Absolute Brighton January 2012 by Maureen Shine

ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON . ISSUE 84 . JANUARY 2012

ISSUE 84 . JANUARY 2012

FLYING HIGH

COMEDIAN DAVID WALLIAMS www.absolutebrighton.tv

THE LOOK OF 2012

NEW YEAR INTERIOR TRENDS

WONDERFUL WOOLLIES WINTER KNITWEAR

THE CITY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

FASHION . PROPERTY . TRAVEL . BEAUTY . EDUCATION . ART . FACES & PLACES B0112_001 JAN COVER.indd 1

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HAVANA

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LONDON | BRIGHTON | READING | OXFORD

Hair by Mark Woolley & the Electric Art Team Brighton salon 01273 202088 18 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AD

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The CLASSIC WATCH Company Est. 1970

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B1011_006_007 Classic watch co O2 2

26/9/11 09:55:19

Martin Kaye of The Classic Watch Company formerly of Belgravia London, welcomes you to our exquisite pre-owned Rolex and fine watch boutique, where we have the largest and finest collection of superbly reconditioned and as-new Rolexes to be found anywhere in the UK and Europe. Choose from hundreds of different models from the 1970’s to the present. Rolex Oysters from £1495.00.. All our watches come with Rolex boxes, 1 years guarantee, my own seal of authenticity certificate and most come with original Rolex paperwork. Passionate about Rolex since 1970, our aim is to give you the best deal on this planet. We can source most other luxury watches brand new at a discount.

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CONTENTS

brighton

January 2012 . Issue 84

www.absolutebrighton.tv Download the Absolute Brighton app free from itunes

ABSOLUTE FEATURES 10 Circus! Party season fashion 24 Flying High Comedian David Walliams on flying, swimming and being Mr Funny 30 On My Manor Philippa Stephen-Martin, Inspirational Woman of The Year

ABSOLUTE REGULARS 9 Editor’s Letter 16 Absolute Fashionista Natalie Wileman on the new season wear 18 Winter warmers Wrap up in wonderful wool 22 Warming up men? Woollen wear for the stylish man 22 Absolute Socialite Diary Peter Jarrette shares a page from his diary 22 What’s going on... Observations by Mo Hunter-Shine 23 Celebrity Spotlight 26 Absolute Faces and Places 28 2012 - A Big Year Five exciting things happening this year 47 Absolute News 54 Absolute Local History The Theatres of Sussex by Tim Parker 60 Absolute Education 67 Absolute Business 74 Absolute Distribution

10 37

ABSOLUTE INTERIORS 32 Inside 2012 What’s new indoors for this year 37 Berry Nice! Beautiful berry coloured products to warm your home ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND BEAUTY 38 Back to Caring Sheryl Waters discusses preventing and controlling back pain 40 Absolute Hair with Mark Woolley 42 Absolute Make-up Column Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson chooses nail colour to match your star sign! 44 Absolute Life Coaching 48 Absolute Dental Column 46 Lashes of Style The best mascaras on the market

ABSOLUTE FOOD AND DRINK 49 Absolute Listings The best places to eat in Sussex 51 Recipes Eating healthy and cleansing food doesn’t have to be boring 52 Proud Prohibition Proud Ballroom launches their exciting new Prohibition cocktail menu

ABSOLUTE

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The NSPCC is the official national charity for the Brighton Marathon 2012. Run for the NSPCC on 15 April. Register now for one of our guaranteed charity places or join the team if you already have a place. nspcc.org.uk/brightonmarathon 020 7825 2621 gorunning@nspcc.org.uk

ChildLine is a service provided by the NSPCC. Registered charity numbers 216401 and SC037717. 0031/11.

Join us for Brighton 2012

EDITOR’S LETTER Switchboard: 0845 389 0662 Fax: 0845 389 0663 www.absolutebrighton.tv Download the Absolute Brighton iphone and ipad app FREE

Director / Editor: Verity Craig

Features / Design: Maureen Hunter-Shine

Advertising Manager: Richard Daley

Senior Account Executive: Rishma Patel

Sales Executive: David Hall

Accounts: Chris Pugh

Head of Accounts/finance: Adam Style

Managing Director: Paul Craig

Advertising enquiries:

0845 389 0662

sales@absolutebrighton.com Editorial e-mail: editorial@absolutebrighton.com All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent of Absolute brighton. The views and opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the views of Absolute brighton. Absolute brighton takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements featured in this magazine. Absolute brighton can take no responsibility for unsolicited material. Printed in the UK by THE MAGAZINE PRINTING COMPANY www.magprint.co.uk

B0112_009 Editors JAN12.indd 1

Hello readers, I hope you all enjoyed the festivities this year, and are recovering well from the usual overindulgence. As we embark upon the New Year, January is a good time to sit back and enjoy some quiet times after all those parties, and the socialising that comes with them. And as we reflect on the year gone by (and try to keep to those resolutions) there’s quite an excitement in the air as we plan how we would like to see our 2012 pan out. In the world of interiors, there are some new and exciting products and designs that are said to be big this year. Personally, I love the new style that is proposed to be popular for 2012, opulence. And as for those new technologies for the home, it all sounds very exciting. See page 32 where we discuss these new looks and innovations for the home. 2011 was quite a year for comedian David Walliams. For not only did he launch his comedy series Come Fly With Me (that he created and starred in with Matt Lucas), he also astounded the British public with yet another mammoth swim in aid of Sport Relief, that saw him swimming an incredible 140 miles along the Thames (through all its glory, and filth.) Having recovered and gained his energy, David met up with our very own Danny Masters where he told him why it’s probably his last swim for charity and why he would ‘hate to share a plane flight with Sting!’ Page 24 Staying with charity this month, we also have interviews with two local and very interesting businessmen. Mike Holland (page 72) and Ryan Heal (page 68) make it their mission to help wherever they can with local charities that need the public’s support more than ever through these tough economical times. In each of their interviews, the same point comes across from them, that more must and should be done to help these local organizations. Absolute Brighton was proud to commend Ryan Heal for his tremendous work in the community with The Outstanding Brightonian Award as part of the Sussex Business and BAHBAs awards in December. He told us what receiving this accolade meant to him and what plans he has for the events he supports this coming year. Maybe instead of thinking about what we can do to improve our lives in 2012, we should be thinking about what can we do to help to improve the lives of others this year. I wish you a very happy and healthy new year.

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ABSOLUTE FASHION

CIRCUS Photography Juanjo Moreno Styling Mariano Leon

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ABSOLUTE FASHION Essencia Costume jacket and sequin leggings (Essencia Shows) with ankle heeled boots. By Gizia

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ABSOLUTE FASHION Corset and accessories by Manuel Albarran. Boots by Zara

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ABSOLUTE FASHION Red sequined bikini and jacket by Manuel Albarran matched with Christian Louboutin shoes

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ABSOLUTE FASHION Monkey Shows Essencia sequin catsuit with ankle boots by C’N’C Costume National

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ABSOLUTE FASHION Sanchez Murube skirt and corset. Feather shoulder bolero by C’N’C Costume National. Shoes by Cesare Paciotti

Photographer: Juanjo Moreno www.juanjomoreno.es Stylist: Mariano Leon Hair AND MAKE-UP: Fran Alonso Hairdressers Model Maria Mumpao

Stockists: www.manuelalbarran.com Essencia Shows: José Manuel Artero Sanchez Murube www.blackandgold.es www.christianlouboutin.com www.zara.com www.costumenational.com www.cesare-paciotti.com

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ABSOLUTE FASHIONISTA

UNIQUE BOUTIQUES

As one door closes... A

new year brings about lots of changes and

unique independent labels, mixed with hand-made

as is traditional to Brighton, lots of fantastic

leather diaries, and handmade soaps, wrapped

new boutiques for us to enjoy! Of course there

luxuriously in leopard print paper. It’s lifestyle!

is the sad truth that with every new boutique,

The products also make great gift ideas.

we have no doubt said goodbye to another. So

Ailsa

this month I am celebrating the best of Brighton’s

She may have moved a floor down from her

independent retailers and the new-to-Brighton, and

previous studio but boy, have Ailsa Rollo’s ideas

wishing them the best of luck with many years to

moved on! Still using her signature relaxed and

designer

come in our unique and vibrant city! All of these

glamorous approach to evening wear, she has

fabulous retailers can be found in Bond Street which

now introduced a signature collection of one-off

Natalie Wileman

seems to be the current head-to destination for

relaxed day wear in neutral tones for inspired

unique boutique styling.

daytime dressing to set you apart from the crowd.

Jaba Yard

Watch for a retail space and in the meantime, enjoy

Promising unique clothing for unique women, Jaba

Ailsa’s fabulous champagne parties for new season

Yard does not disappointed. Transformed from its

launches.

former hippy vibe interior into a more boho chic

Beretun Designs on Bond Street

feel, that Sienna Miller would feel happy in, expect

If its red carpet doesn’t leave you feeling like a

Stylist and

celebrates the independent boutiques of

celebrity, then its collection of crystal embellished Jaba Yard

shoes most certainly will! Bold jewel colours, lace, satin and crystal super high heels, with a special

Brighton

collection of limited edition, customised pieces, designed by the owner, who will happily make you a matching one-off lace cuff with pearls to finish. All

Jaba Yard

with very down to earth price points too! Twitter: @abfash Facebook: Absolute fashionista

Ailsa

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Winter warmers ABSOLUTE FASHION

Stay warm and stylish this winter with these knitwear treats

Grey Wool Mix Cable Knit Long Waistcoat For stylish layering this season, check out this longline knitted piece in versatile grey that is waisted with light gathering at the back and features a ribbed, foldback collar, cable knit bodice and tactile front buttons. 60% wool, 40% nylon. £82.00 www.lauraashley.com Laura Ashley 45 East Street, Brighton.

Flutters And Fancies Slipper Socks Snuggle up this winter in these adorable slipper socks from the Flutters & Fancies collection, with reinforced non–slip soles and pink pom pom trim. Available in two sizes, small/medium for shoe sizes 3-4 and medium/ large for sizes 5-6. £20.95 www.ilikechickens.co.uk Tel: 0845 5053222

Woollen Polo Neck Cape, Lily & Lime This cape is a very flattering garment, knitted from the softest lambswool and angora which will look equally chic worn casually with jeans or when dressed up for the seasonal weather. Available in shingle, navy, natural or charcoal (as shown). £130 www.lilyandlime.co.uk Tel: 0844 800 8867 Double Heart Bootcuffs Customise your boots and keep warm with these cute bootcuffs. £14 www.accessorize.com Accessorize, Churchill Square Shopping Mall, Brighton.

Black Knitted Feather Top Knitted black jumper with all-over marabou feather detail. 100% Acrylic. Machine washable. Also available as a cardigan. £85 www.topshop.com Topshop, Western Road, Brighton

Stripe Capped Gloves Classic striped design multi-colour capped gloves, with optional mitten wear. £10 www.accessorize.com Accessorize, Churchill Square, Brighton. Hibernate Scarves, Lily & Lime (left) Woven in Ireland by traditional manufacturer Avoca, using a blend of lambswool and cashmere and edged in cotton lace, these gorgeous scarves make the perfect accessory for the colder months. £40 www.lilyandlime.co.uk Tel: 0844 8008867 18

Knitted Sequin Bird Top Knitted nude angora sweat with gold sequin bird embellishment. 71% Acrylic,16% Nylon,13% Angora. Machine washable. £46 www.topshop.com Topshop, Western Road, Brighton.

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FACES & PLACES Pia Beesley and Wendy MacDonald

Teresa Saunders, Lee Williams, Kim Richardson and Christina Saunders

Dick Knight, Quenelda Avery and Michael Edwards, Senior Vice President of American Express

John Barradell, Sophia Lundberg and Ian Lundberg, Senior Vice President ofAmerican Express

Albion in the Community Albion in the Community and American Express celebrated the outstanding work and achievements of local volunteers and participants in their community partnership, at a glittering awards evening. The inaugural dinner and drinks reception held at the Amex Stadium, rewarded the individuals and community groups that have been involved in a wide range of social initiatives, including business skills classes for local schools, healthy living awareness activities, fun days out for young disabled people and football coaching classes. The programme has directly reached over 1000 members of the public so far and has seen over 350 volunteers involved with the different initiatives. Over 200 guests including local VIPs High Sheriff of East Sussex, Mrs Kathy Gore, and Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, Marion Shepherd, applauded the worthy winners as they received their awards. The prizes were presented by Gus Poyet and Tony Bloom, as well as City College Brighton and American Express category sponsors.

Brighton and Hove Albion Manager Gus Poyet, Alan Sanders, Joint Managing Director, AITC, Mrs Kathy Gore, High Sheriff of East Sussex and Ian Lundberg, Senior Vice President ofAmerican Express

Marc Grisenthwaite, Nick Bird and Duncan Jones

John Barradell, Sophia Lundberg, and Ian Lundberg

Pictures Graham Franks

Ernest and Eve Vye

Mark Roper, Marion Shepherd, Deputy Lieutenant of East Sussex, Pia Beesley, and Michael Edwards, Senior Vice President of American Express

Richard Bradford and Tasmin Broadstock

Kirsty Sutherland, Felicity Campbell, Carolyn Dando, Nicky Cannon and Stephanie Turner

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ABSOLUTE FASHION

Warm as toast...

Guys - don’t catch a chill this winter. Knitted wear is cosy and looks good too 1. Hilfiger Denim Collection Cardigan This cardigan from Hilfiger Denim has knitted detail, smart black buttons and is practical for layering up for those colder days. Wear with denim jeans for a casual but smart look. £95 www.johnlewis.com

2. Gucci Knit Hat This grey wool hat features the green and red signature stripe that is Gucci. £140 www.gucci.com 3. Paul Smith Hexagon Socks Brightly coloured hexagon shaped design knitted socks. You won’t go unnoticed in this stylish pair! £17 www.paulsmith.co.uk 4. Kaaligrey Scarf Soft baby alpaca striped scarf, hand knitted in Bolivia. £34.99 www.ganesha.co.uk Tel:0207 928 3444

5. Chunky Knit Cardigan with hood This fur lined hooded cardi, is what keeping warm and stylish is all about. £79.99 www.zara.com Zara, Churchill Square shopping Mall, Brighton. 6. Reindeer Crazy Grandma Jumper Winter wouldn’t be complete without a fabulous novelty winter jumper, and this Crazy Grandma design is the perfect one. £39.99 www.GettingPersonal.co.uk Tel: 0845 217 6382 7. Knitted Audio Headphones These super cosy earmuffs have a cunning trick up their sleeves - you can connect them to your ipod/iphone/mp3 player/ music phone or anything with a (3.5mm) headphone jack and enjoy your music whilst keeping your ears nice and toasty. £17.64 www.amazon.co.uk

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Alison Sawyer of Smart Training and Recruitment with Neil Libby of Vin-ed

Networking

FACES & PLACES

with The Best of Worthing at the BURLINGTON An evening of wine tasting, fun and networking was hosted recently by The Best

A cocktail for the Mayor of Worthing, Councillor Ann Barlow

of Worthing for Worthing businesses at the

Julie Cheesman of bsure book keeping, Emma Davies from Cavendish Hotel and Sheila Hall from Clear Computing

Burlington Hotel on Worthingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seafront.

