Ashdown Forest Living February Issue

February 2015

Chinese New Year Valentines Day: Now and Then The Magic Number Winnie the Pooh’s Creator Local History Notes

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY & COMMUNITY NEWS

Call 01342 300152 to advertise

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Winter Essentials From Mid-Sussex Timber

Power De-icer 500ml Spray

£2.50 + VAT

Spear & Jackson Snow Shovel Aluminium Handle & Edge Strip 460mm Long

£14.00 + VAT

Holts Screen Wash 1 Litre

CLC Pro-Tradesman Gloves & Beanie Hat

£1.70 + VAT

£10.99 + VAT

Spear & Jackson Telescopic Snow Shovel

Plastic Snow Sledge 34” Long 6.5” Deep (inside max. width 14”)

Aluminium Handle 48” (1220mm open, 36” 910mm closed)

£11.00 + VAT

£10.45 + VAT

White Granular Salt 25kg

£5.24

+ VAT

Visit your local Mid-Sussex Timber Branch Forest Row:

East Grinstead:

Haywards Heath:

T: 01342 822191

T: 01342 317470

T: 01444 413413

Station Road, RH18 5EL

Railway Approach, RH19 1BY

College Road, RH16 1QW

www.mstc.co.uk

2 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152 All stock subject to availability

Crowborough:

Ballards Yard, Park Road, TN6 2QS

T: 01892 652725

Roofing

Flat roof repairs

Flat roofing

Testimonial: “It is with pleasure that I recommend Paul and Allzones Roofing Services. We encountered a problem at our residence over the last winter during the large snowfall with an ingress of water in two dormer window areas. We requested quotes from two well known roofing companies and were told we require a completely new roof at an exorbitant sum of money. Thank goodness we had someone refer us to Paul. He identified the problem as being poorly fitted felt and loose tiles which were pushed up by the snowfall & freezing weather. He and his men attended immediately and corrected the situation at a fraction of the cost quoted by the previous two companies It is truly wonderful to meet a tradesman who is not only extremely honest but very proud of the work he performs. I am quite confident that any who employs this company will be very pleased with the final result.”

Yours truly, Richard Reuss Independent Business Consultant Forest Row

Dear Sir/Madam, We are a professional family business with 40 years experience. Our services are cost-effective with references.

Our Roofing Services

• Roof tiling works, renew/repair • Flat roofing works, renew/repair • Sheet roofing, renew/repair • Chimney repair/remove/rebuild • Guttering replacement/Fascias For a free quotation call Paul on:

01342 315250 07581 621410 www.allzonesroofing.co.uk

Chimneys

New Boarding / uPVC

Guttering

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 3

Index:

Dear Residents, Welcome to our February issue.

Spring will shortly be here - hurray!

Now is a good time to start making plans for the house and garden and we hope this magazine can be of benefit to you.

Ashdown Forest’s favourite son, Winnie-thePooh was created by A.A. Milne, our article on page 26 tells a little of the man behind the bear.

We have a fascinating insight into nearby East Grinstead Hockey Club, which is one of the most adorned and successful clubs in the whole of the country, see page 10.

The famous name ‘Cantelupe’ is tied into this area, but how?.... see our feature by local history expert Dorothy Hatswell.

2015 marks 5 years of producing this local business & community magazine for the Ashdown Forest area. Thank you for your support of our local businesses over the years and here’s to the next 5!

Keep Tally & Chris this directory Ashdown Forest Living To advertise call 01342 300152 info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk www.ashdownforestliving.co.uk

handy for when you need it FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Badminton

6

Valentines Day: Now and Then

8

The Magic Number

10

Recipe

12

East Grinstead Hockey Club

14,16,18

Giving a helping hand

18

Recipe

20

Mums the Word

20

Rangers Report

22

Chinese New Year

24

Winnie the Pooh’s Creator

26,28

Jo Davies

30

Quick Quiz

32

Local History Notes

34,36

What’s On

40,42

Although this publication does not vet advertisers, a number of complaints will mean that businesses will be barred from further advertising.

Ashdown Forest Living Notice: Ashdown Forest Living prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Ashdown Forest Living, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. © Copyright Ashdown Forest Living 2015. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part February be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

4 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

Support Local Business

ACCOUNTANT Vere Consulting 13 ANIMALS Ziggys Pet Supplies 7 ARCHITECTS Cowan Architects 35 Penton Architects 9 BLINDS/CURTAINS/ INTERIORS Penumbra Blinds 19 Curtain Craft 17 Blinds & Curtains 37 CAR Nutley Motor Services Ltd. 35 Scuffs of Sussex 21 CARE Brooker Care 7 Sussex Health Care Homes 43 Warren Drive Residential Care 15 CHILDREN/EDUCATION Preschool Assistant wanted 9 Gielgood Academy 5 Broadstone Warren 7 Blackland Farm 13 German Tuition 7 CHIMNEY SWEEPS Bennetts Chimney Sweep 25 Milborrow Chimney Sweeps 25 CLEANING Ovenaid 29 Supreme Ovens 33 COMPUTER Computer Studio 25 ESTATE AGENT Coles 44 FURNITURE Sofas & Stuff 9 HEALTH/WELLBEING/ FITNESS Beauty Therapist 7 Katie Farmer Counsellor 9 Riverview Dental Centre 19 Horder Healthcare 23

Hire fitness 21 Family Chiropractic Clinic 13 GARDEN/LANDSCAPE/ EXTERIORS LG Burberry Garden Maintenance 39 Crestala Fencing Centre 29 Richards Fencing 39 JH Vartan 39 Belvedere Tree Experts 21 HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICES/PRODUCTS Eridge Plumbing 29 V. Cottingham Landscaping & General Building 39 Levade Systems 21 Tradional Oak Building/ Imperial Framing 37 Sussex Mobile Welding 21 MARS Joinery 33 J&V Carpentry 31 Local Carpenter/Joiner 29 Amber Electrical Contractors 31 AI Plumbing 31 Geoff Boorman Fuels 27 Baileybridge Construction 22 Mid Sussex Timber 2 Templar Property Service 33 Local Guttering 27 Quinn Electrical Services 27 MRM Plastering 41 PN Paving 35 MM Roofing 37 TNT Logs 41 Sargents Firewood 35 Ace Plastering 36 KITCHENS Kitchens Bespoke 25 Absolutely Kitchen 41 LOCKSMITHS TJN Locksmiths 31 Horsted Keynes Business Park 31 POTTERY Country Traditionals 7 SATELLITE TV & AERIAL SPECIALIST Norsat 33 SOLICITORS Mayo Wynne Baxter 11

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

01444 451977 The Old Cinema, 59-61 The Broadway Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 2AY

www.gielgudacademy.co.uk Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 5

B O E An open door for you to get back to fitness!

Beacon Thursday Badminton Club is holding an open evening on Thursday 26th February from 8-10 pm.

Entrance fee just £1. This is for anyone interested in getting back to badminton or trying out playing badminton with a friendly club. The event is being held at the Beacon Academy sports hall, North Beeches Road, Crowborough. We can give you more information and directions if you call Bryan or Ann on 01892 653481 or 07968 128111, email me at bryanduggan1@gmail.com or alternatively look at our website www.beaconbadminton.com.

