July's Interior Inspiration

How to create a magical space for your little ones

Add Adventure...

Adding a map, modern or vintage, will inspire your young travelers. One of these matched with an enchanting story of worldly explorers will create endless curiosity and enjoyment.

Use Vibrant Colour...

By introducing some bright colours to the bedroom, it gives it real personality, and this can easily be done on a small budget. The simple Ikea bed on the right was transformed with a lick of Annie Sloan paint, and when paired with a colourful duvet cover it will be guaranteed to bring a smile!

Create Interest...

 Whether you're trying to store toys, stack books or tidy clothes, why not make it into a feature? This book shelf doubles up as a stair case to a cabin bed, and the green wigwam makes toy tidying a simpler task. Failing this, just have some fun and create another universe entrance in the wall!

Spell It Out...

Children are rightly very proud of their names, so by making this into a focus of their bedroom, it can be showcased! Transfer it on the wall, embroider it on cushions or make letter bunting. The opportunities are endless...

Keep It Simple...

Cover a wall completely with chalkboard paint. This way, they can go totally mad, without ruining any beautiful wallpaper throughout the rest of the house! Chalks are cheap and come in loads of different colours; so a great means of self expression for toddlers and teens alike!

Photos: David Merewether
Styling: Lucy Fleming & Helen Barton

For more interiors inspiration pop to our website www.wealdentimes.co.uk

Wealden Wellbeing

Bless You!

With nearly 18 million of us suffering from it in the UK alone, hay fever seems never ending for those itching and snuffling throughout summer. But what are the options for treatment? We talk to three holistic health experts to get their advice on some natural remedies...

The team at Helios Tunbridge Wells...

What is Homeopathy and how does it work?

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that uses minute doses of substances, usually from plant or mineral origin, prepared to traditional methods. The word Homeopathy comes from the Greek words and means similar suffering. This refers to the central philosophy that a substance which can produce symptoms in a healthy person can, in homeopathic dose, cure those symptoms in a sick person. For example a person suffering from typical hay fever symptoms of streaming and irritated eyes and nose might be given a remedy prepared from an onion.

Can homeopathy help with the symptoms of hay fever?

We receive many telephone calls and enquiries in the pharmacy asking for help with hay fever. There are many remedies that might help with hay fever symptoms but in order for homeopathy to be effective it is important to match the person’s symptoms as closely as possible to the remedy picture or for very severe, long standing problems have an in-depth consultation with a homeopath. 

Are there particular homeopathic remedies you would recommend for the condition?

Two of the most commonly prescribed remedies for typical symptoms of irritated eyes and nose, sneezing etc are Mixed Pollens and Grasses, which contain pollens from grasses, trees, shrubs and flowers and a combination of three remedies Euphrasia, Allium Cepa and Sabadilla.

To find out more about Helios Homeopathy visit their shop and clinic at 97 Camden Road, Tunbridge Wells, call 01892 537254 or see www.helios.co.uk.

Health coach and personal trainer, Sophie Pattihis

Are there foods hay fever sufferers should avoid when pollen counts are high? 

Allergic reactions, like hay fever, are not just inconvenient symptoms to be suppressed, but a valuable signal from the body that it is struggling with stress, acidity and inflammation caused by diet, lifestyle and gene expression. based on each client’s bio-individuality – the vital key to being able to ‘eat yourself out of ’ any inflammatory state. There are certain foods that commonly trigger inflammation such as processed wheat and dairy, refined sugar, animal protein and alcohol.

Are there any foods that will help alleviate symptoms? 

Yes! Salads, smoothies, juices and stir fries are the way to re-balance naturally. Raw, organic veg, fruits, nuts and seeds are rich in the anti-oxidant vitamin C and flavonoids, a group of plant pigments with natural anti-histamine properties. Examples of great options are dark green vegetables like spinach, broccoli and kale and orange and red foods such as tomatoes, beetroot and berries. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts are also beneficial.

Do you recommend any specific supplements – vitamins and minerals – that will help? 

Rather than ‘supplements’, I have my top three bio-available foods that the body can easily recognise and use immediately. Wheatgrass powder fortifies the blood, is antiinflammatory and is the best source of living chlorophyll. Raw honey and bee pollen contain quercertin, another anti inflammatory compound that’s great for the immune system and Omega 3 fish oil is an effective antioxidant. 

See Sophie’s website for health coaching appointments, inspiration and recipes galore: www.thefeelingway.com

Healer and author, with a special interest in plants, Anna Parkinson

When using herbs medicinally, would you recommend taking them in tincture, tea or tablet form? 