Pictures Graham Franks Chris Brown of Euphoria Home Control, Melanie Peters of The Best of Worthing and Ric Hayden of Learning Cog

Shelley Hirst of Greenfish with Tony Candler of Employee Development Forum Claire Love of LWS Creative with Darren Crabb of St James Place

Gemma Keltink and Cheryl Tyson of Balik Spa and Beauty with Melanie Peters of The Best of Worthing

Networker Martin Swann and David Fluke of South Coast Golf

Melanie Peters and Felicity Newman of The Best of Worthing

Darren Crabb of St James Place with his South Downs Cycle Ride team who have recently raised ÂŁ3000 for Teenage Cancer Trust

Kasia from Bond International with Natalie Page of Natalie Page Marketing

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ABSOLUTE SOCIALITE DIARY

MUSIC AND MYSCARA PJ, aka Peter Jarrette, Brighton’s favourite socialite, with the latest in great new venues, events and happenings

Dear diary So it had been lurking on my LinkedIn status for most of the last few months of 2011... yes, I teased my 200 or so connections across the globe with these few sentences: ‘I know what new nightspot (strictly for our city’s ABC’s) this way comes, and you can find out yourself at the end of November in my December column’. I had everyone wondering. Those who read my LinkedIn updates must have been even more flummoxed to see I made no mention of this tantalising news, after all in last month’s Socialite Diary. Well that was because I had so much to mention and, as ever, not everything I wanted to share with you made it in. But I will make it up to you now. I know of an entrepreneurial couple who have a number of gifts to give you still, and you thought all your presents had been opened! Yes, soon enough we will have reason to deploy our Brighton swagga and step out of our cold, dull winter blues and into a whole new night-time limelight. The excitement mounts! Have you heard folks chatting about some of my Facebook updates too? Possibly not. Well I can’t leave you out of the luscious loop of MYSCARA. I had posted news that the lovely Vicky Allen at Usual Suspects Salons would be hosting a soiree, whereby new treatments were to be introduced and displayed. A gaggle of Hovites and Brightonians did gather at No 26 Church Road where Vicky announced the exclusive arrival to Usual Suspects and the city of the beauty industry’s latest must-have cosmetic called Myscara. Myscara is durable semi-permanent mascara that is applied to each individual lash leaving you with glorious lashes that you can work, play, swim and sleep in for up to 1 month. I let my 1,000 plus fashion forward friends on Facebook know that now they can take their lashes to the max and their butterfly kisses would never ever have been so long lasting! As more and more men are realising the benefits of dressing well, grooming and locking down their own God given good looks with growing ranges of cosmetic products, they can wow admirers too with a good strong set of thick, lothario lashes. Don’t just get stuck in, get stuck on! We bumped so many things into the end of 2011. Bill Murray and Murray Media helped the city’s frontline fun-makers toast our very own Big Wheel with a lavish welcome that saw media and politicos come shoulder to shoulder with local business types and a good chunk of our south coast madding crowd. Mr. Murray heralded our newest tourist attraction in style, yes, but let’s not forget, as you would have read in last month’s Absolute, that it was little ole me who got the lovely Katherine Jenkins in a right-round lather over the Brighton Wheel. Next month, when she plays at the Brighton Centre, she’ll be casting her bright eyes on our fabulous seaside attraction. My good mate at WTF Recordings, music producer Rob Roberto White (Hysteric Ego/Audio hijackers) has some interesting things lined up for some of us for 2012 too. Roberto was responsible for the monster hit ‘Want Love’ that swept up the club charts to number 1 around the world in the late 90’s and that track stayed in the top 5 in various mixes straight into the noughties. With several new tracks emerging he has composed the insanely catchy and danceable track Daddy Cool featuring me and my music partner Andrea Barker. You’ll be able to hear this track at the opening of the ABC nightspot I hinted at in the beginning of this column. Roberto also has a beguiling and informative reality show format in the pipeline that has already begun filming, and it features faces you might know. Based in Brighton, it is being touted to national networks so with luck, media positioning and determination there will be more gifts for you to unwrap with your eyes. So you see, the fat man in the red suit had his flying visit but his elves are still knocking out marvels for us yet! Happy New Year... ya’ll. X PJ Twitter.com/socialitepete linkedin.com/in/socialitepete facebook.com/peter.jarrette 22

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ABSOLUTE COMMENT

What’s going on....? Mo Hunter-Shine says it like it is

The problem with JC

Some say… he’s an amazing presenter and wit, and hosts one of the best shows on TV. Some say… he is a smug, ill informed walking ego. We know him as… Jeremy Clarkson! Oh dear, will he ever learn? On Top Gear some time ago, Jeremy Clarkson made a ‘joke’ about lorry drivers killing prostitutes. The reference referred to the, then recent, terrible Ipswich killings when five women were murdered by a lorry driver. I thought the ‘joke’ was extremely offensive. On the following show, after complaints, he started to make an apology, and then said sorry for some other minor comment he had made, letting everyone know he wasn’t apologising for the offensive reference at all, and virtually laughing in the face of those who found it offensive – not to mention the victims’ families. More recently, he made another ‘joke’ about the public sector strikers being shot in front of their families. He gave a half-hearted apology, insisting it was taken out of context, and that he did support the workers. In some ways, this is not all Clarkson’s fault. Over the years, he has proved himself to be a good presenter with a great deal of blokish charm. His wealth and fame have grown, but along with that so has his ego. When he makes a blinkered comment that causes offence, the BBC don’t know how to react, as they have given him free reign for so long, massaging his ego and persona, virtually creating a monster. Jeremy believes he has god-like status in the British psyche, and anything he says is OK. The BBC keep wheeling him out (like on The One Show) to give comments on anything and everything, and of course, the spouting of his narrow-minded views, coupled with the fact that he lives in a cushioned celebrity bubble, distant from the real world, can result in disaster. This syndrome has been seen before, with other mega egos such as Jonathan Ross and Ricky Gervais. Top Gear is a great show, loved by all and Jeremy and his ‘blokes’ are great together. Their journeys across the world produce some of the best TV ever, and the show rightly holds the position of being one of the BBC’s greatest achievements. I certainly wouldn’t want to watch it without JC. Maybe the solution is, he should be muzzled whenever he is outside the confines of Top Gear! ABSOLUTE

9/12/11 14:13:35

Celebrity

ABSOLUTE CELEBRITY

SPOTLIGHT

Our undercover celebrity spies unravel the world of showbiz news and gossip

George Michael On The Mend After Serious Illness Towards the end of last year, very sadly George Michael

Jon Voight So Proud Of Daughter Angelina Proving that you’re never too hold to need a hug from your dad,

had to postpone some dates of his Symphonica tour,

Hollywood actor John Voight made his daughter Angelina

due to ill health. The former Wham star was rushed to

Jolie’s day when he gave her a big squeeze recently in front of

hospital in Italy having suffered a chest infection that had

the cameras congratulating her at the premier of her latest

become serious, turning to pneumonia.

film, In The Land Of Blood And Honey.

Friends and relatives are said to be deeply concerned

Having not spoken for some years, the father and daughter

about George’s health, though it is reported that doctors treating him say he is gradually getting better. We wish George a speedy recovery!

The Fonda Workout Is Back! The ever beautiful actress and fitness queen, Jane Fonda, once again defies her age of 73 with her latest project, the comeback of her fitness regime. Wearing a similar red and black striped leotard and tights to that she wore in the 1980s for her then smash hit workout, Ms Fonda has been promoting to American TV audiences her latest fitness workout which is predominantly aimed at her own age group, teaching them how to feel and look younger. If Jane can do it, you can do it.

A Good Mix The four talented female singers who were put together during the last X factor to make the girl band Little Mix, are enjoying their success as the first band to win the show. They beat Liverpool crooner Marcus Collins to the winning post, and are expected to replace the Spice Girls in the country’s affections and no doubt they will rise to the occasion with great enthusiasm and energy. Enjoy your new life, ladies... girl power is back!

duo made up earlier this year. And things between them are so good now, that 74 year old Jon regularly cares for his grandchildren while Angelina and partner Brad work. Aw what a nice start to 2012 for the Voight-Jolie-Pitt family.

Matt Keeps His Shirt On Matt Damon has recently revealed that he makes a point of not appearing topless in films. He has said that

Celebometer

‘beefcake’ shots are just not his style. Sorry girls!

Who’s going UP and who’s going DOWN this month… UP Daniel Craig’s success continues, with the success of his new film The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. The actor got married to actress and long time friend Rachel Weisz earlier last year. And instead of a glitzy Hollywood wedding he opted for just four guests, such a refreshing change! We hope his career and marriage go from strength to strength. DOWN Celebrity couple Christine Bleakley and Frank Lampard seem to be losing some of their glitter. Poor Christine lost her job on prime daytime programme The One Show, and former Chelsea FC golden boy ‘Lamps’ has been left on the sidelines by the manager for several matches. Things can only get better this year, guys!

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ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW

Flying high

As co-creator of the character comedy sketch shows, Little Britain and Come Fly With Me, David Walliams has brought delight and catch phases to the British

public in abundance. Here he shares with Danny Masters the secret to his being a Mr Funny, his surprising reflections on swimming the Thames and why he would hate to share a flight with Sting 24

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ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW “…a bath is the only water I want to get in for

David with his wife Lara

the foreseeable future. Swimming the Thames really is the last thing I’d think of doing again!” Did your comedy series, ‘Come Fly With Me’, make it awkward for you to fly afterwards? Not at all; the feedback we got was always really positive. I think that’s because the show was done with a lot of affection. People often think the characters that Matt and I create are based on them just because they do a similar job. But none of the characters on Come Fly With Me were based on people we’d met on low cost flights. Our characters are much more a work of imagination. Have you had any memorable flying experiences? Oh loads! I remember sitting next to this woman on an internal flight in America. She was watching this film, ‘Suburbia’, with headphones on and literally for two hours she was screaming in terror at the film. I’ve never seen anyone react to a film like that. I was saying to her, “You are on a plane, it isn’t really happening.You will be alright”. I was so annoyed because she kept jumping at me to get herself out of the way of what was happening on the

Britain star David Walliams.’ The good thing is, because we played a lot of roles, we didn’t get defined by single characters so I don’t feel pigeonholed by it. Will you ever make another series of it? I don’t think so. When you’ve done something that’s been successful, you’re caught between wanting to leave it where it is and remembered well, or doing more of it. At the moment, there’s no immediate plans to bring it back.

screen. Two hours I put up with that!

Having swam the Channel and the length of the Thames for char-

Although that wasn’t as bad as Matt Lucas’s experience on a plane when the

ity, have you got any more swims lined up?

man who was sat next to him repeatedly vomited throughout the entire flight.

I’m really not sure. I don’t know how I could top swimming 140 miles down

Lovely!

the Thames. And I would have to top it otherwise the British public would

Any fellow-celebrity encounters on planes? I once got off of an American Airlines plane and I was in the lounge waiting for someone to take me and a couple of other people through. It turned out the other two people were Jackie Collins and Priscilla Presley and we had to walk through the airport together. I thought ‘I’m with two of the most beautiful, glamorous women in the world… I’ve finally arrived!’

think, ‘That’s a bit easy’. To be honest, a bath is the only water I want to get in for the foreseeable future. It really is the last thing I’d think of doing again! Perhaps I’ll do it in a boat next time. I have to say though, I was overwhelmed by the support of the British people during the Thames swim. I thought they would get bored halfway through but they didn’t so I was completely overwhelmed by their generosity

But whenever I spot a celebrity on a plane, I can’t stop myself thinking, ‘If this

Was it tougher than you thought it was going to be?

plane goes down and we all die, who will get the bigger headline?’ Matt and I

Much tougher! For a start, it was a lot colder than I thought it would be.

were once on the same flight as Andi Peters and Konnie Huq. Who would get

Swimming the channel was 20 miles, and on the Thames swim I was doing

top billing there? And also Sting was once on our flight and we both thought if

that every 7 or 8 days so it was a real endurance event and incredibly tough.

this plane goes down, Sting is definitely going to get the headlines. I was livid!

It really did affect my health because I picked up a parasite and tore a disc in

Who were your personal favourite characters from the show?

my back. It nearly killed me!

Probably the check-in girls, Melody and Keeley. They were inspired by the

Away from swimming, who are your comedy heroes?

programme ‘Airline’ where I saw this check-in girl being really aggressive but in

As a child I’d watch anything from Tony Hancock to Kenneth Williams. And I’ve

a polite way. She had loads of make-up on and was really terrifying, shouting

always loved comedians like Peter Cook and Spike Milligan. There seems to

at this guy in a scouse accent: “Could you calm down sir, else you won’t be

be fashions in comedy. Michael McIntyre is incredibly accomplished and very

getting on this plane.” We both immediately thought that might be useful.

popular at the moment. But I dare say he’ll become like Bob Monkhouse in

Everything about them and their situation had to look right because we were

the next few years. It’s like when Russell Brand came along, a lot of people

filming in a real airport. So the uniforms and the check-in desk had to look

suddenly looked old-fashioned! Someone will find a new way of doing a

authentic because they’d be judged next to the real thing. We knew we’d got

sketch show and Little Britain will look decidedly ‘previous-generation.’ So you

it right when real passengers actually tried to check in with the girls at the

have to keep re-inventing things else you become like dinosaurs. It’s like how

desks. We had to tell them it was a made up airline!

Miranda Hart reinvented the sitcom!

Was the success of Little Britain hard to live up to?

Have you got any burning ambitions?

Not really. I think it’s more about that you have to be proud of what you

I’ve never had massive, wild ambitions like winning Oscars and stuff. I’d just like

do – and both myself and Matt are very proud of everything we’ve done,

to make people laugh for as long as they want me to. Although having said all

including Little Britain. It’s the thing most people know me from so it’s all great

that, I’d really love to play M in the Bond films. I just don’t think they’d let me!

rather than being a pressure. I imagine, whatever I’ll do, I’ll always be ‘Little

Come Fly With Me is out now on DVD & Blu-Ray

ABSOLUTE

B0112_024_025 David Walliams.ind3 3

13/12/11 10:51:55

FACES & PLACES Annie Hayes

Nicky Owen and Beata Kusel Chief Constable Martin Richards makes a presentation to author Peter James

Crimestoppers Night

Judy and Martin Richards (Chief Constable of Sussex Police)

Sussex Crimestoppers fundraising murder mystery evening was held at The Grand Hotel, Brighton, and raised more than £15,000. This year’s event followed the success of 2010 when the charity raised £7,000. The event proved so popular that the charity was able to double the size and raised more than double the money this time. The murder mystery evening, themed around the Mods and Rocker invasion of the seaside town during the 1960s, used the expertise of one of its co-patrons, best selling crime novelist Peter James, to give it a special twist. Kathy Burke, Chair of Sussex Crimestoppers, said: “The evening truly ‘rocked’ and we are absolutely delighted to have doubled the amount raised this year. We are so grateful for all the support we received from residents, businesses and organisations of Sussex who helped make the evening so special.” www.crimestoppers.co.uk

Ian Grant, actress Carol Harrison and Andrew Mosley, GM of The Grand Hotel

Pictures Richard Bidwell Michael and Nicci Foreman

Cllrs Carol and Geoffrey Theobald, Annette and Peter Suydam

David and Manon Courtney

David Medlock

Hilary Patel, Deputy Chair of Sussex Crimestoppers

Peter James and friends

John Kittow

Bob ‘the biker’ Thatcher

Nicola and Denver Otteweol

ABSOLUTE

B0112_026 Social Crimestoppers.i1 1

9/12/11 14:23:38

Bohemia

Coming soon to The Lanes, Brighton

Grand Cafe â?&#x2013; Late Lounge B0112_027 Bohemia ad.indd 1

9/12/11 16:15:59

ABSOLUTE 2012

2012 - A big year! 1 Olympic Games...

2 ...Paralympics Olympic style games for athletes with a disability were organized for the first time in Rome in 1960, now called Paralympics. In Toronto in 1976, other disability groups were added and the idea of merging together different disability groups for international sport competitions was born. In the same year, the first Paralympic Winter Games took place in Sweden. Today, the Paralympics are elite sport events for athletes with a disability. They emphasize, however, the participants’ athletic achievements rather than their disability. This superb event takes place from 29th August to 9th September 2012.

2012 is all about the Olympics! After all, this is what we have all been waiting for since winning the bid in 2005. London will become the first city to officially host the modern Olympic Games three times, and elite athletes from over 200 countries will complete in the most glorious sporting competition on the planet. If you have not been successful in getting tickets, the chances are not too good. However, TV coverage will be superb, and there will be many Olympic related events taking place all over the country during the early part of the year leading up to the grand event, which takes place from 27th July to 12th August . Enjoy!

FIVE THINGS YOU SIMPLY MU ST KNOW ABOUT THIS SPARKLIN G NEW YEAR!

3 Torch relay in Brighton The Olympic Torch Relay will come to Brighton and Hove on Monday 16th July, as it tours the country before the games. Two days of special events are planned on 14th and 15th July to celebration the coming of the Olympic Torch. Brighton is one of around 70 celebration locations across the UK, and hosting the torch is seen as a big honour, as locations have been chosen to represent iconic aspects of Britain. Celebratory evening events, likely to be held in Madeira Drive, will offer thousands of people the opportunity to share in the Olympic spirit. www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

4 Diamond Jubilee celebrates 50 years on the throne The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrates 60 years of Queen Elizabeth 11’s reign. Celebrations will be held across the UK during the first week of June. Among special planned events, a Diamond Jubilee Medal will be commissioned, and Royal Borough status will be granted to Greenwich, which has a long-standing association with the Windsor family. Buckingham Palace is organizing many events centered on the Diamond Jubilee, while the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is coordinating government-led activities

in celebrating this special occasion. The department is working with the Scottish government to help ensure that a single date for a bank holiday across the UK can be held to allow for communities to join in celebrating the jubilee. The bank holiday for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will be a day off for most people on Tuesday, June 5th. Moreover, the late May bank holiday (spring bank holiday), which is usually held on last Monday of May, will be moved to Monday, June 4, 2012, to form a four-day weekend.

