September 2014
PLANNING THE RYE FESTIVAL INSIDE: SISTERS WHO LOVE TO FELT LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE? THE FOLLIES OF MAD JACK FULLER
O OX ds IN om ar W ols fr postc ets o r ck g t e ti ik n flow ert Ba HS onc R C
WEALDEN BUSINESS GROUP Business networking that is friendly, supportive, sociable – and a great return on investment Do you own or manage a business? Would you like more business referrals? Is the support of like-minded professionals important to you? If the answer to these three questions is ‘Yes’, then why not apply to join The Wealden Business Group. No hard sell, no pressure, but definitely a sound return on investment. In our current financial year, our 34 members are on track to exchange more than 700 business leads. We meet every Wednesday for a networking breakfast at The Little Silver Country Hotel, Tenterden. We’re friendly, supportive and sociable, with a curry club, golf days, regular outings and an annual charity fundraising drive. In the past three years we have raised almost £15,000 for good causes. Join us for an initial free breakfast by contacting secretary Dee Bateman on 07958 612937, email deebateman@hotmail.co.uk. Membership of WBG is limited to one member per profession or trade. Check out our website – www.wealden-business-group.co.uk - and if your trade or profession is not already represented, then we’d love to hear from you.
Advertising and Editorial:
01797 253668 Publication date: 1st of the month Entries for Noticeboard email: noticeboard@onionpublishing.co.uk To send editorial/advertising material email: carol@onionpublishing.co.uk For advertising sales enquiries email: sales@onionpublishing.co.uk www.onionmagazine.co.uk Twitter: @OnionMag1
The Onion magazine is published by Onion Publishing Limited The Studio at Friars Cote Farm, Crockers Lane, Northiam, East Sussex TN31 6PY.
Lest We Forget – well clearly the people in this area didn’t forget and last month there were many events in the towns and villages around commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. Everywhere there were various events and services. In Northiam, for example, there was a moving Church service to remember those from the village who were killed in that dreadful war. 34 white flowers were planted to mark the memory of the 34 Northiam men who died. There was also a splendid three-day WW1 Exhibition attended by over 500 people, and a stirring Remembrance Concert with an orchestra, some great singing and readings. On a lighter note this month we find ourselves marveling at the four men whose combined ages add up to 299 and who took to the woods in Sandhurst on motorbikes; I am laughing along with the madcap sisters who taught me to needle-felt, and I’m also being intrigued by ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller and his bizarre follies. We learn just what it takes to organise The Rye Arts Festival and talk to Peter Brice who responsible for planning and booking the classical music programme at the Festival. I have booked for three shows and I can’t wait. Thank you again to everyone who has written in with ‘Sounding Off ‘suggestions; this really does seem to have captured the collective imagination, and thank you too for sending in the Noticeboard entries. We have also been touched by, and are grateful to, the many people who have taken the time to write and phone to thank us for all the interesting things they’ve found in the magazine – but this is also down to all your valuable contributions too. Carol Farley, Editor
COMPETITION WINNERS The Onion’s July giveaway/competition winners
Editor & Publisher: Carol Farley Director & Publisher: Nicholas Farley
Thomas J Fudges Hamper: J Moyle, Rolvenden Layne
Contributors: Charlie Allen, Caroline Boucher, B Dalziell, Jack Hebden.
Home Baking cookery book: J Elphick, Tenterden P Brookes, Northiam T Upton, Burwash
Print: Polestar Stones Cover: Mo & Flo (the felty alter egos of The Woolly Felters) Designed and produced for Onion Publishing Limited by Vantage Publishing Limited, Godalming, GU7 2AE.
September 2014
Kino Cinema Tickets voucher: D Pitcher, Udimore The July Caption competition winner: Mrs D Hilbourne, Hurst Green. The winning caption read “You can’t pull the wool over my eyes”. The Onion Magazine
3
www.onionmagazine.co.uk
© National Trust Images. Registered Charity Number 205846.
Contents
Polesden Lacey
5 6
Country Markets Noticeboard What’s on in your local community
8
Felty Towers Sisters who love to felt
Mrs Greville's Donkey Derby
11 Planning the Rye Arts Festival
Join us for a day of family fun and raise funds for local charities. With a bouncy castle, live bands, stalls, games, a dog show and donkey rides. FREE entry.
15 Last of the Summer Wine?
In association with the Leatherhead & District Lions.
01372 452048 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/polesden-lacey
Beth Wilson
Professional singer available for weddings, private and corporate events
Nick Farley talks to Peter Brice Motorcycle ‘tricks in the sticks’
18 The Kent Community Foundation We talk to one of our local charities
20 Sounding Off 24 The Follies of Mad Jack Fuller 27 A Trip to the Hairdresser 28 Gardening with Jack Hebden 32 Bacon and Egg Pie from New Zealand 34 A Good Book 36 Walk Brightling Park and Fuller’s Follies
38 Business Cards Small ads for trades and services
39 Win Enter our giveaway competitions
Please call on 07940 736577 www.Bethwilsonmusic.co.uk 4
The Onion magazine
The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and nothing can be reprinted without prior permission of the publisher. The publisher has tried to ensure that all information is accurate but does not take any responsibility for any mistakes or omissions. We take no responsibility for advertisements printed in the magazine or loose inserts that might be delivered alongside it. © Onion Publishing Limited.
onionmagazine.co.uk
Tenterden folk festival 2014
Tenterden, the Jewel of the Weald
COUNTRY Markets EVERY TUESDAY 09:00 to 11:00 Wittersham Wittersham Village Hall, The Street EVERY WEDNESDAY 10:00 to 13:00 Rye Strand Quay, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 7AY EVERY THURSDAY 09:00 to 12noon Rolvenden Farmers’ Market, St Mary’s Church, Rolvenden, TN18 5PN Rolvenden Village Hall, Maytham Road, Rolvenden, TN17 4ND EVERY FRIDAY 10:00 to 12noon Brede Brede Village Hall, Cackle Street, Brede, East Sussex, TN31 6DX
Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th October
Four more days of folk, song, music and dance info@tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk www.tenterdenfolkfestival.org.uk
Free events include music showcase stage, dance stages, dance displays, Morris dancers, procession, music sessions, sing-a-rounds, street theatre, etc. Ticketed events include concerts, barn dance, workshops, meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. See programme for details Do not miss the popular Tenterden Craft Fair on Saturday and Sunday www.tenterdencraftfair.org.uk info@tenterdencraftfair.org.uk Tenterden Folk Festival: Registered charity No. 1038663 Promoting folk song, music and dance
EVERY FRIDAY 09.30 to 11.30 Tenterden (Formerly the WI Market) St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church Road, Tenterden TN30 7NE EVERY FRIDAY 07.00 to 15.30 Tenterden Market Square, behind Savannah Coffee Shop, Tenterden & Tenterden High Street from 08:30 to 14.30 FRIDAY 13 SEPTEMBER and FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 10:00 to 15:30 Sissinghurst Castle Sissinghurst Castle, Biddenden Road, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB SATURDAY 6 SEPTEMBER 10:00 to 12:00 Robertsbridge Robertsbridge Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge
‘The real taste of Italy’ Fabulous Italian deli and cafe serving delicious Italian food including panini, cakes and pastries. “My favourite coffee shop. Always something tasty and unusual on offer too”
SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 10:00 to 12:00 Brightling Brightling Village Hall, Brightling, TN32 5HJ SATURDAY 27 SEPTEMBER 9:30 to 13:00 Cranbrook Vestry Hall, High Street, Cranbrook, TN17 3HF September 2014
Fabio’s Italian Cafe, 16 Stone Street, Cranbrook. Tel 01580 720555 The Onion Magazine
5
Noticeboard... EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS ... THINGS TO DO
Don’t forget to contact us at noticeboard@ onionpublishing.co.uk about any events you want to promote. It’s such a shame when we see roadside signs announcing fabulous events we didn’t know about, usually after we’ve gone to print. It’s free to appear in the Noticeboard, so don’t wait for someone else to tell us about it, just get in touch – much better that we hear twice than not at all. The deadline for information for the October issue is 5th September. Home-Start East Sussex is looking for volunteers – for 3 hours a week. Home-Start East Sussex is looking for volunteers to support struggling families with children up to the age of 11 in the rural Rother area, Bexhill, Hastings and St Leonards. If you are a parent and have 3 hours a week to spare, they would love you to join their friendly volunteering team. There are Accredited Volunteer Preparation courses running one day a week for eight weeks, from 9.30am to 2.30pm (excluding October half term week). Friday 19 September to Friday 14 November at Rye Children’s Centre, and Monday 22 September to Monday 17 November at Battle Children’s Centre. No paid work but expenses are paid. For more details please email info@hses.org.uk or telephone 01273 612025. Tenterden Country Market (formerly the WI Market) Every Friday 09:30 to 11:30 The Market is held every Friday for home-baked cakes and savouries, free range eggs, preserves, locally farm-produced meat, seasonal vegetables, homegrown plants and a variety of crafts by local producers. Refreshments also available. St Mildred’s Church Hall, Church Road, Tenterden.
Make good use of unwanted furniture ARRCC, the charity which provides centres and services for physically disabled and sensory impaired adults, now provides an outlet for your unwanted furniture and puts it all to good use for its charity. It has opened a new furniture warehouse in the disused and renovated indoor swimming pool at Rye and made it into a warehouse. This smart and freshly painted building will house donations of unwanted furniture for ARRCC to sell – they are also offering a delivery and collection service. The income generated will enable ARRCC to continue to provide the much needed services to people who have physical and sensory impairments. Opening hours to be arranged. In the meantime telephone for an appointment Jacky Barker on 01797 229363, mob 07767 168006, email enquiries@arrcc.org. Archery in Icklesham Tom Firth, who is a World Champion archer having shot for England, is continuing to offer his 2-hour archery lessons. He will be charging £10 per person with the funds going to the All Saints & St Nicholas Church Tower Restoration Fund. He will teach any age but an adult must be present at all sessions. He is also aiming to set up an archery club in Icklesham. Call Tom Firth on 07460 190298. The White Cottage, Cuthorne Corner, Main Road, Icklesham, East Sussex TN36 4BS. Email tomxx10@gmail.com. Capture the Moment Photographic Competition Monday 1 September to Saturday 1 November This photographic competition is free to enter. Just take photographs in the categories of ‘Love and Care’ (this will be judged by world renowned photographer Rankin); ‘The World Around Us’ (to be judged by De La
YOUR COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD IS FOR LOCAL EVENTS AND INFORMATION. TO FEATURE HERE FOR FREE, PLEASE EMAIL US AT NOTICEBOARD@ONIONPUBLISHING.CO.UK
Delivered by the Royal Mail to 22,873 local homes every month in Appledore, Benenden, Brede, Brightling, Broad Oak, Burwash, Camber, Cranbrook, Cripps Corner, Etchingham, Hawkhurst, Hurst Green, Icklesham, John’s Cross, Northiam, Peasmarsh, Robertsbridge, Rye, Salehurst, Sandhurst, Staplecross, Tenterden, Udimore, Winchelsea, Wittersham and surrounding villages. 6
The Onion magazine
onionmagazine.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS ... THINGS TO DO
Warr Pavilion Curator Jane Won); ‘Under 15s Camera Phone’ (to be judged by Oliver O’Neil from Legend Photography). All you need to do is start snapping, pick your best shot and either upload on the facebook.com/ stmichaelshospice page or email capturethemoment@ stmichaelshospice.com. For more information visit www.stmichaelshospice.com/capturethemoment. Chapel Down Winery free tours Every day throughout September – booking is essential Enjoy a free tour of the vineyard and winery throughout the month as part of the Smallhythe500 programme of events to mark the Great Fire of Smallhythe in 1514. The winery is on land that was probably on the northern edge of the area devastated by the fire. Booking is essential. Please contact Lucy Patridge at the Winery on 01580 766111, email lucy@ chapeldown.com. Rye & District Day Centre Each Tuesday and Wednesday 10:00 to 14:30 Join them for tea/coffee and biscuits, a two-course lunch, seated exercise, art classes, craft classes and friendly chats. They are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week but currently have more spaces available on Tuesdays. Transport can usually be arranged. The daily rate including a two-course lunch is £5.50. Contact Dave Pellen on Tuesday and Wednesday of each week on 01797 226535. Magdala House, Ferry Road, Rye, TN31 7DN. Looking for an event venue? Rolvenden Village Hall is specifically designed to cater to the community. It has a light airy atmosphere, clean modern facilities for a party, reception, charity lunch, meeting, dance, theatre show, sporting activity or fair. They currently host a number of regular activities and local societies including the weekly Village Market, yoga, pilates, WI, Parish Council meetings, The Garden Society. Sporting facilities include table tennis, network, short mat bowls, badminton, and new age kurling. Visit www.rolvendenvillagehall.co.uk for more information or email Mandy Babbage on info@ rolvendenvillagehall.co.uk. Special World War One display at the Jerwood Gallery, Hastings The display brings together two portraits of a WW1 soldier named Norman Kohnstamm, painted by Alfred Wolmark, which have been separated for almost 100 years. The Kohnstamm family came across the Jerwood painting by chance during a visit to the gallery last Summer and have lent their work, which is held in their family collection. The Kohnstamm family believe the portrait in the Jerwood Collection may be of Norman’s September 2014
10>
brother, Jack. The display of the two paintings is accompanied by archive material which has been kindly loaned by the Kohnstamm family. The works will be on display together at the gallery until 15 October. www.jerwoodgallery.org. Crafternoon! Free drop-in at Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft Tuesday 2 September 14:00 to 17:00 An informal once a month get together for people wanting to skill swap and work on their latest creative projects in an inspiring environment with other like-minded people. These sessions take place in the Learning Space where you will be provided with a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit or two. Take your own materials and ideas! Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft, Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex BN67 8SP. www. ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk. Telephone 01273 844744. Tenterden Walk and Talk Tuesday 2 September 10:30 Meet at 10.30am, at St Andrews Catholic Church, Ashford Road, Tenterden, for a 10.45am start. Walk for an hour and a half or so. Free event, simply turn up and join in. Dogs on leads welcome. Walk leader is Janet Brierley. Telephone 0800 849 4000. Tenterden Chamber of Commerce Networking Event Tuesday 2 September 18:30 to 20:00 After work Chamber of Commerce informal networking event. Stay for half an hour or much longer. Hosts will be offering wine and Indian-influenced food. This is a valuable opportunity to meet some of the 200 member businesses in Tenterden and the local area. Clubs and societies welcome. Contact networking co-ordinator Daniel Warren Daniel@mintfreshservices.co.uk. All members and potential new members very welcome. The venue is Breton Court, Grange Road, St Michaels, TN30 6EE. Tenterden Lions Club Wednesday 3 September 19:00 The Tenterden Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at the White Lion, Tenterden High Street. New members are always welcome. Contact 0845 833 9842. Free Guided Tour of Biddenden Vineyard Wednesday 3 September 09:45 Arrive at the vineyard at 9.45am for a free cup of coffee and your tour will begin at 10am. Learn the history behind the vineyard, and then taste wines, ciders and apple juice all free of charge in the vineyard shop. Pre-booking is essential. Not for large groups or coach parties. Telephone 01580 291726. The Onion Magazine
7
Felty Towers
my best sweaters when I put them on too high a wash. But these two are masters of the art of needle-felting which is a different kind of felting altogether, and it’s something which I’ve subsequently discovered is surprisingly satisfying and rewarding to do and, even better, it takes no expert sewing skill. Before becoming The Woolly Felters, Roz and Judy both had incredibly interesting careers in television; Roz at HTV in Wales (where she was even Miss HTV Wales at one time) while Judy worked at the BBC after leaving art college and then went on to work as a handlettering artist for newspapers and publishing houses.
