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EDITOR: Cllr. Brian Cliff ord welcome brian@briancliff ord.net FEATURES EDITOR & CHIEF FEATURE WRITER: Looking to the Future Cllr. Trisha Fermor [email protected] IT IS really good news that the Cranbrook please be sure to read on pages 20 and 21 ADVERTISING SALES: Business Association has been re-launched, what hard work has been done, together with Mignon Brian striving to regenerate business in Cranbrook. the dates of NDP exhibitions coming up in [email protected] Adding to that is the monthly Cranbrook and Sissinghurst. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Pudding Club lunch, organised The Neighbourhood Plan really Cllr. Graham Holmes [email protected] by Julie Taylor at Buss Murton, is for you and the long term aspirations of us all in the PUBLISHED BY: which attracts businesses Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council from all over Kent. One years ahead. 01580 713112 can’t help feeling that Let me say a huge thank www.cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk Cranbrook is not “dying on you to the team that brings PRODUCED BY: its feet”. you Parish Cake: Cllr. Trisha Tally Wade Coff ee Shop Media Ltd In Sissinghurst, obviously Fermor, Tally Wade, Mignon 01580 848555 not the business hub of the Brain, and Cllr. Graham www.coff eeshopmedia.com parish, the community has on Holmes, and for the many offer the tennis and cricket clubs, messages of support we have football teams, the Bun Penny Club, received from our readers. Replacement Conservatory Roofs Crafters Group, the Friends of Sissinghurst Church and, of course, the village shop - Aluminium and Upvc Bi Folds always a place to catch up on local goings-on! FRONT COVER: Dulwich Prep Cranbrook We all need to acknowledge the huge Windows | Doors is an inspiring and wonderfully nurturing day and fl exi-boarding school for amount of work being undertaken by the Sot | Fascia | Gutters children aged 3-13 years, nestled in 50 parish’s Neighbourhood Development Plan stunning acres just outside Cranbrook. (NDP) team and in this edition of Parish Cake Cllr. Brian Cli ord - Editor Everything we do is designed to help our Drives | Patios | Turﬁng | Fencing children believe in themselves. We focus on nurturing each child’s self awareness Extentions, New Builds and Renovations. and self-belief because how they feel and think has immense infl uence on their capacity to learn and their ability to contents ISSUE 5 SUMMER 2018 embrace every opportunity. We believe children blossom when they are given THE MONTH’S CONSERVATORY DEALS responsibility and fl ourish when they REGULARS FEATURES 35 Kitchen & Garden – the are happy and feel safe. Contact Georgie Labram, Registrar, to fi nd out how we 5 Directory & What’s On 23 Raj Bisram – from ski National Gardens Scheme can help unlock your child’s potential. 7 Chairman’s Views instructor to antiques and crêpes! Edwardian Lean To [email protected], 8 Letters celebrity 37 Business Revival – the www.dulwichprepcranbrook.org, relaunch of the Cranbrook Conservatory Conservatory 01580 712 179. 10 Parish News 25 Change at the Castle Business Association 3200mm X 3200mm 2400mm X 2400mm 11 Crane Valley Land Trust – Sissinghurst Castle (10.25m2 Approx.) (5.75m2 Approx.) News Garden’s new manager 39 Legal Q&A – cohabitation rights and advice from EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS EXTERNAL DIMENSIONS Whilst every eff ort is made 14 Club News 26 500 Years – a brief history to ensure accuracy, the of Cranbrook School Buss Murton Cranbrook and Sissinghurst 18 Event News Parish Council, editor and 29 Rev Anne Pollington – 42 Local Legend – Spitfi re ALL IN PRICE ALL IN PRICE authors cannot be held 20 Neighbourhood Plan SUPPLIED & INSTALLED SUPPLIED & INSTALLED caring for two fl ocks mechanic Geoff rey Palser responsible for published errors. The views News or opinions expressed do not necessarily 30 New Design Guide – £8450.00 INC £4250.00 INC refl ect views of the Cranbrook and 40 Parish Council Round-up Sissinghurst Parish Council. Inclusion of any building standards to save advertising material does not constitute a you money guarantee or endorsement of any products Tel: 07837 561048 or services or claims made. [email protected] www.beautifulhomesuk.co.uk Parish Cake • Summer 2018 3 Doctorour will see you now

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Call 01580 242 521 or visit benendenhospital.org.uk/GP For Terms & Conditions please visit benendenhospital.org.uk/GP The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number 1065995, Registered O ce, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX our The Parish Cake guide to events what’son in Cranbrook and Sissinghurst

JUNE SATURDAY 23 WEDNESDAY 25 REGULAR EVENTS 7.30pm Choral Society Summer 10am Kent Weald Crane Valley Project, • Cranbrook Union Windmill is open THURSDAY 7 Concert, Queens Hall Theatre please wear suitable clothing 12.30pm Lunchtime Concert, St on every Saturday 2.30-5pm plus Dunstan’s Church WEDNESDAY 27 MONDAY 30 Doctor Wednesday and Sunday afternoons in 7.30pm Time Travelling Magicians Cranbrook In bloom will see you now the summer SATURDAY 9 Morgan and West, Queens Hall Theatre Judging Day 8.30am Cranbrook Men’s Breakfast, • Cranbrook Museum is open Tuesday to speaker John Tapper, Hartley Farm THURSDAY 28 - FRIDAY 29 AUGUST Saturday, and Sunday afternoons in July Shop. Tickets from 01580 715861 2pm-9pm & 11am-2pm NDP Public THURSDAY 2 • Farmers’ Market every fourth Saturday Engagement, St. George’s Institute, Our new GP service o ers THURSDAY 14 Sissinghurst 12.30pm Rother Piano Trio Lunchtime in the month, 9am -12 noon 7.30pm Full Parish Council Meeting, Concert, St Dunstan’s Church • Tempo Singing every Saturday Council Chamber, everyone welcome FRIDAY 29 - SATURDAY 30 ﬂ exible appointments to get 3pm-9pm & 9am-3pm NDP Public THURSDAY 9 X-rays morning at Cranbrook School Music SATURDAY 16 Engagement, Vestry Hall, Cranbrook 7.30pm Full Parish Council Meeting, you back on track in no time Centre, 10.30-11am 2.30pm Sissinghurst Flower Show in Council Chamber, everyone welcome Primary School JULY • Messy Church Children and Parent MONDAY 27 Group, second Friday each month, SUNDAY 17 THURSDAY 5 1pm Sissinghurst Traditional Village Fête CT scans 3.30-5.30pm 10.30am Cranbrook In Bloom Garden 12.30pm Archaus String Quartet Safari. £5 entry for all gardens Lunchtime Concert, St Dunstan’s • The Children’s Centre, Cranbrook offers While every effort is made to ensure Church accuracy, dates and times may change. If free sessions for parents and children FRIDAY 22 – SUNDAY 24 you are organising an event in the parish Flower Show and Arts Show St. THURSDAY 12 Blood tests throughout the week. why not drop us a line and we might be MRI Dunstan’s Church 7.30pm Full Parish Council Meeting, able to include you in the listings too – Call 03000 411035 for a timetable 25minute Council Chamber, everyone welcome [email protected] appointments Pathology Water: South East Water (drinking USEFUL CONTACTS High Weald Academy: directory water) 0800 0283399, Southern 01580 712754 CHURCHES Water (waste water) 0800 820999 (24 Congregational Church, Rainbow Pre School, Cranbrook: Expert hrs), Emergency leak 0800 0283399, 01580 715570 Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Cranbrook: 01580 388070 Floodline 0845 9881188 (24 hrs) Sissinghurst CE Primary: St. Dunstan’s, Cranbrook: Parish Council 01580 713895 The Old Fire Station CRIME 01580 715861 care Non-Emergency Police: 101 Woodpeckers Pre School, Cranbrook: Stone Street, Cranbrook St. Theodore’s RC, Cranbrook: 01580 720195 KENT TN17 3HF Crime Stoppers: 0800 555111 01580 713364 Clerk – Mrs. L. Ham KCC Community Warden: Adam Strict Baptist Church, Cranbrook: DOCTORS Deputy Clerk – Mrs. L. Larkin Appointments Osbourn 07813 695741 01580 713212 Jockey Lane Surgery, Cranbrook: 01580 713112 / clerk@ 01580 713032 cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk PCSO: Lee Jules 07772 226048 Trinity Church, Sissinghurst: Neighbourhood Watch Area 01580 852275 Old School Surgery, Cranbrook: 01580 712476 BOROUGH & COUNTY Co-ordinator: 01622 604395 Vine Church, Cranbrook: £95 COUNCILS 01580 712505 Orchard End Surgery, Cranbrook: ROOMS & HALLS TO HIRE 01580 713622 Tunbridge Wells Borough Council St George’s Institute, Sissinghurst: SCHOOLS AND PRE SCHOOLS 01892 526121 DEFIBRILLATORS Ursula O’Connor 01580 713938 Colliers Green CE Primary: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk Cranbrook Medical Centre, Cranbrook The Parish Room, Sissinghurst: Sue 01580 211335 Kent County Council Cricket Club, Sissinghurst Crowe 01580 712901 Cranbrook CE Primary: 03000 41 41 41 [email protected] 01580 713249 Parish Council office access to results www.kent.gov.uk Sissinghurst Castle Garden The Vestry Hall, Council Chamber and Cranbrook Children’s Centre: USEFUL NUMBERS Addison VC Room, Cranbrook: 03000 41 10 35 St. George’s Institute, Sissinghurst 01580 713112 (10am-12pm weekdays). Tennis Club, Sissinghurst UTILITIES Cranbrook School: 01580 711800 Call 01580 242 521 or visit benendenhospital.org.uk/GP Electricity: 0800 727282 (24 hrs) A full list of over 30 venues for hire in the Dulwich Preparatory School: The George Hotel, Cranbrook Gas: 0800 111 999 parish is available from the parish office 01580 712179 The Milkhouse, Sissinghurst For Terms & Conditions please visit benendenhospital.org.uk/GP The Benenden Hospital Trust is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England, number 3454120. Registered charity number 1065995, Registered O ce, The Benenden Hospital Trust, Goddard’s Green Road, Benenden, Cranbrook, Kent TN17 4AX Parish Cake • Summer 2018 5 amper yourself or treat someone special Choose from a range of luxury beauty products including gifts vouchers Enjoy 07881 905990 20% off [email protected] your first visit