5 London to Brighton Bike Race

The British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride is their flagship fundraising event and is a fantastic day out for anyone over 14. From seasoned cyclists to leisure riders, they all converge on Clapham Common to begin a day of pedalling and serious fundraising. This year, the race takes place on Sunday 17th June 2012. Each year the London to Brighton Bike Ride raises

approximately £4 million to help fund pioneering heart research and provide support to heart patients and their families. Your entry fee (£35) only covers the cost of putting on a safe and enjoyable event; it’s your sponsorship that helps us save lives. The London to Brighton Bike Ride is a great way to have fun, get fit and save lives. Get involved at www.bhf.org.uk/L2B

ABSOLUTE

B0112_028 2012 things.indd 1

9/12/11 14:38:15

Shadi Danin Director of the Shadi Danin Medi Spa

Shadi Danin

FACES & PLACES

Medi Spa lunch Drinks, canapĂŠs and exclusive demonstrations of the brand new Taizen Japanese detox and weight loss bath were

Natasha Cano-Rubalcaba with Gaynor Williams and Sam Foster

available at a special promotional event at Shadi Danin Spa, New Church Road, Hove. Guests were also able to see the new stateof-the-art Physio Pools recently installed.

Wachira Tuff and her waiting team from The King and I, Thai Restaurant

Pictures Graham Franks Ellie Gunston and Teresa Sadeghi

Fiona Stewart of FSDS Jewellers Nadia Prince with a Thai dancer

Clare Croome of JBPR with Suzanne Borrell of Mum and Working Karen Pronger and Nicola McHale

Lee Harrison Trainer Manager of Obagi Medical Products with Emma Gilhooly of JBPR

A Thai Massage for Richard Carmichael from Namthip Tongyoi

Fiona Stewart of FSDS Jewellers under the skilful hands of Lee Harrison Trainer

The JBPR team

Hair Stylist Sue Dobson

Alokaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alex and Heather Davison

Esme and Mary Hoye

ABSOLUTE

B0112_029 Social Shadi Danin.ind1 1

14/12/11 14:20:26

ABSOLUTE PEOPLE

In my

Manor With so many different projects on the go at once, and two children to look after, it’s no wonder that Philippa Stephen-Martin won Inspirational Woman Of the Year. Here she shares with our readers the secret to juggling her life and what she thinks the true definition of an entrepreneur should be Philippa, you have so many different roles; founder of cbabiesafe the UK’s

know, as I kind of borrowed the appointment cards from my dentists, for

first web camera nursery, owner of Hove shop Manor Of things… and,

keeps… (hope they are not reading this as they still know me!)

on top of that you are a single mother of two. So it comes as no surprise

I have very good handwriting which helped, (shame we don’t get to show

that you won Inspirational Woman Of the Year. What would you say has

those skills any more - soon not even a signature on a cheque will be

been the key to your successes (and juggling act)?

seen!) But anyway, 20p an appointment card was the charge to get kids

I was determined not to be a 9-5 person and be my own boss so that

time off school! Bargain!

I could determine what I do in life when I want to do it. I am a multi

Do you get a vision for a new business idea and then research it or do

tasker beyond belief. I’m not just saying that; my mother had a call from a friend saying “Did I just see Philippa jogging with Evie (my daughter) in the buggy and a dog on each side with the phone under her ear?” “Yes that’s Philippa” was my mum’s reply. It was when I also owned cbabiesafescans, which I sold last year to Clinic Nine; I would take calls 24/7 from patients for booking enquiries. It had to be done, the dogs had to be walked, the nursery was full so I had to look after Evie; I wanted to try and keep fit so the combination worked! I am very stubborn- once I say I’m going to do something I’ll do it by any means necessary. What was the party like that was held for you at 11 Downing Street when you received your award? It was the most amazing experience, I had no idea it was going to happen either… I’d actually been about to leave the awards ceremony when I didn’t win another award but a lady on my table forced me to stay, and I mean FORCED. She knew I’d won the overall award for Inspirational Woman of The Year and that this party was being held at 11 Downing

you just get a ‘feeling’ and then go for it? I think and then do; no in between, not a great trait as even if it’s not quite right I’m so hell bent on getting it right, I’ll go through with it anyway… so really I should stop and think more, but it’s quicker to just get on with it! The name ‘entrepreneur’ is being used more and more flippantly these days for say a person who owns just one business. What would you say the definition of a true entrepreneur is? An entrepreneur is someone who goes somewhere where others may fear to tread, sometimes lacking finances or having no previous experience, but with a new idea or concept, not something that’s been done before, one that is unique or unproven. Braving the unknown as an entrepreneur is a whole different ball game.

“An entrepreneur is not just for Christmas! It’s for the rest of your life, if you do it right!”

Street. It was very emotional, and I felt so important! Me in Downing Street at a party! Then I had dinner with Gordon Brown at The Houses Of Parliament too. Just wow… never will forget either experience.

Please tell us about your current businesses and what they entail? Cbabiesafe is my baby… my first business. It was the first web-cam nursery

Have you always lived in Brighton & Hove?

10 years ago. I opened the Worthing Cbabiesafe three years after that, and

No, my Mum moved us here when I was about 10 years old. Previous to

both are still thriving. I have a small building business for want of a better

that we lived everywhere. (Don’t ask!)

description. I wouldn’t call myself a developer/builder but I have fought

When did you first get the taste for business?

for three years to get a project off the ground that is finally starting as I

Probably when I started selling dentist cards in the school playground for days off school; very entrepreneurial don’t you think? Very naughty too I

speak. The demolishing starts soon and though it will be exciting this is going to be a heavy year helping project manage it with my architects at

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B0112_030_031 Philippa profile.i2 2

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ABSOLUTE PEOPLE Philippa’s Hove shop, Manor of Things

the Alexander partnership. I am excited but would have preferred not to,

on from the start and expect to pull down the first brick!

but banks/finances etc have made the decision for me. Spoton Shades is

It must be quite a task running your own businesses as well as having a

kind of on the back burner. I was on Dragons Den last year with that idea; Deborah Medan and James Khan both were interested but didn’t fund. I was in front of them for an hour and 20 minutes! I still think it’s a good idea and I keep toying with it in the odd spare moment. I’m still waiting for the patent. I have a small costume rental business too, including outfits for Mickey & Minnie, Bob the Builder, Upsy Daisy and Ben 10. Eight costumes in all. I hire them with or without the bones inside, ie. staffed or not! I opened Manor of Things this year, which we’ve just won ‘Best newcomer to Hove and Portslade’ with the Hove at your service awards. The shop sells All Manor Of Things. Literally from a ball gown to a golf glove, jewellery, bags, accessories, small furniture, men’s and kids clothes, toys 0-100 years; we even sell walking sticks! Everything from 50p to £400 pounds. We’ve been called an Aladdin’s cave on many occasions. My daughter Mia runs this, I stock it with the help of my mother who has worked in nearly new clothes for 30yrs plus. I source the new things from all kinds of places. We are not an agency. Are you a hands-on owner or do you have managers that do the day-today running on your behalf? I am hands on but still have to have managers for day to day running. I couldn’t be without them, I wouldn’t have time! I do a bit of something in every business I have. At present I am deeply involved in our Saturday nursery. I have Cookery Doodle Doo starting cookery classes at the Hove nursery and other classes to follow, so this all means being hands on with my supportive staff! I source for the shop, and the building I’ve been hands

teenage daughter and a toddler to also be there for. What is your secret to being organised? EEK! Always think you have more time than you do! I use every last minute. I’m due at a school play in an hour and I’m still in my running gear (I came in from jogging Evie to school, she stands on the scooter, I jog and push her, then jog back). I sat in front of my computer and I’m still here! 1.50pm I’ll jump up scream: “I’m late” (at the dogs, no-one else here to tell) bung something on (I’ll bath tonight, don’t worry) and I’ll make it by the skin of my teeth. I always make it, but always last minute. Give yourself more time and you’ll just waste it… give yourself no time and you’ll have used it! 2012 is now upon us. What plans do you have for the year ahead? Well as mentioned before I have the house to build. I have my lovely nursery area manager on maternity leave, so I will be even more involved in the nurseries. I also want to spend a bit of time promoting the costumes I rent out, but mainly I am trying to get my new invention off the ground. I have a way in on getting back on Dragons Den with this, and when they offer the money, which they will, my plan is to say “no”. And finally, what advice would you give to someone who’s New Year resolution is to become ‘an entrepreneur?’ An entrepreneur is not just for Christmas! It’s for the rest of your life, if you do it right! Manor of Things, 9 Richardson road, Hove. Tel: 01273 208060. Nursery, 64 Palmeira Avenue, Hove.Tel: 01273 770441. www.cbabiesafe.com ABSOLUTE

B0112_030_031 Philippa profile.i3 3

12/12/11 15:17:43

ABSOLUTE INTERIORS

INSIDE 2012

As we enter in to 2012, we take a look at what will be on trend this year in the world of interiors Colours for 2012 Each year Crown paint company invite a group of colourists from diverse industries to join them for lively discussion and to define the trends that will inform the design landscape for the year ahead. The event, held at the Swarovski Crystalized Lounge, London, showcased four colour palettes for 2012; New Directions, Summer Jewels, Surreal Botanical and Modern Nostalgia. To summarize, it looks as though the colours according to the paint bible (Crown) for 2012 will be a mixture of bright summer yellows and candyfloss pinks with hints of gorgeous pastel shades.

Innovations It seems that light switches and stereo systems (and wires) could be a thing of the past with two new innovative pieces of technology that are set to be big this year. Rako lighting control, leads the way in providing state of the art digital dimming technology, using pre-set buttons on the wall that are set to the light preferences you have (from 1-4). Rako also gives you the option to use your lights with your smart phone (as many users as required can join it to any household too). Similar in that you can also control it with your smart phone, Sonos allows you to stream your entire music library, music services, and radio stations from anywhere in your home, while selecting which

Sonos stereo system

rooms have the music and at which volume. The system also comes with portable speakers for rooms where built-in isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an option (and the option of a wireless handset for non-smart phone owners).

Rako is a new way of lighting up your home

If you hate having a stereo system on show and want to be able to have all your music in one place with access from anywhere, then Sonos is definitely for you.

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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS

Opulent style Opulence is set to bigger than ever in 2012. With it being the epitome of luxury and style, this is a look you dare not get wrong. Seek out old images of luxury interiors from the Regency era; these are great to use as a base line. And they are easy to source on the Internet. Opulence is about velvets, metals and carvings. But also, comfort and the perfect lighting. Often, a darker light setting suits this stylish interior look. Vintage Silver Plated Pheasants Pair of original vintage silver plated decorative pheasants. One male and one female. ÂŁ59.95 The Vintage & Handmade Gift Co. www.thevintageandhandmadegiftco.com

La Muse De Versailles If you want the wow factor, this is the piece for you. Inspired by Marie Antoinette this piece would look amazing in any boudoir or hallway. Painted in a high pink gloss with crackle finish to the front image, the internal drawers and silk tassels are bright pink. Doors open on to 3 drawers, shelves and a secret drawer. Price: ÂŁ1495 Sweetpea & Willow www.sweetpeaandwillow.com

ABSOLUTE

B0112_032_033 Interiors JAN 20123 3

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RW_A4_1_11_11_v4:Layout 1 15/11/2011 12:53 Page 1

OAK & WALNUT FLOORING

OAK FRAMED BUILDINGS

JOINERY

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HARDWOOD DECKING

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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS

Fill your home with the warm and comforting

colours of berries 1. Marcia Plum King duvet set This set includes a duvet cover, fitted sheet and two pillowcases. £11.00 www.direct.tesco.com

5. Cuimbra acryclic and chrome chandelier Part of the stylish Cuimbra range by Globo Lighting. £102 www.allupandon.co.uk

2. Lucca Leather large sofa in berry A clean, tailored look with just the right edge to mix with both traditional and modern furnishings. £699.00 www.direct.tesco.com

6. Magimix 4200XL BlenderMix food processor Take care of all of your food preparation, from slicing whole fruit to whipping up baby food. £249 www.johnlewis.com

3. Silk Velvets Era VC fuchsia These rich textiles add a decadent feel to your interior. They are sold by the metre or can be bordered into throws and made into cushions. £120 www.housecouturier.eu

4. Puravida Basin with red and white console The PuraVida furniture has a lacquered high gloss surface so it is incredibly silky to the touch, with no sharp corners. POA www.duravit.co.uk

7. Handmade Portuguese glass decanter Elegant handmade decanter, Portuguese in origin. £40 www.jasmineway.co.uk 8. Tesco towel bale Includes 2 face, 2 hand and 2 bath towels. Made from 100% combed cotton. £16.40 www.direct.tesco.com 9. Quilt dining chair The cushioned seat and back is upholstered in a rich berry wool. £295.00 www.heals.co.uk

4 9 36

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9/12/11 19:17:41

ABSOLUTE HEALTH

BACK TO CARING From mild to severe, back complaints can be a debilitating problem and cause a lot of discomfort for sufferers. With winter being the most common time for people to endure such complaints, our health expert Sheryl Waters discusses ways to prevent and control back issues

re you one of the millions of people complaining of an aching back? Sore backs are a main cause for people to calling in sick to work and missing out on enjoyable activities in the UK. Back pain is a huge annoyance for far too many people; it is essential that anyone with chronic back pain investigate how they can heal so they can feel free and joyful. Life just isn’t fun with a pain in the neck or a throb in the back.

is preventing the body from healing. Many people take anti-inflammatory medication to ease the pain, but this is a very short term solution, since you will then have to pop another pill tomorrow. The best way to reduce inflammation is by making sure that you are eating a healthy diet. Inflaming foods include chemicals and pesticides. Sugar, wheat and gluten can also be triggers.

Posture Experts say that poor posture, including slouching, rounding the shoulders, or holding the head too far forward, can lead to serious back discomfort later on in life. It is important to be aware of our posture at all times. After all, it is a conscious habit like anything else. Posture relates to the position in which the spine, which consists of a series of stacked bones, and flexible separating pads called disks, sits. Yoga, tai chi and Pilates can help us gain body as well as breathe awareness so that we can sit up straight and improve our posture. They can also help us increase our flexibility and strength, both of which are essential to back happiness. Flexibility will create space and iron out kinks in the back. Increased strength will offer support. These practices can assist in loosening the back and making it more flexible. Some simple weight training may also be necessary to build muscles that can keep the back supported and safe.

Massage Massage can offer great relief to people who suffer from back pain. Trigger point therapy and acupressure are particularly beneficial, as well as certain essential oils. The following essential oils can all be used to treat back pain naturally: ● Chamomile oil helps to control muscle spasms and has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. ● Lavender oil prevents muscle spasms and inflammation. It also helps to relieve tension, which may contribute to or worsen back pain. ● Clary sage is a very soothing oil. It has a calming effect when one is anxious and muscles are tensed up from pain. It has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties. ● Yarrow has anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. ● Rosemary has analgesic and antispasmodic properties. It is also good for relieving back pain as it improves blood circulation. ● Ginger oil can ease back pain and give one more mobility. ● Peppermint is good for muscle soreness. ● Frankincense has anti-inflammatory properties and also acts as a mild sedative. While you can use any of these oils on their own, it is also beneficial to blend two or more oils together. Do not apply essential oils directly on the skin - blend oils or combinations thereof with a carrier oil first. You can also take an aromatherapy bath as an effective method to soothe tired, aching muscles and to increase circulation. Add eight to ten drops of essential oils directly to warm bath water and soak for fifteen to twenty minutes. In the case of most back pain, it is unlikely that there will be one golden cure. Often we have to make a few changes in order to be totally back pain free. However, we have to remind ourselves that we’ve got our back, literally. If our backs aren’t thriving and feeling easy, how can we? It’s time to take charge and tackle back pain.

Seeking professional help Both Osteopaths and Chiropractors aim to alleviate back pain. A Chiropractor’s main focus is on the spine and the specific alignment of the vertebrae. These are bone segments that help carry the weight of the body, and protect the spinal cord. These nerve branches exit through holes between the vertebrae, sending important messages between the brain and the rest of the skin, muscles, and organs of the body. Normal everyday activity causes the vertebrae to shift and move which can misalign and interfere with the nerve messages traveling among them. This interference can cause serious back pain. Osteopaths focus more on muscles than bones, and they employ a number of techniques in order to influence the body’s healing system. These include soft tissue, muscle manipulation, joint articulation and mobilization. The best medication for backs When back pain becomes chronic, it is probable that there is some inflammation. When the body is in this constant state of inflammation it

ABSOLUTE

B0112_038 Sheryl_JAN.indd 1

9/12/11 19:20:10

OCKENDEN MANOR SPA NOW OPEN EXCEPTIONAL FACILITIES IN A UNIQUE ENVIRONMENT

Featuring an indoor swimming pool with a stunning river-stone floor and swim-through to our heated outdoor pool, both are fed by Ockenden’s own natural underground spring. Along with an outdoor hot tub, indoor spa bath and walk-through rain shower, our gym is equipped with the latest cardiovascular and resistance machines, along with a fitness studio for pilates and yoga. For your own paradise in pampering, eight superb treatment rooms await. Choose from one of our five luxury day retreat packages. OCKENDEN MANOR SPA Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, West Sussex RH17 5LD 01444 449191 spa@ockenden-manor.com www.hshotels.co.uk

ABSOLUTE BEAUTY

To a brighter new year hen a new year dawns, many

Professionnel INOA, a 100% ammonia-

people turn to colour to enhance

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Camilla Belle (24th October 2011, An evening with Ralph Lauren, New York City):

By Mark Woolley Mark Woolley is the owner and creative director of Electric Hairdressing.