You should have played a racket sport before (tennis or squash is fine) but don’t worry if you are a bit rusty!

We welcome players of all ages from 14 years of age to ....well...er..., let’s just say vintage! We are happy to give informal coaching so that you can develop your skills at the game.

Now just look at the benefits of regular exercise that can be yours – all taken from recent research!

No. 1: Exercise controls weight When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. It also increases your metabolism for a time after exercise so that the advantage is more than just temporary No. 2: Exercise for health Exercise reduces blood pressure and boosts “good” cholesterol. It reduces the risk of strokes, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

No. 3: Exercise improves mood Feeling stressed or depressed? Physical activity stimulates brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Many people find that it can boost your confidence and improve your selfesteem.

No. 4: Exercise boosts energy, stamina and reaction speed Curiously exercise gives us more energy to do other things. This is because muscles, heart and lungs all become more efficient.

No. 5: Exercise promotes better sleep Struggling to fall asleep or to stay asleep? Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.

No. 6: Exercise improves flexibility and reaction speed and is also good for your joints The higher heart rate and adrenalin boost speeds reaction times. Regular exercise helps keep joints healthy.

No. 7: Exercise can be fun Exercise and physical activity with a social element is fun. It is a great way to unwind and connect with other people.

Give us a call at the numbers above or just turn up on the night and see how you can get fun and fitness back into your life!

6 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

Country Traditionals

NEW TO FOREST ROW Situated on the A22 and adjacent to Tesco Express, Ziggy’s is a new venture for Dr Sonya Leggett MRCVS and her husband John.

Sonya practices holistic veterinary medicine and her career has led her to the conclusion that many ailments in our pets are a direct result of poor nutrition.

Visit our amazing Pottery Barn at Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5EE Open Hours: 10am-4pm Thurs-Sat

Tel: 01342 822622

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk Are you looking for a fulfilling Career in Caring?

Are you caring, considerate & like people?

We are looking to train and guide people with a view to making them part of a professional team.

Experience not necessary, training given. (Car required).

Ziggy’s specialise in the best, high quality foods including raw, wet and dry foods for dogs and cats, which come from ethically farmed animals. Ziggy’s also caters for other domestic pets ranging from rabbits to mice, chickens and wild birds etc.

In addition Ziggy’s stocks wonderful toys, treats, accessories and supplements for your pet.

For more information Call 01342 822936 email info@ziggyspetsupplies.co.uk www.ziggyspetsupplies.co.uk

Broadstone Warren Scout Site & ĐƟǀŝƚLJ ĞŶƚƌĞ

school holiday activities programme for children age 8-16

Call Brooker Care Ltd For more information on how we can help call Brooker Care on: 01342 311999 Na res h Per rin g

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Specialising in treatments for maturer clients.

Hair Removal • Nails • Facials Eyebrows & Eyelashes

Call Naresh on 07774 232597 Home visits available Feel less stressed & more confident

GERMAN TUITION Adults & Children I teach REAL-LIFE, CONVERSATIONAL German in groups and one-to-one EASY - FUN For more info call:

01342 811099

dŽ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŵŽƌĞ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ ƵƐ T: 01342 822573 E: enquiries@broadstonewarren.org.uk W: www.broadstonewarren.org.uk Lewes Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JS

www.easygermanlearning.co.uk

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 7

Valentines Day

Now & Then

Bohemia. Some believe he was actually referring to the 2nd of May because it’s the saint’s day of Valentine of Genoa in the liturgical calender, and this would be a more likely time for birds to be mating in England! However in common consciousness at the time ‘Valentine’ was associated with Saint Valentine who was martyred in Rome and commemorated on the 14th February. Thus the undeniable link of love to the 14th February was ‘set in stone’ for ages to come.

The Lupercalian Festival in Rome (ca. 1578–1610), drawing by the circle of Adam Elsheimer, showing the Luperci dressed as dogs and goats, with Cupid and personifications of fertility

In ancient, pre-christian Rome the 13th, 14th, 15th February were celebrated as ‘Lupercalia’, a pagan fertility festival. This has some connection to the concept of love. However, according to some experts this was a time when young men would strip naked and use goat- or dog-skin whips to spank the backsides of young women in order to improve their fertility. Thank goodness we have moved on from then!

Circa AD 496 with Christian Rome in full swing, the then Pope, Gelasius, declared 14 February a Christian feast day: St Valentine’s Day. This is likely to have been a way to ‘Christianize’ the pagan festival of Lupercalia.

Our modern Valentines Day, as we know it, is widely suggested to have originated from Chaucher with his poem ‘Parliament of Fowls’. His famous poem commemorates the first anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of

8 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

In 1400, on St Valentine’s Day the ‘High Court of Love’ was opened in Paris (where else?) for affairs of the heart; from marriage contracts to divorces and infidelity - even beaten spouses.

By the 17th Century St Valentine’s Day had entered the popular consciousness when William Shakespeare mentions it in Ophelia’s lament in Hamlet: “To-morrow is Saint Valentine’s day,/All in the morning betime,/And I a maid at your window,/ To be your Valentine.”

The passing of love-notes became popular in England in the 1700’s. In 1797, the Young Man’s Valentine Writer is published, proposing rhymes and messages for the objects of their affections.

With postal services now being used, the anonymous St Valentine’s Day card was initiated.

By the early 19th century, they are so popular that mass production starts.

Into the 20th/21st Century and the commercialisation continues: noting the sales effect of the holidays, chocolate, flowers and cards, the jewellery industry jump on the bandwaggon, promoting St Valentine’s Day as a time for giving rings, etc. Much to the delight of these industries and, of course, the grateful, much-loved recipients.

On that note, have a wonderful Happy Valentines Day!

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

penton pentonarchitects pentonarchitects

Part-time PRE-SCHOOL ASSISTANT REQUIRED Groombridge PreSchool is looking for a PreSchool Assistant to join their small & friendly team.

Part Time 3 - 12 hours per week - immediate start (subject to references)

www.pentonarchitects.co.uk 01892 861151 office@pentonarchitects.co.uk

Katie Farmer (MBPsS) Counselling Services *Lower cost professional counselling services, £25 per session* Hello, I am an established and practising counsellor. I am fully insured and a Graduate Member of the British Psychological Society. I have discrete and comfortable rooms on the High Street (RH19 3DD) and Lingfield Day Centre.

Areas that I can offer support include: Depression • Relationships • Trauma • Sexuality • Those providing care of a loved one Life Limiting illness • Unemployment • Panic attacks • identity • Eating Disorders Personality Disorders • Bereavement • OCD • Self Harm • Anger/Rage • Addictions • Anxiety

For for information either call me on 07795108607 katiefarmer109@yahoo.co.uk www.katiefarmercounselling.co.uk

We are seeking an enthusiastic, willing, energetic, adaptable person with at least a level 2 Qualification preferred. Flexibility is a must!

We operate between 9 and 12 every day, with two additional afternoon sessions in Spring and Summer Terms. Hours will vary between terms.