Take two very amusing and highly creative sisters, a bag of alpaca wool and lots of sharp needles and what do you get? The answer is not a drug fuelled knitting circle, it’s The Woolly Felters. We met up with the Woolly Felters - aka Roz Dace and Judy Balchin - at their studio in Maidstone recently. I really had no real idea what ‘felting’ was before meeting Roz and Judy – I was thinking it was something that happened to 8
The Onion magazine
After both retiring in 2013 they started needle-felting for fun and produced small animals “with big personalities” posing them in situations and places, making up stories and posting photographs of the animals at play on Facebook as The Woolly Felters. This proved incredibly successful and they gained more and more fans. So popular have they now become that they have written a book on how to make needle-felted teddy bears which is due to be published next month. Their needle-felting ‘pastime’ has also expanded into producing kits of bears, mice, cats and, of course, alpacas, as well as onionmagazine.co.uk
demonstration and also let me have a go at needle-felting myself. It is an extremely satisfying thing to do: the crunch of the needle as you stab into the wool to make felt, and then pulling and stabbing it into different shapes to add legs, ears and other features by adding small pieces of wool to the shape and then ‘felting’ them into position, was quite addictive. With everything that’s happening at the moment their retirement seems to be going very badly for them so I asked why they decided to undertake this venture: “because it just makes us smile” they said. In fact, they do laugh – a lot. They exude fun and happiness and this manifests itself in the work that they do together.
luxurious, fashionable and exclusive alpaca wraps and hats for new-born babies. I was particularly taken with these as each one is hand-made and individual – perfect as photographic props as well as presents. With two active and highly creative minds working together things never stand still at the Woolly Studio. They are just gearing themselves up for the two needle-felting workshops that they are due to be running in October, at the offices of Search Press in Tunbridge Wells, with two more planned for November in time for Christmas at which they might be teaching how to make delightful needle-felted angels. They did give me a September 2014
If you would like to meet the creative team behind Mo and Flo (their felty alter-egos who appear on our front cover) and the rest of the Felty Towers gang, Roz and Judy will be at the Lightfoot Alpacas Open Day on 6th September.(see page 10) Do go along to meet them they’d love to see you and you’ll be assured of a smile.
FIND OUT MORE
You can find out about their workshops, their book and their other activities on Facebook and on their website www.woollyfelters.com.
The Onion magazine
9
<7
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS ... THINGS TO DO
www.biddendenvineyards.com. Biddenden Vineyard, Gribble Bridge Lane. Tea Dance Club in St Leonards Thursday 4 September 14:30 to 17:00 Meet people and make friends by joining the Tea Dance Club at the Arthur Easton Centre, St Michael’s Hospice, 25 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards. Ticket £3 (including refreshments) with all proceeds going to St Michael’s Hospice. They are currently looking for people to take over the organisation of this event for 2015. Contact Jodie Cornford on 01424 456380. Romeo and Juliet at Emmetts Garden, Sevenoaks Thursday 4 September 19:30 The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform this passionate, timeless tragedy in an outdoor theatre production at Emmetts Garden. Picnics from 6.30pm, performance at 7.30pm. Adult £15, Child £8. Booking essential on 0844 249 1895. Emmetts Garden, Ide Hill, Sevenoaks. Telephone 01732 750367. Essential Wine School, Hastings Friday 5 September 18:30 The Essential Wine School holds regular wine-tasting sessions on the first Friday of every month – Friday 5th September this month – at the White Rock Hotel in Hastings at 6.30pm. If you want to try a variety of wines under expert guidance this is the place to be. You can just turn up, but it is better to telephone in advance. £15 per person. Contact Ken Maitland, an Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits, on 01424 434344. Lightfoot Alpacas Open Day Saturday 6 September 10:00 to 16:00 You may have read us waxing lyrical about the Lightfoot alpacas and miniature Mediterranean donkeys in our June edition and now you can get to see them for yourself at the Lightfoot Alpacas Open Day. See and touch the alpacas, the crea (baby alpacas) and also the miniature donkeys and Jacko, the newest addition. The clever Woolly Felters (read about them on pages 8 and 9) will also be there selling their delightful Andy Alpaca, and friends, felting kits made with the Lightfoot wool. Barbara and Graham Reed, Lightfoot Alpacas, Lightfoot Cottage, Slip Mill Road, Hawkhurst TN18 5AB. www. lightfootalpacas.co.uk. Cranbrook Town Band with a Jazz-Oriented Programme, in Rye Saturday 6 September doors open 19:30 for 20:00 start Rye & District Day Centre will be hosting this evening of entertainment by the Cranbrook Town Band at the Milligan Theatre, Rye College, Love Lane, Rye TN31 10 The Onion magazine
14>
7NQ. Tickets £10 including a light supper. There will also be a bar open for drinks. All proceeds go to the Rye & District Day Centre. For tickets contact Dave on 01797 226535, email dave.pellen@btinternet.com. Tickets can also be bought at the door on the night. Robertsbridge Village Market Saturday 6 September 10:00 to 12:00 Held on the first Saturday of every month in Robertsbridge Hall, the market offers a great selection of local fresh foods, jams and preserves as well as lots of crafts and plants. They also offer light refreshments and a ‘lovely social morning’. Robertsbridge Hall, Station Road, Robertsbridge. Contact Sally Pitman 01580 881944. www.robertsbridgevillagehall.co.uk. Autumn Migration on the Beach (3 miles) at Rye Harbour Saturday 6 September 09:00 to 12:00 There should be movements of seabirds, coasting passerines, waders refuelling on the pools and perhaps some raptors. Meet at Rye Harbour car park. No booking necessary. Donations appreciated. www. sussexwildlifetrust.org, email rhnroffice@sussexwt. org.uk, telephone 01797 227784. Bexhill Festival of the Sea Saturday 6 September to Tuesday 30 September The Bexhill Festival of the Sea claims to be one of the biggest and best festivals of the sea, and sea angling, in the UK. Finding the best anglers from around the country in their specialist field, the competitions will include a boat match, kayak-fishing competition, a week-long specimen hunt, beach fishing competition and a day-long bass fishing contest. The angling competitions are at Bexhill Sea Angling Club and there is a two-day Lawn Festival in front of the De La Warr Pavilion on 6th and 7th September, which has fishing competitions along the beaches of Rother, as well as food and games for all, seafood cooking demos, angling coaching and demonstrations and a children’s funfair. www.bexhillanglingfestival.co.uk. The paper page: Making books by hand with Sarah Bryant Saturday 6 September 11:00 to 17:00 Learn to bind books; you will explore three tried and true structures: the pamphlet, the double pamphlet and a multi-section book. These elegant binds are easy to learn and to reproduce on your own after the course has finished. Sarah Bryant is an award-winning book artist who has been making books under the name Big Jump Press for close to ten years. Cost £70 including materials, lunch and morning/afternoon refreshments. Booking essential. Ditchling Museum of Art & Craft, Lodge Hill Lane, Ditchling, East Sussex BN67 8SP. onionmagazine.co.uk
Planning the Rye Arts Festival Nick Farley talks to Peter Brice about how he plans the programme of classical music at The Festival. “The Rye Arts Festival” – just say it to yourself; a few simple words that we are probably all familiar with whether we are Arts Festival people or not; they are words that we’ve seen or heard a thousand times simply because we live hereabouts; they are words which we probably don’t think too much about. “The Rye Arts Festival” – we’ve all grown accustomed to hearing of it, sometimes hearing about it and more rarely we might even have attended some of the events and actually heard some of it. We’re very lucky to have such a Top: The Piatti Quartet: prestigious event on our doorstep, but Musicians in Residence the organisation and work behind those for the 2014 Festival. three words - “Rye Arts Festival” - is Above: Peter Brice prodigious, and it is work put in almost entirely by volunteers. How on earth, as a bunch of volunteers, do you put on a major arts festival lasting for two weeks and comprising a whole series of events covering the musical spectrum from opera to jazz, from literary talks to plays, from world-class concerts to free gigs in pubs? How? To find some kind of answer to that question I talked to Peter Brice who is responsible for planning, organising and booking the classical music programme and who has done that demanding job for the last five years. Clearly it is not a case of casually picking up the phone a couple September 2014
of weeks before kick-off and seeing who you can rustle up. Peter is booking major performers and orchestras who are truly world-class. Just think about that for a moment: it’s quite a statement to make about a festival run by a group of amateurs in a small town in Sussex. World-class means unequivocally that you will not hear better anywhere else in the world. If you are the best in the world at what you do it doesn’t matter whether you’re doing it in Rye or The Albert Hall, you are still the best in the world. These people don’t chuck in a few wrong notes just because they are playing in Rye. Getting such stellar performers for an appearance at Rye takes time and patience (and money too, I assume, but he’s quiet about that). So, how does he put together the programme? How does he decide who he would like to appear? Well, let’s be clear, this is a year round job: Peter is always looking out for performers which he thinks will be right for Rye, and his aims, he told me, are to try to ensure that we see something new each year – new music and new people – he’s keen not to get in a rut, but he is also very conscious of the need to cater to the traditional too. His enthusiasm for the new is tempered by his awareness that The Onion magazine 11
Top: The Piatti Quartet Above: Nikolai Demidenko
people do like to see and hear what they know. It’s a delicate balancing act, but looking at this year’s programme he seems to have pulled it off in spades. The breadth and depth of the classical programme is bewildering. How long does it take to put it together? I asked him how far in advance he had been thinking about this year’s programme and he said that La Traviata, for example, was first mooted 18 months ago, well before last year’s Festival. I’m not surprised that La Traviata has been in the planning for such a long time, it is a very ambitious project. This is not a local amateur operatic society venture; this is a full scale, fully fledged professional production, performed by the highly acclaimed Euphonia Chamber Orchestra and company under the direction of Alisdair Kitchen. Such a major project takes a lot of planning: apart from anything else just think of the number of performers involved in the cast and orchestra, and 12 The Onion magazine
think of the rehearsal time necessary; they don’t all just turn up on the appointed night and hope for the best. I spoke to Alisdair, who is not only the conductor of the opera he is also the director of the production, and he began working on the staging of this with The Rye College Studio School before last Christmas. Then, once he had assembled his cast, rehearsals began in London several weeks ago. Ultimately everyone will be assembled in Rye on the Wednesday before the performance and the final rehearsing and polishing of the work will take place. But besides the performance there’s also the complicated logistics of such an undertaking: the transport and accommodation for everyone has to be arranged, and all this work is for just one night’s performance in Rye. What on earth does this all cost, not only in money but in time and effort? And remember La Traviata is only on for the first night of the Festival. The mind boggles! Having planned to launch the classical programme so ambitiously, Peter has to maintain the momentum for the following two weeks and ever keen to try new ideas he has this year for the first time introduced a quartet in residence, The Piatti Quartet, one of the country’s foremost string quartets. This young group have really entered into the spirit of the idea and during their week ‘in residence’, they will not only be playing themselves, they will also be collaborating with some major guests, and they will be conducting masterclasses, visiting local schools and even doing a free gig in The Queen’s Head as well. onionmagazine.co.uk
Although always keen to introduce performers who are new to Rye, Peter told me that he was particularly excited to be able to get the celebrated Russian pianist Nikolai Demidenko to return to The Festival this year after a break of four years. I can see why. Whet your Demidenko appetite here http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=n9RrA3UhWOU and then for only £10 or £15 you can see him ‘live’ in St. Mary’s Church on September 24th. How,
I wonder again, does Peter go about getting such an important international performer to Rye? He’s not saying, but he did say that he couldn’t have done it without the backing of five generous local sponsors. Another internationally acclaimed ‘act’ which Peter is hugely excited to have booked, is the award-winning young a capella group Voces8 who recently topped The UK Classical charts with their record Eventide. This exciting group has appeared just about everywhere from The Royal Festival Hall to opera houses around the world including China, Japan, America and Europe, but on September 18th they will be in no more exotic a place than St Thomas’s Winchelsea, and so shall I. How Peter manages regularly to persuade these big names to appear in Rye baffles me. I pushed very hard to find out but I’m none the wiser. He obviously cannot wave big cheques in their direction nor can he promise balmy days spent by palm fringed beaches. He obviously gets a few “Noes” but he aims high and clearly he’s persistent. That his persistence pays off is demonstrated by the fantastic finale of this year’s classical programme which is The English Concert orchestra. Quite simply The English Concert is the finest baroque orchestra anywhere in the world and here they are performing in Rye where for ticket prices of £10 and £15 we can see and hear them. It is amazing to me that we can see an orchestra of this stature here, in Rye, for little more than the price of a gallon of petrol. In fact the prices we, the audience, pay for any of the fabulous shows which make up The Rye Arts Festival are completely uneconomic and are only made possible by the free time given by the volunteers and, hugely important of course, the sponsorship money put up by so many local private and corporate sponsors. Without this generous sponsorship The Festival wouldn’t, indeed couldn’t, happen. The English Concert’s programme of Bach and Vivaldi, to be given in St Mary’s Church on September 28th, will bring the classical curtain down on the 43rd Festival, but the planning of the classical and contemporary music, and the programmes for the literary and other Festival events for next year will already be under way.
