Ashdown Forest Living May Edition

Living

Covering: Nutley, Forest Row, Danehill, Chelwood Gate, Lindfield, Crowborough (West), Groombridge, Ashurst, Coleman’s Hatch, Fletching, Hartfield, Upper Hartfield, Frant, Sheffield Green, Hadlow Down, Wivlesfield,

Maresfield and other places in & around the Ashdown Forest Area

Business Directory & Community Magazine serving the Residents of Ashdown Forest & nearby

May2011|FREE

Diary of a Poohologist

Ashdown Forest Festival

Cricket at Sheffield Park

Ashdown Forest

Front Cover photo courtesy of Dave Brooker © www.mappingideas.co.uk

2•AshdownForestLIVInG

May2011 • Ashdown Forest Living [email protected] • tel: 01342 300152

All Prices Exclude VAT. Free Delivery for orders over £150 + VAT

PRICE BUSTERSPRICE BUSTERSPRICE BUSTERS

Mid-Sussex Timber supplying an excellent service and great products at a competitive price.

www.mstc.co.uk

Forest Row:Station Road,

RH18 5EL T: 01342 822191

East Grinstead: Railway Approach,

RH19 1BY T: 01342 317470

Haywards Heath: College Road,RH16 1QW

T: 01444 413413

Crowborough: Ballards Yard,

Park Road, TN6 2QS T: 01892 652725

1. 47x150 Regularised (45x145mm) C16/C24 Treated £2.20 mtr

2. 47x100 Regularised (45x95mm) C16/C24 Treated £1.45 mtr

3. 32x150 Decking Grooved/Reeded £1.99 mtr

4. 21x145 Composite Decking (Nat Brown) 4.8m £32.25 ea

5. New Softwood Sleepers 2400x200x100mm £19.90 ea

6. Plantex Anti-Weed Membrane 1x14m Roll £13.49 ea

7. Plantex Anti-Weed Membrane 2x25m Roll £37.99 ea

8. Dextra Decking Screws 20% off list

9. 10mm Shingle Bulk Bag £32.75 ea

10. 10mm Shingle 25kg Bag £1.50 ea

11. Warnham Red Stock Bricks £195 per thou

12. Shuttering Structural WBP Plywood 18mm £21.95 ea

13. Flexi MDF 2440x1220x6mm £21.95 ea

14. Flexi MDF 2440x1200x9mm £27.50 ea

15. External FLB Door 762x1981mm £49.95 ea

16. External FLB Door 838x1981mm £49.95 ea

Mstc-A5-March11.indd 1 10/04/2011 14:43:57

AshdownForestLIVInG•�

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when responding to adverts • May2011

Roofing repairs

Testimonial:

“It is with pleasure that I recommend Paul and Allzones Roofing Services. We encountered a problem at our residence over the last winter during the large snowfall with an ingress of water in two dormer window areas. We requested quotes from two well known roofing companies and were told we require a completely new roof at an exorbitant sum of money. Thank goodness we had someone refer us to Paul. He identified the problem as being poorly fitted felt and loose tiles which were pushed up by the snowfall & freezing weather. He and his men attended immediately and corrected the situation at a fraction of the cost quoted by the previous two companies

It is truly wonderful to meet a tradesman who is not only extremely honest but very proud of the work he performs. I am quite confident that any who employs this company will be very pleased with the final result.”

Yours truly,Richard ReussIndependent Business ConsultantForest Row

Flat roof repairs

Flat roof boarding

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Building Refurbishment

Chimneys

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• Tiled & Flat Roofing, renew/repair

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01342 315250 07851 421104www.allzonesroofing.com

�•AshdownForestLIVInG


Contents

Cricket comes home to Sheffield Park 6

The Brambletye Hotel 8

Evolution, Climbing 10

Diary of a Poohologist 12

Gardening Tips 18

what’son 20

Ashfest 21

Ashdown Forest Rangers Report 22

Dear ResidentsWelcome to the May Edition of the Ashdown Forest Living.

“The Diary of a Poohologist,” is a new feature which brings us news of surely the most famous and well-loved of all fictional & non-fictional characters related to Ashdown Forest – Winnie-the-Pooh.

Sheffield Park, bordering Ashdown Forest to the South, is firmly etched into Cricket history; we have a fascinating feature that tells all.

Ashfest, The Ashdown Forest Festival, will be a great occasion for all the family to enjoy the beautiful area that we live in and connect to nature! For more information see page 21.

If you’re a community group or local charity do get in touch with us.

Please mention the Ashdown Forest Living when you use any of our advertisers.

And thank you for all the feedback, it’s all welcome.

With Best Wishes,

Tally & Chris

The Ashdown Forest Living Team www.ashdownforestliving.co.uk

This publication

uses vegetable based inks on chlorine free

paper

Ashdown Forest Living Notice: Ashdown Forest Living prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Ashdown Forest Living, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher.

