September 2017
LOCAL BUSINESS DIRECTORY & COMMUNITY NEWS Call 01342 300152 to advertise • Support your local businesses
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S U P P O R T I N G LO C A L B U S I N E S S
We are a professional family business with 40 years experience. Our services are cost-effective with references. Our Roofing Services
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“ADN Roofing is a family company that we can recommend highly. Our cottage needed a complete new roof. It was a difficult project involving complex angles, valleys, gables and flat areas. The price quoted was the price we paid. A special thanks to Mark who was flexible, resourceful and a brilliant craftsman, also very pleasant to have around our house.” FH
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Lewes, BN8 4HD
GREENFIELDS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL
Private School Education from £59 Greenfields Independent Day and Boarding School offers: • A unique study method, which enables each student to not only understand the information learnt but apply it in life
• A small and friendly private school - ages 2-18 years for boys and girls • A beautiful countryside environment located in the Ashdown Forest • Montessori based Nursery & Reception classes
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Dear Residents, Whats inside this month Welcome to the September issue. This month we have some fabulous articles including the fascinating Brambletye Manor by local author Garen Ewing and a feature about the orchids of Ashdown Forest. We hope you like the front cover image of the much loved Bluebell Railway; there’s also some fabulous news about their continued expansion, see page 36. We pride ourselves on our interesting local content, please drop us a line anytime to let us know what you would like to read more of (or less of).
New Elephant Play Van at the Bluebell
Flora & Fauna of the Forest: A Closer Look
The Ruins at Brambletye
Dear Sariah....
If you are undertaking any local charity work, please let us know. Thank you for supporting our local businesses. All the best for a great September! With Best Wishes,
A tribute to a McIndoe Guinea Pig
The Forest Row Festival
Keep Bee-lieving in Bee Keeping
Recipe
Tally & Chris 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.
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. Š 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. Visit: w w w.ashdownforestliving.co.uk Please mention us when responding to adverts
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T IM E S G O N E B Y
CHELWOOD GATE, RED LION INN - C.1900
FA I R WA R P P O S T O F F I C E - C .1912
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WILD MUSHROOM FORAGING
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The Ruins at Brambletye by Garen Ewing
Poking your head through the foliage that lines the south side of Forest Way, about half a mile from its bisection with the A22 at Forest Row, you may find yourself confronted by three ancient stone towers rising above the trees that mask the still-humble River Medway on its route towards the Kent countryside. This is many people’s first glimpse of a structure that provides much mystery and romance within the remains of its tantalising Jacobean architecture, but not a lot in the way of hard facts. Some facts, however, can be extracted by studying the clues carved into the local sandstone that make up the honey-hued ashlar
Compton and his second wife, Mary Browne.
blocks. The date 1631 is accompanied by the initials C H M in a lozenge at the top of the central tower, and a weathered coat of arms above the door aides their interpretation - the house was the abode of one Henry
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They married in the 1620s, not long after Compton came into ownership of the older double-moated manor at Brambletye by way of Richard and Edward Sackville, the 3rd and 4th Earls of Dorset respectively. They were brothers of Henry’s first wife, Cecily Sackville, and his own stepbrothers after his widowed mother married the 2nd Earl of Dorset (and creator of Sackville College) when he was 13. The old manor at Brambletye had been one of the most Continues over the page. Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts
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THE RUINS AT BRAMBLETYE CONTINUED
important of the district, detailed in the Domesday Book, and handed down through the connected families of Montague, Aldham and Saintclare, ending up at the end of the 1400s with Richard Lewkenor, an East Grinstead MP, County Sheriff, and second husband to Elizabeth Saintclare. His building, surrounded by the moat which still survives 150 yards to the west, was very likely prone to dampness, and this may have been one of the reasons Compton built his house on a new site, and made sure it rose up from an impressive vaulted basement. Henry Compton, halfbrother to the 1st Earl of Northampton, was returned MP for East Grinstead on several occasions and also served as a ranger on Ashdown Forest and Assistant Warden at Sackville College (1628). One of his
children, Henry, was killed in a duel with the 6th Baron Chandos in May 1652 at Putney, and seven years later another son, John, died in residence at Brambletye. The manor had survived the Civil War, and the last act of the Comptons at Brambletye was in 1660, the year of the Restoration, when Henry’s third son, George, held court there. George had married Mary Biddulph
in about 1648, and the Biddulphs would eventually become the new owners of Brambletye Manor, the land staying in their family until as late as 1866 before passing to the Larnachs. However, the house had fallen into ruin long before then. In 1683 or 84 one Sir James Richards was made a baronet and described as ‘of Brambletye House, co. Sussex’. It is commonly believed he abandoned the manor while fleeing to Spain on suspicion of treason, leaving the manor masterless and falling into disrepair. A drawing dated 1782 shows the building in ruins, though with the gatehouse mostly intact and two of the impressive finials still in place atop the towers. Continues over the page.