If you are interested, or know someone who might be, please email us for further details groombridgepreschool@aol.co.uk or telelphone 01892 864809 during pre-school hours for more information To apply for the position please email your CV and a covering letter to: groombridgepreschool@aol.co.uk Closing date is Monday 16th February 2015 Applicants must be prepared to undergo child protection screening.

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 9

The Magic Number 5 With Chinese New Year taking place this month, it is perhaps fitting that we take a look at some wisdom used in Chinese medicine which has been rooted in traditions over two thousand years old.

The understanding of disease or health and the way mans’ place in nature is described by Chinese Medicine through the number 5. This may seem confusing at first but it gives one a framework from which to understand the circular cycle of the seasons or for practitioners to be able to diagnose disease and foresee its progression.

In Ancient China they divided the seasons into five and hence the directions, flavours and treatment modes. The flavours are important in that they are the foundation from which a disease is understood and a diagnosis and treatment protocol is administered. It even helps us choose which treatment method would be appropriate be it acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage etc.

In Chinese medicine the five flavours are bitter, sour, sweet, pungent & salty. There are of course varying degrees of each flavour but they will always fall under this umbrella. Unlike the West, in the East there are five seasons, and each of the flavours pertains to a season. Now each flavour carries with it an energetic direction and it is this understanding, that is crucial to understanding the effects of what we eat and how herbal medicine is effective. This opens up the possibility of then understanding the difference between food and medicine and how to turn food into medicine and visa versa. Here is a brief overview I will start with the bitter, the flavour of Winter as that is the season we are currently in.

Bitter

In the depth of winter there is stillness, unlike found in any of the other seasons. This is because the energy is deep within the earth or deep within ourselves. It is the energy associated with the kidneys and the bones. (In Chinese medicine this is the left kidney). Bitterness is the coldest of the flavours. The ‘energy’ of the bitter flavour is that

10 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

which hardens and is deeply accumulating within the body, a sinking of energy due to a lack of heat.

The fluids and the energy sink and accumulate in the deepest part of the body, namely the kidney and the bones. “Bitterness is representative of total lack of heat and total darkness and inwardness”. It is all about the water storage, an inward holding of energy in the body.

Pungency The

energy or flavour of Spring is pungency and its energetic direction is to expand and push outwards.

This is also the function of the liver (in chinese medicine) when in movement.

The role of the liver is ensuring the distribution and expansion of its store of blood outwards towards the limbs in activity. The flavour of pungency and spice activates this in the body and brings about more movement of the energy from the inside-outwards. If one thinks of Spring and the new shoots growing out of the ground with real energy and purpose then this is pungency in nature.

Salty The energy

associated with the peak of Summer, when it is the hottest time of the year is saltiness. The energetic direction is upwards and outwards and it speeds up the processes of the body, especially the heart.

It “lowers the boiling point of the body fluids” and causes a stronger heart contraction, hence why this is avoided in all heart conditions. Whilst a small amount of salt seems to moisten, large amounts actually reduce the fluids in the body and sending them outwards to the surface as sweat. If you have ever tasted a Summer sweat, it is salty as this is leached out of the body in order to cool off.

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

For business and for you

Office across Sussex 01342 822112 | Ashorne House | Lewes Road | Forest Row | East Sussex | RH18 5AB

Sweet Sweetness

is the flavour, in Chinese medicine that is associated with late Summer. This is the 5th season in oriental medicine that is not considered in the West. In relation to the other flavours it is the mid-point between the coolness of the autumn and the heat of summer. In other words it contains both heating of energy and cooling fluids (Yin & Yang). The energetic direction or action of sweetness is to moisten and warm gently from within. It is the flavour associated with all types of food. “All food has a form of sweetness involved in its flavour or it would not be food”.

This is fundamental in determining the difference between food and medicine.

Sour The energy associated with Autumn is the

sour flavour and is a contractive energy. It is “the sighing and letting go of the days of summer and a moving into the calm coolness of autumn”. It is the time of the year when the trees drop their leaves and fruit and when the energy starts to move inwards and in the direction of the roots. The energy is an accumulative effect on the fluids as they move inwards away from the surface. Just like a sponge drawing in fluid, the sour flavour has this direction within the body allowing us to hold onto fluids and accumulate more. It is therefore cooling in nature and energetic.

By Andrew Mcfarlane Acuvital Acupuncture Clinic, East Grinstead, Tel: 07841209746, twitter: @acuvital

This is a simple, satisfying recipe and it has just four main ingredients.

Serves: 4 adults Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 1¼ hrs

Ingredients: 1kg potato peeled and thinly sliced 3 medium onions thinly sliced layer of onion slices and so on in a 2 litre baking dish or casserole dish. Season each layer with pepper, and finish with a layer of potatoes.

1litre vegetable or chicken stock 6 back bacon rashers 1 pinch ground black pepper

What to do: 1. Preheat the oven to 190°C, fan 170°C, gas mark 5.

2. Arrange a layer of the potato slices followed by a

12 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

3. Pour in the stock. Transfer to the oven and bake for 1 hour. Arrange the bacon rashers on the top and cook for another 15 minutes. The potatoes should be tender, and the top layer of potatoes and the bacon should be crispy. If necessary, finish off for a couple of minutes under the grill before serving.

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

Blackland Farm Activity Centre, West Sussex z Kayaking z Rock climbing z Archery z Zip wire ...and much more.

Come and join us for fun-filled activity days.

01342 810493 blackland@girlguiding.org.uk www.blacklandfarm.org.uk

We do birthday parties too!

Blacklan d Farm

Experienced accountants providing small businesses and individuals with a tailored accountancy and tax service, including:Accounting Systems, Company Secretarial, Management Accounts, Bookkeeping, VAT, Budgeting, Corporation Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Self Assessment, Statutory Accounts & Payroll For a free, no obligation, quote or informal chat please call or email to discuss how we can help.

Telephone:

07971 816357

email:

info@vereconsulting.co.uk

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Free Parking • Affordable Prices • Friendly Service Old Station House, London Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1ET Tel: 01342 315298 Website: www.familychiropracticsussex.co.uk Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 13

© John O’Brien

East Grinstead Hockey Club

Across the length and breadth of the country, country, East Grinstead Hockey Club is one of the most successful hockey clubs of all time, it is firmly in the history books of the sport. In the first of a series of features, we take a glance at its monumental ascendance.

118 years of DNA East Grinstead Hockey Club (EGHC) was founded in 1897, just one year after the modern Olympics began in Athens. The club’s stature and influence has grown steadily since then, initially in Sussex and the South of England, then from the 1980s onwards, both on the national and international scene.

Throughout this time EGHC has worked hard to develop the facilities and opportunities, earning a reputation as a family club of which it is rightly proud.

In keeping with this tradition, East Grinstead became a pioneer of junior hockey in the early 1980s and since that time the dedication and commitment of the coaches, parents and players has resulted in some outstanding achievements at county, regional and national level. Our juniors regularly represent England in the U16, U18 and U21 age groups.