It’s not just classical music at the Festival. The Irish group Dervish and Flossie Maliavalle are just two of the other exciting acts.
September 2014
Go…no, rush to the excellent new website www.ryeartsfestival. co.uk where you can book tickets for all the Festival events and where you will also see that the list of contemporary music stars and other performers for this year is just as impressive as those that make up the classical programme. I am lost in admiration for everyone involved.
The Onion magazine 13
<10
THINGS TO DO...
17>
Telephone 01273 844744. www.ditchlingmuseumartcraft.org.uk. Tenterden & District Horticultural Society Autumn Show Saturday 6 September 14:00 to 15:30 Extravaganza of show-bench quality vegetables, flowers, floral art, cookery and children’s section. Small admission fee. Light refreshments available. Bring & Buy, raffle and plant sales. Visitors welcome. Tenterden Junior School, Recreation Ground Road, Tenterden. St Michael’s Hospice Riding Club’s Annual Horse Show, Horns Corner in Catsfield Sunday 7 September From 09:00 Novice, Junior and Intermediate jumping, Novelty Horse and Pony classes in the morning and a Fun Dog Show in the afternoon, Hunter classes, and classes for complete novices and beginners, gymkhanas and clear round jumping. There is also a Dr Who themed fancy dress class. For more information visit www. stmichaelshospiceridingclub.org.uk. Horns Corner, Catsfield, TN33 9DJ. For Riding Club membership details telephone 01424 838302.
2nd Prize: Max Cotterell-East, My Wife-To-Be And Her Mum
1st Prize, 2013: Sam Lovett, Pyrotechnics
3rd Prize: Tim Clifton, My Friend Wilf
Capture the Moment 2014 Capture those special moments in life by taking part in our photographic competition. The competition opens on 1st September and will be split into three categories: ‘Love And Care’, ‘The World Around Us’ and ‘Under 15’s Camera Phone’. The photos will be judged by world renowned photographer Rankin, the De La Warr curator Jane Won and Oliver O’Neil from Legend Photography. All you need to do is get snapping, pick your best shot and submit from the 1st of September. To find out more visit www.stmichaelshospice.com/capturethemoment capturethemoment@stmichaelshospice.com stmichaelshospice
@stmhospice
Registered charity number 288462
14 The Onion magazine
smhospice
Triathlon at Bodiam Castle Sunday 7 September 07:00 This is the third staging of this sprint distance triathlon. You will be swimming (or watching the swimming) around the castle moat, followed by a short dash to the transition zone and out on the bike to Staplecross, then on to Northiam and back via Sandhurst. The run will be off-road, exiting the castle grounds, heading East before looping South and picking up the River Rother and heading back to the finish along the river. It promises to be a great day out for the family. They plan to run an open-air barbeque alongside the marquees at Bodiam Castle. Last year 270 competitors took part. 500m swim, 22k bike ride, 6k run. Registration will open at 06:30. Swim waves start at 07:30 and then every 20 minutes with each wave a complete mix of abilities. For information visit www.velocity-events. co.uk. Camel and Pig Racing Day at Hole Park Sunday 7 September 14:00 Hole Park in Rolvenden is the setting for this colourful fundraising event. As well as the camel racing, Mongolian wrestling and falconry, singing and dancing, there will be a chance for visitors to take a ride on the double and single humped camels which will be racing. There will also be a barbeque, along with sideshows and attractions for visitors of all ages. Admission £10 per car which includes free access to Hole Park Gardens and entry into a prize draw. Email harecamel@aol. com. onionmagazine.co.uk
Last of the Summer Wine? By B. Dalziell
In some woods between Hawkhurst and Northiam there is a place called Tricks in the Sticks run by a nice chap called Jason Pearce where young men (and women too, I have no doubt) can hire motorbikes and, under Jason’s expert tuition, go and ride in the woods. Quite why anyone might want to ride motorbikes at all let alone in muddy woods is probably an alien concept to many of you, but you’ll have to take my word for it that it’s really good fun. I guess that Jason is well used to dealing with all kinds of eager young types keen to prove that they are the best thing on two wheels since the penny farthing, imagine his surprise therefore when we tipped up. Four old blokes who can barely get out of the car unaided have turned up to ride his motorbikes for a few hours. What must he have thought? I suppose if you take four blokes whose total ages add up to 299 years, and if you factor in that three of those four haven’t ridden or been anywhere near a motorbike for over half a century, and you are about to let those blokes loose on your motorbikes in your woods, you might reasonably expect trouble. I was one of that four; I’m seventy and I was the youngest by some margin. September 2014
How did this happen? Last Autumn I was given, as a birthday present, a training session with Jason and it was some of the best time I’ve spent on a motorbike. Beforehand I was a bit apprehensive as I hadn’t ridden off-road since the late 1950s when I was 13 or 14. My bike then was a 125cc Royal Enfield Flying Flea with a hand gear change that had once been parachuted into France as the mount of a paratrooper in World War II. The modern Beta trials bikes which Jason uses are a bit different; they weigh nothing and have lots of those torque things – about as many as a good elephant I’d say. You feel as if you could climb the Eiffel Tower. My old Flying Flea also weighed nothing but, alas, it didn’t have any torquey things at all. Having tried this off-road lark again, after a gap of a few decades, I was full of it and I was telling two of the other three about it at the next monthly poker game. I first met The Onion magazine 15
both of them whilst we were all riding our motorbikes in the woods back in the 1950s but they, being two or three years older than me, were already road legal and had proper trials bikes – for the anoraks, one had a pukka 350cc trials BSA and the other had a Greeves Scottish. Despite the posh ironware neither took part in proper trials as far as I remember and very soon they were both lost to the world of cars and crumpet. But I’ve known them ever since and for over forty five years we’ve been playing poker every month; we still play for 1960s’ stakes and you can bluff people out with an assertive ten bob bet in our game! (That’s 50p.) The fourth geriatric yobbo, and the oldest at 82, I have only known for a mere fifty years. He also rode bikes when he was a young blade although nothing too snazzy apparently, unless you think a 250cc Ambassador was cool; I don’t now and I didn’t then either. Anyway he too was lost to fast cars - including a Daimler SP250 - and women of varying speeds. So, I’ve known this lot since we had an army and an Empire and I thought it would be a good idea to get them back on two wheels; thus it was arranged. The day came. We arrive. We are briefed. We set off down a very long, very muddy and very rutted track through the woods to a meadow beyond. Three of us ‘cleaned’ this section but one fell off. He soon rejoined us however, albeit a trifle muddier than he started out but otherwise intact.
before finally and reluctantly after 3 or 4 hours it was time to navigate the rutted trail back to base, completely whacked. And thence to the pub to refuel. This is one of the best things I’ve done in a long time. It is just pure fun. If you have ever ridden a bicycle, a moped, a scooter or a motorbike you’ll love it. I urge you to try it. Jason supplies everything: motorbikes, helmets, boots, gloves, coffee, biscuits – the lot.
Well, it turns out that riding a bike is …well, it’s like riding a bike, you don’t forget, and in no time at all there were four bikes buzzing about the field weaving between the bollards, sliding broadsides and falling off.
As for the four of us we’ll be going again and now that the three old blokes know that they can do it I think it will get very competitive. Ten bob says you can’t ‘clean’ the rocky steps out of the big, deep pond. I see your deep pond and raise you a wheelie.
From the meadow we transferred to the woods and the mud where there were a couple of moderately spectacular derailments
Contact information for Jason Pearce can be found on the website www.tricksinthesticks.co.uk.
16 The Onion magazine
FIND OUT MORE
onionmagazine.co.uk
A5 spring summer offers.qxp_landscape 22/04/2014 13:59 Page 1
<14
THINGS TO DO...
21>
The Cool Jazz Trio at Chartwell Sunday 7 September 12:00 to 15:00 Enjoy Sunday lunch whilst tapping your toes to the Cool Jazz Trio. £26.50. Booking essential on 0844 249 1895. Chartwell, Westerham, Kent. 01732 868381. Smallhythe Studio Exhibition: Contemporary Colour Monday 8 September to Saturday 20 September 11:00 to 17:00 Exhibition of contemporary abstract art at Smallhythe Studio. Artists include Mark Godwin, Carolyn Genders and Jo de Pear. Smallhythe Studio, Smallhythe Road, Tenterden, TN30 7NB. Telephone 01580 763009. The History of the Ashburnham Family by Mary, Lady Ashburnham Tuesday 9 September 19:30 Lady Ashburnham tells us stories about her family. Refreshments at approx. 8.45pm. Admission for members of Rye Castle Museum £2, guests £3 (including refreshments). Telephone 01797 226728 or info@ryemuseum.co.uk, www.ryemuseum.co.uk. Rye Castle Museum, 3 East Street, Rye. Merriments Gardens Open for St Michael’s Hospice Tuesday 9 September 10:00 to 17:00 This four-acre garden offers the visitor a wealth of floral displays, unusual plants and water gardens. The garden features themed borders displaying plants for the sun, the shade, dry and moist areas. There is also a popular wildlife area and a bog garden. Garden entry is £6 for adults and £3 for children. All proceeds on this day go to charity. There is wheelchair access, parking and Terrace café. Merriments Gardens, Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green TN19 7RA. www.merriments.co.uk, telephone 01580 860666, email info@mmerriments. co.uk. ‘Children’s Classic Literature’ by Gill Southgate Wednesday 10 September 14:30 A talk organised by the Winchelsea Second Wednesday Society at the New Hall, Winchelsea. For details contact Richard Feast, telephone 01797 222629. ‘Wildlife of Patagonia’ by Ian Rumsley Dawson Thursday 11 September 19:30 Ian will show wonderful pictures and land and marine wildlife in this vast area of pampas. Hosted by the Tenterden & District National Trust Association. Visitors welcome. Members £4. Non-members £5. The venue is Tenterden Junior School, Recreation Ground Road, Tenterden. Further information telephone 01580 764791, www. tenterden-nationaltrust.co.uk.