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6 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 outchairman’s & about view

This drawing is the property of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd and Brick Kiln Farm Application Approvedis issued on the condition it is not reproduced, retained or disclosed to any unauthorised person, either wholly or in part without written consent of FPCR Environment and Design Ltd.

ON MARCH 28 Tunbridge Wells membersApplication Boundary of the parish council and

1 Proposed Residential Development Borough Council’s (TWBC) planning the(Up to 180 borough dwellings) planning offi cers. 3 HIGH STREET 2 Proposed public open space

Retained existing hedgerows committee approved an application 3 You may hear reference to a 6 and trees

4 Proposed Attenuation Basin by Persimmon Homes to build 180 2 Section 106 agreement. This is an 6 Proposed local equipped area 5 of play

houses on land at Brick Kiln Farm, 6 6 agreementRetained existing footpaths between the developer

1 7 Proposed informal pathways Cranbrook. 9 and the local planning authority 8 Proposed woodland replicating historic woodland/orchards At the meeting I noted that the 9 (e.g.Proposed swales TWBC) about measures that the 9 7

land had been earmarked for 5 developer must take to reduce the

8 4 development in the borough’s ORCHARD WAY impact of their development on the 2

Local Plan of 2013 and, therefore, 3 community. These agreements are

7 realistically, any rejection of 3 part of the planning applications and Persimmon’s outline plan would are concessions and contributions

immediately result in the developers FPCR from the developer.N These can include contributions to Kent lodging an appeal which would J:\7100\7115\LANDS\Plans\7115-L-04 Illustrative Masterplan REVB.indd ABOVE: Illustrative masterplanning environmental assessment Plan (NDP) steering group is working 1:1250@A1 landscape design FPCR Environment and Design Ltd Charles Church South East urban design Lockington Hall ecology Lockington 18th March 2016 LCH/KN Derby DE74 2RH Land at Kiln Farm ILLUSTRATIVE MASTERPLAN architecture arboriculture Countyt: 01509 Council672772 libraries, education, f: 01509 674565 rev fpcr Cranbrook masterplan 7115-L-04 B e: [email protected] undoubtedly have succeeded. very hard on developing policies and w: www.fpcr.co.uk and approved projects such as school We have to accept there will be guidelines to be considered in the buildings or playground equipment. housing on the Brick Kiln site. The design of any new properties. The parish council is active in parish council endeavours to try to The recent call from TWBC for sites the negotiations to identify local get the best possible design for the for housing is a result of the national projects that meet the grant criteria development so that we do not end requirement for more homes. The so that as much money as possible is up with a cul de sac that blights the draft list of sites submitted for allocated locally. environment and causes harm to assessment is available on the TWBC We continue to do everything we Cranbrook’s heritage. We recognise website. Travelling around the Weald can as a parish council to maintain that the latest plan is signifi cantly we are aware of the signifi cant the character, heritage and rich better than the original but hope amount of housing development in landscape of our parish. that on-going communications and places such as Hawkhurst, Headcorn Cllr. Bridget Veitch, chairman negotiation with the Persimmon and Staplehurst, and it is realistic team will result in an even better to presume that our parish will also design. have to accept a signifi cant number Our speakers at the TWBC planning of new houses. The purpose of the committee meeting stressed the NDP is to ensure that these are built more For further information on the historic landscape and the rich on acceptable sites to appropriate info parish council please visit architecture of the town that and quality design. www.cranbrookandsissinghurstpc.co.uk we want refl ected in the new As to what is an “acceptable site” is (under the About menu item) development. a matter of opinion and is currently The Neighbourhood Development a topic of active discussion between

Parish Cake • Summer 2018 7 Letters www.bussmurton.co.uk | T: 01580 712 215

Thank You Star Letter Star Letter from CODS The author will receive a voucher for a hot drink On behalf of Cranbrook Cemetery Trees and slice of cake from Operatic and Dramatic Cranbrook café Cocolicious! Society (CODS), I would As a regular visitor to www.cocolicious.co.uk like to express an enormous Sissinghurst Cemetery, I am thank you to the people of struck by how much the parish Cranbrook and surrounding council’s recent tree pruning work areas for the fantastic has improved the site, which can appear a support we have received bit unloved. Could I suggest that the council continue the this past year. As the good work, judiciously removing the ugly conifers on the director for our Christmas north side – which block a sweeping view of orchards – pantomime ‘Peter Panto’, allowing the established deciduous trees room to breathe? I was thrilled that after a And then perhaps consider a planting scheme in the year without a Cranbrook cemetery itself of occasional ornamental trees, to give pantomime, audiences came colour in Spring and Autumn? For those who visit, it fl ocking back to the Queens British Sign Language would help to lift the heart, and be fi tting as the cemetery Hall Theatre. This allowed Interpreter to sign for our contains, among others, the grave of the co-creator of one us to play to full houses and recent production of ‘The of England’s greatest gardens, Harold Nicolson – a man donate over £400 to Great Real Inspector Hound’. who loved his trees. Ormond Street Hospital. This is something we Andrew Davidson, Sissinghurst CODS was extremely hope to continue in our grateful to receive a sizeable forthcoming production award from the Cranbrook of ‘Guys and Dolls’ Co-op Community Fund (25-27 October) and the supported by local residents, Christmas pantomime. Strangled by TWBC which we have already In these turbulent In the last issue Trisha Fermor asks: “Is Cranbrook Dying on begun to put to good use. fi nancial times we would its Feet?” It’s not dying, it’s dead. Strangled by Big Brother of It enabled us to fund a also like to thank all Tunbridge Wells - the borough council. No one has the ability to stand up and challenge it. We have lost the Labour Exchange, borough council offi ces, magistrates’ court, ambulance station, and many bus services, Pick up the Poo! especially at weekends. As a dog walker, I do the ‘Downward Dog’ yoga move and Now, Cranbrook (a town) should be downgraded to village pick up their poo. However, I do not then throw the plastic status as we have so few amenities. I read of the £77 million bag in the hedge, ditch or countryside. civic spend for investment in the royal spa town. In Cranbrook There appears to be a number of dog walkers who pick we can’t even get what was estimated at £4 million for our up after their pooch, but then litter the countryside with much overdue community centre – reduced now to £2 million. their poo bags. I have discussed this with many fellow dog It was to have provided space for parish offi ces, police, and walkers, who are all appalled by the ‘strange fruit’ in the the borough’s housing offi ces – all public amenities. A lot hedges. of money was raised by residents then wasted on plans Through the pages of The Cake, please could we implore encouraged by the borough council. What have we to show off people not to throw poo bags about in the countryside but in Cranbrook? put them in the many litter bins provided around the parish. Susan Pratt, Cranbrook Woof woof! Cllr. Kim Fletcher, Cranbrook

8 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 out & about We have been providing expert and trusted legal advice to individuals and www.bussmurton.co.uk | T: 01580 712 215 businesses for generations.