Using a combination of talented home-grown players, experienced internationals and top quality coaches, the club has constantly striven to improve and develop in order to compete at the highest possible level, indeed five of the Olympic gold medal winners in Seoul in 1988 played for East Grinstead. One of these players was Richard Leman, whose father Dennis was a major contributor to the development

14 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

of the club from the 1950s onwards. Richard and his brother James are both past chairmen of the club and remain lifelong supporters who in turn, have passed their enthusiasm and passion for hockey onto their children.

The club’s first national outdoor title came in 1983 as winners of the National Club Championship. As winners of the South Premier League, they took part in the top division of the first English National League when it was formed in 1988, finishing as runners-up just one year later.

The club’s desire to reach and surpass former successes in English and European hockey, lead to the recruitment of England and GB international Mark Pearn as player/coach in 2005. In 2007 the 1st team finished fourth in the Men’s Premier League and it was clear that the rest of the men’s club needed to develop in parallel in order to facilitate the progression of the most talented players into the top sides. With this in mind, the Men’s 2s and 3s both made their debuts in the highly competitive London League with outstanding results. In that same season, the U21 boys were Sussex Champions for the 4th year running; the Men’s 2s and the Vets both won the Sussex Cup and five of the 1st team squad as well as team manager Matt Jones, were selected to take part in the inaugural GB Super League. In recognition of these and many other achievements EGHC was named “Club of the Year” by BBC South East.

In March 2008 the men finished second in the Premier League which gave them qualification to the prestigious Euro Hockey League for the first

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

NUS GHANI

Prospective Conservative MP - WEALDEN Nus Ghani was selected at an Open Primary in Uckfield. The public meeting attracted up to 400 residents who interviewed and selected Nus Ghani as the next Conservative Parliamentary Candidate.

MEET NUS PROGRAMME CONTINUES IN 2015 TELL NUS at Crowborough drop in surgeries • Thursday 5th February • Saturday 28th February TEA WITH NUS TEA WITH NUS is in response to the successful open meetings in pubs with farmers across Wealden. Do join us, but remember to register for an admittance ticket.

Thursday 5th March - If you are a farmer or interested in farming, please join us at our Farmers Tea.

www.nusghani.org.uk OR www.wealdenconservatives.com

To register and further details call us on 01323 489289 or email jeanette@wealdenconservatives.com

nus_ghani

Promoted by Peter Sabine on behalf of Wealden Conservative Association, The Granary, Bates Green Farm, Arlington, East Sussex, BN26 6SH NUS GHANI – CONSERVATIVE MP CAND1 1

19/01/2015 16:25:27

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01892 654586 • www.warrendrive.com *Subject to availability. Quote PROM115

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 15

© John O’Brien

Euro Hockey League debut in Lille, October 2008

In 2009 East Grinstead secured the Men’s Premier League Championship title for the first time in the club’s history. In so doing, they re-qualified for the Euro Hockey League and reached KO16 once more. These and many other successes, including the ladies winning the EH Vase competition, lead to EGHC winning England Hockey’s first “Club of the Year” Award in 2009.

In 2009/10 EGHC won the Men’s National Championship play offs to retain their National Premier League Championship title and again qualified for the Euro Hockey League as England’s top seeded club. This season was the club’s most successful ever, retaining 3 national titles and picking up a much coveted European Indoor title.

16 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

East Grinstead Hockey Club are the first club in English hockey history to have not only won 4 elite titles in one season but to have also successfully defended their 3 indoor and outdoor titles.

A very proud moment occurred in October 2012: East Grinstead became the first (and only) English club to host a round of the Euro Hockey League, seeing hockey fans from across Europe flock to our town. Many of these same fans had been in England just months earlier for the London 2012 Olympics, where no fewer than five of the Grinstead 1st team had represented Team GB.

Last year EGHC retained their National League title and were runners-up in the National Championship playoffs. Going into the winter break in this season, Grinstead are in top spot, aiming once again for the Championship playoffs and the chance to represent England in Europe once more!

On the indoor hockey side of things, EGHC began playing indoor hockey in 1973 and featured in many thrilling finals nights at Crystal Palace before finally winning the National Indoor Cup in 1987 and with it qualification to the European Indoor Championships in Cologne.

It took nearly twenty years for the squad to emulate this success, despite numerous top 4 league finishes and finals appearances in the intervening years.

© John O’Brien

time. So during October 2008 the squad competed in round 1.2 in Lille, winning pool F. At KO16 the following April, they defeated French champions St Germain, then narrowly lost in the quarterfinals to the eventual 2009 EHL champions, Bloemendaal. This first experience of the skill, speed and sheer brilliance that is the Euro Hockey League had captured our hearts and fuelled our ambition for greater achievements in the future.

One member of the squad, who made his debut in the National league for EGHC at the age of 15, is Ashley Jackson. FIH (Federation of International Hockey) World Young Player of the Year in 2009, Ashley is widely recognised as one of the most exciting, talented and creative players in the game today and has now scored more goals for England and GB than any other player.

Euro Indoor Club Trophy winners, Vienna 2010

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 17

In January 2006 the men’s indoor squad were crowned the National Indoor Finals Champions and represented England at the European Indoor Club Champions Trophy the following year, where they won the silver medal. In 2010 they surpassed this achievement by winning the gold medal.

They have been the National Indoor Finals Champions since 2009 and entered the record books in 2014 with their sixth successive title, providing conclusive evidence of their dominance of the indoor game in England!

In 2014 East Grinstead became the first English club to host the European Indoor Champions Cup and this season they have once again won the National Indoor Premiership title and secured their place in the Championship Finals at Wembley, on Sunday 25th January.

East Grinstead Ladies Hockey Club moved from a ground-share at West Street in the centre of town, to join the men at Saint Hill in 1989 when the first artificial pitch was laid. This was followed in 1994 by the replacement of the old ‘upturned boat’ with the construction of a new clubhouse and indoor sports hall. The two hockey clubs were formally merged in December 2005. Since moving to Saint Hill with one team in 1989, the ladies section has gone from strength to strength and now boasts five senior sides, a veterans team and a development side, all playing league hockey.

In 2007 the ladies embarked upon an ambitious plan with the aim of seeing the 1st XI team progress from playing in the Sussex League to the National League by 2014. This plan bore fruit in 2010 when the 1st team finally gained promotion out of the county league to play at south regional level, where they won promotion in three successive seasons to reach South Division 1. After just one season in this division, they progressed into the National Conference East League and narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing second in the 2013/14 season.

The ladies’ success indoors has been even more rapid, with their progression through the regional leagues to reach the National Premier Indoor league in 2013. Earlier last month they qualified for the Championship final, after a second place league finish and victory in their semi-final. They are playing the final at Wembley on 25th January (as we’re going to print prior to the final at Wembley, we don’t yet know the results! - editor).

Watch out for future articles when we take a look at junior development, the Five Feathers tournament and go ‘Back to Hockey’.

The Ladies Indoor Hockey team captain, Jo Davies, answers our questions before the big day, see page 16.

Article sponsored by Kitchens Bespoke, see their advert on page 25.

Could you spare 30 minutes once a month? Or perhaps you can give two hours a month to support people in need? In the community of Uckfield nearly one quarter of households live in poverty. Uckfield foodbank and over 20 agencies work with clients who are finding it difficult to feed their families to help them to improve their situation, so that they do not become dependent on the foodbank.

© Ron Hill

Giving a Helping Hand

Each household member is provided with enough nutritionally balanced food for 3 meals a day, for 3 days. All food is donated by individuals from the community.

To find out if these might be of interest to you, contact Sharon Burt, Project Manager, email: admin@uckfield.foodbank.org.uk or telephone 01825 745489.

18 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

© Ron Hill

However, the foodbank cannot provide this service without help from volunteers. We currently have a number of volunteer opportunities.

FoR all youR geneRal Dental CaRe anD speCialist attention Emergencies seen same day All New Patients are welcome to be registered on the NHS Free Treatment for Under 18s Some patients may be entitled to free NHS treatment Nursing & Expectant Mothers Please call us or ask for more details at the reception We care for anxious patients Riverview Dental Centre Interest Free Credit Available Hygienists Available Unit 1, Riverview Business Park, Experienced Dentists Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5DW Disabled Access Facilities Available For more information or to book an appointment, Cosmetic Treatments including Teeth call us now on Whitening available.

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 19

Simple to make delicious to eat!

Mothers’ quote Our mothers give us so many gifts. They give us the precious gift of life, of course, but they also leave treasured lessons that can guide us along our journeys even when they are no longer with us.

Maria Shriver Valentines Day is a great day to spread the ‘lurve’ within the whole family (for example, in the USA, on the 14th February they send cards to family members as well!). The kids can make homemade gifts, cards, yummychocolates which can be prepared and then shared on the big day: 14th February.

Serves: 4 adults Preparation time: 20 mins Cooking time: 45 mins

Fun activity for half-term!

Avoid half-term boredom, Make some felt finger puppets

Ingredients: 200g macaroni 1 tbsp olive oil

Here’s how to make easy-sew felt finger puppets. A perfect introduction to sewing for children with step by step instructions (depending on the age of your child you may choose to do the sewing and let them do the rest).

2 medium onions chopped 1 garlic clove crushed 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh)

You will need

1 tsp dried basil (or fresh) 4 tomatoes chopped 4 courgettes sliced 200g green beans (fresh, frozen or canned) 125ml vegetable or chicken stock 25g parmesan cheese grated

• • • • • •

Felt Needle Embroidery thread scissors googly eyes Sharpie (or felt tips) pens

1 pinch ground black pepper

How to make felt finger puppets

What to do:

• You can make any sort of animal or character.

1. Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4/180°C/ fan oven 160°C.

• Using a simple stitch to sew round the sides.

2. Cook the macaroni according to pack instructions, then drain. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large saucepan and cook the onion and garlic slowly until tender and golden. Stir in the herbs, tomatoes, courgettes, beans and stock. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Combine the pasta and vegetables.

Season with black pepper. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle the cheese on top. Bake for 30-35 minutes.

20 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

• Cut a rectangle of felt and fold in half, round off the top edges.

• Cut ears and nose shapes from a different coloured felt.

• Sew on the ears, again using a simple stitch (you could also use a glue gun or fabric glue to attach these).

• Glue on googly eyes and either stitch or draw on the mouth.

Mothers’ quote

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Ashdown Forest Ranger’s Report Primarily a Ranger’s job is to protect the forest forest because they were not considered a threat which sounds a bit dramatic, because as we all but they are aggressive colonisers and are now 1.75 miles/3km In February 1942 a play was performed in Nutley titled know everyone loves the forest. So why does it competing with our English Oaks. Not only that, “ The Stolen Spell”, Countess Eleanor Castle Stewart of need to be protected? A large part of our time they are host to Knopper Gall Wasp which lays its Old Lodge, From Linton’s car park cross the road (with care) into Nutley, Ridgeand her son, Robert, who was killed in is taken up with monitoring and removing alien eggs on thewere English Oak and destroys the acorns.

Italy in 1944 in the cast. car park (summer only). Walk out of the rear past a seat onto species from the forest. Every year we seem to Turkey Oaks will also outgrow English Oaks because a grass path and in about 50m turn left onto a ride. Remain on discover yet another invasive plant on Ashdown they grow twice as fast. Variegated Archangel is this gently descending ride, ignoring another that bears off Forest. The list includes Rhododendron Ponticum another garden escapee that it rampaging across right, for about 400m. which if left unchecked smothers woodland and the Forest. Ellisons Pond is regularly drained and poisons the soil. We have 50 Japanese Knotweed, treated for Parrots Feather. So it is vital we protect On both left and right are linear quarries, and Himalayan Knot weed sites across the forest. the forest from these invasive species . now filled with scrub and trees. Such Himalayan Balsam is establishing itself. Not to quarries dot the Forest landscape and Mike Yates, Ashdown Forest Ranger mentionstone Bamboo, Black Cherry and Gautheria. provided for roads.

Typical heathland A large area Golden rod appeared lastpipit year birds such asofnightjar, stonechat, tree growing in a layby which was sprayed after and woodlark usually breed in this area andit had flowered because it was covered bees.

Our recent the ride edges in particular are in one of the survey hason revealed we have overin 102 Turkey Oaks best places the Forest (indeed Sussex) to be felled.

It would seemofthat towhich see, need in May, the yellow flowers thethese treesspiny were allowed to establish small shrub, petty whin.themselves on the 22 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

The ride bears left, then right through a break in the quarries

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 23

Chinese New Year

The Chinese have probably recorded the lunar year longer than any other people in history - or any that we have records of. Their calendar dates from as far back as 2600 BC. The first cycle of this Zodiac was introduced by the Emperor Huang Ti who decreed that each year should be portioned into cyclical periods governed by the phases of the moon.

Each year is governed by one of twelve animals, the characteristics of which are implanted into the very being of those born during that year. The legend has it that the Buddha, about to depart from earth to Nirvana, called all the world’s animals to bid him farewell. Only twelve bothered to heed his call and as a reward he named each mini-cycle after one of the animals present.

Because the calendar is lunar based, it is by its very nature, cyclical, which means the date of the New Year varies from year to year and can fall at any time from the end of January to the middle of February, this year it falls on the 19th February. For us westerner, thankfully it does always fall sufficiently long after our own celebrations to enable a second chance at those sometimes discarded New Year resolutions.

This new year is the year of the Goat though this is sometimes referred to as the ram or sheep. It is considered that people born in this year are gentle, caring and compassionate who are easily hurt, becoming very quiet when this happens. They are very family orientated and lovers of peace and will actually fight to maintain or gain the desired peace if necessary. Oddly they are great performers and are at their happiest when all eyes are upon them.

24 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

For the Chinese, the evening before the New Year’s Day is especially important. By this time everything will have to be spick and span, tidy and organized.

The idea is to sweep away all traces of bad luck.

Another tradition is to ‘mend fences’. This means quarrels have to be resolved, disputes settled and debts paid in full. Doors and windows are decorated with sheets of paper carrying good luck messages and if possible, door and window frames are painted red.

Red is the good luck colour in Chinese society and features a great deal in these celebratory activities.

Children and unmarried adults are given little red envelopes of money as New Year gifts. The colour is thought to ward off evil spirits so everyone will strive to wear it. Black and white however are never worn at this time as they are both colours of mourning.