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THE RUINS AT BRAMBLETYE CONTINUED
By 1830 it was pretty much the ruin we know today, with large portions of the stone having been dismantled for other building projects, including for repairs to the bridge at Edenbridge. The house, or castle as it was sometimes overzealously known, enjoyed a flare of celebrity in the late 1820s when the popular novelist Horace Smith wrote his fictional account of the Comptons, ‘Brambletye House, Or Cavaliers And Roundheads’, which had the double effect of confusing its history and bringing the tourists, some of whom decided a little piece of the castle would make a very nice ornament.
a mile north of the old ruin. In 1933 this became what is today the private Brambletye School. By the early 1900s the ancient edifice seemed more tree than stone, but by 1930 the ivy was cleared, the building was stabilised and surveyed, and in 1953 it became a grade II listed structure. It currently resides
on private land, and as of 2009 was included on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ register due to general deterioration, though the air of mystery and romance, and perhaps a whiff of Horace Smith’s fictional gunpowder - if the wind is right and the imagination flowing - will still greet the viewer who happens across this wonderful local gem.
The Larnachs, who made their money in banking, built the ‘new’ Brambletye house in 1896, just over half
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01342 313886
KEEP BEE-LIEVING IN BEE KEEPING I started keeping bees 2 years ago with 2 hives. I attended a local bee-keeping introductory course, then I had to take the plunge! I put on a protective bee-suit and cautiously opened up a hive! Being surrounded by hundreds of bees, all slightly upset at your intrusion, takes a bit of getting used to, and my first inspection was quite brief, but after they settled down it was amazing to sit in the sun next to the hive and watch them going about their business. The inner working of the hive is a remarkable thing. There is such beauty in the precision of their short lives. The female worker bees do all of the work; collecting pollen and nectar, producing the wax and building the comb,
cleaning the hive, caring for the eggs and larvae, and turning nectar into the honey we love so much. The workers move through junior tasks to more senior ones as they grow, but in summer they wear themselves out in just 5-6 weeks! In winter when they are more hive based, they live closer to 5-6 months. The drones (males), do much less, they are tasked with procreation alone! The queen is the matriarch, and at the height of early summer, her sole task is laying up to 1500 eggs a day, which hatch into new worker bees in 21 days. Interestingly, the queen also dictates the character of the hive as a whole. If the queen is calm and docile, then all the bees will be too, tolerating our human interference without too much fuss. But if the queen is feisty and cross, well, that makes opening up the hive a whole lot less fun! By July, there is often a surplus of honey that we can collect and process ready for use. Our approach is to take only what the bees will not need to see them through the winter. The thrill
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of collecting the frames full of honey, and extracting, filtering and pouring it into jars is a joy! And then there is left over wax to be made into candles! The amount of honey varies from year to year too. In our first year we collected 27 jars. This year it was 90! The warm dry spring gave the bees the best possible start and they took full advantage storing all that lovely honey so there Continues over the page. Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts
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KEEP BEE-LIEVING IN BEE KEEPING CONTINUED
was plenty to go around. It is common in summer to see swarms of bees. If you spot one, don’t be alarmed as swarms are so intent on finding a new home, and so full of the honey they are taking with them, that they almost never sting. The best thing to do is contact your local beekeeping association (see below). You can see more of my experience of beekeeping on facebook at Spring Hill Honey. If you’d like to buy some honey call 07703 296519. To find out more about beekeeping, contact The East Grinstead Beekeepers Association www.egbka.org.uk.
LOCAL CIDER MAKER WINS PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS Hurstwood Cider of High Hurstwood has recently won several top awards including a bronze medal for their medium dry cider in the British Cider Championships at ‘The Royal Bath and West Show’ and they have also been awarded 1 star in the Great Taste Awards. Great Taste is widely acknowledged as the most respected food accreditation scheme for artisan and speciality food producers. As well as a badge of honour, the unmistakable black and gold label is a signpost for consumers to a wonderful tasting product. The cider, made at the edge of Ashdown forest, is made from Kent and Sussex grown dessert apples, blended with bittersweet varieties which gives a natural sweetness. Look out for Hurstwood Cider at events in East Sussex throughout the year. www.hurstwoodcider.co.uk
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DESIGN AND BUILD
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Baileybridge is run by Sue Risley who has over 25 years experience in the field. Sue provides exceptional attention to detail and is personally involved with all projects. We work to any budget and always provide stunning results.
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Pan-fried sea bass, butter spinach, poached cod cheeks and fish sauce By Pete Howes, Pastry Chef at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club
Ingredients Sea bass • 4 sea bass fillets • oil Spinach butter • 200g of spinach • butter Poached cod cheeks and fish sauce • Fish stock • 1 fennel bulb, sliced • 200ml Pernod • 50ml red wine • 15g sugar • 10ml vinegar • 3 banana shallots • 1 garlic clove • 150ml red wine • 400ml double cream • 100g cod cheeks • 2 tbsp fresh parsley • butter • oil • salt
Method 1. In a pan, heat the 50ml red wine, sugar and vinegar and bring to the boil. Add one of the shallots, cut into rings, and turn the heat off. Allow the liquor to cool. 2. Chop the remaining shallots and sweat them in butter with the sliced clove of garlic until soft, add
the 150ml red wine and reduce until it resembles syrup. Add the fish stock and bring to the boil for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour in the double cream and reduce by half. Once reduced, blend the mixture gently in a blender until smooth. Set aside until needed. 3. Soak the cod cheeks in lightly salted water for 5 minutes. Rinse, pat them dry and place in a steamer for 5 minutes (if you do not have a steamer you can use a colander, sit it in a pan of just enough boiling water so it doesn’t touch the fish and cover). Once cooked, put in ice cold water for a moment, dry off and cut into 1.5cm diced cubes, refrigerate until needed. 4. For the sea bass, heat a
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frying pan and drop in a little oil. Once the pan is hot, fry the sea bass skin side down until the skin is golden, turn the fish over to cook the other side. 5. In a pan, fry the spinach with a little butter for a couple of minutes. Then reheat the fish sauce and add the chopped parsley. 6. To plate, place the sea bass on top of the cod cheeks and spinach and pour over the fish sauce.
