Ashdown Forest Living February 2017

February 2017

© Russell Prain

LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY & COMMUNITY NEWS Call 01342 300152 to advertise

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Softwoods

Hardwoods

Mouldings

Sheet Materials

Flooring

Doors

Windows and Frames

Staircases and Accessories

Fencing and Garden Products

Building Products

Drainage and Guttering

Roofing

Insulation

Lightside

Power Tools and Hand Tools

*All prices inclusive of VAT

Power De Icer

CPL Homefire® Fibre-Lighters

500ml Spray

£3.00*

28 Cubes per bag

£1.58* Bag of Kindling £3.99*

CLC Flexible Construction Gloves with CPL Homefire® Beanie Hat Hardwood Logs £12.99* Premium Kiln Dried Fingerless gloves also available

CPL Traditional House Coal (doubles) 25kg bag

£9.40*

White Granular Salt 25kg bag

£5.99*

Large Bag

£12.60*

Visit Our Website for Seasonal Special Offers Forest Row Station Road Forest Row East Sussex RH18 5EL 01342 822191

East Grinstead Railway Approach East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 1BY 01342 317470

Haywards Heath College Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1QW 01444 413413

Crowborough Ballards Yard Park Road Crowborough East Sussex TN6 2QS 01892 652725

Open: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5pm Saturday Closed

Open: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 1pm

Open: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 12.30pm

Open: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5pm Saturday 8am - 12.30pm

www.mstc.co.uk Call Mid-Sussex Timber Sales on 01342 822191 Enquiries: or Order online at mstc.co.uk

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Bespoke Plantation Shutters & Blinds made to measure, professionally installed

& catering for all walks of life!

up to

Cheer yourself up

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40% off

Winter Sale

Big Softie corner sofa in Sahara Chalk

The Estate Yard, Eridge, Nr Tunbridge Wells, Kent,TN3 9JR

Let’s design together

Call us on 01892 572 309 or visit sofasandstuff.com

Permanent, perfect make-up for the eyes, brows and lips.

The Pennington Clinic A centre of excellence for Semi Permanent Makeup in the heart of the Ashdown Forest

Midnight, Saturday 20 May 2017 Sovereign Centre, Eastbourne

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Dear Residents, Whats inside this month Welcome to the February Issue.

This is the month of St. Valentine and we have a beautiful but tumultuous local love story to share with you see page 26.

The amazing Bluebell Railway is set for some gargantuan expansion this year and we’re pleased to be able to bring you Recipe all the details.

The Bluebell in Spring

Local man Daryl Farmer is currently undertaking a treacherous journey rowing solo across the Atlantic. We see many local people taking incredible challenges in the name of charity but this is absolutely stand out! We hope he gets lots of support.

Ghostly Literary Connections at Groombridge Place We hope you can find all the local services in here that you will need this spring.

Valentines Facts

Thank you for supporting our local businesses.

If there is any community news, local charity challenges, etc. which you’d like us to promote please do drop us a line anytime.

With Best Wishes, Tally & Chris

Blacklands Farm

A Local Love Story: Henry & Anne

Ashdown Forest Living To advertise call 01342 300152 info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk www.ashdownforestliving.co.uk FOLLOW US ON TWITTER

Keep this directory handy for when you need it

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

Where Few Have Ventured

Westwood Valley

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 2017. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

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This Valentines don’t forget to Wear your heart on your sleeve.

Originally an expression of love, it has come to mean someone who is seen to be too open with their emotions and over-sensitive.

Emperor Claudius II

It originated in the Middle Ages, Emperor Claudius II believed unattached men made better soldiers so he declared marriage illegal!

Boo! However as a concession, he encouraged 'temporary coupling'. During the Roman festival honouring Juno, men drew names to establish who was to be their lady friend for the coming year - and so the man would wear the lady's name on his sleeve for the rest of the festival, hopefully leading to a love-filled year..

The Celts believed that the apple represented love because it lasted so long after being picked.

The Oldest Valentine The oldest surviving valentine dates from 1415. It is a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife. At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt.

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X Many believe the X symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn't write their names signed in front of a witness with an X. The X was then kissed to show their sincerity.

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Nursery • Pre-Prep • Prep

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Ashdown Park’s Red Velvet Cupcakes

By Andrew Wilson, Exec Head Chef at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club

Red Velvet Cupcakes Ingredients 115g soft butter 300g caster sugar 2 large eggs 20g cocoa 1 tbsp red gel food colouring, dissolved in a little water 1 tsp vanilla extract 300g plain flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 240g buttermilk 1 tbsp white wine vinegar 1 tsp bicarb of soda

Method

Method

Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the buttermilk followed by the red food colouring, cocoa powder and vanilla extract and mix well. Fold in the flour, baking powder, bicarb of soda and salt, then finally add the white wine vinegar and mix in.

