WELCOME as we rush headlong into Spring, sunshine and daffodils. Our cover looks forward towards Summer and Midsummer Dreaming days ahead. We are optimistic about the rest of the year with the economy moving up a gear, storm clouds thinning over Europe and a positive budget.

PROPERTY, PAGE 4

Breaking News-Donate to the Aspect Party to the tune of £250,000 and enjoy a private meal with The Publisher. Cash only in brown envelopes please. As always we present you with conservative yet liberal issue positively packed with all of our regular features plus the Golf Special. Our labour of Love to you.

GOLF, PAGE 40

Cindy-Lou Dale Editor

FRONT COVER The work of Jessica Zoob in all its glory. Read more about Jessica on page 28.

PROPERTY

The most popular property pages in the south east features some stunning homes from the counties this Spring

P28

ANTIQUES, ART, AUCTIONS

Artists Noel Paine and Jessica Zoob showcased this month.

P35

LEISURE & TRAVEL

Go Dutch this month with Cindy-Lou. More crucial advice from Global Travel.

P40

GOLF

Pages of news from the clubs, advice on your game and much more.

P48

WORKING WEALDEN

The story behind Sussex Bricks, a real tale of tradition in the Weald.

P50 WHATS ON Choice events to diary in for April.

P51

FOOD & DRINK

Some of the best places to eat featured here, plus recipes and food news.

P57

HEALTH & BEAUTY

More advice, kids healthy eating, wash day advice and more.

P61

FASHION

Featuring Barbour and some exclusive fashion dresses.

ANTIQUES, ART, AUCTIONS PAGE 28

WORKING WEALDEN PAGE 48

P66

HOMES & INTERIORS

Pages of ideas to spruce up your home This Spring.

P86 GARDENS Where we feature award winning landscapers Millbrook with some attractive gardenwork.

P94

MOTORING

Some stunning vehicles this month with Jaguar news, DS5 from Citroen, Morgan and Aston Martin. ASPECT COUNTY is published in Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. Annual subscription £30, inc Postage & Packaging Editor: Cindy-Lou Dale Health & Beauty Editor: Elizabeth Dadson Editorial: Roger Paine, Elizabeth Wright Distribution Manager: Maggie Brookes Account Manager: Jason Hutton Events Manager: Julian Oxley Photography: South Coast Studios Production Manager: Grant Peters Accounts: Angela Scannell IT Manager: Ian Isted Account Executives: Jamie McGuigan, Max Hutton Telephone: 01424 777444. Fax: 01424 772224. Web: www.aspect-county.co.uk Email: mail@aspect-county.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION ASPECT MAGAZINE WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISEMENTS

AC163 - 4_Aspect County 07/03/2012 16:24 Page 10

WOODLAND WALK INCLUDED “A large yet intimate house” Burwash weald, Etchingham, East Sussex - Price on application

Laurelhurst is a magnificent detached Victorian 6/7 bedroom house within wonderful gardens and grounds of approximately 4 acres enjoying far reaching views over the Dudwell Valley. Throughout the house there are many period features: high ceilings with ornate cornicing and ceiling décor, deep skirting boards, sash windows and fireplaces in many of the rooms, oak flooring and oak staircases. The front door with windows to each side leads into the entrance vestibule which is still laid with its original Victorian tiles. A large cloak/boot room is located to one side with ample space for coats, boots and sporting equipment. A part glazed panelled door leads into the Reception Hall. This impressive room has high ceilings with exposed beam detail, an open fire place with a slate hearth and decorative oak surround. This large hall can be both pleasantly cool on a hot summer day, and cosy and warm in the winter. It is also an ideal space for large dinner parties. The dark oak flooring flows through into the Billiard Room. From the two windows and French doors the room enjoys views across the side terrace and gardens. Another door from the Entrance Hall leads into the light and spacious Drawing Room, with bay windows to one side incorporating French 4 ASPECT COUNTY

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doors leads to the side terrace. A further set of French doors leads to the rear terrace and boasts stunning views of the park-like gardens and glimpses of the countryside beyond. Double doors lead on to the Dining Room/Library; this warm and inviting room has tall fitted book cases and cupboards to three walls. The cellar space is excellent and comprises of a general area and three separate wine cellars. The light and airy Kitchen and adjoining Breakfast Room has north and south facing windows and provides a generous eating and gathering space for the family. Currently configured into two distinct areas, the Breakfast Room has a feature fireplace with built-in cupboards either side, and wooden flooring. The Utility facilities are reached from the breakfast room. This array ofrooms comprises of a walk-in cold store and a utility/boot room with aworktop and sink; with connections for a washing machine, tumbledryer, and a second dishwasher. From here a door leads to an enclosed courtyard with a potting area, a small greenhouse, tool shed, log stores and a gardener’sWC. The Master Bedroom has far reaching countryside views from both south and east facing windows. There are spacious built-in wardrobes and an arrangement of built-in

drawers. The Master Bathroom is of unusually generous proportions, very light and bright. On the second floor, there are two spacious bedrooms, both with fitted cupboards and original Victorian fireplaces. A further room is currently used as a Family Room, but could easily be reinstated as two individual bedrooms. The Family Room has ample built-in storage space and windows looking out towards the front gardens. The final staircase leads to a long walk-in attic room offering excellent storage capacity and houses the water tanks. The setting is stunning. The house is approached by a five bar gate and shingle driveway leading to a turning circle at the front of the house. The impressive gardens are subtly divided into different areas; pockets to enjoy. The house is surrounded by fabulous trees and generous expanses of lawns The large, heated swimming pool has colourful mosaic tiles creating another lovely place to relax. Laurelhurst has that rare quality of being a large yet intimate house; an ideal family home.

The Estate Office, Durgates Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6DE T: 01892 782424 E: wadhurst@chestertonhumberts.com www.chestertonhumberts.com

AC163 - 5_Aspect County 27/03/2012 17:10 Page 1

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AC163 - 6_Aspect County 07/03/2012 12:08 Page 10

IN THE DOCK “beautifully appointed with an Aga” The Old Court House - Rent £2750 per calendar month

This is an exceptional Grade II Listed period house with a classic period façade. The house boastsa wealth of period features including a fine porch with Doric columns dating from the 18th Century. The interior is light, bright and very well presented throughout, boasting dentil cornicing, dado rails, someexposed timbers and an inglenook fireplace. Downstairs there is the Entrance Hall, the Drawing Room with an inglenook fireplace, Dining Room and Sitting Room. The Kitchen/Breakfast Room is beautifully appointed with an Aga with doors onto the terrace. There is also a Cloakroom; Laundry Room and a Cellar with a strong room. Upstairs 6 ASPECT COUNTY

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the Master Bedroom enjoys a dressing room and en-suite shower Room. There are five further bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Old Court House is approached through a wrought iron entrance gate and steps to a small paved front garden with brick wall, fence and hedging and magnolia tree and roses climb over the front of the house. You will love the delightful wall enclosed rear garden. A brick terrace sits adjacent to the house with a paved courtyard with a circular fish pond. A loggia and brick terrace leads up to the main area of lawn with established flower borders. There is a separate garden office and other features outside.

Separate from the house above the double garage is the annexe. This has bed/sitting room; kitchen and bathroom with separate gas central heating system. The double garage has an electronic door and a utility room. Jackson-Stops & Staff 37 Stone Street Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3HF Cranbrook Office 01580 720400 Lettings.cranbrook@jackson-stops.co.uk www.jackson-stops.co.uk The Old Court House

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AC163 - 8 - 9_Aspect County 06/03/2012 16:22 Page 10

FIT FOR A QUEEN “Underground passage to Battle Abbey” Catsfield Place, Near Battle - £1,750,000

This stunning 16th Century family home is set in a private location with elevated countryside views and extensive ancillary accommodation. There are seven bedrooms, six principal reception rooms, an outstanding leisure complex, office suite, two annexes, multiple garaging and 3 acres (STMS) of grounds including two tennis courts. It was almost seven years ago now that the current owners stepped through the front door of the house that is believed to date back to the 17th century.“When I walked in I had this real sense of it being a family home. We are a large family – we have five children – and I knew straight away that this house would accommodate us well,” she said. Since then, the seven-bedroom house has been renovated throughout, with original features accentuated and modern day additions brought in or enhanced. Today, as well as the separate cottage and guest annex, and office and media areas, the family relish their indoor pool, sauna, spa 8 ASPECT COUNTY

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pool, bar and games area and party room. “When we saw the house we realised it was obviously steeped in history, but more than anything, there was this overwhelming sense of family and fun,” she added. There are several dates carved into the huge fireplaces and other features in the house. One, 1675, appears in an impressive staircase, which is believed to have come from Hampton Court Palace. “On one of the several huge fireplaces in the reception rooms is the date 1685 and the letters NP. These are the initials of Sir Nicholas Pelham who used to live here, although it also used to be the seat of Lady Pilkington,” she said. “It is thought, however, that the house probably goes back to the early 1600s.” But perhaps the most colourful episode from the Grade II listed property’s past was when Princess Lamballe, one of Marie Antoinette’s ladies in waiting, was sent to Catsfield Place, in 1791, with the Queen’s jewels. She was to give them to Lady Gibbs for safe keeping. Marie Antoinette was executed in 1792, and her

jewels were never recovered. The original safe, which was used for the treasure is still in Catsfield Place. Magnificent Catsfield Place displays a wealth of historical features, mixed with the conveniences of modern day living. The ceilings are of particularly good height and with large sash windows, many still boasting the internal shutters, this home exudes a grand feeling of space and light. The main entrance is through double doors to a modern glazed vestibule. From here you can access the large open plan family room which has a contemporary theme with slate tiled floor. Leading off this room is a cloakroom, children’s study and library. The slate flooring continues through into the adjoining kitchen which has an extensive range of ‘soft-close’ cabinets and space for an integral dishwasher, Range-style cooker and American style fridge/freezer. A central island has an inset hob, two integral wine racks and a number of bread baskets. Further storage space is in the walk-in

AC163 - 8 - 9_Aspect County 06/03/2012 16:22 Page 11

pantry and there is ample space for a table and chairs. Doors lead to the herb garden, servantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staircase and to the breakfast room, which has windows to the front, a former fireplace, beamed ceiling and a fine old terracotta tiled floor. This room in turn leads to the inner hall which features an old flagstone floor. There is access from this hall to the other principal reception rooms, utility room and a further cloakroom. The flagstones continue into the sitting room which has an inglenook-style fireplace and the old jewellery safe to one side. The drawing room has a most impressive Inglenook with a cast iron fireback showing a date of 1685 and the original salt cupboards. A polished wood floor reflects the sunlight from the large sash windows and there are many exposed original timbers. The dining room is at the back of the house with two tall sash windows overlooking the sun terrace and French doors leading outside. Bold Nina Campbell wallpaper heightens the ambience of baronial banqueting. Moving on, the panelled

room is such a striking feature, with 16th Century floor-to ceiling oak panelling and a hidden door which it is thought once led via an underground passage to Battle Abbey. The original entrance hall has a stunning carved oak staircase which is believed to have come from Hampton Court and shows a carved date of 1675. Leading from this hall is a garden room with a further WC off. The galleried landing is a generous and bright space with a double aspect. All the rooms on this floor have far-reaching rural views. The master bedroom suite has an adjoining dressing room and a recently refurbished bathroom in a contemporary style with polished limestone tile floor, spa bath, separate large shower cubicle, wc, bidet and twin wash basins, whilst the guest bedroom also has a large en-suite bathroom. Exploring the rest of the first floor, you discover a family bathroom and four further double bedrooms having fireplaces, wonderful views and much character.

The second floor has three attic rooms which create a superb space for teenagers, having a sitting area with central staircase, a bathroom and a bedroom with study/playroom area. The palatial leisure complex leads directly from the family room and provides a fantastic entertaining space. The heated indoor pool area also has a spa and a conservatory at the garden end with vistas over the garden and countryside. Leading from this central room is a recently refurbished shower room, sauna room and gymnasium, together with a selfcontained guest annexe of bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/dining room. A large bar room easily accommodates a pool table and a cluster of sofas and chairs, leading in turn to the party area, with dance floor and disco lighting. FINE - Homes in East Sussex 7 High Street, Wadhurst Kent TN5 6AG wadhurst@fine.co.uk Call 01892 458931 | www.fine.co.uk

PROPERTY |

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THE WHITE HOUSE “A stunning village house” Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey - £1,125,000

This striking house has been extensively rebuilt, extended and beautifully refurbished by the current owners. The combination of period features; contemporary convenience and living arrangements make this an ideal family home. The rendered and painted elevations, sash windows and symmetry themes are carried through the house. At the heart of this home is a striking kitchen/breakfast/family room with tall bespoke French windows giving views of the garden. This is complemented by the other reception rooms which all have their own character but link seamlessly together. This is a house to get excited about. The house is situated just opposite the village green and tennis courts, with a short walk to the high performing and popular village school. Enter into the large reception hall which leads to the practical and flexible kitchen/breakfast/family 10 ASPECT COUNTY

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room with pillowed Lincolnshire limestone with under floor heating. This is a stylish and practical room for everyday living, family parties and big get- togethers. The drawing room is cosy with a woodburner, fitted bookcases and cupboards with views over the terrace and garden – ideal for entertaining. The sitting room also with woodburner,has further fitted bookcases and cupboards – an ideal children’s playroom or snug. There is a downstairs office with fitted desk and floor to ceiling bookcases and cupboard. The kitchen is well fitted with handmade and hand painted units. There is a breakfast bar and large island housing thesinks and integrated appliances, with wall cupboards making maximum use of the tall ceilings. The breakfast room is vaulted with a high lantern light and with five sets of tall French doors; this is a

bright space for ideal for everyday living. The principal bedroom enjoys an en-suite shower room. Outside a gravelled courtyard driveway is enclosed by clipped evergreen hedging and a five-bar gate. There is a beautiful large slate terrace overlooking the established garden with beautiful wall and established hedges and mature trees marking the boundary. There are two areas of level lawn ideal for playing games and a Halcyon tree house. The village of Rowledge has a newsagent, butcher, post office, choice of public houses. Viewing is strictly by appointment through Strutt & Parker Tel: 01252 821102 37 Downing Street, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7PH

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PROPERTY | ASPECT COUNTY

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COUNTRY IDYLL beautifully presented, spacious and comfortable

Three Chimneys House, Biddenden - £1,250,000

Three Chimneys House is a fine Grade II listed country house dating from circa 1730, with later additions.The property has recently been sympathetically extended and upgraded to provide beautifully presented, spacious and comfortable family living space. A thorough programme of improvements to a high specification includes an outstanding bespoke fitted kitchen, contemporary bathroom suites, Smallbone limestone and oak flooring to much of the ground floor, oak internal doors along with neutral carpeting and décor. Blending the ingredients of 21st century convenience with an atmospheric historic residence, the property retains a wealth of period features. Accommodation, arranged on three floors, includes a handsome drawing room with a splendid inglenook fireplace housing a cosy wood-burning stove. The family area has French doors to the conservatory and there is also a small study off. 12 ASPECT COUNTY

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Further reception rooms include a spacious sitting room with inglenook fireplace housing a wood burning stove. Of particular note are the stunning kitchen and adjacent breakfast room, with dramatic vaulted ceiling, which is situated within the new Heritage extension. Sensitively designed, with lashings of oak beams and timbers, there are four sets of French doors affording delightful garden vistas. The heart of the home, the kitchen comes complete with a comprehensive range of bespoke base and wall units by Rencraft including a central island unit with smart granite worktops over offering generous storage and housing integral appliances along with a cosy Aga. Upstairs, the master bedroom has an excellent range of fitted wardrobes, a pretty period fireplace and a superb contemporary en-suite bathroom. There are three further generous first floor bedrooms and two bedrooms on the floor above both with pretty vaulted ceilings.