© Copyright Ashdown Forest Living 2011. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

HAIR & MAKE UPARTISTCHRISTINA JESSELBased in Forest Row

• Weddings • Proms • Parties • Photoshoots • Film

20 Years Experience working in London, Sussex & Kent

View my site for a beautiful collection of portraits.

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Shoes, hats & handbags

Friendly helpful advice

We stock:Condici, Frank Lyman,

Michaela Louisa, Jonny Q, FDJ, Amazing Woman Jeans, Jensen

Women, Marble, Pomodoro

Come on - spoil yourself!



Advertising with Ashdown Forest Living

“Not advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark. Only you know what you’re doing.”

“Wonderful to have a

magazine centred directly

around people who love

Ashdown Forest. It has

brought a steady stream of

enthusiastic customers to my

door, most of whom I know

will be back for more. Worth

the investment for effective

advertising”.

Juliet Murray/Cogcraft”

“After advertising in the ‘East Grinstead living’ and having such good results, I jumped at the chance to have an ad in the ‘Ashdown living’ when I heard about it. The fact that it is delivered by the Royal Mail means it gets to all those properties in and around the Ashdown Forest area that are hard to reach. This was proved to me when I won a job in Crowborough, at a house with 1km driveway! I’ve had great results advertising in this publication and will continue to do so for as long as it is around.” Matt Merrell, MRM Plastering and Building

Reach 17,000 households in Ashdown Forest Area01342 300152 or 07930 251799

www.ashdownforestliving.co.uk

Stunning Original Paintings

Beautiful paintings of Ashdown Forest & Sussex by pastel artist Juliet Murray

Also antique prints & framing service South East Arts Open Studio 3rd – 19th June – see events page

Cogcraft Concepts, Forest Bank Farm, Clockhouse Lane, Nutley TN22 3NZ

Open by appointment: 01825 712565On-line Gallery:www.cogcraft.co.uk

6


In early summer there is nowhere quite as beautiful as the historic National Trust Garden at Sheffield Park, particularly if you love cricket. Beyond the mirror lakes and spectacular rhododendrons lies a very special place and one almost forgotten. Almost but not quite. Walk through the gardens and you will be walking through cricket history.In Victorian England this was a very special ground, a showpiece for the popular game of cricket and the crown jewel of the Third Earl of Sheffield. Historians tell us that cricket emerged before then in the villages and Country houses of the Weald but in Victorian times it moved up a league and helped build bridges between Nations. Henry North Holroyd, Third Earl of Sheffield was a modest cricketer but loved the game and used his newly inherited wealth and position to become one of the most important patrons of the time. One of the first things he did on inheriting the three thousand acre Sheffield Park estate was to construct a new cricket ground and make it into one of the most beautiful in the country.

Lord Sheffield`s teams and local clubs played here and

scorecards tell of epic battles between Fletching, Newark and others but the Earl had loftier ambitions. Three times he was President of Sussex County Cricket Club and he personally brought in well known players to improve the County`s performance and even to help pay for the acquisition of the present County Ground at Hove. Such was his commitment that he persuaded the cricket authorities to allow first class fixtures to be played on this country house cricket ground. On perhaps the most famous of these occasions-11th May 1896- 25,000 people came to see the Prince of Wales, WG Grace and the Australians and the hospitality flowed. Such was Lord Sheffield`s generosity that nobody ever paid to watch cricket on this ground.

In another such act he organised, managed and financed England’s tour to Australia in 1891/92. Grace captained the side and it proved so successful that in appreciation of Australia’s great hospitality, Lord Sheffield donated £150 for the benefit of Australian cricket. With this money the Australian cricket authorities commissioned the famous Sheffield Shield played

for as a trophy in domestic, colonial and later State cricket.

Since the Second World War the ground had been lost to Canadian Army Nissan Huts, trees, wheat and mud dredged from the lakes .

For many years the National Trust aspired to restore and reuse this lovely ground. Now thanks to the previously homeless Armadillos Cricket Club and the support of The MCC and Sussex County Cricket Club this has finally happened. A considerable effort in 2008/09 saw the restoration completed in time for a match between Old England and Lord Sheffield’s Australian X1 to commemorate the Centenary of the death of Lord Sheffield and all he did for cricket. Fittingly the Sheffield Shield was brought here for the match. Almost as good, England beat the Australians in the Ashes Tour!

For lovers of this famous old ground there is to be another historic match on 17th July 2011 between Jim Parks Old England team and one from India.

Sheffield Park and Garden is open every day (garden only closed Christmas Day) from 10.30am. For full details please call 01825 790231 or visit nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark

Cricket comes home to

Sheffield Park



Cricket comes home to

Sheffield Park

SUMMER FAMILY ADVENTURESLearn to Climb Indoors & Outdoors*

Bouldering • Roped Climbing • Abseiling

Birthday PartiesBrilliant fun with the stress taken out!