Food eaten during Chinese New Year includes a great deal of seafood, especially prawns, dried oysters and raw fish salad. Certain kinds of seaweed are thought to bring prosperity and dumplings boiled in water represent a long lost good wish for the family.

The Chinese conclude the celebrations with the Festival of Lanterns which includes singing, dancing and lantern shows. Westerners may celebrate by booking themselves a table in a Chinese Restaurant where they can enjoy a special banquet. This is a long and spectacular meal which, when shared with a large party of friends, has to be experienced to be really appreciated!

And if you can’t make it to a restaurant, it’s a great excuse for a scrumptious Chinese take-away!

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

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Rachael can design a kitchen that fits you. With your needs and her expertise the kitchen you have only imagined can become reality.

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flueologist@btinternet.com www.milborrowchimneysweeps.co.uk Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 25

Winnie the Pooh’s Creator Ashdown Forest’s most famous son, Winnie-the-Pooh was, as we know, created by A.A Milne. The famous author lived at Cotchford Farm, on the Ashdown Forest.

Here we take a fleeting look at some facets of his life: Although Milne went to Cambridge to study mathematics, he began to focus on writing while still a student.

Having gained his degree in 1903, he pursued a career as a writer, and was soon producing humourous pieces for the magazine Punch, becoming the assistant editor by 1906.

Having served in World War I, Milne decided to pursue playwriting; a move that proved successful as along with original well-received plays, he penned adaptations, such as the popular Toad of Toad Hall.

Milne also authored a popular detective novel, The Red House Mystery (1922).

His name is indelibly linked to his most famous work, Winnie-the-Pooh, and due to its immense success his other works are now largely forgotten.

In 1916 during World War I, when illness rendered him unfit for action, Milne’s talent led to his joining a secret propaganda unit, MI7b.

Public support for the war was at a low ebb due to the mounting toll thus the anti-war movement was growing. The goal of Milne’s unit was to boost support for the war by writing about British heroism and German

26 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

dastardliness.

Despite being a pacifist, Milne was to follow orders. At the end of the war however he did express his true sentiments in the farewell pamphlet, The Green Book, which contained contributions from many MI7b writers. His views can be construed in these lines of verse: “In MI7B, Who loves to lie with me About atrocities And Hun Corpse Factories.”

He had a famous public feud with PG Wodehouse, creator of butler Jeeves. As a young man, Milne had been friends with the author, they were even in a celebrity cricket team with J.M. Barrie. However, Wodehouse made a decision during World War II that Milne could not forgive.

The story goes that Wodehouse was living in France when the German army swept through. He was taken into custody and sent to live in a civil internment

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

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camp. But when the Germans realised who he was, they took Wodehouse to a luxury hotel in Berlin and asked him to record a series of broadcasts about his internment. Wodehouse, to his later regret, agreed.

During the 1941 broadcasts, Wodehouse maintained a airy, inconsequential tone that didn’t sit well with listeners during wartime. Among his harshest critics was Milne, who wrote to the Daily Telegraph: “Irresponsibility in what the papers call a licensed humourist’ can be carried too far; naïveté can be carried too far. Wodehouse has been given a good deal of licence in the past, but I fancy that now his licence will be withdrawn.”

The rift continued into post-war years, with Wodehouse stating at one point: “nobody could be more anxious than myself ... that Alan Alexander Milne should trip over a loose bootlace and break his bloody neck.”

As we know Milne brought joy into the lives of many people with his stories about Winnie the Pooh. Ironically, his later personal life was considered less joyous.

(Photo: classicwinniethepooh.com)

Although he continued to pen plays, novels and other pieces into the 1930s and 40s, Milne wasn’t able to match his earlier success. His most famous work eclipsed everything else he touched and he disliked being typecast as a children’s writer.

No doubt the strain of his relationship with his son took its toll. As an adult, Christopher Milne harboured resentment toward his father, in his autobiography, he wrote that he felt Milne “had filched from me my good name and had left me with nothing but the empty fame of being his son.”

During Milne’s last years they rarely saw eachother.

In 1952, Milne had a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair until his death in 1956.

Although his final years may not have been the happiest, Milne had once noted that “a writer wants something more than money for his work: he wants permanence.” Thanks to the omnipresent popularity of Winnie the Pooh, he was granted that in copious amounts.

28 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

AA Milne with his son, Christopher, and Pooh Bear in 1926. (Photo: Howard Coster/Wikipedia.com)

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

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FM<EJ :FFB<IJ 8>8J I8E><J ?F9J D@:IFN8M<J =I@;><J =I<<Q<IJ ;@J?N8J?<IJ Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 29

The Women’s Indoor Hockey team is going to final at Wembley! Jo Davies, the Captain, answers our questions

© John O’Brien

Has your training had to change since entering the Premier League?

How does the team feel to be through to the Wembley final?

At first it was as if we couldn’t believe what we’d done. But it was always our aim, we’re definitely excited!

Please explain the story of how you got to the final?

The club has had a plan now for some years for both the men and women being showcased at the highest levels. The indoor league in England allows for swift progression: having started in the South Regional League in 2010, we went on to win the league to play in the National Indoor South League making it through to the second weekend round of games where the top 3 of the South and the top 3 of the North form a league to gain promotion to Division 1. We won this and so went through 2 leagues in 1 season - which is possible within hockey. The following 2 seasons we played in Division 1, placing 6th in the first year and then winning the division the second year to be promoted to the Premier League (the highest league). Within our first year in Premier League we came 5th, missing out on the Semis by 1 30 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

point. As disappointed as the squad was, we were pleased with our achievements. We went away with the confidence to come into this indoor season and go all the way, and we have now made it through to the final.

It was a tight year in the league as the top 6 teams were separated by 3 pts only. It was down to the last game of the 2 weekends and we had to win to make it to the semi-finals. And we did! The semi-final experience was new to most of the squad and so the atmosphere in itself was exciting.

The game was a tough one but we went in with a plan and got the solitary goal to get us to Wembley.

It didn’t feel like a typical indoor game but when you have England goalkeepers either end of the pitch it was hardly ever going to be high scoring!

Personally, what was your biggest challenge to get through the semi-finals?

It is difficult to highlight a personal challenge as it is a team sport, and as much as you yourself think you are having a bad day we knew we had each other to work hard and get the job done.

Not necessarily. We always aim to train at a high standard and that is why we have reached the Premier League and now the final. We are fortunate at our club to have our own indoor facilities which makes a big difference.

What has been the biggest factor that has contributed to your team’s success?

Being a united squad. We have great team spirit. It feels as if we are a family and there is a lot of banter amongst the team which helps because we are relaxed when we get on the pitch. But also the experience we have added to the squad with Kirsty McKay and Sophie Bray who both play for England.

Kirsty we class as the best indoor keeper in the country and she is very knowledgeable and well respected in the team. She’s constantly giving advice! Soph is a forward with unbelievable talent and at times we say amongst ourselves “how did she just do that”!

Where does this place East Grinstead Women’s Indoor Hockey on the national stage?

Hopefully we women will not be in the shadow of the men and people looking into the club will be able to see that both the men and women are successful.