Car Sales and Service A comprehensive selection of quality vehicles from small cars to 4 x 4s and Pick-Ups We carry out vehicle servicing and MOTs, diagnostics, repairs, 4-wheel laser alignment, Air-con re-gas, undersealing and much more.
Get £10 off your next MOT with this voucher or £250 off any used Telephone: 01580 862 000 www.ashdenegarag car at Ashdene Garage ASHDENE GARAGE, LONDON ROAD (A21), HURST GREEN, EAST SUSSEX
Telephone: 01580 862000 www.ashdenegarage.co.uk ASHDENE GARAGE, LONDON ROAD (A21), HURST GREEN, EAST SUSSEX TN19 7QR
12th -28th September 2014
Presenting a fun-filled, packed fortnight of free and paid-events, including: Classical & Contemporary Music Literary Talks & History Walks Theatre & Comedy Dance Shows & Workshops Art Exhibitions & Fashion Show And much, much more
For more information on what’s on go to or call
September 2014
The Onion magazine 17
The Kent Community Foundation ‘The Kent Community Foundation’ - if ever there was a terribly worthy but not very informative or emotive name for a charity that probably takes the digestive biscuit. But, just as “all that glisters is not gold” so the reverse is true and behind that dullsounding name there glistens (or glisters) a pretty shiny nugget of a local charity, as I found out when I went to meet its Chief Executive, Carol Lynch. Carol is not - and I hope she won’t mind my saying this - very ‘Chief Executivey’ nor very ‘worthy charity’ either; she is fun and it’s easy to see as I talk to her why The Kent Community Foundation is such a successful charity. But since its name gives away nothing and its logo even less the first thing I wanted know was what does The KCF actually do? To which the answer seems to be just about everything. The range of its activities and the extent of its help are truly extraordinary, and this is precisely the point: its work is not emotive, banner headline stuff; it’s not trying to find a cure for cancer or flying food into some disaster area in Africa; no, The KCF’s work is much more prosaic; it is trying to meet the needs, the hugely varied and, importantly, the continuing needs of ordinary people living right here on our doorstep, the sort of people that can and do get overlooked as we all think of our charity giving on a grander and often international scale. The KCF provides money - and what surprised me, it’s often quite small sums of money that are needed - right where it’s needed and when it’s needed, and that can make such a huge difference to the people and the organisations who receive it; for example, the making of an unsecured loan available to someone to enable him to buy a small pick-up truck to start his own business when no one else would lend him money and no one would employ him. Or it might be a straightforward grant to an organisation or direct help to individual old people to Above: Carol Lynch help with their power bills. 18 The Onion magazine
Do we need this kind of charity in the so-called prosperous South East? Carol is clear that we do and indeed it was surprising to me to find that even in an apparently affluent town like Tunbridge Wells there are areas of deprivation which are classed as being in the UK’s bottom 20% of deprived areas. These areas need long term help; they don’t need some angel parachuting in with a quick-fix, short term solution, and it is the aim of Carol and The KCF to provide sustainable help for the future by giving money not only to individuals but also to other organisations: the Upz and Downz Vocational Training Centre , the West Kent’s YMCA Horizon Project, CARM (Caring all together on Romney Marsh) and The Windmill Community Allotment Project are just a few of the organisations which have benefited from KCF grants in the last year. Clearly, however, the only way that this giving, lending and granting of money can happen is because we, me and you, give money to the charity in the first place, but what is particularly interesting about The KCF is the ways in which it administers the money it receives: there is not just one big bucket into which all donations are tipped, instead there are several buckets, in fact many buckets, each with a different label so that there are resources to meet particular targeted needs. The general donations which you or I might onionmagazine.co.uk
make go to support The Foundation’s core work of improving the lives of disadvantaged people, but you can, for example, specify that your donation goes to, say, The Grassroots Fund which gives priority to local children. Perhaps you are one of those fortunate people who doesn’t need the Winter Fuel Payment which you automatically receive and if you are you can donate it to The KCF’s Surviving Winter Fund which will ensure that the money does go to old people who do need help with their winter bills. “I have a physical and a learning disability and I’ve been studying woodwork at UPZ and DOWNZ for the last two years. They gave me an opportunity when other people didn’t give me a chance.” 23 year old man. “Without CARM my life would be less interesting. Meeting Point helps me get through the week.” Mrs. P who attends the weekly Appledore Meeting Point “Before Horizon, Arthur never wanted to do anything or be anything, but now he’s off to college and wants to make the best of life. He is a changed young man.” Arthur’s mum. “The first time I came they gave me a spade to dig up my carrots. I thought - this is a funny shop!” Customer at the Windmill allotment shop.
Where this separate funding philosophy comes into its own is when wealthy individual donors or perhaps companies, wish to give large sums of money to the charity. The Foundation takes over the complicated business of setting up a fund with that donation and administering it in discussion with the donors, of course, who decide where they want the money to go. A fund set up in this way can be named after, say, a person or it can bear the name of a family, a company or any other group which set it up, or it can be anonymous. Whichever way it is done it is the donors who decide where the fund should aim its help and The KCF will administer the fund in discussion with them. So, you see that right here on our doorstep every single day the unglamorous but so necessary work of a local charity like The Kent Community Foundation goes on, and it can’t go on without our help. By giving large or small sums we are in effect helping ourselves when we give locally. If you feel that you could support The Foundation by making a donation or even by setting up a fund, or perhaps you might need The Foundation’s help, go to www.kentcf.org.uk or call 01303 814500.
Local Charities All of us I’m sure give to charity and we are all familiar with the big charity names such as Oxfam, Children in Need, Cancer Research and so on, who need our money, but there are also a number of really important local charities who also need our money but who are not able to generate or afford the publicity which the big national charities can. From a donor’s point of view there is also something attractive about giving to a charity which is going to be spending money locally. We can all see and hear of so many instances of local need and there is something satisfying, to me at least, about knowing that my donations are going to be used to benefit people in our area. To try to help some of these local charities by giving them the oxygen of some publicity we will be running an occasional series in which we will highlight the work they do. This month we start with The Kent Community Foundation and over the next few months we shall be looking at St. Michael’s Hospice in St. Leonards, The Rare Breeds Trust in Tenterden and The Henry Surtees Foundation. September 2014
The Onion magazine 19
Soundingoff Pampering “Head to toe pampering massage package for one” reads the email. Scroll down and there’s the One-hour Spa Ritual, the Spa Experience with champagne afternoon tea and the Two Indulgent Spa Treatments for two people. The word ‘pampering’ has always got my goat. Call it the result of growing up in the Fifties with no central heating and a lot of scratchy wool jumpers, but the whole spa world makes me shudder. Fine, I’d love a champagne tea, but not wearing a white towelling dressing gown and dodgy hotel slippers with my face shiny with oil and my hair in need of a good wash because the therapist has insisted on an Indian head massage. ‘Pampering’ follows hot on the heels of ‘stress’ in the modern vernacular. We’re all told we’re under pressure, overworked, tired, running on empty. Well, so were the previous generation, and the one before that. And how can some overpriced spa treatment be the answer anyway? Will a 50-minute back massage by some uniformed therapist who recently qualified after a five-week course sort you out? No, of course it won’t. It will certainly sort your wallet out though. And there’s a part of me that harbours deep and mean suspicions at the new miracle treatments being targeted at women; the current trend being that you won’t ever need a surgical facelift if you do a course of deep tissue massage/dermarolling (like a lawn spiker, but on your face)/ laser/etc etc ad infinitum. All of them, you will note, insist that you do a series of treatments, and most of them will peddle the ‘vital’ ancillary products too. That’s going to be a very, very great deal of money which might well be better spent on a holiday. (Please note that on the whole, holidays aren’t promoted as ‘pampering’ unless a spa is involved.) However, book yourself a weekend away in a country hotel and invariably you will find a spa attached. Quite often it will turn out to be the converted coal hole, but rest assured there will be tinkly whale music, soft candle light, possibly a row of hot stones to position on your back if you don’t put up a fierce counter-argument, and rose petals. Oh, the rose petals. If you dodge the spa you’re quite likely to find them scattered over your bed alongside a small card with a soothing thought for the dark hours.
20 The Onion magazine
Have you ever checked the therapist’s qualifications? I know I haven’t and I have a kink in my neck from a Mexican spa treatment to prove it. An Ayervedic spa in the Himalayas poured oil from a great height on to my forehead and all I could think of was that I’d have to wash my hair AGAIN and therefore undo all the good and peaceful work they were supposedly doing. (I was so well-oiled that I slithered like a landed fish for the next hour, had to have a shower but could only remain upright by hanging on to the rail. So what was the use of all that?) And none of it comes cheap. Tot up the facial, the massage, the manicure/pedicure, the ghastly ritual of being wrapped in hot towels/ seaweed/mud/being left in the dark listening to wave sounds and you’ve got enough for a slap-up meal after a bracing walk in the countryside, or Selfridges. I know what I’d opt for. Caroline Boucher If you would like to Sound Off about anything, then please feel free to do that here. This column is open to everyone to say what they like about anything, provided, of course, that they don’t break the law. We obviously won’t print anything that is libellous or that is in some other way illegal. It’s your opinions that we’re interested in. If you have something to say about anything at all, and if you can say it in about 500 words, then let us have it. We don’t have to agree with you, but if you have an interesting point of view we will print it. Send your piece to carol@ onionpublishing.co.uk. The article can appear with your name or anonymously, you can choose, but do make sure that you include your name and address when submitting your piece. onionmagazine.co.uk
<17
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS ... THINGS TO DO
Rye Arts Festival Friday 12 September to Sunday 28 September Incredible programme of high profile, world-class artists for this two-week long Festival of music and entertainment – including the world’s finest English Baroque Orchestra, the world’s leading jazz saxophonist and the chance to see La Traviata, a professional opera staged for just one day. For a full listing and to book, visit www.ryeartsfestival.co.uk. Pure Autumn Art Show at the PowderMills Hotel Friday 12 September to Saturday 20 September 10:00 to 18:00 This bold, exciting and provocative Art Exhibition comprises approx 55 selected artists working in an extensive range of media. There are many high profile artists showing their work at this annual Art Fair. Visitors will have the opportunity to view and buy some outstanding pieces of artwork including video installation, drawings, paintings, ceramics, photography, etchings and sculpture. In the stunning setting of the PowderMills Hotel which has 150 acres of parklands, woods and a 7-acre fishing lake. Pure Autumn Art Fair, PowderMills Hotel, Powdermill Lane, Battle TN33 0SP, telephone 01424 775511. www. pureartsgroup.co.uk.
Why you should have a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)? An LPA is a legal document that allows you to choose someone else to make decisions for you if you lose mental capacity through illness or accident. There are over two million such people in the country and with people living longer the problem is going to get worse rather than better. Having an LPA is one of the cornerstones of good financial planning and the last government recommended that everyone should have one. So why have most people not got one? Largely, it’s because people don’t understand the system that has to be followed if someone loses mental capacity and believe (quite wrongly) that the husband/wife etc will automatically take over and run things ... it doesn’t work like that.
22>
Southampton Boat Show Friday 12 September to Sunday 21 September 09:30 to 18:30 We know this is way out of the area but it is a national event so we thought you might be interested. For the first time visitors will be able to take to the air on the new PSP Southampton Boat Show Eye. There will also be ‘On the Water Try-a-Boat’ sessions and you can walk aboard the historic tall ship Phoenix. There’s a mix of shopping, attractions, marine activities and hundreds of boats to climb aboard, many being unveiled for the first time. www.southamptonboatshow.com. Special Exhibition – Rye’s Links with France Daily September 13 to 28 September 10:30 to 16:00 During Rye Arts Festival, Rye Castle Museum will open every day from 13 September to 28 September for a special exhibition of paintings, documents and materials illustrating Rye’s links with France from its ownership by the Abbey of Fecamp between 11th and 13th centuries through to the influx of Huguenot refugees in Elizabethan times. Free admission at East Street with donation to the Museum welcome. Rye Castle Museum, 3 East Street, Rye.
Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs), Prepaid Funeral Plans Wills: Everyone needs one. It’ll take just 40 minutes of your time and we do the rest – why not include a Property Trust to help protect the value of your home. LPAs: If someone loses capacity the partner has to apply to the Court to manage things but it can take a very long time and cost £’000s. All this could be avoided with an LPA.
