Ashdown jan14 lr

Chiddingstone Castle Pippingford Park January Blues?

The Robin Oh for a Dark Haired Man!

January 2014

Support your local businesses Call 01342 300152 to advertise

Local Business Directory & Community News

Š Juliet Murray. See article on page 6

Winter Essentials From Mid-Sussex Timber

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

£14.00 + vaT

Power De-icer 500ml Spray

£2.50 + vaT

Snow & Ice Tyre Grippa

White Granular Salt 25kg

Spray 400ml Can

£5.24 + vaT

£4.16 + vaT

Plastic Snow Scoop with 53” Handle

Holts Screen Wash 1 Litre

CLC Pro-Tradesman Gloves & Beanie Hat

£10.45

£1.70

£9.99 + vaT

+ vaT

+ vaT

Spear & Jackson Telescopic Snow Shovel Aluminium Handle 48” (1220mm open, 36” 910mm closed)

£11.00 + vaT

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

£10.45 + 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

• January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

College Road, RH16 1QW

www.mstc.co.uk

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

Crowborough:

Ballards Yard, Park Road, TN6 2QS

T: 01892 652725

Roofing

Flat roofing

Flat roof repairs

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

FOR WINTER PROTECTION BOOk NOW

ALLZONES BUILDING & ROOFING 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 • Full building services For a free & detailed quotation call Paul on:

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Chimneys

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 •

Index:

Dear Residents,

Accountancy Vere Consulting Ltd.

Welcome to the January issue.

Happy New Year! Hopefully you’re busy making New Year’s resolutions and looking ahead to 2014.

This month we hope not to disappoint by bringing you a couple of interesting articles about local landmarks - Pippingford Park and Chiddingstone Castle. We also bring you news of the Turtle Dove and some interesting facts about the much-loved Robin.

January Blues? See our short feature with tips that will hopefully help you through it...

We’d like to wish you all the very best for the year ahead, please try to support local businesses when you can.

We intend to continue to bring you a good local publication, with features of interest and lots of local businesses that can help you this year.

Keep Tally & Chris Ashdown Forest Living To advertise call 01342 300152 info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk Auld Lang Syne Sudoku, Quick Quiz Friends of Chernobyl January Blues Hair & Beauty Tips The Robin Paul Daniels Q&A Recipe Pippingford Park Chiddingstone Castle Rangers Report New Year’s Poem Mums the Word Book Competition What’s on Oh for a Dark Haired Man The Turtle Dove

this directory handy for when you need it Follow us on TWITTER

6 10 12 14 14 16 16 18 20,22,24,26 28,30 32 32 34 34 36 36 38

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 2014. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

• January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

Support Local Business 6,7

Animal Care No More Lonely Pets

13

Architects Cowan Architects

11

Blinds/Curtains/ Interiors Penumbra Blinds Curtain Craft Blinds & Curtains

17 19 17

Scuffs Sussex 25 Nutley Motor Services Ltd. 25

Care Brooker Care 7 Sussex Health Care Homes 39 Warren Drive Residential Care Home 9

Carpet Cleaning 23

Chimney Sweeps Milborrow Chimney Sweeps 27 Bennetts Chimney Sweep 27

Children/Education Gielgood Academy Blackland Farm French Tuition German Tuition

8, 9 7 13 13 23 23 23

Computer Computer Studio

11

Hair Care The Finishing Touch Eucaderm Hair Clinic

15 15

11 11 5 15 13 15

Garden/Landscape/ Exteriors LG Burberry Garden Maintenance Richards Fencing

33

V. Cottingham Landscaping & General Building 25 Levade Systems

13

Geoff Boorman Fuels

31

Allzones

3

MARS Joinery

26

TIR Lighting Store

21

Ground Based Guttering 21 Local Carpenter/Joiner

23

Leon Miller Electrical Services

35

Traditional Builder

35

Amber Electrical Contractors

35

Compte Electrical Services 35 Hammerwood Refurb & Maintenance

37

AI Plumbing

27

EPH Plumbing & Heating 26 MK Gas

27

Baileybridge Construction 29 Mid Sussex Timber

2

John Bloom Plumbing

26

MRM Plastering

37

MM Roofing

25

Kitchens Kitchens Bespoke

31

Absolutely Kitchens

29

Locksmiths

Health/Wellbeing/ Fitness Nordic Walking Hire fitness Caci Non-Surgical Treatments Lotte Berk Fitness Studio Family Chiropractic Clinic Ali Ward Personal Trainer

33

Stone Garden Services

Templar Property Service 37

Cleaning Ovenaid Cleaning ad Supreme Ovens

33

JH Vartan

Home Maintenance Services/Products

Car

Benjamin Morphew

Sargents Tree Services

TJN Locksmiths

23

Offices to Rent/Rooms for Hire Rooms for Hire

21

Horsted Keynes Business Park

17

Pottery Country Traditionals

7

Satellite TV & Aerial Specialist Norsat

10

Solicitors Mayo Wynne Baxter 33 33

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

40

Wine Ashdown Wines

15

JANE BOWERS BEAUTY AT ALEX THOMAS FOREST ROW, EAST SUSSEX LIFTS & TONES REDEFINES FACIAL CONTOURS TARGETS LINES, WRINKLES, ACNE & SKIN BLEMISHES

ANTI-AGEING JANE BOWERS TEL: 07947 346585 Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 •

Auld Lang Syne A N ew Y ear ’s S cottish Gift to the W o rld Born of the Scottish Lowlands, this Old Scots ballad permeated across the world as an ushering in of the new year, thanks to the brilliance of the great bard, Robert Burns.

However, the phrase “Auld Lang Syne” (meaning literally ‘old long since” or “long long ago”) had been used as a phrase in poems of the rich-storytelling country of the lowlands since the 16th century - and likely existed earlier.

Just as “Once upon a time...” is used in English fairy tales so was, “In the days of auld lang syne” used in the Scots language fairy tales.

Burns, in a letter to George Thomson of September 1793, explained that he’d collected the song by noting it down from an old man’s singing. There is no doubt though that he put his own flourishes on the finished article.

Eventually, it was published in James Johnson’s Scots Musical Museum in 1796.

Here is the beginning of the one of the original versions (translated to English):

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot, & never thought upon; The flames of Love extinguished, and fully past and gone: Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold, that loving Breast of thine; That thou canst never once reflect On Old long syne. chorus:

On Old long syne my Jo, On Old long syne, That thou canst never once reflect, On Old long syne.

‘Auld Lang Syne’ is a nostalgic, sincere expression of friendship past. It’s interesting that at the point of welcoming in the NEW year, we would reflect on OLD friendships, family and loves. So it goes by considering endings, this leads the way to new beginnings. There is probably not one straight answer to it’s popularity, it has certainly been embraced universally and it was likely propelled forward as much by its melody as by the expression of words.