Half Day & Full Day Courses or “Just turn up and climb”

NEW Summer holiday student pass (6-18 yrs)

unlimited visits for just £40

01892 862924www.evolutionindoorclimbing.co.uk

*outdoor climbing must be booked in advance

Meals from only£1.95

Delicious meals,friendly delivery

FREE Nationwide

Delivery

LP10

We deliver so much more than tasty meals

To request your FREE brochure call

01732 860 018 To shop online visit www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com


“There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast”

Personally frequented by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Brambletye Hotel was indelibly immortalised in the short story Adventure of Black Peter from which our above famous quote was taken. Sherlock Holmes and his trusted companion Dr. Watson reside at the “Brambletye Inn” while investigating the gruesome murder of Black Peter.

Black Peters Restaurant & Bar is now the proud namesake of this most famous Forest Row based murder mystery. The Brambletye Hotel’s link to it’s undoubtedly most highly celebrated patron thereby lives on.

Established in 1866, it has recently been beautifully restored and has 20 ensuite bedrooms, Bar, Restaurant and large car park to the

rear with an enclosed seated patio.

The restoration, while giving a fresh, vibrant & aesthetic appeal has does not detract from the warmth & charm of Brambletye’s 19th century identity.

Recently scoring highly in the local area’s food inspections, Brambletye’s new chef offers fresh daily specials, using local meat and produce.

We couldn’t help but mention a few mouth-watering examples from their menu:

Mushroom, Brie & Cranberry Wellington with potato wedges & crispy salad.

Salmon Supreme in a white wine, crayfish & rocket sauce, creamy mash, vegetable medley

8

© Mementoes



“There can be no question, my dear Watson, of the value of exercise before breakfast” Crispy pork belly with creamy mash, savoy cabbage & whole grain mustard sauce

Plus (of course) home-made desserts from just £3!

With 3 function rooms it’s also an ideal venue for family gatherings, casual/formal meetings, christenings, funerals, weddings and even children’s parties.

So if you would like some fabulous hospitality then visit the Brambletye Hotel for a sumptuous meal or more just as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle did all those years ago.

Tel: 01342 824144 The Square, Forest Row, E. Sussex, RH18 5EZwww.brambletyehotel.co.uk

Step Into Spring

Clothing collectionsfrom Pomodoro,In Town, Cozzi and Signature

Shoes and sandals featuring the latestcatwalk trends

Large selection ofaffordable accessoriesfrom bags to jewellery

Free, easy parking nearby

www.suitables.co.uk

suitables of lingfield

01342 832567

CLIMBING One of the fastest growing activities in the UK

Try Something Exhilarating, Exciting, Energising… Something New!

Between Crowborough and Groombridge at Lye Green, stands an apparently unassuming large barn and a group of equally innocuous outbuildings. These buildings house the South East’s leading, state-of-the-art, indoor climbing centre, Evolution. The Centre is a result of 50 years of the Tullis family’s dedication & passion to climbing.

Their impact on the Kent and Sussex climbing scene has been witnessed locally & equally worldwide. Julie Tullis is remembered as the first British woman to climb K2. Together with husband Terry they started Terry’s Festerhaunt, ‘The’ centre for climbers in the South East.

Son Chris and Grandson Matt have continued the tradition through their climbing centre, Evolution.

From Age 6 to 96, absolute beginner or experienced climber there is something for you. The whole family can enjoy a competitively priced fun day indoors & out, where expert coaching is available and where the more experienced can hone their skills. What’s more there’s no need to book just turn up and climb for as long as you like (indoors). You won’t know how good it is until you’ve tried it!

Here are just some of what Evolution offers:

Evolution’s ‘Junior Bouldering Academy - Running every Sunday morning and offering professional rock climbing coaching to all children aged 6-16. The Kids love it! The challenge, sense of achievement and making new friends.

Children’s Birthday Parties - A real adventure full of excitement. Something they

won’t forget, kids love it and their party will be managed right down to specially selected food if required.

Evolution’s Summer Holiday Courses – For Ages 6-16, half & full day indoor and outdoor adventures available on a Pick’n’ Mix basis. These innovative courses teach children new skills, bolster their confidence and help them make new friends.

New for 2011- Summer School Holiday special student pass allows unlimited visits for just £40 (Ages 6-18).

Adult Academy – For Mums and Dads who want to have a go at climbing, every Wednesday (term-time) from 9.30 to 11am, it costs just £5!

If you and/or your family want to try something new & have fun then just give them a call or simply show up. Call: 01892 862924, visit:www.evolutionindoorclimbing.co.uk Evolution, Lye Green, Crowborough, East Sussex,TN6 1UX.

Special Offer for Ashdown Forest Living Readers: Enjoy a 10% one-off reduction on any Club Day, Course charge or Holiday Course.