Approached through electric gates via the lower paddock, the gardens and grounds at Three Chimneys House are a particular feature, split into ‘garden rooms’ and designed to provide interest throughout the seasons. The driveway passes through the open bay of a heritage style timber framed outbuilding to a substantial parking and turning area, adjacent to the garage and front of the house. Well screened, the gardens provide seclusion and privacy and mature formal areas. Ideally placed to enjoy delightful aspects of the garden and pond, a pretty summerhouse nestles nearby. Further mature grounds, well screened by indigenous hedging and mature trees, give access to the tennis court, hot tub and second paddock with stable. Beyond, natural woodland, awash with bluebells in the spring leads to a further pond overhung with Weeping Willow, with a jetty and decked area. For more information Contact Jackson-Stops & Staff Cranbrook Office 01580 720000

Full Page_Aspect County 14/03/2012 11:22 Page 10

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS

HARDWOOD DECKING

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING

HOME & GARDEN FEATURES

New brochures now available on request www.roundwood.com Tel: 01435 867 072 Round Wood | Newick Lane | Mayfield | East Sussex | TN20 6RG

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IMPOSING, DISTINGUISHED “Impressive, well proportioned, and interesting”

Grange Manor, Horley - £1,750,000

Grange Manor lies in a conveniently located position on the pretty Surrey, Sussex borders and situated to the north west of the historic village of Copthorne. This is an imposing and distinguished 19th Century manor house with some later additions. The property is approached via an oak studded front door. Internally, the house provides impressive, well proportioned, and interesting accommodation arranged over two floors, which has been designed extremely well for formal and informal entertaining. Notable features within the house include a spacious entrance hall with glazed double doors leading into the well-proportioned drawing room, which also has an impressive full height open fireplace and mullion windows. The windows have beautiful stained glass inserts, which are repeated throughout the house. With its own private front door and located in the west wing of the manor house is a study, family room, bathroom, utility room, play room or alternative bedroom. In the east wing of the manor house is a large double aspect dining room, which has a brick fire place with a marble surround. Leading directly from the 14 ASPECT COUNTY

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dining room is the beautifully light kitchen / breakfast room with its wonderful roof lantern, double butler sink, mainly polished granite work tops and a five hob gas professional Falcon Range. There is also a feature central island with wood work tops, additional cupboards, draws and wine rack. From the kitchen double French casement doors lead onto a paved patio and formal gardens, which is perfect for al-fresco dining or a BBQ. The manor house is complemented on the first floor by a large principal suite, six further bedrooms and three further bathrooms, which all flow seamlessly from a large landing area. Approached via it own entrance drive, Grange Cottage is thought to have origins from the 17th Century and lies adjacent to the Manor House and is believed to be the original residence on the Grange Estate. The Cottage provides light and well arranged secondary accommodation. Features of note include a generous entrance hall, a large study or additional bedroom with a shower room and a triple aspect sitting room with a bressumer beam over a wide inglenook fireplace. On the

first floor there is a spacious principal suite, two further bedrooms and a bathroom. Grange Manor is approached from the lane via entrance piers with double electric wooden gates. A sweeping gravel driveway, bordered by a bank of conifer trees, leads to a substantial parking area. From the parking area the gravel driveway splits into two spurs leading to a double garage, and to the north east of the property are the substantial outbuildings, including a stable block with three loose boxes, a further garage, large workshop, four store rooms, an open store and a large games room. Lying to the south of the manor house and in a predominantly enclosed elevated position, is the outdoor swimming pool, which is set into a paved surround. The principal formal gardens and terraces, lie to the rear of the property, and are bordered by numerous well stocked and colourful beds. The gardens and grounds at Grange Manor provide a wonderful setting for this imposing and distinguished manor house. About 4.5 acres. Viewing by appointment through Strutt & Parker LLP 01403 246790

Full Page_Aspect County 14/03/2012 10:16 Page 10

Own your own holiday home in beautiful East Sussex

You could up to £ earn per an 11,000 renting num by th Crowh rough urst Park!

Luxury 2 bed Colorado 32’ x 20’ - £99,950 Crowhurst Park Holiday Village is offering a unique opportunity to purchase a holiday home as an extremely attractive investment. The added benefit is that you will own a stunning holiday home that you can use throughout the 11 months the park is open, plus enjoy all the facilities that Crowhurst Park has to offer including a leisure complex and a 17th century Manor House containing, bars, games room, lounge, eating areas and ballroom.

To find out more about the great investment opportunities go to: www.crowhurstpark.co.uk/investment A wide range of holiday homes are available As agents for most major manufacturers we can offer holiday homes to suit every taste. See our pre-owned holiday homes at www.crowhurstpark.co.uk/holiday-home-sales

An exclusive development of 2, 3 and 4 bedroom bespoke Scandinavian log homes located in a private gated location within the Crowhurst Park estate offering luxurious accommodation rarely seen in holiday homes. Ideal as a second home or buy-to-let investment. Show home opening summer 2012.

Telham Lane, Battle, East Sussex TN33 0SL Telephone 01424 776922 sales@crowhurstpark.co.uk

Please visit www.littlefinland.co.uk to find out more.

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EVERYTHING IN PLACE FOCUS ON CHAPEL PLACE LAND CONSULTANCY AGENTS Chapel Place Limited are a specialist land consultancy with many years' experience in the sale and acquisition of land and development opportunities in the South East. With the aid of our architects and planning advisors we have assisted many clients in obtaining planning permissions even in the most complex situations. Through our network of associated offices we have one of the largest databases of developers and self-builders looking for a variety of sites over several counties. We would be pleased to ascertain the potential of your land and advise you of the most appropriate method of sale - or send you our monthly land list if you are looking to buy - and look forward to hearing from you if we can be of assistance!

A Real Alternative to Selling via A Traditional Estate Agent or Auction

SOLD Subject to Contract

SOLD Subject to Contract If you are thinking of selling a property which requires renovation or refurbishment and are unsure whether to use a traditional estate agent or to sell via auction, then Chapel Place Limited could provide the answer as we have an extensive database of suitable purchasers looking for suitable projects providing you with a quicker transaction than you would expect from an estate agent whilst achieving a better return than you would expect via auction.

Do you own a freehold commercial building or site that you are contemplating selling? Before instructing an agent to act on your behalf why not contact Chapel Place Limited as on many occasions we have been able to source a purchaser from our database who will pay above market value if they believe it offers development potential.

SERVICES OFFERED BY CHAPEL PLACE LIMITED Land Sales

Site Search

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Mailshot (via email) to the extensive database of developers Details prominently displayed in the showcase window located in The Pantiles and Ely Court in Tunbridge Wells Advertisements in local and national property papers Promotion via our website and other land and property portals Utilising associated local agents when required Market to a specific target audience

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Registering your requirements with all local Estate and Land Agents Searching Rightmove and other land portals on an individual basis Research planning leads via local councils Contact developers in the locality Desktop study of plans and maps Physical search of the preferred area

Planning Consultant and Architectural Services (Please note Chapel Place offer a discreet service when required contacting only a limited number of possible purchasers. In this instance there will be no associated marketing in order to maintain confidentiality). Acquisition

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Full Planning Service Architectural Service (Budget or Bespoke) Guidance from application through to completion of the build Site Surveys Project Management

An 'arms length' service provided to developers who either do not have thetime or do not wish to spend time securing suitable sites . .

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Site acquisition on behalf of the client Prospecting letters from Chapel Place Limited relating to tsites identified by the client Liaison between site owner and client Negotiations on price and the terms of business for the client Active process to secure more land Full marketing and pricing research

16 ASPECT COUNTY

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For advice on the sale of land or development opportunities or for details in respect of other sites currently available for sale please visit www.chapelplacelimited.com or contact Steve Donnelly and Andrea Hawkes on 01892 619289 or email info@chapelplacelimited.com.

AC163 - 17_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:25 Page 1

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AC163 - 18_Aspect County 23/03/2012 14:23 Page 10

From Gazebo To Garage Sympathetic designs to blend with your outdoors

Thanks to milder weather here in the UK, we are spending more and more time in the garden with friends and family. Gardens are no longer just used for the occasional barbecue or somewhere for the kids to kick a ball about. Instead we’re spending time and money each year making sure they’re a haven for both wildlife and our families and friends. Chamberlain & Wallis, whose founders have over 50 years experience in the oak frame building industry, create a range of beautiful oak buildings which will complement any home. Pergolas are influenced by the Mediterranean, yet constructed from a traditional oak framework offering a contemporary addition to 18 ASPECT COUNTY | PROPERTY

your garden. Often seen with beautiful grape vines or clematis trailing from the roof, Pergolas literally transform an unused area of your garden into a stunning space for entertaining. Pergolas are unique in the fact they require minimal groundworks and therefore disruption to your daily life. Gardener’s Retreats are also ideal to supplement your outside space, providing shaded areas and wet weather shelter. Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to read the paper, or somewhere tranquil to enjoy your garden and the view, the Gardener’s Retreat will provide the ideal solution. Constructed from traditional oak framework and glazed joinery with high level insulation if required,

these buildings really will protect you from the elements. The Gazebo is sympathetically designed to blend with the existing garden surroundings, providing a covered area with plenty of space to entertain friends and family. Constructed using a traditional oak framing all Gazebos are finished with wonderful hand crafted detail. Simply add a table and chairs, a chilled bottle of Rosé and you are ready to wow your friends with this beautiful building. To find out more call Chamberlain & Wallis on 01323 765 410 or visit www.chamberlainwallis.co.uk

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AC163 - 20_Aspect County 15/03/2012 16:21 Page 10

Foresters xl.com

HORAM

CHIDDINGLY

HEATHFIELD

a huge 1930’s home of style and character backing onto ancient woodland in large gardens of about half an acre. Double garage and bright 4 bed accommodation. Permission for extension. Walking distance of Cuckoo Trail, Doctor’s surgery and village shops. Visit our website for further information. Offers £565,000 sole agents

in the heart of this popular village, on the site of the old telephone exchange. A characterful house, close to the inn and ancient church, backing onto fields with open countryside literally 30 steps away. Spacious 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom accommodation, lounge with woodburning stove, study, kitchen/diner, parking for 2 vehicles. Garden & outbuildings. Sole agents, price guide £500,000

a 1920’s cottage-style bungalow in a quiet residential area, walking distance of open countryside and town amenities. Renovated 2 bed accommodation, formerly part of an old convent, now renovated with lux kitchen, bathroom, small garden & large outbuilding, ideal home/office. Garage & parking. Sole agents Offers £279,950

GOLDEN CROSS

NR. CHIDDINGLY

CROSS IN HAND

a spacious luxurious family home set right back form the road in grounds of about 3 acres. The property has a major uplift due to its 2nd commercial property adjoining with B1 use along with other commercial outlet, subject to local authority approval. Huge range of commercial outbuildings & parking for many vehicles. Sole agents price guide £895,000 to £912,000?

an Oast house cottage in grounds of about 2 acres, renovated to a high standard with outbuildings and 4 bed accommodation. Beautiful kitchen &* sun room. Visit our website for further information. Potential to enlarge and opportunity for larger bedroom suite within the price visit our website Offers £649,950

an old Georgian farmhouse of character set in grounds of just under an acre, partly walled, with outbuildings. Spacious 4 bed/3 recs accommodation, cellars, farmhouse kitchen with Aga, large utility (old dairy). In need of some cosmetic improvements, however, oozes character. Visit our website for further images. Reduced to effect a ale Offers £679,950

ESCAPE TO THE COSTA’S

CROSS IN HAND

Those wishing an investment or retirement avoiding the harsh UK winters of the UK prices now 30%,40%,50% below recent highs. A bargain to be found! Visit our website for a selection of properties in the beautiful region of Javea, the ONLY region we really recommend during these difficult times. Telephone our offices for an informal discussion or visit our website forestersxl.com. prices from 150,000 euros

Tel: 01435 865477 17 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8LU www.forestersxl.com

AC163 - 23_Aspect County 16/03/2012 09:53 Page 10

AC163 - 22_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:46 Page 1

Frogheath Landscapes Creative practical design and build Our award winning company offers you creative practical design, build and plantsmanship skills from concept to completion. Our approach and methods of of design and construction methods are environmentally cconscious, onscious, aand nd wherever possible we maintain, enhance and incorporate existing elements into our work

Award winning member of the Association of Professional Landscapers

Frogheath Landscapes Weald, Willingford Lane, Burwash Weald, East Sussex TN19 7HR

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Painting and staining service available

Call or

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AC150 - Douglas & Daughterx_Aspect County 24/02/2011 18:14 Page 10

Douglas & Daughter Bespoke Builders Ltd

Specialists In Bespoke And Detailed Work

COMPLETE SERVICE DESIGN, PLANNING, BUILD JOINERY RESTORATION WORK NEW BUILD EXTENSIONS LISTED BUILDINGS Based on Romney Marsh serving Kent and East Sussex

FINALISTS IN THE SOUTH EAST LABC BUILDING EXCELLENCE AWARDS

www.ddbespokebuilders.co.uk Telephone: 0844 3350 546 Mobile: 07974 671 374 Email: doug@ddbespokebuilders.co.uk

AC163 - 24- 25_Aspect County 26/03/2012 12:33 Page 10

SHOW STOPPER Indulge yourself in the lodge lifestyle

Observing the wall mounted antlers and mix of natural surfaces, one could be mistaken for thinking they have been transported back in time to the retreat of a keen hunter. But on closer inspection, the lavish furnishings, stateof-the-art technology and quality of comfort, immediately bring you back to reality to realise that this is in fact, the Dream Lodge Group’s latest home from home, the ‘Hunting Lodge’.

Lodge purchases are on the rise with a significant boom in recent years as more and more people indulge in the lifestyle it has to offer. The phenomenon is partly due to the variety of locations available, quality of luxury, peaceful environment and security. With prices starting from as little as £99,000, owning your own special getaway is now more affordable than ever before.

In recent years lodges have become the ultimate luxury short break stay. For some it is the perfect holiday getaway, for others it’s the ideal base to split time between property abroad and the UK. Whatever your reason, now is the time to take advantage of the expanding lodge market.

Having launched at this year’s Ideal Home Exhibition, the ‘Hunting Lodge’ stole the show, attracting the attention of passers-by with its bold design and charming character. Manufactured by Tingdene the lodge has been designed with three exceptional bedrooms and features patio doors that lead to a large private veranda.

ASPECT COUNTY

| PROPERTY

Be transported to a time gone by as you relax in the open plan living space decorated with a mix of eclectic leather furniture, walls of bookcases and a glowing fireplace. Jim Gandon, sales and marketing director at the Dream Lodge Groupsaid: ‘The Hunting Lodge offers a truly sumptuous experience on every level. The real log burner is ideal for snuggling up to with a good book while admiring the view from the large panoramic windows that span the width of the home.’ Following the huge success at the Ideal Home Exhibition, the ‘Hunting Lodge’ has now taken residency at one of the Dream Lodge Group’s 10 parks, Woodlands Park, East Sussex. Available for ownership, investment and holidays the ‘Hunting Lodge’ will join a host of

AC163 - 24- 25_Aspect County 26/03/2012 12:34 Page 11

a fabulous range of lodge accommodation situated in the heart of the East Sussex countryside. Located in Westfield, and just five miles north of Hastings, Woodlands Park is surrounded by unspoilt and scenic countryside. Whether you are after a rural retreat or coastal break, want peace and quiet or a jam-packed activity schedule, Woodland Park has it all. The local towns of East Sussex are truly some of the most fascinating and interesting in the UK. Steeped in history and located a short distance from the park, head to Hastings to discover this delightful coastal town, taste freshly caught seafood in many of the wonderful restaurants and even take a trip to the

aquarium, which is sure to be a hit with those of all ages. Explore nearby Rye with its narrow and cobbled streets, quaint antique stores and many tea shops. If relaxing by the sea shore is more your style, Woodlands Park is located close to some of the best beaches in the country. Head to the stony shores of Hastings, discover the cliffs of Beachy Head or revel in the beauty of Camber Sands, famous for its breath-taking sand dunes. For the ultimate lodge experience, Woodlands Park is the suitable for all ages and group sizes. Take advantage of the local activities, surrounding villages and superb golf courses of Dale Hill & Woosnam, Marriot Tudor Park or

Seddlescombe Golf Club. With the popularity of lodge ownership on the rise and summer just around the corner, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect time to purchase your very own luxury lodge retreat. At present, the Dream Lodge Group is offering huge savings on many of their lodges, including the new outstanding Hunting Lodge, which is available for only ÂŁ236,000. The spring sale not only offers savings of up to 20% on stock models but also on bespoke factory orders. Offers end soon so now is the time to stop dreaming and make your fantasy escape a reality. To find out more contact the DreamLodge Group at 0845 123 633 or visit www.thedreamlodgegroup.co.uk

PROPERTY |

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AC163 - 26_Aspect County 27/03/2012 15:24 Page 10

6SDFLRXV Ă&#x20AC;H[LEOH DIIRUGDEOH

OFFICES

Edge of Tunbridge Wells Easy access to mainline stations High speed broadband... Furnished, serviced ofďŹ ces from ÂŁ250 pcm (includes business rates)

Now available! ofďŹ ce share from ÂŁ160 pcm (phone and broadband ready)

info@southboroughcentre.co.uk southboroughcentre.co.uk

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For all aspects of your tennis court construction projects in the southeast, including new build, conversion, reconstruction, resurfacing and repairs of tennis court surfaces, fencing, floodlighting and associated hard and soft landscaping.

Working with Copri and Proflex

Working with EDEL Grass

Trevor May Contractors Limited Mill Lane Barn, Canterbury Road,Canterbury Road, Trevor May Contractors Limited, Mill Lane Barn, Challock, Kent TN25 4BJ Tel: 01233 740574 Fax: 01233 740575 email: info@trevormay.co.uk website: www.trevormay.co.uk 26 ASPECT COUNTY

The Sports and Play Construction Association

AC163 - 27_Aspect County 27/03/2012 17:33 Page 1

View from the apartment

Foxglove Apartment, Florida, USA. ÂŁ199,000 - 690sq feet. Newly refurbished. Overlooking the beach which stretches to the front of the building. Dotted with Palm trees and in a fashionable area. Low building maintenance at $775 quarterly.

6 Old Ladies Court, High Street, Battle - Tel: +44 (0)1424 236 121 - www.albaestates.eu - mail@albaestates.eu WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 28 - 29_Aspect County 20/03/2012 12:14 Page 10

HELEN ROBSON MEETS LEWES BASED ARTIST, JESSICA ZOOB

It is a glorious day in Sussex. Jessica Zoob and I are sitting in her studio, the spring sun streaming through the windows, birdsong peppering the air. All around us are oil paintings propped against walls, some of them frankly enormous, and some tiny intimate miniatures. I can feel my pulse quickening as I try to take in the sheer energy bouncing off the canvases. For those already familiar with Zoob’s impressionistic and intricately layered work, this is a first chance to see new works of extraordinary vitality and energy. These are paintings that sometimes seem to be on the point of exploding with inner forces and yet are frozen in that moment. Zoob herself says she wanted to create something almost paradoxical: “They are massively energetic but also really quiet – sometimes it is the quietest person in the room that is the one most worth listening to – I didn’t want these works to shout, but I did want them to be really, really strong”. These are paintings that appear to simply have happened – to be no more contrived than a cloud formation or a pebble. “I don’t want people to notice the method or technique”, says Zoob, “what I am trying to do is create something that appears absolutely simple, 28 ASPECT COUNTY

| ANTIQUES, ART, AUCTIONS

although of course in reality that is the hardest thing to do. I want people to feel rested when they look at my work – to wander through these worlds and explore the magic that is here. These canvases change so much according to light – it is as though they are giving out their secrets”. Certainly her work does elicit huge emotional responses from many of those who have followed her career over the years. It is not unusual for someone to feel a Zoob painting calling to them, as if the canvases themselves decide who they will live with once they leave her studio. Following the success of her recent solo shows in London’s Cork Street, Jessica will be opening her Lewes Studio by appointment, throughout April. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to purchase these exquisite paintings directly from the artist herself.

www.jessicazoobdesire.com jessica@jessicazoob.com t 07966 572204 Written by Helen Robson.