the loyal local businesses in A Need for Stillness Cranbrook for their continued In reply to Emma Wood’s letter in the Spring edition, filling support through sponsorship a church with a bouncy castle and climbing frame, allowing and allowing us to advertise children to kick a football around in the chancel and ride our shows. scooters down the aisles, as we had in St Dunstan’s some years CODS will soon be ago, would only offer yet another children’s play space. The celebrating its 100th year. This real need is for children and young people to realise that there wouldn’t have been possible is a ‘special place’ in our hectic world, in which more intangible without the amazing support needs - for quiet, for stillness, for beauty, for other-worldliness we have received from the - can be met. Cranbrook community over I am reminded very forcibly of the Cranbrook school boy, many decades. Big celebrations whose mother was dying of cancer, who was found sitting are already being planned. quietly in a pew. He insisted that when he needed the renewal Come and join the party! of his strength to cope, he could disappear into the pews, in Alison Withey-Harrison, by order to feel them enclosing him in a comforting security, email which the exposure of chairs could never offer in his state of raw and vulnerable grieving. Cllr. Linda Hall, Colliers Green Paraphernalia Points to Drugs Unfortunately in recent months items discarded in the Crane Valley point to increased drugs use. Small snap bags How much Do we used to supply drugs are common place in the littering. We need a don’t know of any other legitimate use when dropped in a more communal area in such number. Small helium gas canisters town litter the area congregated by youths on a regular basis. Even housing? ‘bongs’ (an item used to smoke drugs) have been removed. square? These items were not discreetly hidden or stored but are brazenly left for all to see. Where should development go? We all need to ensure the safety of our community and especially the young who can be tempted at an all too early age to join in with the crowd. If you see anything suspicious or Is Cranbrook you are worried about any activity or behaviour please call 101 'dying on its feet'? Have or 999 in the case of emergency. Crime stoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online. your say Let’s keep the Crane Valley safe. Neighbourhood The future of Cllr. Andy Fairweather, Sissinghurst Development Plan Public Cranbrook and Engagement Events: Sissinghurst is in your hands St.George's Institute, Sissinghurst Please send your letters to • Thursday 28 June, 2pm-9pm [email protected] or by post to • Friday 29 June, 11am-2pm Parish Cake, Cranbrook and Sissinghurst Parish Council, The Old Fire Station, Stone Street, Vestry Hall, Cranbrook Cranbrook, TN17 3HF. Please note, letters may be • Friday 29 June, 3pm-9pm published in a shortened form at the discretion • Saturday 30 June, 9am-3pm of the editor. www.cranbrookandsissinghurstndp.co.uk

Parish Cake • Summer 2018 9 News and views from newsbites Cranbrook and Sissinghurst The Sissinghurst Litter Pick IN BRIEF THE SISSINGHURST village litter pick turned out to be the best we have had for a number of years, with over 30 residents setting off from The Milk House to collect items discarded by inconsiderate people making our village and surrounding areas look untidy and unloved. Litter pickers went a little further afi eld on the main roads where there is more litter. In just two hours 46 bags of rubbish were collected plus car and other debris including; a TORIES retain rural seat Helen Grant election poster from 2015, – Alliance party second a suit carry case, 11 hub caps, two pint glasses, a sun lounger, 36 Guinness TOM DAWLINGS retained cans and a gazebo, but no cuddly toy! Benenden and Cranbrook for the Disappointingly, there was a fresh Tories in the Tunbridge Wells deposit of a drinks can less that 30mins Borough Council elections in May after Rebecca Smith and Duncan Crane with 854 votes. John Smith of had cleared Chapel Lane. Tunbridge Wells Alliance took 542 We now do two picks each year, one votes, with Anne Musker (Labour) in February/March and one in October/ on 175, and Saul Clackson November, supported by the parish (Liberal Democrats) 136. council that provides the equipment and bags, and arrange disposal of the rubbish. YOUR WINDMILL Our sincere thanks to all those who NEEDS YOU! turned out to help keep Sissinghurst VOLUNTEERS ARE urgently tidy, and to The Milk House for its needed to show the Cranbrook hospitality. Cllr. John Smith and Cllr. windmill to the world. Andy Fairweather People of all ages, backgrounds and interests are being encouraged to step forward. Training and support will be CRANBROOK BLOOMING FOR GOLD! given and volunteers could fi nd CRANBROOK IN Bloom members are over the moon at being invited to take part in themselves doing anything from Britain in Bloom this year. meeting and greeting visitors to Chairman Linda Page said: “We are so excited! The last time we took part in 2014 we learning how to become a miller. won a silver gilt. It is a great opportunity to make the town look even better this year and For further information just we hope we will get even greater community support.” turn up, email volunteering@ The invitation came at a seminar when 76 entrants were invited to compete. Seven unionmill.org.uk or phone small towns, including Cranbrook, will be fi ghting it out for a gold. 01580 891821. Don’t forget this year’s garden safari which will take place on Sunday 17 June. Many gardens will be open as far apart as the town centre and Wilsley Pound during the afternoon, with several garden owners serving teas.

10 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 news Land Trust Celebrates First Year Join Today With its AGM on the 15 May, the parish’s home-grown land trust celebrated Add your Voice Make a Difference its first year of action, writes Mark Wade

THE CRANE Valley Land Trust exists portfolio of ‘tenure blind’ affordable and full retaining the profit for to promote and deliver high quality, market value homes, small business units the next community sustainable and truly affordable housing and land-related enterprises. project, and the freehold Help shape the delivery of truly affordable housing in Cranbrook for residents and workers in Cranbrook We stand for high quality construction and in perpetuity for the & Sissinghurst and Sissinghurst, while opposing poorly design that embodies sustainability, energy community. Please get in touch if you are a resident, landowner or investor interested in supporting efficiency to Passivhaus standards, and is At the AGM, members this Crane Valley community initiative designed, mass housing, dormitory estates Join us at that threaten our landscape. sensitive to town and landscape settings. heard that the trust www.cvlt.org.uk /cranevalleylandtrust @CVLTinfo As a not-for-profit, community benefit is highly engaged in society run by volunteers, our mission is to HOW DOES IT WORK? conversations with deliver housing solutions that integrate the The trust functions as a business, with all parish councillors, borough councillors, community, grow our economy, enhance our profits returned to the community, and planners, landowners and developers to environment and revitalise land use. we are actively engaged with landowners promote these ideas. Working with the parish council and the who share our vision to secure option Our profile and credibility has been neighbourhood plan process, our approach is agreements, conduct full site viability recognised by TWBC in granting us £30,000 based on the emerging ideas of: assessments and obtain planning to be used to secure option agreements with > dispersed farmstead development (see permission. local landowners for the purchase of sites to Neighbourhood Plan update, pages 20-21) We will form joint venture partnership deliver affordable homes. > brownfield urban and rural regeneration agreements to buy land, prepare sites and For more information on the trust and > model village creation. build homes, and will realise value by selling how to become a member, visit Developments will comprise a mixed or renting new homes at affordable prices, www.cvlt.org.uk ELBA ELBA PRIVATE HIRE - PERSONAL CARRIAGE

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Parish Cake • Summer 2018 11 news

did you CRANBROOK know? TOURISM GROUP

THE CRANBROOK Tourism Group comprises representatives from our principal local attractions; the Union Windmill, Cranbrook Museum, St. Dunstan’s Church, and Cranbrook in Bloom. The chairman is the borough councillor for Cranbrook and Dulwich Pulls it Off! Benenden, Cllr. Tom Dawlings, and he is supported by CHILDREN FROM Dulwich Prep Cranbrook are celebrating a bumper a representative of the parish council. crop of scholarship awards this year to leading senior schools. Top The group was formed in 2015 following the demise of the league comes the drama department with an incredible 12 of the Cranbrook Weald Tourism and Economic Drama and Top Performing Arts Scholarships. The range of talent was Forum. The founder members wanted to ensure showcased in the recent senior production of ‘Daisy Pulls it Off’. that the parish continued to have a representative The story of jolly hockey sticks and dormitory japes was brought body to assist with promotion of Cranbrook and its to life by cast and crew, bringing the house down. The Senior Play is attractions. It has since assumed responsibility of designed to be as professional as possible, with children auditioning some tourism related duties previously undertaken for roles and working alongside a professional technical team. Drama by the parish council’s Economic and Community is a wonderful way to build confidence by feeling the buzz and hearing Development Committee. Cllr. Graham Holmes the thunderous applause, and Dulwich Prep pride itself on every child experiencing a school production. Alex Betts

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Parish Cake • Summer 2018 13 A round-up of news from Cranbrook and Sissinghurst clubs, clubnews groups and associations