Alternatively enjoy 20% discount on the normal ‘just turn up & climb’ rate. (offer does not apply to student pass.) Mention your discount code: AFLRMW 11 or bring in this publication. Offer ends June 30th 2011.

Chris Tullis, Owner Evolution


AshdownForestLIVInG•11


Homelife Care LtdEXCELLENCE IN DOMICILIARY SERVICES

Homelife Care provides a wide range of services to help improve quality of life and meet changing

needs to enable clients to remain within the comfort of their own home

SERVICES WE OFFER

• Provide visits for all aspects of personal care and activities of daily living • Light domestich duties

• Shopping • Cooking/Meal preparation • Washing/Laundry/Ironing • Companionship • Respite for carers

• Post operative convalescence following discharge from hospital or nursing home • Handyman service • Accompanying to appointments • Emergency on call

service for all out of office hours

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from help at home, please contact our dedicated Care Team for an informal and confidential chat

2 Beechview Parade, Walshes Road, Crowborough, TN6 3RATel: 01892 662444 Tel/Fax: 01892 662333,

Email: [email protected]

TLC Nurses Helena & Melanie offer a local caring & friendly nursing service in the

comfort of your own home.

General nursing & respite care.

Post discharge from hospital & help after an illness or fall.

Personalised for your needs, no job too small.

Helena & Melanie are fully qualified nurses with 25 years experience.

Fully Insured for peace of mind.

Local to the Ashdown Forest Area.

We offer practical help to assist you to maintain quality of life.

Ring for a free no obligation assessment:

01892 740940

••

•

•

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Nursing Carein the Comfort of your own home

GET FIT IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME

“Before I contacted Hire Fitness, I was not feeling good about myself, and was rather overweight. I am really busy and don’t have time to go to the gym. I hired 3 pieces of equipment for 3 months and Michael kindly threw in the

rower for free. It has been hard work but really satisfying to lose weight and to have a new outlook on life. Even my wife says that she quite fancies me, so that can’t be bad! Thank you Hire Fitness.” Jamie, Sussex

Michael Wall, established his Hire Fitness business 3 years ago & has built up a large portfolio of clients hiring & selling fitness equipment for use in the home He also supplies commercial equipment to gyms, offices, salons and studios.

People are increasingly choosing to hire in their homes for many reasons, most often for convenience & lack of time or inclination to go the gym. Parents can also look after their children whilst they exercise at home. All Hire Fitness models are of the highest quality, robust, good looking, with excellent computer functions. There is a hire- to- buy scheme where clients can try a machine prior to making a purchase. The Power Plate is his most popular model, it can burn 350 calories in 10 minutes. Other benefits include cellulite busting, improved blood circulation, stronger bones but most of all – improved toning.

Call Michael at Hire Fitnesson 0845 094 2292 or 07932 139386 or email on [email protected]

There is every chance that somewhere, carefully hidden away, there are a number of unpublished manuscripts written by A.A.Milne on the subject of his son Christopher Robin and his childhood toy, Winnie-the-Pooh. It may be a slim chance but a chance nonetheless. I have spent much of my life involved with Winnie-the-Pooh and I have met many interesting people that were one way or another connected with him. The Pooh stories became real for me when I first heard them read by the actor Norman Shelly many years ago. His readings were broadcast in Children’s Hour on the BBC light programme. Many years later, I met Norman and he took tea with me at Pooh Corner, my little shop in Hartfield. “Where are my recordings?” he said, with a hint of incredulity in his voice. He gave me the name of the record company and I quickly put the matter right! One of the delights of hearing the stories being

read was the piano music played to accompany the Hums. The pianist was David Davis known to Children’s Hour listeners for many years as ‘Uncle David’. I eventually met David at an event held by a local music society in Withyham and heard him play live. We talked afterwards and listening to his voice I was transported back to my childhood; it was an unforgettable experience.

At the time of my childhood, other than listening to the wireless, a child’s first introduction to Winnie-the-Pooh would either be from reading the books or having them read to you. Nowadays, there are videos, DVDs, the cinema and of course television. It would be fair to say that there is no escape from Pooh & Piglet; virtually every shop in every High Street in the world will have something that relates to Winnie-the-Pooh. This has much to do with the industrious work of the Walt Disney Company

but when you get right down to it, the simple truth is that regardless of how you were introduced to him, everyone loves Winnie-the-Pooh. So for me the Pooh stories first became real when I first heard them on the radio but they became special and enchanted soon after I moved to Hartfield in Sussex. I then created the Pooh Corner shop and embarked upon my own expeditions into the real Pooh Country – Ashdown Forest. The rolling heathland of the Forest is steeped in ancient history and is truly beautiful throughout all the seasons. During these happy times I have had the pleasure of meeting and guiding thousands of Pooh fans from all over the world. Fortunately, I also met Christopher Milne himself and, as I say in the dedication to my little booklet, ‘The Official Pooh Corner Rules for playing Poohsticks’: “The memories of our all too few meetings will always bring a smile to my face and a glow to my heart.”