Perhaps, in his wisdom Robert Burns knew we all needed extra cheering up after the crescendo of Christmas was over and the prospect of the cold months loomed. So he ensured this song was recorded for progeny and celebrations for many moons to come. And, although he didn’t know it at the time, his birthday on the 25th of January would give further cause for celebration and merriment in this coldest of months.

• January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

Local artist makes a refreshing splash in the United Arab Emirates Paintings of verdant Sussex landscapes by artist Juliet Murray received an enthusiastic welcome from visitors to the new Brighton College at Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.

Juliet jumped at the chance to provide some of her paintings for display in the college.

Alan Kavanagh, Bursar and Business Manager, said, “It’s a great pleasure to exhibit Juliet Murray’s art in Brighton College Al Ain, as it provides a strong link to the culture of our parent College in Brighton, and the surrounding Sussex landscapes in which it is set” Describing her approach to painting Juliet said, “I’m a bit of a traditionalist really. I don’t like messing with the landscape and I let the views speak for themselves. It is very exciting to have an exhibition so far from my studio at Nutley, Ashdown Forest”.

For more information call: Juliet Murray on 01825 712565 • www.cogcraft.co.uk

Not Your Usual Accountancy Practice Vere Consulting’s goal is to offer a refreshingly new approach when it comes to accountancy services and tax advice. Since no two clients are ever the same Vere Consulting’s goal is to provide a carefully considered, tailored package to each, whilst ensuring the highestlevel client care.

With clients ranging from self-employed individuals to multi-million pound retailers, each requiring differing levels of service and support, Vere Consulting aim to give each and everyone the time and attention they deserve.

Some just require the completion of an annual tax return whereas others require a broader range of skills and services from bookkeeping, payroll & VAT to management accounts & corporation tax compliance.

Vere Consulting also offer specific consulting services such as dealing with HM Revenue and Customs investigations, system processes and VAT reviews.

Having recently received a VAT refund for a client of over £500,000, can you afford not to get in touch?

Telephone 01444 831886 email info@vereconsulting.co.uk website www.vereconsulting.co.uk

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

Accountants and Tax Consultants Experienced accountants providing small businesses and individuals with a tailored service,

Country Traditionals The best selection of Polish Pottery

Do you or a family member need help at home?

Our highly trained, reliable, local Carers come to you.

Brooker Care works on the key principles of trust, respect and quality of life.

From help getting up in the morning to companionship.

For more information on how we can help call Brooker Care on: 01342 311999

Visit our amazing Pottery Barn at London Road, Forest Row. RH18 5EE Opening hours: 10am-4pm - Thurs/Fri/Sat

Sale now on Tel-01342 822622

www.countrytraditionals.co.uk

Levade SyStemS

Your Local Stable & Timber Building Manufacturer Established 23 years • Based in Ashdown Forest Call: 01342 824117 mark@levadesystems.co.uk www.levadesystems.co.uk

Blackland Farm Activity Centre, West Sussex Accountants and Tax Consultants Experienced accountants providing small businesses and individuals with a tailored service, including:Accounting Systems, Bookkeeping, Budgeting, Capital Gains, Company Secretarial, Management Accounts, Payroll, Self Assessment, Statutory Accounts, Tax & VAT. For a free, no obligation, quote or informal chat please call or email to discuss your requirements.

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 Tel: 01444 831886 email: info@vereconsulting.co.uk website: www.vereconsulting.co.uk Teagues Barn, Lewes Road, Scaynes Hill, Haywards Heath RH17 7NG

Registered charity number 306016.

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 •

The Gielgud Academy

celebrates major successes

during its third year.

T

he Gielgud Academy of Performing Arts, based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, is celebrating the end its third year with a bumper set of exam results. Principal of the school and award winning filmmaker Suzanne Gielgud explains “Our recent ISTD ballet exam results were superb, we had a 100% pass rate, with 76% being awarded distinctions and 24% very high merits. These exams were for primary through to Intermediate so a very impressive set of results.

Our RAD major ballet exams results for our Intermediate and Advanced pupils were also a cause for celebration, we had 100% pass rate, with 80% being awarded distinctions and 20% high merits.

Our modern and tap exam results were just as high so we know that our professional faculty are succeeding in getting the best out of our pupil’s potential.

2013 was not only a great year for the Gielgud Academy (GAPA) in terms of examination results, in May the school was also shortlisted for the prestigious International Dance School of the Year award, alongside the renowned English National Ballet School in London.

Suzanne Gielgud explains “To achieve this sort of recognition internationally after only having been running for three years is phenomenal and we were also delighted when GAPA was selected to represent Team GB at the Dance World Cup in June.” June was a very busy month for the school as it also presented a 3-act show ‘20th Century Greats’ at the Hub in Hayward’s Heath. The production, featuring all 260 of its pupils was attended by leading names from the world of dance including British Ballet Legend (and Sussex resident) Dame Beryl Grey who presented the medals during the annual prize giving ceremony.

“Our triumphant rise to the top is largely down to the faculty of fully qualified teachers, all of whom have impressive careers themselves either in the Ballet and Opera world, the West End Stage or Hollywood films. The training facilities we use at the Hub, with its large dance studios with sprung floors and mirrors, are “simply phenomenal” according to one of our patrons Christopher Hampson who is an Award winning choreographer and the current Artistic Director of Scottish Ballet.

“We have a very clear vision of where we are taking the Gielgud Academy and it’s future looks very bright indeed” adds Hollywood choreographer Piers Gielgud, who is also a Principal of the school, alongside his wife Suzanne. “We have been working in the dance profession for nearly 40 years, first with our own performing careers, running a dance company and then creating and delivering professional training programmes at the Wimbledon Theatre for professional dancers. In 1997 we set up a theatrical agency Gielgud Management and we have been placing dancers and actors in all areas of work across the industry from English National Ballet to West End Musicals and feature films like Mamma Mia and Harry Potter. All this experience benefits our GAPA pupils and we have recently placed our pupils in TV, Film and Theatre work ranging from Ceeebies and TV commercials to Billy Elliot and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, West End. Anyone interested in auditioning for the Gielgud Academy should visit the website www.gielgudacademy.co.uk or call the office on 01444 451977.

• January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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

Patrons Dame Beryl Grey DBE Gillian Lynne CBE Alfreda Thorogood Peter Schaufuss Christopher Hampson

The Old Cinema 59-61 the Broadway Haywards Heath West Sussex, RH16 3AS

T : 01444 451977

www.gielgudacademy.co.uk www

www.gielgudacademy.co.uk

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 •

Sudoku

Quick Quiz 1: Which team has won the FIFA World Cup the most times?

2: In which year was Nelson Mandela freed from imprisonment?

3: From which country do Coptic Christians come?

4: Which region of France does Champagne come from?

5: Michael J Fox starred in which famous science fiction comedy movie in ‘85?