So what really happens? If you lose capacity without having an LPA your assets including bank accounts can be frozen whilst the Court of Protection decides who should manage your affairs. The Court will appoint a “Deputy” (NOT your husband/wife/family member) to take over your affairs and then the fees start mounting up. Your husband/wife/family member can then apply to manage your affairs on your behalf but the process can take several years and cost thousands of pounds.
Prepaid funeral plans: these plans “lock in” at today’s prices & will cover the cost whenever it’s needed. Make things so much easier for those left behind. Guaranteed acceptance regardless of age or health.
Yet all this can be avoided by planning ahead and getting an LPA! When it is in place the person(s) that YOU HAVE CHOSEN can take over immediately thus saving huge amounts of money and hassle. In short everyone should have an LPA.
Maidstone Wills & Trusts
Please contact us if you would like any further information. Freephone: 0800 612 7459. Email: services@maidstonewills.com. Web: wwwmaidstonewills.com ADVERTORIAL September 2014
Contact obligation quote quote Contact us us for for a free no obligation Freephone 0800 612 7459
We come to you. Low cost. Fully insured. All work underwritten by our legal team. www.maidstonewills.com mail:services@maidstonewills.com
The Onion magazine 21
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS ... THINGS TO DO
<21
Seaside Special Exhibition at the Avocet Gallery Saturday 13 September 10:30 to 17:00 The Avocet Gallery and Tea Room will be holding a ‘Seaside Special’ exhibition inspired by seabirds, sand dunes, sea glass and blue sea. They will be showing masses of work inspired by Rye Bay. They’re opposite the shop at Rye Harbour. Telephone 01797 223005, www.avocetgalleryandtea.co.uk. Merriments Autumn Food Fair Saturday 13 September See, taste and buy fantastic local food. Including smoked foods, jams, juice, cordials, cheese, cakes, chutneys, fudge, pies, bread and scones. This is a FREE event. Telephone 01580 860666. www.merriments. co.uk, email info@mmerriments.co.uk. Merriments, Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green TN19 7RA. Sign up for Dragon Boat Racing at Bewl Water Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September Crews of 17 and minimum sponsorship required to enter. Call 01424 457959, email jbeeching@ stmichaelshospice.com. Open Garden in Northiam for National Gardens Scheme Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September 11:00 to 17:00
Join us!
As long-time members of the Hardy Plant Society, Linda and Michael Belton have a wide variety of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees set out so you have to explore the garden to see them all. There is also a wildlife pond and ‘an attempt at a meadow’ in the orchard. They would be delighted to meet you at their open garden event. There will be refreshments including rolls filled to order, and delicious homemade cakes. A variety of home-propagated plants will be for sale in aid of Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Entry is £3.50 and the garden is wheelchair accessible. South Grange, Quickbourne Lane, Northiam, TN31 6QY. www. southgrange-northiam.co.uk. Kent & East Sussex Railway Hop Festival Weekend Saturday 13 September and Sunday 14 September 10.30 to 18:00 each day There will be 5 steam departures on Saturday and Sunday between Tenterden and Bodiam stations and a whole weekend of hopping nostalgia. Former hop pickers re-live memories, there is a recreated hop garden and hopper’s hut, the opportunity to try hop stripping, there will be memorabilia on display at Bodiam Station together with heritage vehicles and steam driven road and model vehicles. An open top heritage double-deck bus will be making frequent
www.tenterdentown.co.uk/joinchamber
It’s the best business decision you will make...
240 member businesses - Monthly networking meetings - Showcase your business on the highly performing Tenterden website - Display at the Christmas Market and Late Night Shopping Friday 5 Dec - Join in the Love Tenterden loyalty card scheme 22 The Onion magazine
8753
Tenterden & District Chamber of Commerce
onionmagazine.co.uk
THINGS TO DO...
26>
trips between Bodiam Station and Bodiam Castle. Food, sausages, barbeque, local ales and a beer tent available. The hoppers’ kitchen will also be serving refreshments and homemade cake. You are advised to book in advance. For tickets and pricing telephone 01580 765155 and visit www.kesr.org.uk for train times. Acoustics in the Wood Saturday 13 September 17:00 to 23:00 Set in 12 acres of beautiful woodland in the Rare Breeds Centre’s grounds near Ashford, Acoustics in the Wood is a brand new music festival presented by local charity Canterbury Oast Trust and Rare Breeds Centre. Relax on straw bales, listen to live performances from eight musical acts from Kent, headlined by Coco and the Butterfields. Local food stalls. Tickets are £15 and can be bought from www.rarebreeds.org.uk. All profits from the event go to the Canterbury Oast Trust.
Fabulousirly Vintage Fa
Kent Life Hops ‘n’ Harvest Beer Festival Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September CoCo and the Butterfields take to the stage at the award-winning attraction, near Maidstone, on Saturday, as part of a packed weekend of music, entertainment and activities celebrating the Kentish traditions of the hop festival. The weekend also includes animal encounters, water zorbing, face painting, junior quad bikes, tug-of-war and a bouncy castle. Kent Life is next to the M20. Book your tickets online at www.kentlife.org.uk and receive one FREE pint of beer or cider for every adult. Alternatively call 01622 763936 for more information. Highbury Hall Craft Market, Tenterden Saturday 13 September 10:00 to 16:00 A wide variety of crafts and produce from local artists, craftsmen, producers and retailers. All the stallholders are from Kent and East Sussex and offer something for everyone. Free admission. Tea and coffee, sandwiches and homemade cake and other treats are available all day. All profits from organising this event go to Tenterden Youth Club for the Youth Café project. Kellys Keepsake Cards also donate 10% of all their sales to the Air Ambulance. Contact 07956 295076. Castle Water Wildlife Walk (2.5 miles) at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Sunday 14 September 10:00 to 13:00 A circular walk looking at wildlife in the fields and ditches around Camber Castle and visiting the bird hide at Castle Water. Meet at Brede Lock. No booking necessary. Donations appreciated. www. sussexwildlifetrust.org, email rhnroffice@sussexwt. org.uk, telephone 01797 227784.
September 2014
50p entrance) (children free
A fabulous day out for all the family Saturday 20th September 10-4pm St Michael’s Hospice Upper Maze Hill St Leonards on Sea TN38 0LB
Beautiful vintage and retro items for sale Furniture, homewares, fashion, haberdashery and local produce Traditional tea room Vintage vehicles Live entertainment Children’s marquee
For further details see www.stmichaelshospice.com/fabulouslyvintage Tel: 01424 457982 stmichaelshospice
@stmhospice
smhospice
Card payments accepted Registered charity number 288462
The Onion magazine 23
The Follies of Mad Jack Fuller In the churchyard of the 13th century St Thomas a Becket church in the picturesque village of Brightling you will find an interesting tomb – the tomb of John Fuller. For a country church, it is larger than one might expect, for St Thomas has had many wealthy benefactors, and one such benefactor was John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller (1757-1834), a wealthy 18th century industrialist, who lived in the nearby manor house on his estate, known as Rose Hill in his time, but now called Brightling Park. Fuller was the extremely wealthy and popular squire of Brightling, who led an illustrious life, pursued a colourful career in politics, never married, became a philanthropist and patron of the arts and sciences and then died at the respectable age of 77. He is buried in the corner of his local churchyard. Looking around peaceful old churchyards is usually a somber and reflective pastime: studying ancient headstones, deciphering weatherworn inscriptions, contemplating the universe and trying to grasp the essence of other people’s lives. There is no such subtle reticence in the case of John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller; he is buried beneath a towering 25ft (7.6m) high stone pyramid which dominates the entire churchyard. In true Egyptian pharaoh style, Fuller started preparing for his journey into the next world 24 years before the event, constructing his pyramid between 1810 and 1811. Legend insisted that he was entombed dressed in top hat and tails, seated at a table fully laid out with a meal of roast chicken and claret, but unfortunately, this was found to be myth during
restoration work carried out in 1982. Fuller is actually buried conventionally beneath the marble floor. A metal portcullis protects the pyramid’s doorway and inscribed on the stone wall opposite is the sobering ninth verse from Thomas Grays ‘Elegy in a Country Churchyard’: The boast of heraldry, the pomp of pow’r And all that beauty, all that wealth e’re gave Await like th’ inevitable hour The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Fuller’s pyramid is a bizarre tomb by any standards, erected by local masons after delicate negotiations with the vicar. These included Fuller gifting the church a new churchyard wall, two substantial stone entrance pillars and an iron gate. This was a man who wished to be remembered. Jack had many friends in the arts, including the famous architect Sir Robert Smirke (17811867), best known for his Greek Revivalist public buildings, including The British Museum, Covent Garden Theatre, Somerset House and The Royal Mint. Smirke had travelled extensively both in Italy and Greece and probably helped Fuller draw up the plans for his exotic and grandiose tomb.
24 The Onion magazine
onionmagazine.co.uk
‘Mad’ was the nickname applied to Jack because of his penchant for building follies – ornamental buildings which enhance the landscape but aren’t quite what they seem. On his 20th birthday Fuller inherited a very large family fortune and various estates. His wealth was founded on iron smelting and the manufacture of iron products, including weapons, but by the time Jack received his inheritance, the foundries in Heathfield (once employing half the local population), had closed. Thus he took possession of land, property, money, investments, an assured future and plenty of time to indulge his fantastic whims. Jack was a well-connected, large, outspoken man, who both enjoyed and fostered his ‘eccentric’ image. He served as MP for Southampton once, and for Lewes twice, as well as being appointed High Sheriff of Sussex. He retired from politics, rather disgraced, after insulting the Speaker of the House of Commons in a drunken debate about the French. It was after this scandal that Fuller’s career as a philanthropist really flourished. He commissioned paintings from various artists, among them JMW Turner, funded scientific research, founded two professorships, was a founding member of the Royal Institution, sponsored Michael Faraday’s pioneering work into electro-magnetism, endowed Sussex with its first lifeboat, financed the building of the Bell Tout lighthouse at Beachy Head, bought and restored Bodiam Castle, and set about building the follies that made him notorious. Fuller not only created his own pharaoh’s tomb, but also several other slightly quirky architectural fantasies nearby such as The Obelisk, or Brightling Needle, which was built around 1815, possibly to celebrate Wellington’s victory over Napoleon, and serves no other purpose than as a landmark, September 2014