I would recommend a tincture or a tea over tablets because I like to use herbs as fresh as possible. Making a tea with fresh herbs is so easy: pour hot water over a small handful of leaves and leave it covered to steep for 15 minutes before drinking. A tincture is made from the essence extracted in alcohol, also easy to take as drops in water. 

Are there any herbs which are of particular benefit to hay fever sufferers? 

Nettle tea, made as above, will clear the liver and it’s delicious if made from fresh leaves. Rosemary tea clears and dries nasal passages, and sage tea will do the same for throat and chest. My personal favourite for itchy eyes are eye-drops made from distilled loosestrife root, Lythrum salicaria, a 17th century recipe that is fantastic for any eye problem. A witch hazel eye bath is also good. Eyebright is commonly recommended also.

Can I grow any of these herbs in my garden?

Plants have such a varied and wonderful interaction with us that many plants will treat the same ailment, but personally I think the best ones to use are the ones you can obtain closest to home. Many of the most effective herbs, like loosestrife, grow wild in the countryside around you. Anyone can grow sage, rosemary and thyme in a pot and these will serve you all through the year, for coughs and chest infections in the winter and hay fever in the summer.

Anna is the author of ‘Nature’s Alchemist: John Parkinson, herbalist to Charles I’, and
'Change your Mind, Heal your Body’. For more about Anna see www.annaparkinson.com. For appointments call 0781 806 1605

July Competition

WIN! a weekend big cat family encounter at the wildlife heritage foundation in smarden

The Wildlife Heritage Foundation (WHF) Big Cat Sanctuary is home to over 50 big cats. This registered charity is recognised as the biggest, most successful breeding centre in Europe for
the endangered big cats of the world, working to ensure they are protected from extinction.
The Foundation provides a safe, secure and stress free environment for their animals which is proven in the success of their breeding programmes. 

Their ultimate objective is to see Big Cats safely reintroduced into the wild in their natural habitat, with the help of breeding, education and protection programmes all raising awareness worldwide of the importance of preservation of our natural world. 

The WHF Big Cat Sanctuary is located in Smarden. The site occupies 38 acres of Kent countryside, with enclosures specially designed to suit the types of cats housed within them. The WHF is not open to the public, but supports the site’s running costs by way of Big Cat Experiences, including Big Cat Encounter, Ranger for the Day, Photographic Day, Big Cat Adoptions, Gift Vouchers and an African Lodge Experience. 

The Big Cat Sanctuary will be hosting open days on 16, 17, 18 & 19 July 2015. You can book now to see their big cat collection of over 50 big cats including the White Lion pride! The open days will include Big Cat Health Checks and Enrichment, Falconry Displays, face painting, stalls, BBQ & ice-cream, bouncy castle, crafts and fun for all the family. Entry costs £10 per person, and under 5s are free. You can book online at www.whf.org.uk.

For your chance to WIN a Weekend Big Cat Family Encounter (this includes a tour lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours for the winner plus up to 4 guests in which they will get the opportunity to get up close and personal with WHF’s amazing big cats as well as learning about the breeding and conservation work they carry out) just answer this question:

 ‘In which village is WHF located?’ 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Enter your answer with your contact details* in the online form at www.wealdentimes.co.uk/competition, post to: The WHF Competition, Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 17 July 2015 or enter here on the blog!

 There is no cash alternative and the prize must be taken before the end of 2015. *All entrants’ details will be passed on to WHF and Wealden Times Events. Please let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on.

Simple Summer Fare

WT picks out a few of their favourite recipes for summer time! 

 

No one want's to be slaving over a hot hob in the summer. So here are a few recipes we love to give you some inspiration for the parties, picnics and BBQs to come...

 

Feta, Watermelon and avocado salad

Watermelon is amazing in a salad, bringing a gorgeously sweet crunchiness. Combine that with salty feta and ripe avocado and you have a feast that's as lovely to eat as it is to look at.

What you'll need...

• 500g watermelon
•  salad leaves (lamb's lettuce, rocket or baby leaves)
• 2 avocados, peeled, stoned and cut into small chunks
• small bunch of radishes, halved
• 100g sun-dried tomatoes
• 150g feta, cut into small cubes
• juice of 1 lime
• 2tbsp olive oil
• a few sprigs of mint
• salt and black pepper

What to do...

Cut the watermelon into chunks, removing the peel and seeds. Do this over a bowl to catch the juice and set the juice aside.

Put the salad leaves in a bowl or on a serving platter and add the watermelon, avocados, radishes and feta.

Whisk together any watermelon juice with the lime juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Drizzle this dressing over the salad and garnish with a few sprigs of mint.


Davina's 5 Weeks to Sugar-Free is published by Orion Books at £16.99. www.orionbooks.co.uk
Photographs: Andrew Hayes-Watkins Recipes: Davina McCall


Thai spiced courgette fritters with sweet chilli dip


These small, spicy morsels have a tangy kick and make delicious finger food for a summer garden party.