Beat the butter and icing sugar together until completely combined, then add the cream cheese and beat until light and fluffy. Pipe or spoon on top of the cupcakes and decorate with raspberries, chocolate hearts, or any other romantic decorations.

Divide between 24 cupcake cases and bake at 160ÂşC for 20-25 minutes or until risen and springy to the touch then leave to cool.

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients 100g butter 600g icing sugar 230g cream cheese

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HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB

Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club Wych Cross, RH18 5JR Telephone: 01342 824988 www.ashdownpark.com

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Are you looking for a fulfilling, part time job?

(Day, Evenings or Weekends) • We offer a company pension • Unsociable hours bonus • Excellent Salary These roles would suit mums, school-leavers as well as semiretired people.

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Modern, well-equipped ceramics studio in an idyllic rural location near Groombridge

Understanding how we behave, relate and communicate with one another is more important today than ever. Explore your own personal awareness in our fascinating, fun and rewarding courses.

CLASSES: Daytime and evening classes suitable for all abilities EXPERIENCED POTTERS: Join our friendly “open table”community COURSES: Weekend workshops for adults and children claystudio@eunicelocher.com 01892 862 540 • www.eunicelocher.com

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Care in Your Own Home

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- Traditional

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A Taste of Adventure at Blackland Farm Set in 120 acres of glorious Sussex countryside just four miles from East Grinstead, Blackland Farm specialises in providing great value, adventurous and exciting residential experiences for young people. We offer adventurous activities and bespoke events in beautiful surroundings. Our team works with you to plan a truly memorable occasion - whether you are looking for a day out with the family or a rural retreat with a difference.

Our facilities Whether you are seeking the perfect venue for a birthday party, corporate away day or school residential, we have something for everyone. Our friendly knowledgeable staff and range of facilities will help you create a truly memorable camp, holiday or event.

Looking to stay overnight?

Guests can opt to get back to nature at one of our ten spacious equipped or unequipped greenfield campsites, discover the joys of our tented village or, for those

who like a warm bed at night, there are four well-equipped selfcatering lodges to choose from.

We also have a well-stocked shop on site for those who have forgotten their camping essentials or just fancy a wellearned treat.

Activities on offer There's so much to do at Blackland Farm - from climbing and abseiling to canoeing and archery. We offer an exciting range of adventurous instructor-led and self-supervised activities and team-building games for groups to book on an individual or package basis.

We have activities to suit all ages and abilities, whether it is something you would like to try for the very first time or you are looking to sharpen your skills. If you are a water baby, you can also enjoy the on-site swimming pool or water sports on the nearby Weir Wood reservoir.

We cater for all sizes of groups, from the very large – we can

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fit up to 3,000 people onsite - to the very small. If you are organising an event, camp or activity day please contact our team who will be more than willing to help you plan your programme. Our activity team are highly experienced and qualified and will aim to get the best out of your group in a fun but safe way. We also offer national governing body training courses for a number of activities, including canoe sports and archery.

Get in touch If you would like to book an activity day, birthday party or overnight stay at Blackland Farm, please contact us by calling 01342 810 493 or email blackland@girlguiding.org.uk.

We hope to see you soon!

Blackland Farm 01342 810493 www.blacklandfarm.org.uk Grinstead Lane, East Grinstead, Sussex RH19 4HP Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts

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NURSERY AND JUNIOR SCHOOL

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TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE ASHDOWN FOREST AREA

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Does your broadband speed make you want to

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A demonstration at your property can be arranged by phone or on-line.

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Have you or anyone you know been:

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

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13

Ghostly Literary Connections at Groombridge Place As another series of Sherlock has just drawn to a close, Groombridge Place near Royal Tunbridge Wells can claim a strong connection with the author and creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Initial ties began in the early 1900s when he married his second wife Jean Leckie and moved to nearby Windlesham in Crowborough.

Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on 22 May 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Doyles were a prosperous Irish Catholic family but Arthur’s father was a chronic alcoholic.

Wealthy members of the Doyle family paid for him to be educated in England but it was not a happy time for Arthur even though it was here that he found he had a talent for storytelling, as young students would often surround him to listen to his amazing stories. He probably could never have guessed that, over a century later, his most famous character Sherlock Holmes would remain the most popular fictional detective in history!

In total Doyle’s work includes nearly 200 novels, short stories, poems, historical books and pamphlets.

After his first wife died he remarried and settled at Windlesham, Crowborough, where his wife Jean gave birth to three children, Denis Percy Stewart (1909), Malcolm Adrian (1910) and Lena Jean Annette (1912).

They were all educated locally.