“but mine seems to be taking rather a long time to Cranbrook come out! The group really helps us to develop our individual writing styles and Creative is wonderfully sociable too, please join us!” More details about the Writers group can be found at www. cranbrookcreativewriters.com DID YOU know that Cranbook enjoyed writing and might has a creative writing group? benefi t from sharing ideas and And that it’s free to join and work – and there is!” open to anyone who has an What were we thinking?! The group meets once a interest in writing? INSPIRED BY the seasonal month at the George Hotel The group was set up three array of televised sport, in the Montgomery Room years ago by local resident fair-weather sportsmen from 7.30pm onwards and is Christine Newman who is and women take up open to anyone who enjoys the librarian at Cranbrook their summer pursuits. writing - poetry, prose, short School and instigator of the Meanwhile, some of us try to stories, diaries, really anything Cranbrook Literature Festival. convince ourselves that our at all. Generally a task is set “I’d just completed a MA fi tness level isn’t too bad. from one month to the next in Creative Writing at the With strawberries and cream of writing 500 words on a University of Kent,” says in hand we think, “I really with, whether good or bad. particular subject which is Christine, “and was very must dig out that old tennis That can be toxic. Here’s the shared at the next meeting. much missing the tutorial racket this year.” catch; we become what we The group also offers feedback sessions in which we would There’s one thing that think. on any members’ longer read and discuss each other’s separates the professional The Bible urges us to pieces they may be writing. work. It occurred to me that athletes competing this be intentional with our “Apparently we all have a there were probably people in summer from those of us thoughts; “Whatever is true, novel in us”, says Christine, and around Cranbrook who who like to think we have whatever is noble, whatever some sporting ability: is right, whatever is pure, mindset. They’ve set their whatever is lovely, whatever mind on their goal and live is admirable - if anything is to achieve it. excellent or praiseworthy - In a recent series of think about such things.” talks we’ve considered the So, what are you thinking importance of thinking about? It’s too important to about what we think about. just follow the crowd. Chris LashPerfect classic lash extensions We don’t like to admit it, Goodchild Elleebana lash lifts but we’re too easily swayed For more information on Helen Aldridge by others. Subconsciously the Vine Church, call 01580 07919 925500 we adopt the thinking of 712620 or visit facebook.com/dreamlashescranbrook those we rub shoulders vinechurch.org.uk

14 Parish Cake • Summer 2018

club news SHOWROOM NOW OPEN!

Hit em for Six at Sissinghurst Claim your free Virtual Worlds professional THE NEW cricket season is underway and Sissinghurst Cricket FRIENDS HELP Club is continuing to run coaching sessions for all junior boys bathroom design package worth £495.* and girls on Sunday mornings at the club ground, with evening PRESERVE CHURCH * This exclusive promotion is available to the first fixtures for all age levels taking place throughout the summer. EIGHT YEARS ago, Canon Doug Redman had an idea to 10 customers that come to our grand opening. The club has unveiled a new electronic scoreboard kindly set up a special group of people to make sure the Trinity Only one claim per household. sponsored by J.M. Finn and Company. In addition, new Church in Sissinghurst would be maintained. smart playing kit is again sponsored by Truplan. With the The group, under the name of the Friends of Sissinghurst refurbishment of the away changing room now complete, the Church, has to be applauded for contributing funds for the club will soon be looking at new projects in order to continue many works carried out on the Victorian building. improving its facilities. Unfortunately, Canon Redman, who was a much-loved Club night runs on Wednesday evenings where all are and respected villager, died and as chairman I can say welcome and practice takes place on the square including he was a very hard act to follow. But it is good to see the the use of a bowling machine, which is very beneficial as well church looking so lovely, thanks to members’ and villagers’ as providing very lots of sporting enjoyment. New players or contributions. members are very welcome and details of all the information Among the many schemes carried out in recent years, concerning the club can be found at www.sissinghurst.play- the Friends have contributed money to such works as the cricket.com Jonathan Gurr painting of the interior, a digital projector, the much- admired parish room improvements, new oak cupboards and roof repairs. The committee is now looking to put money aside this year for a new kitchenette in the newly- extended parish room. With the current house-building in the village, we are hoping that more people will sign up as members and indeed come and join our committee. Please remember to visit our book stall at the village fête on Bank Holiday Monday August 27. It has always been very popular and makes a large annual contribution to our funds. Trisha Fermor, Friends’ chairman. Should you wish to join please contact our treasurer and membership secretary Peter Mellor on 01580 715860.

Nicholas Bussey An exciting new tile & bathroom studio has opened on Carriers Road, ‘Bringing the Cranbrook. Customers can now see what our bathroom studio has to offer best from and experience live demonstrations of our Virtual Reality 4D Theatre. Enjoy your piano the ultimate audio-visual experience by stepping inside a range of traditional for all to and contemporary bathroom designs. enjoy’

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www.classictilesandbathrooms.com Please quote PC1 when you call in Some of the great events eventnews we are rightly proud of! CRANBROOK LITERATURE FESTIVAL

ABOVE FROM LEFT: Jeremy Vine, BBC presenter, journalist and author; Ann Morgan, author and journalist; Natasha Farrant, children’s author; Alison The Sissinghurst Weir, historian and novelist THE PROGRAMME for the September Cranbrook Literature Village Fête Needs you! Festival is really taking shape now with Jeremy Vine, Alison Weir and Davina McCall all making an appearance, along with a THE SISSINGHURST Village the day. We also really need multitude of children’s writers booked for both days. Fête on August Bank Holiday some helpers; could you run Events include writing workshops, lectures, poetry Monday is a traditional a game stall or do a shift on a performances, talks, competitions, a literary quiz and poetry village event with a dog bouncy castle? We particularly busking, plus a pop-up bookshop for the duration of the festival show, displays and children’s welcome any newcomers to in the George Hotel –all taking place on Friday 28 and Saturday games and races, plus stalls Sissinghurst or Cranbrook who 29 September. exhibiting crafts and local would like to get involved. For more details, visit www.cranbrookliteraturefestival.com produce including bees, books, From 1pm the fête gets bunting and bric-a-brac. Stall underway, with the traditional holders are encouraged to tug of war closing the day at book early for a pitch. 4.30pm. SISSINGHURST FLOWER SHOW This year we are appealing Why not be a holder or for some new stall holders helper? Please contact the SOCIETY SPRING SHOW and helpers. Signifi cantly, we fête committee chairman, 24 March, Sissinghurst Primary School don’t ask those selling for a Andy Fairweather, on 07976 fi xed fee or pitch charge. All 290185. The fête is in aid that we ask is for a donation of all Sissinghurst Village based on how well you do on organisations.

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18 Parish Cake • Summer 2018

LARKINS’LARKINS’ ALEHOUSE

Larkins’Larkins’ Alehouse Alehouse is the is thefirst first Micropub Micropub in in Cranbrook. Cranbrook. It’s a placeIt’s a place to meet to meet up withup with friends, friends, chat chat and and enjoyenjoy aa pint pint of of real real ale ale straight straight from from the cask. the cask. Local Local ciders and wines are also available, as are soft drinks. ciders and wines are also available, as are soft drinks. Free from TV, music and mobile phones. Free from TV, music and mobile phones. Check out the daily updated Webpage, Facebook or Twitter pages to see which ales and ciders Checkare out currently the daily available. updated Webpage, Facebook or Twitter pages to see which ales and ciders are currentlyUp and available.coming: Up andWith coming: summer coming, we will be opening our newly refurbished back garden, a place to relax with family and friends. With summer coming, we will be opening our newly refurbished back garden, a place to relax with family and friends. Opening Times:

Monday to Wednesday 12.00 - 9.00pm Opening Times:

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f Larkins’ Alehouse t t 07917@larkinsalehouse 252585 w 07786larkins 707476-alehouse.co.uk e a info@larkins7 High Street,-alehouse.co.uk Cranbrook. Kent TN17 3EB f Larkins’ Alehouse t Members @larkinsalehouseof : w larkins-alehouse.co.uk a 7 High Street, Cranbrook. Kent TN17 3EB

MembersProprietors: of : Mark, Wendy, Kevin & Julie Registered Co: Larkins’ Alehouse Limited Registered Co Number: 10820282 Trading as Larkins’ Alehouse

Proprietors: Mark, Wendy, Kevin & Julie Registered Co: Larkins’ Alehouse Limited Registered Co Number: 10820282 Trading as Larkins’ Alehouse NDP update What do you think? The neighbourhood plan is shaping up. Here Cllr. Nancy Warne highlights some of the emerging policies and invites you to one of ARCHITECTS MILLER DAVID the process’ most important public events