 

What you'll need...

• 2 medium courgettes 
• 4 spring onions, finely chopped 
• 2 beaten eggs 
• 2 heaped tbsp plain flour 
• 1-2 tsp green Thai curry paste 
• 1 stick lemon grass, finely sliced (or use juice and zest of ½ a lime) 
• 1 small handful of coriander, finely chopped 
• 1 tsp fish sauce (or soy sauce) 
• ready made sweet chilli dipping sauce to serve  

What to do...

Grate the courgettes and squeeze out some of the liquid (place in a colander or sieve and press a saucer down on top) this will help the fritters stay crispy.

Add the other ingredients, but save half the coriander as a garnish. Combine thoroughly. 

Form the mixture into patty shapes and sauté in a little oil until crisp and golden. 

Serve with sweet chilli dip.


Photographs: David Merewether Recipes: Jo Arnell www.wealdentimes.co.uk
 

 Summer Tomato and Horseradish Salad


For this salad it's great to try and get a whole mixture of different tomatoes, at room temperature, nice and ripe. Let them sunbathe on the window ledge if need be! Try and get hold of fresh horseradish – give your greengrocer a challenge to get some in.

What you'll need...

• 4 large handfuls mixed tomatoes
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• extra virgin olive oil
• good-quality red wine vinegar
• ½ clove garlic, grated
• 2 teaspoons fresh horseradish, grated, or jarred hot horseradish
• 1 small handful fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely sliced

What to do...
 

Cut the bigger tomatoes into slices about 1cm/½ inch thick. You can halve the cherry tomatoes or leave them whole. Then sprinkle them all with a good dusting of sea salt. Put them in a colander and leave them for 30 minutes. What's going to happen here is that the salt will draw the excess moisture out of the tomatoes, intensifying their flavour. Don't worry about the salad being too salty, as a lot of the salt drips away. 

Place the tomatoes in a large bowl and dress with enough extra virgin olive oil to loosen (approximately 6 tablespoons), and 1–2 tablespoons of vinegar, but do add these to your own taste. Toss around and check for seasoning – you may or may not need salt but will certainly need pepper. Add the garlic. Now start to add the horseradish. Stir in a couple of teaspoons to begin with, toss around and taste. If you like it a bit hotter, add a bit more horseradish. All I do now is get some finely sliced flat-leaf parsley (stalks and leaves) and mix this into the tomatoes. Toss everything together and serve as a wonderful salad, making sure you mop up all the juices with some nice squashy bread. 

This salad is fantastic with roast beef, goat's cheese or jacket potatoes. And to be honest, even if you put these tomatoes in a roasting tray and roasted them with some sausages scattered around them it would be nice.

Recipe: Jamie Oliver www.jamieoliver.com



Baked Beetroot with Horseradish Creme Fraiche and Spring Onions


Juliet Bidwell provides the inspiration to spice up our side dishes and present a delicious meal with a tantalising twist...

 

What you'll need...

• 3 medium raw beetroots, washed (One could substitute cooked beetroot for this dish, which also reheats well.)

• 3tbsp crème fraîche

• 3tsp horseradish

• 2 spring onions, sliced

• 2tbsp chopped chives

• salt and pepper

What to do...

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C

Wrap each beetroot in foil, place in a roasting tin and bake for 90 minutes, or until cooked.Leave to cool, then peel and slice the beetroot. 

Mix the crème fraîche and horseradish together, stir in the spring onion and chives and season.Spoon over the beetroot and pop into a hot oven for 10 minutes in order to heat through.

Photographs: David Merewether
Recipes: Juliet Bidwell 

For more recipe inspiration pop to our website or grab the latest copy of Wealden Times!

June's Interior Inspiration

  Champion Bathing  

We love a good bathroom here at WT. They're a place to relax, unwind, or prepare for the day ahead, and we have come across some real beauties in our time. Here are a few of our top picks...



Monochrome Home...

This stunning bath is set in the corner of a master bedroom, in a double aspect alcove, overlooking the garden. Subtle intimacy has been created by a delicate muslin curtain covering one wall. Read the full feature here...

Always in Style...

This bathroom sports a great black steel-riveted bateau bath, found on eBay and black and white mosaic tile flooring from Tile Design in St Leonards. The delicate driftwood table by the bath came from French Connection Home.  Read the full feature here...

All in Place...

The design philosophy in this house as far as bathrooms are concerned, is to go for a high quality centrepiece. All the baths, showers and taps are form C.P. Hart. The accessories and furnishings are bargain buys. The shower tiles are form Walls & Floors and the graphite marble floor tiles are from eBay.