HOTEL AND COUNTRY CLUB
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club Wych Cross, RH18 5JR Telephone: 01342 824988 www.ashdownpark.com Continues over the page. Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts
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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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A tribute to a McIndoe Guinea Pig One of the last Guinea Pigs, Jack Perry, passed away last month aged 92. He was social secretary of the world-famous Guinea Pig Club for over 40 years and a regular visitor to this area, known by many locally. In 1944 Jack was only 19 when his Halifax Bomber crashed landed in Yorkshire, leaving him with 80 per cent burns to his hands, face and ears. The severity was such that he was brought to the Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead and, under the care of Sir Archibald McIndoe, underwent 30 operations! Here is a most endearing tribute to him, by his wife Mary Perry, who spoke to the RAF Benevolent Fund last year: 'I was talking to this very handsome, young man but he was sideways on and when he turned around the other side of his face was just gone, it was a bit of a mess because it was still healing. 'His burns never bothered me but people did stare. It was unusual to see people with a disfigurement and people were afraid. I didn't feel that and a lot of my friends didn't – you just looked into their eyes and you didn't look at the burns. 'It would make me angry when we were out but they were just part of us. Sir Archibald
McIndoe asked the people of East Grinstead to take them into their homes and they did – they were wonderful. 'Jack's hands and ears were badly burned and he was in and out of hospital for five years. They did all sorts of experimental operations to make his ears stand up and they took skin from his legs. He had to be careful what he did and didn't do with his hands but it was just a case of learning every day. He wasn't despondent but he was sad that he couldn't do things that other men could do. 'He wanted to be a draughtsman and you thought "by golly, he'll do it" and he did – he made it to Chief Draughtsman. He had a determination to get on with life. 'The Guinea Pigs helped each
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other – they were a group of men who had been through a difficult time but they were like a band of brothers. Sir Archibald McIndoe said if they stayed together they'd be stronger but if they split up they wouldn't and that's what they did. 'They've been an inspiration to so many people who have suffered burns. They used to visit children who were burned at the East Grinstead hospital and they showed that they had come through something like this and others could too. It was quite something to see them together – it was all for one and one for all'. Earlier this year he received an MBE in the New Year’s honours list for services to veterans, a most fitting tribute to a very special man. Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts
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Working as a dedicated team, we can provide all the services required to create the garden or outdoor space of you dreams. Specialising in traditional country gardens, or modern town gardens, large or small. We can design any space to suit your individual needs.whether it is a family friendly place to relax after a busy day or an interesting space for parties and play.
A well designed outdoor space will enhance your home! Please call, Lawrence & Lamont & G. Weller Groundworks. Initial consultation is free, Garden Design Bonnie Lamont 07786246530 / 01342 825414, bonnielamont @aol.com or for groundworks call Gareth Weller on 07903 860306 / 01892 770114, www.gwellergroundwork.co.uk Visit: w w w.ashdownforestliving.co.uk
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The Forest Row Festival Every year, at the end of September, the village of Forest Row, plays host to an amazing family-friendly community arts and music festival. In it’s 17th year now, the weekend events will take place throughout the village, with the focus of entertainment at the marquee on the village green. Compared to previous years, this year’s festival will start with something completely different on Friday night. The festival welcomes families, friends and loved ones to the green for the first ever Friday Night show. Compeered by Forest Row’s very own Phil Kay and featuring an extra special family-friendly version of the sell-out Frow Show, alongside some outstanding comedians, this will be a night with guaranteed laughs! The focus of Saturday and Sunday on the green is firmly on great music. Top of the bill on Saturday night are local favourites the awesome Funkee Junkee, and also confirmed are Dust Me Down Blues Band, Fab Red Diesel and Swamptown. Sunday night’s headliners are Kangaroo Moon, along with Folkadelix, Dubtone and the ever-popular Andy Twyman. The festival opens with a performance by the Singing Mamas community choir. Saturday afternoon sees youth
dance troop Urban City Dance performing, and kicking things off on Sunday morning is the Pericles theatre company with a performance of The Ugly Duckling. For the wee ones they’ll be a bouncy castle, coconut shy and other attractions. For those looking for something a bit more personal and unusual, this year will also be one for social experiments. These will be all about revisiting non-digital human connections. This will include among other things, the ‘Eye Contact Experiment’, where people are freely invited to sit on a chair opposite someone else and keep eye contact for a minute. An amazing array of food and drink options will make the three days a pleasure for foodies! At venues around the village there are music events, art installation projects, workshops and more: A
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puppet show ‘The Nutcracker’ by Forest Row’s Topsy Turvy Theatre; for the more artistic, an opportunity to get involved with a community art project in the Baptist church; potters open studios from the Forest Row School of Ceramics; African drumming workshop, children’s sports events and even yoga. The festival is organised by a volunteer committee who are kept busy over the weekend ensuring the smooth-running of the event. They are keen to hear from anyone who is prepared to lend a hand for a couple of hours. Anyone interested email volunteers@ forestrowfestival.org.uk. For more info: forestrowfestival. org.uk. Enquiries: 01342 300152
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Dear Sariah... Welcome to our new 'Dear Sariah' page. Introducing Sariah Jackson, trained midwife and mother of four and now our advice-giver extraordinaire.