Get the look

ere’s a look that has been cleanly executed that manages to look both boyishly charming and beautifully sophisticated. I love its ‘not a hair out of place’ precision and glass-like sheen. This is a look we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the new year festivities. Step one: Blow dry hair until 90% dry using a wide paddle brush to smooth out the lengths before styling. Step two: Use the sharp point of a Denman Tail Comb to create a severe side-parting. Use the point where the eyebrow reaches its arch as your reference. Brush the hair through so there are no tangles whilst it is still slightly damp - this should help make it much more easy to control. Step three: Spray plenty of L’Oreal Professionnel Air Fix hair spray onto the hair and use the comb to streamline and sculpt the look so not a hair falls out of place. Sweep the hair as flat and smoothly across the head as possible - the hairspray on damp hair should give it quite a malleable base allowing you to bring the lengths together at the nape of the neck with ease. Step four: Secure the lengths into a ponytail before twisting the hair and wrapping it around the base to create a small, tight bun. Use as many pins as necessary to secure all the hair strands in place. Step five: Rub some Electric Serum between the palms of your hands before smoothing down hair either side of the parting and around the back of the head. This helps the hair to lay flat and adds a healthy, glossy shine all over.

For further details on Mark Woolley, Electric Haircare or any of the salons in the Electric group view the website www.electric-hair.com

ABSOLUTE

B0112_040 Mwoolley JAN12.indd 1

13/12/11 08:51:28

Latest dental techniques, quality care, advice and state of the art equipment with experienced and caring staff Preventative and Cosmetic Treatments Modern Practice, purpose built to the highest standards n Fully Wheelchair accessible n Friendly comfortable atmosphere n n

Mrs Vida Bagherzadeh D.D.S. 01273 820 888 Eaton Road Dental Practice 30 Eaton Road Hove East Sussex BN3 3QA

B0112_041 ADS.indd 1

14/12/11 14:15:18

ABSOLUTE MAKE UP Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson is our independent beauty advisor bringing to you the latest beauty buzz and hot tips straight from the red carpet!

www.jenidodson.com

COSMIC COLOURS TO MATCH YOUR STAR SIGN Start the new year a fresh and feel out of this world - discover a galaxy of nail polish shades that are perfect to reflect your personality. Illustrations by Peiter Smart

CAPRICORN: Ruled by Saturn The Go-Getter Kate Moss and Sienna Miller. Traits: Competitive, ambitious and driven. You are practical, persistent and get what you want. Cosmic colour: All shades of Brown: Stay logical and surefooted with Le Vernis in Quartz Intense colour and high gloss by Chanel. www.selfridges.com £17.50 AQUARIUS: Ruled by Uranus The Sweetheart Jennifer Aniston and Rosamund Pike. Traits: Optimistic, giving and honest. You are inventive and original, but can be rebellious and stubborn. Cosmic colour: Blue-belle Purple: Evoke your generous nature, humanity and kindness with The Heiress by Leighton Denny. www.lookfantastic.com £11.00 PISCES: Ruled by Neptune The Dreamer Rihanna and Drew Barrymore Traits: Emotional, creative and imaginative people. Sympathetic and thoughtful as well as fickle and sensitive. Cosmic colour: Mystical shades of Blue and Sea Green: Balance out your emotions, strengthen trust and clarity with Absolute from Nubar Prism collection. www.nubar-nailz.co.uk £7.95

ARIES: Ruled by Mars The Daredevil Lady Gaga and Angelina Jolie. Traits: Pioneering, impulsive and courageous. Charismatic, lively and confident. You can be impatient, to the point and blunt. Cosmic colour: Purest Reds: Be bold and perfect those talons with a flash of La Laque Sublime Red by YSL. www.yslbeauty.co.uk £16.50

CANCER: Ruled by the Moon The Protector Liv Tyler and Cheryl Cole Traits: Touchy-feely kind of people who love spending time with family and friends. You can be moody, emotional and are easily hurt. Cosmic colour: Dusky Pinks: Dust your fingertips with ethereal shimmers, delicate and natural shades like Mia from Zoya Nail. www.buyorganics.co.uk £9.44

TAURUS: Ruled by Venus The Enduring One Megan Fox and Jessica Alba. Traits: Hard workers, stable and determined. You also live life to the fullest and like luxuries. You can also be stubborn, inflexible and are prone to temper. Cosmic colour: Blue and Moss Green: Compliment your determination and devotion with Moss green by Nailgirls. www.nailgirls.co.uk £10.50

LEO: Ruled by the Sun The Boss Madonna and Jennifer López. Traits: Love being in control and can be bossy. You love to be the centre of attention and are very social and extroverted. Cosmic colour: Orange and Bright Reds: Stand out from the crowd with flamboyant Ya’ll Come Back Ya Hear by OPI. www.beautybay.com Price: £10.50

GEMINI: Ruled by Mercury The Chatterbox Naomi Campbell, Marilyn Monroe Traits: Outgoing and inquisitive, you are smart and witty and expressive. On the flip side you’re known to have a lack of consistency and can be superficial. Cosmic colour: Yellow and Light Green: Promote clear thinking and optimism with a pop of Cheeky Chops by Butter London. www.lookfantastic.com £12.00

VIRGO: Ruled by Mercury The Perfectionist Beyonce and Cameron Diaz. Traits: Very organised, hardworking, noble and typically shy. You are particular, and can be fussy and critical of others. Cosmic colour: Iridescent Blue and pearly whites. Match your gracious personality with the simplicity of shimmery, sheer metallic hues like Prism by lllamasqua. www.illamasqua.com £13.50

LIBRA: Ruled by Venus The Harmoniser Kim Kardashian and Gwen Stefani Traits: You like things to be in balanced and are even tempered. You also tend to procrastinate, be gullible and often give in too easy. Cosmic colour: Violet and Delicate Pinks. Bathe your nails in a wash of calming shades like Neo Whimsical - by Essie. www.cultbeauty.co.uk £9.95 SCORPIO: Ruled by Pluto The Intense One Katy Perry and Björk. Traits: The most intense, mysterious and sexual of all the signs. You are determined, charismatic and like to be in control. Cosmic colour: Black and Deep Berry: The colour of mystery and seduction, add depth, elegance and sophistication with Endless Night by NARS. www.narscosmetics.co.uk £13.50 SAGITTARIUS: Ruled by Jupiter The Happy-GoLucky One. Christina Aguilera, Dame Judi Dench. Traits: Social and outgoing, and enjoy luxuries. You are deep and always seeking more knowledge. Cosmic colour: Purple and Teal: Colours associated with intelligence, spirituality and wealth. Reflect your spirit with Nirvana by Dior Vernis. www.houseoffraser.co.uk £17.50

ABSOLUTE

B0112_042 Make-up JAN Zodiac.ind1 1

14/12/11 15:54:04

B0112_043 Wickwoods ad.indd 1

14/12/11 11:30:50

ABSOLUTE LIFE COACHING

WRITE YOUR OWN SCRIPT FOR THE NEW YEAR I

t’s a new year, it’s winter and it’s cold. Or it’s a time for reflection and a time

to sow seeds ready for the coming Spring. *Suzanne came to us recently for life coaching, disappointed by life and a lost relationship she was, she said, “losing her

“Without these small tests... life would be like a smoothly paved, straight, flat road to nowhere”

Make every day count. Appreciate every moment and take from it everything that you possibly can, for you may never be able to experience it again. Talk to people you have never talked to before, and actually listen. Hold your head up

mojo.”

Necessary too. Each step of the way, we

because you have every right to. Tell yourself

It is easy to be negative about past

learned. We went through exactly the

you are a great individual and believe in

mistakes and unhappiness. But it is much

experiences we needed to, to become who

yourself, for if you don’t believe in yourself,

more healing to look at ourselves and our

we are today. Each step of the way, we

no one else will believe in you either.

past in the light of experience, acceptance,

progressed. Is our past a mistake? The

In this New Year remember that you can

and growth. Our past is a series of lessons

only mistake we can make is mistaking

make of your life anything you wish. Create

that advance us to higher levels of living

that for the learning curve it was.

your own life and write your own script and

and loving. The relationships we entered,

Everything happens for a reason. Nothing

then go out and live it to the full…

stayed in, or ended taught us necessary

happens by chance or by means of good

Georgina & Terrina

lessons.

or bad luck. Illness, injury, love, lost

If you are interested in Life Coaching

Some of us have emerged from the most

moments of true greatness and sheer

please contact Georgina or Terrina at

painful circumstances with strong insights

stupidity all occur to test the limits of your

079912206483. Terrina11@btinternet.com

about who we are and what we want. Our

soul. Without these small tests, if they

All our sessions are done with the utmost

mistakes? Necessary. Our frustrations,

be events, illnesses or relationships, life

confidentiality.

failures, and sometimes stumbling

would be like a smoothly paved, straight,

* Name has been changed for

attempts at growth and progress?

flat road to nowhere.

confidentiality purposes.

The Art & Science of Dentistry ‘We believe your smile is one of your greatest assets’ Ultimate cosmetic dental solutions and smile makeovers Whitening - In one hour with ZOOM advanced power Dental Implants Veneers and metal free crowns/bridges Hygienist Invisible braces with Invisalign Hygienist by Becky Hollands Hygienist All treatments offered at 0%

20% off your ﬁrst visit 43 Marina Square, Brighton Marina

Tel: 01273 628899

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B0112_044 Life coaching JAN 20121 1

We specialise in cosmetic dentistry, using the latest techniques in a state-of-the-art practice, at realistic prices in a calm & relaxed atmosphere

9/12/11 19:21:20

ABSOLUTE DENTAL COLUMN

THAT NEW YEAR FEELING! Sandy Bone, Hygienist at Marina Dentalcare explains how to make sure you get that special feeling that comes from a healthy mouth

hen Irene Cara sang the song that was the theme of the film Flashdance, I think that she used the wrong word to describe her state of mind. She sings “What a feeling” but what I think she meant was “What a Mood”! Feel is what we do when we use our sense of touch, although it is often used to describe moods. One of the problems with touch is that we do so much of it, that we often do not feel what we are touching. It would actually be impossible to feel everything that we touch, as the information overload would be more than we could cope with. Because of this vast amount of information that our senses give us we have developed our consciousness to be able to operate on many different levels at the same time. A very good example of this is our ability to drive. We can do this while listening to the radio possibly having a conversation and at some other level thinking about maybe an exciting event that is about to happen. We can swap our awareness or concentration about as is necessary. If the road conditions change suddenly it will have our entire concentration - everything else will be removed temporarily from our conscious thought - to ‘the back of our minds’. Care of your mouth is very often done in the automatic mode. We are thinking about the day ahead or the day gone, or how late we are and the need for speed. Raising the task in hand to a higher awareness often only happens when things go wrong i.e. like driving. Pain is a good way of bringing things into a higher state of awareness, as is the sudden appearance of blood when it was not expected because there has been no experience of skin or gum cutting. If your standard of care is very good, then what you do

automatically may be sufficient to maintain health. But very few of us, and I am certainly not one of them, cannot do a good enough job with our mouth care in the automatic mode. It usually takes a higher level of awareness. You will always feel your teeth and gums but you may be completely unaware of what you are feeling and so unable to know if or when you have done a good enough job to maintain your mouth in a healthy state. Your tongue then can usually tell you all that you

“...this ability to do things in automatic mode means that we are unaware of what we are actually doing...” need to know about the standard of your own care if you remember to become aware of the information that it is giving you, rather than having that information in the back of your mind only. A patient with a really clean and healthy mouth can feel it, as can a patient with a mouth that is carrying high levels of disease - the only difference is the level of awareness. This is one of the most important aspects of being a hygienist; to teach our patients that awareness. Raising a patient’s awareness is a little more difficult than it sounds because we often put in many levels of preconception before we will allow ourselves to ‘hear’ what people are saying to us. For instance, the idea that maybe our mother had ‘poor’ gums may well be the reason that we expect to have a similar condition, and cannot hear that what the hygienist/dentist is saying to us, is that we could change our own gum condition if we changed our behaviour.

Another interesting thing about changing awareness is that once it has happened, it will always remain. People who maintain their mouths to a high standard find it very difficult to lower that standard. Often Dental students are asked to participate in trials for oral hygiene and this involves not cleaning their teeth for a period of time. They always say afterwards that this is very difficult to cope with as the feeling of plaque growth on their teeth is very unpleasant and they are constantly aware of it. Patients say how much they like the feeling when I clean their teeth and yet their preconception is that it is something that only I can achieve, when in fact that lovely feeling could and should be with them all of the time. Having raised our patients’ awareness it is then necessary to teach the skills to enable them to improve their own health. This is even more difficult to do. My poor frustrated tennis coach would constantly tell me how to improve my serve. I constantly tried to do it and indeed I did do it, but it did not work! It was only when I saw a video of my serve that I realised that I was not in fact doing what I thought I was doing. Seeing it objectively put it into a different conscious level and enabled me to improve my tennis. Oral care is much the same. It is only practice and feedback from someone else that will enable success. This month, I have tried to raise your awareness about the difficulties of oral care. Next month I will give you careful lessons in using that awareness and improving your own technical skill of oral care. For further enquiries please contact us at info@marinadentalcare.co.uk 01273 628899 ABSOLUTE

B0112_045 Marina Dental JAN2011.1 1

14/12/11 13:56:24

ABSOLUTE BEAUTY

Lashes of style

Load your lashes with luscious luxurious mascaras and get eyes with attitude!

New Lash Modelling Mascara Coat every lash with Barry M’s lengthening and curling formula for fabulous eyes. £6.19 www.barrym.com

Phyto-Mascara Ultra Stretch form Silsey A volume enhancing stretch formula £36 www.sisley-cosmetics.co.uk

They’re Real! by Beneift Long lasting jet black formula for a spectacular look. £18.50 www.benefitcosmetics.com

MAC False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara Intensely inky with a lightweight innovative mousse-like formula. £18 www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Clinique High Impact Mascara Dramatic delivery of volume and length. £13.21 www.clinique.co.uk

i-flutter - Double Brush Lengthening Mascara from New Cid An award-winning mascara that is perfect for volumnising and lengthening. £18.50 www.newcidcosmetics.com

Bold Waterproof Mascara from Barry M Luscious lashes come rain or shine. £6.19 www.barrym.com

New Cid’s i-volumise - for eyes with attitide! Create wow factor with full-on lashes in an instant. £18 www.newcidcosmetics.com

ABSOLUTE

B0112_046 Beauty Mascara.indd 1

14/12/11 10:33:24

NEWSXTRA BRIGHTON DISABILITY ROCK BAND WIN AWARD

News items brought to you by Mo Hunter-Shine mo@absolutemagazine.co.uk

earning disability and autism support provider Dimensions, received more than 40 national entries to the 2011 Erica Awards. The annual awards were set up to recognise inspirational people with learning disabilities and autism who are dedicated to making a difference to the lives of others. This year’s runners-up in the groups category is Brighton band, Heavy Load. Heavy Load describe themselves as “Brighton’s answer to The Ramones.” A five piece punk band, Heavy Load are uniquely made up of musicians with and without learning disabilities. Simon Barker (vocals), Jim Nicholls (guitar and vocals), Michael White (drummer), Mick Williams (guitar and vocals) and Paul Richards (bassist) formed the band 14 years ago after meeting through Southdown Housing either as tenants or workers. After more than a decade of gigging, Heavy Load have toured across the UK, Europe and as far afield as New York City.

SHELLEY THE LIFEBOAT LABRADOR IS IN PRINT

hotojournalist John Periam from Felpham, is a regular contributor to Absolute Brighton Magazine. He has just published his first book (on Amazon’s Kindle Direct), called ‘Shelley the Lifeboat Labrador’, which relates to John’s experiences in the late 70s and early 80s, revolving around his life in Southwold in Suffolk, and his eventual move to Shoreham-by-Sea, where he became a member of Shoreham RNLI Lifeboat Crew. During this period he had a Labrador called ‘Shelley’ and a close bond of friendship developed between both man and dog, which saw John through some personal traumas. The central theme to the book is life around a working lifeboat station; the characters, rescues and fun enjoyed by a close knit community. It is a story about real people, and many readers will know some of them. These were the days when maroons were fired to launch the lifeboat, and the crew

was made up of a cross section of local people, whose families were steeped in lifeboat traditions. John also travelled around the UK in healthcare sales, taking Shelley with him. They were often away for days at a time, with Shelley as his back seat passenger in the car. The adventures of both, along with the many people they met, makes an amusing and entertaining read tinged with laughter and at times sadness. Shelley shared his life with John for 13 years before he went over ‘The Rainbow Bridge’. A great read for those who love the sea, along with those that show affection for four legs and a waggy tail!

To purchase, go to Kindle Store at Amazon UK and select ‘Shelley the Lifeboat Labrador’ ASIN: B006BYDXU8 on book search to download full book to your Kindle. ABSOLUTE

B0112_047 NEWS JAN 2012.indd 1

13/12/11 08:33:06

FACES & PLACES Marina Cosham and Maribel Coles from Palmer & Harvey

Business Awards night! The winners of the twenty third Sussex Business Awards and the seventh Brighton Rachel Carter, Kate Peters, Lucy Rayden and Charlotte O’Rourke, all from BrightonandHoveJobs.com

and Hove Business Awards were announced at The Grand Hotel, Brighton. The ceremony was attended by over 400 of the county’s leading business figures including the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Mr Peter Field, Mayor of Brighton and Hove

Tom Naylor and Holly Freeman (Grounded Events), Katja Harjanne (Hilton Hotels), Sarah Appelhaus (Grounded Events)

Councillor Anne Meadows, John Barradell, Chief Executive of Brighton and Hove City From Pegasus PR, Lisa Bradley , Katie Harris and Carol Creeggan

Council and Caroline Lucas MP. Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards are the longest established scheme of its kind in the county. For the first time, the winners of the Sussex

Total Orthodontics

Business Awards and the Brighton and Hove Business Awards were announced in a joint ceremony. Organiser Caraline Brown, managing director at Midnight Communications in Foundry Street, Brighton, said the move to consolidate the two award ceremonies ensured the greatest value to all Michel Beard (The Argus), Caraline Brown (MD of Midnight Communications), Andrew Kay (Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival) Ovingdean Hall College

entrants this year. Kevin Berry (Sussex County Cricket Club) and Fiona Graves of Midnight Communications

Pictures Richard Bidwell Ian Lucas (Red Seven), John Keenan (The Argus), Will King (King of Spades)

Kevin and Lisa Byrne, Checkatrade.com

Simon Fanshawe

The Publishers: Michael Beard (Argus), Paul Craig (Absolute), Mike Mendoza (What’s Happening), Verity Craig (Absolute), Simon Irwin (Sussex Life), Nick Mosley (Brighton Visitor) and Andrew Kay (Latest)

ABSOLUTE

B0112_048 Social Business awards1 1

13/12/11 10:47:07

ABSOLUTE best

restaurants and bars...

Reflections Restaurant and bar Rendezvous Casino Brighton Marina Tel: 01273 605602 www.rendezvouscasino.com/ brighton

Havana Restaurant and bar 32 Duke Street Brighton Marina Tel: 01273 773388

Terre a terre Vegetarian and vegan 71 East Street Brighton BN1 1HQ Tel: 01273 729051

English's Of Brighton Classic Seafood Restaurant 29-31 East Street Brighton Tel: 01273 327980

Reflections Alexander House Hotel Fine Dining Turners Hill East Grinstead Tel: 01342 714914

Chilli Pickle Indian cuisine 42 Meeting House Lane Brighton Tel: 01273 323824

Jamie's Italian Italian cuisine 11 Black Lion Street Brighton Tel: 01273 915480

Castle Inn Hotel British Cuisine The Street Bramber Tel: 01903 812102

Buddies 24-hour dining 46-48 Kings Road Brighton Tel: 01273 323600

Street Thai Thai cuisine 5 & 20 Brighton Square Brighton Tel: 01273 207444

The Gallery Bistro Fine Cuisine 115 Church Road Hove Tel: 01273 777488

Crown and Anchor Homemade British pub cuisine High Street Shoreham Tel: 01273 463500

Ginger Fox Gastro pub Henfield Rd, Albourne, Nr Brighton Tel: 01273 857888

Merkaba - Myhotel Hotel Bar 17 Jubilee Street Brighton Tel: 01273 900300

The Royal Oak Fine Cuisine Poynings West Sussex Tel: 01273 857389

C么te Brighton French Bistro 115 116 Church Street Brighton Tel: 01273 687541

Terraces Bar and grill Madeira Drive Brighton Tel: 01273 570526 Green Mango Thai cuisine 8 Church Road Hove Tel: 01273 327226

The Connaught Pub and Kitchen 48 Hove Street Hove Tel: 01273 206578 Coast to Coast American Dining 3, The Waterfront Brighton Marina Tel: 01273 626170 Havana Spoon Brasserie Bar 70-72 Church Road Hove 01273 651651

Tipaza Tapas Restaurant 104 Western Road Hove Tel: 01273 777307

The Coach House Homemade fine dining 59 Middle Street Brighton Tel: 01273 719000

The Dyke Pub and Kitchen 218 Dyke Road Brighton Tel: 01273 555672

In Vino Veritas Tapas and bistro dining 103 North Road Brighton Tel: 01273 622522

Buxted Park Fine dining hotel restaurant Buxted East Sussex Tel: 01825 733333 Days Restaurant Oriental cuisine 75-79 East Street Brighton Tel: 01273 748888 Trattoria Pascal Italian cuisine 105 Western Road Brighton Tel: 01273 722556 Hotel du Vin Hotel and Bistro Ship Street Brighton Tel: 01273 718588 The Townhouse Contemporary British cuisine 81-82 St Jamess St Brighton Tel: 01273 693216 Karma Late night Moroccan themed bar The Waterfront Brighton Marina Tel: 01273 818000

ABSOLUTE

B0112_049 Listings JAN 2012.indd1 1

12/12/11 09:16:07

FACES & PLACES John and Yasmin Gibbs

A night at The Chequers Managing director of the newly refurbished Chequers Inn, Alex Tipping, held a launch

Chef Director Wayne Cortilla and Managing Director Alex Tipping

party recently to unveil the new look, new service and new feel of his country pub in Brian and Amanda Stewart

Slaugham, near Haywards Heath. Guests mingled and danced to live music as beverages and samples from the Chequersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Mike and Chris Airey

menu were offered in abundance. Headed up with a new team in place, and with Alexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wealth of experience, The Chequers looks set to have a successful new lease of life! Good luck for 2012. Nicky James with Chris and Tim Salisbury

Pictures Graham Franks Actress and TV personality Carol Harrison and Ian Grant

Former Miss Brighton, model Lindsay Fergusson with Michael Yeoman and Lula

Adam Ellis, Rachel Layt and Ben Limond Alex Tipping with Jemma and Damien Frizzell and Leanne Palmer

Alex Tipping (right) with Charlotte Clements, Faith and David Godding, Sean Sneddon and Ian James

Photographer Richard and Karen Bidwell

Chef Director Wayne Cortilla and Managing Director Alex Tipping with the Chequers team

ABSOLUTE

B0112_050 Social Chequers.indd 1

14/12/11 14:00:48

ABSOLUTE RECIPES

Clean up your act!

Give your body a well earned treat after the onslaught of Christmas, and enjoy a healthy meal that still satisfies

To begin:

Main dish:

For dessert:

Beetroot juice zing smoothie

Avocado couscous salad

Chocolate meringues with cherry ripple

Research indicates that beetroot juice boosts stamina so this is an ideal way to kick yourself into the new year! Packed with nutritious superfoods like ginger and beetroot this zingy smoothie is the perfect start to the day.

This is such a versatile salad, add chopped dried apricots, sultanas or even chopped apple. It tastes even better the next day, when the couscous has absorbed all the flavours.

Silvana Francoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s delicious fruit filled chocolate meringues show that anything can be made healthy with a little bit of imagination!

Makes: Cooking time: Total time:

1 glass 10 mins 10 mins

Ingredients: 1 cooked beetroot, peeled 100ml orange juice/pomegranate juice 1cm fresh ginger, peeled and chopped 2 red plums, stoned Method: 1. Put the cooked beetroot, ginger and red plums into a blender. 2. Add the orange or pomegranate juice and blend until smooth. Serve and enjoy!

FIVE FABULOUS FOODS Lemons. Fresh lemonade made with filtered water will keep you hydrated, and help clear toxins. Watercress. Put a handful into salads, soups, and sandwiches. They have a diuretic effect, helping the flushing process. Garlic. Add it to everything - salads, sauces, spreads. In addition to the heart-friendly bulbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes. Green tea. This antioxidant-rich brew is one of the healthiest ways to get more water into your system. Broccoli sprouts. They pack 20 times more cancer-fighting, enzyme-stimulating activity into each bite than the grown-up vegetable.

Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 mins Cooking time: 25 mins Total time: 35 mins

Ingredients: 2 avocados 500g couscous 1tbsp lemon juice 1 x 220g can chickpeas, drained 1 red pepper, finely chopped 1 pomegranate 4tbsp orange juice 2tbsp virgin olive oil 2tbsp mint, chopped 1tbsp flat leaf parsley, chopped 100g pine nuts, toasted

Method: 1. Cover the couscous with boiling water. Cover with a damp teacloth and leave to soak for 20 minutes. Fork through to loosen the grains. 2. Peel and stone the avocado and cut into chunks. Toss in the lemon juice. 3. Mix together the avocado, chickpeas and pepper and add to the couscous. 4. Split the pomegranate and remove the seeds. Do this over a bowl so to catch any juices. Add the seeds to the couscous. 5. Add the orange juice to the lemon juice and whisk with the oil. Add the dressing and herbs to the couscous and fork through. Serve with a sprinkling of pine nuts.

Serves: 6 Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 45 mins Ingredients: 4 egg whites 1 pinches salt 225 g golden caster sugar 1 tsp cornflour 0.5 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp white wine vinegar 25 g cocoa powder 425 g tinned cherries, in syrup in syrup 200 g low-fat fromage frais Method: 1. Preheat the oven to 140C/gas 1. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until very stiff. Gradually add the sugar to make a stiff shiny mixture. Stir together the corn flour, vanilla and vinegar and whisk in. Sift over the cocoa then whisk in once more. 2. Spoon twelve oval shapes onto two baking sheets lined with silicone or teflon paper. Bake for 45 minutes until the outer shell is crisp, but the centre still feels a little soft. Carefully peel off the paper and leave to cool. 3. Meanwhile, drain the cherries, pouring the syrup into a small saucepan. Bring the syrup to the boil and bubble rapidly for 7-8 minutes until thick. Set aside to cool. 4. Stir the cherries into the fromage frais. Spoon the mixture onto six of the meringues and then drizzle over the thickened syrup. Cover with the remaining meringue halves and serve. ABSOLUTE

B0112_051 Detox Recipes.indd 1

9/12/11 19:23:55

ABSOLUTE LEISURE

Proud Prohibition

The launch of an innovative new cocktail menu Proud Brighton Ballroom is proud to unveil its seasonal cocktail menu for 2012. As well as including all the classic cocktails, the Proud Ballroom cocktail menu now features a brand new Prohibition selection to tickle the tastebuds. Priced at a mere £7 each, the Prohibition menu features such wonderfully monickered concoctions as the Mary Pickford, the Aviation and the Bee’s Knee, all served in teapots, something that became synonymous with the era. As well as the wonderful Prohibition selection, the new cocktail menu also features most of the classic cocktails you’d expect to see listed such as the Cosmopolitan, the Bramble, the Bloody Mary and the Pina Colada. The menu includes an extensive range of mojitos such as the original mojito and various twists including, the Royal, which is made with Hendricks Gin or the tantalising Apple & Vanilla, made with vanilla

B0112_052 Proud edit.indd 1

vodka and Strawberry & Basil, all made with fresh ingredients. If that wasn’t enough to wet the palette, the new cocktail menu also includes a wide range of martinis and daiquiris and a fabulous selection of champagne cocktails. Not a big fan of alcoholic beverages? Not a problem. The new Proud Ballroom cocktail menu caters for everyone with its assortment of non-alcoholic cocktails. This includes an original homemade lemonade, a Grapefruit Mojito cleverly renamed a ‘Nojito’ on account of its lack of alcohol, the Honeymoon Cocktail, the Brooke Shields, which is a famous non-alcoholic take on the classic Shirley Temple cocktail, the Cranpina and the ever popular Virgin Mary. With the Classic cocktails priced at £6, mojitos, martinis and daiquiris priced at £7, champagne cocktails priced at £8 and the non-alcoholic cocktails priced at £4 each, combined with the best in cabaret and burlesque entertainment that Brighton has to offer, Proud Ballroom is a fun filled choice for your next night out,

14/12/11 19:05:18

Paul Bennett and Geoff Dagwell

LORD Taverners Lunch

FACES & PLACES Guest speaker Gareth Chilcott, ex Bath and England rugby player

The 25th anniversary Lord’s Taverners (East Sussex) Christmas Lunch took place at The Grand Hotel, Brighton at the end of last year, Paul Hird of Leumi ABL and guests

with 466 people attending. The Local committee of the Charity were delighted with the outcome that will see in

Derek Chapman and guests

excess of £48,000 generated to help young people with ‘special needs’ and to give them a sporting chance.

Pictures Richard Bidwell The Lord’s Taverners South-East Region Committee table

Carly Reed and her girls from Icon Live

Woolley, Bevis & Diplock table

Sussex County Cricket Club table

ABSOLUTE

Social taverners.indd 1

14/12/11 14:33:58

ABSOLUTE LOCAL HISTORY

Theatre Land in Sussex

Tim Parker takes us through the many theatres in Sussex, and how they came to be Theatre Royal, Brighton

here were precious few theatres of any

seafront walks sprang up; and there was music

have just a short stroll to work. “

kind in Sussex before the end of the

in the air, with no less than seven bandstands

The coming of cinemas was seen as a threat

seventeenth century, but that and much else

on the Brighton and Hove seafront.

to traditional theatre, but it is interesting that

changed with the arrival in Sussex of ‘Prinny’,

The nineteenth and twentieth centuries were

in the early days many of the new cinemas,

the Prince Regent. Prinny fell in love with

the heyday of variety, and theatres sprang up

like the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court

Brighton and soon began to build his fantastical

everywhere. On any night there would be as

Road, London, provided both live and cinematic

palace, the Royal Pavilion, and to create the

many as twelve or more different acts, with

entertainment. I once saw Judy Garland sing

Brighton we know and love today.

singers, comedians, high-stepping dancers and

there; the following day the theatre had

Prinny was as extraordinary and colourful as his

jugglers. The audience were key players too: a

reverted to the silver screen with a film about

palace. He was a rake, kept bad company, loved

rowdy lot, joining in the singing, clapping, and

Al Capone.

parties, and loved women – preferably well-

cheering or booing a poor performance. The

Despite fears that the cinema, and then the

endowed older ladies – even more than he

most successful variety artistes were always in

insidious television, would be the death of

loved parties. He was vain, extravagant, selfish,

demand and some, like Gracie Fields, who had a

theatre, the appeal and popularity of live

erratic, charming, witty and often kind. Luckily

home in Brighton, and Max Miller, the champion

performance remains strong, and Sussex is lucky

for us he also loved music, opera, theatre and

of the double entendre, became world-famous.

to have a good number of flourishing theatres,

art. A great supporter of the arts in all its forms,

Today, there is a statue of Max Miller close to

which include the Chichester Festival Theatre

it was largely due to Prinny’s presence and

the Theatre Royal.

and Complex. And two theatres in Worthing

encouragement that The Theatre Royal was

Before the last war there were many

where, once a year the remarkable Ken Dodd,

built in Brighton.

repertory companies which kept actors in near

one of the great survivors of the Music Hall,

The Prince Regent’s influence did not stop

continuous employment. One such actor was

will entertain for more than three hours.

in Brighton, though. Prinny had relations in

my uncle, Cecil Parker, who went on to become

In Eastbourne, there’s the Devonshire Park

Worthing and it became fashionable for the

one of the best-known character actors in the

Theatre, one of the few repertory theatres left

prosperous to spend at least part of the year

country. For three summer seasons he was the

in England and the Congress Theatre, a house

by the sea. London in those days was best

lead actor for the theatre at the end of the

which can stage large-scale productions, and

avoided, especially in the summer when disease

Palace Pier. “The pay was poor,” he told me,

where my wife Beth and I once saw the very

was rife. Before long, building in Brighton and

“but there were compensations: I was given

entertaining Ken Hill’s Phantom of the Opera.

neighbouring seaside towns began in earnest.

one of the better rooms in the Albion Hotel,

Bexhill has the De La Warr Pavilion, which

Hotels, piers, theatres, circuses, ballrooms and

one with a view of the sea, and it was fun to

stages some remarkable productions; Crawley

ABSOLUTE

B0112_054_055 TIM PARKER JAN 2012 2

14/12/11 14:50:19

ABSOLUTE LOCAL HISTORY “Before the last war there were many repertory companies which kept actors in near continuous employment. One such actor was my uncle, Cecil Parker, who went on to become one of the best-known character actors in the country.”

The beautiful art deco Connaught Theatre, Worthing Pavilion Theatre, Worthing

has its Hawth Theatre; and there are a host of small theatres, many amateur, which give equal pleasure to the players and their audiences throughout Sussex. Oh, and I must mention the Komedia in Brighton’s Gardner Street where Beth and I (and our grandchildren) met the Gruffalo for the very first time. And now there’s another newcomer to the Brighton scene; Little Bay Restaurant offers a splendid meal and on Wednesday through to Saturday, live opera. The restaurant is on the seafront and we recently had a great evening there. Do pay them a visit, you won’t regret it. I have been fortunate in recent months to have the assistance of Tom Bainbridge, a graduate of Sussex University who comes from Sheffield. I asked Tom to what he thought of our city’s culture. He talks of places that I have never known; I am beginning to wonder at what I have missed! “I first came to Brighton as a near penniless student in 2006. Immediately I was struck by

Two regular singers at The little Bay restaurnat in Brighton, Toby Sims and Debbie Bridge

Devonshire Theatre, Eastbourne

Waiting for Godot with Patrick Stewart and

the wealth of entertainment on offer. I come

festival, At the edge of the sea. Indeed Brighton

from Sheffield – not a bad place for culture,

seems to have a disproportionate number of

Ian McKellen, a production that proved that

but it didn’t prepare me for what I found in

music festivals: The Great Escape, The Colour

challenging and thought-provoking theatre can

Brighton. Among the many remarkable places

out of Space, the Brighton Early Music Festival

be brought to a mass audience.

I discovered was The Volks, a small club

and more. Another significant find for Tom

named after Magnus Volk’s Electric Railway,

was the Duke of York’s Picturehouse, which

I believe that culture in our city is flourishing

which played music loud enough to rattle its

apparently became pretty much an extension

and I call it my city despite my being a

shutters.” The Volks is tucked away under the

to the living room. Oh yes, and it shows some

Yorkshireman. It is particularly strong in

arches of Madeira Drive, like many Brighton

remarkable films too!

the field of poetry and the spoken word. I

establishments that operate at volumes

The inclination to go out and enjoy the

much enjoyed Floetics, the more competitive

unsuited for residential areas. You can walk

performing arts rather than sitting at home

Hammer and Tongue, the short story-based

back from this club in the early hours, the music

is something which Brighton has retained

Short Fuse and the experimental Hi Zero. Not

ringing in your ears and the waves crashing out

despite the ever-increasing competition

all of these are still going, but new events are

in the darkness.

from the television and internet. Of course

being spawned all the time. Now and again,

Walk further along the seafront and you will

Brighton has an advantage in venues such

I have even performed my own attempts at

reach Concorde 2, another iconic venue. A

as the Dome and the Theatre Royal which

poetry. Brighton has been good to me and

19th-century tearoom, Concorde 2 now hosts

combine charming architectural design with

given me confidence to get up and do things.

bands from all over the world. It has its own

innovative programming. My personal high was

That could not have happened anywhere else.

ABSOLUTE

B0112_054_055 TIM PARKER JAN 2013 3

14/12/11 14:50:22

FACES & PLACES

Coast to Coast cruises into Brighton

Andy Pearson serves a great cocktail

New American restaurant and bar, Coast to Coast at Brighton Marina, welcomed Brighton businesses to its exclusive launch party, where they enjoyed an evening of complimentary food and drink, as well as swinging Motown music. The evening was compĂŠred by local celebrity Jenny Smith, general manager Andy Dempster and Pamela Devereux Kerry Mayo, Jenny Shoebridge, Amber Fry and Craig Mackail-Smith (BHAFC)

DJ, Guy Lloyd from Juice 107.2, with entertainment provided by Motown band, Alison & the Earthquakes, roller skating

Catherine Cramm, Ian Bates, Jenny Ludford and Claire Down

ladies and basketball freestyler, Andrew

Ian Trevett, Sasha and Malcolm Jacobs

Wilding, who showed off his impressive skills with a basketball. Guests included current and former Brighton and Hove Albion players, Craig-Mackail-Smith and Kerry Mayo as well as members of Sussex County Cricket Club.

Pictures Stephen Lawrence

Rob Marks, Nathalie Gomez De Vera, Tina Howarth and Frank Jay

Brighton Roller Derby Gals Nina and Emma

Aimee, Chris, Ruth, Andy, Sophie and Andy

Jennifer and Stephen Lawrence, AB photographer

Basketball king, Andrew Wilding

Flora, Jonesy, Guy, Talia and Jordan, from Juice FM

ABSOLUTE

B0112_056 Social Coast to coast.1 1

9/12/11 19:26:21

The Castle Inn Hotel & Conference Centre JANUARY LUNCHTIME ONLY

SPECIAL Order a main meal and have a starter OR dessert on us! You can also order a third course for £2 extra along with a bottle of Castle Inn Hotel house red or white wine for £6.95 (normally £11.95)

12:00 until 14:30 Monday to Friday Prior booking only and please mention Absolute magazine Why not order ahead? We will have your meal ready for you

www.castleinnhotel.co.uk 01903 812 102 mae@castleinnhotel.co.uk

Please call or speak to us about conferencing facilities and functions: weddings, birthdays, funerals etc. We support local business so all of our produce is sourced locally. Vegetarian selections available

absolutely fabulous

Principal Conductor Barry Wordsworth Leader John Bradbury

87th Concert season January - February 2012 SUNDAY 15 JANUARY | 2.45pm

SUNDAY 29 JANUARY | 2.45pm

Anna Lee Violin Nazli Erdogan Viola

Vasko Vassilev Violin

by by kind kind permission permission of of the the Yehudi Yehudi Menuhin Menuhin School School

Britten

Four Four Sea Sea Interludes Interludes from from Peter Peter Grimes Grimes

Mozart

Sinfonia Sinfonia Concertante Concertante in in EE flat flat K364 K364

On the Green at Slaugham RH17 6AQ Reservations: 01444 400239 Email: info@the-chequers.com Web: www.the-chequers.com

B0112_057 ads.indd 1

Sarasate

Zigeunerweisen Zigeunerweisen (Gypsy (Gypsy Airs) Airs)

Sarasate

Carmen Carmen Fantasy Fantasy on on themes themes of of Bizet Bizet Op. Op. 25 25

Sullivan (arr. Mackerras)

Britten

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY | 2.45pm

Matinées Matinées Musicales Musicales Op. Op. 24 24 Young Young Person’s Person’s Guide Guide to to the the Orchestra Orchestra Op. Op. 34 34

Pineapple Pineapple Poll Poll

Craig Ogden Guitar

Chabrier España España

Rodrigo

Concierto Concierto de de Aranjuez Aranjuez

Bizet

Orchestral Orchestral Suite Suite from from Carmen Carmen

Debussy Petite Petite Suite Suite

Nigel Westlake Shadow Shadow Dances Dances for for Guitar Guitar

Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Capriccio Espagnol Espagnol

There’s a great new team at the Chequers with a unique approach and an exciting and innovative menu... It features fabulous fresh food of the highest quality and locally sourced whenever possible. Alex Tipping, Wayne Cortilla and Dan Cox offer years of experience and the warmest of welcomes to customers old and new.

. . THE CHEQUERS

Overture Overture William William Tell Tell

Rossini

(so our customers tell us!)

eat drink sleep

Rossini

Tickets:

01273 709709

www.brightondome.org www.brightonphil.org.uk

14/12/11 11:40:59

FACES & PLACES Volunteers Alan Agate and Emma Boyd, manning the Silent Auction table

Chestnut Tree Charity Ball

Actress Julie Graham, a patron of Chestnut Tree House

Staff and organisers of the fourth annual Chestnut Tree House Snowman Spectacular Ball were stunned and delighted when the event raised over £220,000! Enough to pay for 32 days of all the care services provided by the children’s hospice. Over 500 guests attended the Ball at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel, and were treated to a packed evening of entertainment, the high point of which was a performance Hannah Pollock, Lucy Rayden, Kate Peters and Steph Mills

by Mitch Winehouse, father of the late Amy. Mitch also kicked off the evening’s fundraising by going up on stage with his wife Jane, accompanied by Amy’s mother, Janis and her husband, Richard Collins, to present a very generous donation of £10,000 from the

Elliott Raggio, Becky Coles with Debbie and Robbie Raggio, a patron of Chestnut Tree House

Amy Winehouse Foundation to Chestnut Tree House. Mitch was joined by fellow celebrities; Barry and Tahilyn Carden, Eleni Kazaglis and Carl Bate

actress Julie Graham, former Welsh goalkeeper Paul Jones and Monty Python actress Carol Cleveland. Brighton magician Paul Zenon, was one of the main hosts for the evening, along with Juice FM Breakfast Show presenter Guy Lloyd and Chestnut Tree House’s Administrator Peter Cornwell. Paul entertained the audience with tricks and tomfoolery before introducing fellow performers, Mooky the Clown and aerialist, Alex Poulter. Mooky was joined on stage by new Chestnut Tree House Patron Ryan Heal, Managing Director of Juice FM.

Denise Taylor, Judy Welsh and Sue Addis

Pictures Richard Bidwell

Volunteers Mel Freeman, Rebecca Khurshid, Viv Fotiadis and Alex Harris

Keith and Lucy Dell, Katie Rhodes with Charlotte and Matthew Crawley

Actress Carol Cleveland

Michelle Terras of Tramp Boutique

Ann and Ryan Heal (Juice 107.2), a patron of Chestnut Tree House

ABSOLUTE

B0112_058 Social Chestnut Tree.i1 1

14/12/11 10:41:43

....everyone’s reading it!

If you would like your business to be included within Absolute Brighton reaching an audience of over 25,000 then call us today on:

0845 3890662 www.absolutebrighton.co.uk THE CITY’S LONGEST ESTABLISHED LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

B0112_059 Filler Marilyn.indd 1

14/12/11 16:12:52

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B0112_060 Hurst School.indd 1

9/12/11 17:16:23

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B0112_061 Hurst School.indd 1

9/12/11 17:17:48

ABSOLUTE EDUCATION

Recognition for Brighton College “Key to the college’s environment is inspirational teaching” - The Sunday Times

he Sunday Times has announced that the winner of its much coveted Independent School of the Year Award 2011–12 is Brighton College. This is the most prestigious schools award in the United Kingdom. Here is an extract from what The Sunday Times had to say: “Brighton College is the stand out candidate for this year’s award. The school has made a staggering climb up our league table

Absolute Brighton advert:Layout 1

8/12/11

11:28

from 147th position in 2006 to 18th this year based on its ever improving exam results, which now rival those of much more selective establishments. The school has been transformed from one of middling academic achievement into one of the powerhouses of the independent sector – and all achieved without restricting entry to only the very brightest. Children are encouraged to achieve through exceptional teaching and pastoral care – and they are pushing the bar ever higher with the passing of each year. ‘It is a very gentle environment, very tolerant,’ says headmaster, Richard Cairns. ‘If children feel cared for and supported they will excel,” he says. “A good school does not focus just on good results but creates the right environment in which, as if by magic, children get results beyond their imagination.’ ” Assessments for places at 11+ for Autumn 2012 take place Saturday 14th January, and for entry to years 2-6 (6+ to 10+) on Monday 16th January. Owing to expansion, additional year 2 places have been made available – an ideal opportunity to gain a place at this outstanding school. For details contact Page 1 registrar@brightoncollege.net or 01273 704201.

UK independent School of the Year 2011 Open MOrningS pre-prep & prep

(3+ to 10+) Saturday 28th January COLLege (11+, 13+, 16+) Saturday 4th February

Contact 01273 704201 or email: registrar@brightoncollege.net See the full Sunday Times report at www.brightoncollege.net, or by scanning code.

B0112_062 Education Brighton Col1 1

13/12/11 08:17:57

ABSOLUTE EDUCATION

Consideration Always

Our Lady of Sion School Celebrates 150 years of Excellence

taff and pupils at Our Lady of Sion

in St. Mary of the Angels Church (which

School are looking forward to

was also built by the Sisters). Most of the

celebrating the 150th anniversary

school teaching was undertaken by

of their school.

the Sisters, and although school life was

The Congregation of Sion was founded

stricter than it is in the present day, many

in 1842 by two Jewish brothers, Theodore

of the pupils from these times have very

and Alfonse Ratisbonne. They converted

happy memories of their school days,

from Judaism to Catholicism and, as

and they felt much loved by the Sisters.

a result, the Order is based on an

The school ceased to be a boarding

ethos of bridge-building, tolerance

school in the 1960’s and in the early

and understanding. The order founded

1980’s underwent a fundamental

communities in countries around the

change when the ﬁrst lay head was

world and today there are 18 Sion

appointed. Since these times, many

schools around the world. The school,

other changes have taken place, not

which opened in 1862, was one of the

the least being that the school has been

three schools that the Sisters started

fully co-educational since the end of

in Worthing (the other two were St

the 1980’s. The school of today is very

Elizabeth’s, a fee-paying day school

much a forward-looking community,

and a ‘free school’ for poor children).

embracing present-day technology and

Our Lady of Sion was originally a girls’

ideas, but its spiritual ethos is ﬁrmly based

convent boarding school, and although

on values of the Community of the Sisters

pupils did not have to follow the

of Sion. The school motto ‘Consideration

Catholic faith to join the school, religious

Always’ embodies the ideas of respect,

observances were very much part of

tolerance and understanding which

ﬁrst choice universities, with two out the

the school day; pupils said prayers three

underpin their beliefs. The school

group of 30 attaining places at Oxbridge

times during the school day, Mass was

continues its close links with the Sisters;

universities.

celebrated in the school chapel once a

four of the governors are Sisters of Sion,

While Our Lady of Sion believes

week and Saints Days were celebrated

and several of the Sisters always attend

academic achievement is vitally

our Founders’ Day and Christmas Carol

important for future success, and they

Service. The Sisters have also given

encourage each child to be the best

several generous bequests to the school

they possibly can, they also take care to

in recent years, one of which funded

foster their personal development. The

the refurbishment of the Senior School

aim is to allow each child to develop

Library. One of the Sisters regularly visits

their abilities to their full potential in every

the Junior School to help younger pupils

area of their life. To further this, they offer

with their reading.

a huge range of school trips and extra

The school is proud of their long traditions

curricular activities to enhance student’s

of excellence and consistently high

classroom learning experience. Pupils

public examination results. Students

also have the opportunity to take part

results were impressive again this year;

in many sports, drama, music and other

all ther GCSE pupils achieved at least

interest clubs.

eight passes at A-C grades and almost

To ﬁnd out more about what the school

half gained nine or more A/A* grades.

can offer for your child, telephone the

A-level results were equally as good;

Admissions Ofﬁcer on 01903 228638 to

82% at A-B grades and 48% of results at

make an appointment to have a tour of

A*/A grades. The majority of the sixth

the school and meet the Headmaster,

form students gained places at their

teaching staff and the students.