“WHERE PEOPLE Come First” – It’s policies for the plan Your Neighbourhood Plan. This covering Landscape, motto for our Neighbourhood Heritage, Community Development Plan (NDP) came from and Culture, Access resident Dr Peter Tullett, and we and Movement, Housing agree that putting people first is at and Design, Business and ABOVE: Anstley Hall the heart of what we are doing. Employment, and Land Use Barns in Cambridge- shire, an example of a The Neighbourhood Plan is and Social Infrastructure. At farmstead redevel- all about giving residents the the November exhibition you opment

opportunity to shape their own left many comments on these INSET: Landscape future communities through writing emerging policies and they have Workshop

planning policies and having a now been incorporated. RIGHT Arial view of say in where development goes. Cranbrook Everyone gets to vote on the final KEEPING IT GREEN AND plan in a referendum next year, and PROTECTING OUR HERITAGE overdependence on cars, and once adopted, Neighbourhood Plan You told us that the don’t necessarily create a sense of policies will help determine the considerations of landscape and community and neighbourliness. future of all planning applications in heritage protection were top A healthier alternative could the parish. of your list, closely followed by be a mix of high density mixed For 15 months many residents have culture and community, with the housing and business spaces near been involved in helping create a beauty and richness of both our the settlements centres, together vision for the future of our parish built heritage and our landscape with a collection of small-scale through a series of meetings, being what you care about most. developments based on the historic workshops and public engagement It will come as no surprise that so pattern of dispersed farmsteads. events. These have been attended far there are 25 policies in each of These could be connected to the by hundreds of people and huge these chapters! centres by a network of safe and amount of information has accessible footpaths, bridle- and been gathered. Last summer the THE WALKABLE TOWN AND cycle-ways, and, of course, improved volunteers of the NDP Steering VILLAGE public transport. Group (which is made up of parish To create vibrant town and councillors and residents) set up village centres you’ve asked us to BRING LIFE BACK TO THE CENTRE task groups to involve even more of follow the patterns of the historic Some residents are worried about the community to begin to sort out landscape and built heritage. Cranbrook “dying on its feet”. To all this material. Large rambling dormitory housing breath life back into the centre we estates are a relatively modern need to create a space where life can PLAN TAKING SHAPE invention; they are not good for happen and where people want to The group has started to write our health as they encourage be. But that space may already be

20 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 for

LEFT: Postcards in Sissinghurst there, we just need to use it live here. Can’t afford to live in the parish? differently and more flexibly. There are insufficient smaller Perhaps Cranbrook could have homes for older people a new town square which acts wanting to downsize, yet as a focus around which there interviews with local estate could be a community centre, agents confirm that demand restaurants and cafes or a outstrips supply for family- cinema, as well as housing and sized accommodation. businesses. In Sissinghurst a new village hall could open WHERE WILL IT GO? out on to the Jubilee Field and An assessment of 19 sites create more opportunities for across the parish was NO to executive estates the village to come together. undertaken by Jesse Honey, an There are many other spaces, independent assessor funded NO to greedy developers including churches, schools by central government. He NO to disregard for our landscape and vacant shops, which could reported a maximum capacity become venues for a whole of 420 dwellings on those sites. range attractions, encouraging However, TWBC are also people to come into the centre developing their new Local to enjoy themselves and their Plan and think our parish may community. be able to take a much larger share of housing than this HOUSING NEED VS. HOUSING figure indicates (up to c.800). DEMAND It’s at this point I am reminded Our Enterprise Questionnaire of the quote “Houston, we have identified the need for 300 a problem”. We have managed genuinely affordable homes for an agreement with the TWBC those who currently work in Planning Policy department to the parish. Over 70% of people work collaboratively to decide YES to lifetime affordability who work in the parish do not the site allocations. YES to great design YES to profits for the community

We now need you to tell us what you think The Crane Valley Land Trust is changing the Tell us what – two exhibitions have been organised so you think please come and share your views: face of housing in Cranbrook and Sissinghurst St. George’s Institute, Sissinghurst Add your strength – join today • Thursday 28 June, 2pm-9pm • Friday 29 June, 11am -2pm Vestry Hall, Cranbrook • Friday 29 June, 3pm-9pm www.cvlt.org.uk • Saturday 30 June, 9am-3pm 01580 852558

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22 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 feature Still so Much More to do! Trisha Fermor talks to ski instructor turned serial entrepreneur and TV personality, Raj Bisram

ASKING RAJ Bisram what ambitions to be an Olympian. he has done in his life made Because of all the politics in me think it might have been skiing I had to abandon it.” better, and shorter, to ask what However, skiing was always he hasn’t done. his fi rst love and it was in The fi rst Indian ski instructor Elmau, while working for in Austria is the role of which Thomson, that he met his wife- he is proudest. His busy life to-be, Sue, who hailed from has notched up an eclectic mix Benenden. of jobs which included a spell “In Elmau I said I wanted in the army as a PE instructor, to become a ski instructor running a book store with his and was told I had to learn wife, Sue, playing host at his Austrian. I was the only British former restaurant, Woody’s in Stone Street, opening an person out of 50 instructors antiques shop and appearing and some people had never on TV. Not only does he make seen a brown face before,” he regular appearances on Bargain said. His expertise on skis even Hunt, Flog It and Antiques led him to represent India in a Road Trip but he has also been downhill race in Elmau. seen on Eggheads (his team After his marriage, the two lost!) and Countdown. made their home in Cranbrook Several years ago, Raj, now where they brought up their 62, and his family were fl own two daughters Aruna,27, and out to Elmau, Austria, by Jade, 32. holiday company Thomson on “I had always had a love of an all-expenses paid trip to antiques and I even include mark 25 years since he worked it in my list of hobbies,” said for them as a ski instructor and Raj, who also loves cooking, rep at the pretty resort. “it is a passion”, travelling and Born in London of Indian reading.. parents, Raj, who also fi nds “I feel very, very loyal to the time to run the highly- people of Cranbrook. I have successful Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Cranbrook, always loved Cranbrook since I was educated at Highgate fi rst moved here.” School before joining the Royal Proclaiming: “I am British Electrical and Mechanical through and through and I am Engineers. always looking for something “After leaving the army new. I love running my I wanted to become a business but I am not fi nished professional skier and had yet. I want another challenge!”

Parish Cake • Summer 2018 23

feature A New Face at Sissinghurst Castle Trisha Fermor talks to Philip Barnes, the new manager of Sissinghurst Castle Garden

TAKING ON responsibility for one of the most impressed by the teams here and the volunteers. famous National Trust properties in Britain has People have been amazing.” been described by Philip Barnes as “a huge honour With a degree in art history, Mr Barnes said: and privilege”. “Gardens are very much my passion and I have The 47-year-old took over as manager of been coming here from a very early age.” Sissinghurst Castle Garden just days before the As well as Sissinghurst, whose gardens were extensive restoration of the towers was completed created by Vita Sackville-West and Harold in March. Nicolson, Mr Barnes is responsible for the day-to- A Kent man – he once lived in East Peckham day running of Smallhythe Place near Tenterden, but now has a home near Wadhurst – his CV reads Stoneacre near Maidstone, and Lamb House in Rye, like a wish-list of must-see gardens. Among the which has recently undergone restoration work. National Trust treasures where he has worked are Philip Barnes the new manager at “My role is as custodian for all of these Sissighurst Castle with Chet Stourhead, Kingston Lacey and Standen. wonderful places and to ensure Sissinghurst On arrival at Sissinghurst, complete with his remains an internationally admired garden. I am collie x Labrador Chet who enjoys walks around the extensive very conscious of all the work done by previous garden teams estate, Mr Barnes has thrown himself physically into every and Troy Scott Smith, our current head gardener, is taking it back department at the castle to familiarise himself with what goes to Vita’s time and doing a great job.” on. Among his tasks was going out with the rangers putting up And what about the future? “It is not all about having huge fences and seeing how the café and shop work. numbers of visitors. It is about having a sustainable future and He praised the staff and volunteers adding: “I have been very managing peak periods.”

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Parish Cake • Summer 2018 25 feature Cranbrook School Celebrates 500 Years Local historian Peter Allen shares the history of one of the oldest schools in England

THE FOUNDER of Cranbrook pouer children of the towne of School was John Blubery, Cranbroke”. No boy was born, Yeoman of Henry VIII’s Royal and Blubery’s conscientious Armoury at Greenwich, who executors, leading fi gures in lived locally and worshipped at the parish, ensured that his St. Dunstan’s Church. His will will was fully carried out in bequeathed “the chief mansion 1518. Cranbrook parents chose to place of my land” to his widow We know little about the send their sons to the school. during her lifetime and then new grammar school’s earliest This visit gave the townsmen Revival came in the mid- to the grandson he was hoping years. But much is known the chance to obtain a royal Victorian period - a time of for. However, if no boy was about the 1573 visit of Queen Charter for the school, setting access by railways and of born, the “ansion place” and Elizabeth I to the important out the way its governors new educational ideas. In other lands should “founde cloth manufacturing and were to manage it and naming succession, two enlightened a frescole howse for all the exporting town of Cranbrook. it “the Free and Perpetual clerical headmasters cared for Grammar School of Queen their pupils and for broader Elizabeth in Cranbrook” - a education. They greatly name which it retained until expanded the little school, the late 19th century. The especially the number of “grammar,” which it taught boarders. After 1870 the many free to local boys, was mainly new buildings included the Latin grammar, essential for impressive “Big School” and the education of priests and School Lodge, beside and for admission to universities. opposite School House, that Blubery’s “mansion place”, we see today. housing the small new school, By the 1960s, the school had was on the site of today’s about 280 boys, slightly more School House in Waterloo than half of them boarders. Road. It was demolished in Headmaster John Kendall- the 1720s and replaced by Carpenter then persuaded the fi ne Georgian building Kent County Council and we see today: big enough school governors in favour of then to contain schoolroom, a co-educational school, with accommodation for 13+ entry and many more THE STREET, SISSINGHURST TN17 2JG schoolmaster and family and buildings. Highly successful it WWW.THEMILKHOUSE.CO.UK some boarding pupils whose has been, but in recent years fees added to the master’s the number of town children, NEW YEAR, NEW BAR! income. for whom Blubery so cared in However, in Cranbrook as 1518, has shrunk. This caused SUPER COMFY SEATING COSY NOOKS elsewhere, the syllabus was the governors to reduce entry GLEAMING FLOORS slow to broaden and of little age to 11+ from 2017 onwards, COME & SEE FOR YOURSELF use or enjoyment to most with good hopes of reversing boys: by the 1820s hardly any the shrinkage.

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28 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 feature Two Flocks for the Rev Ann “Everyone’s vicar” - Trisha Fermor visits the rectory

WHEN THE new vicar of everybody’s. I like to feel I am Cranbrook took over at St accessible.” Dunstan’s Church she was NB: While chatting to looking forward to caring for Rev Ann in her spacious not one but two flocks - her modern kitchen, I noticed a parishioners and her beloved line of perfect home-grown chickens. butternut squashes, great The inspirational and for homely soup. Rev Ann chatty 61-year-old, who is gave me a great tip which I happy with her title Rev Ann, am happy to pass on. After arrived in the town two years making the soup (peeled and ago and brought her small chopped squash, vegetable/ flock of chickens with her. chicken stock, seasoning) Tame and happy to be picked leave it for a day. On gently up, the brown birds provide reheating, add a good dollop her with plenty of eggs and a of peanut butter, either talking point for visitors. smooth or crunchy. I can Ordained in 2002 at Exeter vouch, it is delicious! Thank Cathedral, Rev Ann said her you Rev Ann. upbringing was “rooted and grounded in the Church of brought Christianity to England. I have just grown up Sussex and taught people to in the church”. She describes fish. her services as “high church “We did 15 to 20 miles a with a light touch” and since day for a fortnight and slept WATERLOO HOUSE TEAROOMS coming to Cranbrook she has on hall floors. I thought I had been revising the communion died and gone to heaven!” booklet, launched a young She has fallen in love with persons’ choir as well as Cranbrook and said: “When introducing Royal School I walked down to the town of Church Music medals from the vicarage I became to choristers and organist quite emotional thinking this Dr Michael Robertson in is all mine. It is such a lovely recognition of their work. town.” e Waterloo House tearooms has a hosting capability of 26 seats with a The former horticulturalist Rev Ann, who is also area further outside seating of 12. Spread out over three oors in a mezzanine who worked for 14 years for dean for eight benefices, is setting overlooking the antique retail section below. Coblands, loves singing and quick to point out that she Our A3 rated kitchen allows us to provide a seasonal menu with more choice more importantly, walking. is the carer of all souls in in hot meals along with sandwiches and classic fried breakfasts, all sourced within the High Street. She has organised numerous the parish of Cranbrook and We use local produce in our menus, from fresh milk and High Street walking pilgrimages, not just attendants at the butchered meat to local and in-house baked cakes and scones, suitable for all including the first one of 90 “Cathedral in the Weald” dietary requirements (GF/Celiac/Lactose intolerant . miles from Uckfield, where which she described as “the Currently Looking for more antique traders to join our team - enquire via email or call. she grew up, to Canterbury. Cranbrook people’s church”. 01580 713802 (we take bookings) Another was 260 miles, She added smiling: “I Two oors of [email protected] antiques to peruse covered in two weeks, am not the chaplain to www.waterloohouseantiquitea.com involving 1,200 pilgrims in St Dunstan’s, I am the Find us at the bottom of Cranbrook high street, towards the windmill memory of St Wilfrid who vicar of Cranbrook so I am

Parish Cake • Summer 2018 29 feature Building Standards to save you Money Cllr. Alison Bunyan explains the parish council’s commitment to energy efficient homes

WOULD YOU like your new a lot more to it, but if you can or refurbished home to cost build to or towards Passivhaus you 90% less to run than a standards you will be able house just built to Building to forget about having a Regulations standards? central heating system, which The Parish Council and the will mean a huge saving in Neighbourhood Development installation and running costs. Plan (NDP) are working on a Oh, and yes, you can still open list of ways to help you to do the windows, despite all the just that, and to make sure that emphasis on air tightness! the major housing developers Also on our the list, in no do the same. Below is a list of particular order: our initial suggestions. • Working chimneys with a We plan to include these direct air supply balanced FARRELLS standards in the NDP (see flue woodburner – wood is pages 20-21), at which plentiful, cheap and CO2 point they would become neural hour to below one air change home without any control. supplementary planning • Solar panels and photo per hour. This also prevents The answer is mechanical requirements. Tunbridge voltaics – free electricity and draughts which is a sign that ventilation with heat hot water is not to be sniffed Wells Borough Council is air can leave the building recovery. This takes the stale at, assuming your roof is already sharing this guide unchecked and wet air from mainly suitable with applicants at the pre- • Insulation – use substantial kitchens and bathrooms • Rainwater recycling application stage: levels of insulation to and passes it through a to minimise water • The ‘Fabric First’ achieve the desirable heat exchanger to warm consumption Approach – get the U-value (the measurement up fresh incoming air for • Reduced sewage by the use envelope(walls, windows, of how much heat can leave recirculation of highly efficient washing doors, floors and roof) right through a surface) • Orientation – as far as machines, dishwashers and • Airtightness – seal all gaps • Ventilation – if you have possible have the largest particularly showers and avoid thermal bridging airbricks, trickle vents and windows facing south (care • The use of local materials where cold can enter via an open chimneys, you are also needs to be taken to to reduce delivery miles uninsulated area. Reduce the allowing warm air to leave make sure that there is no and to help fit in with local number of air changes per and cold air to enter your problem with overheating vernacular aesthetics in summer) and the north • Electric car charging points facing windows should be • Composting areas Premier Property Maintenance small • Outdoor clothes airers Painting Houses Inside & Out Since 1983 • Triple glazing – for • Bat and bird boxes minimal heat loss. We are very enthusiastic • Weatherboard a Speciality to promote excellence in • Windows, Fascias, Roof and Gutters Repaired PASSIVHAUS APPROACH building standards, but we do The points above are the basis also recognise that the cost for ‘Passivhaus’ - a rigorous PAINTWORK THAT LASTS of building will be increased References Fully Insured standard for energy efficiency, by a small amount - but the which results in ultra-low benefits and savings will very energy buildings that require quickly pay everything back Victor Kellett - 01580 240409 / 07905 741416 little energy for space heating and continue to benefit bank www.CranbrookPropertyMaintenance.co.uk or cooling. Obviously there is accounts for decades.

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32 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 SPONSORED FEATURE Join us for Celebrating highlights from an action packed Summer term at Extraordinary the Dulwich Prep Children Open Morning