6: The tale ‘Aladdin’ comes from which book?

7: Which film turned Sylvester Stallone into a major star?

8: Who developed the electric light bulb?

Answers to Quiz 1: 2: 3: 4: 5:

Brazil 1990 Egypt Champagne Back to the future

6: One Thousand and One Nights 7: Rocky 8: Thomas Edison 9: Italy 10:Spain

10 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

9: In which European country is the world’s oldest continuous university?

10:Christopher Columbus was commissioned by which country to ‘discover’ America?

Answers on this page

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

GET FIT & HEALTHY IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR HOME GET FIT IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

Michael Wall, established his Hire Fitness business 5 years ago & has since built up a large portfolio of clients in this area.

People are increasingly choosing to hire fitness equipment in their homes for People are increasingly choosing to hire in their homes many reasons, many reasons, mostforoften for convenience & lack of time or inclination to go the gym. Parents can also look after their children whilst they exercise. The Power Plate is a popular model, it can burn up to 350 calories in 10 minutes. Other benefits include cellulite busting, improved blood circulation, stronger bones but most of all – improved toning! All Hire Fitness models are of the highest quality and the range includes treadmills, bikes, cross-trainers, rowers & cavitation machines.

Here is a Testimonial from one of Michael’s happy customers: ‘After 12 weeks use of the Pro Plate, I had a noticeable improvement in the toning of my tummy, bottom and legs. I haven’t felt so good for as long as I can remember!’ Julie, West Sussex For more information call Michael at Hire Fitness (Open 7 days 8am to 9pm): on 0800 707 6624 or 07932 139386 or email on mwall@hirefitness.co.uk www.hirefitness.co.uk

Courses now available in Ashdown Forest

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Call Halina on or email AshdownNordic@gmail.com www.nordicwalking.co.uk

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 11

Friends of Chernobyl’s Children We are the local Mid-Sussex branch of Friends of Chernobyl’s Children (there around 30 branches across the UK). Our group was set up in 2001 and we bring around 14 or 15 children, aged between 7 and 12 from the Mogilev region of Belarus over to Sussex every Summer for 4 weeks. Each child comes for 4 consecutive years and stays with a local host family. While they are here they attend a daily activity programme which includes all sorts of experiences they don’t get to do at home such as swimming, trips to the sea, horse riding, visits to local schools and loads more.

We also go camping for 3 nights!

Additionally they visit the dentist and optician and receive treatment and glasses where needed. The children are dropped off and picked up each day in Horsted Keynes and are accompanied by two interpreters who spend the day times with them, and are on call 24/7.

The kids come from one of the areas that was badly polluted by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster, much of the radioactive dust created by the explosion was blown in the direction of Belarus and settled on the land and in the rivers in the days following the accident. Lots of the food our children eat is grown locally in contaminated soil and there is

also pollution in the air from the huge chemical factories in the city of Mogilev. Apart from the pollution there is a lot of poverty, wages are incredibly low, but food and clothing prices are similar to here in the UK. The children and their families live in very cramped, poor conditions, some of them live in dilapidated apartment blocks with families of 5 or 6 often living all together in one room. Others still live in dilapidated wooden houses with no running water or indoor sanitation. Most of our kids come from single parent families and many live with 3 or even 4 generations of one family in a single home. On top of this there are serious problems with alcoholism so some of our children have been fostered or are cared for by grandparents or other relations.

Raising funds is always an uphill struggle (it costs about £600 to bring each child) but next year is the first time we will have to pay for the children’s visas. It will cost us £86 per child each year which will result in a 22% increase in our overall costs each year. Previously the UK government have waived the visa charge as we are a charity but in the last 12 months this has

12 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

changed and it’s already putting enormous strain on our finances.

We sometimes struggle to find host families, and helpers for the programme and fund raising.

We greatly appreciate offers of activities for the children while they’re here, as well as donations in the form of money, clothes, toys or toiletries. We offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to sponsor a child either for a year or for the duration of their time on the programme.

Quote from Sheila Nash, Mid-Sussex Coordinator: “I think the aspect that certainly attracted me and I think many other past host families to support our charity, is the fact that we actually get to meet these children and over the years, form strong bonds with both them and their families back in Belarus, they aren’t just a name and photo in a far away country. Most people find their connection with the children a hugely rewarding and enjoyable experience.”

For more information please contact Sheila Nash 01444 892149 sheilanash_@hotmail.com

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

GERMAN FRENCH TUITION TUITION Adults & Children Adults & Children

I teach REAL-LIFE, CONVERSATIONAL German in groups and one-to-one EASY - FUN

Exams • Conversation • Business I am a native French tutor.

Home visit & online tuition available

Experienced • Caring • Patient CRB checked.

For more info call:

Christine 07957 418008

www.easygermanlearning.co.uk

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01342 811099

christine@sussexfrenchtutor.co.uk

DOG WALKING & PET SITTING 20 Years Experience Fully Insured - CRB Checked Ad Hoc & Regular Customers welcome

Levade SyStemS

Your Local Stable & Timber Building Manufacturer Established 23 years • Based in Ashdown Forest Call: 01342 824117 mark@levadesystems.co.uk www.levadesystems.co.uk

For more info call:

01342 825852 or 07900 223600

www.nomorelonelypets.co.uk

Suffering from aches & pains?

Do you suffer from Back pain?

Migraines or Headaches?

Neck pain? Leg pain? Shoulder pain?

Arm pain? Arthritis?

We give effective, friendly care...

‘I had been off work for 13 months and I am now fully back to work and able to return to some of the sports which I hadn’t played since the prolapsed disc first occurred…’ M.F. Dr. Teresa White

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 • January 2014 • 13

January Blues?

Hair &Beauty By

Sue Harrison The Finishing Touch

Some schools of thought have come up with Jan 24th as being the most depressing day of the year, but fear not! Here are some antidotes: 1. Eat a decent breakfast: don’t skimp on this key meal of the day even if you’re dieting, low blood sugar affects energy and mood. Try porridge, eggs, etc. and get some fruit in there as well if you can.

2. Keep socialising: even though the party season is over try to make at least some time to meet with friends. The companionship will help you and it will be worth the effort.

3. Fresh air, exercise and a good night’s sleep: do not under-estimate a good sleep, lack of it affects both the mind and body. Even a small amount of regular exercise will help with the January lethargy. If nothing else, try taking a short walk every day; you could tie that into getting some fresh air - the Victorians steadfastly believed in the health benefits of fresh air and they had a point.

4. Good mood food: apparently Omega-3 fatty acids is what we need to cheer us up. It can be found in oily fish, flaxseed, nuts and seeds.

5. Helping others: this can keep your mind occupied and off ‘dwelling’ and can return great personal satisfaction.

6. Book a Holiday: something to look forward to always helps lift the spirits!

7. Celebrate Burns Night on the 25th: with no other significant dates on the horizon this can yet be a good dose of winter cheer! Find a Scottish friend to show you the ropes...