Junior School children c 1935

A classroom c 1956

Sisters of Our Lady of Sion c 1958

Ratisbonne Brothers

ABSOLUTE

B0112_063 Our Lady of Sion.indd 1

9/12/11 19:33:20

OUR LADY OF SION SCHOOL

Independent Co-educational Day School Headmaster: Michael Scullion JP MA BEd

The Chapel 2011

The Chapel 1910

Uniforms 1870—1962

Junior School Year 1 & 2 Harvest Assembly

Celebrating 150 years of excellence Proud to have been providing a century and a half of exceptional education in a caring family community for boys and girls age 2½ to 18

1862 - 2012 www.sionschool.org.uk

Admissions: 01903 228638

Junior School Westbrooke BN11 1RE

admissions@sionschool.org.uk

Senior School Gratwicke Rd BN11 4BL

Reg Charity No 1121398

B0112_064 Our Lady of sion ad.in1 1

9/12/11 19:37:18

ABSOLUTE LEISURE

Va Va Vroom

Sussex’s most exciting new leisure attraction opens for business

or serious adrenaline junkies of all ages, TeamSport Brighton, the new state-of-theart go kart experience, is now open. Situated just off the A259 between Shoreham and Lancing, the circuit boasts one of the longest indoor tracks in the country. The centre’s brand new, full size 200cc petrol karts, each worth a whopping £3000, tear round

like rockets. They can reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, but at just two inches off the floor it can feel like twice that! A considerable part of the state-of-the-art track design was based on the winning entry from a competition run earlier this year by TeamSport. It invited its legion of karting enthusiasts to dream up a plan that would give seriously heart-pumping thrills and spills. Rob McGeown from Horsham came up with a truly inspirational circuit. He met with TeamSport’s professional track designers who added their own expertise and technical knowledge to turn parts of his vision into reality. The 450 metre track has a flyover and underpass, with challenging bends, big drops and an amazing banked corner for the ultimate grand prix buzz. Kids’ karts But TeamSport is not just for fearless grown-ups. Little ‘Lewis Hamiltons’ can also show off their

racing skills in specially designed top-of-the-range ‘cadet’ petrol karts. They can even celebrate with pals in one of the track’s hireable party rooms. Drivers and their ‘crews’ can also refuel in Fuel, TeamSport Brighton’s cool track-side bar and kitchen, with its traditional stone baked pizzas, bruschettas, baguettes and more. Corporate entertaining A suite of stylish, fully equipped new conference rooms complete a comprehensive corporate offer for up to 60 delegates, making TeamSport Brighton perfect for awaydays, team-building etc. Driving experience gift vouchers are also available – a present for someone who has everything! Location: Chartwell Road, Lancing Industrial Estate, Lancing It is essential to book. Booking, prices and further information is available on 0844 998 0844 and online at: www.team-sport.co.uk/brighton

THE BEACON SHINES OUT The Sussex Beacon’s 21st Christmas Carol Concert raises almost £400 for Beacon Appeal

he Sussex Beacon’s Annual Carol Concert, now in its 21st year, brought some festive warmth to St Pauls Church on a cold and blustery Brighton night in December. The Sussex Beacon welcomed supporters, including former Mayor Ann Norman and other dignitaries to their 21st Carol Concert. The newly restored St Pauls church provided a stunning setting for this beautiful and festive occasion. Two of the Beacon’s patrons, director, author and performer Neil Bartlett, and actress, presenter and comedienne Annabel Giles joined two members of the Beacon staff to give seasonal readings. Simon Burgess, chairman of The Sussex Beacon gave thanks and made a passionate plea for support for the Beacon Appeal launched to raise the £150,000 needed to keep their Inpatient Unit open and to protect their services. “Twenty years ago, when the Beacon was built the community brought us close to their hearts; it feels as if the same is happening again in these difficult times. Lots of people are increasing their efforts to fundraise to help to protect our vital services – we thank all those people so much. We should all be very proud to have the Beacon here in this city and we all need to strive to ensure people with HIV continue to receive the services they deserve.” It was a perfect pre-Christmas evening as guests joined in with the choir to sing Carols then enjoyed mince pies and mulled wine in front of a crackling log fire. Donations from the evening raised £345.52 for the Beacon Appeal. To support the Beacon Appeal visit www.sussexbeacon.org.uk ABSOLUTE

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ABSOLUTE BUSINESS

Arrear Fear Having seen many landlords suffer through 2011, Paul Cullip of Northwood Lettings discusses ways in which landlords can protect themselves in 2012

011 saw another challenging, yet interesting, year for the

lettings market in Brighton and Hove. With tenant demand at an all time high and available properties at an all time low,

rents had to go up and in some cases they have increased by as much as 40%. As everybody knows borrowing has become increasingly difficult; in Brighton this has caused so many first time buy-to-let landlords to pull out of the game. With the decrease in the amount of new builds over the last couple of years like Brighton Belle and Pullman Haul, we have seen a dramatic shift in the tenant to property ratio. Team this with the increasing influx of new tenants, for example, overseas students or people simply wanting a slice of our sought after Brighton lifestyle, and the problem only worsens. These factors are driving the rents up and for the time being it seems like there is no ceiling to hit, but something has got to give as the knock on effects are being seen on a daily basis. In the lettings industry we have seen a huge incline in rental arrears. Tenants are being forced to pay increased rental payments throughout their tenancy; tenants are staying in properties for longer becoming what is now known as ‘Trapped Renters’. Rent arrears are now not necessarily an indication of the tenant as an individual, but as a widespread problem resulting from dramatic rent increases. Rental arrears are an historic problem faced by all agents but the management of this now needs to be readdressed.

“Our landlords are fortunate at Northwood to have our Platinum rent guarantee scheme … it gives our landlords the peace of mind knowing their rent is guaranteed.” We are finding the best route towards this is communication. In most instances the problem can be tackled early on with a good conversation and a large degree of understanding. Rental arrears are slowly becoming an increasingly common issue but not necessarily one to be met with a hard-lined approach, as in most instances this will only lead to a lack of contact between yourself

lists. Again, we stress that communication is key. Our landlords are fortunate at Northwood to have our Platinum rent guarantee scheme which allows us a certain amount of freedom when it comes to dealing with tenants, and of course gives our landlords the peace of mind knowing their rent is guaranteed. Another huge problem tenants, agents and landlords are now facing is the dramatic decrease in Housing Allowance. For example, the money currently being given for a one bedroom flat is £625; unfortunately it is now difficult to find one for less than £700. This creates problems initially for tenants leaving them with very little choice and in most cases having to pay the shortfall. For landlords who have current housing tenants in their properties they are also facing challenges. Landlords are naturally wishing to increase their rent, yet at the same time housing are having to decrease the allowance creating a large difference, driving up the already increasing arrears, causing financial difficulties for both tenant and landlord. As an agency we would like to enable all housing tenants to find accommodation and we are very open to help with the challenges they face, but as the allowances drop and the attitudes worsen we are struggling to help meet requirements. Northwood believe 2012 will be yet another challenging year, but we will meet it head-on, with openness, professional expertise and a smile. Northwood Lettings, 58 Western Road, Hove. Tel: 01273 715890 www.northwooduk.com/letting-agents/brighton

and your tenants. This is of course a difficult situation as all agents will have the best interests of their landlords at the top of their

ABSOLUTE

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14/12/11 20:15:33

Councillor Alex Phillips and Tom Druitt, MD of The Big Lemon Company

Platinum evening

FACES & PLACES

The recent meeting of Brighton’s premier networking forum The Platinum Club, took place at The Grand Hotel and was a great success. Very well attended, and with the

Michael Cohen (Cohen Davidson), Dean Orgill (Mayo Wynne Baxter) Jonathan Perham (Coutts Bank)

addition of a live jazz band, the event really Andrew and Alex Pell-Stevens (The Alexander Partnership)

did go with a swing. The Platinum Club is gaining new members at the rate of 6/8 per month and as all members are the MDs or CEOs of their respective companies, this is the highest level networking event in the City and is proving to be a tremendously successful way to make contacts and win Philippa Stephen-Martin (CBabies Safe) and Nick Feeney (GPI Investments)

new business. Many special guests are lined up for 2012, including Lord Nigel Lawson, Alastair Campbell, James Caan and Wonga

Andy Parsons (Yelo Architects)

coup leader, Simon Mann. For details of

John Shewell (Brighton & Hove City Council)

membership, contact Maarten or Paula at Jenerator Creative on 01273 621421. Pictures Richard Bidwell

John Healy (Healy’s Solicitors), Maarten Hoffmann (Jenerator Creative) and Eric Boon (HSBC)

Adam Style (Brighton & Hove Food Festival), Michael Cohen (Cohen Davidson Accountants)

Paula Seabourne-Pearson (Jenerator Creative), John Shewell (Brighton & Hove City Council), Darren Mostyn (Online Creative) and Andrew Mosley (G.M. of The Grand Hotel) Darren Mostyn (Online Creative)

Lexy Hall (Bite Studio)

Adam Jackson (Bilberry Mobile)

Simon Elkin (Harwood’s Bentley)

Nicole Humphreys (Acumen Business Law)

ABSOLUTE

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14/12/11 10:56:10

ABSOLUTE BUSINESS

Winner Gives All As proud sponsors once again of the Outstanding Brightonian Award at this year’s Sussex Business Awards and BAHBAs, Absolute Brighton was thrilled to hand this years award yet again to someone who wholeheartedly deserved it. Many people in Sussex know Ryan Heal as the managing director of Juice 107. However, in his own time and without drawing attention to himself, Ryan has been quietly taking it upon himself to raise the highest amounts of money (for charities through organising various events) ever seen before in Sussex. Here, we talk to Ryan about why carrying out these tasks is so important to him and what receiving such an accolade of recognition felt like Ryan, congratulations on your recent recognition as Outstanding

representative of a particular charity will call the radio station for support,

Brightonian at the Sussex Business Awards and BAHBAs. Please tell us

awareness or publicity and before you know it we have built a strong

about that moment you heard that it was you who had won this most

partnership and are supporting them on all kinds of levels. This would not

prestigious award:

be possible without the radio station providing the initial link.

I was genuinely shell shocked, I had no idea whatsoever – I just remember

How have you found the economical downturn has affected local

freezing before being told to head up onto the stage.

charities?

You received this acknowledgement mainly due to the tremendous

Quite simply it has made it even harder for them to raise the money

charitable work and money raised that you have been doing on the quiet

they need to survive. Due to the economic downturn, collection tins are

over the years. Please tell us a bit about this ongoing task and why it

being hit with silver instead of gold and this has a huge impact on the local

means so much to you:

charities as every penny really does make a difference. Which is why it is

Like many others that give to charity, it is incredibly rewarding to “give

crucial, now more than ever, that communities pull together to help local

something back” to the community, and causes within the community,

charities through these tough times.

that are desperate for support. It means so much to me because of the personal stories you hear and people you meet that are acutely affected by illness, disease and distress.

Winner at this year’s BAHBAs Ryan Heal

This summer you raised the most ever raised at an event in Sussex with the tremendous sum of £177k. How did you manage this? The amount raised was boosted enormously by the generosity of local businesses pledging to “pay for a day” of care at Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice. This idea of Pay for a Day was Mike Holland’s; he launched it on stage at the “Best of British” lunch which I organise each year. We were all amazed at the support it received. You are Managing Director of Juice 107.2. Are you able to lean on this role to pull in contacts and arrange events for charities close to your heart? The role of the radio station is absolutely vital as it is the starting point of many of the initial conversations and meetings with charities. Quite often a 68

ABSOLUTE

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12/12/11 09:15:16

ABSOLUTE BUSINESS

Ryan receives his award from Absolute Brighton’s Paul Craig, pictured with host for the evening, Stephen Grant (right)

Are you from Brighton & Hove originally?

We’re now embarking upon 2012. What plans do you have for the year

Yes I am. I was born at The Royal Sussex County Hospital!

ahead at Juice 107.2?

What do you think makes Brighton & Hove such a great City to live and

We will set out with the same goals and ambitions that we do every year.

do business in? We are very fortunate on two counts: Firstly, the unique nature of the City. There is simply no where else on earth like Brighton & Hove with so many sections of the community represented and respected fairly and equally. Secondly, the area of the country we trade in, our closeness to London and the ‘Gatwick diamond’ give us greater opportunity than other more depressed Cities in the UK to fight back quicker and stronger through

“There is simply no where else on earth like Brighton & Hove with so many sections of the community represented and respected fairly and equally. ”

More value for our listeners with even more local content, more value for our customers and continuing to be recognised as the local station for the City. All of our research locally proves that this City is not a great fan of the pre-recorded, networked, manufactured, bubble-gum radio that you can find on other stations. Our listeners want to know about: The Albion and Sussex Cricket; The A259 / A27 traffic jam; the school closures for snow; the events going on in the City; What’s on at the Theatre Royal; Who’s on at The Brighton Centre etc. They are not concerned about a cat stuck up a tree in the middle of Oxford City Centre! …And charity events that our readers should put in their diaries for 2012? I’m working on a few; the two biggest will be Best of British 2012 with Jimmy Greaves and Duncan Goodhew at The Grand on 6th July for Chestnut Tree House and the Midsummer Ball on 30th June at The Hilton

tougher times as we have recently experienced.

for the Argus Appeal.

Please tell us a bit about your business background running up to your

And finally, what has receiving this award meant to you and your close ones?

role at Juice:

It has been truly amazing. My family is the most important thing in my

I’ve always worked within the media sector. I did spend some time in

life and to be able to share this with my wife and three children is very

recruitment but the commercial media sector has been home for me,

special. I’m very proud of my family history in Brighton. My parents and

beginning at Reed Elsevier where I worked on magazines including

grandparents contributed greatly to this City over many years and any

Computer Weekly and Personnel Today, to Capital Radio and Southern FM

recognition that comes my way should always be credited to them for the

where I enjoyed my first introduction into the world of radio. And since

support they have given me in every aspect of life, and it’s them I have to

2006 I’ve been at Juice 107.2.

thank the most. ABSOLUTE

B0112_068_069 Ryan Heal profile.3 3

12/12/11 09:15:18

ABSOLUTE BUSINESS

QUEENS PARK WILD GARDEN CLEAN UP GREEN UP

Andy Parsons Chartered Architect and Director of Yelo Architects, an exciting architectural practice that believes good design makes a good project.

Localism in the city

e’re working on some significant housing projects in Brighton currently so I did some quick calculations the other day and I reckon if they are all built, Yelo will be responsible for 386 new homes just in Brighton. It sounds a huge amount but there are some major schemes coming through in the city at the moment and the key word in that sentence is city - Brighton is finally acting and working as a city. But of course there is no space and we’re crammed to the gunnels you would think, but actually there are a number of areas in Brighton that are crying out for denser development and major regeneration. Now the normal comment I hear back at this stage is something along the lines of ‘oh they’ll be awful shoebox prisons with tiny windows because that’s all developers are interested in.’ Well we’re working locally with a national developer, and their brief to us is start afresh from the ground up and design it entirely around the residents that will live there. Now that’s the sort of brief I want as an architect! So we’ve done all the common design moves such as orientating the living rooms to face south and ensuring that someone in a wheelchair can travel entirely step free anywhere from the car park to their home to their garden. However, we have also maximized the amount of daylight entering the apartments and designed large bay picture windows that you can lie down in and read a book. No shoeboxes here either as all the apartments are bigger than normal and all have either a garden or a balcony and we have family homes. We want to encourage a real community where you do actually speak to your neighbours and you love where you live. We have worked with the client to set up various community focused initiatives such as exercise classes, art and hobby classes and skills workshops for the residents. One of the workshops will be food growing, as each home has its own growing area. Of course there are many more initiatives such as a car park designed for electric cars, a wormery ,herb gardens and a community garden designed by a Chelsea Flower Show winner. I hope more schemes in Brighton have responsible community focused clients as we need to start building this city in the right way. Yelo Architects, 12a Marlborough Place, Brighton BN1 1WN Tel: 01273 608444 mail@yeloarchitects.com www.yeloarchitects.com 70

Tina Wenham, of Mishon Mackay, Kemp Town tells of the pleasure she got recently from helping to clean up a treasured area in Brighton

s you walk through the delight that is Queens Park, in Brighton, do you ever stop to think about how it stays so beautiful and well

kept? Perhaps like me you hadn’t really given it much thought. That was until I noticed in a local magazine that the Wild Garden in Queens Park was due for its annual tidy up on a Saturday, late last November. To ensure The Wild Garden is a safe haven for hibernating wildlife during the winter months and so that it doesn’t get out of control during the spring flourish of growth, every year Lindsey the Park Ranger organises a group of volunteers to prune, snip and rake the garden back. This year was no exception and so my colleagues Alex Mackay, Damien Dunford and I decided we wanted to help. We arrived at the Park and were given our tools for the day; Lindsay gave us a section to get started on in the north eastern corner of the garden .When we first saw the towering Buddleia and intertwined brambles it’s safe to say we all wondered how we would ever clear the area, but we set to work and before we knew it we had cleared the entire area even encountering the odd frog along the way. Whilst chatting to some of the other volunteers including the members of the group Friends of Queens Park, who very kindly supplied the teas and coffee’s on the day, it became apparent to me that this wasn’t the only task that had to be completed to keep the park so well loved, from cleaning the duck pond of algae to pruning and maintaining The Quiet Garden and ensuring the children’s play area was functional and safe for all to enjoy. It is only through the hard work and selflessness of the volunteers that the Park remains beautiful and its facilities available to the community The Kemp Town & Queens Park community truly does still have the “love thy neighbour” attitude and it was definitely out in force on that November day. We are extremely proud to be a part of that community and wanted to show our appreciation in the best way we know how, hard work! We’ve already put our name down to help out next year!

ABSOLUTE

B0112_070 Yelo Architects and PR1 1

15/12/11 08:30:14

ABSOLUTE LAW Alan Larkin of family Law PartnersThis month, Robert Williams of Family Law Partners discusses the importance of finding the right family lawyer

RECOGNISED SPECIALISTS IN FAMILY LAW

The choice is yours, so make it carefully

he New Year brings new beginnings, resolutions, change and choices. Sadly, for some, change can include the end of a relationship. So, what do you need to think about if you are

instructing a family lawyer? And what can you do to make progress

member? If so, they should be solution focused and adopt a non-

Family Law Partners are committed to delivering a solution-focused approach for clients.Their dispute resolution services help minimise both the emotional and financial cost to families. Family Law Partners are the only Sussex based family law firm ranked in the prestigious Chambers and Partners UK Directory and can help with:

confrontational approach. Even better, are they a Resolution accredited

Divorce and separation

expert in the area of law you need help with? Ask them!

Mediation, which can include involving your children

whilst, at the same time, saving legal costs? Costs come from the family “pot”. The maths is simple. The more the lawyers get, the less the family receives. And just consider the emotional cost. Your choice of family lawyer is crucial. Is this person a Resolution

Does their firm actively promote dispute resolution? Look at their website, search for them on Twitter, read their blogs and articles. In short, do your homework. You can exercise control over your choice of family lawyer. Remember you will be making life-changing decisions, so it is vitally important to get this first decision, your choice of lawyer, right. When you meet your chosen family lawyer it will all become very real.

Collaborative law Financial issues, including inheritance claims and wealth protection Post and pre nuptial agreements

You’re going to have to start opening up your life to someone you have

Civil Partnership Dissolutions

never met before. Are you emotionally strong enough to deal with this?

Children issues

Don’t forget to look after yourself and rely upon the support network of

Cohabitation

family and friends. You will have hundreds of questions at the first consultation with your lawyer and almost as many anxieties. What do you ask? What will they ask? What will they need to see? How much will it all cost? Will you be judged? But it’s your family’s future you’re talking about! So do your research, be prepared and take control. Now there’s a New Year’s resolution worth sticking to. For some helpful tips go to www.familylawpartners.co.uk/firstinterview

Follow Robert on Twitter: @Williamslegal

Out of office hours appointments are available.

Follow FLP on Twitter: @familylawflp

Family Law Partners

01273 862395 info@familylawpartners.co.uk www.familylawpartners.co.uk

01273 862395 www.familylawpartners.co.uk

B0112_071 Family Law JAN2012.ind1 1

9/12/11 19:40:30

ABSOLUTE BUSINESS

FULL STEAM AHEAD Sussex businessman, Mike Holland has many strings attached to his bow; from regenerating the historical Hove Engineerium to restoring Stanmer House, to name a couple. So it may come as a surprise to some reading this to discover that Mike also finds the time to carry out work in his spare time to support and help local charities. Here, Mike shares with our readers why he feels every penny and every minute given counts when it comes to charitable aid, and why he takes his work for them so seriously Mike, most people know you as a successful businessman and

As a successful businessman, charities and organisations must frequently

entrepreneur of Sussex. However, other than being a big mover and

approach you. How do you manage and prioritise such scenarios?

shaker around the county, there is another role that you take just as

I have three major charities that I support here in Sussex and I make it clear

seriously. Can you tell us about your charity work and what it involves?

when I am approached by others that I focus on these and am unable to

I am full of admiration for those who are involved hands on and at the

dilute my time any further. Having said that, I intend to stay in touch with,

sharp end of the voluntary sector. I have decided, over recent years, that my

and help where possible, the two main charities I met in Grimsby while

time is best spent raising funds to help support these dedicated people in

filming an episode for ‘Secret Millionaire’ that was screened last December.

their work.

How did you find the ‘Secret Millionaire’ experience?

Was there a significant time in your life when it became so important to

To sum up, I would describe it as rewarding but frustrating. Rewarding

you to be involved with local charities?

because you were meeting people and organisations doing things way

My eldest son Brian sadly passed away in 1979 at the age of 13. This

beyond the call of duty, for the benefit of their fellow human beings.

completely destroyed me for many years. Eventually I realised I had to

Frustrating because at the same time as I was marvelling at the selflessness

ensure that Brian did not die in vain and that his legacy was that we would

of these individuals, it was obvious that many of these organisations will fail

do what we could to help others.

in the difficult times ahead through lack of funding.

Do you feel more could be done for any local organisations in particular? I think that both central and local government need to wake up and realise that the best value for money comes from the voluntary sector; don’t make cuts in the voluntary sector at all, quite the reverse. We should be looking at ways of increasing productivity in this sector and cutting back on the useless brigade, most of which is government related.

“...there are difficult times ahead for all of us that will stretch way beyond 2012.The important thing is to cut waste and maximise on what you have. It is certainly not a time to take risks...”

In your opinion, do you think there is more that local people could be

Do you utilise your businesses as a way of helping local charities such as

doing?

Chestnut Tree?

Oh, of course there is always more that local people could be doing. While

Yes, there is no doubt that businesses must work hand in hand with charity.

many people do an awful lot, there are still an awful lot who think being

We help the 3 charities that we work with in any way we can. The British

charitable is buying a few raffle tickets at a charity ball prior to going off on

Engineerium Trust has only survived through donations from my businesses.

the next holiday jaunt!

I have managed to fundraise and donate significant funds for Chestnut Tree

ABSOLUTE

B0112_072_073 Mike Holland profi2 2

13/12/11 07:45:39

ABSOLUTE BUSINESS

“...knowing that your business is helping those less fortunate in our communities should be your secondary consideration.The first of course is ensuring your business remains a strong one! First you have to be strong in order to help others...”

House children’s hospice, of which I am extremely proud to be a patron.

is disgraceful behaviour. It seems that whenever we elect a Prime Minister,

I am also a patron of The Whitehawk Inn’s fundraising appeal and apart

within months they have become a world leader. How refreshing it would

from being major donors ourselves we will be working with other business

be if one of them, just for once, became a domestic PM and concentrated

leaders to ensure the future of this vital service to our community.

on local affairs. Once again, ‘make yourself strong and then you can help

A lot of successful entrepreneurs give their time and money to charity.

others.’

Do you think that often being a successful businessperson goes hand in

With 2012 upon us, in your opinion how do you predict things will pan

hand with the territory of helping support charities?

out for the UK economy?

It should do, as you really can’t take it with you. In my experience, knowing

I don’t want to appear full of doom and gloom because I believe it is

that your business is helping those less fortunate in our communities

important to remain upbeat at all times. However, anyone who thinks

should be your secondary consideration. The first of course is ensuring your

we are through the worst is really kidding themselves. I am afraid there

business remains a strong one! First you have to be strong in order to help

are difficult times ahead for all of us that will stretch way beyond 2012.

others, a lesson I learnt early on.

The important thing is to cut waste and maximise on what you have. It is

We frequently read in the newspapers and see on the news how the

certainly not a time to take risks.

economic downturn has affected businesses. How have you seen the

And finally, what are your plans for 2012? Are there any business

recession affect the charities that you work closely with?

ventures on the horizon?

Yes of course the recession has affected everyone. The government have

My plans for 2012 are to follow my own advice and maximise on what

made it harder than it should be for charities though by slashing the already

I already have. We will be progressing with our works at The British

paltry sums they were handing out pre-recession. Chestnut Tree House, for

Engineerium and I will be ensuring that I keep my eye firmly on my other

instance, has been given an insulting less than 9% of total budget this year.

businesses.

I presume at the time government made these swinging cuts last year we

There are a couple of other business ventures I am looking at and one that

hadn’t decided to spend £150 million a day bombing Libya for however

I have indeed just invested in. All quite exciting really. However caution is

many days it was! It seems we managed to find the money for that, but are

definitely the word for 2012.

unable to fund the only children’s hospice in the whole of Sussex and East

The British Engineerium, Neville Road, Hove.

Hampshire, at a total cost per annum of less than £3 million. In my view, this

www.britishengineerium.com

ABSOLUTE

B0112_072_073 Mike Holland profi3 3

13/12/11 07:45:43

EACH MONTH, ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON WILL BE DELIVERED TO SELECTED HOMES IN PRESTIGIOUS AREAS IN AND AROUND THE CITY. THIS MONTH: DYKE ROAD AVENUE

These are SOME of the many places where you can pick up your copy of Absolute Brighton BRIGHTON Jury’s Inn Hotel Studio 27, Queens Road Peach Software, Queens Road Parsons, Son and Basley, Queens Road Starbucks, Churchill Square Hollister, Churchill Square Republic, Churchill Square Moksha Café, 4/5 York Place, Jimmy Chop Chop, Trafalgar Street The Laines Deli, Trafalgar Street Gaff, Trafalgar Street Easy News, Trafalgar Street The Point Hairdressers, Trafalgar Street Rosalins Hair and Beauty Salon, 78 Trafalgar St Fired Earth, Prince Albert Street Gars, Prince Albert Street Mesmerist bar, Prince Albert Street, Ambience Gallery, Meeting House Lane Kellerwood, 12d Meeting House Lane Jeremy Hoye, 22a Ship Street Brighton Beautique, 14 Ship St She Said, Ship Street Gardens Office Shoes, Cranbourne Street, Reiss Clothing, East Street Toni & Guy, 68 East Street Champneys, 24 East Street Madame Geisha, East Street Jack Wills, East Street Regent Arcade Art at Five, Bartholomews Karen Millen, Nile Street Velvet, Bond Street Art @ Tailor Made, 3 Brighton Square Solutions inc, Hannington Quarter, Donatellos, 1-3 Brighton Square Fratellis, 20 Brighton Square Starbucks, Market Square Elite dressmakers, The Lanes Browns, Duke Street Powder, 5a Duke St Look Fantastic, Duke Street Havana Restaurant, 32 Duke Street Hotel Du Vin, 2-6 Ship Street Electric, 18 Ship Street Leone Clare, Upper North Street Sabai Thai Restaurant. 165-169 Princes Place, North Street Juice FM, North Street All Bar One, Pavilion Buildings Dome Box Office, New Road Treatment Rooms, 21 New Road Okinami Restaurant, New Road Shine Hairdressers, Gloucester Road Midnight Communications, Foundry St Priory Partnership, Frederick Place Tower Point, North Road Wagamamas, North Road Myhotel, 17 Jubilee Square Skin Clinics, Jubilee Square LA Fitness, North Road O-zone, 21 – 23 Church Street

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KEMPTOWN Seaspray Hotel, 25 New Steine The Square Hotel, 4 New Steine New Steine Hotel, 12a New Steine New Madeira Hotel, Marine Parade Drakes Hotel, 44 Marine Parade Brighton Laser Clinic, Marine Parade Sun Qube 66 St George’s Road Spruce, 11 George Street Gin Gin Restaurant, 74 St James Street Forde Hairdressers, 88 St James Street Four Seasons, 3 Upper Rock Gardens Alvia Hotel, 36 Upper Rock Gardens Blanch House Hotel, Atlingworth Street

BRIGHTON MARINA Karma, Waterfront Seatle Hotel, Waterfront Rendezvous Casino David Lloyd, Marina Walk of Fame Café, Waterfront Neilson, Locksview ASDA (Petrol station) Marina Dental Care, Marina Square

HOVE Coral Stadium. Nevilll Road, Hove Skerritts, 23 Coleridge Street Tranquility in the City, 12 Boundary Rd Eaton Road Dental Practise, Eaton Rd The Cricketers, Hove Cricket Ground Tai Hair and Beauty, 7 Blatchington Rd Robbies Car Wash, Hove Station Tesco Express, The Droveway, Hove Toast of Brighton, 40 Church Road

La Fourchette, 42 Church Road Tingleys, 46 Church Road Callaways Estate Agents, 59 Church Rd Fabulous Floors, 67 Church Road Harry’s, Church Road Alpha Contracts, 51–53 Church Road Havana Spoon, 70-72 Church Road Mishon Welton Estates, 94 Church Rd Waves, 99 Church Road Property Moves, 109 Church Road Hove Family Dental Practice, 11 New Church Road Misty’s, 116 Church Road Coffee Republic, 57 Church Road Mishon Mackay, 170 Church Road Clinic Nine, 212 Church Road Lansdowne Place Hotel, Lansdowne Pl Arscotts, 54 Lansdowne Place Caffé Nero, The Drive Starbucks, Western Road Brighton White, 2 Hampton Place Design Interiors, 56 Western Road Beauty Secrets, 65 Western Road Hove Kitchen, Western Road Caffe Nero, 208 Western Road Coffee Republic, 55 Western Road Spektra Hairdressing, 69 Western Road, Tipaza, 104 Western Road Intoto Kitchens, 119/120 Western Road Nail Studio, 1 Brunswick Rd Brunswick Pub, Brunswick Road GK UNA hair salon, 19 Upper Market St Tin Drum, Second Ave Le Lion D’or, George Street The Hair and Nail Loft, George Street Diamond Nails, George Street Murray Media, 1 Blatchington Road Babylon Lounge, Western Esplanade The Lawns Café, Hove Lawns, Kingsway Hove Practice, 28 Wilbury Road Gym and Tonic, 42 Queen Victoria Road

PORTSLADE Tooth Smart, 137 Portland Road, Hove Heart FM, Franklin Road, Portslade Rivervale cars (Mazda), Victoria Rd Caffyns Volvo, Victoria Road, Portslade Hair and Beauty Lounge, Portland Road Westbourne Motors, 270 Portland Road

SHOREHAM/LANCING SOUTHWICK Frosts Cars, Brighton Road, Shoreham Glam, 14a High Street, Shoreham Stephanie Reed, 80 High Street Crown and Anchor, High St, Shoreham Identity Hair Salon, High St, Shoreham Showtec, High St, Shoreham The Smile Studio, East St, Shoreham Hair and Nail lounge, 30 East Street, Crop Shop, 7 St Mary’s Road, Shoreham The Holmbush shopping centre Shoreham Airport

Style and Silver, Bank House, Southwick Square

WORTHING Bryce’s Seafood, The Steine The Fish Factory, Brighton Sofa, Marine Parade Casa Ciro, Marine Parade Richard John Hair, 2 - 4 Royal Arcade Splash FM, Guildbourne Centre Shaun Slater Gould, Ann Street Liming Restaurant, 13/15 New Street Food Restaurant, New Street Euphoric. 17 Chandos Road Burlington Hotel, Marine Parade (Gio’s) Tangerine Bar, Marine Parade Caffyns Plc, Goring Rd, Goring Montage, 29 Brighton Road

BURGESS HILL Porsche Mid-Sussex, York Road Burgess Hill Girls School, Keymer Road

LEWES Lewes District Council, Southover Rd Chalk Gallery, 4 North Street Lewes Estates, High Street The Crown Inn, 191 High Street Seasons Of Lewes, 199 High Street Artisan, 197 High Street Cubitt & West, 209 High Street Wycherley Estate Agents, 56 High Street Cheese Please, 46 High Street Bone, 36 High Street White Hart Hotel, High Street Pelham House Hotel, High Street Wynne Baxter, 221 High Street Shelleys Hotel, High Street Dome Hairdressing, High Street Laportes, 1 Lansdowne Place Esquire, 3 Lansdowne Place Equilibrium Health Centre, 16 Station St Avant Garde, 28 High Street Oyster lingerie, 5 North Court Dorset pub, 22 Malling St

OTHER AREAS Harwoods, London Road, Pulborough Polka Dot, Hurstpierpoint South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding The Royal Oak, Poynings Tottington Manor, Edburton, Henfield Richwards Estate Agents, Henfield White Mischief Weddings, Henfield Ripples Bathrooms, Keymer Rd, Hassocks Shepherd and Dog, Fulking White Horse Hotel, Rottingdean Angels n’ Saints, Rottingdean Buxted Park, Uckfield Baloos, Woodmancote The Ginger Fox, Woodmancote Cowdray Park, Cowdray, Midhurst Cherrywood Events, Stanmer House

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY PLACES YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY 74

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ON SALE NOW Seats from

£12-£36

Brighton Centre 13–29 January 2012 www.brightoncentre.co.uk

Box office: 0844 847 1538 www.holidayonice.co.uk

From classic colonial to new cool. A gastro brasserie, bar and late night lounge in the heart of Hove. With a superb French chef and new menu, Havana Spoon builds on the Havana brand with a glamorous modern twist.

Christmas menu now available in the restaurant and online. www.havanaspoon.com

70-72 Church Road, Hove BN3 2FD Reservations 01273 651651