ulwich Prep Cranbrook is to build confidence and help holding an open morning every child feel the thrill of Don Saturday 23 June for applause, the whole year prospective families to have a look group will be involved in this round and try out some of the exciting production. activities on offer. Try your hand at › The child-led Year 8 Leavers’ coding in the IT room, join in tying Revue is devised and knots, pitching a tent and lighting produced by the children a fire with Dulwich Outdoors Club, later this term, and promises get creative in the art and DT to be a memorable evening. Bewl Water. This term it is all workshops. Or join the audience The Drama Department are things water based including for our drama performances and celebrating an amazing 12 sailing, kayaking and raft- pop-up musical concerts. Drama and Performing Arts building at Bewl Water. Highlights of an action packed Scholarships to leading senior Summer Term at Dulwich Prep schools. DIGITAL GENIUSES Cranbrook so far include: › All the children now learn a EXPRESS YOURSELF IN MUSIC: programming language called › CREATIVE HAPPENINGS IN THE Jazz Band on Tour: The Python and children as young as ART DEPARTMENT: Dulwich Prep Jazz Band will Year 1 are introduced to coding › Nash House (Nursery and be performing at the Wealden within their Computing lessons. Cricket is an exciting innovation Reception) have created jellyfish Times Summer Fair. The children Live feeds and connections aid which has been embraced by paper lanterns, dyed fabrics, will be performing pieces reflection on the lessons taught. the children to sit alongside the and made fish out of willow including Balderdash Blues, › The fantastically popular Coding existing sports provision. and tissue to form a gigantic a simple swing blues where Club this term has seen children › Triathlon at Dulwich: Triathlon chandelier ‘under sea’ installation everyone takes a solo. create computer games and › is incredibly popular, with large – it has major wow factor! The Summer Concert in May code BBC Micro:bits. › numbers of children practising Little Stream projects range gave opportunities for all our › Media Club and especially the three disciplines in Tri Club from Pop Art style number children to express themselves Dulwich TV is very popular. every week in preparation paintings using family birthdays musically and build confidence Children use digital editing for the IAPS National Schools’ inspired by Jasper Johns in Year in a supportive environment. software, report on news around Triathlon, which the school is 2, and pen and ink self portraits From the kinder horn to the the school using their iPads, and hosting for the third year in a in the style of the ‘Green Man’ or ukulele, jazz band to rock band, create content for our insider’s row this June. ‘Mother Earth’ using collage in tribe music to chamber choir, guide to all things at school, › Inspire Alternative Sports Year 4. it’s very important that there is, Dulwich TV. › The Year 8 Leavers’ Project this at the very least, something for Programme: For those that don’t year is based around selfies and everyone. wish to participate in matches an exploration of identity using on Wednesdays, the school MORE INFORMATION large canvases, photography SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS: has introduced an exciting Contact Georgie Labram, and embroidery, inspired by › Boys’ and Girls’ Cricket: Fresh alternative programme of Registrar, registrar@ Maurizio Azerio. from their successful cricket tour outdoor activities for children in dulwichprepcranbrook.org to to the West Country in April, Years 7 and 8. Last term included register for Open Morning DRAMATIC EVENTS: both the boys and girls cricket climbing, assault courses on Saturday 23 June and › Year 5 are busy rehearsing their teams are hosting tournaments at a local outward bounds for further details. www. centre, and mountain biking at showcase performance for at Dulwich this term, alongside dulwichprepcranbrook.org parents and friends. Designed their regular fixtures. Girls’ Bedgebury Forest and around We are a warm, friendly salon in Benenden offering a range of luxury nail, brow and lash treatments.Our team are passionate about providing fabulous natural treatments and the highest levels of customer service. Feel free to pop in for a consultation or visit our website for our full treatment menu and to book online. We very much look forward to welcoming you to our house of luxury nails & brows soon.

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34 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 In the Garden Open For Tea Cakes and Symphytum! GETTY IMAGES Let’s Cook! Crêpes fi lled with gradually adding the rest Mushroom, Ham of the milk, water and oil. Let the mix stand for at and Camembert least an hour. If longer, I have always had a soft cover and refrigerate. spot for Normandy, parts 2 For the fi lling, melt half of which are so like the the butter in a frying pan. Weald with orchards, Add the mushrooms and rolling countryside

GETTY IMAGES a little salt and cook for and woods. A kindly about fi ve mins until all AS A CHILD I reckoned gardening she did not fall into the trap, as we chef once gave me this the moisture is lost. was a boring, adults-only pastime did, of underestimating the number delicious recipe while but little did I know that I would of visitors, 359, having baked only eating in a wonderful 3 In a saucepan melt become so hooked I am now a three cakes! auberge! the remaining butter plantaholic. In Kent this year a record 156 on a low heat. Whisk in Quite how it happened I am gardens are opening, some for just INGREDIENTS the fl our and cook for Serves 4 not sure but when we moved to a one day and others for several. 30 secs without letting For the crêpes: beautiful old Wealden cottage with Gardens range from pocket it colour. Add milk and 125g plain fl our about an acre of what could never handkerchiefs to rambling estates, whisk constantly. Bring to 55g buckwheat fl our the boil, reduce heat and be described as garden I felt we were alms-houses and even Canterbury 2 eggs simmer for 10 mins. Add duty bound to make one. Cathedral’s gardens. The total 8fl oz milk Lawns were encouraged raised last year was an amazing 4fl oz water the cheese and stir until and nurtured, trees planted, a £3million which was split between 2tbsp vegetable oil melted. greenhouse (never big enough) was nine charities including Macmillan 4 Add mushrooms, ham For the lling: installed and numerous beds dug in Cancer Support, Hospice UK, and 3oz unsalted butter and crème fraiche. Taste Wealden clay with no thought for the Parkinson’s UK. 7oz brown mushrooms, and add seasoning as resulting hours of kneeling, weeding, Many of the gardens in our area thinly sliced required. planting, watering and feeding. have already opened this year but 4 slices of the best quality 5 Make the pancakes by Then the inevitable happened: the gates to Goddards Green, Angley ham, cut into small pieces pouring enough batter friends persuaded us to approach Road, Cranbrook TN17 3LR will be 250g Camembert, rind to thinly cover the whole the National Gardens Scheme (NGS). open on Sunday 8 July from 12.30pm removed of the bottom of the pan. 2tbsp crème fraiche By asking people to throw open to 4pm. Sissinghurst Castle Garden Cook until lightly golden Salt and black pepper their gates to the public, the charity will open especially for the NGS on 1 on both sides and stack. has raised gazillions for a wide October from 11am to 5pm. WHAT TO DO 6 Spread the fi lling on range of UK charities. Unknown to Anyone who would like their 1 Put fl our into a mixing each pancake and fold us we would be joining the likes of garden accepted for the scheme bowl, make a well in the into a triangle. Allow two super-cook Mary Berry, the charity’s can contact county organiser Jane middle, add the eggs crepes per person. president, who has welcomed visitors Streatfeild on 01342 850362 or email and a little milk. Whisk Bon Appetite! Emma to her sumptuous garden for years. [email protected] the fl our/eggs while I am sure the fi rst time she opened Penny Royal Fraser

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36 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 Piano Shop Kent.indd 1 13/03/2017 11:04 business A Business Revival In Cranbrook The Cranbrook Business Association’s Hazel Broadley responds to fears Cranbrook is “dying on its feet”

IT WAS interesting to read shops for sale in Cranbrook are planning a special event sessions and events. comments from local business and we need to seize this or promotion, why not get the Our training programme owners in last edition’s article, opportunity to welcome new ball rolling and let us know kicked off with an insightful Is Cranbrook “Dying on its ideas and increase our offering what your business is up to? session on how to prepare for Feet?”. As a committee, we as a town. That said, new the forthcoming GDPR, and we found it really useful hearing businesses are moving into REVIVING THE will also be focussing on topics from those who have been the town all the time, which COMMUNITY SPIRIT such as social media and cyber directly affected by fl uctuating provides an impetus for growth One of the challenges the security. footfall in the town, and and renewal. In the past fi ve former CBA faced was a We are attracting new although we have already been years, Cranbrook has welcomed distinct “retailer vs offi ce- members each week, with 20 out and about chatting to local a range of independent traders based business” divide. The businesses signed up so far. shop owners, we hope to meet including a fancy dress shop, aim of the CBA is to bridge We’re excited to see what more many more of you over the men’s clothing shop, coffee the gap so that all businesses we can achieve this year, but coming months. shop, beauty salon, gift shop, – including shops, offi ces, we can’t do it alone. Therefore, We will be expanding our independent microbrewery, remote businesses and online we’re calling on local business efforts in 2018 to help local restaurant, educational games traders - can benefi t equally owners who have ideas or businesses help each other. The shop, cyber security company, from membership. And we suggestions to join forces aims of the Cranbrook Business two new estate agents and are working to compile a for the good of the town. Association (CBA) are to: a law fi rm, among others. programme of diverse training Businesses – we need you! provide a central hub for local The redevelopment of the businesses to share knowledge Cranbrook Pudding Club as and skills; provide formal and a business networking event informal business-related has attracted between 25-40 more Please email training/advice; support and individuals to Cranbrook each info [email protected] or promote local events. month. visit www.cranbrookbusinessassociation.co.uk The CBA is committed to IS CRANBROOK DYING? supporting more businesses, There are a still a number of and if you have some news or

NEW BATH AND TILE SHOP OPENS MELVIN DAVIES, who survived an horrifi c motor bike crash four years ago, has opened his bathroom and tile shop in Cranbrook. The 63-year-old, who is running the Carriers Road business with daughter, Abby, 25, welcomed his fi rst customers on 12 May. As well as an extensive range of bathrooms and tiles, Mr Davies can offer the very latest bathroom design and planning software including a 4D virtual reality theatre to help potential buyers create their own bathrooms before they are even installed. Many displays are fully wet working, allowing customers to check out the product performance and accessories before they purchase. Trisha Fermor

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38 Parish Cake • Spring 2018 legal

in Court. It would be better to have the arrangement detailed in a Ask our cohabitation agreement. 2. I moved in with my partner, Friendly Experts John, three years ago. We are both in our early 30s. John bought his flat with the help Buss Murton’s Julie Taylor sheds some of his parents. We are now light on cohabitation agreements separating. Do I have a share of the property? FAMILY LAW cohabitation agreement and you If the property is owned by John then he will keep the property My partner and I have been should take legal advice. and if you are not married you living together for 15 years. We Here are two examples Q will likely have no right to claim a are not married but I understand I of situations cohabitation share of the property. If you have have rights as we are in a common agreements could help with: been contributing to the mortgage, law marriage. What are they? 1. I have been living with my upkeep of the house and can show In England and Wales there is partner, Anne, for seven years. this, then you may be able to argue Ano such thing as a ‘common I pay the bills and Anne pays an interest in the property, but law marriage’. Whether you have the mortgage, which is in her this is difficult if there is no prior been living together for one year, name. When we bought the written agreement. It is advisable to 10 years or even 50 years, if you are house, I gave Anne a small talk to your partner and consider a not married, you have no automatic deposit, but the house was cohabitation agreement. legal right over your partner’s bought in Anne’s name. I feel assets. like I am contributing equally so if we separate will I be able WHAT IS A COHABITATION to have a half share in the AGREEMENT? house? JULIE TAYLOR More and more of us are choosing If you are unmarried, not Solicitor, Family and Employment At Buss Murton to live together without getting named as an owner of the property and there is no official Law we offer a married. A cohabitation agreement free 30 minute is a written agreement which paperwork to show how much meeting details how the relationship will you contributed to the purchase for initial work from a financial perspective then you may not have any claim enquiries on any matter of and what should happen if the to a share in the property. Paying bills does not mean you are family law. If relationship breaks down. While you are separating, going through unromantic and something couples contributing to the ownership a divorce, wishing to discuss at the start of a relationship do of the property. You can argue living together or need advice not instinctively think about, it that you have an interest in the on children arrangements please contact Julie Taylor on 01892 will protect both of you by setting property but this can be difficult to prove and it can be very 502 354 or by email jtaylor@ out how savings are to be dealt bussmurton.co.uk with, how the bills are shared, costly to pursue this argument how the mortgage is shared, who owns the property or other assets, and how these will be dealt with if you separate. The purpose is to protect your financial assets for Find Buss Murton Law at further 31 High Street, Cranbrook. the future in a legal document so info 01580 712 215 there is a degree of certainty for the [email protected] relationship. www.bussmurton.co.uk If you are already living with someone, you can still draw up a

Parish Cake • Summer 2018 39 News and views from Cranbrook update & Sissinghurst Parish Council Parish Council Finances Highlights from the report given at the Annual Parish Meeting

THE ANNUAL Parish Meeting was held in Sissinghurst in April Golford Cemetery – paths relayed £2,800 and was attended by over 40 Cranbrook and Sissinghurst residents. The guest speaker was Cllr. Julia Soyke who spoke on Golford Cemetery Chapel – new heating £1,567 the role of Mayor and her chosen charity DAVSS – a West Kent Recreation Grounds – Repairs and Maintenance £1,736 Charity supporting men and women experiencing domestic Play Equipment £10,751 abuse. Chairman Bridget Veitch and all other committee Crane Valley Nature Reserve £3,738 chairmen gave their reports which can be seen on the parish council website. Car Parks – general £35,228 A detailed presentation was given on the fi nancial position Tanyard Car Park – tree work £1,615 for the 2017/18 fi nancial year. The precept for 2017/18 was Amenity Refuse Vehicle £1,245 £325,200 and payments out were £339,861, with £71,480 transferred to earmarked reserves for future projects including Defi brillators £379 £14,775 for the Cranbrook car parks. New Telephone System £1,174 Grants to Voluntary Organisations £8,145 PARISH COUNCIL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE Staffi ng costs including National Insurance and pensions amounted to £99,728. Other signifi cant items of expenditure The above and all our other payments were funded by the were as follows: precept, various grants and monies earmarked in previous years, plus the following income: Insurances £9,635 General Administration £15,606 Bank Interest £1,208 Neighbourhood Plan £25,560 Neighbourhood Plan – Grant £9,000 Street Lighting £10,602 Vestry Hall Hire £21,825 Vestry Hall – Rates & Utilities £8,538 Burial Fees £13,505 Vestry Hall – Repairs, Maintenance & Cleaning £7,707 Play Equipment – Grants £6,933 Vestry Hall – Redecoration £5,250 From Tomlin Murton Playing Field Trust £5,000 Vestry Hall – Cottage Repairs & Maintenance £3,564 Rents received £1,792 General Maintenance of Cemeteries & Church- £1,445 yard and War Memorials (excluding grass cutting) At the end of the year there was £360,325 held as a reserve earmarked for future specifi ed expenditure (including £113,275 Contracts for upkeep of Recre Grounds, £27,852 ation for the car parks). There is also a general cash fl ow fund of Cemeteries & Allotments £151,766. Burial Grounds Business Rates £1,854 The parish council accounts are examined twice a year by St Dunstan’s Churchyard – tree work £16,420 an auditor from KCC and then sent as part of an annual return to the accountants, appointed by the Audit Commission, for Sissinghurst Cemetery – tree work £6,470 approval. Cllr. Brian Swann

40 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 NEW FACE ON THE PARISH COUNCIL A CALL FOR ROBIN BECK, the new member of Cranbrook financing. He has lived in the area since 1993 and Sissinghurst Parish Council, said after and been involved in many organisations. SOME GOOD his election he felt it was up to him to They include being a governor of IDEAS... “bring something to the party”. Sissinghurst Primary School and Co-opted in March, Cllr. chairman of the village tennis TWO FORMER BT Beck, 57, explained his club. In his spare time he telephone boxes are now decision to stand: “I don’t plays golf and tennis and owned by the parish go on to committees to do also enjoys watching sports, council. But what to do nothing. particularly rugby. with them?! We seek “A group of friends and I Cllr. Beck said he had ideas how we might make sat down and moaned and joined the council with no them useful or attractive groaned about what was pre-conceived ideas, adding: in the community. Any going on locally so I thought “I can’t go in with all guns ideas would be much it was time I put my name down. blazing. I have no pre-conceived appreciated and should please be passed onto the I stood before but Kim Fletcher was ideas.” parish council clerk Lori re-elected which was the right thing and in One of his main themes is the need to have Ham. March when the vacancy came up I thought more “hospitality places, restaurants and I’d give it another go.” pubs” in the town. Between 1900 and 1910, he The father of two grown-up children, Cllr. said, there were 30 pubs in Cranbrook. Trisha Beck is in corporate restructuring and re- Fermor

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Parish Cake • Summer 2018 41 local legend lancefrench.com/air GEOFFREY PALSER 01580 852 727 A Q&A with a wartime Spitﬁ re mechanic, as told to Trisha Fermor WHERE WERE YOU BORN? repair outfi t. After the war, I re-joined the Ashford in Middlesex, 95 years ago! London fi rm where I stayed until I retired. WHERE DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL? HOW DID YOU COME TO CRANBROOK? Ashford County School, which was the My wife, Pearl, and I had been living in equivalent to a grammar. What was I good Surrey but did not want to be in busy at? Annoying the teachers! places so we moved to Sissinghurst. We were married for 65 years WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB? and we had two My fi rst and only job was with a very children, Judith and eminent fi rm of commercial property David. She was a agents, Hillier Parker May and Rowden in wonderful wife and the West End. I went up to London on a mother, and I miss WHAT IS THE MAIN Saturday morning, not thinking I would her very much. She HIGHLIGHT OF get the job, and got a letter asking me to died four years ago. YOUR LIFE? start on the Monday. I was with them from Surviving the war and 1938 until 1982. During my time with the WHAT MAKES having a supportive wife. fi rm I became a member of the Institute YOU TICK? of Chartered Surveyors and was given the I like writing and WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TV Freedom of the City of London. drawing. I have self-published a few books. PROGRAMME? I don’t watch much TV but I do like HOW DID YOU BECOME AN AIRCRAFT YOUR PREFERENCE, CATS OR DOGS? Countryfi le and good plays. MECHANIC? Oh defi nitely cats. We had three at one I volunteered for the RAF and I worked time but I don’t think I could have one WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CAKE? on all sorts of planes including Spitfi res, now. I had to give up driving because of my Date and walnut, I don’t like heavy fruit Hurricanes and Mosquitos. I saw service eyes so morally I should not take on a cat, cakes. in Bombay and Calcutta and was also sent but if one came through the door I would WHAT DO YOU DO TO UNWIND? to Dum Dum. We had a camp in the jungle probably give in. I repair things. and slept on charpoys. I was invalided ANY CLOSE SHAVES? out with dysentery and was sent home WHICH DAILY PAPER DO YOU READ? I think the most deadly was on the troop but when I was better I was posted to The Daily Telegraph but there is so much ships. We had the Japanese overhead but Tangmere working on Typhoons. I then rubbish in the way of advertising leafl ets they did not bother with us but bombed went to Germany as part of the occupation on a Saturday I have switched to the Daily the docks in Calcutta instead. force and worked as part of a mobile Mail.

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42 Parish Cake • Summer 2018 lancefrench.com/air 01580 852 727