Winning at Wembley would give us a place in the Euro Indoor League and it is definitely where the team and club want to be recognised.

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

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Our work ranges from one-off projects to long-term working partnerships.

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Amber AC Ltd Tel: 01273 890010 or 01892 664065 info@amberac.co.uk www.amberac.co.uk 24 hour emergency response service Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 31

STONE NESS WALLED GARDEN

STONE NESS WALLED GARDEN

SNWG (at Ashurst, on the A264) offers social and therapeutic horticulture to Cup Football year and those of learning you that local people with at SNWG will thatand we held our own diffiknow culties mental ports suchhealth as Hanging basketball and Scare issues.

Quick Quiz 1: In which country did Posh and Becks marry?

2: Which historical region of Greece includes the capital, Athens?

others. The Grand Final at our Open Day in Last was of course a by everyone andyear was finished with an exciting World Cup Football year, .

3: What alternative name was given to German Shepherd Dogs after World War 1 because of the German part of their name?

so we decided to hold our own ‘Walled Cup’ with sports such as Hanging old, wet windy winter I have had an idea: basketball and Scare hy not set Croquet up a football group? others. amongst The grand final at our open isional enquiries at the Ashurst Sports day in July was enjoyed by om here on the A264 by the railway bridge) everyone nished bably use their pavilionand and was pitchfion a with an exciting penalty shoot-out! n.

4: Who is reported to have played his fiddle while Rome burned?

5: How many sides does an icosagon have?

Now during this cold, wet, windy winter I have had an idea: ing we need:Why not set up a football adults with learning difficulties or mentalgroup? health issues who would enjoy an organised I have been asking all of my local contacts but hopeatthat reading this would be I have made provisional enquiries theothers Ashurst Sports Ground

(on the A264 by the railway bridge) and we could probably use en everyone is available their pavilion and pitch on a weekday afternoon.

6: Which port is capital of the Falkland Islands?

7: Which poem by Rudyard Kipling ends with the line ‘And which is more, you’ll be a man my son’?

(tricky as buses are few and far between) eree/coach/co-ordinator To set the ball rolling we need:

8: Into which sea does the Nile flow?

1. At learning culties or mental there wants toleast play 10 andadults would(with anyone like todiffi help me achieve thishealth goal? issues) who would enjoy an organised kick about.

9: Which sign of the zodiac is represented by the Scales?

2. A time when everyone is available.

Jean Burgess 3.Tel: Transport (tricky as buses are few and far between).

01892 740305 4. A keen referee/coach/co-ordinator.

Answers on page 39

So who out there wants to play and would anyone like to help me achieve this goal?

Please contact me, Jean Burgess, on 01892 740305.

General: It will soon be Spring and our enthusiastic groups of walled gardeners start here again in March. We run two hour sessions every morning and afternoon on weekdays, and our groups are small – everyone must fit around the potting shed table at tea break!

Would you or someone you know like to join us?

No gardening experience is necessary – just a love of the great outdoors, a willingness to meet and make new friends, and of course, an interest in the idea of growing and eating your own fruit and vegetables. If you think of anyone who might like to come here, do tell them about SNWG, for further information please contact us on the number above.

32 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

10: Afrikaans was developed from which European language?

Alfie the Ashdown Forest Aardvark The name of the game is to locate the 4 Alfie’s hidden on 4 pages in the magazine.

Win £10

Ages 4 -13. Let us know the page numbers, enter online: www. ashdownforestliving.co.uk or email: info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk.

Closing date: 19/02/14

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 33

LOCAL HISTORY NOTES

The famous title ‘Cantelupe’

by Dorothy Hatswell

“Cantelupe” is the secondary title held by the de la Warr family, a.k.a. the famous Sackville family, current head of which is William Sackville, 11th Earl de la Warr who resides at Buckhurst Park nr.

Withyham. But where did such a name come from? The first thought is melons, but why name a title after a fruit?

There is a story that the melons were named after the owner of the plantation which grew them in America, but that still does not throw any light on the origin of the name.

The name actually dates from the early C11th and originates in France. The village of Cantelou is about five miles from Rouen, in the region of Seine Maritime.

The references go back to 1030.

Some members of the family settled in Italy where the word, Cantelupo, means the cry of the wolf. In 1055 Robert de Cantelou is living in France in the village from which he takes his name. Eleven years later Henry de Cantelou sailed to England with William Duc de Normandie.

He was a ship’s captain and was wounded at the Battle of Hastings. As a reward Henry was given a estate on the River Dart, which he named Cantillo.

It is difficult to establish the exact lines of descent but it would seem improbable that those bearing the name,“ de Cantelupe”, were not closely related. Sir William de Cantilupe, who was born in 1159,was probably the son of Walter de Cantelupe, born 1120 in Normandy, France. William married Marcelline de Bray. Their son John de Cantelupe, Lord of Snitterfield in Warwickshire, was born in 1220. He married Margaret Mohun and their son, another John, was born in 1268 34 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

described as “of Hempston, Cantelupe, Devon”.

Another descendent was Walter de Cantelupe, who died in 1266.

He was consecrated Bishop of Worcester in 1237. He strongly resisted the influence of the Pope throughout his life, and was summoned to appear before the Pope in 1266, but he died before leaving England. His nephew, Thomas de Cantelupe was Chancellor of Oxford University and then was appointed Lord Chancellor of England. He later became Bishop of Hereford in 1275. He died in 1282 and was buried in his own cathedral. He was canonised by Pope John XXII, as Thomas was credited with many miracles that occurred at his tomb.

Later still, a Thomas West was born in Hempston Cantelupe; he married Eleanor Cantelupe, the daughter of Sir John Cantelupe of Hempston Cantelupe, Devon.

Their son, also a Thomas, was born in 1322 in Hempston, and fought at the battle of Crecy in August 1346 - Thomas West senior died in Oakhanger, Hampshire in 1386 as the 1st Baron West of Oakhanger.

Sir Roger de la Warr was summoned in 1299 to become a member of parliament. He was created the 1st Baron de la Warr. His issue, the 3rd baron, also a Roger fought at Crecy, possibly alongside Thomas West. Roger’s only surviving child, Joan, married Sir Thomas West (junior), who died in 1405.

Their son, yet another Thomas (!), became both the 4th Baron West and the 5th Baron de la Warr. Thus the name ‘Cantelupe’, through the first Thomas West’s marriage to Eleanor Cantelupe, became inexorably connected to the baronial titles of ‘de la Warr’ and ‘West’.

Sir Thomas West died without issue and the titles passed to his younger brother, Reginald.

Reginald’s son, Richard fought on the side of the Lancastrians in the Wars of the Roses. Some of these descendants went to America and gave their name to the state of Delaware, apparently the correct pronunciation!

Here is the connection to the Sackvilles: Thomas Sackville was created 1st Earl of Dorset in 1720. His grandson, the 3rd Earl, had one son and two

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 35

daughters. George Frederick, the 4th Earl died at the age of twenty two in a riding accident, leaving no direct heir. The title passed to a distant cousin but the two large estates owned by the family were inherited by his two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth.