AC163 - 28 - 29_Aspect County 20/03/2012 12:14 Page 11

Fragile Dreams mixed media with oil on canvas 61 x 91.5 cm

Midsummer Dreaming mixed media with oil on canvas

ANTIQUES, ART, AUCTIONS |

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AC163 - 30_Aspect County 26/03/2012 16:13 Page 10

April Valuations Watches, Jewellery & Pictures, 10am to 2pm Watches Wednesday 4 April Pictures Friday 20 April Jewellery Monday 30 April

Bonhams’ Watches, Pictures and Jewellery specialists will be visiting Tunbridge Wells to offer complimentary auction valuations with a view to selling at Bonhams. By appointment only. 01892 546 818 twells@bonhams.com Patek Philippe A very ﬁne and very rare platinum tourbillon chronometer wristwatch recently consigned through the Tunbridge Wells ofﬁce Sold for £121,250

International Auctioneers and Valuers - bonhams.com/tunbridgewells

View from the apartment

Foxglove Apartment, Florida, USA. £199,000 - 690sq feet. Newly refurbished. Overlooking the beach which stretches to the front of the building. Dotted with Palm trees and in a fashionable area. Low building maintenance at $775 quarterly.

6 Old Ladies Court, High Street, Battle - Tel: +44 (0)1424 236 121 - www.albaestates.eu - mail@albaestates.eu 30 ASPECT COUNTY

AC163 - 31_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:45 Page 1

We Want Your Articles!

As featured on ITV Meridian Tonight

qualityartfor thepresent

For publication in Aspect County Magazine

The gorgeous birthday present The perfect wedding present The lovely anniversary present The fabulous present for your home The original lasting present

Any local, historical personal history, (e.g. stories from WWI, WWII) county, country, or even contentious issues. Please email with photoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or illustrations to articles@aspect-county.co.uk or telephone 01424 777444 (ext. 25)

artforinteriors Our aim is to substantially improve interiors so they become unique, inspirational and above all else, project a quality image to the customer. The Nigel Greaves Gallery works with interior designers, property developers and private clients on projects ranging from large scale corporate developments to tired looking office spaces and reception areas.

New Spring Exhibition See the new collection of harmonious and beautifully serene sea and landscapes. The latest collection includes some fabulous abstracts in rich vibrant colours, flower studies and gorgeous figurative works all designed to be uplifting!

Picture cleaning and restoration Expert cleaning and frame restoration service available to individuals galleries and museums.

nigelgreavesgallery 8-9 Grand Hotel Buildings Compton Street Eastbourne

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AC163 - 32 - 33_Aspect County 22/03/2012 15:54 Page 10

BEAUTY OF THE LANDSCAPE NOEL PAINE – LANDSCAPE PAINTER

The exhibition, ‘The Bigger Picture’, is the current blockbuster at London’s Royal Academy. The artist, David Hockney, is the flavour of the year. He has been called a ‘genius’, ‘Britain’s greatest living artist’, ‘iconic’. The avalanche of superlatives which has greeted this exhibition would fill almost as much space as the Academy has allocated to Hockney. Thirteen entire rooms. The majority of his paintings are of the Yorkshire countryside at various times of the year. But did Hockney invent landscape painting? No. Is he the only British painter to have 32

ASPECT COUNTY

| ANTIQUES, ART, AUCTIONS

painted defining landscapes, (think Turner, Constable, Nash)? No. Has the 74-year old been painting landscapes all his life, (remember it was swimming pools, young men and Los Angeles which established him)? No. Faced with such accurate answers, and if still attracted by landscapes painted using brush, paint and canvas, without resorting to camera and ipad, it is worth taking a long look at the countryside paintings by Noel Paine. ”Since Hockney began his series of landscape paintings”, says Noel, “several people who know my work have been in contact comparing his work with mine”.

Distinguished art historian, Richard Ormond CBE, is one of them. The former Deputy Director of the National Portrait Gallery, Director of the National Maritime Museum and now Chairman of Trustees at the Watts Gallery, Guildford, comments “ A tree, the edge of an ancient tomb, a low wall, a vista of fields and trees, are enough to set Paine off. He will spare no pains until he has captured that physical reality, and expressed it through tautness of design, the patterning of shapes, the command of colour values, and the sheer dogged application of individual brush-strokes. His pictures are not ingratiating, but gritty and

AC163 - 32 - 33_Aspect County 22/03/2012 15:54 Page 11

uncompromising, getting at the truth and essence of things by a process of experiment and elimination. Nothing comes easily, everything is deeply considered“. “The landscape for me has always been the starting point for my paintings” explains Noel. “It provides endless opportunities for composition, in shape, colour and line. The link between the landscape, the palette and the canvas is as close as one can get to capturing nature in all its wonder. This has always inspired me and makes me work. It is an unending fascination that the camera can never

capture. The beauty of painting a cloud, for example, is that it will not simply be a picture of a cloud, but so much more. It will be about the physical quality of the paint across the canvas, the shape of a cloud, the line created of white next to blue, and about the colour white as much as it is a record of the cloud”. “I acknowledge that thoughts like these may have influenced Hockney in painting the countryside. Clearly he has been inspired by the colour, light and the energy of a landscape through the changing seasons. If links can be made with my work on these factors alone, I am

grateful. Except I would point out that Hockney’s canvases are financially out of reach of the average person, whereas mine are not only accessible, but can be purchased at a fraction of the cost!”

To see more visit: www.noelpaine.com Email: n.paine@virgin.net Tel: 07925 538 800

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AC163 - 34_Aspect County 27/03/2012 14:55 Page 10

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AC163 - 35_Aspect County 21/03/2012 10:00 Page 10

AUSTRALIA So Good You may Visit Twice

As the adverts say, There’s Nothing Like Australia. Where else could you find pristine beaches, spectacular rock formations, iconic buildings and some of the most unique creatures on the planet all in one place? Well, to say ‘one place’ is perhaps not entirely accurate. Australia is huge and each of its states or territories offers something unique. You CAN visit several in one trip but you won’t see all of them unless you can set aside a month or two – which is why I recommend that you make more than one visit. But that may be getting ahead of ourselves. Any long-haul holiday is a daunting prospect but I am just a phone call or a visit away and can steer you through the minefield of options if you want to make that first trip ‘down under’. In my opinion, Australia for first timers is best covered by a ‘Sydney, Rock and Reef’ package holiday. In Sydney you will find one of the World’s most iconic cities with its Opera House and Harbour Bridge, the nearby beaches of Manly and – most famously – Bondi, plus some great restaurants and a brilliant nightlife. Once you’ve tasted Sydney then this itinerary leads you into what is known as Australia’s Red Centre and there you will find the spectacular Ayers Rock. Locally this is known as Uluru and it is very much at the heart of the indigenous population. I would suggest that while you are there you take time out with one of many excursions to the massive monolith where you will hear the Aboriginal ‘Dreaming’ – the tales of the ancient lands – which explain the significance of the rock to the local population. And who could ignore the Great Barrier Reef, a

World Heritage site like no other with its teaming marine life seen through crystal clear waters. I know that many of you will have seen it on the recent TV series but I promise that nothing prepares you for the real thing – it truly is one the great wonders of the natural world. A package like this could be completed inside two weeks and I believe would give a great insight into what Australia has to offer. But there’s lots more… Western Australia is Australia’s largest state and is the size of the UK. Perth is the closest Australian city to the UK (you may not realise it but flying time from one of the Asia hub cities such as Singapore, Hong Kong or Bangkok) is not much more than from the UK to Cyprus) and offers a gateway to dolphin encounters to the north of Perth and fantastic vineyards to the south. Adelaide and Melbourne (capitals of South Australia and Melbourne respectively) offer diverse cultural activities and access to inspirational locations such as the Flinders Ranges, Barossa Valley, Morning Peninsula, Phillip Island (with its cute little Penguins) and Kangaroo Island (which speaks for itself!) and are linked by the Great Ocean Road – one of the World’s great self-drive routes. New South Wales offers more than just Sydney – the Hunter Valley and Blue Mountains are both within easy reach. Nearby Queensland is also one of Australia’s most popular destinations, stretching north from Brisbane and offering you the chance to visit places like the late Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo, the stunning Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier

Reef and the adjacent Tropical Rainforest. And with over 300 days of sunshine each year you are almost certain to get good weather – although I’m not making any guarantees of course! And if it’s just peace, tranquillity and some of the cleanest air on earth you are seeking then don’t overlook Tasmania, a short trip south of the Aussie mainland. Australia fits all budgets and requirements. I can organise 5* luxury accommodation including the clifftop Southern Ocean Lodge on Kangaroo Island, the spectacular qualia which is a perfect honeymoon setting on Hamilton Island amid the Great Barrier Reef or the internationally acclaimed El Questro Homestead amid Western Australia’s Kimberly region (think the movie ‘Australia’…). Equally I can find you budget accommodation along with a self-drive itinerary that allows you to explore at your own pace. And of course there are many activities that you can book before leaving the UK from cruises on the Great Barrier Reef to a climb to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, from penguin watching on Phillip Island to a ride around the base of Ayers Rock on the back of a Harley Davidson! I always advise booking at least some of these in advance so you know exactly what to expect once you arrive in Australia without having to waste a second of your valuable time in this amazing country. Inspired to visit Australia? Then get in touch with me at Global Travel Robertsbridge, 15 High St, Robertsbridge. Tel 01580 882288 or send your e-mail request to sales@robertsbridgetravel.co.uk

LEISURE & TRAVEL | ASPECT COUNTY

AC163 - 36 - 37_Aspect County 20/03/2012 11:47 Page 10

GOING DUTCH On a tea safari in Holland Cindy-Lou Dale discovered the meaning of a cake hang-over I’ve heard much about the Dutch tea drinking culture, even more so about their idyllic afternoon tea shops. I saddled up my photographic assistant, Heather, booked a couple of Eurostar and Thalys train tickets to take me from London to Amsterdam (via Brussels) and sought accommodation advice from the tourism office there. A few days later, Heather and I were off on a tea safari, taking in Amsterdam and its neighbour, Rotterdam. AFTERNOON TEA IN AMSTERDAM At the bohemian Bakkerswinkel www.debakkerswinkel.nl on Warmoesstraat, we were guided to our lace draped table sprinkled with rose petals and adorned with antique gold and green china. We sat on the spacious mezzanine level (pays to call ahead and reserve) overlooking the crush of patrons. The dramatic interiors are bohemian and quirky. We ordered a pot of Redbush and Earl Gray which arrived with quiches, sandwiches, savoury tarts, raspberry cheesecake, carrot cake, walnut-caramel cake, chocolate cake, scones with a superb fruit preserve (pineapple with basil and lemon) and clotted cream, chocolates with peanuts and Kahlua. What we were unable to eat was discreetly wrapped to go. (Afternoon Tea €17.50 pp) The five-star Bridge Restaurant at The Grand Hotel (www.sofitel.com) on Oudezijds Voorburgwal pulled out all the stops and delivered a superb afternoon tea in the Library, a luxurious contemporary setting dressed in deep garnet, mocha fabrics and gold leaf. There’s no afternoon tea menu as such, just say the word and it’s all taken care of. The young man who was serving us was tea savvy and provided details of the teas served – one for each of the three tiers. From finger sandwiches (medium

36 ASPECT COUNTY

| LESIURE & TRAVEL

strength Indian black tea, scented with lemon and lotus) to dainty scones (Chinese green tea), gold leaf chocolate éclairs, mango mousse, strawberry tartlets, carrot cake, chocolate brownies and an endless stream of exotic teas (Pakistani black tea). An indulgent tea if ever there was one, topped off with a glass of champagne. (Afternoon Tea €51.00 pp) Since its opening in 1867 the Intercontinental Amstel Amsterdam (www.amsterdam. intercontinental.com) has been regarded as the most luxurious and prestigious hotel in the Netherlands. The stately hotel sits on the bank of the Amstel River and offers especially good views from the Lounge. ‘English afternoon tea’ consists of an assortment of delicate finger sandwiches delivered in a hollowed out loaf, scones with lemon puree and clotted cream, an assortment of praline chocolates, Brenton cake with strawberry, passion fruit and apricot cream, then with strawberry and chestnut mousse. The tea assortment in impressive too, starting with a variety of Oolong’s, progressing to Genmaicha, to Darjeeling summer flush, Lung Ching and China’s finest Jasmine. (Afternoon Tea €35.00 pp) Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky (www.nh-hotels.com) on Dam Square is a five-star hotel directly across from the Royal Palace in Amsterdam and is surrounded by department stores, boutiques and shopping alleys. It was also the venue of our afternoon tea. Sadly, the tea was nothing unusual and the cakes no different to what I’d find at my local tea room back in England. The finger sandwiches were really good though - delivered inside a hollowed out crusty loaf. Perhaps my enthusiasm was dampened by unhelpful check –in staff who had stuck us each into closet-sized rooms with

bathrooms that smelt of sewerage. (Afternoon Tea €29.34 pp) Uninspired we trudged onto our next afternoon tea date. We made our way past the vintage shops to the brown-and-white striped awning which marked the entrance to the lovely Patisserie Pompadour www.patisseriepompadour.com on Huidenstraat. The the18th-century interiors raised dining area was a treat. With only six tables, it felt snug and familiar. Evidently it’s the most popular tea room in Amsterdam as it’s packed with locals, all eyeing out the exotic treats on display. What to chose is an agonizing decision so Heather chose a four-inch-high chocolate ‘mini-cake’ filled with fresh raspberries and chestnut puree. I had a wedged of apricot pie (and left with the recipe). They had a good selection of tea but Heather and I decided to play it safe with a pot of Redbush tea. (Tea and cake for two came to €16.00) AFTERNOON TEA IN ROTTERDAM There’s so much that demands one’s attention, like the quirky cube houses tilted on a 45-degree angle, the 101m-high Euromast tower with views across the city and the world’s third largest port and the Erasmus Bridge bent over the Nieuwe River. It soon becomes evident why Rotterdam bills itself as the 'Architectural City of Europe'. In fact Rotterdam is classified as one of the five Best Design cities in the world as here architects aren’t afraid of taking risks. It’s a young city on the water, threaded with canals, crisscrossed by bridges and intersected by the huge river De Maas. It's Amsterdam without the tourists. Here travelling by water taxi isn't a novelty or a joyride, it’s a way of getting around, much as catching a bus. Which made getting around to its numerous tea rooms a doddle!

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Tea is done slightly different here. At the Euromast restaurant (www.euromast.nl) I noticed several patrons bizarrely drink hot water infused with fresh mint – quite literally several mint leaf sprigs immersed in a glass of boiling water. And instead of loose leave tea you’re served a saucered glass of boiling water with an exotic assortment of ‘tea sticks’. These are semi-rigid, perforated metal foil tubes, the size and length of a small finger, factory filled with premium loose leaf teas. I stared at mine in quiet wonder, feeling somewhat foolish asking our waiter what exactly these were. ‘This’, he sniffed, ‘is the most modern form of tea infusion; an elegant superior alternative to the tea bag or loose leaf tea. Unlike a tea bag that compresses under its own weight when steeped in water, this tea stick allows the tea leaves enough space to uncurl and impart their flavour. The stick also acts as a strainer and a stirrer.’ ‘There are many differences and advantages of using tea stick over paper tea bags,’ he continued. ‘Since tea sticks aren’t made of paper they don’t contain chemicals that are used in the manufacture of paper used for tea bags. They are designed to keep the tannic acids within the tea stick for a greater length of time. This allows one to brew a stronger cup of tea without making it bitter.’ My uncertainty evident our waiter plucked the tea stick from my hand and popped into my cup of hot water. It proved to be endlessly fascinating until Heather brought my attention to a three-tier cake stand that had appearing between us. The top tier contained several finger sandwiches, the second tier raisin scones (with a marzipan thread running through them), served with orange marmalade and clotted cream; the third tier offered fruit cheesecake, lemon meringue pie and moist chocolate cake. (Afternoon Tea €17.50 pp, plus €8.90 entrance fee) Following the previous evening’s lean dining experience, Heather and I hovered up the teatime treats, not even stopping to speak. After adjusting our belt buckles we savoured Rotterdam skyline, which was the backdrop, then packed up our camera gear, thanked the waiter for his tutelage and made our way to the pier to find a water taxi that would transport us to our next afternoon tea at the Hotel New York (www.hotelnewyork.nl) on the Wilhemina pier. The Hotel New York is something truly unique. It’s one of those venues that simply take your breath away. Perched on the water's edge, dwarfed by skyscrapers, this grand Rotterdam landmark historically the headquarters of the Holland America Lines, still manages to retain an air of nautical nostalgia and romanticism.

Even though the building’s interiors have been transformed into a modern bar and restaurant (as well as a rather splendid hotel with 72 period rooms, including two tower rooms), it oozes character. The ambience is so all encom passing you can almost hear the chatter of Dutch emigrants bustling along the jetty with their suitcases, excitedly boarding big steam liners taking them to their new lives in New York.

You’ll not see a street you wouldn’t want to live on, a deli you wouldn’t like to get to know, or a view you’d like to call your own. Get all the latest travel information from Amsterdam Tourism www.iamsterdam.com. PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS Rotterdam Where to stay One of the most unique hotel stays you’re ever likely to have will be at the floating H20tel - a large moored boat in Wijnhaven, one of the old inner harbours in the heart of Rotterdam. It’s surrounded by bespoke architecture, including Jan des Bouvrie’s famous Red Apple skyscraper and is a stone’s throw from award winning restaurants, old style cafes, art galleries, museums and at least a dozen markets. It’s as quirky as its owners with 49 individually designed rooms containing either original Dutch paintings or New York graffiti. The floating sundeck has views of the Lion Bridge and the Willem de Kooning School of Art. Private boats frequently moor here for a quiet drink, and local jazz musicians regularly stop in for spontaneous jam sessions. But if you want to get away from it all, take a round picnic boat out for a sundowner cruise. The motion of sleeping on a large moored boat is very soothing (imagine waking up to find a heron peering at you through a porthole!). The whole experience is like being in a modernist version of Venice. (www.h2ote.nl doubles from €95 room only)

Heather and I were guided to our table which overlooked a grand eating hall which seated local patrons who were mostly partaking in afternoon tea. We agreed on a pot of cinnamon tea which arrived with a three tier cake stand offering an assortment of finger sandwiches, chocolates, fruit tarts, wedges of American cheesecakes, meringues, vanilla cupcake with strawberries, almond tarts, lemon cake with chocolate and scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream. We could not see one another for the cake so we ate the first layer in order to at least make eye contact. Following a clean sweep of the third tier we vowed never to eat again. (Afternoon Tea for two €16.50 pp) We adjusted our belts once more and just sat there gasping. We summarised our tea room experiences and unanimously agreed the Hotel New York was hands-down the best afternoon tea in all of The Netherlands. It had the perfect menu at a good price, the ideal location and a great vibe. Rotterdam’s Hotel New York and the Patisserie Pompadour in Amsterdam are two tea rooms that will definitely see me again.

Where to eat Level (www.levelrottterdam.nl) on Pannekoekstraat is a trendy cocktail bar and restaurant. The interiors are dark, the lighting subdued and the piped music loud and funky, as was the 11-page cocktail menu. Dinner was €29.50 for a three course meal and €7.50 for a cocktail that hit all the right notes.

PERSONAL RECOMMENDATION Amsterdam Where to stay Hotel The Toren www.thetoren.nl on Keizersgracht is a beautiful old mansion house first built in the 1600s. It’s dark and fetching in a Bohemian kind of way. The rooms were quite spectacular as were the breakfasts. Where to eat Restaurant Envy (www.envy.nl) on Prinsengracht is trendy and chic, with Italian-inspired interiors and an inventive new-age style of cooking. By that I mean your dinner portions are small - really small and you get to share this with your dining companion. Dinner for two came to €137.00. Restaurant Sucre (www.sucrerestaurant.nl) on Amstelveenseweg, is another pretentious concept restaurant. Here an ‘almost meal’ for two came to €268. Must do’s Walking is the only way to see the Amsterdam, unless you hire a bicycle. Do a canal boat cruise and, depending on the timing of your visit, go see the tulips in Kuikenhof Gardens. Wander around the red-light district at night and ‘window-shop’.

Must do’s Do a 75-minute tour of the 35km harbour on Spido (www.spido.nl) or take a 20-minute highspeed trip across the harbour waters on a rigid inflatable boat (www.rib-experience.nl). Treat yourself to breathtaking 360° views across Rotterdam from the Euromast (www.euromast.nl). Take a trip on the Pancake Boat (moored opposite the Euromast) and help yourself to as many pancakes (with an assortment of toppings) as you like (www.pannenkoekenboot.nl). Kids will love a brief tour of the city on route to the harbour where the amphibus splashes into the water (www.splashtours.nl). Get the latest travel information from Rotterdam Tourism www.rotterdam.info

LESIURE & TRAVEL |

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SO MUCH HAPPENING AT HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE

Make time to visit this magnificent moated 15th Century castle set in beautiful parkland and superb Elizabethan gardens. Built originally as a country home in the mid-15th Century, Herstmonceux Castle embodies the history of medieval England and the romance of renaissance Europe. Your experience begins with your first sight of the castle as it breaks into view. The castle is not open to the public; however guided tours are conducted at an extra charge and subject to availability, but due to the operation of a busy university we strongly advise you to phone for confirmation of times before your visit.

Whilst you are here don’t forget to visit the Tea Room, Visitor’s Centre, Children’s Woodland Play Area and Nature Trail. Tel: 01323-833816 www.herstmonceux-castle.com Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 IRN Sat 14th & Sun 15th April The South East Garden & Lifestyle Show Sunday 20th May Birds of Prey Day Sunday 3rd June The Sword In The Stone Sunday 10th June East Sussex Jaguar Enthusiasts Club Rally Sunday 17th June National Garden Scheme Open Day Sunday 1st July Treasures By The Moat “Antiques and Attic Sale” Saturday 14th July Concert & Beating Retreat

The Band Of The Brigade of Gurkhas Sunday 15th July Alice In Wonderland Cathedral Singers of Ontario (Evening) Wednesday 18th July National Garden Scheme Open Day Saturday 28th, 29th July Shakespeare As You Like It Thursday 16th August International Concert Pianist - Adolfo Barabino 25th, 26th, 27th August Medieval Festival Weekend (www.EnglandsMedievalFestival.com or 020 8150 6767.) Sunday 21st October The Herstmonceux Castle Wedding Fair Enquiries Tel: 01323 834479

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LEARN THE SECRETS OF THE ANCIENT EGYPTIANS Learn the Secrets of the Ancient Egyptians Chiddingstone Castle will be celebrating its amazing Egyptian collection with an Egyptian Day on Sunday 15 April 2012. Taking place between 11am and 5pm the event will be a fun day out for the whole family where everyone can learn the mysteries of Ancient Egypt. In addition to exploring the wonderful grounds and fascinating collections inside the Castle, there will be interactive story-telling by the Castle's Egyptian Pharaoh, belly dancing and the Sussex Egyptology Society will be rgiving interesting talks entitled 'An A to Z to Ancient Egypt in 26 minutes'. The Castle's Egyptian exhibition brings to life many aspects of ancient Egyptian Culture from farming to writing, religion and their perceptions of death and the afterlife. The collection gives an insight into the daily life of ancient Egyptians including their professions and the roles played by the pharaohs and the gods. The exhibition also introduces us to Denys Eyre Bower who, inspired by the discovery of Tutankhamen's tomb in 1922, began amassing 38 ASPECT COUNTY

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this fine collection which includes beautiful Shabti figures (which were placed in the tombs of the deceased as companions or workers for the dead in the afterlife), a fantastic 5000 year old funerary boat and a mummified cat from 150 BC. The attractive grounds which include a lake and waterfall will also be full of spring colour. An award winning orangery can also be discovered in the gardens. Admission: £8 adults, child 5 - 13 £4, under 5's free, family £21.50 (2+2). Chiddingstone Castle hosts events all year to highlight the wonderful collections inside the Castle which include: The Japanese Collection, The Egyptian Collection, The Buddhist Collection, The Stuart and Jacobite Collection and recreated rooms from the Victorian Era. For more information visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or tel: 01892 870 347

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Home and Garden Weekend 19 & 20 May

Indulge in some spring shopping at our popular lifestyle fair. With a wide range of home furnishings, garden equipment and plants to buy, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment and the return of the Daily Mail Garden Roadshow.

Pay once and visit all year round Terms and conditions apply. Visit our website for details and ticket prices.

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AC163 - 40_Aspect County 20/03/2012 11:39 Page 10

RULES OF GOLF AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW FROM CLIVE AGRAN

Assuming that you have read the ‘Rules of Golf’ from dull cover to dull cover, here’s a fascinating query that you’ll enjoy. It’s a mixed foursome match and the female member of the opposition, who are three down at the time, slices her tee shot at the fifth into a thicket just to the right of a lateral water hazard. Realising that it might be lost, the male partner tees up another ball, declares it a provisional but has a ‘fresh air’ shot. The female then steps up and states that the tee-peg is too high for her, declares the ball unplayable, takes a penalty drop within two clubs’ length and tops the proceeding shot into a flooded bunker. The male, growing increasingly frustrated, declares the ball unplayable and kicks it out of the hazard into an area that is designated ‘Ground Under Repair.’ Extremely angry with her partner, the female claims relief but mistakenly drops the ball more than one club’s length away from the edge of the ‘GUR’ white line. Before the next shot is taken, the male draws this infringement to our attention at which point the female strikes him on the head with a seven iron thereby inadvertently changing the club’s characteristics and causing a gaping wound to open in her partner’s head that, coincidentally, subsequently required seven stitches. Should my partner and I; a) claim the hole before anyone else gets hurt; b) disappear into the thicket under the pretext of looking for the original ball and let the other couple just get on with it, or c) claim the match under the Rules of Equity because life’s too short but remembering to mark our ball, no nearer the hole of course, before walking in? Somewhat predictably, this teaser will provoke 40 ASPECT COUNTY

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a tsunami of correspondence because, as we all know, a significant proportion of golfers much prefers an esoteric discussion about what constitutes a plugged ball than it does a three iron struck majestically into a stiff breeze with just a hint of draw. And those experts who aren’t already drafting a venomous letter pointing out the errors that I have almost certainly made in the above paragraph, will instead be poring over the 200+ pages of the latest edition of the ‘Rules of Golf’ and fretting about what impact the revised punctuation in Rule 28 paragraph 3 is going to have on their lives.

course, obliged to draw it to their attention and penalise them. Your friendly round of weekend golf thus assumes the convivial atmosphere more often associated with the Jerry Springer Show but, of course, it lasts considerably longer.

Equally irritating, however, are those golfers who don’t know their loose impediment from their movable obstruction, can’t positively identify the excrement of a burrowing animal and wouldn’t recognise an abnormal ground condition if they sank up to their knees in it. They are the ones who think that the ‘point of nearest relief’ means, where can I drop this ball in order to give myself the best chance of reaching the green with my next shot? Not there, because the grass is too thick, how about here on the edge of the fairway? Because they want to fool the rest of the world into believing that they adhere strictly to the rules, having identified the incorrect point of nearest relief, they proceed to drop the ball from shoulder height with meticulous care. That’s not to say they won’t drop it again, equally carefully, if the ball isn’t sitting up nicely after the first drop.

The benefits will be considerable. Forests that were scheduled to be felled to make the paper on which the rules would have been printed will be spared and the quality of clubhouse conversation will rise as golfers discuss the merits of post-Renaissance Italian architecture instead of arguing over which of two balls was the one technically in play. For what’s it’s worth, Rule 3, b (ii) ‘clearly’ states: “If the competitor fails to announce in advance his decision to complete the hole with two balls, or which ball he wishes to count, the score with the original ball counts, provided that it has been played in accordance with the Rules. If the original ball is not one of the balls being played, the first ball put into play counts, provided it has been played in accordance with the Rules. Otherwise, the score with the other ball counts if the Rules allow the procedure adopted for that ball.” But, obviously, having read the rules, you knew that.

If you’re marking the card of a player guilty of such an infraction of the rules you are, of

Although I recognise that it will destroy the whole industry that has built up around them, my solution is a simple one; scrap all the rules and play the ball as it lies. Pulp the rule books, abolish out of bounds, do away with disfiguring yellow and red stakes and retrain referees into a more useful occupation such as traffic warden.

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AC163 - 42_Aspect County 20/03/2012 11:37 Page 10

REVOLUTIONARY SWING IS A COMPLETE RE- THINK OF HOW WE HIT THE BALL REQUIRED?

One of my main aims in life, apart from filling every receptacle in the house with tee-pegs, is to make a significant impact on the game of golf. Having reluctantly accepted that I won’t go down in history as one of the greatest players of all time, I have had to be more creative in thinking up ideas that will so revolutionise the game that my name will live on long after my final putt has lipped out. It came to me as I gazed at a 19th century painting in my friend’s downstairs loo of a couple of hirsute geezers knocking the ball about a rough looking links with crudely hewn sticks. Despite the striking absence of titanium and graphite, it was un-mistakenly our beloved game that they were playing, although nothing of their attire or equipment is still in use today. The only familiar feature that seems not to have changed much is the manner in which they addressed the ball. Although their feet were marginally further apart than is the norm nowadays, their grip and posture were perfectly orthodox. Whereas the technique in most other sports has undergone radical overhaul, golf seems to have got stuck in the proverbial rough. What is needed is a complete re-think of how to hit the ball. All of us too willingly accept what the pros tell us are the fundamentals of a good swing without rigorously challenging the intellectual basis upon which they are founded. The grip, for example, is patently absurd. The suspicion must arise that teaching professionals deliberately make it all so awkward in order to protect their livelihoods by ensuring that we never successfully master the basics and are obliged to take lessons in perpetuity. 42 ASPECT COUNTY

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Unhappy with this restrictive orthodoxy, I resolved to undertake a thorough reexamination of the swing. With absolutely no preconceptions, I approached the problem completely afresh. In so doing, I drew inspiration from Mr Fosbury and his eponymous Flop, and the scepticism he must have encountered when he first suggested that high jumpers might do better if they leapt backwards head-first over the bar. As I went in search of a radical new method that would set the golfing world alight in a way not seen since the advent of the plastic tee-peg, I examined the techniques employed in other sports in general and athletics in particular. The javelin interested me because throwers are only concerned with distance. What is it that they do that could be applied to, say, driving? The answer is simple. They don’t release the javelin whilst standing still. In order to impart maximum velocity, they run and then throw. It’s logical, therefore, that we golfers must do the same. Most handicap players generate a modest clubhead speed of about 75-90 miles per hour. Add, say, 15 miles per hour to that and you’ve instantly achieved a significant improvement! Experimenting at my club, I must confess that I encountered a few problems that obliged me to re-assess the situation. It soon became apparent that a long run-up was impractical. Leaving aside the necessity to avoid such obstacles as ball washers, tee markers and litterbins, the approach was frequently slowed by the steepish uphill gradient invariably found behind raised tees. Was this, I wondered, done deliberately to discourage those teeing off from running in? Even strolling in no quicker than a spin bowler,

rendered striking the ball surprisingly difficult. I therefore switched from javelin to hammer in search of a more appropriate technique upon which to model my radical new swing. One of the undoubted advantages of whirling the club around your head is that you get more than one chance to connect with the ball. Since no-one can be absolutely sure at which turn you intended to make contact, few opponents could reasonably accuse you of taking a fresh-air shot, let alone several. There is, however, an undeniable downside. Because I was spinning so violently when I eventually struck the ball, I had no idea in which direction it went. Relying on playing partners to spot it was risky as they were mostly cowering behind trees for safety. Even when I was able to find my drive, I was frequently still dizzy when playing my second shot. As the tee-shots were disappointingly short, I was obliged to go for distance with my seconds and, despite being distinctly unsteady on my feet, felt compelled to persevere with my new technique. After four holes, I had run out of balls and, feeling distinctly woozy, crawled disconsolately back to the clubhouse. To be absolutely honest with you, I’ve not yet come up with a satisfactory alternative to the existing grip, stance and posture that meets my own, stringent, reliability criteria. These are, however, very early days. Be assured that when the inevitable breakthrough comes, the details will be revealed exclusively here in Aspect County and that an Agran Golf Academy will be opening somewhere near you pretty soon. Written by Clive Agran.

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FINE PEDIGREE OF ENGLAND'S ATLANTIC LINKS COURSES Saunton's East and West Courses, recognised as two of the most distinguished links in south west England, has been given the honour of hosting the blue riband men's event on England Golf's 2014 calendar in late July in two years time. Indeed Saunton has been the venue for a plethora of top amateur championships since 1932. In 1997, for example, it hosted the British Boys Championship which was won by a young Sergio Garcia, just two years before he made his Ryder Cup debut. Further testament to the quality of Saunton's East Course has come from England's most successful post-war golfer, Nick Faldo, who once said, "I've no doubt if the East Course were located on the coast of Lancashire or Kent it would have hosted an Open Championship by now." The other links courses that comprise the celebrated Atlantic Links offering - Somerset's Burnham & Berrow and Trevose and St Enodoc in Cornwall - have all hosted top international amateur championships over the years whilst Royal North Devon is recognized as the oldest links course in England, overflowing with a wealth of history and tradition.

1906, The Ladies British Open, Burnham & Berrow has hosted over 40 national amateur championships - a staggering record that confirms the class of its championship course. Furthermore last year the club hosted The R&A Boys Championship and - for the fifth time The Brabazon Trophy (English Amateur Stroke Play Championship) and in doing so, entered golfing history by becoming the first course to hold both championships in the same year. It was the turn of Trevose Golf & Country Club in Cornwall to stage The Brabazon Trophy in 2008, four years after it hosted the English Senior Ladies Amateur Championship and this year it has been chosen as the venue for The McGregor Trophy (English U16 Open Strokeplay). Meanwhile St Enodoc has also caught the attention of amateur golfing bodies. The championship Church Course hosted its first amateur competition in 1937 when it held the English Ladies' Close Championship and most recently it was home to the 2005 English Counties Championship. In May 2014, St Enodoc will again be in the amateur golfing spotlight when it hosts the English Women's Close Championships.

Whilst Royal North Devon may only have staged amateur competitions at county and regional levels, such as the West of England Strokeplay every other year, the uniqueness of the course complements the other Atlantic Links courses well. Founded in 1864, RND is the oldest golf links in England and is widely regarded as the St Andrews of England. Set on common land on which livestock still graze, to play RND is to experience the game as it was played in Victorian England. The great JH Taylor was born in the village of Northam, overlooking the course, and returned as president in 1957. The clubhouse boasts a treasure trove of golf memorabilia, second only to that owned by The R&A that includes Taylor's portrait and many of the clubs he used in his Open Championship wins. As part of its 150th birthday celebrations, RND will stage the World Hickory Championships as well as the English County Finals in 2014. Although The Open Championship has not visited one of the Atlantic Links courses, the number of high-profile amateur competitions that have been staged over these south west courses is testament to the very fine pedigree of these links and their combined offering.

Ever since it staged its inaugural competition in

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BEAUTY OF BOARS HEAD

Boars Head Golf Centre is A pay and play par 35 course situated between Tunbridge Wells and Crowborough on the B2157 in an area of natural outstanding beauty. The floodlit twenty two bay Driving Range is a must for the all important practice, also the Short Game 44 ASPECT COUNTY

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Practice Area for the finer points of your game, chipping, putting and bunker play as well as a grass tee. There is a full range of memberships available to suit all.

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AC163 - 44_Aspect County 20/03/2012 11:29 Page 10

GOING SOLO The joys of a solitary round Although I recognise that golf is considered a social game, there is an awful lot to be said for playing on your own. Because the sport is essentially an internal battle with yourself, there really is no need for other people to be around when you play it. That’s the conclusion I came to recently when, rather than complete my tax return, I went up to my club for a solo round. Fortunately, an early morning deluge had discouraged most of the regulars so there weren’t very many people about as I slid my car into a prime slot in the front row that you would normally have to set your alarm clock to secure. Anxious not to be spotted in the locker-room by a well-meaning but unwelcome fellow member looking for a game, I boldly changed my shoes in the car park, a practise regarded by many as far worse than cheating. Then, without looking back, I strode over to the thankfully unoccupied first tee and before you could say “Fancy making up a four?” I was away. After walking approximately 260 yards down the middle of the fairway and just before reaching my ball, I noticed a couple teeing off at the second. No problem. I would simply take my time and smack at least one other ball so as not to appear to be pressing them. However, the rather-too-gentle progress did begin to irritate me a touch and so, half-way down the fifth, I conceded myself a 145-yard approach for an eagle two, marked down pars at the tricky 6th and awkward 7th, threw a withering glance at the geriatric fourball causing the hold-up and walked across to the 46 ASPECT COUNTY

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vacant eighth tee. Hee! Hee! It was more than fun; it was glorious. How tediously conventional and unimaginative it is to play the holes in the same dull order every time. How much more creative and liberating it is to think to yourself, “I fancy a par five.” And if you feel there’s a hole where you didn’t really do yourself justice, the sensible thing is to so arrange your round that you have the opportunity to play it again and achieve redemption. And why play 18 holes when you might only have time for 14 or, more likely since you will be having so much fun, really fancy 22? Great game thought it undoubtedly is, golf is far too constrained by convention. And the etiquette is all too time consuming. If my ball is on the green, I want to walk straight to it and not pick my way through a minefield of other people’s putting lines. All the rules of golf, which are in any case needlessly oppressive, are suspended when you are on your own. If you miss the discipline, simply substitute others that are both more sensible and tolerant. For example, shots made where you weren’t properly concentrating or were distracted can be retaken without penalty. And not only can you give yourself as many Mulligans as you want, but you also don’t have to elect which ball is the one ‘in play’ until you have completed the hole. But the real joy of solo golf is the glorious isolation. What an enormous waste of time it is watching someone else struggling to hit a ball when you could be struggling to hit one yourself. Apart from anything else, playing on

your own obviates the necessity to keep saying ‘hard luck’ and, worse still, ‘good shot.’ Furthermore, you don’t have to look for your playing partners’ balls or hear about the unseasonably shocking weather they suffered on holiday, their bunions, the turbulent stockmarket, the price of petrol, global warming, the M25 or the football on TV last night. Having no one to admire your immense drives, solid irons or delicate chips is a small price to pay for not having to hang around waiting for others to make up their minds about what club they’re going to miss-hit. And, if you must have competition, then play two balls against one another. You versus your alter ego always makes for an interesting clash. At least one of you should go home happy. And you can go home whenever you like, which is immediately after the final putt is sunk. You don’t have to shower, put on a stained tie and moth-eaten jacket and sit around for hours sipping warm beer and being bored by your playing partner’s painfully detailed account of his second round defeat in the Captain’s Cup. Despite the fact that it’s rather oxymoronic, I’m even thinking of starting a Solos Society. Although I’m not sure how clubs would feel about, say, a dozen golfers requiring a dozen tee times, we might be welcomed by uncrowded courses with inadequate facilities wanting to look quite busy but who can’t ordinarily handle the volume. Written by Clive Agran

AC163 - 47_Aspect County 26/03/2012 10:48 Page 1

WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 48 - 49_Aspect County 22/03/2012 15:40 Page 10

SUSSEX BRICKS! THIS ANCIENT CRAFT HAS BEEN HERE FOR ALMOST 2000 YEARS

We are surrounded by them, take them for granted and don’t normally give them a second thought.....unless of course, you happen to be building contractor, bricklayer or architect maybe designing a property or involved in a housing project....but you may be surprised to learn that the brick industry was massive in Sussex in years gone by. Would you believe that for almost 2000 years, bricks and tiles have been produced in Sussex and even now plays a significant part in the economy of the county. Over the years, as many as 750 brickyards have been known to exist where brick production took place and these sites would range from huge operations like the Warnham yard near Horsham, where they had their own railway sidings built, to a field site where one small kiln was built because somebody had found clay there. Go almost anywhere in this lovely county, with the exception of the top of the chalk Downs, and if you were to strip away a small amount of 48

ASPECT COUNTY

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topsoil, you would then get into the subsoil which consists of the material suitable for brick making...so you can image in the 19th century, when brickmaking was at its peak, nearly every parish had at least one brickyard. Did you know the Romans were responsible for introducing brickmaking to Sussex after the conquest in AD43 and they employed the same techniques that were in use back in their Mediterranean homeland? So in a way, it’s hardly surprising that for the next 300 years or so, bricks and a wide variety of tiles were produced for use in the construction of fortifications, army camps and a number of villas. For example, next time you are close to Pevensey, have a look at the walls of the Roman fort and you will see how they laid the bricks in bonding courses to tie together and strengthen the walls built of stone or flint. These bricks were unlike modern ones, being up to 500mm long and 300mm wide and generally not more than about 40mm thick. Close to Pevensey is

Herstmonceux Castle, built by Sir Roger Fiennes in the 1440s and is probably one of the first buildings to be constructed wholly of bricks. The Castle is massive and it is believed the bricks used would have been made on the spot using locally recruited workers and supervised by expert craftsmen from the Low Countries. Apparently, three men from Malines, in Flanders, were living in Herstmonceux in 1436 and it seems possible they were involved in brickmaking for the Castle. The whole industry is fascinating and the more you delve and probe into our county’s history the more interesting it becomes. On the subject of Flanders, when the port of Winchelsea was thriving and bricks were not being made locally in the 14th century, they were being imported from Flanders and the Netherlands after we exported wool and firewood and the bricks would be brought back to form part of the cargo or used as ballast. This probably accounts for small numbers of yellow or pink-coloured bricks being found in 14th century contexts on

AC163 - 48 - 49_Aspect County 22/03/2012 15:40 Page 11

sites in the vicinity of the port, for example Old Place in Icklesham, Court Lodge in Bodiam, at Michelham Priory and at Norton near Bishopstone. This really is a fascinating subject to look into and many people, even those born and bred in Sussex, are completely unaware of the amount of activity this particular industry created over many hundreds of years. Take just one example like Ashburnham, between Battle and Herstmonceux. Here, in the 17th century, the landowner, like many others, decided to establish a permanent brickyard on the estate, either for its own benefit or, like others, the land was leased back to a brickmaker with the estate having first call on the products when they were required. Ashburnham Place was rebuilt in brick in 1670 after the family fortunes had been restored following the Civil War and an estate brickyard was established there in 1675. A legacy of the use of wood-fired kilns at Ashburnham is the number of grey/blue

headers to be seen in the brickwork of buildings where grey and red bricks were mingled in diaper and chequerboard patterns, giving them a very distinctive character. The colouring resulted from a reaction which took place at high temperature within the kiln between the iron oxide in the bricks and the potassium in the wood smoke. The yard continued to produce bricks after the new house was complete and in 1682, bricks and tiles from the Earl of Ashburnhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kiln were carried to the blast furnace and from then onwards to the brickyard which lay just inside the park. So, from brick kilns on the land of wealthy estate owners to kilns set up on waste land on many of the commons in the Weald, usually the poorest land in the locality, where, in addition to rough grazing and scrub, the topsoil was so thin, the earth and clay needed to make bricks lay just below the surface, you can imagine how vast the whole brick industry was, not just here, but throughout the County. Local history, no matter what aspect, is stimulating, but a simple

building block like a brick can seem so insignificant and mundane that many people would not even consider where it came from or who made it and when, but the industry in this County has employed many people over the years and remains a constant source of intrigue to those who are keen to know more. Most libraries carry an extensive selection of books on local history and there are many to refer to but, if you really want to find out more about what happened in Sussex and something as simple as a brick fascinates you, try to get your hands on Brickmaking in Sussex by M. Beswick for the Sussex Industrial Archaeology Society.

Written by Vic Ashby,BEST DEMOLITION LIMITED ,HEATHFIELD, SUSSEX.

WORKING WEALDEN |

WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - Listings_Aspect County 23/03/2012 09:23 Page 10

WHAT’S ON APRIL 2012 1

Beatles Day 13 - 12:00pm The White Rock Theatre, Hastings

Our Country's Good 7.45pm - Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Music - RTWSO Guy Johnston - 3:00pm The Assembly Hall

Royal Opera House Live: Rigoletto - 7:15pm Trinity Theatre,

Sam Rose in the Shadows - 11:00pm Brighton Dome

“EDGES OF THE WILD” 7.30pm. poetry evening Eastbourne Theatre

Film Senna - A Masterclass - 3:00pm Brighton Dome

Stewart Francis - 7:30 The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

Play That'll Be The Day, -7.30pm Congress Theatre Eastbourne,

Source New Music - 7:30pm Brighton Dome, Brighton

Music Curtis Stigers - 7:30 The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Ballet Central The Gulbenkian, www.thegulbenkian.co.uk

Hopper's Easter Eggstravaganza - The Hop Farm

Murder Mystery - 7:30pm The White Rock Theatre, Hastings

AA Commemorative roadrun - 12:00 pm - Stade open space

Paul Merton - 8:00pm Brighton Dome, Brighton

1- 15

Spring into Easter - The museum of kent life maidstone

DISCO THROUGH THE DECADES - 7:00pm Tickets 01892 515532

Sussex Salon Series - The Body Beautiful - 7:30am Brighton Dome

Simon Amstell - Numb - 8:00 The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

3-7

All The Fun Of The Fair -7.30pm - Congress Theatre Eastbourne

Free Children's Storytelling - 10:00am Brighton Dome, Brighton

3-7

Musical Swallows And Amazons - 7:30 The Marlowe Theatre

London Philharmonic Orchestra - 8:00pm Brighton Dome, Brighton

Eastbourne's Tea Dances - 2:00pm - Winter Garden, Eastbourne

Shakespeare in Music - 2:00pm Finchcocks, Cranbrook

All the single ladies - 7:30pm The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

ACOUSTIC STRAWBS SATURDAY - Trading Boundaries

Oliver! - 7.30pm - Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Coffee Morning -10:00am Eastbourne Under Ground Theatre

Operation Greenfield -7.30pm - Pamphilon Theatre, Uckfield

Over 50s Show -10:00am Winter Garden, Eastbourne

Comedy Curry - 7:00 pm - White Rock Theater Hastings

Rolling on the Floor Laughing - 3:00am Brighton Dome, Brighton

Ballet Central- EM Forster Theatre, www.emftheatre.com

London Philharmonic Orchestra 3.00pm Congress Theatre,

Jim Davidson - The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

Music, Gomez - 7:00am Brighton Dome, Brighton

Lee Nelson Live - 8:00 The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

Trinity Bar And Café Themed Cuisine - Trinity Theatre T-Wells

The Glebe Hunter trials, 9:00am - Burwash, 01424 838171

St George & The Dragon: The True Story - 11:00 am

Chiddingstone Castle, First Open Day of the Season - 01892616647

Sarah Millican - The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 01227787

6-9

Easter Family Fun - Leeds Castle, Maidstone, 01622 880008

Media - Imelda May - 7:00pm The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill

6-9

Easter Weekend - family fun - Bewl Water, 01892 890661

Udifydance Company - 7:30am Brighton Dome, Brighton

6-15

Annual Easter Egg Trail - 2:00pm Hever castle, Edenbridge

Swan Lake - 7:30pm The White Rock Theatre, Hastings

Easter Sunday Carvery Lunch - The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood

Ballet Central -The Lowry, Salford Quays thelowry.com/dancemoves

8-9

Easter Fun - Groombridge place, Tunbridge Wells

Rent By Jonathan Larson 7.30 pm - Stables Theatre, Hastings,

Eastbourne Easter Dance Day 7.30pm - Winter Garden, Eastbourne

Philharmonia Orchestra - The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Play For One Night Only, 7.30pm - Pamphilon Theatre, Uckfield

The Funny Side Comedy Club - 7:30pm Gulbenkian Theatre

Dome Discovery Tour - 11:00am Brighton Dome, Brighton

Michael Law’s Piccadilly Dance Orchestra - The Marlowe Theatre

Soulful Singing - 11:00am Brighton Dome, Brighton

Play Sense and Sensibility 7.45pm- Devonshire Park Theatre,

Free Saturday Lunchtime Jazz - 13:00pm Brighton Dome, Brighton

Lee Hurst - Man V Woman - 7:30pm Gulbenkian Theatre

Dome Discovery Tour Sat - 11:30am Brighton Dome, Brighton

Ballet Central - Guildhall Arts Centre, Grantham, 01476 406158

Friends of Finchcocks AGM & Concert - 3:00pm Finchcocks,

Dance Katya Virshilas and Pasha Kovalev - 7:30 The Assembly Hall

A Spring Day at the park - 11:00 am - Alexandra park Hastings

Stephen Venables - 8:00 The Assembly Hall Tunbridge Wells

7 - 29

Eastborne Festival 2012 - 11:00 am - www.eastbournefestival.co.uk

An Evening Of Burlesque - The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Dreamboats and Petticoats 7.30pm - Congress Theatre, Eastbourne,

Count Arthur Strong - 8:00pm The White Rock Theatre, Hastings

10 - 14

Yes Prime Minster - 7:30 The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Ballet Central Stanley & Audrey Burton Theatre, 0113 220 8008

Ballet Central - ADC Theatre, Cambridgewww.adctheatre.com

Concert byJohn Kerr Award winner - 3:00pm Finchcocks,

Prinzhorn Dance School - 8:00pm Brighton Dome, Brighton

Wellbeing Fayre - Heathfield - 0143581297

A Bedfull of Foreigners 7.45pm - Devonshire Park Theatre

The History Of The Big Bands - 7:30pm The White Rock Theatre

Bedroom Farce 7.30 pm - Stables Theatre, Hastings

Local & Live Sessions - 8:00pm Trinity Theatre, T-Wells

14 - 15

The South East Garden & Lifestyle Show, Enquiries 07917 826040

Jimmy Carr - 8:00 The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells

Mitch Benn and the Distractions - 7:30pm Gulbenkian Theatre

28-29

The Country, Craft and Food Fair - The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood

Kent Chorus: Handel's Messiah - 3:00pm Trinity Theatre, T-Wells

Ratton Gala Concert 9:00am - Congress Theatre, Eastbourne,

Chiddingstone Castle, Egyptian Day 01892616647

Paul Merton Out Of My Head - 8:00 pm The Assembly Hall

Jazz Breakfast - 11:00am St Mary in the Castle Hastings

TOP TOPHAM - Trading Boundaries Trading Boundaries

Active Woman Cycle ride --1:30am call 01424 451051

Paul Merton Out Of My Head - 8:00 pm The Assembly Hall

16 -

The Chinese State Circus - 8:00 The Assembly Hall

FARMERS MARKETS Burgess Hill Farmers Market 2nd Brede: Every Fri, Village Hall Brighton: 5th Sun, Brighton Racecourse Brighton 2: 5th Wed, Village Sq. Brighton Cranbrook: 5th Sat, Pine Grove Car Park 50

ASPECT COUNTY

| LISTINGS

East Dean: Every Wed. East Dean Village Hall. Hailsham: 7th Sat, Cattle Market Heathfield: 3rd Sat, Co-op Car Park Laughton: 2nd Sat of month. Village Hall. Lewes: 1st Sat, Cliffe pedestrian precinct. Pevensey Bay: 2nd Sat, St. Wilfred’s Hall Rolvenden: Every Thur, St. Mary’s Church Hall.

Rye: Every Wed, Strand Quay, Tenterden: 2nd Sat, East Cross Gardens Tonbridge: Tel: 01732 876077 Tunbridge Wells: 1st, 3rd Sat, The Pantiles 2nd, 4th Sat, Civic Way Uckfield: 1st Sat, Main car park off High Street.

AC163 - 51_Aspect County 26/03/2012 15:49 Page 10

AC163 - 522_Aspect County 27/03/2012 15:45 Page 1

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AC163 - 53_Aspect County 23/03/2012 14:13 Page 10

Your local Vineyard! THE

V I N E YA R D

-"& & ,$$/ ) ,) "*! +!"* ! )%"& +! &+,)/ ',&+)/ (, "* &'. '( &"& ,& ) & . '.& )*!"( )-"& ) *! $' $ '' "& +) "+"'& $ '*/ (, +%'*(! ) ."+! ) $ $ * *+) " !+ )'% +! # & "& ."& *

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'% $'& & % + /',) & . !'*+* %" "$# * & !"* + % .! ) /',0$$ + . )% . $ '% + ! "& / ) % )!,)*+ ! "& / ) % )!,)*+ ,& )" $$* &+ + $ ... +! -"& / ) $ % )!,)*+ '%

AC163 - 54_Aspect County 27/03/2012 11:07 Page 10

MEDFEST: A TASTE OF THE MEDITERRANEAN At West Dean Gardens 23 – 24 June 2012

West Dean’s newest event MedFest – A Taste of the Mediterranean, now in its second year, will be running over the weekend of Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 June 2012. This weekend event once again highlights the cuisine, culture and vibrant spirit of the Mediterranean. With live music and dance, food demos and tastings, gardening tips and advice and specialist Mediterranean stallholders nestling alongside ‘old-favourites’, MedFest is destined to become a popular addition to the West Dean Calendar in the weeks leading up to the Chilli Fiesta! Opera singers and world music rub shoulders at this year's MedFest ! They've entertained Elton John at his private party, sung for the Jordanian Royal Family, and now Oyster Opera are to perform at this year's MedFest. Songs from La Traviata, Carmen and Brindisi roll off their tongues in hilarious fashion and no doubt will astound and amaze audiences. Live dance performances followed by workshops will give you the opportunity to be inspired and have a go at shimmying and sashaying to the exotic dance-beats. Mark Ringwood, Musical Director of Roots Around the World “I’m looking forward to 54 ASPECT COUNTY

| FOOD & DRINK

once again putting together a programme of live performances and pre-recorded music guaranteed to give you an aural extravaganza of Mediterranean sound. I’m on the hunt for Musicians from Italy, Spain and Greece to highlight how culturally rich and diverse this region is.” Savour the delicious Mediterranean cuisine with Rosemary Moon as she creates an eclectic mix of authentic Mediterranean dishes and her own recipes in a rolling programme of Food Demos and Tastings. Influenced by the cuisine of the sun, she’ll be drawing on produce closer to home, which you can emulate at home. Rosemary will be dishing up a feast from the Mediterranean, and of course she will feature many of the crops that West Dean is famous for, including herbs, tomatoes, chillies and aubergines. Sarah Wain , responsible for the wealth of fruits and vegetables grown in West Dean Gardens will be sharing her knowledge and passion in a series of sessions offering guidance and advice about the wonderful range of vegetables that can be easily grown in Britain; which can be included in a healthy Mediterranean style diet. Revealing to the home grower how to emulate the Mediterranean climate with the use of glasshouses and polytunnels, thus enabling you

to produce a number of the crops included in the delicious and healthy Mediterranean diet. Displays will take place within the walled garden and glasshouses of over 40 different crops, ranging from chickpeas to cucumbers, artichokes to aubergines and grapes to garlic. Further delights for all foodies can be discovered in the culinary creations of many of the stallholders. Drawing together a representative sample of regional take away foods, gourmet food products, crafts and plants MedFest offers small and local producers and distributors the opportunity to showcase their wares at this specialist event. Emma Lundie, owner of Palmavera says “ I’m excited to be part of an event exclusively dedicated to the Mediterranean and West Dean Gardens provides a wonderful setting”. Other stallholders include: Pure Spain, Lebanese Fine Food, the Churros Bros and The Garlic Farm who will feature some educational aspects relating to garlic, its history and culture. With the best of the Med relocated to an English paradise why not kick start your holidays by visiting MedFest – A Taste of the Mediterranean at West Dean Gardens, West Dean, Near Chichester, West Sussex, PO18 ORX. 01243 818 210. www.westdean.org.uk/events

AC163 - 55_Aspect County 26/03/2012 12:51 Page 1

Dinner Dance First Friday of each month Dinner in the Beachside Restaurant is accompanied by the Neal Richardson Trio playing music for dancing.

17th April - Tickets £12.50 Host: Dave Ward Opening Act: John Newton Headline Act: Stuart Mitchell Doors Open: 6 pm Last Food Orders: 7 pm Last Entry: 7.30 pm

Dinner at the Opera 19th April 3 Course Dinner laced with Operatic Arias from Popular Opera and West End Shows £32 per person

The Cooden Tavern Live Music every Friday ± Free Entry

The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne Conservatory Salad Bar Lunches ~ £8.95 per person 2 Course Luncheon in the Crystal Restaurant ~ £11.50 per person 3 Course Luncheon in the Crystal Restaurant ~ £15.50 per person Sunday Luncheon from £16.95 per person 3 Course Dinner ~ £27.50 per person

Hydro Hotel, Mount Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN20 7HZ www.hydrohotel.com ~ 01323 720643 ~ sales@hydrohotel.com Why not join us on Facebook & Twitter and keep up to date with our latest Offers & Special Events WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - White Dog Edit_Aspect County 05/04/2012 12:07 Page 10

COUNTRY LIFE The White Dog Inn, Ewhurst Green Ewhurst Green is a small village nestling the backwaters of the sleepy East Sussex countryside, surrounded by picturesque rolling farmland and woods. The locals here are well served by their local, The White Dog Inn. It has been the bedrock of the village for generations. In recent times the pub has changed hands and their reputation for good food has spread like a low winter mist following the hollows of the surrounding fields and streams, threading its way to the neighbouring hamlets and villages. The news had spread to our household so we decided to pay a visit to Ewhurst Green. We wound through the country lanes on a frosty and misty winters evening to The White Dog and found a fine and welcoming lazy fire smouldering within what is one of the finest fireplaces in the county. First things first, I enjoyed a well earned pint of Harveys by the fire. Rustic, ruddy and country with a well trod brick floor, old wood tables and chairs with a sturdy bar, this pub ticks all the boxes so far as authenticity goes. On the blackboard you are informed â&#x20AC;&#x153;our game is locally shot and may contain shot.â&#x20AC;? My interest is not with the chains or homogenous eateries that invade and offend our senses, but with the original and owner managed establishments that are sadly becoming something of a rarity. The unique atmosphere of these places is like gold dustbut you know you have hit the a rich seam within a second of being inside their four walls. This was my impression of The White Dog in 2012. I had visited here on a number of occasions over the past 30 years and the bonhomie and buzz of the place had not changed one jot. At The White Dog mud caked Land Rover Defenders rub wheels with Jaguars and Bentleys in the car park. Horses trot on past 56

ASPECT COUNTY

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the pub on towards the beckoning fields. I swear that the village has not changed a jot since my first visit there in the 70s. Inside the talk was of Europe, stocks and shares, the demise of the Hunt, the price of sheep at market and who left that 12 bar gate open. At the bar stockbrokers mingled with local farmers and farmhands. Reading material includes Country Life, The Spectator and Aspect County while some customers scanned the broadsheets at their tables. The hubbub of the country pub at its best. But would the food live up to our expectations?

and served with new potatoes and a leaf salad with dressing. From the delicious and delicate aroma,then the sublime flavour, you can sense the chef enjoys cooking his fish dishes. My daughter enjoyed an excellent burger and chunky chips and was more than pleased. Her mother enjoyed a succulent chump of Romney Marsh lamb with rosemary and garlic oil. With mash and some tasty roasted vegetables, this we can highly recommend. The finale of the evening came with some superb home cooked puddings. A hot chocolate fondant hit the spot. Her mother demolished a treacle tart, allowing no one a morcel to taste.

Rough bread and olives set us in the right mood for food. We started with a superb piping hot mushroom and garlic soup with a perfect consistency. The Rye Bay Scallops had been cooked to within a few seconds of the correct optimum time and were absolutely spot on. My Mezzora Pinot Grigio was the right choice of wine to accompany the scallops. For Bacchus the wine list enjoys plenty of choice from Europe with a few splashes from the New World too. Their wine menu looks after you from appetizers to puddings. Start with champagne and a Laurent Perrier Brut. Finish on a high with a choice of their pudding wines. For in between I recommend my personal favourite, the Chateauneuf du Pape.

The service and atmosphere is beyond fault at The White dog. Our waitress was friendly and effusive and knew her way around the menu and the wines with an air of experience and confidence beyond her age. As for the food, of particular note are their starters and puddings, which are momentous. The use of the local produce from the surrounding countryside makes for main courses that are wholesome and unpretentious. With specials on the blackboard, six or so starters and eight mains, you should find something to tickle your palate. The menu changes following the seasons and the produce, so check their website for a full picturewww.thewhitedogewhurst.co.uk

The dining area at the White dog is adorned with murals from the surrounding countrysideBodiam Castle, the steam railway at Northiam and the magnificent gardens at Great Dixter. Candles and curtains make for a cozy winter nook to enjoy the local produce. Another blackboard lists the local suppliers who serve The White Dog well.

If you visit The White Dog then I hope that you enjoy a treat of an evening. If you visit for lunch, then make sure that you check out the gardens and enjoy the view of Bodiam Castle. Whatever you do, make sure you call in soon to enjoy their fire while there is still frost on the ground outside. This pub comes highly recommended. Enjoy.

Onwards to the mains and a personal favourite, the Dover Sole which came grilled

The White Dog. Ewhurst Green. TN32 5TD. Bookings 01580 830264

S ED IP IT SH E M R L LI BE AB IL EM A M AV

OCKENDEN MANOR SPA NOW OPEN EXCEPTIONAL FACILITIES IN A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT Featuring an indoor swimming pool with a stunning river-stone floor and swim-through to our heated outdoor pool, both are fed by Ockenden’s own natural underground spring. Along with an outdoor hot tub, indoor spa bath and walk-through rain shower, our gym is equipped with the latest cardiovascular and resistance machines, along with a fitness studio for pilates and yoga. For your own paradise in pampering, eight superb treatment rooms await. Choose from one of our five luxury day retreat packages.

WIN A FABULOUS SPA EXPERIENCE FOR TWO A wonderful opportunity to treat yourself and a guest of your choice to our South Downs Sunset Spa Package. This indulgent evening of pampering and relaxation begins at 4.30pm with a glass of Ridgeview Estate in the hot tub and full use of spa facilities. Choose from an aromatherapy back massage, an Indian Head Massage or a ﬁle and polish on your hands or feet. The evening concludes with a two course dinner at Ockenden Manor’s superb Michelin-starred restaurant. For your chance to enter this competition simply email your details to spamembership@hshotels.co.uk or text 07917 002989 quoting WINSPADAY Terms and conditions apply. Competition ends 31.5.12. We’d be delighted to add your details to our exclusive database.

OCKENDEN MANOR SPA Ockenden Lane, Cuckﬁeld, West Sussex RH17 5LD 01444 449191 spa@ockenden-manor.com www.hshotels.co.uk

AC163 - 58_Aspect County 26/03/2012 14:52 Page 10

HEALTHY ROOTS GROWS A leading nursery group that prides itself on delivering high quality care has chosen an expanding Kent company to supply the meals it serves. Townsend Montessori, which runs nurseries throughout the south east, works with Healthy Roots, a young company with a growing reputation for preparing and delivering high quality food made by hand from fresh, locallysourced produce.

London and in Faversham. Ofsted has rated all the group’s nurseries as Outstanding. Dawn explained: “All the evidence shows that healthy, handmade food is not just better for children nutritionally but helps them learn because they are more alert. Parents who care about what their youngsters eat at home know that what the nursery serves for lunch is as important as the attention, the social skills and the learning it provides.

“We believe children should eat freshlyprepared, healthy food, not processed, prepacked meals, and it is rewarding to see that a nursery group with Townsend Montessori’s reputation agrees.” Healthy Roots also acts sustainably, supporting local producers and reducing environmental impact by keeping ‘food miles’ to a minimum. “Fresh local food is not just better for the children but better for the environment, too,” said Dawn.

The nursery group shares Healthy Roots cofounder Dawn Phelps’ philosophy that healthy and nutritious food is vital to the children in its care. Operations Manager Toni Lawrence explained: “The children really enjoy the food provided by Healthy Roots. The menu has lots of variety and new things for children to try.” She added: “Healthy Roots provides a very healthy but value for money menu for children and sources wonderful, locally-produced products. Dawn listens to feedback not just from the nursery but from the children and adapts the menus when necessary.” Townsend Montessori, the first client to sign up with Healthy Roots, has now chosen it to provide food to more of its nurseries – in south

LOW TEMPERATURE LAUNDERING "FAILING TO KILL BACTERIA" A continuing build- up of "unfriendly" bacteria on clothes and textiles is taking place in homes which only use low temperature laundering. Antibacterial protection specialist Microban says that the widespread adoption of 30 and 40 degree laundry washing as an energy saving measure means that bacteria that would have been removed from clothes by old style, hotter washes are thriving. Paul McDonnell, managing director at Microban Europe, explained that campaigns from both appliance manufacturers and detergent brands designed to save energy through lower temperature washing had been underway for some years and the practice was now accepted in many households - but could bring problems. He said: "While there are undeniably strong energy saving arguments for low temperature washing, the fact is that repeated laundering of home textiles at 30 or even 40 degrees is just not hot enough to kill the vast majority of bacteria. "Over time, there is a build up on fabrics, most of which will be harmless but some of which may not be. Negative effects could range from unpleasant odours and staining through to build ups of more unpleasant bacteria. Some research even suggests that the average wash load can 58

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contain 100 million E. coli bacteria" * Low temperature washing can also result in washing machines that smell musty and unpleasant thanks to a build-up of bacteria and mould that thrives on the grease and grime which is usually eradicated by higher temperature wash cycles. Paul continued: "It is not just fabrics that are a cause for concern with low temperature washing but also the appliance itself - continual 30 and 40 degree washing means that a wide range of 'unfriendly' bacteria can thrive in the machine." There is no single solution to the problem, Microban believes, pointing out that a widespread return to continual high temperature washing is highly undesirable because of the strong ecological arguments for minimising energy use. Paul said: "What is probably needed is an occasional high temperature wash to clean through the machine and fabrics. However, we would also argue that a longer term solutions lies in the use of effective antibacterial technology built into home textiles and garments. The latter is especially important with fabrics that are unsuitable for hotter washes such as performance and sports apparel.

"This strategy needs to be communicated effectively to the public and we are working with our partners to highlight the issue and 'spread the word.

AC163 - 59_Aspect County 27/03/2012 17:02 Page 1

Showing we care at Wadhurst Manor Waiting g for a hip or knee ee replacement?

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When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re suffering, every minute can feel like an hour. It can mean discomfort day and night for months. And, it undoubtedly means putting your life - work, holidays and many everyday activities - on hold. For private or self-funded patients and members of Benenden Healthcare Society there is rapid access to our Hip and Knee replacement service. We also offer a limited number of NHS operations delivered within NHS time guidelines.

Providing Residential, Nursing and Dementia Care in East Sussex Tired of waiting?

Benenden Hospital offers rapid access.

Your local Benenden Hospital offers a range of services delivered in a modern clean facility Ask your GP to refer you. Find out more information call us (quote AC) on 01580 242 576 or visit www.benendenhospital.org.uk

Open Day Wednesday 18th April 10amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm Come along for an opportunity to see our stunning care home, all we offer and to meet the team. There will also be an opportunity to view our supported living care which will be available from late Spring. Wadhurst Manor Care Home Station Road, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 6RY

Tel: 01892 786 700 | www.barchester.com WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 60_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:20 Page 1

We Want Your Articles!

ASPECT COUNTY ONLINE

~ 3D V I R T U A L M A G A Z I N E ~ www.aspect-county.co.uk

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.qxp_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:41 Page 1

HAIRDRESSING FOR MEN HAWKHURST | ABACUS HOUSE | CRANBROOK RD | TN18 4AR O P E N M O N - F R I 1 0 - 7 T H U R S 1 1 - 8 S AT 9 - 5 | 0 1 5 8 0 7 5 2 9 5 2

socks for success

EXCELLENCE IS STANDARD

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AVAILABLE LOCALLY. YOU CAN ALSO TELEPHONE YOUR ORDER www.hjhall.com tel: 0845 450 5058

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OCTANE HAIRDRESSING

(Formerly Vicarys Car Showroom) Open 9.30-5pm Monday-Sat Now Open at 33 HIGH STREET BATTLE. Tel 01424 772456

w w w. o c t a n e - h a i r. c o . u k

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23/10/09 3:25:34 pm

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6 Old ladies Court, High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AH E-mail: mail@albaestates.eu Visit: www.albaestates.eu Tel: +44 (0) 1424 236121

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AC163 - 62_Aspect County 23/03/2012 16:06 Page 10

Barbour range available at Shire Country Clothing. 33 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0EA Tel: 01424 772 456. Visit www.shirecountryclothing.co.uk

AC163 - 63_Aspect County 20/03/2012 11:02 Page 1

WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 64_Aspect County 23/03/2012 14:42 Page 10

AC163 - 65_Aspect County 23/03/2012 14:45 Page 10

Spring/Summer 2012 collection by Kate Fearnley www.katefearnleyboutique.co.uk .

AC163 - 66_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:49 Page 1

Aspect County Online

www.aspect-county.co.uk

Fine Furniture & Carpets For over 125 years Bonners of Tonbridge have supplied our customers with great value quality products, like this recently installed 100% wool striped stair carpet and wood finish laminate hallway. We also offer a superb range of cork, vinyl & rubber flooring. Why not call in and see our fabulous range of wool twist carpeting, all prices are inclusive of free fitting and underlay.

The complete kitchen service...

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165 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BX Telephone / Fax: 01732 352850

chris@thekitchendoctor.com www.thekitchendoctor.com serving London and the South-East for 25 years

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AC163 - 67_Aspect County 29/03/2012 16:20 Page 10

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QUALITY CARPETS • HAND MADE CURTAINS LOUNGE & DINING ROOM FURNITURE • SOFAS & CHAIRS i|á|à UtààÄx \ÇàxÜ|ÉÜá yÉÜ à{x y|Çxáà yâÜÇ|àâÜx tà à{x uxáà ÑÉáá|uÄx ÑÜ|vxá 01424 774 393 Open Mon-Sat at 30/31, High Street, Battle w: www.battleinteriors.co.uk e: enquiries@battleinteriors.co.uk

AC163 - 68_Aspect County 09/03/2012 16:55 Page 10

Dimplex have launched the Monterey range of energy-efficient panel heaters, a stylish and moneysaving way to heat the home. The Monterey range of panel heaters boast a highly precise, electronic thermostat. This guarantees your home will stay at your ideal temperature with maximum efficiency as the thermostat is accurate to +/- 0.3째C. The Monterey panel heaters by Dimplex are virtually silent in operation and splash-proof, so can be installed in a bathroom or wet room. The range boast rapid warm up times using powerful and efficient convected heat, and being electric they are easy to install and require no on-going maintenance.

68 ASPECT COUNTY

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AC163 - 69_Aspect County 27/03/2012 16:06 Page 1

Collins & Hayes Furniture Limited

Collins & Hayes Furniture Limited Wwww.collinsandhayes.com

SPRING SALE Corner Groups. Sofas. Chairs. Sofabeds.

est.1970 est.1970

F FINE INE H HANDMADE ANDMADE F FURNITURE URNITURE

Saturday 14th April 9.00am to 4.00pm ONE DAY ONLY

IINVITE NVITE Y YOU OU T TO OT THE HE R RE-LAUNCH E-LAUNCH OF OF OUR OUR SHOWROOM SHOWROOM SATURDAY S ATURDAY 228TH 8TH O OF FA APRIL PRIL 2012 2012 111am 1am – 4pm 4pm

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O ur sshowroom: howroom: P arsonage F arm, H eath R oad, Our Parsonage Farm, Heath Road, B oughton M onchelsea, M aidstone, K ent M E17 44JB JB Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, Kent ME17 Factory Outlet Theaklen Drive St Leonards-on-sea TN38 9AZ

Tel: 01424 443834 Free Delivery England & Wales

www.tudor-oak.com w ww.tudor-oak.com e-mail: e -mail: iinfo@tudor-oak.com nfo@tudor-oak.com telephone: telephone: 01622 01622 743747 743747 WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 70_Aspect County 21/03/2012 15:45 Page 10

Battle Interiors is a long established business in the heart of Battle, East Sussex. Renowned for their genuine personal service and wealth of staff experience,customers travel from far and wide to visit their impressive high street store. From sofas to French Country Stylefurniture,curtains,fabrics and blinds,carpets,flooring and lighting, Battle Interiors house a wealth of styles from traditional to contemporary. Owner Paul Bennett has designed many bespoke items for clients and is on hand at the storetake advantage of his many years of experience furnishing fine houses. To find out more call in at 30/31 High Street. Call 01424774393. www.battleinteriors.co.uk 70 ASPECT COUNTY

| HOMES & INTERIORS

AC162 - 73_Aspect County 13/02/2012 16:47 Page 1

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AC163 - 72_Aspect County 12/03/2012 16:15 Page 10

Oak leaf chair - polished nickel 965mmh x 750mmd x 430mm seat height ÂŁ13,980 By Villers Brothers villiersbrothers.co.uk 72 ASPECT COUNTY

| HOMES & INTERIORS

AC163 - 73_Aspect County 08/03/2012 14:10 Page 1

C DC Kitchens

Bedrooms

Bathrooms

Home Offices

Living

Stylish, Quality Kitchens to suit your home and lifestyle Showroom Showroom Open: Mon Monday day - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm, Saturday 9.00am - 4.00pm

|| East Sussex | TN21 8AE Cuisines de Classe Ltd | Hailsham Road | º¶É½ĲºÁ¹ T: 01435 868225 | F: 01435 866355 | E: contact@kitchensbycdc.com

www.kitchensbycdc.com | www.cdcinteriors.co.uk |

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AC163 - 74_Aspect County 13/03/2012 10:32 Page 10

Every once in a while it’s nice to highlight a beautiful bathroom for no other reason than it takes your breath away. This lofty space in a 19th century townhouse is a classic case in point. Where most would bow down to the chaotic veins of statuary marble, this room does just the opposite. Renovated in the 1930’s and painted in an arresting trompe l’oeil effect, the 74 ASPECT COUNTY

| HOMES & INTERIORS

tented walls lend a touch of the exotic to its distinctly traditional bones. Look carefully and you’ll even see hints of Cairo peeking out under an eclipsed sun. The theme continues in the subtle nuances of the decoration. Rather than playing up to the room’s formality, designer Thomas Jayne chose

accessories that look as though they’ve been scooped up from some bustling global bazaar. The ceramic Chinese barrel seats are handpainted and a perennial favorite of the Orient while the frosted globe lamps are reminiscent of Victorian English bathrooms. For a dose of Americana, the cotton Star rug is hand-woven in Southampton, New York.

A collection of fine kitchens of distinction State-of-the-art appliances and top quality fittings Free design service and pre-installation site survey Full installation service using our own experienced tradesmen Buy with confidence from a KBSA approved supplier First class customer service from a long established company

A unique range of designs traditional, classic or chic Innovative storage solutions Furniture designed to fit your individual requirements Quality assured durable furniture of solid construction Professional, reliable and trustworthy workmanship Confidence that you are using a reputable company Ten Year Warranty

Fitted Home Offices available

AC163 - 76_Aspect County 27/03/2012 11:34 Page 10

Exclusive Italian Furniture by Cornelio Cappellini

AC163 - 79_Aspect County 15/03/2012 13:51 Page 10

JONES BRITAIN creative kitchen solutions

The kitchen is not just somewhere to cook. For generations it has been the heart of the home, its nerve-centre. From traditional to cutting-edge, Jones Britain offers an inspiring choice of materials, the latest in appliance technology and a "can-do" attitude to help you achieve your dream kitchen. Why not visit our showroom in Heathfield and see for yourself

JB Upper High Street Heathfield

East Sussex TN21 8NB

www.jonesbritain.co.uk

01435 866 435 enquiries@jonesbritain.co.uk

AC163 - 78_Aspect County 27/03/2012 11:37 Page 10

Exclusive Italian Furniture by Cornelio Cappellini

AC163 - 80_Aspect County 27/03/2012 11:45 Page 10

Exclusive Italian Furniture by Cornelio Cappellini

AC163 - 79_Aspect County 23/03/2012 14:58 Page 10

Telephone: 01342 313133

Passionate about design We’ve been passionate about kitchen design for more than 20 years. Every kitchen is designed to your individual taste and requirements and we work very closely with you from start to ﬁnish to give you a truly bespoke kitchen. To ﬁnd out more call Rachael Workman our resident designer on 01342 313133 or visit our showroom for a chat. Kitchens Bespoke, 88 London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EP www.kitchensbespoke.co.uk

Winner Secret shopper Best Kitchen Company

WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 81_Aspect County 27/03/2012 15:18 Page 10

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Pine furniture / oak furniture White painted French style furniture Kitchen units And thousands of items to make you house a home

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Built today - designed for life

THE SOLUTION FOR YOU 6 A complete design and installation service 6 Built by our own expert craftsman 6 Uncompromised quality at the best possible value 6 Free quotations

The Parlour, Saracens Dairy, Pluckley Road, Pluckley TN27 OSA T 0845 20 60 420 F 0845 20 50 420 W www.xlpools.com E enquiries@xlpools.com 81

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AC163 - 82_Aspect County 23/03/2012 15:33 Page 10

GOLD DISCOVERED IN KENT After many years of searching in Britain, gold has now been discovered in Kent in the unlikeliest of places. With links to the M2, the M20, and the port of Dover, Medway City Estate in Rochester has long been established as an ideal place for companies to develop their businesses. Now however, there is something happening that is attracting prospectors€ from all over the world. Gold Solutions, a local run company, are leading the way in the new €gold rush about to sweep Britain by supplying a range of DIY Home Gold Plating kits. These kits are allowing people from all walks of life to generate additional incomes from their own homes, by creating new and, as yet unseen, products for retail in the High Streets. With the purchase of these low cost kits it is possible to electroplate a range of finishes on almost any metal household item and, by providing users the ability to plate with Gold, Silver, Platinum, Rhodium, Chrome, Copper and Nickel, there is the possibility for hundreds of thousands of High Street shops to now offer their own customers an option to upgrade any of the products that they sell. Terry George, founder of Gold Solutions said “not only does this provide retailers an opportunity to generate new and extra profit centres for their businesses, without detracting from their existing sales, it also allows

thousands of entrepreneurs to make a fantastic living providing this service in their own locality- and it is a lot easier than mining for gold.” Gold Solutions, who have also created the only gold plating guild in the world for its customers to use to promote their own businesses worldwide, distribute these kits all over the world and even provide training courses for those wishing to make a serious business for themselves from day one. With their free and unlimited support and advice provided with each kit, buyers can work at a pace of their choice. George says "When there is a recession, consumers look even harder for products to buy as gifts that are value for money yet still have an impact on whoever receives them. 24k Gold plated iphones and ipods look absolutely fantastic but then, so does a 24k Gold plated razor or kettle. We are even producing a gold plated 4gb memory stick. That will come with a range of data uploaded on the stick relating to those special days. There will even be a special €personal message uploaded to the receiver of the gift, making it a totally unique and thoughtful gift that will never be forgotten. To find out morecontact: www.goldsolutions.eu/

FAMILIES FIND DISCUSSING THEIR FINANCES AND MORTALITY ‘UNCOMFORTABLE’ Protecting yourself against illness or death is not usually considered, but this can secure an income for your family if anything were to happen to you. The latest Aviva Family Finances Report (which can be found on at www.aviva.com) reveals that many UK families are putting luxuries ahead of protecting their loved ones financially. The report discovered that while 50 per cent of families are happy to pay for a satellite television package, just 40 per cent have life insurance. It also found that families are more likely to have insurance for their mobile phone (14 per cent) than insurance that will protect their family financially if they were to suffer a critical illness (13 per cent). Similarly, more people have taken out an extended warranty on electrical items (13 per cent) than have income protection insurance, which would potentially pay an income for life should they be unable to work as a result of an accident or illness (10 per cent). Lack of understanding The report also reveals that the majority of UK families are avoiding the issue of what they would do if something happened to an income 82 ASPECT COUNTY

| FINANCE

earner because they find discussing their finances and mortality ‘uncomfortable’. This is in spite of the financial worries that could be caused by not having protection, exacerbating emotional distress at a difficult time. As a result, many families ignore the issue and fail to appreciate the value of protecting their family compared to spending on other items. Avoiding putting measures in place No one likes to dwell on poor health or mortality, but by denying that illness – or worse – is even a possibility, people are avoiding putting measures in place to protect their loved ones. Too many people assume that someone else will step in and look after their families if they weren’t there to provide for them, but the reality is very different. Unnecessary Risk People need to ask themselves just how they would pay for their mortgages, their food and all the other costs of living should they suddenly lose an income. While no one likes to think about ‘what ifs’, by not even considering these scenarios, people could be putting the future financial security of their families at unnecessary risk. To find out more go to website www.mraltd.com.

AC143 - Edmiston:Aspect County 28/07/2010 12:32 Page 10

E D MI S TON – WORLD LE A D E R S IN YACHTING

LONDON:

+44 (0)20 7495 5151

MONTE CARLO:

+377 93 30 54 44

NEW YORK:

+1 212 792 5370

MEXICO CITY:

+52 55 52 80 95 74

www.edmistoncompany.com SALE AND PURCHASE CHARTER MANAGEMENT NEW CONSTRUCTION

AC163 - 84_Aspect County 27/03/2012 17:21 Page 10

HOME FARM HARNESSES ITS WOODLAND ASSETS The WARR partnership is helping a Wealden family farm breathe commercial life into an area of neglected woodland to ensure the farm continues to be a viable business for both current and future generations. The 79 acre farm near High Hurstwood includes 50 acres of ancient woodland. This is in a typical High Weald ghyll - a narrow wooded ravine - which has previously limited the amount of timber that can be extracted from the site. Now a Woodland Management Plan has been drawn up with help from the Forestry Commission and a successful application for RDPE grant funding through the Wealden And Rother Rural Partnership means specialist forestry machinery can be bought to create a sustainable new income stream for the family. The proposal has been developed with specialist advice to help manage the woodlands in a way which will enhance and maintain their value for nature conservation. The ghyll woodlands are highly valued by the local branch of Campaign to Protect Rural England and Sussex University, whose students survey and monitor its biodiversity. The Woodland Management Plan will improve public access to the woodlands. It will also ensure that the ancient woodland continues to

be managed in a way sympathetic to previous centuries, helping to preserve a range of Sussex flora and fauna. At the same time the family will be able to make use of the growing market for local woodfuel by providing logs and kindling. This will provide much needed additional income for the family farm whose members include a qualified tree surgeon.

service to other local woodland owners within a year." Customers seeking supplies of woodfuel in the Uckfield area should contact homefarmlogs@btinternet.com or ring 07776 263030.

"This careful use of EU money is helping to preserve Wealden wildlife and landscape by equipping traditional industries with the specialist tools they need to be competitive in the 21st century," said Councillor Roy Galley, Wealden member of the Board of the WARR Partnership. "It is very important to maintain a working countryside while preserving the tremendous biodiversity of the High Weald." "The WARR Partnership Grant of £17,000 has been essential in helping us to buy the specialist Scandinavian forestry equipment to extract wood from such difficult terrain," said Barry Rudduck of Home Farm Logs. "We are now making plans to expand the marketing of firewood using local garden centres and nurseries as well as using the internet to support sales direct from Home Farm." "The grant has helped to create additional parttime work over the winter season. Home Farm Logs expects to be able to offer a contracting

PLANTING THE SEED OF A GREAT IDEA Schoolchildren are being urged to pick up a spade and dig for victory as part of Grown In Kent 2012. The green-fingered initiative – run by Kent County Agricultural Society and supported by Vegucate, an organisation championing healthy food initiatives – returns following last year’s inaugural event which saw All Saints CEP School in Chatham declared the winner after pupils grew almost £100 worth of produce. Children harvest and weigh their produce and determine its monetary value using the table included in the resources pack. This information is recorded and then the produce can be cooked at school, sent home or sold as part of fundraising events at the school. Roger Moore, executive manager of Kent Showground, owned by the agricultural society and where the winning presentation will be staged, said: “Grown In Kent encourages children to nurture plants and to learn the processes involved in growing fruit and vegetables. It is educational, great fun and very satisfying. “ Kent has a rich horticultural heritage. If we can encourage a love of growing early in life this will help children to get a real sense of where food comes from and what is grown in 84

ASPECT COUNTY

| LOCAL NEWS

the county.” This year’s winning school will receive family tickets to attend the Kent County Show – held over July 13, 14 and 15 – when BBC TV presenter Adam Henson will present the Winners Cup and Rosette on Saturday, July 14. Schools can download the resources pack from the Grown In Kent website – www.growninkent.co.uk – which gives top tips on how to successfully grow potentially award-winning produce. It also includes a list

of suppliers, a value table and a form to complete with weight and value for each crop harvested. Schools who register to enter the competition online will receive a free pack of seeds to help them on their way. The produce value grown by each group needs to be verified by the head teacher and a school governor or member of the PTA before being submitted by Monday, July 2. Winners will be notified by Friday, July 6.

AC138 - 39:Aspect County 16/02/2010 11:03 Page 10

AC163 - 86_Aspect County 23/03/2012 09:22 Page 10

MILLBROOK MILESTONE Local Landscapers scoop 2012 Award

Now is a great time to be thinking about improving your outdoor space. There are plenty of good reasons to let the Millbrook award winning design and landscape team transform your garden with their professional advice, creative designs, and over 30 years experience. Although it is hard to imagine the long hot days of summer at the moment, if you let Millbrook help you now, you could be relaxing in your dream garden or even have a brand new swimming pool fitted in time! Millbrook are proud members of the Association of Professional Landscapers and Trust Mark. Following on from their success at 86 ASPECT COUNTY

| GARDENS

the 2011 APL awards, Millbrook young landscaper Jake Barton won the Young Achiever Award at the 2012 APL Awards. The Millbrook design and landscaping team won best medium sized garden project which is a credit to their landscaping excellence. Millbrook have creative and imaginative ways to transform the look of your existing garden or to create an entirely new one. They can also build separate garden features to fit within established gardens such as ponds, waterfalls, pergolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and bridges. Individual projects like drives, lawns, swimming pools and ground work are all part of the service.