and statement of Fuller’s eccentricity. It is 65ft high and stands on Brightling Beacon, the second highest point in Sussex at 650ft above sea level. The Observatory is an elegant structure which was designed by Sir Robert Smirke, and built in 1810 as a working observatory, so is only a folly by association. It is believed that the inspiration for the observatory came from Fuller’s friend Sir William Hershel, the king’s private astronomer, who was best known for his discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781. The Observatory can be found on the Brightling-Burwash road and is now a private residence. Built around 1810, The Rotunda Temple is a circular, domed building on a hill in the middle of Brightling Park. It is about 25ft tall, built on a raised drum with 12 Doric columns supporting a domed roof and surrounding an enclosed circular room. The noted landscape gardener Humphrey Repton, who had drawn up extensive ‘improvements’ for Fuller’s estate in 1806 suggested the building of the temple, and although Fuller rejected most of Repton’s suggestions, this is one he embraced. There are rumours that Fuller held gambling sessions and wild parties in the Temple and that it was the venue for his romantic liaisons. As Brightling Park is now run as a racehorse training school, the Temple is only accessible on event days. ‘Sugar Loaf’ was built sometime before the late 1820s. It is 35ft high and 15ft in diameter, standing at Wood Corner on the B2096, on the southwest side of Brightling Park. Fuller made a bet while in London that he could see the spire of St Giles Church, Dallington from his estate. Unfortunately he couldn’t so he quickly built this giant cone to win his wager. And finally, the Tower. This is a circular two-story tower with a Gothic entrance and battlements, 35ft high and 12ft in diameter, hidden in a small copse opposite Brightling Park. It was built while Fuller was restoring Bodiam Castle and it seems likely that the castle had some influence on its final design. So we are extremely grateful to John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller for celebrating the folly, enriching the landscape and adding colour to our part of the countryside. (This month’s walk takes you around Brightling Park and close to some of the follies - see pages 36 and 37, Ed.) With thanks to Peter Bridgewater and his book ‘An Eccentric Tour of Sussex’, published by Snake River Press, www.snakeriverpress.co.uk. The Onion magazine 25
<23
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS .. THINGS TO DO
Flower and Pet Show, Robertsbridge Village Hall Sunday 14 September 12:00 to 16:00 Traditional late-Summer village fete with stalls, games, barbeque, bar and afternoon teas. Contestants from outside Robertsbridge are welcomed. Classes include dogs, small pets, flowers, vegetables, home produce, crafts, and special classes for children. For a full programme, or to set up a stall, please email secretary@robertsbridgebonfiresociety.com or telephone Jo Rainsbury on 01580 881 525. Autumn Art Classes at Smallhythe Studio Classes start the week of 15 September Each course of 2-hour classes runs for 5 weeks and costs £90. Watercolours any level: Tuesday 16th September, 2pm-4pm. Advanced Oils: Wednesday 17th September, 10am–12noon. Children (Yr 5 upwards): Wednesday 17th September 3.30pm-4.30pm £10 only. “Wednesday Night Art” all welcome: Wednesday 17th September 7pm-9pm. Beginners’ Art all media: Thursday 18th September 10am – 12noon. Other classes planned include life drawing, art and poetry, art days, mixed media. Also open to suggestions! There will be more classes starting at the beginning of November. The Smallhythe Studio is on the Smallhythe Road, one and a half miles from Tenterden. Email your interest or queries to art@smallhythestudio.com or visit the website www.smallhythestudio.com. An Evening with the Spanish Guitar – Robert Drury in Concert at Tenterden Town Hall Tuesday 16 September 19:00 for 19:30 Robert Drury will be playing music of Rodrigo, Villa Lobos, Bach, Sor, Morreno Torroba, Albinez, Torrego. Drury has a special affinity for the repertoire of Andres Segovia so his programme will reflect this. Tickets £15 in advance from Julia on 01580 763683. Julia Jessett, 4 The Cobs, Woodbury Lane, TN30 6JH. Ticket price includes a two-course meal. Bar available. Tenterden Town Hall, High Street, Tenterden. Hand-tied Vintage Flowers Workshop Wednesday 17 September 10:00 to 15:00 Join Lucy Summers in creating two beautiful hand-tied vintage floral designs in a round. Lucy demonstrates how to choose, condition and assemble fabulous hand-tied vintage flowers to create an inspiring vintage bouquet. In the afternoon you’ll create your own unique table floral design using vintage bric-a-brac to create that fabulous faded shabby-chic style. All materials, lunch and refreshments provided. At the Little Silver Country Hotel, Ashford Road, St Michael’s, Tenterden, TN30 6SP. Lucy Summers is a writer/journalist, television personality, garden and lifestyle guru as well as being a Gold and Silver medal winner at Chelsea Flower Show. Limited places available. www.lucysummersliving.com. Cost £115. 26 The Onion magazine
30>
St Michael’s Bereavement Service social evening Thursday 18 September 18:00 to 20:00 Often when we lose, or have lost, a loved one we can sometimes feel alone and that many others don’t understand. St Michael’s Hospice invites you to join them for coffee and a chat in the Day Therapy area of the Hospice. No appointment needed. They ask that you respect other people’s confidentiality, but you are assured of a warm welcome. These social evenings are held on the third Thursday of every month. If you have any questions please contact Marion Sargent on 01424 456361. St Michael’s Hospice, St Leonards. Merriments Garden Open Day for Macmillan Thursday 18 September This four-acre garden offers the visitor a wealth of floral displays, unusual plants and water gardens. The garden features themed borders displaying plants for the sun, the shade, dry and moist areas. There is also a popular wildlife area and a bog garden. Garden entry is £6 for adults and £3 for children. All proceeds on this day go to charity. There is wheelchair access, parking and Terrace café. Merriments Gardens, Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green TN19 7RA. www.merriments.co.uk, telephone 01580 860666, email info@mmerriments. co.uk. Tenterden U3A Thursday 18 September 14:00 to 16:00 Tenterden U3A monthly meeting with a speaker followed by U3A business, news and outings, after which enjoy a cup of tea and a biscuit and a chance to chat to other members, plus time to browse the Book Stall. Meetings are always the third Thursday in the month at St Mildred’s Church Hall, Tenterden. Hawkhurst Village Society lunch and talk by Maggi Wright Thursday 18 September 12:00 Buffet lunch at the British Legion, Unity Hall, High Street, Hawkhurst followed by a talk by Maggi Wright about her wood carving and sculpture. Contact Barbara Winch on 01580 752387 no later than 10th September for tickets. £6 per person for members. New members are always welcome. Contact Peter Emberson on 01580 753010 about membership. A WW1 Centenary Concert at Tenterden Town Hall, Assembly Rooms Friday 19 September 19:30 Music for all arranged by Tenterden Royal British Legion and played by the Band of the Royal Engineers Association (Chatham). The programme of music will include hits from stage and screen as well as favourites from both World Wars. All profits will be shared between the Day Centre and the RBL Poppy Appeal. A onionmagazine.co.uk
A VISIT TO THE HAIRDRESSER By Charlie Allen
“How do you like it?” “Just a tidy-up thanks.” “Had your holidays yet?” “Can’t afford holidays. I’m a writer.” “That’s nice.” “Thrillers.” “That’s nice.” “Steven Spielberg’s just bought the film rights to my latest.”
Hallwood Farm Oast B & B
Traditional oast house conversion with top quality accommodation set in 200 acres of lovely countryside on a working fruit farm near Cranbrook. A perfect base from which to explore the Weald of Kent
Mrs Sarah Wickham www.hallwoodfarm.co.uk 01580 712416
Great B&B in the heart of the French Pyrenees
“That’s nice.” “It’s going to be a blockbuster with Russell Crowe and Angelina Jolie.” “That’s nice.” “Actually I’m not a writer. I’m King Zog of Albania. I used to live in a palace but there was an uprising and they burnt it down. My whole family died. I was the only one to escape.” “That’s nice.” “I’m not King Zog. I’m a 76-year-old pensioner and I’ve fallen madly in love with you. I want you to come away with me. We’ll live in a log cabin by a lake in Newfoundland and shoot bears.” “That’ll be nice. There we are, all done. Just Penny 1 14/08/2012 pay atad_Layout the counter Mr Zog.”16:23 Page 1
HOLIDAY HOME SOUTH OF FRANCE Comfortable village gite to let, sleeps 8, in picturesque Languedoc ‘Cathar Country’. Near castles, dramatic gorges, Carcassonne and Canal du Midi. Visit the website www.bugarachgite.co.uk Tel 01252 712233 or email penny.kitchen@btopenworld.com
We survived and Cornwall is open for business!
DOES A SECLUDED LOG CABIN OVERLOOKING THE SEA APPEAL TO YOU? YES! THEN COME TO CORNWALL Self catering – Sleeps 4
20mins from Lourdes and an ideal base for walking, cycling and exploring this beautiful region. Friendly, helpful hosts and delicious evening meals. Tel: 00 33 5 62 91 21 98 www.allezpyrenees.com September 2014
Tel: 01872 501187
No answer? Leave us your number and we’re always happy to ring you back. Sorry, no pets & smoking The Onion magazine 27
SEPTEMBER GARDENING
By Jack Hebden September is the month when bulbs appear in great numbers in the garden centres, and the bulb catalogues are eagerly thumbed at home. Spring flowering bulbs are a really important part of the garden year and for the most part they are easy to grow: snowdrops, daffodils, crocuses, muscari are all pretty much things that you can plant and forget. They are usually happy to be left in the ground to ‘naturalise’ and they will not only flower year after year but they will multiply too. Tulips, however, are altogether more tricky and yet a Spring garden without tulips isn’t quite right. Spring needs tulips, but unlike the other bulbs you can’t leave tulips in the ground to look after themselves and to multiply or, more accurately, you can’t rely on them to do that. Some people dig their tulip bulbs up each year, but I certainly don’t, and so I look for tulips that will happily stay in the ground from year to year and put up with the Winter-wet, sticky, clay ground and which will still make a show year after year. Not all tulips will do this. In fact, in my experience, most won’t. If you are buying good bulbs you are unlikely to have any trouble getting a good show in the first year of planting, although a hideously wet Winter like last year can cause some failures, but it’s in the second and subsequent years that things may not go according to plan. What I’m looking for are tulips that once planted will go on flowering strongly year after year with relatively little help from me; actually, if I’m honest, with no help from me. I don’t want to be spending money on bulbs that are only going to give me one year of decent flowering. I don’t want to be replacing bulbs each year; instead I want my money and my efforts to be adding to my in-ground 28 The Onion magazine
stock. I want the display to be improving and increasing each year. To achieve this you have to find the right tulip bulbs for your garden conditions. Some will ’do’ in one place but not another. So it is a matter of trial and error but here are a few which I have found successful in the less than ideal conditions of my own garden. The first place to look for tulips which will reliably repeat year after year is among the species tulips. These are, in effect, the wild tulips from which the posh garden varieties that we now have were originally hybridised and developed. They are much more delicate looking than the bold hybrids but don’t be deceived by that; they are accustomed to fighting their corner in the wild and they can put up with anything the South East weather can throw at them. I think they are very much under-used and should be planted more widely. Some will happily ‘naturalise’ in wild parts of your garden as well. Two species tulips which I have found particularly successful are tulipa bakeri and tulipa clusiana, and every year I add a few to my bulb order. Sometimes you can get these in garden centres but not always. They are not rare or uncommon so if you Google ‘species tulip UK’ you will find plenty of places to buy them on-line and you onionmagazine.co.uk
What we want is a succession of tulips from March to May and over the years I have narrowed down my choice of bulbs to those which I know will give me several years of repeat flowering. Two of the best to get the ball rolling in March are the Fosteriana hybrid Orange Emperor and the Greigii hybrid Toronto. The first is, as you might expect, orange while Toronto is a coral pink colour and has the bonus of having two or three flowers per stem. A bit later, in April, the Darwin hybrid Daydream comes into flower and this is perhaps my absolute favourite tulip. Every year when it starts to flower I am surprised by the fact that it is yellow but it quickly changes to the soft orange which I remember. Why I am caught out every year by this I don’t know, but I am. Daydream is a cracker and repeats happily with no attention.
Left page, left: Species tulip Clusiana Left page, right: Toronto Above: Species tulip bakeri Left: Daydream
will also see on-line what a wide range there is of these species tulips. They’re not expensive either. Getting the more familiar garden tulips to repeat over several years is not so easy. Most will disappear quite quickly if you leave them in the ground and some won’t even make it to the second year. Very often I plant the new bulbs in tubs and pots in order to make a display on some steps or at an entrance or on a low wall, and then as soon as they have finished flowering I transplant them into their permanent positions in the garden so that they can go about the business of building up their food store for next year’s blooms and establishing themselves in their permanent homes. Incidentally, notice how effectively Great Dixter uses pots and tubs of bulbs, particularly tulips, to accentuate a feature such as an entrance. September 2014
The tulip show finishes for me in May with two majestic varieties Dordogne and Menton. Dordogne is a spectacular combination of dark pink and orange and Menton is a sort of salmon orange. And, importantly, despite their size, these two seem well able to withstand the strong winds which we get here. Obviously these tulips are not the only tulips in the world which will flower for several years without attention, but they do that in my garden when umpteen other varieties have failed. Each year I re-order some of these tulips because I know they are going to deliver, but I also experiment with new ones too. Some of the new ones graduate to become regular buys and those that throw in the towel after one season are not ordered again. You have to find out what will work in your garden, in your conditions. Some varieties seem to last for ever: we have some ‘unknown’ tulips in the garden which were already here when we arrived eleven years ago and they are still flowering vigorously but, conversely, I am always reading that tulip Praestans Fusilier will happily repeat year after year, although it never has for me in either of my Sussex clay gardens. It’s also very easy to forget from one year to the next exactly what you planted and what did well and what didn’t, so do make notes. I always find this a bore but my wife is meticulous about it and when it comes to re-ordering I’m always glad that she is. One final point concerns the cost of bulbs and you will perhaps notice that there are differences in price, sometimes quite big differences, for what appear to be the same thing. Usually the more expensive bulbs will be bigger, and bigger is usually better in the sense that the plants that you get from the bigger bulbs will themselves be bigger, but smaller bulbs from a good source will still flower very well. Just make sure that if you are paying top dollar you are getting the best. The Onion magazine 29
<26
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS .. THINGS TO DO
very special evening supporting two excellent causes. Licensed bar. Tickets at £8 are available from Tenterden Day Centre, Church Road, the Day Centre Shop, 1a East Gate, Gateway Tenterden and St Michael’s Post Office and Village Stores. Fabulously Vintage Fair Saturday 20 September 10:00 to 16:00 This Fair will be held at the St Michael’s Hospice in St Leonards on Sea. It promises to be an exciting day out for all the family with plenty of fabulous vintage and retro items for sale, in addition to craft workshops and tearoom with copious cakes. Outside will be a display of vintage motorbikes and cars, lots of live entertainment and a children’s marquee with stalls, face painting, story telling and workshops. There will also be prizes for the best ‘vintage’ costume so you are urged to go ready to step back in time. Admission 50p (Children free). St Michael’s Hospice, 25 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards on Sea TN38 OLB. www. stmichaelshospice.com Orchard Day at Smallhythe Place Saturday 20 September 11:00 to 17:00 As part of Smallhythe500’s commemoration of the Great Fire of Smallhythe in 1514, visit one of Smallhythe’s most historic houses, which was almost certainly built on the site of the fire. You can explore the orchard, nuttery and gardens, taste wines, buy fresh produce and craft work and enjoy talks and demonstrations throughout the day. Take a picnic or visit the café for refreshments and make a day of it. For further information telephone Smallhythe Place (National Trust) on 01580 762334, www.nationaltrust. org.uk/smallhytheplace. Free event (normal admission charges apply). Art Exhibition and Knole Singers Evening Concert at St Peter’s Church, Newenden Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September Friends of St Peter’s Church are mounting a major art exhibition in the church and on Sunday, an early evening concert, including music from Handel’s Messiah, will be performed by the Knole Singers. Admission to the exhibition by Richard Hannavy Cousen and his son, Benjamin Cousen, is free and the public will be invited to see the paintings from 12noon on Saturday and from 11am on Sunday. The Knole Singers will rehearse in the church in preparation for their hour-long concert which is at 5pm on Sunday, to be followed by a special cream tea. Tickets for the concert and cream tea are £10 for adults (free for school-age children) from anthonydawson513@ btinternet.com. The Knole Singers will have recently returned from a week of singing in Lincoln Cathedral. They have sung in around 20 cathedrals, including 30 The Onion magazine
Canterbury, York Minster, Winchester, St David’s and Salisbury. We have a single prize of two tickets for this Concert to giveaway this month – see page 39 for details. Hastings Seafood and Wine Festival Saturday 20 September and Sunday 21 September Now in it’s 9th year, celebrating the best in local produce. Food stalls at the Stade Open Space will offer a fabulous array of food and wine to taste and to buy. There will also be music and entertainment on both days. Please note that dogs (except Guide Dogs) will not be allowed on the site. The Stade, Hastings Old Town. Pre Folk Festival Barn Dance with Florida at St Mary’s Church, Ashford Saturday 20 September 19:00 to 22:30 Tenterden Folk Festival is supporting a pre-festival barn dance with a nationally known, locally based, top ceilidh band, Florida (including Gavin Atkin from Cranbrook). Innovative and intriguing, the sound of contemporary English ceilidh music is not to be confused with the Americanised social dance – so you will not find lots of people with checked shirts and cowboy boots. You do not have to know how to do the dances as the band’s caller will walk you through them and call the steps as you go along, there will also be a core of people who do know what they are doing who you can follow! Tickets £9 in advance or £11 on the door for adults. As this is a special family event, tickets for under 16s are only £1 in advance or £3 on the door. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets available from www.revelationstmarys.co.uk. Revelation Arts at St Mary the Virgin, the Churchyard, Ashford, Kent TN23 1QG. Tenterden Lions Club Boot Fayre Sunday 21 September 11:30 Boots welcome. Everyone is urged to support this popular event for this local charity. Marsh View, nr Rolvenden Station. Xtreme Falconry in Merriments Gardens Sunday 21 September 10:00 to 16:00 Thrilling falconry displays from birds of prey in the surrounds of Merriments beautiful 4-acre garden. Included with normal garden entry of £6 adults, children are free. Merriments Gardens, Hawkhurst Road, Hurst Green TN19 7RA. www.merriments.co.uk, telephone 01580 860666, email info@mmerriments. co.uk. Monthly Whist Drive for St Michael’s Hospice Sunday 21 September 14:30 Organised by Northiam 75 Football Club at the Arthur onionmagazine.co.uk
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS ... THINGS TO DO
Easton Centre (St Michael’s Hospice Grounds), 25 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonard’s on Sea, TN38 OLB. Ticket £2.50 which includes tea. Contact 01424 456396. All proceeds to St Michael’s Hospice. Smallhythe Church Harvest Festival Service Sunday 21 September 11:15 A service as part of the Smallhythe500 programme of events to commemorate the Great Fire of Smallhythe in 1514. A traditional celebration of the fruits of the earth in a church that rose from the ashes. St John the Baptist Church, Smallhythe. Mad Jack’s Morris are always looking for new members - dancers and musicians Monday 22 September 20:00 They are holding two taster sessions in September at their practice hall at St Clements Church House, Croft Road, Hastings, TN34 3HJ – also on Monday 29th September at 8pm. www.madjacksmorris.co.uk, email maryphillips77@hotmail.co.uk, telephone 07973 671834. Brocante Vintage Home and Garden Collectables Friday 26 September and Saturday 27 September 09:30 to 16:30 The Three French Hens Brocante Vintage Home and
35>
Garden collectables sale at Silcocks Farm, Grange Road, St Michael’s, Tenterden. www.thethreefrenchhens. co.uk. ‘A Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine’ at the Kent & East Sussex Railway Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September Thomas will be at Tenterden Station throughout each day together with some of his friends including Sir Topham Hatt, The Fat Controller. There is a full programme of children’s events with Uncle Myles and Charlie the Clown, a television screen playing Thomas and Friends DVDs, face painting, roundabout rides, a bouncy castle, Annie & Clarabel rides at Tenterden Station, magic and Punch & Judy shows, a free goody bag for children over 18 months and a free Certificate is available from Mrs Kyndley. Children can also help
to fill an engine’s boiler with water. Adult £15, Child 18 months to 15 years inc £12.50, Family £48. Book on 01580 765155, visit www.kesr.org.uk or www. dayoutwiththomas.co.uk. Allan Keates Memorial Fly Fishing Day Saturday 27 September 08:00 Enjoy a glorious Autumn day of fly fishing at Brick Farm Lakes, Herstmonceux. £52 to register (four
Reach over 50,000 readers May 2014
WILD
The Onion is delivered to almost 23,000 homes in Kent & East Sussex What we offer to advertisers: Royal Mail guaranteed delivery Free advertorials What we offer to readers: Good quality editorial Local features and writers
GREAT DIFLOWERS AT XTER
Also inside : TRUFFLING NOTICEBOA IN TENTERDEN WIN BOOK RD S, DVDS SHOW TICKE AND TS N
IO
IT
ED
Free advertisement designs Five years’ local magazine experience ST
FIR
Wide coverage of community events Free Royal Mail delivery
Contact Carol on 01797 253668 sales@onionpublishing.co.uk
The magazine that is delivered to your customers September 2014
The Onion magazine 31
Bacon and Egg Pie This is really a fry-up in pastry. This recipe comes from friends of Jessica Haggerty who ran The Sauce Kitchen café in Christchurch in New Zealand, which sadly bore the brunt of the earthquakes in 2011. Until then, their bacon and egg pie had won much praise, including from the country’s Prime Minister. This is their recipe – the breakfast, lunch, picnic or dinner of champions. With thanks to Jessica Haggerty (author of ‘Brighton Bakes’, www.bookguild.co.uk)
Ingredients 375g bought puff pastry (I used Jempson’s own pastry here) 50g Cheddar cheese, grated 200g streaky bacon 7 eggs bunch of parsley, chopped Salt & pepper 2 large ripe tomatoes (or large handful of small ones), fairly thinly sliced
4
5
7
Serves 10 20 minutes preparation 30 minutes cooking 32 The Onion magazine
onionmagazine.co.uk
FOOD
Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/Gas mark 4. 2. Roll out your puff pastry to about the thickness of a one pound coin. Cut a 20cm x 35cm rectangle from the pastry, and use to line a tart tin or lay out on a baking sheet lined with a silicone liner (I lined my tart tin with a silicone liner, Ed). If using a tart tin give yourself a 3-4cm pastry overhang along both the long sides (this will help to join the pie lid on later). 3. Spread the base of the pie all over with the grated cheese, then lay the bacon on top, making a complete meaty layer. 4. Make six indentations in the bacon with the back of a spoon and carefully crack six of the eggs into those dips, trying to keep the yolks as whole as you can. (Don’t worry if they spread around a bit, mine have always done that, or even if some of them break - it makes not a jot of difference to the taste, Ed.)
September 2014
5. Sprinkle the eggs with the parsley and lots of seasoning, then very gently lay the sliced tomatoes over everything – being careful not to break the eggs (as you will see from the picture I got this in the wrong order and put the parsley on after the tomatoes, but it didn’t make any difference to the taste, Ed.). 6. Cut an 8cm x 35cm rectangle from your pastry trimmings (you might have to re-roll them). Place this lid on top of the pie and use the remaining egg (beaten) to brush over the top of the lid. Now take the overhanging pastry at the sides of the tart tin, and fold them inwards so they create a seal. You can crimp the edges with the blunt side of a knife, fork tines or use your fingers if you like. 7. Score the pastry in a criss-cross or lattice pattern, and bake for 35-40 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
The Onion magazine 33
A GOOD Book Notes from an Exhibition By Patrick Gale Published September 2008 by Harper Perennial Fiction, paperback £8.99
Gifted artist Rachel Kelly is bipolar and lives in a whirlwind of creative highs and crippling lows. She keeps her past from her husband and her four children but when she is found dead in her Penzance studio, leaving behind some extraordinary new paintings, the family has a painful need for answers. Her Quaker husband appeals for information about her past on the internet and gradually the fragments of a shattered life slowly come to light. It becomes clear that bohemian Rachel has left her children not only a gift for art, but also something more of herself. Written with beautiful, flowing prose, Gale captures the enigmatic existence of Rachel and her painful and glorious life. A book which definitely deserves the title of a good read. Extract: She didn’t sob or wail. Her grief was horribly discreet but as persistent and almost as silent as bleeding from an unstitched wound. He drove on in silence, 34 The Onion magazine
glancing across at her, letting her cry. He believed it was healthy to let people cry – friends and onlookers were always far too ready to stifle grief with handkerchiefs and dubious comfort. But he also let her cry because her weeping somehow filled the car with the scent of her and he found it intoxicating. Carol Farley
Sons of Thunder
Writing from the fast lane: a motorcycling anthology Selected and introduced by Neil Bradford. Paperback. Non fiction. £11.99. Ebook available. Published by Mainstream Publishing
To many people I suppose that motorbikes are dismissed as the noisy, dangerous toys of the yob; but those that ride them, or have ridden them, know that that isn’t true. What they know is that there is nothing, simply nothing, that beats being on a motorbike. It doesn’t matter that it is often cold and wet, it will always be more fun to be on two wheels rather than four, and when it’s warm and sunny and you are in the Alps on a powerful bike it can be sublime. I am fully aware of how ridiculous that sounds to most people but to anyone who has ridden a motor-
bike it’s not ridiculous at all. Those that know, know. If you know then “Sons of Thunder” is for you. This is a wonderful anthology, compiled by Neil Bradford, containing some of the best writing about motorcycling from such diverse and unlikely people as T.E. Lawrence (he of Arabia), Roald Dahl and Poet Laureate, Ted Hughes; from Che Guevara’s motorcycle companion, Professor Alberto Granado and the famously cantankerous mountaineer, Don Whillans; from the much missed (by me, at least) L J K Setright, and Lois Pryce and Ted Simon; there’s.....well, there are simply too many to mention individually and I must admit that one or two do display perhaps just an occasional frisson of the yobbish, these authors, journalists, poets, philosophers, travel writers, university dons, hell-raisers and adventurers who have all fallen under the unbreakable spell of the motorbike. The Daily Mail said this is ‘A bedside book for all bikers’ and that is certainly true. Anthologies of any kind are, of course, the perfect bedtime books with their short, self-contained chapters and if you are in any sense at all a two-wheel person you must have this book by your bed. Apart from being a good read in itself it also led me to a number of other books which I didn’t know about and which I shall now try to track down. And I can’t deny that, if you are a rider, there’s undoubtedly a satisfaction in finding yourself in such august company. Highly recommended. Nick Farley onionmagazine.co.uk
<31
EXHIBITIONS … CONCERTS … FETES & FAIRS … CHARITY EVENTS .. THINGS TO DO
fish). Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea included. Trophies and great raffle prizes. To register contact Marcia Dart on 01424 456381, email fundraising@ stmichaelshospice.com for more details. Wild Woodland Weekend Club Saturday 27 September 10:00 to 13:00 Forest School activities for children aged 6 – 11, held in a private woodland in Beckley, just outside of Rye. The Wild Things get together on the last Saturday of each month and activities may include campfire cooking, woodland crafts, games, den building. Parents/carers do not accompany children. Meet at Swallowtail Hill Farm, Hobbs Lane, Beckley, TN31 6TT. Booking is essential. Charge £10 per child. www.sussexwildlifetrust.org, email rhnroffice@ sussexwt.org.uk, telephone 01797 227784. ‘Encore’ - beautiful popular music by The Tuesdays and Friends at St Mildred’s Church, Tenterden Saturday 27 September 19:30 A night of easy listening with some songs from the shows and popular music sung by The Tuesdays community singing group and Friends. Bar and refreshments available. All proceeds from this event will go to the Friends of St Mildreds Fund for the church. Cost £7.50 per ticket. For information and tickets contact Stuart Kirk 01580 764899 or mobile 07775 832615. Tenterden Book Fair Saturday 27 September 09:00 to 15:00 Free admission. 15 book dealers attending with thousands of second-hand books for sale on all subjects, both for the reader and for the collector. Refreshments available all day. Details from Barry Williams barryjean.williams@btinternet.com. Highbury Hall, Highbury Lane, Tenterden TN30 6LE. Oysterband – Big Session-on-Sea Saturday 27 September 19:00 Big Session-On-Sea is a one night only performance from Oysterband. With loads of special guests coming along to help them out, including June Tabor, Sam Carter and many more to be announced, this is a show not to be missed. This will be your only chance to see Oysterband performing this exclusive gig at the De La Warr Pavilion. Tickets £18. Booking essential on 01424 229111 or boxoffice@dlwp.com. De La Warr Pavilion, Marina, Bexhill, TN40 1DP.
September 2014
1066 Walk Sunday 28 September Dig out your hiking boots and follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror for this unique historic walk. Take in local historical sites such as Ashburnham Forge and Herstmonceux Castle, before ending in Battle, the scene of King Harold’s defeat. Go along and have a great day out for all the family. There will be three start points – 16, 9 or 4 miles in distance. Complimentary refreshments at the finish! All sponsorship raised will go to St Michael’s Hospice. For registration information and times please contact Marcia Dart on 01424 456381 or email mdart@stmichaelshospice.com. Mad Jack’s Morris are always looking for new members - dancers and musicians Monday 29 September 20:00 They are holding a taster session at their practice hall at St Clements Church House, Croft Road, Hastings, TN34 3HJ – also on Monday 22nd September at 8pm. www.madjacksmorris.co.uk, email maryphillips77@hotmail.co.uk, telephone 07973 671834. ‘The Tomb of Christ: Archaeological Investigations in Jerusalem’ Wednesday 1 October 19:30 An illustrated talk by Dr John Crook, FSA for The Friends of St. George’s Church Brede at Brede Village Hall, Brede. Cheese & wine. Tickets £7.50 available from Marion Firman 01424 751165 and Pat Whately 01424 883069. Do you have plans on Friday October 24th? If not, how about organising a Big Night @ Home for yourself and your friends? Instead of spending money going out, you stay at home and give an optional donation to St Michael’s Hospice. Everyone who registers their Big Night @ Home before October 10th will be placed into a draw to win a voucher to help buy supplies for their Big Night @ Home. For details contact Jodie on 01424 456380 or email fundraising@ stmichaelshospice.com.
The Onion magazine 35
Brightling Park and Fuller’s Follies This glorious short walk explores the peaceful paths and bridleways through Brightling Park and John ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller’s fantastic follies. The route takes you to the Sugar Loaf for stunning Wealden views, and Fuller’s final folly, his sandstone pyramid mausoleum in the churchyard of St Thomas a Becket in Brightling. Strange obelisks, domes, towers and a peculiar cone known as the Sugar Loaf are scattered around the hills and parkland surrounding Brightling, all are fantastic follies built by the wealthy 18th century industrialist ‘Mad Jack’ Fuller, the local squire, ironmaster and MP who lived in Rose Hill, now called Brightling Park. To read more about this extraordinary man and these follies see pages 24 and 25. We have included the GPS waypoints in the text of this walk. The walk Starting from the Forestry Commission car park on the west side of Brightling Park (TQ 669 202) take the wide forest track beyond the barrier into Purchase Wood and gently descend to reach a crossing of paths. Follow the white arrow left, the path dipping and climbing through beech trees and bearing right. Turn left with the next white arrow to follow a narrow path to a track and turn right. As the track curves right, follow the arrow left and the marker posts on an ill-defined path through the wood to reach a footbridge. Cross the bridge and soon leave the wood via a kissing-gate. Keep to the right-hand field edge to a gate in the field corner and take the short track ahead to enter Brightling Park (TQ 676 207). With views across the park, forest and the Sussex Weald, bear left and keep beside the ditch at the top edge of the park. Follow it as it curves left and cross the ditch to follow a path through a belt of trees and cross The Avenue to enter a field with horse jumps and far-reaching views north across the High Weald. Bear right to a gate in the park wall and keep right along the lane to reach Brightling church (TQ 683 210). Go through a gate and walk through the churchyard, passing Fuller’s Pyramid Mausoleum, and return to the road. In true Egyptian pharaoh style, Fuller started preparing for his journey into the next world 24 years before the event, constructing his pyramid between 1810 and 1811. Legend insisted that he was entombed dressed in top hat and tails, seated at a table fully laid out with a meal of roast chicken and claret but, unfortunately, this was found to be myth during restoration work 36 The Onion magazine
more
Woo
Length:
Distanc
Dalli
Length:
Distanc
carried out in 1982. Fuller is buried conventionally between the marble floor. Turn right, then at a road junction on the left, signed to Robertsbridge, go through the kissing-gate ahead to follow the path down the left-hand edge of a field to a gate. Go across the next field, go through a gate and follow an enclosed path, which can be overgrown. Just after the next gate, climb the stile on the right and follow the fence ahead towards the Tower. It is thought that Fuller erected this battlemented tower so he could view Bodiam Castle, which he bought in 1828 for 3,000 guineas to save it from destruction. Cross the stile on the right before onionmagazine.co.uk
Bate Kipli
Length:
Distanc
http://w
I’ve walked it
Share
Edit
Upload image © Crown Copyright & Database Right 2010. All rights reserved. Licence number 100050121
200 m 1000 ft
Map Legend
the trees and bear left around the tower to descend to a stile and road. Turn right for 100yds and turn left by barns to join a track (TQ 686 206).
more walks nearby
Walk downhill, the path curving left between ponds to reach a form of paths just beyond the cricket ground. Turn right, signed to The Sugar Loaf, and follow the path between barns to a stile Woods Corner on the left justWalk before a gate. Keep to the path across Brightling Park, with great views of The Temple, reputedly built by Fuller Length: 3.5 miles for gambling sessions and wild parties, along the edge of two Distancefifrom 1.52 through miles eldsthis andwalk: down a copse, eventually reaching a stile accessing Marisbrook Wood. Drop down through the trees to a track, turn right and climb to a T-junction of tracks (TQ 675 199).
Dallington School Welly Walk
Turn left to follow a grassy path (can be wet) through mixed ignoring the track on the right (TQ 671 198), to reach barrier at the edge. At the road, turn immediately Distanceafrom this walk: 1.91woodland miles left into the drive to a reclamation yard, soon to bear off right along an enclosed path, signed to the Sugar Loaf. Go through a gate and walk across the field to the folly (TQ 669 195). Fuller built the 40ft high cone to win a wager. Friends had challenged Bateman's, East Sussex, Walk Through Fuller’s claim that he could see the church spire of Dallington Kipling Country church from his home and proved him wrong; so he built a replica of the spire at Woods Corner, within sight of his house. Length: 2.51 miles Length: woodland, 3.25 miles
Distance from this walk: 2.03 miles
Retrace your steps back into the woodland and walk back along the track for a few paces before taking the arrowed path left into the trees. The path runs parallel with the road back to the car park.
DISTANCE:4 miles (6.5km) OS MAPS: Landranger 198 (Brighton & Lewes), Explorer 135 (Ashdown Forest) ROUTE TERRAIN: Field, parkland and woodland paths STARTING POINT: Forestry Commission car park on west side of Brightling Park This is Walk 4 from the Pathfinder Guides no.67: East Sussex & the South Downs book, published by Crimson Publishing (www.crimsonpublishing.co.uk). OS maps available (Landranger 198; Explorer 135).
Neither the publisher nor the author can accept any responsibility for any changes, errors or omissions in this route. Diversion orders can be made and permissions withdrawn at any time.
http://www.walk4life.info/walk/brightling-park-and-fullers-follies
September 2014
The Onion magazine 37
Page 1 of 2
BUSINESS CARDS
R. G. Construction
SPECIALIST IN FINE HANDCARVED LEATHER Leatherwork to your own design Handbags Briefcases Specialist cases Belts Interior design pieces
Brickwork, Stonework and Patio Specialists Tel. 01580 850636 Mob. 07801 370591
TEL/FAX 01797 260361
T.A. Lawrence
Hedge Cutting & Lawn Mowing
Fully insured Pilates classes
n
YogaLates
n
Personal training
126 Business card AW.indd 1
n
Tel: 01797 252132 Mob: 07974 545808
Private lessons
20/07/2014 18:09
Spar Stores Station Road, Northiam. For all your grocery needs.
Full Off Licence. Fresh Fruit & Vegetables. Local Organic Fruit & Veg Delivered Fridays. Fresh Bread Baked On Site Daily. Cut Flowers/Plants.
Genevieve Pollock Studio Owner t 07779 670502 e Info@ stalwartwellness.co.uk stalwartwellness.co.uk
38card The Onion2magazine 126 Business AW.indd
National Lottery Outlet. Paypoint (Phone & Bill Payments) stalwartj
Open 7am to 8pm Monday to Saturday. 8am to 6pm Sunday.
20/07/2014 18:09
Call 01797 252285 onionmagazine.co.uk
WIN WIN! GO BAKING MAD WITH OXO AND WIN A SET OF TOOLS WORTH OVER £50 OXO has two sets of baking essentials to give away worth over £50 each to help you create some fabulous bakes in the kitchen, including the new cupcake corer and cupcake icing knife. Simply prepare your cake batter ingredients with OXO’s stainless steel mixing bowl, 3-in-1 egg separator and flour sifter, before starting on your decoration. The cupcake corer easily cores your muffins to add a delicious centre, while the icing knife is the ideal shape and size for decorating and icing your cupcakes.
cleaning products. For more information, please visit www.oxouk.com or call 0114 242 0405. For a chance to win a set of OXO tools please send your name and address/email address to competition@onionpublishing.co.uk with OXO in the subject line. Winners will be drawn and notified after the closing date. The closing date is 24th September 2014.
Designed to make everyday living that little bit easier, the OXO Good Grips range offers over 200 stylish, innovative yet practical tools for the home including kitchenware, organisational tools, bathroom and
WIN! WE HAVE THREE BOXED SETS OF GLORIOUS RHS POSTCARDS TO GIVE AWAY
WIN! ONE PRIZE OF TWO TICKETS TO THE KNOLE SINGERS CONCERT
The Libraries of the Royal Horticultural Society hold the worlds’ finest collection of printed material on gardens and gardening and a selection of the best botanical paintings from this collection are featured here. One Hundred Flowers from the RHS gathers together the most striking images to create 100 different postcards to send, to keep or to frame. The earliest works of art date from the late 17th or early 18th century by an anonymous Italian artist and the latest are from the middle of the 20th century. The one hundred postcards are stored in a sturdy box with a lift up lid with internal ribbon. They are available from www. franceslincolncom. For a chance to win a set of RHS 100 FLOWERS postcards please send your name and address/email address to competition@onionpublishing.co.uk with Postcards in the subject line. Winners will be drawn and notified after the closing date. The closing date is 24th September 2014.
We have a giveaway prize of two tickets for the hourlong concert by The Knole Singers in St Peter’s Church, Newenden for Sunday 21st September. The concert is followed by a special cream tea. The Knole Singers will have recently returned from a week of singing in Lincoln Cathedral. They have sung in around 20 cathedrals, including Canterbury, York Minster, Winchester, St David’s and Salisbury. Please note that the tickets are for this one-off event only. For a chance to win these tickets please send your name and address/email address to competition@ onionpublishing.co.uk with Concert in the subject line. Winners will be drawn and notified after the closing date. The closing date is 18th September.
Please enter as directed above. Postal entries can also be sent to us at the address given on page three.
TERMS & CONDITIONS OF ENTRY: By entering these competitions you agree to receive periodic emails from The Onion magazine, Onion Publishing Ltd and the originator of the competition you are entering. You can opt out of receiving these at any time and your data will never be passed on for use by third parties. The prizes are non-transferable and have no cash alternative. Only one entry per person per competition and prizes will only be sent to homes with a TN postcode.
featuring
and other home grown acts
SATURDAY13 TWO STAGES OF LIVE MUSIC SET AMONGST STUNNING WOODLAND WITH LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS ALL PROFITS GO TO COT CHARITY
SEPTEMBER 2014
DOORS5PMTICKETS£15 RAREBREEDS CENTRE, WOODCHURCH, KENT
TICKETSRAREBREEDS.ORG.UK
COT/ACOUSTICS
#ACOUSTICSINTHEWOOD presented by