Arthur was a frequent guest at nearby Groombridge Place which he used as a model for Birlstone Manor in the famous Holmes adventure

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

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ARTICLE : Ghostly Literary Connections at Groombridge Place Continued

‘The Valley of Fear’ in 1914.

The house is meticulously and beautifully described

by Doyle - who sets a brutal murder here in the first part of the story. Conan Doyle was interested in the supernatural and was a known spiritualist; he often came to Groombridge Place to take part in séances with the owners Louisa and Eliza Saint. He claims to have met a ghost here, and was the first person to describe the most talked about resident ghost, ‘The Ostler’ (an ostler is a person employed at an inn or stables to tend the horses). The Ostler is said to be dressed in a rust coloured smock and stands in the doorway of the building by the moat which surrounds the house. The story goes that an ostler drowned in the moat in 1808. In his last book “The Edge of the Unknown” it says his friend Mrs Wickland saw the ghost

of David Fletcher (who was in fact the Ostler) and later that day, after tea in the Crown Hill, she became possessed by the spirit and her husband Mr Wickland had to explain to the ghost that he was in fact dead and had died in the moat!

Groombridge Place is also said to be haunted by a mysterious woman in grey, and phantom smells such as lavender and cigar smoke have been recorded on the main staircase.

If you go to the Groombridge Place Facebook page you can register for information about the evening ghost tours of the estate grounds.

The newly appointed General Manager at Groombridge Place, Clare Singer, highlights what she finds special at this famous attraction.

“I love the fact that our visitors come with wellies at this time of year and enjoy running along the canal to our enchanted forest to discover the play areas including the giant swings. Like our visitors I also enjoy the wildlife here including watching the wild fallow deer which frequent the meadows and forest. I also like watching the peacocks that frequent the gardens and grounds at Groombridge. The walled gardens too are very special with many streams, water features and of course our resident peacocks; there are also plenty of hedges and trees to enjoy hide and seek!”

The next family event will be “Wild Adventure Week” in February half term (Saturday 13th February to Sunday 19th February, 10am and 4.30pm).

There will be plenty of fun to be had all week with three Continues over the page.

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New Year, New You! February Offers Introductory 10% offOff Introductory 10%

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ARTICLE : Ghostly Literary Connections at Groombridge Place Continued

jungle explorer shows per day. After each show children can meet the entertainers who will offer advice on where to find the treasure in the forest!

All the activities are free with admission including: Den Building • Take home your own planted flower to grow • Wildlife Crafts • Meet our animals • Build a bug hotel or nest • Wildlife talks As well as all the wild adventure activities, everyone will have access to the Enchanted Forest to enjoy playing in and exploring Crusoe’s World, with its authentic large wooden ship complete with rope bridges.

Swing through the trees on our amazing giant tree swings before running and having fun on the raised boardwalk with its zip wire, suspension bridge, and rope swings!

tasty lunches, cakes and cream teas.

The restaurant and coffee bar will be open daily serving hot and cold drinks, as well as

Telephone: 01892 861444 email: admission@ groombridgeplace.com.

Quick Quiz

Admission in February half term for Wild Adventure Week: Adults £10.95, Child/SC £9.45, Family £35.95.

Groombridge Place, Groombridge Hill, Groombridge, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 9QG.

Answers on page 24

Sudoku

1. Which film has the phrase ' Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get'?

2. Where were the Bee Gees born?

3. Who wrote the 'Famous Five' series of books?

4. Which American singer was born Eleanora Fagan?

5. In 69BC the Romans invaded Crete, which modern day city on the island was the first to fall?

6. Which Port is capital of the Falkland Islands? © Kevin Stone [www.brainbashers.com]

7. According to the Beatles, who 'Picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been'?

8. Which ground is home to the Warwickshire County Cricket Club?

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

10. In Monopoly, what colour are Bow Street, Marlborough Street and Vine Street properties?

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London Temple Garden Tours

West Park Road, Newchapel, Surrey RH7 6NB | Phone: 01342 837 952 The gardens here at the Temple are some 28 acres excluding the buildings, and are traditional English country gardens with wonderful walks through the parkland.

We have woodland walks on well maintained and wheelchair freindly paths. with Bluebells, Wood Anemones, not to mention the trees - Oaks, Atlantic Ceders, Lime Trees, and Yew Trees, the list goes on.

We are happy to cater for local school groups, youth organisations, senior citizen organisations, W.I’s, horticultural/gardening clubs, religious groups and any individuals with an interest of the above.

Find us on the web www.lds.org/placestovisit Follow the London Temple Visitor’s Centre on Facebook

Open all year round

Tuesday - Friday from 9am - 7pm • Free Guided Tours • Free Entrance • Free Parking • Free Buffet Lunch For Groups of 10+ Reservations Necessary

“The walk around the gardens was a revelation in itself, and to be able to do it on such a lovely day was just perfect.