Mary, who married The Earl of Plymouth, inherited Knole and her younger sister, Elizabeth, inherited Buckhurst. Mary died without heirs so Elizabeth added Knole to her ownership. She had married George John West, 5th Baron de la Warr and their children assumed the surname, Sackville-West, it was at this point that baronial title ‘de la Warr’ and the title ‘Cantelupe’ were tied in to the famous name Sackville, which had so long been associated with this part of Sussex. The SackvilleWest children continued to use the secondary title of Viscount Cantelupe, hence the use of the name in various places one of which is Cantelupe Road in the town of East Grinstead - naturally

Comrades of the Great War Club in Cantelupe Road

a turning off de la Warr Road!

The name has survived over a thousand years of history involving many generations and changes of surnames and titles.

It is perhaps due to its distinctive

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 39

The Battle of the Choirs In support of Hospice of the Weald Six choirs with an amazing range of musical styles are tuning up for the chance to become the local Choir of the Year. They will battle it out onstage at the Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells, to be first winners of this amazing new competition that supports this local Hospice.

The choirs will be cheered on by supporters in the audience ¬– tickets are now on sale so you can join in the fun. But just like a TV talent show climax, they will have to face the verdict of a panel of expert judges who will finally decide which choir will win the coveted title.

Facing the judges is unlikely to daunt the TGS Motet Choir from Tonbridge Grammar School which has appeared at venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and O2 Arena. They have twice won national competitions and were runners-up in the BBC Songs of Praise competition.

By musical contrast, the East Kent Chorus from the Ashford area specialises in barber-shop style; they sing unaccompanied in fourpart harmony.

Mumma Mia, a group of mothers from Sutton Valence, was originally formed for a little fun before school pick-up. But the

40 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

choir has gone from strength to strength, having its own spread in Woman magazine this year which focused on the health benefits of singing in a choir.

Another female choir, Women in Harmony, was formed to provide an opportunity for all women who wish to sing, irrespective of musical training and ability. They give concerts for charities, society dinners and venues such as Leeds Castle.

Inchoir is a community choir with branches in Tunbridge Wells, Crowborough and Uckfield. Open to anybody who wants a chance to sing, they perform in theatres and supermarkets and ‘’anything in between’’.

Kilndown Junior and Community Choir has two sections – one of

children aged 11-13 and a senior choir with a repertoire from sacred music to pop song. The choir was formed in the village to sing for fun and the musical director Julian Wells says: ‘’It is one of the best things that has happened to our small community and pulls the whole village together.’’

The contest takes place on Saturday the 28th February, (sponsored by Thomson, Snell & Passmore), between 6pm and 8pm, and tickets are £15 per adult, £12 cons. Children attend free (but please still book to reserve a ticket and allocated seat). Get tickets at the Assembly Hall, from Sara Clark on 01892 820586 or by emailing sara.clark@ hospiceintheweald. org.uk.

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Improving your home at sensible prices or email: ask@absolutelykitchens.co.uk Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • February 2015 • 41

What’s On in February MONDAY 2ND FEBRUARY Spoilt for Choice: An exhibition of paintings by Don Collishaw, Mon 2nd Feb to Thurs 26th Feb, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, The Upper Gallery, 12 Hartfield Road, Forest Row. SATURDAY 7TH FEBRUARY Magic of Mozart. Penshurst Choral Society conducted by Anthony Zerpa Falcon Programme to include: Mozart’s Coronation Mass and Solemn Vespers Mozart Piano Concerto No 11 in F Major, K413 with soloist Jong Gyung Park. More information at www.penshurstchoralsociety.co.uk, at 7:30pm, Holmewood House School, Langton Green.

MONDAY 9TH FEBRUARY Sussex Family History Group - Forgotten Heroes, researching the heroes of the great war - a talk by Geoff bridger. At 7:15pm, Luxford Centre, Uckfield.

SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY

artist, dancer, acupuncturist, tantra teacher, inner inquiry counsellor, make-up artist agent. Enquiries: Amanda Edwards, 07703561616. www.awakentoheal. com. Donations welcome. 8 - 10pm, community centre, Hartfield Rd, Forest Row. FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY Saint Hill Manor Group Visits Fair & Brochure Giveaway. The premier attractions in the South East come to East Grinstead to show what they have on offer for the coming year. Free entry, 10 - 1pm. At Saint Hill Manor, RH19 4JY. FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY A recital by Jamie Walton and Katya Apekisheva.

Two of the world’s finest musicians... Jamie Walton, cello and Katya Apekisheva, piano, In recital, in the village church in Frant. Tickets £14 from Paul Barber 01892 750665. At 8pm, doors open 7:30pm, Frant church, High Street, TN3 9DP.* SATURDAY 28TH FEBRUARY

Mansion Market. An interesting and unusual market held in and around an atmospheric 18th century mansion. Gifts for valentine’s Day, crafts, organic bakery, plants, ideas for the home and garden, designer clothing and more. Puppet Shows for children, taster therapy sessions and an all-day Cafe.11am - 4pm, Kidbrooke Park, Priory Road, Forest Row. SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY Kids for a Quid! Special Half Term offers on the Bluebell Railway. Book tickets at least 8 days in advance of the date you plan to travel with our Bluebell Bonus tickets and get generous discounts on adult tickets too. Kids for a Quid applies in advance or on the day of travel. 14th - 22nd February. Bluebell Railway, TN22 3QL. Call: 01825 720800.

THURSDAY 19TH FEBRUARY Groombridge Horticultural Society. “Conservatory and Patio Gardening” talk by David Fitton MBE. All welcome - free for members and £3 for non-members (which gives full annual membership). Refreshments provided. At 8pm, Groombridge Village Hall (New Hall).

FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY Talk on Beauty: how deep? What are your ideas on this? Listen to a panel of 6 speakers comprised of an 42 • February 2015 • Ashdown Forest Living

If you would like your event on these pages email info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk for information

A piano recital by Cedric Tiberghien. With a flourishing career spanning five continents, taking him to the world’s most prestigious venues, including the Opera House Sydney and the Albert Hall, Cedric will be appearing in concert at Frant Church. Tickets £14 from Paul Barber, 01892 750665. A ‘weekendpass’ is available at £24 for both concerts in Frant over 27/28 February. At 7:30 pm, Frant Church, High Street, TN3 9DP.* MONDAY 9TH MARCH Sussex Family History Group - Bastards of Uckfield. Researching illegitimate ancestors - a talk

by Allison Caffyn. At 7.15pm, Luxford Centre, Uckfield.

SATURDAY 14TH MARCH Crowborough Lions - “Big Quiz”. Entry £8 including table nibbles and ploughmans platter supper.

Licensed bar. Any team size - maximum of 8 per table.

Team prizes - 1st, £125; 2nd, £75; 3rd £25. All profit to help the local elderly and deprived young children.

At 6:30pm for 7:30pm prompt start, Crowborough Community Centre. *For ticket sales and more information about ‘Music in Frant’ throughout the year please call: Paul Barber on 01892 750665, email paul.barber25@btinternet.com or David Cragg 01892 750845.

info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

Award SHC A4

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12:49 pm

Page 1

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