tell me what fish to watch out for in the
Medway River and what birdlife is up and
downstream. If you are lucky enough
you may even see a Kingfisher.
Forest Row village centre doesn’t seem
to have changed that much over the
years. The old village photographs
show the view upon reaching the village
from the south and the village hall sits
squarely in front of you. Even now this
looks the same and on reaching the mini
roundabout opposite the Mayo Wynne
Baxter office there are often chickens
grazing at the side of the road. That is
what is so appealing about the village,
nothing surprises you.
This is helped by the dynamic mix of
cultures. The Rudolf Steiner School,
Emerson College and Greenfields
School bring such a broad mix to the
village. It is not surprising to walk down
the street and hear a number of different
languages spoken. Such a community
has helped to establish the organic
and biodynamic farms at Tablehurst
and Plawhatch. The community is also
served by more organic shops and
an organic bakery. Even the village
local stores recognise the unique area
in which they are based and stock
the largest selection of “Finest” and
“Organic” goods than any other local
express stores.
Forest Row also holds its own festival
in September which has grown
considerably in recent years. Now there
are a number of stalls on the Forester’s
Green. Music is played and stories are
told at numerous venues throughout
the village and is well attended and
supported by the residents.
The village shops cater for just about
anything you could wish for. It is good
to while away a Saturday afternoon
exploring what Forest Row has to offer.
There are also numerous little cafes for
refreshments. One such cafe also holds
a classic car club. There are meetings
every 2nd Sunday of the month where
people can display their classic cars or
sometimes vintage buses and vintage
motorcycles.
Of an evening, there are a few pubs and
restaurants to choose from all of which
are very busy and offer an excellent
choice. There are also some beautiful
country pubs within a short drive.
The Weir Wood reservoir to the west
of the village is also a big attraction
to visitors. It is home to a sailing club
and sailing school and offers all year
round sailing and classes for all abilities.
The reservoir also has an open water
swimming course for those who want to
brave the cold waters.
Forest Row has had some famous
visitors in the past. Sir Arthur Conan
Doyle lived just across the Forest and
visited the village. The Brambletye
Inn features in one of his books “The
Adventure of Black Peter”. The Bar at
the Inn is now called “Black Peter’s Bar”
in his honour. President Kennedy also
visited Forest Row in June 1963. He
attended a service at the local church
whilst visiting Prime Minister Harold
Macmillan at his home in Birch Grove.
There is a plaque commemorating this
visit at the village hall.
Forest Row is a unique and special
place. It has a strong sense of
community and welcomes everyone. It
has a thriving business community yet
it retains its village charm. It has an
interesting history but still has so much
to offer. It is a great place to live and all
right on your doorstep, that is why I love
Forest Row.
So was my Mum right all those years
ago? I think she probably was.
By Paula Tinton
Village Hall
81