The Christmas House...

Moving away from the contemporary, there is a totally different feel in this house. With a reinforced floor to support it, this original bath tub has a lead lining and is gently illuminated by candle light, tucked away in amongst the wood paneling around the room. 

An Elegant Escape...

We love this pair of Moorish mirrors hanging above the sinks. This bathroom also feature a beautiful deep bath and glass walled wet room shower. The French doors lead into a pretty patio area with stunning views of the gardens. 

June Competition

 WIN a pair of men's or women's sunglasses* and a pair of spectacles* of your choice, to the value of £500!

With sunglasses and spectacles designed at their St.Leonards-on-Sea headquarters, RockOptika Ltd are one of the world's most revered and creative independent eyewear companies.

RockOptika was founded in 2010 by eyewear designer Thomas Herrington. Since its inception five years ago 'Rocks' unique styling and genuine handmade finish has propelled this independent British label's sunglasses and spectacles to cult status; worn by rock stars, actors and the discerning general public from London to Sydney and anywhere cool in between.

Core to the brand's success is a genuine attention to authenticity and the outright quality of the finished product. Thomas Herrington draws inspiration from an eclectic blend of sci-fi, classic automobilia, modernist architecture, musical movements and glam vintage sunnies.

The manufacturer, based in Rhône-Alps, France is one of the world's finest producers of luxury handmade eyewear. The process takes three weeks of cutting, filing, tumbling, polishing and assembling by a team of three highly skilled artisans. Using the finest Italian acetates and old-fashioned pinned joints, a RockOptika frame is truly going to last and look fantastic for years. A real inheritance piece.

RockOptika supply their products to the best independent opticians in the Weald, and those who cannot make it down to the St. Leonards-on-Sea shop should visit Linda Pope Opticians in Hawkhurst, Leslie Warren in Sevenoaks, and shortly Peepers in Tunbridge Wells, to try on and view the best in luxury eyewear. Find out more at www.rockoptika.com.

For your chance to win a pair of men's or women's sunglasses* and a pair of spectacles* of your choice, to the value of £500 just answer this question:

In which coastal town are RockOptika's glasses designed?

Enter your answer with your contact details below or post to: The RockOptika Competition, Wealden Times, 21 Stone Street, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 3HF by 19 June 2015.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*There is no cash alternative. All entrants' details will be passed on to RockOptika and Wealden Times Events. Please let us know if you do not wish your details to be passed on.

Wealden Wellbeing

 Big Calm

How can we strengthen the connection between mind and body? WT explores the spiritual side to meditation in celebration of our countdown the the Midsummer Fair and Priceless People Wellbeing Festival 2015...

We have the pleasure of introducing Rev. Peter Owen-Jones. As well as being the Vicar of Firle, Peter is a writer, celebrated inspirational public speaker and has, over the last 8 years presented award winning documentaries for the BBC including Around the World in 80 Faiths and Extreme Pilgrim. His new book Pathlands is out now, and documents 21 circular walks that span the length and breadth of the breathtaking British Isles. We're thrilled to announce that this will be the topic of his talk when he makes his appearance at the Wealden Times Midsummer Fair and Priceless People Wellbeing Festival in June.

 

What is the difference between meditation and prayer?
 
Meditation is time set aside to encounter your own stillness, while prayer, which leads to stillness, is generally directed and responsive, Prayer is a journey into the nature of God and a conscious encounter with our eternal nature, meditation immerses us in it.

Does the Christian church have a history of meditation?
 
Church history isn’t earthed in meditation but Father Bede Griffith, a Christian Priest and writer living in India in the 20th century, encouraged Christians to meditate. The practice of ‘centring’ prayer which is beginning to be introduced into Christian churches is similar to meditation. We sit in silence and empty ourselves of all thought, and, like meditation, it takes both practice and discipline.

How does Christian meditation differ from meditation within the Eastern religious traditions?
 
There are many different forms of meditation contained within Eastern traditions and all meditation practice is bound up with the setting, the time and the willingness of the participant to ‘let go’ of the hard ropes of reality. To distinguish between Christian and Buddhist meditation is like trying to distinguish between to identical sheets of glass.

Is the current interest in meditation having an impact within the Anglican church ?
 
We now live in a time of spiritual renaissance, an evolution of many religious practices is slowly coagulating into the emerging ethics of a new humanity. You might find a sense of this right out on the edges of Anglicanism but they are far from the centre which sees its role as defender of faith. The osmosis taking place on the edges is both revealing and exciting. 


 

Peter's book Pathlands will be available to buy from the Priceless People Wellbeing tent on Saturday 6th June. For more information and tickets visit our website...We look forward to seeing you there!