Diary of a Poohologist

Ashdown Forest resides in the hearts of many a person the world over as the home of their much-beloved childhood story character, Winnie-the-Pooh.In light of the recent release of the new Pooh movie and because our publication is the namesake of this

wonderful area – Ashdown Forest - we asked Mike Ridley, Hartfield resident, official “Poohologist” & creator of Pooh Corner to give us a greater insight for our readers. Here is an extract from his unpublished book, ‘Scribbles from the Pooh Corner Diaries’.

Mike Ridley creator of Pooh Corner

12


AshdownForestLIVInG•1�


Yew Lodge

Visit our web site: www.yewlodge.co.uk or contact us at: Yew Lodge, Felcourt Road, Felcourt, East Grinstead, RH19 2JX.

T. 01342 870003. E. [email protected]

A fabulous venue for your social events Weddings, Birthday parties, Anniversaries

Also try us for Sunday luncheon the last Sunday of each month

Penumbra Blinds & Solar Control Ltd are specialists in design, manufacture, supply & installation of a huge range of Internal & External blinds & Awnings, many produced at our Pembury factory. For a free, no obligation quotation and survey or to visit our fully equipped showroom please call:-

01342 349819 (Sales) or

01892 825522 (Factory) Tel: 01892 825522 E-mail: [email protected] www.penumbrablinds.com

Unit 2 Albans Farm, Romford Road, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells TN2 4BB

TERRAZZA

YOUR LOCAL BLIND COMPANY!

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From This To This

LALI & KATE BUILDING LTD. Building service

kitchen and bathroom fittingdecking work painting & decoration

Tiling-wooden flooringunder floor heating wallpapering

Over 17 years experience 079 0909 1483

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Aloe VerA – For optimum HeAltH

MY STORYI was on Steroids because I had been diagnosed

with Osteo Arthritis in my hand. The fingers were very swollen and painful. This medication I was given

caused me to put on 2 stone in weight. Last June I discovered Aloe Vera Freedom drink and I am now

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on my website – Rosie WainwrightAloe Vera can offer relief for many conditions such as IBS, Arthritis, Psoriasis, Asthmas, etc.

Call: 01825 712883 www.rosiewainright.myforever.biz



Marie-AgnèsCasalini

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Situated at the base of the skull, a misaligned Atlas bone can disrupt the normal flow of information between the brain and the body causing numerous painful and medical conditions. Such conditions as: recurring back pain, stiff neck, migraines, joint pain in the hips and/or knees, trapped nerves & more.

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Free Parking • Affordable Prices • Friendly ServiceOld Station House, London Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1ETTel: 01342 315298Website: www.familychiropracticsussex.co.uk





Dear Home owner,

May I take this opportunity to introduce myself and my company.

My name is David Penny, I am the director of Woodstock Construction. We are a local building company based near to the Ashdown Forest area with over 30 years experience. We are a multi-trade building team covering all aspects from a new garden gate to a full extension. We have a flexible work force that work from your plans to an outstanding finish, swiftly and tidily. All work is fully insured & guaranteed.

We cover:

Extensions • Loft Conversions Kitchens and Bathrooms installed • Carpentry Roofing • Leadwork • Bricklaying • Plumbing

Electrics • All Aspects of Building work

Call for friendly, helpful advice & a free quotation.

01444 831269 or 07961 123054Woodstock Construction

References can be given on request or viewing of nearby previous jobs if required.

www.woodstockconstruction.co.uk

“Woodstock completed our beautiful extension this year on time and on budget, we were most impressed by their attention to detail, politeness and tidiness. David, the director, promised us it would be completed

in 12 weeks which, give a day or two, it was. We would certainly recommend them to anyone. They are a very friendly team

and are anxious to provide what you require with a high standard of finish.”

Mr & Mrs McLean, Cuckfield

MRM Plastering and Building Services

• All aspects of plastering/rendering

• Carpentry• Brickwork• Tiling• Patios• Windows & Doors• Extensions • Property Maintenance• Fully Insured

Fast, reliable, quality serviceFor free quotes or advice

Tel.01342 323425Mob.07798664293

Proud Members of The Guild of Master Craftsmen

Gardening Tips for MAYArticle by Michael Dongray, Imberhorne Lane Nursery Proprietor

50% off any plant at Imberhorne Lane Nursery Valid until 31th May 2011

Please present voucher when paying.One voucher per customer. Does not include special offers.

GIFT VOUCHER

Imberhorne Lane NurseryImberhorne LaneEast Grinstead RH19 1TZPhone: 01342 321 175

FruitRemove surplus raspberry shoots, leaving only the strongest and give plants good mulch. Spray tree and soft fruit against pest and diseases. Be careful not to spray on open blooms, as pollinating insects may be present.