We all learnt so much” - Bletchingley Parish Church “Thank you once again for your hospitality, for lunch and for the opportunity to look around your beautiful gardens.

The Trees are magnificent and the grounds are very well kept!”

- East Grinstead Horticultural Society

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News from Wakehurst

WESTWOOD VALLEY

The work on Westwood Valley is bang on schedule to finish at the end of March.

What’s the worst job in the kitchen?

The aim is to open up the area by extensive tree removal and pruning. This will allow the remaining trees to flourish and grow into their natural shapes rather than being stunted by trees growing so close on either side.

We will deep clean your oven, hob, extractor and microwave, removing all traces of grease and burnt-on carbon using non-caustic, environmentally friendly cleaners.

You won’t find better prices, standards or aftercare, because we pride ourselves in making sure every customer is satisfied.

It’s a dirty job!

Single Oven Double Oven Hob Extractor Range from Aga

Why do it yourself?

Ed Ikin, Head of Landscape and Horticulture at Wakehurst, said that it was a project that had bought together several teams that work on the estate in the best possible way.

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He said: “There is an amazing spirit by all the teams – gardens, logistics and the arboriculture team.

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“It is an important project and is of great value because not only is it opening up the views but making rare plants easier for people to view and enjoy. The trees such as birches and maples can also be enjoyed by our visitors in a much more visible way.”

• Extractor £12 • Range from £75 • Aga £115

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SmallWorks I can do that annoying little job at a reasonable price most types of internal and external work allied to construction undertaken locally

The trees that have been removed have been stacked into neat bundles by the sides of the paths and will gradually be removed over the coming weeks.

Ed added: “What has also helped us is the dry weather we have experienced throughout January.”

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21

The Bluebell in Spring © Martin Lawrence

The Bluebell Railway is going from strength to strength. In recent years, having extended to its natural starting station of East Grinstead, with the resultant increased customer numbers, the famous railway decided to take its next expansive step. An application was submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the Accessible Steam Heritage (ASH) and last month they proudly announced a £1.1 million grant has been awarded.

This grant will revitalise the way the railway exhibits its engines by extending and converting the Running Shed to make a new exhibition hall.

The space will be brought into the 21st century with a state-of-the-art interactive exhibition hall which will include among other things an exciting display of how steam engines actually work, plus footplate access by both pedestrians and wheelchair users to static locomotives; visitors will take part in a footplate driving

experience based on a mockup of locomotive 55 Stepney, alongside the original engine which was built in 1875! (See the diagram.)

Funding Director Roger Kelly said: “This project is key to the sustainability and growth of the Bluebell Railway. Many visitors to heritage railways today, particularly the younger ones, want more than a ride on a train. They wish to be entertained. This project will not only do that but we hope ensure they leave better

informed about steam power from the 19th to the 21st century.”

These exciting developments will also mean more space in the Running Shed for routine locomotive maintenance therefore enhancing the railway’s ability to maintain its locomotive fleet and providing a better working environment for volunteers.

The Bluebell Railway itself will also contribute £388,000 (including £214,000 raised from the Ash Appeal) in cash plus a substantial amount of “effort in kind” to be put in by many members of its 700 strong volunteer workforce.

What will become a three-year project will see the exhibition opening in spring 2018, after which it will run for a further two years with extensive plans to utilise the exhibition to engage the public and support Continues over the page.

© Matthew Cousins

22

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ARTICLE : The Bluebell in Spring Continued

the growth of visitor numbers.

The Bluebell's capacity to work with schools will be enhanced too. The Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) curriculum will be catered to, with a target to increase school visits by 150% by 2020.

Dick Fearn, Bluebell Railway plc Chairman, said: “The Bluebell Railway is fortunate to be custodian of one of Britain's most varied and historically important steam locomotive collections. This award will enable us to display and interpret the collection for the enjoyment of all our visitors and to cherish and maintain it for the benefit of generations to come."

Founded over 55 years ago, the Bluebell Railway has been the pioneer of standard gauge heritage steam railway preservation and we are very lucky to have it right on our doorstep.