Who needs 'experts' when you can get
Dear Sariah, My husband's brother shows almost no interest in his nephews/nieces - our 3 children. A while ago, he fell out with my husband quite badly and they sort of thankfully worked things out so they now have at least a cordial relationship, however he still shows no interest in the kids and doesn't even send messages on their birthdays anymore. The kids have started to notice. I did mention something to him and he said he would be making more of an effort, but nothing changed. His wife doesn't seem interested anymore either. Not sure where to go with this and what to tell the kids who are asking, it seems unfair because it's nothing they've done wrong.
perienced mum!
the best advice from a local, highly-ex
It is so sad when children become the innocent victims of family upset. It sounds that, whilst cordial, your husband and his brother haven’t really healed the rift that was created between them when they fell out. Perhaps interaction with your children is difficult for their uncle due to unspoken issues between the brothers. Is there a way that you could get these men together to have a proper talk about what has gone on and how they can fix it? If this isn’t possible, and you feel that your brother in law remains distant, have an honest conversation with your children explaining to them that their uncle is just struggling with some things at the moment and that this is about him, and not them. Continue to welcome him to your family by inviting him to family events, Sunday lunch, etc. and perhaps someday soon he will realise what he’s missing. Try to leave your end of the communication channel open and let him know that a relationship with his nieces and nephews is there when he’s ready.
Dear Sariah, No matter how hard I try, I can't seem to get the house work under control. I try hard to de-clutter but for everything I get rid of, I seem to collect 2 more of something else. I go to my friend’s homes and they always seem immaculate and clutter free. Please help with any advice. I'd like to get my house looking at least half as good as theirs. Thank you. Ha, anyone who knows me will laugh that I’ve been asked to give advice about housework. I might be the messiest person I know! So, firstly, from one clutterer to another, stop comparing your tidiness to your friends. It’s not helpful and will only make you feel bad about yourself. If, like me, housework isn’t your favourite thing to do, allow yourself to be ok with it. No doubt you have loads of other things that you’re absolutely brilliant at and we can’t be great at everything, can we?! If you’d just like to be a little bit more organised in the home, how about setting yourself one or two tasks to do each day? I find that I try to do too much in one go and then get bored and then do nothing but one or two jobs each day seem to be much more manageable. If you have children, get them involved too. I grew up doing household jobs and my children have responsibilities in the home too. I see it as teaching them how to be organised adults. There are some brilliant books out there which Continues over the page.
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DEAR SARIAH... CONTINUED
can guide you in the art of de-cluttering so that may be worth looking into. A good recommendation is that if you haven’t used it for a year, bin it! But really, don’t worry about it too much. If you want a tidier house because it will make you happier, then start small and see how you go. If you want to do it because you’re comparing yourself to your tidier friends, then stop. They love you for all the right reasons, not because of how organised your under-stairs cupboard is. Now, before your start tidying, have a piece of cake and a cup of tea. x We had a birthday party for my daughter and as there were limited spaces for her friends she was not able to invite them all. We did our best to keep it quiet but inevitably people found out and some friends and their mothers have become very upset with us. I have told my daughter what to tell her friends and that they could have a play-date so they don't feel left out. But it seems the damage is done and friendships seemingly over...? Not sure whether to leave it or tackle it with the parents who are possibly fuelling it... help!
Arrgghh, the dreaded birthday party list! Unless you are of the ilk of inviting the whole class (and there are few of us who can do that) then parties can often cause a bit of bad feeling. Overall, kids seem to cope with it fairly well but, in my experience, it is often the mums who seem to struggle with the fact that their little person has not been invited. You need to take this with some grit. With four children of my own and therefore the organiser of many parties, I have often given my children a number that they can invite and then I say no more. They invite who they want, not who I think they should invite or who should be invited because they might be upset if they aren’t. In the playground, children’s parties can sometimes become the focus of parental competition but my advice would be to just turn off from that completely. Your daughter’s real friends will remain so and if you need to say anything to grumbling mummies, just simply say that the guest-list was your daughter’s choice. Sure, invite them over for a play but if they won’t come, I wouldn’t get too upset about it. Your daughter will become more selective with her friends as she gets older and birthday party guest lists just reflect who she is happiest spending her time with. Try to stay away from playground politics or the feeling of being judged. The only thing that matters is how it works for you and your family.
Quick Quiz Answers p28
1. Which company invented the chocolate bar in 1847? 2. What is the only Olympic sport where men and women compete equally in every event? 3. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla Motors and SpaceX, was born in which country? 4. Sydney is the capital of which Australian region? 5. The Methodist movement derive their inspiration from the life and teachings of who? 6. Au is the symbol of which precious metal? 7. What was the title of The Beatles' first studio album, released March 1963? 8. What are the 5 colours of rings on the Olympic flag? 9. What colour is the lower half of the Welsh flag? 10. As of the season 2016-17, which city has always had a team in the highest division of English football?
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Up in the Trees! Groombridge Place near Tunbridge Wells has just opened their brand new amazing handcrafted Treetops Walkway, which is an incredible 350m long and stands at over 20m above the forest floor. The unique nature experience allows you to immerse yourself in the canopy and capture some amazing views. Groombridge Place houses huge oak, pine, beech and chestnut trees which make up this ancient and much loved forest. Owner of Groombridge Place, Justin Bodle said, “As part of a major new expansion programme, we have installed an exhilarating new experience at our attraction like no other in the UK. We have also built a new ship at Crusoe’s World and added additional giant tree swings in the forest.” For nature lovers, this is also a
chance to see wildlife living high up in the canopy and be able to observe the beautiful Fallow Deer which frequent the forest. There are sturdy wooden platforms at the beginning and end of the Treetops Walkway and a big chunky
Quiz Answers 1: JS Fry & Sons
6: Gold
2: Equestrian
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8: Blue, yellow, black, green, as red
4: New South Wales
9: Green
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4-sided rope ladder provides an additional entry and exit point along the away. The adventure takes at least 30 minutes. The experience is safe for everyone but we suggest children under 10 are accompanied by an adult.
Alfie the Ashdown Forest Aardvark Last months alfies were on pages 22,24,32 and 34.
Win £10
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: 19/09/17
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Flora & Fauna of the Forest: A Closer Look Extracted from the ashdownforest.org blog. With Grateful thanks to Steve Alton and Tom Simon for photos and content. Early-Purple orchid
Heath-Spotted orchid
Bird’s-Nest orchid I went out yesterday to answer a question that had been on my mind for a while; do we still have Early-purple orchids on Ashdown Forest? There are records from 20 years ago, with a grid reference, so armed with a GPS I blundered about in the woods, concerned that the habitat didn’t look at all suitable. Then just as I was about to give up I spotted three tall, purple spikes in the dappled shade of an otherwise bare woodland floor. Realising I was on the edge of a big population, I counted over 200 flower spikes in the end, and there were more young seedlings yet to reach flowering size. Moments like that have
always been special! But just how many orchid species are there on Ashdown Forest? Lowland heathland isn’t generally known for its orchids; chalk grassland, at the other end
of the pH spectrum, is the classic orchid habitat. Chalk and limestone species are occasionally found, but usually on roadsides; almost certainly as the result of the dumping of limestone by highways contractors. Pyramidal orchid, for instance, turned up last year at the edge of the verge on a major route through the forest. Most orchid species are naturally occurring and appropriate to the soils. They fall into two broad groups, reflecting the two main habitats of the forest: woodland and heathland. The Early-Purple orchid
Pyramidal orchid
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FLORA & FAUNA OF THE FOREST: A CLOSER LOOK CONTINUED
Hybrid between the Heath-Fragrant orchid & HeathSpotted orchid
Early-Marsh orchid
Heath-Fragrant orchid
next nearest being on the South Downs, so opportunities for it to hybridize with other orchid species are limited!
(discussed earlier) is very much a woodland species, at least in this part of the world. Another woodland specialist is the Bird’sNest orchid. All orchids have a symbiotic relationship with fungi in the soil - the fungus supplying nutrients to the orchid that it couldn’t otherwise access. The Bird’s-Nest orchid takes this relationship to the utmost limit; it has lost all its leaves, all its chlorophyll, and gets 100% of its nutrients from its fungal partner. This means that it is only visible above ground when in flower, and even then the flower spike is pretty inconspicuous and unattractive.
As is often the case, the hybrid shares characteristics of both its parents. The last species is a true acid heathland specialist, found out in the remote, wet sphagnum bogs – Early-Marsh orchid. It was long known from a single patch which had been protected from grazing with a low fence. I went in search of it last year, and was disturbed to find that it had vanished from its fenced enclosure. With much relief I found a few scattered plants just outside the fence, then delighted to discover, the bulk of the population seem to have upped sticks and moved a few hundred metres away to a new bog, where the plants seemed to be thriving happily. Phew!
In contrast, the heathland orchids are rather showier. The commonest by far is the HeathSpotted orchid, found in open, damp areas across most of the forest. It comes in a range of colour forms, from dark pink through to pure white.
As with many of the species that make Ashdown Forest special, our orchids all have very specific habitat requirements, and the majority of them rely on management, in particular grazing, to prevent their open habitats reverting to scrub.
Last year, much to the excitement of enthusiasts, it produced a hybrid with our rarest orchid, the Heath-Fragrant orchid. There are thought to be only twelve populations of the Heath-Fragrant in the UK, with the
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This Kitchen company, based in East Grinstead, is the brainchild of Rachael Workman who has been a kitchen designer for over 20 years. Six years ago she decided to set up a ‘one stop shop’ to help clients create their perfect kitchen, that suit their budgets 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 requirements 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 might think. Rachael can design a kitchen that fits you. With her expertise the kitchen you have only imagined can become reality. Call Rachael for a free quotation & advice call on 01342 313133 Visit their showroom: 88 London Road, East Grinstead www.kitchensbespoke.co.uk Visit: w w w.ashdownforestliving.co.uk Please mention us when responding to adverts
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FLORA & FAUNA OF THE FOREST: A CLOSER LOOK CONTINUED
This is a Violet Helleborine, a type of orchid which is completely albino, with its pigment ranging from one extreme to the other. This one has virtually no pigment and because it has little or no chlorophyll it can’t photosynthesise and is purely surviving on the orchid’s relationship with the fungi in the soil. By complete coincidence, in the same week I found the Helleborine I found what looked like another albino. I got down to its level and I saw that not only were its leaves extremely pale, but the stem was pretty much white all down. I realise that the leaves are oak-leaf shaped. Having asked, I am told this is an ‘albino’ Oak sapling that has a condition called ‘chlorosis’. It is a genetic variation that has caused this oak to produce little or no chlorophyll, so like the Violet Helleborine this is ultimately doomed too. The sapling has got as far as it has because it is surviving on the energy reserves from its acorn. Nature is incredible!
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New Elephant Play Van at the Bluebell NEWS RELEASE
Last month saw the official opening of the and circus traffic dwindled, the van was used ELEPHANT PLAYmail VAN NOWandOPEN Elephant Play Van attraction at Bluebell instead for transporting and parcels, Railway’s Horsted Keynes station. Positioned when it was withdrawn fully in 1980, it was into the dock by ‘Captain Baxter’ survivorsaw of its type. It was obtained 12.30.and onwhistled Saturday the 5thlast August the official opening of th in by the passing service trains, this showed for use on the Bluebell Railway a signalling Van attraction at Horsted Keynes. Positionedasinto the dock by the culmination of 24 months hard work in by the equipment storeservice and workshop, was,showed until andofwhistled passing trains,and this the and preparation by volunteers and staff in the a couple of years ago, completely loaded with 24 months of hard work and preparation by volunteers a Carriage and Wagon Department. large cable drums.
Carriage and Wagon Department. The major portion of fundin of for just was secured March 2015 followin The major portion of funding theunder project £90,000 Recognising the need forinentertainment application to the Arts Council England - Museum of just under £90,000, was secured 2 years for our younger visitors to Horsted Keynes Resilienc balance provided bystation, the Bluebell Railway Trust. ago; partly from the Arts Council England the idea of a children’s play area
(Museum Resilience Fund) with the balance was born. Our success in securing funding, Representatives from Arts Council England the Bluebell provided by the Bluebell Railway Trust. prompted selection of 4601 as a and suitable candidate. Thewere plan was that the would attendance. Brief speeches made byvan Bluebell Railw Representatives from ArtsSociety Council England be fullyAitken restoredand and then fittedWatts out on behal Chairman - first Graham by Roy (ACE) and the Bluebell Railway were Trust. in play equipment, so the project two Railway Thewith official ribbon cutting was had performed by attendance. Brief speeches were made distinct parts. twoproject. years to complete ACE Relationship Manager forWith the A clapthe of thund by Bluebell Railway Preservation Society work, the vanto was emptied the and brought into of all downpour of rain did nothing dampen enthusiasm Chairman, Graham Aitken and by Roy Watts of the Carriage and Wagon works where it was fact was declared a blessing by Michael! the Bluebell Railway Trust. The official ribbon surveyed thoroughly prior to dismantling. cutting was performed by Michael Cooke, ACE The most challenging aspect proved to be TheBritish history is also worthy of comment. Relationship Manager. In true style,ofa the van the steel roof which needed to be replaced clap of thunder and sudden downpour of rain Scenery van No 4601 was built in Lancing in 1949 to carry sce did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of all for theatre productions which used to be toured around involved!
specially formed trains.
The history of the van is also worthy of comment. Scenery van No.Our 4601van waswith built in its large end doors and high roof profile was one Lancing in 1949 to carry scenery and props for which was adapted to carry circus elephants and it was used theatre productions whichcircus used toin be the toured 1950s. As these events moved from town to town around the country in specially trains. up toformed nine elephants on the move at any one time, three to a va Our van with its large end-doors and high roof profile was one of three of these which was When the theatre and circus traffic dwindled the van was u adapted to carry circus elephants and it was used by Billy Smart’s circustransporting in the 1950s. Asmail and parcels, and when it was withdrawn in last of its type. these events moved from townsurvivor to town there could be up to nine elephants on the move at It was any one time, three to a van. Whenobtained the theatrefor use on the Bluebell Railway as a signalling
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Need help working your computer, Ipad or tablet? IT for You – Free Help with Working on a Computer is now available! East Sussex County Council now provides free help and advice on how to use your computer, tablet or IPad. This help is run from local libraries by volunteers. Desktop PCs are available in the libraries for your use or bring your own laptop or IPad which you can use over the free Wi-Fi connection provided.