If you are looking for inspiration or have a rough idea of what want you want for your garden contact Maria in the Landscape Department on 01892 663822. You could also call the designer, Freddie on 07795236686 or visit the Design and Landscape studio in the plant area of the Crowborough Garden centre. The studio is open every day but Freddie is there if you would like to have an informal chat on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 11am to 4pm. For more information contact Millbrook on 01892 663 822 or visit www.millbrookgardencentre.co.uk

AC163 - 87_Aspect County 27/03/2012 17:56 Page 10

Est. 1959

For Reclaimed Building Landscaping Materials Architectural Salvage & Antiques

We Stock ■ Bricks (walling & paving) ■ Stone (paving, walling & rockery) ■ Roof Tiles ■ Fireplaces (surrounds, inserts & stoves) ■ Stained Glass ■ Sleepers ■ Oak Beams & Pine Joisting ■ Oak Flooring ■ Reclaimed Pine Flooring ■ Chimney Pots ■ Doors ■ Windows ■ Period Bathroomware ■ Period Radiators ■ Garden Items ■ Gates & Railings ■ Door Furniture ■ Taps and much, much, more.

Sales - Service - Repairs - Spare Parts for... Garden Tractors - Ride-On Mowers Lawnmowers - Brushcutters - Chainsaws Chippers - Hedgetrimmers Contractors and Commercial welcomed Tel: 01424 426126 14/15 Harold Mews, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0EA www.sussexmowerservices.co.uk

SUNFLOWER GARDEN CRIPPS CORNER ROAD STAPLECROSS NEAR ROBERTSBRIDGE EAST SUSSEX TN32 5QA TEL/FAX: 01580 830701

Harcourt Lodge Buildings, Burwash Road, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 8RA.

Tel: 01435 862381 www.bestdemolition.co.uk sales@bestdemolition.co.uk

We’re into outdoors

Summers just round the corner, so it’s time to spring into action. We stock everything for your garden, from barbeques to blowers, strimmers to shears, lawnmowers to loppers, and all at competitive prices. Visit one of our branches at Sevenoaks, Hailsham and Wokingham. Otford Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5EG Tel: 01732 741177 Lower Dicker, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 4BG Tel: 01323 846866 Eastheath House, Eastheath Avenue, Wokingham, Berkshire RG41 2PR, Tel: 0118 979 6063

www.godfreys.co.uk

Golf & Turf WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

Editorial Page - Left_Aspect County 23/03/2012 12:32 Page 10

Harry Villiers of Villiers Brothers, designer makers of glamorous furniture for prestigious interiors worldwide, and his friend David Riches, award winning graphic designer, creator of publications for such names as Liberty, the V & A, the White Company, Laura Ashley, have just set up an inspiring new online shopping site www.vintagearchive.co.uk Harry Villiers and David Riches, both with an unerring eye for the original and fascinating object, have been travelling to far off places seeking out vintage furniture, toys, posters, industrial cast offs, each piece with a genuine story to tell, chosen for durability, wit, and a certain quirky charm. 88 ASPECT COUNTY

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AC163 - 89_Aspect County 23/03/2012 09:37 Page 1

Editorial Page - Half Page Right_Aspect County 27/03/2012 14:38 Page 10

Keep The homes and gardens fires burning www.worldstores.co.uk 90

WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

| GARDENS

AC163 - 91_Aspect County 27/03/2012 17:58 Page 1

AJEER RECLAMATION NATURAL STONE PAVING

SANDSTONE AND LIMESTONE - 12 COLOURS - 6 SIZES

ANTIQUED SANDSTONE AND LIMESTONE - 6 COLOURS - 5 SIZES

RECLAIMED YORKSHIRE FLAGSTONE - 5 GRADES

FLAME TEXTURED GRANITE - 4 COLOURS - 4 SIZES

STOP PRESS !! JUST ARRIVED - HUGE RANGE OF SETTS, CIRCLES, BULLNOSE, PLANKS AND COPING STOP PRESS !! Sugar Loaf Yard, Brightling Road, Woods Corner, Nr Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9LL

Tel: 01424 838555

Fax: 01424 838556 Email: sales@ajeer.co.uk www.ajeer.co.uk Opening hours: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5.30pm Saturday 7.30am - 1.00pm WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

AC163 - 92_Aspect County 27/03/2012 15:43 Page 10

BRITISH STILL PAMPERING PETS

We all love our pets, so it’s perhaps not surprising that despite the UK’seconomy the amount we spend caring for our animal friends shows no signs of diminishing. A recent survey by Mintel* has shown that 87% of UK pet owners consider their pet to be part of the family and 70% treat their pet with as much care as they would a child. Leading pet

care manufacturer, Rolf C. Hagen, has reported that sales of pet care products during 2010 continued to grow, while many other retail sectors struggled to survive. Hagen launched a whole raft of new products onto the UK market last year and is optimistic that UK families will continue to realise the health, educational and social benefits of owning a pet.

It seems we like to treat our pets with new toys and these are becoming increasingly like the kind of toys we would buy our children. If you haven’t visited your local pet shop recently you could be in for a big surprise when you see the range of things on offer, especially for dogs and cats. For example, the problem of keeping cats happy and out of mischief, especially when their busy owners are at work all day.

EQUESTRIAN ACCESS TO PUBLIC FORESTS The UK’s largest equestrian charity, The British Horse Society has pledged its commitment to fight for the future of equestrian access to public forests. Equestrian access to thousands of acres of England’s forests could be lost if public forests are sold off as part of the Government's efforts to plug the national deficit. A consultation on the future of the public forest estate opened this morning and the Society is urging all equestrians to respond. As it stands, horse riders have access to just 22 percent of public rights of way and horse-drawn

vehicle drivers a mere five percent - therefore the loss of any other safe off-road riding opportunities in our forests would be devastating for equestrians if access is not preserved. The Society’s Director of Access, Safety and Welfare, Mark Weston, said: “If there is to be a sale of any forest it is important that access for equestrians is secured for future generations before any such sale takes place - if that cannot be assured then we would oppose any sale vigorously.

heard. It is important that all equestrians respond to the consultation to ensure that equestrian access to our forests is preserved.” The Society is urging all riders to join them in their campaign. Anyone who wishes to be kept up-to-date with the Society’s progress should email forestryfight@bhs.org.uk, with the subject title ‘count me in’. For further information or to confirm attendance, please contact: Alison Coleman, The British Horse Society, 02476 840463, a.coleman@bhs.org.uk

“Now is the time for riders to make their voices

DON'T SUPPORT ILLEGAL PUPPY FARMING Buying a dog is a big decision, both for you and the dog. It is made more difficult by the existence of illegal puppy farmers, who sell dogs to the public without the proper licence. Following complaints, Wealden's Licensing Team carried out a search of a farm premises in the District, and found 19 puppies being unlawfully kept for commercial sale. No adult dogs were found on the premises.

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Council Officers were accompanied by the RSPCA. All the puppies found were pronounced fit and heathy after an RSPCA inspection. "Always ask questions about a puppy's parents if you are buying a dog from someone," said Colin Pateman, Animal Welfare Licensing Officer. "And ask to see the parents if possible. Commercial sellers should have a proper Pet Shop Licence, which means the premises can

be regularly inspected to make sure the conditions are suitable and the animals are being properly fed, watered and their veterinary needs catered for." More information about Pet Shop and Dog Breeding Licenses can be found on the Wealden website, www.wealden.gov.uk.

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Part of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare Open 9am - 3.30pm By appointment only, call Jeff Tucker on: Tel: 01825 841460 Mob: 07411003278 www.raystede.org Ringmer, Nr Lewes BN8 6PH, East Sussex

COVE KENNELS AND CATTERY MR TREVOR FINCH MRS CLAIRE FINCH CAT AND DOG BOARDING ALSO DOG GROOMING Email: claire34finch@yahoo.co.uk Web: www.covekennelsandcattery.co.uk

COVE KENNELS, ROCK LANE, GUESTLING, EAST SUSSEX, TN35 4NY TEL: 01424 433 560 WWW.ASPECT-COUNTY.CO.UK

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JAGUAR HERITAGE RACING IS GO! For the first time since 1956 C and D types will race again

March 2012 marked the launch of Jaguar Heritage Racing, a programme which will see Jaguar return to the competitive arena through the vibrant world of historic motorsport. For the first time since 1956, works-supported C- and D-types will race again at venues including Goodwood and the NĂźrburgring, while the season-long programme will also see Jaguar Heritage Racing support numerous additional events on the historic motoring calendar. These include the Mille Miglia, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and each round of the Etype challenge in the UK â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a series which in 42 ASPECT COUNTY

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2011 demonstrated the depth of global interest in historic motorsport, and in Jaguar's participation specifically. As Jaguar embarks on the most extensive new product development cycle in its history, it is the perfect time to invest in and celebrate its heritage. Says Jaguar Global Brand Director, Adrian Hallmark: "Jaguar is proud of its heritage, and it is a heritage that is both alive and ever evolving. The first event at which Jaguar Heritage Racing will be present is the 2012 Mille Miglia

retrospective in May. This year's running of the Mille Miglia has particular significance for Jaguar as it marks 60 years since Sir Stirling Moss and Norman Dewis (then Jaguar's chief development driver) took the start in the first disc-brake equipped C-type. Later that same year Sir Stirling Moss recorded the first win for a disc-braked car when he drove another C-type to victory at Reims, paving the way for the wide-scale use of the technology that we all take for granted today.

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CITROËN DS5 CAR DESIGN OF THE YEAR’ IN CAR DESIGN NEWS AWARDS

Citroën’s brand new flagship, DS5, has been voted ‘Design of the Year - Production Car’ by Car Design News. Just two ‘Car Design of the Year’ accolades are awarded each year - one to a production car and one to a concept. The winning designs are selected from a shortlist by the readers of Car Design News, the leading online resource for automotive design professionals. For the sixth year running, the design community was asked to select the designs that impressed them the most. The award was announced on 6 March at the Geneva Motor Show. New DS5 received almost a quarter of the near 4,000 votes cast, making the distinctive new Citroën a clear winner in the production car category - ahead of its nearest rival the Lamborghini Aventador. Owen Ready, Editor of Car Design News, commented: “The Car Design News Car

Design of the Year Award is voted for by car design professionals making this a rare opportunity for those in the industry to show their appreciation for the work of their peers. It's easy to see why Citroën DS5's design attracted almost a quarter of the votes in the production car category. Both inside and out it’s bold, vibrant and idiosyncratic with a rich mix of materials and exciting design solutions. From its distinctive proportions to its genuinely special cabin, the DS5 marks Citroën out as one of the most exciting brands around.” Marc Raven, Communications Director at Citroën UK, said: “We’re delighted that New Citroën DS5 has been voted Car Design of the Year by the readers of Car Design News. DS5 is the embodiment of distinctive design, so to have this recognition from an international automotive design community is tribute to the work of its creative team. Andy Cowell, DS5’s Design Manager describes it as ‘a hybrid in a

tailored suit’ - just the sort of bold statement that is helping DS5 capture the hearts and minds of industry peers, press and the public.” New Citroën DS5 is the latest addition to the stylish and distinctive DS line. With innovative styling, sophisticated materials and exceptional design, DS5 showcases the very best of Citroën’s ‘Créative Technologie’. DS5 is the first Citroën with a full hybrid drivetrain, combining an HDi diesel engine with electric power. Hybrid4 technology successfully blends 200bhp, four wheel drive, zero emissions for urban use, an acceleration boost function and low CO2 emissions from just 99g/km. For a test drive contact Wilmoths Citroen at one of their branches in Sussex or Kent

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MILESTONE YEAR ASTON MARTIN SAY WATCH OUR VS AND QS.

2012 marks the fifth anniversary of an independently owned Aston Martin, one of the world's most acclaimed manufacturers of luxury sports cars. Fittingly, 2012 will also be the year that the new V12 Zagato makes its debut as a production car demonstrating that now, more than ever before, Aston Martin is at the forefront of bespoke manufacturing, the new dynamic in the luxury marketplace. 2012 sees the arrival of the revised V8 Vantage range. Enhancements include the introduction of Aston Martin's acclaimed Seven-speed Sportshift™ II transmission, with a new aerodynamic package derived from the motorsport variants of the Vantage range. In keeping with Aston Martin's philosophy of continuous improvement, the 2012 Vantage range includes upgrades to chassis and braking. The Vantage range is now topped by the new V12 Zagato. Created by a team at the Gaydon studios led by Aston Martin's Director of Design, Marek Reichman, the V12 Zagato is a celebration of the long-standing collaboration between the two companies, a fitting testament to the importance Aston Martin places on design, technology, craftsmanship and skilled British manufacturing. Just 150 examples will

be made at Aston Martin's Gaydon factory. Q by Aston Martin is a service that goes beyond the standard palette of paint, leather and trim finishes, taking the company into a new era in personalisation. A team that brings Aston Martin's designers together with the company's engineers and highly experienced craftspeople, allowing customers to enhance and personalise their Aston Martin with meticulous attention to detail. The service can be extended to interior and exterior styling, offering almost endless opportunity for expression. Thanks to Aston Martin's unique VH (Vertical Horizontal) Architecture, the philosophy that forms the backbone of its sports cars, the company has evolved a fast, flexible and modular approach to engineering. With Q by Aston Martin, the ability to commission the design and manufacture of your unique car is now within reach. Q by Aston Martin can help to design and procure luxury items beyond the customers’ car. This could extend to colour matching a Brompton bicycle to their Aston Martin, supporting the customer’s architect to design their house, or creating colour themes and

materials for the interior specification of a yacht. The Virage and Cygnet models presented at Geneva have been enhanced and personalised to include unique colour and trim finishes, each car is a one-off showcase for the possibilities offered by Q by Aston Martin. The Virage with a bespoke Mariana Blue satin paint finish with an interior that includes blue carbon fibre, saddle leather floor mats, and striking yellow detailing, together with exclusive concept components, including a header mounted trackday HD video camera, luggage rack and striking forged, diamond turned wheel, all of which have been developed by the team, illustrating the scope of the service and the lengths to which customers can go with their individual requests. In 2012, Aston Martin offers customers a remarkable fifteen models, including Rapide, the DBS Coupe and DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and Volante, DB9 Coupe and DB9 Volante, the V8 Vantage Coupe and Vantage Roadster, the Vantage S Coupe and Roadster and the V12 Vantage. In addition, there is the Cygnet city car and One-77 supercar, and the line-up will be joined by the V12 Zagato in mid-2012.

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BRITISH HERITAGE Try the wind in the hair experience for a day

Nothing typifies British ‘wind-in-the-hair’ motoring better than a Morgan, and most sports car enthusiasts have either owned one or given the matter serious thought at one time or another. Well, thanks to Allon White Sports Cars of Cranfield, Bedfordshire, you no longer have to ‘buy to try’, as they have a range of attractive hire packages ranging from one day to a week – or longer if required. A Morgan Plus 4 forms the backbone of the fleet and a 4/4 and Roadster are to be added in the near future. Charges start at £170 per day.

Gift vouchers are available for those wanting to arrange hire as a present for someone else’s birthday, or other special occasion such as Fathers’ Day. Those who ultimately buy a new or used Morgan from Allon White as a result of a ‘try before you buy’ hire will be entitled to a pro rata refund on the purchase price. Said John Bellenger, the Managing Director of Allon White Sports Cars: “As one of the UK’s longest established Morgan dealers, we are very familiar with the unique place Morgans hold in

the hearts of enthusiasts the world over, and it is a privilege to be able to provide a taste of what full ownership can bring. Our customers hire for all manner of reasons from satisfying a long held curiosity to surprising a friend or loved one with a surprise drive. With a good stock of new and used sale cars, we are in a good position to assist those who then become bitten by the Morgan bug – a common occurrence!” Further details can be found on www.allonwhite.co.uk.

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NEW CONTINENTAL GT AND GTC as well as Mulsanne drive deliveries for Bentley Bentley Motors’ deliveries continue to accelerate in the run up to the Geneva Motorshow. All major regions are up with a global increase of 47% year-on-year and 894 cars delivered to customers. China and the US are going head-to-head to become Bentley’s number one global market in 2012 with China in front at the very start of the year with 324 cars delivered (+66%) whilst US deliveries were up 29% (251 cars) over the same period. Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Dürheimer, said: “This is an excellent start to the new year for Bentley. We are maintaining the momentum from last year which clearly reflects the strong confidence customers have in our brand and in our new products worldwide.” The increase was driven by strong demand for both the new GT and the recently launched Continental GTC, both of which have increased sales with 265 and 214 cars delivered respectively. This is before the first Continental V8s reach customers in the second quarter. In addition, the Mulsanne is attracting significantly increased orders especially from the Middle East and China which could mean a

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record year for the flagship Bentley. Another interesting development has been the increasing demand for the two-door Continental GT in China. Long seen as a fourdoor market, Chinese customers are increasingly attracted to the style and exhilaration associated with sports cars and Bentley is well-placed to take advantage given the breadth of its model line-up. Mr Dürheimer continued: “Chinese customers are increasingly like any other. They turn to Bentley for the

finest craftsmanship and luxury combined with high technology and performance. This combination makes us unique as Bentley is as much about driving as being driven. With our V8 models arriving in the markets later this year as well as the new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification being presented at the Geneva Motorshow, I am confident that we will be able to deliver solid double digit growth throughout the year.”

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Eco Friendly New Build Homes The house of the future is available today

Timberlogbuild are the new houses using materials sourced from the slow growing renewable pine forests. All compliant with building regulations in the UK and Europe. If you have land available for development, but without planning permission, an Eco Friendly house on the land could open the door to permission being granted. We can advise on these matters. For more information contact Alba Estates Ltd. 6 Old ladies Court, High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AH Visit: www.albaestates.eu Tel: +44 (0) 1424 236121 E-mail: mail@albaestates.eu

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