Alfie the Ashdown Forest Aardvark

Quiz Answers 1: Forrest Gump

6: Port Stanley

2: Isle of Man

7: Eleanor Rigby

3: Enid Blyton

8: Edgbaston

4: Billie Holliday

9: Alsatian

5: Chania

10: Orange

© Matthew Cousins

Last months alfies were on pages 5, 6, 28, 35

Win £10

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

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A Local Love Story

Henry & Anne

By Louise Peskett

signed personal prayer books on display in the Book of Hours Room, in particular, are an intimate insight into the intriguing woman behind the feisty character depicted in so many films and novels. Although Anne was born in Norfolk around 1501, her family moved to Hever in 1503 when the castle was inherited by her father. Rising from quite humble origins in just three generations, by the time of Anne's birth, the Boleyns were one of the most respected families in England. Anne's father, Sir Thomas, was a popular courtier and diplomat, and his wife, Lady Elizabeth, a daughter of the powerful Howard dynasty. The young Anne didn't have much time to enjoy the peaceful surrounds of Hever for long, however. Aged only twelve she was sent abroad, first to serve Queen Margaret of the Netherlands, then to France to be ladyin-waiting to Henry VIII's younger sister, Mary, and then Queen Claude. At that time the French

February. The month of daffodils, longer days, and, thanks to a certain saint's day on the fourteenth, love!

What a great time, then, to revisit one of history's greatest and most dramatic love stories, some of whose key scenes played out in this very area, almost five hundred years ago.

The romance of Henry VIII and his second queen, Anne Boleyn, may not have been all hearts and flowers or even had a happy ending, but its violence and passion shook up sixteenth century England and is still making waves today. A visit to some of the historic houses and gardens on our doorstep gives us an excellent opportunity to trace the footsteps of these doomed lovers and get to know more.

Hever Castle is, of course, well known as Anne's childhood home. Its beautiful rooms, furniture and tapestries offer us a wonderful glimpse into the childhood of the ill-fated queen. Her

Continues over the page.

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A Local Love Story: Henry & Anne Continued

Court was highly cultured and sophisticated, its corridors buzzing with new ideas about religious philosophy, poetry, fashion and flirting.

No wonder that by the time Anne returned to England to serve Queen Catherine of Aragon almost ten years later, she exuded a continental je ne sais quoi that created a stir, particularly among men.

At first, the thirty-one year old Henry was immune to her charms. Perhaps because he was busy addressing his attentions to his mistress, Mary Carey, who was - as fate would have it - Anne's older sister. But when he eventually fell for Anne his passion was deep and troubling. It's not hard to understand his attraction to the unusual and exotic Anne: she was different, she had opinions and dressed differently, she wasn't subservient and grateful for his attentions like other ladies. Henry's love of the chase didn't just extend to the hunting field. When Henry heard that Anne had secretly become betrothed to the dashing Henry Percy, the Earl of Northumberland, he made

sure, through Cardinal Wolsey, that the arrangement was well and truly quashed. The official reason was that Anne was an unsuitable match for the powerful Percy family but it was speculated that it was more likely because she had caught his own eye. Following her failed engagement to Percy, Anne repaired to Hever, where she nursed her broken heart and, doubtless, reflected on the increasingly blatant attentions the King was paying her. Seventeen of Henry's letters to Anne survive and they reveal a state of mind that borders on feverish. He'd been 'struck with the dart of love', he wrote to her. 'The woman I most respect in the world' was how he described her. Like a lovestruck teenager, he drew hearts around their initials and, in another letter, complained he was feeling something that everyone who has been in the heady early stages of love would recognise, 'now joy, now woe'.

Unfortunately, none of Anne's letters to Henry survive so we can only speculate on her replies to these torrents of passion. Did she encourage him? Did she try to politely

28

put him off? Whatever her real feelings about Henry, the dogged attentions of the most powerful man in England must have been flattering. In the competitive, dog-eat-dog world of Tudor England, clever Anne would have known what the King’s preference could have meant for her and her family: lands, titles and riches beyond her wildest dreams, a situation the ever ambitious Boleyns and Howards never failed to remind her of. Anne's presence at Hever made Henry a frequent visitor to the neighbourhood. Penshurst Place, which had become his property after the beheading of the unlucky Henry Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham, in 1521, for example, was the perfect place from where to launch courtship forays to Hever. Likewise, the fifteenth century hunting lodge at Bolebroke, said to be the earliest brick-built building in Sussex and used as a location in the 2008 film, 'The Other Boleyn Girl', would have given the lovestruck king respite when he hunted for deer and wild boar in the Ashdown Forest. Eridge Park, the oldest enclosed deer park in England, listed in the Domesday Book and already boasting a fine historical pedigree, having been once the property of William the Conqueror's brother, would have offered Henry similar distractions to quell his uneasy heart. Maybe it was here, in fact, that one of Henry's more Continues over the page.

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A Local Love Story: Henry & Anne Continued

successful love tokens to Anne came from: a fresh buck that he'd killed himself. (Incidentally, this was a particularly well calculated gesture, Anne's long years in France having made a gourmet of her.) Henry was also a guest at Hever itself. It's thought he had the best room in the house, today's King Henry VIII Bedchamber, with its wood panelling and fifteenth century ceiling.