14 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

I really would like a complete re-style as I have had the same haircut for years! How do I start?

Magazines are a really good place to start looking and giving you ideas. Decide if you want to keep your hair long, medium or short but your lifestyle will greatly affect which would be best suited.

Some jobs or hobbies require you to have your hair tied back or off your face, this will rule out shorter layers and length that will not quite fit into a hair tie (normally around jaw-line). Other things that need to be considered are how much time you will have to recreate your hairstyle. If you have fine straight hair and love the look of a rough beachy wave, this style requires layers and you will need the time to add the right styling products and techniques to create the look, otherwise your hair will just lay flat despite the good cut. A consultation with your hairdresser will enable you to discuss what you like and what will be best for your hair type, face shape and hair growth patterns. A New Year, a New You! All the rich food and late nights has made me look really tired what would you recommend for a boost to my skin?

There is nothing more refreshing to the skin than a treat of a facial. There are many types of specialist facials that aim to assist anti-ageing, firming, revitalising or decongesting but if you have never tried one before begin with a mini or taster facial. These are normally half the time and usually include a good skin cleanse and a facial massage. You can either just have one facial to give your skin that boost and maintain a good skin care routine at home, or book a course. If you have never had one before this is lovely way to start your new year.

Sue Harrison is an Independent Salon Advisor. If you would like your hair and beauty questions answered please email shhairandbeauty@gmail.com info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk • tel: 01342 300152

LOVE WINE? ASHDOWN WINES always lists in excess of 150 different wines from around the world. From carefully selected, everyday tipples to the rare & sublime, they will find the perfect wine to suit your tastes.

With PASSION, knowledge and over 21 years experience they give a PERSONALISED service, that often beats even the big names on PRICE.

The Finishing Touch Make a Statement, style isn’t expensive, it’s Priceless!

They help their valued customers expand their WINE KNOWLEDGE in a friendly, enjoyable way, making wine INCLUSIVE and never exclusive.

complimentary consultations are available with our experienced team, simply pop in or call us to arrange your appointment

From a one-off meal recommendation to a bespoke list for a whole cellar, ASHDOWN WINES can help you.

01342 826005

For more information feel free to call David Hemsley on: 01342 410 745

2 Ashdown court, Lewes Road, Forest Row, Rh18 5e7

david@ashdownwines.co.uk • www.ashdownwines.co.uk Free local delivery

www.finishingtouchsalon.co.uk open: Mon - sat 9am-7pm

HAIR LOSS? HAIR & SCALP PROBLEMS?

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Hundreds of clients helped: “I had started to develop thinning hair. After a few treatments, new hairs are growing & the condition has improved dramatically. My confidence is returning. I can’t recommend Eucaderm highly enough!” - A.L., T. Wells Call Lucy Watts for a friendly, no obligation chat on 01892 532667 (Based in Tunbridge Wells) www.eucadermtwells.co.uk BESPOKE OPTIMUM HEALTH PLANS FOR ALL LEVELS OF FITNESS

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 15

Fascinating Facts about Winter’s most famous bird the

Robin

by Vicky Whitaker of the Sussex Wildlife Trust During the winter months you can still enjoy the sounds of birdsong outside your window including bursts of song from robins, one of our most familiar and popular garden birds.

• Juvenile robins have no red feathers - they develop much later. This is to prevent them being attacked by adult birds in territorial battles.

• Despite their cute appearance, they are aggressive and will defend their territories to the death.

• They sing nearly all year round to hold their territories and even sing at night stimulated by light from street lamps.

• A popular visitor to gardens and well-known for their tameness. They are particularly fond of fruit and have a ‘sweet tooth’.

• Around Christmas/New Year time they start looking for a mate.

If you have a wildlife query ring Sussex Wildlife Trust’s information hotline - WildCall - on 01273 494777.

“You’ll like this ... not a lot, but you’ll like it.”

Paul Daniels will be appearing at the Chequer Mead Theatre in East Grinstead this January on his First Farewell Tour: From Legend to Leg End. He will be joined by his wife Debbie McGee for a show full of magic, comedy and amazement. We’re lucky to be able to bring you a ‘Q&A’ with the famous television magician: What has the highlight of the tour been so far?

The reaction to the show on Twitter and Facebook.

The public ‘critics’ have loved it and that pleases me enormously because I decided not to do any of the material for which I was known and all the new stuff has gone down really well.

What are you hoping to bring to audiences that they may not witness in other magic shows?

Me :) Oh yes... Debbie does some routines of her own as well. The answer is that it is ALWAYS the presenter that makes the show, not the trick or the song.

Golden Rose of Montreaux, and then winning it.

Do you have any plans to teach the next generation some of your best tricks? I do hold seminars for magicians all the time.

How do your tricks go from concept to reality?

That’s an impossible question to answer because the tricks vary so widely. Some come in a flash, others murkle around in my brain for years.

After your long career in magic, who, would you say, has been your biggest inspiration?

Nobody ‘inspired’ me as such. I taught myself from books and for the first 7 years I did not know there was another magician on the planet! :)

What prompted you to make the decision that this was your final UK Tour? It is always wise to read the small print and I think you will see it is the First Farewell tour. Who knows? It might be, it might not be.... but if the Stones et al can have Farewell Tour after Farewell Tour, I thought that perhaps I should have one. (Secret... I have already written most of the next one).

What was the highlight of your time at the BBC? Persuading them to put the show up for the

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16 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 17

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18 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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• January 2014 • 19

Pippingford Park

By Alan Morriss

for three quarter of mile to sixty perches below three wards and then back to Wych Cross.

My father, Hayley Morriss, bought the estate in 1919. He was in Shanghai when it came up for sale and following a telegram from my grandfather took the Trans Siberian Railway home and just made it to the auction! Here is a brief history, of local interest, which is inextricably linked to that of Old Lodge and the Ashdown Forest in general: Up until the civil war, all the land - both that which is now in private hands and what is now forest proper- were one and the same. The whole comprised a royal hunting preserve, with commoner’s rights being held by custom and tradition. With the overthrow of the monarchy and the execution of Charles I the situation was set for “all change”.

in addition to the main house a stable, ox stall and barn also feature. The land was assessed at “one and twenty acres” and the buildings were said to be “out of repaire”. Attached to Pippingford was a “parcell of open common and waste ground sett for and to the common wealth”.

This stretched from Wych Cross, eastward down the gill to the head of a brook called Deep Deane Gill at Stony Brook, down to where it joined the steel forge river, and thence southwards

The woods and trees were said to be of little value except “for firing” and they were valued at forty pounds. In another survey, the land was claimed to be good for little else save growing rabbits.

However, all was claimed by the common wealth.

After the restoration of the monarchy, all presumably reverted to Charles II and due to his chronic shortage of money, he supposedly gave the land on which they lived to people such as gamekeepers, wardens and foresters in lieu of wages owed.

John Newnham of Maresfield Park enclosed this area by simply buying them out and then joining up the dots. This is why the centre of the forest is now in private hands.

The parliamentary survey of 1685, carried out by William Dawes and others, is somewhat scathing about Pippingford. It refers to “Pippingford Lodge, and parcel of Ashdown Forest, late property of Charles Stuart, late king of England”. The occupant was one John Franke, described as a gentleman, and keeper of Pippingford Walke and the West Ward.

The buildings were said to consist of a brew house, kitchen, parlour, larder, and a buttery below stairs 20 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 21

Mr Grey’s nephew. Captain Banbury constructed, or perhaps reconstructed the existing middle lake, but the big lake, which now lies empty, was reconstructed by the previous owner.

Mr. Newnham is said to have set it up in more or less its present configuration, and planted many trees. Pippingford and Old Lodge then comprised 2175 acres.

After passing through the hands of the Newnham heirs and successors, the estate was acquired by William Bradford in the early nineteenth century. He built the first mansion, which was later destroyed by fire on the fifth of November 1833. The local legend has it that no one came to help extinguish the flames, because it was thought in the village that it was a Guy Fawkes celebration. The fire is supposed to have been started by a drunken butler knocking over an oil lamp.

Most of the contents were saved, but the house was destroyed, and was not apparently insured. The estate fell into the hands of the unfortunate Bradford’s lawyer, Henry Shirley.

country one. Like another of Horeau’s creation, Normanhurst, near Battle, the house was modelled on a French chateau, and was hopelessly impractical. It was completed in 1857 and was three times the size of the present one. As a matter of interest, Hector Horeau won the competition for the design of the great exhibition of 1851, but was not awarded the contract, no doubt because he was a foreigner.

After Mortimers death in 1871, the property passed to a Mr Grey, who is believed to have been his nephew. He was reputed to have been a very pleasant man, and existing photographs seem to bear this out, he was well liked locally. Strangely enough the estate seldom seems to have been handed on from father to son, and after his death it was owned by Captain Banbury, believed to have been in the Royal Engineers. He was supposedly

In 1914 Pippingford was acquired by a speculator, a Mr Anderson, who owned collieries. He cut down the vast majority of the trees, once so carefully planted by the previous owners, and effectively devastated the estate.

Despite this, he eventually became bankrupt, and the property was sold to my father, Hayley Morriss. After this the character changed and the same family still run it today.

My father was a keen naturalist, and with the exception of foxes, wildlife was encouraged, and the existing lakes built.

During the depression there was considerable local unemployment, so he undertook the restoration of the chain of lakes which had been used to drive the blast furnace when the Sussex iron industry was in full swing. Anyone who wanted work was welcome, and this resulted in the current chain of lakes which are classified as a site of special scientific interest.

The lake of 20 acres was retained as an ornamental feature and probably for fishing. The old dam kept water impounded except for periods when it was drained for maintenance right up until 1946. It then failed due to damage caused by the Canadian soldiers catching fish with hand grenades. The compensation paid was totally

Apparently the house lay derelict until the estate was acquired by John Mortimer. He was obviously a man of some substance, as he had a town house in Hanover Square, London and was able to commission the famous French architect, Hector Horeau to build what must have been an exceedingly grand and expensive 22 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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 • January 2014 • 23

Archaeology Pippingford was a centre of ironworking for many years from pre Roman times. On the estate we have a hill fort, Garden Hill, which was pre Roman and subsequently occupied by them until the fifth century. This was connected with iron working as the remains of what appears to be a storage building is on it.

insufficient to rebuild it, and this task is hoped to be undertaken soon. The old lake has been split in two, and the upper part is now full. An interesting story is attached to this: in the months before D Day, the Canadians were practising river crossing under fire.

They had the light canvas and plywood collapsible boats for this and the fire was simulated by throwing in hand grenades. This was a fascinating spectacle for a small boy, and I saw the inevitable happen when a boat drifted over a grenade and it split the bottom.

The boat sank and the soldiers had to swim for it.

Some kit was inevitably lost. However, when the old lake bed was being cleared before flooding, I found a Canadian army helmet in fair condition in just that spot!

Farming was a secondary consideration, although the farm was run for agriculture. At one time it was reputedly the third largest pig farm in England.

With the coming of World War 2 in 1939, the army moved in. This is believed to have been to counter any German paratrooper’s landings in the Ashdown Forest which would have been part of Operation Sealion; this was the code name for their planned invasion of England.

The earliest reference to the area is in Roman literature where it is referred to as “Esk’s Hill Forest”, the estate was the centre of an important iron working area. The Romans also established a hill fort known as “Garden Hill” which was excavated in the 1970’s. Garden Hill Fort became very prosperous supplying as it did the iron which was so essential to the Roman conquest of Britain. Expensive imports were found among the remains, including pottery, known as Samian Ware, which was made in the South of France. The only complete pane of Roman glass ever found in Britain at that time was unearthed, and the fort bears the distinction of having the smallest Roman bath house ever discovered complete with a plunge bath and all mod cons; the lead piping is still there. By the end of the sixth century the fort had become derelict with the fall of the Roman Empire and the Roman farmland and gardens became overrun by the forest waiting to take them back, and thus it passed into history.

The first blast furnace in England was at Newbridge, near Coleman’s Hatch. When the dam that provided water for the millwheel that drove the bellows silted up in the year 1500, records state that a fresh one was constructed 3 bowshots upstream. At this time Henry the VII was on the throne, this must have been the original Pippingford dam which continued in use until the 1690s. The remains can be seen to this day. Iron was smelted until the end of the Seventeenth Century but by this time Abraham Derby had discovered how to smelt iron using coke.

It was in plentiful supply and much cheaper than the

The farm was run by the Ministry Of Agriculture and after the war was let to a fruit farmer.

In 1986 the lease was terminated, and the farm like the rest of the estate is now run with nature conservation as a foremost objective whilst trying to sympathetically derive an income.

The estate is still used by the army with every Sandhurst cadet doing their first week of field craft here.

24 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 25

wall of Colchester where the Royalists were besieged by the Roundheads. The story is that when the gunner, One Eyed Jack, fired it, the recoil damaged the wall, and the mortar fell down and smashed to pieces.

charcoal which was then used; so the iron industry moved up to the Midlands where the coal was mined.

Dumpty was not an egg, but a huge mortar, maybe even made at Pippingford. During the Civil War it was mounted on the

Today the Pippingford Estate holds annual events, offers coarse fishing & rooms to rent, is used for filming and much more. For further information visit: www.pippingford.co.uk.

When the old iron furnace was excavated in the 1960s, a great deal was discovered. A mill race where the wheel went, the casting pit, and most significantly a cannon. This is the only known one which was never bored out.

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 27

Discover The Secrets of Chiddingstone Castle

Just north of the Ashdown Forest is Chiddingstone castle which is situated in the village of Chiddingstone in the upper valley of the River Medway. A Gothic revival style structure, it is now best known for its collections. Here is an article about this fascinating local historic house: The history of Chiddingstone Castle can be traced back to the early 1500s. During its life, the castle has undergone a number of architectural changes and has been owned and lived in by an eclectic mix of people and families.

The castle is located in the historic village of Chiddingstone which is partially owned by the National Trust. The village is also famous for The Chiding Stone which is steeped in folklore. The stone is a natural rostrum and can be accessed by a footpath between the school and new Rectory. No one is quite sure what the stone was used for but various uses have been suggested from a druid altar or even an ancient Anglo-Saxon boundary marker or perhaps a place of punishment for nagging wives and wilful daughters!

Chiddingstone Castle was the home of Denys Eyre Bower between 1955 and 1977. Denys was a gifted collector who devoted his life to collecting art and antiques. There are now more than 4,000 fascinating objects including Japanese lacquer, armour and swords; Ancient Egyptian artefacts; Royal Stuart and Jacobite portraits, letters, manuscripts, pamphlets and memorabilia; and Buddhist objects. Other miscellaneous objects comprising barrel organs, tapestries and furniture complete the collection.

28 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

Denys wanted to share his passion with the public and bought the castle in 1955 to display his collection. At his death, he bequeathed it to the National Trust, but they refused it as it didn’t come with an endowment. A private trust was then created with the mission of preserving his collections in their present setting “for the enjoyment and learning of future generations”.

Denys’ family was not particularly wealthy. However, collecting was well embedded as both his father and grandfather were collectors of oriental art. Denys purchased many of his items at auction, taking advantage of the economic downturn of the1920s and 1930s. Japanese objects in particular were not fashionable at the time and Denys would always find good deals. He was in the right place at the right time and his excellent eye for quality led him into creating a unique collection.

Inspired by the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922, Denys started amassing a fine Egyptian collection which gives visitors a wonderful insight into the daily life of ancient Egyptians including their professions and the roles played by the pharaohs and the gods. Among the many treasures, visitors can see beautiful Shabti figures (which were placed in the tombs of the deceased as companions or workers for the dead in the afterlife), a fantastic 5000 year old funerary boat and a mummified cat from 150 BC. The castle also has a Victorian theme with a recreated Victorian kitchen, servants’ hall and a servant’s bedroom* in the attic which are open to the public.

The kitchen was in use from the 19th century until

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

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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 • January 2014 • 29

bedroom is only open to groups of more than 5 people on request to a member of staff. The servants’ stairs are steep and narrow, with no handrail and poorly lit: poor servants!

1955, when Denys Eyre Bower bought the castle to display his collections.

It had been part of an outbuilding containing the servants’ quarters and was joined to the castle in the 19th century by building a carriageway. Up to 20 servants are documented to have worked in Chiddingstone Castle at some point, including a cook, housemaids, nursery maids and footmen. The list of servants in 1881 is displayed.

The kitchen has an original 1860s gradient range in working order as well as three cake ovens which were heated by their own fire. Two larders above height were used for drying hams and storing both

30 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

food and kitchen utensils.

There is a separate scullery where all the washing and scrubbing vegetables would have taken place as Victorians did not like having water in their kitchens.

Both adults and children can learn about Victorian life through the objects exhibited which include labour-saving gadgets and the role of women in the 19th century.

There used to be an ice-house and this is explained with maps of its location together with an icechest (forerunner of modern day refrigerators), where the ice would be brought and stored together with food and drinks. *Please note that the servant’s

Visitors should allow time to enjoy a stroll round the beautiful 35 acres of grounds which surround the castle. There is a beautiful lake in front of the castle with a wooden bridge for visitors to cross which takes you onto a woodland path and through to the grade II listed orangery. There are also herbaceous borders and a lovely rose garden. A new garden is planned for April 2014 called ‘Fields of Eternity’ which will be designed to enhance the imagination for many generations – a microcosm of Ancient Egypt where visitors can learn about life and the environment in 2000BC by exploring carefully prepared paths of grasses, wild flowers and crops laid out as if the River Nile, with its tributaries leading to ‘tombs’ and exciting discoveries.

This experience will encourage visitors, young and old alike, to link the landscape of Ancient Egypt with the castle’s own unique collection of artefacts from that time. To create this remarkable treasure trail, the correct seeds will have been sourced and sown at the right times – wheat seeds first discovered in the tomb of

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

WITH COMPLIMENTS www.kitchensbespoke.co.uk

88 London Ro East Grinstea West Sussex Tel: 01342 3 Fax: 01342

Kitchens Bespoke, based in East Grinstead, is the brainchild of Rachael Workman a designer for over 17 years. Three years ago she decided to set up a ‘one stop shop’ to help clients create their perfect kitchen and she has not looked back.

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”.

She works to her client’s budget and is always testing new products and materials to see what works, saving time and money for her customers.

Kitchens Bespoke can also attend to lighting, decoration, flooring and building works if necessary. The word ‘bespoke’ refers to the design process itself and Rachael says that her kitchens are more affordable than you may think. An expensive look doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

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

Call for a free quotation & advice call 01342 313133 Visit their showroom: 88 London Road, East Grinstead www.kitchensbespoke.co.uk

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Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 31

Tutankhamen will be used!

The launch of this new garden will take place at the Castle’s Ancient Egypt Family Day on Sunday, 13 April 2014.

Chiddingstone Castle is open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays from 1 April 2014 until the end of October between 11am and 5pm.

Admission: £8 adults, child 5-13 £4, under 5’s free, family £21.50 (2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children). Groups of 15+ £7 per person when booked in advance. Guided tours are offered for up to 25 people at £50.

Chiddingstone Castle Events 2014

Ring Out, Wild Bells

by Alfred , Lord Tennyson.

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky, The flying cloud, the frosty lightsky The year is dying in the night; Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind, For those that here we see no more, Ring out the feud of rich and poor, Ring in redress to all mankind.

Sunday 23 March Wedding Fair Sunday 30 March Mothering Sunday Teas Sunday 13 April Ancient Egypt Family Day with launch of the Ancient Egyptian ‘Fields of Eternity’ Garden Sunday 15 June Japanese Festival Wednesday 23 April ‘Best of West Kent’ Veteran Car Run

Ring out a slowly dying cause, And ancient forms of party strife; Ring in the nobler modes of life, With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin, The faithless coldness of the times; Ring out, ring out thy mournful rhymes, But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood, The civic slander and the spite; Ring in the love of truth and right, Ring in the common love of good.

Sunday 14 September Country Fair Friday 28 November Christmas Fair

Ring out old shapes of foul disease, Ring out the narrowing lust of gold; Ring out the thousand wars of old, Ring in the thousand years of peace.

For more information visit www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk or call 01892 870347.

Ashdown Forest

Ranger’s Report

Ring in the valiant man and free, The larger heart the kindlier hand; Ring out the darkness of the land, Ring in the Christ that is to be.

For 5 years now we have been fortunate enough to Steve Alton, who ran the UK Millennium Seed Bank have a band of intrepid volunteers helping on the Project at Wakehurst. Steve has 25 years experience in 1.75 forest.miles/3km The Southview Close Conservation Group conservation and has worked previously for the Wildlife work come rain or shine. They have cleared massive Trusts. rhododendrons, up tons of rubbish, cut logs, From Linton’s picked car park cross the road (with care) into Ridge As I look out of the office window yet another trailer pulled up(summer truck loads only). of OxfordWalk Ragwort car park outand of go thebalsam rear past a seat onto load of Scots Pine Christmas trees is coming into the bashing. Their work mainly goes unnoticed so this is aan grass path and inthank about 50m left onto a ride.

Remain on queuing up to buy them on Saturday. yard.

People were opportunity to say you and turn well done for your this gently descending ignoring another that off their needles and at £2.00 a foot they efforts.

So if you see a bunch ride, of people in the woods Theybears don’t drop sittingfor round a fire400m. eating donuts on a Wednesday, you right, about were good value. With this fine dry weather and frosts know who they are! We welcome two new members the forest looks very seasonal. Makes me feel quite of staff, countryside worker and tractor festive! We wish you all a Happy New Year and thanks On bothTom left Simon, and right are linear quarries, driver, who is a highly qualified member of our team. for your support. now filled with scrub and trees. Such Tom has worked for the RSPB and National Trust in quarries dot the Forest landscape and Mike Yates, Ashdown Forest Ranger Scotland. We also have a new Conservation Officer, Mr

provided stone for roads. Typical heathland 32 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk birds such as nightjar, stonechat, tree pipit

• tel: 01342 300152

Stone Garden Services

Hedge Cutting • Tree Surgery

One off, Weekly or Monthly Visits to suit the Town House or larger Country Estates.

L.G. BurBerry

Your local garden company offering an extensive range of services to Private and Commercial clients.

Fully Insured, Professional, Reliable & Friendly service.

For further information or a quotation contact Martyn Stone on 07779609185 / 01892 863238 www.stonegardenservices.com

Seasoned Firewood 1m3 £80 2m3 £140 Includes delivery 3m3 £200

All Tree Work & Stump Removal Tree removal • Reduction Planting • Stump Grinding

• •

Pruning Forestry

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Fencing • Garden Maintenance Hard/Soft Landscaping

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J.H. Vartan Tree Stump Removal Any STump RemoVed

Removing Tree Stumps Since 1985 Call Jonathan on

01342 824 648 or 07973 289 103

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 33

Mothers Quotes of the month

“By and large, mothers and housewives are the only workers who do not have regular time off.

They are the great vacationless class.”

Anne Morrow Lindbergh “Mothers are the people who love us for no good reason. And those of us who are mothers know it’s the most exquisite love of all.”

Maggie Gallagher

“Even if society dictates that men and women should behave in certain ways, it is fathers and mothers who teach those ways to children not just in the words they say, but in the lives they lead.”

Augustus Y. Napier

Health Recipe:

Chocolate Mouse After Christmas it can take a while to wean the kids of the daily dose of treats and chocolates. Here’s a great recipe that is still sweet but surprisingly healthy.

Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey 2 ripe avocadoes 1 ripe banana 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/3 cup of cocoa powder Pinch of sea salt and cinnamon to enhance flavour

Competition Win a signed copy of the amazing new children’s book, ‘Something Delicious’ by local Lindfield authors, published by Egmont.

Simply answer the following question:

In which county is Lindfield?

Method Combine all the ingredients in the blending, adding the honey first, followed by the avocado, vanilla and cocoa.

Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth and creamy.

Add a splash of water to make a lighter mousse.

Spoon into a bowl and allow to set in the fridge.

Email your answers to: info@ashdownforestliving. co.uk or write to Something Delicious Competition, 33 Morton Road, E. Grinstead, W. Sussex, RH19 4AF. Closing: 31st January 2014.

Win £10

Alfie the Ashdown Forest Aardvark Congratulations to last months winner.

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

Ages 4 -13. Let us know the page numbers, enter online: www.ashdownforestliving.co.uk or email: info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk. Closing date: 19/01/14 34 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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

Traditional Builders.

From small jobs and repairs, to extensions and renovations.

Fencing and Landscaping. Kitchens and Bathrooms, etc.

Traditional lime mortars and materials used if required.

www.jenner-son.co.uk Call Leon Jenner on

01892 655813

Your Local Electrician All major and minor domestic works • Sockets • Lighting • Rewires • Inspection • Testing • Fuseboxes • Garden lighting and power, etc.

Fully Qualified & Insured.

For a free Quotation call Nathan on:

07425 114848 / 01342 824759 compte.electricals@yahoo.co.uk

24 Hour emergency service.

Testing and inspections.

Leon Miller

Electrical Services Fully Leon Qualified, Miller Electrical Services Local Electrician • Sockets Re-wiring/wiring • Lights • Consumer Wiring • Testingunits • Alarms • Down lights Fuse Boards, etc.

• Sockets No Job too Small • Detectors & alarms Fault finding 20• Years Experience, • DomesticAvailable & 20 year References experience, Commercial • Part Padvice & atestimonials For helpful free available certification

quote call Leon Miller on For a Free Quotation 01825 769266 or Call: 07766 168931 or 01825 769266 07766 168931 leonmillerelectrical@hotmail.co.uk

amber electrical contractors An NIC-EIC approved contractor completing work for clients ranging from domestic users, commercial and industrial customers to building contractors and insurance providers.

Additional power and lighting.

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

Fuseboard upgrades.

Rewiring.

New builds and extensions.

Emergency lighting and fire detection.

Quotations are available (free) upon request without obligation, and are carried out by qualified electricians. Our advice, design and cost is tailored to a clients’ requirements ensuring compliance to regulative standards.

electrical installation, testing and maintenance offices at Crowborough and Plumpton Green

Tel: 01892 664065 or 01273 890010 info@amberac.co.uk www.amberac.co.uk Amber AC Limited, Home Farm Office, Warren Road, Crowborough TN6 1TX

24 hour emergency response: 07834 828459 Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 35

What’s On in January

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

Friday 3rd January

Saturday 8th February

Ringles Cross gig. The band Electric Experience plays at The Ringles Cross Hotel, Uckfield, TN22 1HG

Forest Row Orchestra: Spring concert at 11am.

Programme - Paisiello: Barber of Seville overture, Tchaikovsky: Elegy for strings, Beethoven: Minuets, Haydn: Symphony No.94 (“Surprise”). Forest Row Village Hall, Tickets £6, £1 children. Proceeds to charity.

Saturday 4th January Chelwood Gate Healthy Walk. The walk will last approximately one hour and will not be too strenuous. Please wear suitable shoes and dress for the weather conditions. Thereafter a similar walk will be offered on the first Saturday of each month. For further information call Dee McDonald on 01825 741370 or Paula Hubens on 07740 899559. 11 - 12pm.

Visitor Centre, National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, RH17 7TT

Until March 2014

Tuesday 21st January A Poet’s Walk with Siân Thomas at 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. A free three-hour writing workshop for both novice and experienced writers based at the Forest Centre. Participants will need to bring a pen and paper, along with appropriate clothing for the season/weather. The walk will be quite short (about ½ mile) and will suit a range of ages and fitness levels.

Siân is a poet who lives in the East Sussex Weald and who has spent much of her life walking and riding on Ashdown Forest. Spaces are limited to 12. To book a place call 01342 823583 or e-mail conservators@ ashdownforest.org.

Friday 24th January Ignition Charity Concert: Elesha Paul Moses is headlining with Richard Clarke and Indi Brown supporting. In aid of raising money for The Chailey Heritage Foundation. Elesha has sung with some well known artists including doing backing vocals for Lionel Richie. In 2010 she got through to the judges houses on X Factor and more recently go through to the Battle Rounds on the BBC’s The Voice. 7-11pm, Civic Centre, Uckfield, TN22 1AE. Tickets can be bought from: www.theticketsellers.co.uk.

Friday 31st January Burns Night: Piper, haggis and Scottish country dancing, in aid of Burrswood hospital. 7pm for 7:30pm start. Church of Christ the Healer, Burrswood, Groombridge TN3 9PY. Tickets £25, includes 2 course supper and ‘wee dram’. Call: 01892 865985.

36 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

Healthy Walks in Crowborough every week from January, setting off at 10:30am from the Fernbank Centre on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month.

Also from the Millbrook Centre on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month and from the Forest car park St John’s Road, on the occassional 5th Thursday of the month. All welcome to join this free, friendly walk of just an hour.

Helen Bardsley & Jay Kendall - Local rider, AFRA member and part-time artist Helen Bardsley will be showing her photographic work, paintings and textiles with her sister Jay Kendall at the Ashdown Forest Centre, Wych Cross.

Oh for a Dark Haired Man at New Years!

‘First Footing’ is an old Scottish/North East English custom, still practised in places today, which dictates that the first person to cross a home’s threshold after midnight on New Year’s Eve will determine the homeowner’s luck for the new year. If a ‘male, tall, dark stranger’ appears at our door with a lump of coal, cake or coin you would have yourself a lucky year. You would in turn offer him sustenance and a drop of the strong stuff (whisky).

However blonde, red heads and ladies would have been a bad omen - though I’m sure they would have all been welcome to the party shortly after! It was believed that the fear associated with blondes, came from the terrorizing Vikings who had an intermittent presence in that neck of the woods hundreds of years earlier.

As ‘male tall dark strangers’ were in high demand, they no doubt received a good share of merriment!

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

Templar Property Services Ltd.

General building, property maintenance & project management services. All aspects of building and maintenance undertaken including: • • • • • • • •

Extensions/Alterations Brickwork/Pointing Plastering/Screeding/Rendering Kitchens Bathrooms Electrics Plumbing Decorating

Check out our website www.templarps.co.uk for details on saving money through the templar labour only scheme We are happy to arrange meetings with previous clients and viewings of their projects.

Or Call Martin Lewer Office: 01825 790 690 Mob: 07788 590526

Templar achieve the best results from planning to finish

MRM Plastering and Building Services

• Plastering, rendering, screeding, dry lining etc.

• Skimming over artex.

• Tiling.

• Patios.

• General building work.

Fast, reliable, quality service For free quotes or advice

Tel.01342 323425 Mob.07798664293 Proud Members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen

New Build Houses, Extensions, Plumbing, Electrics and all Aspects of General Building.

Tel : 01342 821569 or 07943 836318 www.hammerwoodltd.co.uk Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 37

Wildlife lovers rally to save the Turtle Dove Conservationists, farmers and wildlife enthusiasts in the south east are rallying to the cause of one of England’s most threatened birds, the Turtle Dove, which has seen its worst year yet.

Simon Tonkin, farmland advisor for Operation Turtle Dove, said: “Although we sing about turtle doves at Christmas, in fact they are in their African wintering grounds at this time of year.

Improving habitats is a priority with farmland and RSPB reserves in the south east working to become turtle dove friendly.

“But closer to home we believe it is the loss of arable plants from our countryside which is having a major impact on them. These birds spend the Summer in England where they rely on wild plants for food - but the way we farm today has meant there is often no room for these plants that they convert into crop milk to feed their young.

The farm advisory team in the south east has provided advice to 16 farmers so far, covering an area of 3800 hectares, encouraging them to increase the amount of turtle dove foraging habitat on their farms, with a hugely positive response.

Four south east reserves, Pagham Harbour, Lydden Valley, Northward Hill and Broadwater Warren are following suit to increase the number of threatened doves taking up residence by providing potential nesting areas and growing plants which produce the seeds they eat.

“If we increase their foraging habitat, over time the turtle doves will have more chance of survival and they are more likely to breed and increase their numbers,” said RSPB Agricultural Projects Officer Hayley New. The British Trust for Ornithology published its latest Bird Atlas earlier this year which revealed that the turtle dove’s range has shrunk dramatically by 52 per cent between 1970 and 2010.

But last year has seen a campaign to save the turtle dove take off in a big way. Moved by the plight, 1,250 people rang in to the Operation Turtle Dove hotline in 2013 to report sightings, helping conservationists build up a vital picture of where the birds are nesting and foraging.

“Turtle doves are a symbol of enduring love from Chaucer to Shakespeare and their unmistakable purr is an intrinsic part of the English summer. We must act urgently to save these beautiful creatures now while we still can – because if we don’t they will disappear from England entirely within a generation.

“It has been truly heart-warming this year to see the way the public and wildlife friendly farmers have rallied to their cause by putting conservation measures in place, raising money and spreading the word. Together we may be able to save this very special species.”

Concerned bird lovers have stepped up to help out Operation Turtle Dove. A group of friends have begun training for a gruelling fundraising effort in March when they will walk 300 miles through the traditional summer range of the turtle dove from East Anglia to the North East.

To find out more about the campaign visit www.operationturtledove.org.

A review of the campaign to date has revealed that 64,000 hectares of farmland now has turtle dove measures – an area more than one and a half times the size of the Isle of Wight. Advisors have helped unlock £16 million worth of funding for farmers to carry out agri-environment schemes which will benefit the birds.

38 • January 2014 • Ashdown Forest Living

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

Full pg Yell pg Ad

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www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • January 2014 • 39

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