and the sheets had to be cut and rolled to shape by an outside company. Some of the planking was repaired and reused, much of it was replaced, the floor completely replaced. New doors were constructed for the sides and ends, and the completed vehicle was painted inside and out in an historically correct livery. The result is an accurate rebuild of the original ,with a large interior space available to create a fabulous play area. After consulting with three design companies we decided to fit it out ourselves, using the expertise of volunteers and staff from diverse backgrounds. First, we insulated and lined with boards; then the inner roof took the form of sky-printed foamex sheets adorned with aircraft and other flying objects. The sides were covered with images such as Bruegel’s Children’s Games. The interior was finished to look like the original van interior, with a huge image of elephants leaving the elephant van, through the massive end doors.
Help is available for: • • • • •
How to set up and use an email account How to access and use the internet Search and apply for work online CV writing and job application letters Register on and use My Work Search and Universal Jobmatch • Access support and benefits online • Use Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and Powerpoint • Help with managing photographs and use of Photoshop.
The majority of the play content was designed and built by volunteers, with the mechanical models fitted to the wall on the east side being supplied by a local craftsman. Some features have been incorporated for the comfort and enjoyment of our visitors, such as air conditioning and a sound system.
The sessions currently run at: Crowborough Library – Tuesdays 10.30 Uckfield – Thursday 10.30 Book a session by calling us on 01323 463759 You can also just call in at those times and, if advisors are available, we will try to help you that day.
All in all, much fun to be had by young’uns in the years to come!
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LEVADE SYSTEMS
01342 301060
Your Local Stable & Timber Building Manufacturer Established 25 years • Based in Ashdown Forest Call: 01342 824117 mark@levadesystems.co.uk www.levadesystems.co.uk
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Visit: w w w.ashdownforestliving.co.uk Please mention us when responding to adverts
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What’s On in September email info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk for information If you would like your event on these pages
THURSDAY 7TH SEPTEMBER
and 'Tantalizing Tango'. Piano, clarinet, cello and violin - the only ensemble of its kind in the UK - like you've never heard before. Tickets £12 adults, £6 under 18s. Book on 01825760734 or online www. bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk/events. At 8pm, Bridge Cottage, High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AZ.
East Grinstead Choral Society - New Season. EGCS launches its new season which includes Schubert Mass, Last Night of the Christmas Proms and much more. New singers always welcome. First two sessions free. For further information visit www.egcs.co.uk or find us on Facebook. At 7:30 pm - 9:45pm, Jubilee Community Centre, Charlwoods Road, RH19 2HL.
SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER Tablehurst and Plaw Hatch Farms’ Harvest Celebration. We would like to celebrate our wonderful and diverse community by inviting you to sample all our fabulous produce, meet the hardworking teams, learn about our approach to producing food. Join us for practical activities on the land and find out how to become an active participant in our unique farming family. And Tablehurst Farm Kids Club will be hosting activities in the morning for your younger ones so there will be something for everyone! At 10am. Tablehurst Farm, Forest Row, RH18 5DP.
FRIDAY 8TH - SUNDAY 10TH SEPTEMBER Lindfield Arts Festival. See lindfieldartsfestival. com for more details. SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER Lindfield Horticultural Society Autumn Show of flowers and produce. Join us to celebrate the horticultural achievements of our fellow gardeners. Home-made cakes and coffee will be on offer as well as a sale of plants. Entry £1, children free. All welcome. Membership enquiries: 01444-458509 www.lindfieldhorts.org.uk. 2 4:45pm, King Edward Hall, High Street, Lindfield.
THURSDAY 21ST SEPTEMBER Mid Sussex Association National Trust. Talk: Resorting to the coast - Sussex seaside history by Dr Geoffrey Mead. At 2:30pm, Clair Hall, Haywards Heath, RH16 3DN.
SATURDAY 9TH SEPTEMBER Groombridge Horticultural Society Annual Show. Everyone welcome, free entrance and delicious refreshments available. From 2:30pm with prize giving at 4pm, Groombridge Village Hall.
SUNDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER The Kit Wilson Trust sponsored dog walk. The trust invites you to join us for our annual dog walk to help us raise much needed funds for the animals in our care. Registration is between 10 and 11am at Pylons car park on the Ashdown Forest. You can choose to walk either 3, 4 or 7 miles and forms are available from our rescue centre in Hadlow Down or can be downloaded from our website www. kitwilsontrust.org.uk. Phone: 07870782862, email: Dianne.dogs@gmail.com.
MONDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER Origins and Development of Surnames. Sussex Family History Group talk by Les Mitchinson. At 7:30pm, Bridge Cottage, High St, Uckfield, TN22 1AZ. THURSDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER Groombridge History Group. Our first talk of the new season is given by John Henty, describing the remarkable life and times of Max Miller, a top comedian from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. This will be preceded by a short AGM. Our full programme will be available shortly at groombridgehistorygroup. org.uk. Annual membership £3.00, meeting fee £1.50 and £2.50 for non members. 8pm, Groombridge Village Hall.
FRIDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER The Attic Art Club Original Art Fair. Original works of art for sale, includes paintings, sculpture, woodword, glassware, jewellery and cards. Exhibition runs from Friday 29th September to Sunday 1st October. 12noon to 8pm. 0n Friday with refreshments 6pm to 8pm. 10am to 5pm. Saturday and Sunday. Admission Free but voluntary contributions to Dame Vera Lynn's Charity for children with cystic fibrosis.12noon, The Queen's Hall, high Street, Cuckfield, West Sussex RH17 5EL
SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER Brighton Film Quartet - Music at Bridge Cottage. A hint of classical with a modern twist. High drama and passion with numbers such as 'Dark Waltz'
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Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts
S U P P O R T I N G LO C A L B U S I N E S S
Absolutely
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Kitchens - Fitted or Supply Only - All Budgets & Styles Worktops - Laminate, Wood, Solid Surfaces or Granite Doors - for Kitchens & Bedrooms, any size, Vinyl or Wood Appliances - Integrated & Free Standing Bedrooms - Fitted • or Supply only - Traditional or Modern Bathrooms - Shower Rooms - Ensuites - Cloakrooms Walk-in Baths & Showers - Bath removed & Walk-in Showers fitted at sensible prices Large or Small jobs undertaken with the same enthusiasm No High Pressure Sales - No Minimum Order Charge FREE Evening or Day Time Plan & Design Service Any of the above can be supplied and/or fitted within 3-5 weeks if required.
Tel: 01342 - 713400 • 01444 - 411172 www.absolutelykitchens.co.uk • Ask@AbsolutelyKitchens.co.uk
groundworks & construction We specialise in
tel: 07949 419859 office: 01892 770857
J.H. Vartan Tree Stump Removal
Landscaping • Groundworks Patios • Driveways • Refurbishments Extensions • New Builds • Roofing
Any STump RemoVed
Fully Insured. 25 Years Experience.
Removing Tree Stumps Since 1985
Call for a free quotation: 07949 419859 • Office: 01892 770857
Call Jonathan on
01342 824 648 or 07973 289 103 Visit: w w w.ashdownforestliving.co.uk Please mention us when responding to adverts
Vision.groundwork.construction @gmail.com
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What’s On in September
If you would like your event on these pages email info@ashdownforestliving.co.uk for information
TUESDAY 3RD OCTOBER Six-Week Story Course led by novelist, Julie Corbin and freelance writer, Mel Parks. A sixweek story writing course led by novelist, Julie Corbin and freelance writer, Mel Parks. They will take you step-by-step through the whole process of writing a story from generating ideas to editing your first draft then sending it out into the world. Where: Forest Row Sports Memorial Pavilion – Shalesbrook Lane, Forest Row, RH18 5LS. Email hello@honeyleafwriting.com if you’re interested in this course. The 6 workshops cost £120. 7-9pm, RH18 5LS.
HEALTH AND WELLBIENG LOW COST COURSES OFFERED BY DUNAMIS Support for those dealing with Depression, 12 week course starts 19th Septemeber. Support for those dealing with Anxiety, 12 week course September date on application.
FRIDAY 13TH OCTOBER
Also a new 8 session course to support step-parents in their relationships. Starting 26th September. For more information contact Rachel at dunamistherapyhub@gmail.com.
RNLI Forest Row Branch invite you to come and sing along to the Wimbledon Palais Ukulele Band. The Freshfield Hall Forest Row, Fish and Chip Supper included. 7 for 7:30pm. £18 per person. Tickets from Jill Sharp 01342 826848, jjsharp611@ gmail.com or Bishops Hardware Store Forest Row. Please bring your own drinks. All proceeds to the RNLI.
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Enquiries: 01342 300152 Please mention us when responding to adverts
S U P P O R T I N G LO C A L B U S I N E S S
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
Horsham Nutley Sharpthorne Horsham Billingshurst Horsham Henfield
01403 790312 01825 712514 01342 810219 01403 265335 01403 786832 01403 265096 01273 492870
Beechcroft Care Centre and Hazel Lodge
East Grinstead
01342 300499
Beech Lodge and Oak Lodge
Horsham
01403 791725
The Granary
Horsham
01403 327500
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
01403 217 338
Visit: w w w.ashdownforestliving.co.uk
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Please mention us when responding to adverts enquiries@sussexhealthcare.co.uk | www.sussexhealthcare.co.uk
QUALITY COMPOST PRODUCTS
At KPS we make our own high quality compost from recycled green waste. Made to British Standards and certified by the Soil Association, they are high quality products, great to give your garden that extra boost.
FINE COMPOST • BLENDED TOP SOIL • MUSHROOM COMPOST WOODLAND MULCH • PINE BARK SOLD IN CUBIC METER BAGS OR LOOSE LOADS, DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
Additional Services:
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All aspects of Tree Surgery • Fencing Soft Landscaping • Garden Maintenance Firewood Logs Curb Side Green Waste Collection
AN ESTABLISHED FAMILY BUSINESS, FOR OVER 35 YEARS
CALL
01444 831 010
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