VegetablesMain crop potatoes not yet planted must be put in as soon as possible. Early potatoes may be “earthed up”. Continue to make sowings of Lettuce, Radish, Beet, Carrots and Runner and French Beans may be sown, along with Spinach, Swede and later in the month Sweetcorn. Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage and Celery plants may be planted out when they have been “hardened off”.

18•ArtICLe

BulbsIn late May, after the soil temperature has warmed, plant summer flowering bulbs such as Gladioli. Dahlia tubers can also be planted now. Remove dead flower heads from Daffodils, Hyacinths and Tulips.


TRENCHER & MINI-DIGGER GILES SWIFT

Field & Garden DrainageDitching & Earth Moving

Water SuppliesPaddock Reseeding

Tel: 01892 864754

Pete PayneGardener/Handyman

All Your Garden Needs

Mob 07971 696366Tel 01342 305109

LawnsWeather permitting; grass should now be cut at least once a week. Feeding the Lawn will be beneficial. If weeds are present then use a combined weed and feed. Seeding bare patches can also be carried out.



FreePhone:0808 1081666

See our large selection of doors at our showroom

Design your own door online and receive a

large discount

sussexdoors.comFree no obligation quotation at your home

10 Year Insurance Backed Guarantee Choice of Colours & Glass Designs

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For FREE Home Visitsand Advice, Estimates & Fitting

Buy Direct and Save £££’s Please call for an appointment

Elizabeth Designs01342 301060



What’s On – May 2011

20•whAt’son


FRENCHTUITION

Adults & Children

Exams • Conversation • BusinessI am a native French tutor.

Home visit availableExperienced • Caring • Patient

CRB checked.

Christine07957 418008

[email protected]

MONDAy, 9TH MAySussex Family History Group. 7 for 7.30 pm at Luxford Day Centre, Uckfield. Admission Free. Refreshments available. Guest speaker will be Johnnie Johnson on ‘Superstitions’.TUESDAy 10TH MAyHOMEOPATHy FOR CHILDBIRTH – free talk with Gill Marshall, aimed at pregnant women & birthing partners. this talk will teach you how homeopathy can help you. Handout included. For further information: 01342 822408 or [email protected]. Talk starts 7.30pm at Ashdown Natural Health Clinic, 1 Hartfield Road, Forest Row. SATURDAy 14TH MAyThe Hospice in the Weald Plant Fair and Farmers Market takes place from 10am to 2pm at the Hospice in Maidstone Road, Pembury. There will be hundreds of plants, herbs, trees and shrubs for sale at bargain prices! Farmers Market selling delicious local produce. For further information please call 01892 820508. Mansion Market. A wide variety of stalls offering delicious fresh produce from local farms, organic bakery, interesting and unusual crafts, etc. There are puppet shows for children and all-day cafe. Kidbrooke Park, Priory Road, Forest Row, 11.00am - 4.00pmTUESDAy 17TH TO SUNDAy 22ND MAyCoppice Week - A Training Event to Celebrate Traditional Local Woodland Craft. Make traditional products from our coppiced woodlands. Tel: 07870 162504 or e-mail at [email protected] WEDNESDAy 18TH MAy Burrswoods first Charity Golf day will be held at Crowborough Beacon starting at midday, teams will be offered bacon rolls and coffee before attempting the challenging 18 hole course. The day will culminate in a Carvery Dinner and Charity Auction. For more information or to book your ticket please call Richard Warner on 01892 865982.THURSDAy 19TH MAyNational Garden Scheme Open Day - Vachery Forest Garden. 11 – 5pm, with GUIDED WALKS from Folly Bridge at 11am, 1 & 3pm. A hidden gem of Ashdown Forest. It comprises of a string of lakes, sluices and weirs with a Folly Bridge, a ‘gorge’ of Cheddar Gorge limestone landscaped by Gavin Jones in 1925. Admission £3.00 per adult, children free, dogs on leads welcome.FRIDAy 20TH & SATURDAy 21ST MAyNational Garden Scheme. Caxton Manor: Adele & Jules Speelman. Admission £4-children free. Homemade teas. 2 – 5pm. Delightful Japanese inspired gardens, planted with mature Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Acers surrounding large pond with boat house, massive rockery and waterfall beneath the home of the late Sir

Archibald Mcindoe (House not open). New for 2011-Japanese teahouse and miniature Japanese garden. Wall Hill, Forest Row, RH18 5EGSATURDAy 21ST MAyVillage Market. Chelwood Gate Village Hall, Beaconsfield Road. Tasty offerings from local producers including meat, juices, jams, pies, pastries and cakes will be on sale alongside cards, baby wear, local pictures, jewellery, crafts etc. Cafe. Raffle. A friendly venue. 10am-2pm 01825 740004AshFest - The Ashdown Forest Festival See our article for more information.SuNDAy 22ND MAy50th anniversary of the formation of the Friends of Ashdown Forest. To celebrate there is an open afternoon at the Forest Centre, Wych Cross, 2-5pm, Display showing key events and achievements. Alll welcome. Tel: 01892 611414 or email ashdownfriends @aol.com.3RD - 19TH JUNEOpen Studio at Cogcraft, Clockhouse Lane, Nutley. Come & view the pastel landscapes of renowned Ashdown Forest artist, Juliet Murray. See how it’s done and what materials are used. Complimentary tea/coffee. All welcome. Daily 10am - 5pmNote Closed 9th/10th/13th June. 01825 712565 www.cogcraft.co.ukSATURDAy JUNE 4TH Uckfield Art Group: Sale and Exhibition of original paintings and greeting cards. Home-made refreshments and children’s craft table. Free entry. 10am -4pm at the Luxford Centre, (main car park). Uckfield, TN22 1AR 01825 765021 www.uckfieldartgroup.co.uk Crowborough Retailers Association is running its fourth Family Fun Day from 9am to 5pm. Pitches are £40. Contact Jenny Rickwood on 01892 654984 or email [email protected] 7TH JUNE 1st Annual Public Meeting at 7:30pmAn annual meeting open to all Forest residents. Please meet at the Education Barn at the Forest Centre at 7:30pm FRIDAy 17TH JUNEMoonlight Walk: Come and join us for our largest annual fundraising event. All welcome. For entry forms please call 01892 820508 or download a form from our website www.hospiceintheweald.org.uk All proceeds to Hospice in the Weald.

AshFest RECONNECTINg WITH NATURE

Screens! Apparently we can’t get enough of them these days from ipads to ithis & ithat. Our obsession with them has undoubtedly added to the much bandied-about thought that we’ve now, “lost touch with nature”. Ashfest, The Ashdown Forest Festival for all the family, promises to be the perfect antidote! Here’s the lowdown:Ashfest is an educational and celebratory family event, open to children of all ages but especially suited to children aged 5-11yrs. It’s aims are to increase the understanding of the history and culture of Ashdown Forest in a fun & creative way. It’s free to attend and all of the activities within are absolutely free!What will I find if I visit AshFest?East Sussex Archaeology and Museums Partnership: try your hand at using a Stone Age style bow and arrow, learn how to create fire with only the spark from a flint, discover the huge variety of wild food to be found on the forest and see the recreation of a Stone Age house.• Same Sky arts partnership:- The Ready Steady Draw charcoal drawing challenge; fun and lively charcoal drawing class for children (and adults), be amazed at how much you can draw in thirty seconds with guidance from our expert art tutor!- Make a Laurel leaf or sheep’s ‘horn’ headdress to wear in the evening procession and take home and keep.

- Make a felt emblem to hang on the giant hebridean sheep sculpture at the end of the procession.

• Sussex Wildlife Trust: hands on bushcraft skills for kids and a chance to make your own charcoal drawing stick (which could you could use at Ready Steady Draw!)

• Children are invited to bring a home made shepherd’s crook to enter in our crook competition; prizes include a top of the range art box and a free education session at Ashdown Forest for the lucky winner’s whole school class!

• Woodland craft tours: AshFest is running alongside Coppice Week, a week long exposition of traditional woodland skills, although Coppice Week is for grown ups only, we have arranged special tours to see the woodland crafts being demonstrated.

Wood-fired oven Pizza available throughout the day as well as tea & cakes.

At 3.30pm everyone will gather at the visitor centre for the judging of the shepherd’s crooks. We will then set off on a colourful, musical procession across the forest, led by the Romanian folk brass band, Fanfara.

After the short procession we will arrive at the giant hebridean sheep sculpture for the grand finale at 4pm.

Saturday 21st May, 12-4pm, the Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre, Wych Cross

Lindfield Arts Festival will take place on May 14th and 15th with live performance, fine arts, crafts, foods and workshops throughout the village.

Among the many exhibitors and performers taking part this year will be: Can Control, Yellowtale Theatre Company, etc. with the Sunday finale performed by Vivace!

Latin rhythms will resound around the village as hundreds of people take to the common to attempt the world record for the most dancers ever taking part in a single Zumba® class. A guinness Book of World Records adjudicator will be on hand to see if the record is made, and monies raised will be split between Chestnut Tree House and St Peter & St James hospices.

Chestnut Tree House, the only children’s hospice in Sussex, is the beneficiary of the event.

For further information about the festival, please visit www.lindfieldartsfestival.com

21

Index: Support Local Business


This month marks the beginning of the summer work on the Forest, weather permitting. We have resurfaced ten forest car parks with the help of Adrian Scott of Scott Plant Hire. Spring is well underway and I drive home in amazement at the daily transformation from winter to summer. Sheep are out on the grazing areas (dog walkers beware) and we have put the chainsaws away for another year because the birds have started nesting. So it is official, winter is over ! Things for you to look forward to on the forest :

Ashdown Forest Coppice Week at Broadstone Scout Camp 17 May. Watch traditional charcoal burners, try your hand at making tent pegs, besom brooms and clog making. Or even step back 9,000 years and see the Mesolithic house. The Vachery Garden is open under the National Garden Scheme from 19th May.

There is the annual pilgrimage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award across the forest. I watch countless teams of young people hiking across the North Chase. A difficult task because the Ordinance Survey maps are not easy to follow. And then there are the cyclists attempting the ‘wall of death’ up Kidd’s Hill on a Sunday morning.

There is also a new car park for those of you who have to visit Pooh Bridge which relieves traffic congestion at Chuck Hatch.

The Conservators have a statutory duty to conserve the forest as ‘a place of quiet resort ‘so hiking, picnicing ,dog walking ,horseriding and bird watching are ok. Barbecues, camping, mountain biking, off road driving are not. However at Pippingford Park , Hindleap Warren and Broadstone Scout Camp they cater for adventure activities. When you have done all that you have a good choice of hotels, pubs, cafés and restaurants to try.

Mike YatesNorth Chase Ranger

1.75 miles/3km

From Linton’s car park cross the road (with care) into Ridgecar park (summer only). Walk out of the rear past a seat ontoa grass path and in about 50m turn left onto a ride. Remain onthis gently descending ride, ignoring another that bears offright, for about 400m.

On both left and right are linear quarries,now filled with scrub and trees. Suchquarries dot the Forest landscape andprovided stone for roads. Typical heathlandbirds such as nightjar, stonechat, tree pipitand woodlark usually breed in this area andthe ride edges in particular are one of thebest places on the Forest (indeed in Sussex)to see, in May, the yellow flowers of thesmall spiny shrub, petty whin.

The ride bears left, then right through a break in the quarriesand continues descending for 400m to a metalled drive (SandyLane) . On the left is a bowling green and ahead are thecricket pitch and pavilion of Coleman’s Hatch Cricket Club.

On the hill-top in the distance is Gills Lap Clump, the Galleons Lapof the Winnie-the-Pooh books. One old name for the Clump was TheCamel’s Hump, from the shape formed by the silhouettes of its pinetrees. In the 1920s, when the picture (left) was taken, there werevery few trees on the surrounding slopes, just open heathland.

Cross the drive and walk to the right of the cricket pitch. Wherethe ride divides, bear right, leaving the pitch, and bear rightat the next divide after 300m . The ride descends more steeplyand swings right and downhill into woodland and to a bridgeover a stream .

This area is known as Tabell Ghyll. Itswoodland is most unusual for the publicpart of the Forest with its many largetrees, especially beech, and severalhectares of planted sweet chestnutcoppice. The area was sold off from thecommon land of the Forest in 1693 andonly ‘returned’ during World War Two inexchange for the compulsory purchaseof land elsewhere for military reasons.In the map of 1931 (below) the heavilywooded Ghyll is in marked contrast to the heath to the north of thestream – a reflection of different land use over 250 years.

Ashdown Forest Ranger’s Report

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ARTJuliet Murray, Cogcrafts Concepts 5BEAuTy Jakki Todd 5BLINDSPenumbra Blinds 13Blinds & Curtains 19CAFé/FUNCTION VENUE/RESTAURANT/BARYew Lodge 13Brambletye Hotel 8,9CARE Homelife Care Ltd. 11TLC Nurses 11CLEANINGOvenaid 14CLIMBINGEvolution Climbing 10, 7DENTALRiverview Dental Centre 16DOG SERVICESCrufts Kutz 4DOORSSussex Doors 19EDUCATIONFrench Tuition 20

FITNESS/HEALTH/WELLBEINGLotte Berk Fitness Studio 9Atlas Profilax 15Family Chiropractic Clinic 15hireFitness 11FOOD Wiltshire Farm Food 7GARDEN/LANDSCAPEMini-digger/Trencher 18LG Burberry Landscape Contractors/treeSurgeons 22Pete Payne 18ImberhorneLaneNursery 18JH Vartan 17HEALTH/BEAUTyChristina Jessel 4Aloe Vera/Rosie Wainwright 14HOME MAINTENANCE SERVICES/PRODUCTSLalie & Kate Building Ltd. 14Woodstock Construction 17

Domestic Heating Oil 23AI Plumbing 15Mid Sussex Timber 2 MRM Plastering 17Absolutely Kitchens 19Allzones 3LIGHTING & HOME ACCESSORIES Sliders Lane 7PEST CONTROLAPM Pest Control 23

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Ashdown Forest Living May Edition