Anne played a long game. Although Henry could have her heart, her body was a different matter… Unless, that is, he was prepared to marry her. And, well…. history has recorded the long, agonising journey by which Henry sought to comply with her wishes. Years of wrangling with the church to prove a case for divorcing Catherine of Aragon, and the Pope's steadfast resistance leading to Henry traumatically wrenching the country away from Catholicism to declare himself, instead, the head of the church in England.

As for Henry, once so ‘struck by the dart of love’ for Anne, he married Jane Seymour just ten days afterwards.

It would be good to say that, once the lovers got what they wanted - the freedom to marry in 1532 and a child, the future Elizabeth I, in 1533 - their story would end happily. Sadly, despite Anne presiding over one of the most splendid courts ever afforded a queen, the marriage quickly descended into disillusion and frustration. Jealousy and tantrums followed the disappointment that the child wasn't the longed for son. Anne's second pregnancy ended in stillbirth, her next in miscarriage. Henry was soon paying attention to a certain Jane Seymour, one of Anne's maids, a woman allegedly without admirers, education or strong opinions – as different from Anne as it was possible to be.

The crux came, of course, when the musician, Mark Smeaton, was accused of adultery with the Queen. At first he denied it, then – perhaps after torture – confessed. A whole string of other men, including Anne's own brother, were roped into the shocking charge, and were executed. Anne herself, claiming her innocence and loyalty to her husband until the end, was accused of high treason and on 19th May 1536 was beheaded at the Tower of London, taking her grim place in history as the only sitting queen to be executed.

Was Anne guilty? Historians through the ages have doubted it. We’ll probably never know quite what made Henry want to dispose of her. Had he tired of her? Had the wit and feistiness that had made her so captivating as a mistress become tiresome in a wife? Was she conspired against by disgruntled courtiers? Did Henry really believe, as he often claimed, that Anne had put a spell on him and seduced him by witchcraft?

And, in this long tale of ambition, greed, powerplay and politics, had Anne really loved Henry?

Contemporaries reported the ‘moments of joy’ they enjoyed together and it’s tempting to think that, for a woman with the intelligence and independent spirit of Anne, Henry was a good match.

What we know is their relationship was no ordinary love story. It changed the course of our history, its religion, and created, in Henry and Anne’s daughter, one of the greatest monarchs our country has ever had. Where would we be, how different our history, if the girl from Hever hadn’t caught the King’s eye?

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Where Few Have Ventured On the 14th December 2016 local volunteer wildlife rescuer Daryl Farmer, 42, from Forest Row, joined the ranks of only a handful of people who have rowed solo across the Atlantic. He commenced a massive challenge of rowing 3,000 miles solo from La Gomera to Antigua undertaking the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. He is one of only two Classic Solo boats undertaking this mindboggling challenge.

breakfast, beautiful brightly coloured fish and spotted dolphins swimming alongside the boat, keeping him company on his vast travels. As well as a friendly brown and white bird which slept on board his boat at nights and kept him company during the day.

Daryl has another couple of months of rowing to reach Antigua. Trevor Weeks MBE, founder of East Sussex Wildlife Rescue & Ambulance Service, said: “People across Sussex and beyond have been following Daryl’s progress on social media and ‘Dot-watching’ on the internet following his boat’s tracker; every day I log on to see how Daryl has done and read his partner Sabine’s updates. Daryl’s ability to adapt to each challenge which is thrust upon him is so outstanding, and his ability to fix things, resolve problems without looking to others for help, I think we could all learn a thing or two from him and his dedication.

What an amazing guy.”

His row has seen him battle with enormous waves which have washed him overboard, his boat has capsized and a subsequent bash on the head led to concussion and a satellite phone call for advice from the Challenge’s duty doctor. Rudder cables and foot plates have broken and needed fixing, unfavourable weather from Sahara sand blocked his solar panels and storm winds have pushed him backwards. No, not a movie but real raw life!

BUT the row has had amazing moments for Daryl and never has “Rowers Ark” been a more fitting name with Daryl being joined on his voyage by fish which have shared his

Continues over the page.

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Where Few Have Ventured Continued

Daryl’s father Rob Farmer said, “I am very proud of him and the causes he is doing it for and I know he will never give up unless he really has to but I am so so worried about him and whatever happens I will be pleased to see him home again on dry land.”

Good friend Theresa Hilton also said, “Daryl is not only alone out there, he is up against the biggest POWER we know: Mother Nature teamed up with Mother Ocean. While I see him struggle as I watch that little boat on the map, I know he is not only a WINNER, he is a force to be reckoned with. We are so behind you Daryl... What a trooper.... Be safe and rock on, your family has to be so proud... so very proud.”

Very latest is that Daryl’s progressing well and heading towards the halfway mark of 1,500 miles! But battling against 30ft waves and 20-30 knot winds....

Daryl is supporting East Sussex Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service, a charity he also volunteers for as a wildlife rescuer. Funds will go towards a new ambulance. He is also supporting the Peter Andre Fund for CRUK. The funds will go towards the mobile units which are a source of information manned by medical staff to answer any questions about concerns people might have regarding their body, in the aim to catch cancer early.

To support Daryl with his fundraising during this incredible challenge, please donate to his GoFundMe page: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/atlanticsolo2016 Daryl’s Rowers Ark Facebook page is www.facebook.com/Rowing4Reefs.

To track Daryl’s progress visit www.taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com/race-tracker.

Very good luck Daryl.

34

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What’s On in February

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

SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY

FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY

Lindfield Horticultural Society: Seed Swap & Coffee Morning. We look forward to welcoming you for coffee and homemade cakes. Bring along your own seeds to exchange and take home some new varieties to try growing in your garden this summer. A selection of plants will also be on sale. www. lindfieldhorts.org.uk. 10am-12 noon, King Edward Hall, High Street, Lindfield.

Stand up Comedy Night in Crowborough.

Three top comics and a barrel of laughs! Friday night out at Steel Cross with three top comics from the UK comedy circuit and beyond.

Brought to you by Barnstormers Comedy Club who promise, and deliver, a great laugh-outloud night out. Get the date in your diary, tell your friends and reserve your tickets now.

At 8pm, open to the general public. Over 18s only. Tickets £10 (plus handling fee).

Crowborough Rugby Club, Steel Cross, Green Lane, TN6 1BL. Call 07792 000535.

WEDNESDAY 8TH FEBRUARY Lindfield Horticultural Society: "Garden Sage garden centre - a talk, with plants",

by Ed Nugent. Ed will tell us all about Garden Sage Nursery in Hassocks and the process by which they came about. With some discussion about nurseries and their day to day workings, Ed will also talk about plant varieties and growing in general. Entry £1 members, £2 visitors. All welcome. At 8pm, King Edward Hall, High Street, Lindfield.

SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY HoneyLeaf Creative Writing Workshop - Walking on Water. Taking inspiration from nature and the basic elements that provide the foundation to life. Saturday morning workshops in the cosy armchairs upstairs at the Bookshop in East Grinstead: £20 per workshop. To book, email: hello@ honeyleafwriting.com. Whether you are new to writing, returning after a break, or a regular, these workshops will get your ideas and words flowing onto the page. 10am - 12pm, The Bookshop, 22 High Street, East Grinstead, RH19 3AW.

THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY Groombridge History Group Andy Thomas presents 'The Crop Circle Mystery' exploring the extraordinary phenomenon of crop circles.

At 8pm, Groombridge Village Hall.

THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY Ashdown Forest Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Image And History, art at the Lansdowne Club. Pamela Campbell-Johnston shows us round the Lansdowne Club and recounts its architectural, social and political history as the former Lansdowne House.

Located in Mayfair, the building fuses 18th century neo-classical architecture with Art Deco style. Hear of distinguished residents and members and stories of intrigue and passion reflected in the collection. Enjoy a hot drink and a biscuit to follow! Members free of charge, visitors £6 or complimentary if you join the society at the meeting. At 2pm, Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1FE.

MONDAY 13TH FEBRUARY TO SUNDAY 19TH FEBRUARY Scotney Castle - 180 years of Scotney.

Join us for a series of anniversary events and displays to mark the 180th anniversary of the first stone of the house being laid. Families can complete a spot the difference of the house then and now or follow in the footsteps of Edward Hussey III and design their dream house. Some activities may incur a small charge. Booking not needed. Assistance Dogs only are welcome. Contact telephone: 01892 893 868. Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent,TN3 8JN.

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Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts

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Rachael has found that being a female designer gives her an edge: “I design from a practical view point. Most people who use kitchens are women and I can relate to the need to balance aesthetics with function”.

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FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY

your own drinks. Call Janet Barnes on 01825 722574. friendsofstpeterschailey@hotmail. co.uk. At 7:30pm, Chailey Parish Hall, South Street, Chailey, BN8 4BE.

Frant Music Festival: Joseph Moog.

Triumphant return to Frant for brilliant pianist. Works by Haydn, Chopin, Liszt and Reger. At 8pm, doors open 7:30pm. Tickets £16 available from Frant Stores and Brittens Music Shop, Tun Wells. At Frant Church, TN3 9DX. See www.frantmusic.org.uk.

WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH Lindfield Horticultural Society "The Revival of an Arts & Crafts Garden at Standen" - a talk by Sue Greig. Come along to hear about the highs and lows of the five year project to reinstate the garden at Standen back to its former glory of the 1920s. The garden team together with a small army of volunteers have undertaken the transformation of planting schemes, revealed hidden gems and reinstated structures in the garden ‘rooms’ of this Arts & Crafts family home. Entry £1 members, £2 visitors. All welcome. At 8pm, King Edward Hall, High Street, Lindfield.

MONDAY 20TH FEBRUARY East Grinstead Natural History Society AGM. AGM and refreshments at 7:45pm, The East Grinstead Natural History Society. St Barnabas Church Hall, Dunnings Road, East Grinstead.

FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY Barn Dance. A night of live music from the Auld Green Glen Ceilidh Band with Mervyn Brown calling. Tickets include food at £8 (under-12s free) and available from Zest Gift Shop Crowborough, St John's CE Primary School 01892 661189 or Jon James jjames247@yahoo.co.uk. Any remaining tickets will be sold on the door. Licensed bar and raffle in aid of St John's CE Primary School. At 7pm, Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1FE.

THURSDAY 9TH MARCH Ashdown Forest Decorative and Fine Arts Society: Murder And Modernism - Walter Richard Sickert and the Camden Town Group. Join us to hear Nicola Moorby BA, MA introduce us to the core members of the Camden Town Group, the innovative circle of painters united by the desire to paint works of a modern character. At 2pm, Crowborough Community Centre, Pine Grove, Crowborough, TN6 1FE.

SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY Penshurst Choral Society Concert. Haydn Te Deum No 2 in C major. Beethoven Piano Concerto No 3 in C minor with soloist Anthony Zerpa-Falcon. Beethoven Mass in C Major with the Keld Ensemble conducted by Anthony Zerpa-Falcon. Tickets £15 on the door or by online booking via the website www. penshurstchoralsociety.co.uk. At 7:30pm, Jubilee Hall, Holmewood House, School Barrow Lane, Langton Green, TN3 0EB.

FAMILY ART DAY AT THE CREATIVE HUB

SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY

Following the success of The Big Draw event in October we realised that families enjoyed spending time creating together so it was from that we decided to start hosting Family Art Days. Our first family day will be a Mosaic Workshop with local artist Doffy Lehner on Sunday 12th February 10am until 12pm. Wealden House, Lewes Rd.

Quiz Night. Teams of six so why not make up a team with your friends and come along and join in the fun! Prizes for winning teams.

To book a team or join another group contact Janet. Tickets £12.50 each, includes hot supper and pudding with vegetarian options, bring

Price £15 per person. Spaces are limited. To book visit createcreatecreate.co.uk.

As a family you will be able to design and make your own piece of artwork using glass tiles which you can take home with you.

Suitable for ages 6 years and up.

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Award Winning Care Homes

Care homes for people with learning and/or physical disabilities, neurological conditions, acquired brain injury and autism:

Sussex Healthcare is an award winning group of care homes providing over 30 years of healthcare in Sussex. The Group operates 20 homes, predominantly in the West Sussex area, providing over 600 placements, incorporating specialist care provision as well as care for older people.

Care for older people: Clemsfold House Forest Lodge Horncastle House Kingsmead Care Centre Longfield Manor Rapkyns Care Home Upper Mead

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Beechcroft Care Centre and Hazel Lodge

East Grinstead

01342 300499

Beech Lodge and Oak Lodge

Horsham

01403 791725

Horncastle Care Centre

Sharpthorne

01342 813910

Kingsmead Care Centre

Horsham

01403 265335

Kingsmead Lodge

Horsham

01403 211790

Norfolk Lodge

Horsham

01403 218876

Orchard Lodge and Boldings Lodge

Horsham

01403 242278

Rapkyns Care Centre (The Grange)

Horsham

01403 276756

The Laurels

Horsham

01403 220770

Rapkyns Care Home

Horsham

01403 265096

Sycamore Lodge

Horsham

01403 240066

White Lodge

Croydon

02087 632586

Wisteria Lodge and Stable Lodge

Nutley

01825 713082

Woodhurst Lodge

Crawley

01444 401228

STOP PRESS: Brand new purpose built facilities now available to view for anyone wishing to arrange a visit. The service provisions include specialist care facilities for people with acquired brain injury, profound learning and physical disabilities and residential services for people with Autism.

Great care starts with great people – are you one of them?

Due to expansion, Sussex Healthcare has fantastic opportunities to become part of a leading healthcare company that provides exemplary care to the service users in a positive and friendly environment.

If you are thinking of a career in care please visit our website www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk and submit your CV to recruit@sussexhealthcare.co.uk stating the position you are interested in working in.

To find out more about our homes and the services we offer, contact: Corrine Wallace Director of Operations

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enquiries@sussexhealthcare.co.uk | www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk