ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON . ISSUE 60 . JANUARY 2010
ISSUE 60 . JANUARY 2010
THE QUEEN OF TEASE DITA VON TEESE’S ALTER EGO www.absolutebrighton.tv
BARGAINS GALORE
THE BEST JANUARY SALES IN SUSSEX
THE SHAMAN’S SPELL
A JOURNEY AROUND CENTRAL AMERICA FASHION . PROPERTY . TRAVEL . BEAUTY . EDUCATION . ART . FACES & PLACES
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High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BL Telephone 01444 401 277
Adastra Place 38 Keymer Road Hassocks BN6 8AP Tel 01273 841228
5/7 Ambassador House Crane Street Chichester PO19 1LH Tel 01243 776661
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CONTENTS
brighton
January 2010 . Issue 60
www.absolutebrighton.tv Cover shot by Christophe Cohen www.christophecohen.com
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ABSOLUTE FEATURES 10 Cheerleader A mix of High Street and designer fashion 22 Queen Of Tease Dita Von Tease on her alter ego creation 31 Blooming Marvelous McBeans discuss varieties of orchids 56 Bargains Of TheYear The best sales across Sussex 62 The Nations Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn speaks to John Periam from her home in East Sussex ABSOLUTE REGULARS 9 Editor’s Letter 16 Faces & Places 18 Celebrity Get The Look Get the stylish look of Brighton’s very own Peter Andre 20 Absolute Socialite Diary Peter Jarrette shares a page from his busy schedule 24 Absolute Celebrity Column with Austin Mutti-Mewse 48 The Story Of The Marina Tim Parker visits Brighton Marina 55 Absolute News with Mo Hunter-Shine 58 Absolute Travel Neil Garaghty takes an exciting trip to Central America 66 Absolute education 68 Absolute Art 70 Absolute Motoring 72 Absolute Business section 74 Absolute Distribution
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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS 26 The Wet Look Put a wet room in your bathroom 28 Light Showers Stylish shower curtains ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND BEAUTY 36 Absolute Hair with Mark Woolley 38 Absolute Life Coaching 39 Absolute Dental Column 40 Pressure Pleasure Mo Hunter-Shine enjoys a massage at Eurphoric 42 Smooth Operator Sheryl Waters discusses the benefits of healthy smoothies 43 Detox From Head To Toe Detoxing creams for all over body care 45 Absolute Make-Up Column Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson gives top beauty tips for the New Year 46 Skin Deep The best available skin care treatments and tools available
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ABSOLUTE FOOD AND DRINK 51 Absolute Restaurant And Bar Listings 52 A Taste Of The Caribbean Lidia De Luca visits Heist Bar for a rum cocktail experience 53 Hot Salad Time Recipes for winter salads ABSOLUTE
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s u p e r s p o r t s . e x t r e m e b e n t l e y.
It takes months to handcraft a Bentley. It takes just 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph with the new Continental Supersports (0–100 km/h in 3.9 seconds). It is powered by a potent twin-turbo W12 that offers the driving intensity of a supercar. Equipped with a new quick-shift gearbox and all-wheel drive, you can reach a top speed of 204 mph (329 km/h) in a heartbeat. Extreme performance. Extreme Bentley. But more than horsepower, this two-seater has all the refined styling you’d expect in a handcrafted Bentley. Plus, it has been developed with technology to run on gasoline or a mix of gasoline and bioethanol. As a result, you could reduce net CO2 emissions by up to 70% on a “well-to-wheel” basis (combined CO2 emissions of 388 g/km). Simply put, we couldn’t resist taking both design and performance to the extreme.
BENTLEY HAMPSHIRE
BENTLEY HAMPSHIRE Bramshaw, Nr. Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7JF. Tel: 02380 813206. www.bentleymotors.com/bentleyhampshire
Fuel economy figures for the Continental Supersports in mpg (l/100km): Urban 11.5 (24.5); Extra Urban 24.4 (11.6); Combined 17.3 (16.3). CO2 emissions (g/km): 388. The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2009 Bentley Motors Limited. Model shown: Bentley Continental Supersports, mrrp £163,000. Price correct at time of going to press.
EDITOR’S LETTER
Switchboard: 0845 389 0662 Fax: 0845 389 0663 www.absolutebrighton.tv
Travel. Page 58 Director / Editor: Verity Craig
Features / Design: Maureen Hunter-Shine
Sales Executive: Rishma Patel
Sales Executive: Lidia De Luca
So, 2010 is finally here. And once again the Christmas season is over in a flash. Yes it’s a shame that Sales Executive: David Hall
the holiday period has finished. However, I don’t know about you, but my purse has had to go in to rehab for a recovery period from all that shopping. Christmas seems to get more expensive each year doesn’t it! But the light at the end of the retail tunnel is of course those mammoth and exciting, bargain-catching
Accounts Department: Shelly Hicks
sales! And there are some great ones taking place across Sussex at the moment. We’ve done some retail research and have picked some of the best where we are sure you’ll be pleased to find that bargain of the year; from interiors to fashion and beauty, there really are some particularly good offers on this year including 90% off of some designer price tags! (Page 56)
Accounts/finance: Adam Style
If a new bathroom is the bargain that you’ll be looking out for in the New Year, then take a peak at our bathroom feature. We look at some new options and styles available, including the latest bathroom craze, wet rooms. Being the new bathroom, these practical little rooms are especially great for those who like a good splash around in the bathroom; tiled from floor to ceiling, they are practical while being
Managing Director: Paul Craig
very stylish. Or how about turning your shower in to a steam room? Yes, they too are the way forward… why not treat yourself for 2010. (Page 26) On the other hand, if like me, you may just feel that your body needs to focus on getting healthier after
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.
all that Christmas overindulgence. My sweet tooth is to blame for my excess chocolate and pudding eating! Our health expert, Sheryl Waters gives tips on how to get healthy and flush out all those nasty toxins, but in a tasty way by making smoothies. She shares the secret to making a nutritious and easy-to-make smoothie. Great for healthy New Year resolutions! (Page 42) Once again, all of us here at Absolute Brighton wish you a happy and prosperous New Year!
Printed in the UK by THE MAGAZINE PRINTING COMPANY www.magprint.co.uk
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ABSOLUTE FASHION
Photography by Christophe Cohen
C he e rlea der All-in-one body, H&M. Sports pants, Bottega Veneta at Matches. Shades, stylist own (Calvin Klein)
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ABSOLUTE FASHION
Jacket, Krystof Strozyna. Dress, Holly Fulton
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ABSOLUTE FASHION
Silver top, Eun Jeong, leggings, Manish Arora. Boots, Ashish for Topshop
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ABSOLUTE FASHION
Jacket, William Tempest. All-in-one body, H&M. Pink tights, Henry Holland for Topshop.
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ABSOLUTE FASHION Orange sequin top, Manish Arora. White trousers, Spijkers en Spijkers. Necklace, Holly Fulton
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ABSOLUTE FASHION
Pink dress, Preen at Matches. Earrings, Holly Fulton PhotographER: Christophe Cohen (Lucid Agency) PHOTOGRAPHER’S ASSISTANTS: Jo Turp, Valentin and Laura STYLIST: Nathalie Reed (Lucid Agency) HAIRDRESSER: Paul Falltrick Assistant Hairdresser: Moise MAKE UP: Emma Hooley Stockists: www.cette.com www.eonjeong.co.uk www.francescamambrini.it www.hollyfulton.com www.krystofstrozyna.com www.matchesfashion.com www.manisharora.ws www.mytights.co.uk www.spijkersenspijkers.nl www.topshop.com www.hm.com www.williamtempest.com
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FACES & PLACES
Beatles and Stones
at Buddies
Chris and Norma Harvey
Author and rock memorabilia expert Mark Hayward with Bob Vernon Ward
Mark Hayward signs one of his books for Yasmin and her dad Mark Jay
Lashing rain and gales didn’t stop invited guests attending a special book launch at Buddies Music Restaurant recently. Mark Hayward, music author, came to sign two new books, and supplied Buddies with original unseen rock and pop memorabilia. Posters of Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and many more rock heroes adorned Buddies’ walls. The newly published books which only just came out, called ‘The Beatles - On Camera Off Guard’ and ‘The Rolling Stones - On Camera Off Guard’, are illustrated by unseen pictures of the bands, and come with a DVD. Mark gathered the pictures during his 30 years of working with the huge stars. During the event, Mark got up on stage and played the guitar with Phil Saatchi from the Saatchi and Saatchi Brothers, other musical entertainment was provided by acts including Sexy Boots and Gardenia. (Sexy Boots will be performing at the Hambury Ball Room on the 7th January). Music nights return at Buddies in the Spring so watch this space.
The Ward family – Bob, Miles, Vern and Hayley Hayley Vernon-Ward, Coleen and Mark Hayward
Ben Stringer and Rob Biss of SAM, The Sussex Music Academy
Pictures Richard Bidwell “The Railing Stains”, Rolling Stones tribute band
Philippa of “Gardenia”, one of the acts to perform for guests
Vern Ward and Keely Cotton
Stunning duo “Sexy Boots”, Samantha Murray and Larissa Eddie, who sang for the guests
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Bob Vernon-Ward, front man of “The Railing Stains” and organiser of the event
Mark Hayward
ABSOLUTE
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Sale Now On up to 33% off from stock or to order
Wealden House, Cross In Hand, East Sussex TN21 0SN. Tel: 01435 863921 Open Monday to Saturday 9:30am – 5:30pm, Sundays 11.00am – 4.00pm.
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ABSOLUTE CELEBRITY LOOK
C ELEBRITY
LOOK Peter Andre
Peter Andre has conducted himself with grace and dignity since his well-publicised split with wife Katie Price. He was recently snapped looking stylish and confident as he left a Hove coffee shop with son Junior. His 2010 Revelation Tour starts in February, and is already nearly sold out. You can capture the Andre style at high street prices ... Autograph Funnel Neck Duffle Coat with Wool Marks and Spencer £30-£35 www.marksandspencer.com
Double breasted funnel neck coat River Island £95 www.riverisland.com
Basic jeans Western Style Belt Next £14 www.next.co.uk
Walking shoes Schuh £54.99 www.schuh.co.uk
Kickers Kick Hi Lego strap From £50 www.very.co.uk
And don’t forget the Starbucks coffee to complete the look!
Anthony Logistics Hair Gel - Alcohol Free Mankind £14.95 www.mankind.co.uk
Little Sprout Ultra Clean & Light Children & Baby Hair Gel £9.70 www.ukhairdressers.com
Levis 511 slim-fit jeans Littlewoods £89 www.littlewoods.com
January Absolute Celeb Dame Shirley Bassey isn’t just the biggest voice to come out of Wales, the 72-yearold singer remains one of Britain’s most successful female artists. She has recently given stunning prfomances on Strictly Come Dancing, and The Paul O’Grady Show, and her latest album,The Performance, is her first collection of all new material in 20 years. It looks as if the girl from Tiger Bay is starting off the new decade with a bang! Shirley is our Absolute Celebrity of the month!
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ABSOLUTE
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McBean’s Orchids OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND 23rd & 24th January
“If you want to call a taxi ‘cos you don’t want to drive, you’d better call Brighton 205 205”
(01273)
205 205 Orchid Plants by Orchid Specialists Free Guided Tours Nursery and Shop Open 10.00am - 4.00pm Find us on the A275, about 3 miles north of Lewes Cooksbridge East Sussex BN8 4PR Tel: 01273 400228 Email: sales@mcbeansorchids.co.uk www.mcbeansorchids.co.uk
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ABSOLUTE SOCIALITE DIARY
FLYING HIGH PJ, aka Peter Jarrette Brighton’s favourite socialite, tells of his friends in high places, and Swaps and The City Dear diary This is the month of reform, resolution and rethinking. The year just past, ended with our lifestyles best described as “Socialites on a shoestring”. My reform this year will be to focus on the financial. Still, regardless of ones monetary standing, a socialite is as good as the sum of ones friends…and don’t we have some friends?! Most of us are fortunate enough to have a number of friends in high place. In this instance my friend in question was at 35,000 feet… one of the world’s favourite pursers, this gent flies with a British airline. He tells me that Grace Jones, who was to be with us at the much missed Beachdown Festival last summer, was travelling back to her home in Jamaica recently and for the duration of the flight she displayed none of her famous diva tendencies. On the contrary, Ms. Jones entertained my purser friend with pictures and stories of her family. In particular she chatted about her son Paulo who lives in Paris and is himself a well-known musician and DJ. I first met Ms. Jones in NYC having been invited to her penthouse for an afternoon of tea and cakes by her then partner and creator of her image, the art director and commercial filmmaker, Jean Paul Goode. Grace was actually 8 months pregnant with Paulo and a half hour late emerging from her boudoir. My purser friend was amazed at her real life stature. She is not the ‘Amazon’ he expected. But her capacity for drink is larger than life (she consumed a whole bottle of Port to herself and spent £900 on duty free!) “Her travelling headgear of choice?” I enquired. “A Ski hat with a bobble on top,” he informed me. Sky high style! Another chic friend who continues to reach higher heights is Brighton model Lindsay Fergusson who’s just back from a Western US tour where she attended the premier of the Michael Jackson film This Is It with MJ’s father, Joe Jackson, whom she said was a complete gentleman. Lindsay was a party guest of Hugh Hefner at the Playboy Mansion too, where the flirtatious publisher was a bit friskier than Mr. Jackson. However, his attentions weren’t anything the model could not handle. Lindsay has returned to open up Brighton’s Jet Model Management Ltd., which promises to be the best connected agency in the city. Closer to home, I attended a birthday party at Red Rooms for owner Gary Brooks and a lovely event for designer Natalie Wileman’s new night at INK, Swaps in The City. Swaps is an exciting, high-octane evening where the city’s a la mode bring old favourites from their wardrobes and swap them for other classic collectables at very low prices with some proceeds going to charity. More than a few of the less charitable ladies however, were decidedly unfashionable when it came to payments! You know who you are. Try and reform for the New Year. This month it’s Baby Swaps in The City!
PJ www.radiobasingstoke.com www.twitter.com/socialitepete www.facebook.com/peter.jarrette
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ON YOUR BIKE!
here’s something special happening for local cyclists on Friday 26th March. A midnight bike ride from London to Brighton will take place, with all funds going to the Martlets Hospice. Cyclists will leave Hyde Park Corner together at midnight, cycling under a full moon, reaching Ditchling Beacon in time to see the sun rise. From the Beacon it’s downhill all the way to Brighton seafront and a hot breakfast! Registration is free for this event, but cyclists are asked to raise as much sponsorship as possible. It’s a group ride in conjunction with Cheam & Morden CTC, and places are limited to 50. Dr Bike clinics are being held in Brighton so riders can make sure their bike is ready for the event. Robert Griffiths, the Fundraising Director at the Hospice, is humself taking part in the ride: “This midnight ride is a completely new event for us, there’s something really adventurous about riding through the night. I’m looking forward to it – as long as my legs hold out! On a more serious note, this ride is a chance for cyclists to raise vital money for the Hospice. It costs £485 a day for us to nurse a patient on our InPatient Unit, so we’re asking FRI NIGHT BIKE RIDE AD 92 X 132:Layout 1 27/11/2009 10:59 Page 1 people to get involved and raise as much sponsorship as possible.”
Email Antonia@themartletshospice.co.uk or call 01273 747455 for more info.
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LIFE H A S ITS MOMENTS...
...MAKE THEM U N F O R G E T TA BLE
PANDORA 22-23 Duke Street, Brighton BN1 1AH 01273 720 655
ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW
THE QUEEN
OF TEASE Nicola McGeorge strips bare the modern mistress of burlesque, Dita Von Teese
Picture: Ali Mahdavi for Cointreau
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n iconic performer. Unique. Refined. Playful. Self-created Dita Von Teese regularly tops the best-dressed lists with her signature ‘old Hollywood pin-up glamour’ style, yet she is best known for her sizzling modern day burlesque routines. She put the tease back into striptease. Dita explains, “It began when I was photographed in 1940’s pinup style in 1991, and while researching pinups, I noticed that the girls that posed for pinups in the men’s magazines of that era were mostly burlesque dancers. I saw the connection and wanted to elaborate on it, to see if it could become relevant in modern times. I also felt that there was a stereotype nowadays about what beauty and sexy is, and I wanted to show another way other than the au-naturelle, simplistic forms of beauty we often see.” Von Tease’s shows are alluring works of art. Famously including bathing herself in an oversized champagne or martini glass (complete with strawberry or olive sponge respectively,) a giant lipstick and even a claw foot bathtub with working showerhead. She once performed naked with $5million worth of diamonds for a benefit show at the New York Academy of Art. “My favourite prop is not that big martini glass... it’s become too easy and I suppose it must be how it feels for Britney Spears to sing ‘Oops I did it Again’ and ‘Again.’ I would be happy if some attention could be put on one of my dozen other acts, to be honest, because I think they’re more interesting, elaborate and artistic. I like my Opium Den set the best and maybe also my big powder compact. I feel more accomplished in creating these acts that are completely unique to burlesque.” Born Heather Renee Sweet in Michigan 1972, she adopted the name Dita as a tribute to silent film actress, Dita Parlo. Her breakthrough 2002 Playboy cover gave her the last name “Von Teese. Naturally blond, this mid-western girl set about transforming herself from an early age. “I had a
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fascination with movies from the 40s and 50s since I was a little girl,” she recalls. “ I think that the retro look works for me because I truly love it, and therefore it gives me confidence... and confidence is part of what makes a person attractive. I also have an admiration for artifice and I think that creating beauty can also be a form of artistry. The 1940s and 50s is definitely a time when glamour was at its height, and the icons of that era were definitely NOT about looking natural. They were painted, coiffed, and dressed to kill!” Aptly named a burlesque super heroine by Vanity Fair, she has put her marriage to the self-proclaimed “Antichrist Superstar” Marilyn Manson far behind her. Now a permanent fixture at high profile events, including those for designers such as Marc Jacobs, Christian Louboutin, Louis Vuitton, Chopard, and Cartier, she is seducing the world, yet what does she believe she has given to the world of burlesque? “I’m sure there are people that think I’ve contributed in good ways and in bad ways. A lot of burlesque performers hate it when I say that burlesque is the same thing as stripping, just fancier! I understand why burlesque dancers get frustrated when I say this, but then again, a lot of them are glad it’s in the press because it gives them a reference when someone doesn’t understand what burlesque is or how it can be relevant now.”
“Styling myself is what made me. I don’t need a stylist, I enjoy choosing my clothes. Heck, I even like safety-pinning the dresses to fit!”
A momentous occasion in her career was appearing on the cover of Playboy. “Well, it was a dream come true; Playboy is iconic. It was a great experience, and it’s actually what first got me mainstream attention. It was the moment all the work I had been doing since 1992 started to pay off in ways I never thought could. I never, ever thought I could be on the cover of Playboy. It was a very cool cover, totally different for Playboy, and it showcased my burlesque shows and my personal style.” Von Teese truly is a paragon of style from her perfectly coiffed raven hair to her seamed-stockinged toes. She is a red carpet favourite, yet considering behind every fashion icon stands their uber stylist it
is incredible to learn that she styles herself. “Styling myself is what made me. I don’t need a stylist, I enjoy choosing my clothes. Heck, I even like safety-pinning the dresses to fit! I know what looks good on me and I get a lot of satisfaction from stepping out on those major red carpets and knowing all the work, including hair and make-up, is my own. Meanwhile, everyone else has this crazy expensive glam squad! I can nail down the difference between what women wore in 1942 and what they wore in 1946. It’s probably a useless talent unless you’re styling for period films, but I’m kind of obsessed. I would rather spend the money on something else! And designers admire me for NOT having a stylist; that’s how I manage to wear the haute couture and things they don’t even let most stylists take.” With her fascination with corsets and her 18-inch waist it was inevitable that she would soon be courted by the big names in the world of lingerie. She appeared in Agent Provocateur kinky music video, set within a fantasy Presidential Office with dominatrix Dita toying with her political enemies. Since the beginning of 2009 she has been designing her own collection ‘Wonder bra’: “I suppose lingerie appealed to me from a very young age, like 6 or 7. I used to get into my Mother’s lingerie drawer. It had nothing to do with sex or seduction, but everything to do with a right of passage as a woman. I wanted to be in that club. When I was 15, I started working in a lingerie store. I would study different eras of lingerie and collect vintage lingerie. My love of lingerie is what got me into being photographed and performing burlesque. I wanted to show it off!” Close to Ditas heart is her charity work. She has appeared in an animal rights campaign for PETA and is a prominent spokeswoman in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “The MAC Aids Fund approached me to become one of their Viva Glam spokeswomen. I threw myself into the work because I had seen the difference that doing something small like that can make and it brought me great pleasure, so I have continued to do this work with AMFAR and with a special project with H&M.” On a final note I asked Dita, ‘should all women add a bit of burlesque into their life?’ “I don’t think a woman should unless she wants to! It can be fun, and it’s easy to go back to being yourself afterwards if you want.” Dita always updated what’s happening professionally and personally in her life at www.dita.net and at www.twitter.com/ditavonteese
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Photo Courtesy of www.dita.net
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ABSOLUTE CELEBRITY
O-BITCH-UARY…
With Austin Mutti-Mewse
!” ne go m I’ n he w e m t ou ab lk ta “Don’t The only A-list celebrity column in Sussex Mariah meets her match in Su-Bo
They were billed as ‘two Divas’ when Mariah Carey and Susan Boyle shared the bill on The X Factor. However, Susan, or Su-Bo as she’s been labelled, reckons there’s nothing divaish about her. “It’s silly isn’t it?” said Susan, “I’m a woman of a certain age, so they (the media) think it’s okay to refer to me as a Diva. It’s silly, potty - rubbish.” Despite this, Susan was none too pleased with Mariah Carey. “Someone tells me she’s keeping twenty tiny white kittens in her dressing room! It’s an outrage, why does she need them, who’s kowtowing to her ridiculous demands?” When the pair eventually met, Mariah hugged Susan and told her she was a fan. Susan thanked her although she did ask where the kittens would go once she left London. “Oh,” said Mariah, “my people will take care of that.” Susan gave Mariah a grimace and walked off muttering, leaving Mariah and her team of twenty-six (46 if one counts the pussies) still smiling.
Ant & Dec are as deranged as Norma Desmond
There’s no better way to find out some juicy gossip on set than to ask the guys who operate the cameras, and that’s certainly what’s been happening in TV land as a small few have spoken about two of Television’s best loved jokers, Ant & Dec. One camera operator, who’ll remain nameless, labelled the two Geordies as ‘bullies’, which echos star Kelly Brooks sentiments. Brooks, who was to have been a judge on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, claimed Ant & Dec forced her to quit after bad-mouthing her “like a couple of school girls” to fellow judge Simon Cowell. My mole says the duo are now known in the business as ‘Norma Desmond’ because, like the famed silent star of director Billy Wilder’s film classic ‘Sunset Blvd’ (1950), the pair are completely “deranged, demanding and deluded.”
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It’s a diva moment for Haslam Has Nicky Haslam stopped returning your calls? No matter. Nicky, who’s known everyone from the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret, Duchess of Argyll to Tracey Emin and Paris Hilton, has a temper so fickle that guests who attended the launch of his book, ‘Redeeming Features’ (Jonathan Cape £25), the other night, were unsure if they’d be in or out of favour. “Nicky once adored Cilla Black and Hilary Alexander and now the pair are persona non grata” said a source close to Nicky. “I guess one goes with Nicky’s flow.”
Tom Cruise time in the shade Have you ever wondered where you’ve put your sunglasses? Well that’s not a problem for Tom Cruise. The Mission Impossible star apparently has racks of shades in various colours, designs and styles (approx 400 hundred pairs), all displayed on narrow white shelves in his dressing room and can spend thirty to forty minutes trying to decide which pair to wear each day! The actor also has a ‘love’ for shoes, and despite his luxurious lifestyle prefers his own bed each night… hmm, any room for Katie in there, Tom?
Scary soppy over Jackson Mel B reckons she cries every time she thinks about Michael Jackson. The former Scary Spice met Michael just once but says she found him to be “the sweetest man, with such a big heart and such an inspiration to the Spice Girls.” Mel B, who was on the red carpet at London’s Leicester Square Odeon West End Cinema for the British premiere of Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”, was holding back tears as she recalled their encounter, “he hugged me and I all but collapsed, he was a legend.”
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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS
The wet look
With today’s hectic lifestyles more of us are looking for opportunities to relax and unwind within the comfort of our own homes. Investing in the restyling of your bathroom and making it into your own private hideaway of course has the further benefits of adding real value to your home as well as making a stunning focal point. Wet rooms are now a must for those who want to make a splash What is a wet room? A wet room is a bathroom, where the shower area is level with the surrounding floor. Building a wet room can be time consuming and difficult, with many complex issues to consider. Here we list the things to consider when planning this exciting concept in showering. Action Plan You need to draw up a plan of action of some sort. Notes on time, responsibility for action and costs per action should also be considered. For example: Site conditions. Research the room. Draw and clearly note down the room size and location of doors, windows, water supply and waste pipes, joist location and direction. Budget: How much can you afford. Reduce it by 10% (for a contingency fund) and stick to it. Installation: Who will fit it? Remember, 50% or more of the total cost can be installation, so if you’re on a budget, could you consider ‘DIY’? Aesthetics: Consider your ‘essential features’. The tiled look across the whole floor is the look most people aspire to, but some will downgrade to a low level tray with a lip. A one inch step into a room is easy to live with, and to get used to, but this option isn’t to everyone’s. taste. Mosaic tiles on the floor may be vital to the look you want, but they’ll allow
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more water through because of the many gaps. Each point is a small, but important issue, with a technical, financial, and aesthetic implication. Now you’ve done this, you can consider... Product selection: There’s lots of products to choose from, and your choices will be effected by all of the above. If on reflection a wet room sounds too expensive or complicated maybe a simpler option would be a walk-in shower - a compromise between the wet room option and a fully enclosed shower cubicle. For another relaxing alternative, a steam room offers the same health benefits of a sauna. The steam works to remove dirt and toxins from the pores and the high temperature relaxes tense muscles. Steam rooms can be installed as a cubicle within your bathroom space to provide a real sanctuary from the stresses and strains of modern life. There are many sites that can give you detailed advice on how to get started with such a big project, and allow you to make a start. www.wetroom.info www.BathingSolutions.co.uk www.shower-guide.com www.wetroom-solutions.co.uk www.totalwetroomsolutions.com
ABSOLUTE
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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS
Clean and Clive
Go back in time with a wonderful Regency bathroom from Clive Christian
Little spaces
Small Bathroom Solutions from Ripples.
The grand Georgian and Victorian terraces of Brighton and Hove are full of period charm but when it comes to bathrooms, they tend to be spatially challenged. If you’re thinking of improving your bathroom in 2010 but finding it hard to be inspired by the limited space, Ripples trained design team can advise on how to make the smallest room in the house the place you want to spend the most time. Some tips • Think of the function of the room, what is the room used for and who will be using it? You can then answer many questions about material, products, layout and storage. • Every product you incorporate must be allocated its own working space. Don’t be afraid to bring furniture off the floor, layering the room gives the illusion of added space. Wall mounted products lead the eye below thus making the floor area appear even bigger. • When faced with limited space, problem or awkward areas, it is well worth considering made to measure and other bespoke products so whether it’s a sloping ceiling causing you issues or you would like to transform an otherwise wasted space there should be nothing stopping you. If boxing around pipe work or raising a floor area is unavoidable, accentuate the work creating a feature with accent tiles, shelving, lighting and curves. • Consider using space saving sanitary ware. Look at possibly using a smaller bath with a shower above instead of being a separate item, or perhaps using a smaller basin. Also, in some spaces curves are a better option than square as they are softer and less obtrusive. • Storage is a must, even for the most bijou of rooms. Towels and toiletries should have a place whether they are hidden away or displayed proudly in a lit alcove.
• Lighting will transform any area so remember to emphasize all design aspects with mood lighting or even Chromatherapy. • Larger tiles can make the room look longer depending on how you place them. Using the same tiles for floor and wall can create a seamless appearance, and open up the space. Large format tiles make a room feel more spacious as they have less grout lines and therefore look less busy. • One final important tip - keep clutter to a minimum. For your free design consultation contact Ripples Brighton . Tel 01273 841228 or visit the stunning showroom conveniently situated: 38 Keymer Road Hassocks BN6 8AP Also at 5/7 Ambassador House Crane Street Chichester PO19 1LH. Tel 01243 776661 www.ripples.ltd.uk
A beautiful Clive Christian Regency bathroom is a beautiful one and is even hand-painted with white marble. All furniture is handmade to individual specification in England using the best materials available - completely craftsman built, finished by hand, delivered to clients’ homes and hand-painted on site. “I aspire to make any product which carries the Clive Christian name the very best in its class; a true reflection of British luxury”. Clive Christian. Please contact Andrew Mitchell at Clive Christian Handcross on 01444 401277 or email handcross@clive.com for further details or to reserve a complimentary copy of the NEW Book of Furniture. ABSOLUTE
B0110_026_027 Interiors.indd 3
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16/12/09 15:57:58
Light showers! Add a bit of style and fun to your daily shower with these fun curtians, designed to brighten up your morning
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5 1. Aqua Ceramics Greatest Hits Shower Curtain PVC. Fits Any Shower Rail. 12 Reinforced Eyelets. Immersion in a bath of warm water will remove creases. £22.09 www.splashdirect.com 2. Tonal Hexagonal Shower Curtain 100% PEVA £5.00 www.marksandspencer.com
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6 ...and for those with a darker sense of humour, how about this! Blood Bath shower curtain A truly terrifying accessory for your bathroom – when the shower curtain is scrunched closed, it looks like a pleasant, safe and normal shower curtain. But upon opening, what should confront you but the scene of a horror movie massacre, a blood bath!! £11.99 www.spinninghat.com
3. Aqua Ceramics Rainbow Flag Shower Curtain 100% Polyester. Treated with a mould inhibitor water repellent. £29.92 www.splashdirect.com 4. Marimekko Unikko shower curtain Red and blue available. £36 www.heals.co.uk 5. Croydex Japanese Floral Anti-Bacterial Polyester Shower Curtain £21.97 www.plumbworld.co.uk
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6. Aqua Ceramics Gold Fish Shower Curtain PVC. Fits Any Shower Rail. 12 Reinforced Eyelets. £14.26 www.splashdirect.com
ABSOLUTE
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10/12/09 14:54:21
Sale 4 Jan – 14 Feb
30% OFF UP TO
blinds and shutters*
*Up to 30% off selected blinds and shutters
wonderful winter
hot savings To see our complete range of shutters and blinds visit our showroom at 36-38 Warren Road Woodingdean Brighton BN2 6BA or call
01273 684848 to arrange a home visit
www.sussexblindsandshutters.com All shutters, blinds and awnings are made-to-measure & expertly fitted
SUSSE X B LI ND S
ABSOLUTE INTERIORS ABSOLUTE PROMOTION
Make a Conquest! Inspired bespoke fitted furniture that’s built to last by one of the most enduring names in the industry 40 Years of Excellence Conquest was founded in 1966 by John Adey and has remained a family concern with traditional values ever since. Over 40 years and 15,000 satisfied customers later, they are still every bit as passionate about maintaining the highest levels of craftsmanship and service to each and every one of their customers. John continues to run the business along with his sons Jonathan and Richard. Some key staff have been with the company for many years and have helped establish Conquest at the very forefront of the fitted furniture industry in the UK. With Innovation & Style The Conquest blueprint for success has been built upon providing design solutions that exceed customer expectations. Their mission is to create beautiful furniture that’s as individual as the clients they serve. Each piece is created to match unique requirements and spaces perfectly. From the initial contact, through to the survey, design, choice of materials and finishing details; right through to the final fitting - you’ll find at Conquest they really do care - and it shows. Harnessing Technology to Tradition Skills The Conquest design team utilise sophisticated computer aided drawing systems to simulate the
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proposed furniture within room settings to give the customer a virtual impression of how it will look. Highly skilled craftsmen then set to work using only the finest materials in the production of superb custom built furniture. Delivering Success Far and Wide Among Conquest’s growing list of satisfied customers are several well-known celebrities that have chosen Conquest for it’s bespoke design and outstanding service. Conquest has been involved in countless prestigious commercial projects including fitting out the British Consulates in Geneva, Cairo and the Azores, the refurbishment of historic Bodelwyddan Castle and many other re-fits within quality hotels throughout England, Wales and the Channel Islands. As well as kitchens, bedrooms and studies the same bespoke, superior quality finish has been applied to reception areas, boardrooms and corporate assignments across the UK. Peace of Mind 10-Year Guarantee As you would expect from an established provider - Conquest furniture is guaranteed for a full 10 years and covers every aspect of its construction, installation and the materials and durability of every piece.
Call free now on 0800 975 1199 or your free 72 page full colour brochure or visit Conquest’s website www.conquest-uk.com
10/12/09 14:59:10
ABSOLUTE BLOOMS
A bloom for all seasons Moth orchids come in a range of colours to suit most décors
M
cBean’s are specialist orchid growers based at Cooksbridge near Lewes, in the Sussex Downs. The nursery was founded in 1879 by James McBean whose son, Albert, developed a great passion for orchids. McBean’s is recognised world wide for quality orchids having bred thousands of different varieties and having received hundreds of awards for its plants and exhibits. It is one of only two companies that have been invited to exhibit at every Chelsea Flower Show. Early experiments to raise orchids from seed took many years with few plants reaching maturity. Today’s orchids spend the first year of their lives in the laboratory and then take several years to flower for the first time. This is why they might seem expensive in comparison with other house plants; however many can be in bloom for several weeks and a few can flower for 3 months or more. The orchid family encompasses a wide range of beautiful and unusual plants. There are literally thousands of different types. Some are tiny and require a magnifying glass to see them properly, some huge - too big for a man to carry. There are orchids that live underground and others that live up mountains. Some are showy, some elegant and others a bit dull. Orchids come in every colour except true black, though some colours are extremely rare. There are orchids that like it cold, others that like it really hot and many that like it somewhere in between. It is a popular myth that all orchids are hard to care for but it really isn’t so. The secret is to choose an orchid that will grow well in the conditions you can provide. For example - the moth orchid (or Phalaenopsis) grows well in a centrally heated room away from the sun and likes to dry out between watering. This orchid has its origins in the tropical jungle where it grows high in the trees, shaded by leaves and watered when the rain rushes down over its roots. It has no season and plants are available in flower all the year
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There are thousands of varieties of orchids, and they are not as difficult to keep as you may think... round. On the other hand Cymbidium flower during our winter time. It originates in mid-altitude Himalayan mountains where temperatures are cool and the soil is free draining. Here in Sussex Cymbidium are best stood outside under a tree from May to October (as long as there is no risk of frost), then brought inside and put in a cool room, conservatory or glass covered porch. It only requires watering when it has almost dried out. As well as orchids for houseplants and for the hobbyist, McBean’s can offer a range of hardy orchids for the garden. These are raised from seed in the onsite laboratory. Not readily available at other nurseries or garden centres, the production and growing of these wonderful native plants are one way to help preserve biodiversity. McBean’s are happy to welcome you to the nursery shop which is open Tuesday to Sunday, inclusive, from 10 am - 4 pm. There you will find a range of orchids for sale as well as sundries such as orchid fertilisers, composts, clips and pots. They also have an Exotic Growing House which is open Wednesday - Sunday where, for a small entrance fee, you can wander round and see orchids displayed amongst pools and a waterfall. Orchid arrangements are on sale for that special gift or a treat for yourself and McBean’s are able to send out plants by mail order too. A gift wrapped Phalaenopsis with a card message and feed for the year is £35 including UK postage. Orders can be placed on line, by ‘phone, email or in person at the shop. During the main flowering season, November - April, you can take a free guided tour of the nursery on an Open House Weekend. It’s well worth a visit to explore the beautiful world of orchids and to get advice from the expert growers. McBean’s Nursery is situated on the A275 about 3 miles north of Lewes, East Sussex.
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4 From top: 1. Odontoglossum Crispum. A much sort after species and one of McBean’s specialities 2. Cymbidium Soulhunt. A large flowered Cymbidium, good for cut flower 3. Zygopetalum. Unusually coloured and most have a sweet fragrance 4. Cymbidium Strathbraan ‘Cooksbridge Pearl’. A McBean’s bred Cymbidium.
Tel: 01273 400228 Fax: 01273 401181 E-mail: sales@mcbeansorchids.co.uk www.mcbeansorchids.co.uk
ABSOLUTE
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B1109_008 Marshas.indd 1
21/10/09 14:40:03
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SALE NOW ON
23 NEW ROAD, BRIGHTON BN1 1UF 01273 605574 CROFT ROAD, CROWBOROUGH, SUSSEX TN6 1DR 01892 664152
www.mistersmith.co.uk
Would you like to be included within the popular Interiors Section of Absolute Brighton Magazine?
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kitchen interiors
16/12/09 17:28:30
FACES & PLACES
Sushi with Clive
Elena Jelley and Natalie Madigan of the Chase Hospice Natalie Madigan of Chase and Derry Taylor
Clive Christian hosted an exclusive champagne and sushi reception at its Handcross showroom, which raised vital funds for local children’s hospice charity, CHASE. The event also featured a fascinating interactive sushi demonstration by head sushi chef Khalil of Fennel Japanese Restaurant in Guildford. Clive Christian Handcross’ Director Andrew Mitchell, welcomed over 50 guests to this tantalizing event when guests were also able to view the stunning showrooms which feature examples of Clive Christian’s beautiful furniture, bathroom and kitchen designs, exclusive perfumes and handbags. There was a raffle with some exceptional prizes including, as first prize, Clive Christian No 1 ‘his and her’ perfumes; the most expensive perfume in the world, which contains the most rare and precious ingredients. Andrew said he was delighted that the raffle had raised £1.070 for CHASE and said he was intending to continue supporting CHASE through Clive Christian. www.clive.com
Orla Constant, organiser of the event, Hannah Judah and James Clapshaw
Jack Phillips, Simon Irwin and Gareth Snow
Katherine Norman and Orla Constant
André Cachia, Don Burstow and Yee Wang
www.chasecare.org.uk
Pictures Richard Bidwell Andrew Mitchell, MD and Chief Designer of Clive Christian Handcross
Linda Hulme, Sue Sheppard, Andrew and Sam Mitchell
Orla Constant, Erica Wells, Gina Wolstenholme and Tracy Belton
Khalil Tribak, sushi chef at Fennel in Guildford
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ABSOLUTE
B0110_034 Social Clive christian1 1
10/12/09 16:13:17
“ From the initial visit, the service was excellent. An experience that could have been very stressful was made as painless and pleasant as possible.� Linda Malcolm, March 2009
Unit 4, Newtown Road, Hove, BN3 7BA Tel: 01273 234890 Showrooms also in Horsham, Chichester and Worthing countykitchens.com
Hove Park Old Shoreham Road Comet
Newtown Road
Made in the UK
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
New year chic Celebrity steal their style
By Mark Woolley Mark Woolley is the owner and creative director of Electric Hairdressing. Mark splits his time between Brighton and London and is available for appointments on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. For appointments call 01273 202088 www.electric-hair.com
After all the sparkle and glitz of the party season has worn off, your hair will be in definite need of some tender love and care. I fully advise treating your locks to
Yes or No? The Best and the Worst styles of 2009
✓
a full on detox, because we don’t want you looking any less gorgeous than you have been over the last month! So take your tips from Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester (pictured left) who knows just how to show off a messy up do to keep that luxe look while giving her tresses a break. Firstly spray a root lifting product into the crown such as L’Oreal’s Play Ball Creamy Smooth and twist random
Victoria Beckham
sections of the hair before lightly blow drying on a diffuser setting to add body. This style is perfect to give yourself a break from the
Lauren Conrad
✖
Leona Lewis
super high heat settings on your flat irons which overuse can lead to breakage and damage, plus an au natural approach is the way to go for a beautifully relaxed style. Once dry take 2 inch sections of your hair, spray with a styling spray and lightly tong the hair. Carefully release the curls and separate by running your fingers through each section. Secure a large section of the hair and tuck it underneath at the nape of the neck, securing with pins. For a softer look leave sections at the front to softly frame the face. Now all you’ll need is to secure with hairspray and you have a look that’s perfect for day or night!
Essential products to maintain this look
Spray L’Oreal Play Ball Creamy Smooth crème spray into the roots of damp hair and work through to the ends. Hair will be defined and textured once re-applied and ruffled through dry hair for separation and will be left feeling light, silky and smooth. Shake the bottle up before use to add subtle texture to layers and use the spray before blow-drying for separation. The new Ego Professional Curling Iron will curl even the straightest hair and gives quick, longer lasting styling results. You can even expect a smooth, frizz free finish thanks to the adjustable temperature control. The irons lock in moisture by sealing the cuticle to give you curls to last from day to night.
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Kristen Stewart
Pixie Lott
Jessica Szohr
LETTER OF THE MONTH My hair is so dry and damaged after constant straightening and styling that it’s been put through over the last few month, Is there anything I can do to make it feel great again? For the New Year, hydration and protection are going to be so important for getting your hair back to its natural strength and vitality. Give the straightening irons a break for a month or so and make sure you invest in a deep conditioning treatment mask to nourish the hair; a great one to test out is Redken’s Rescue Force from their Extreme range. Use this once a fortnight, and leave the mask on for up to 15 minutes before rinsing out. Your hair will be left feeling healthy and more manageable. A heat protecting spray such as Redken’s Iron Repair, a lightweight lotion to repair and strengthen the hair before styling. Just apply evenly through towel dried hair before blow drying and using heat tools. Again, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help you on a daily basis, but I’d definitely advise heading to your local salon for a cut to revive your hair and to eradicate any split ends as well as investing in professional products such as those from the Redken Extreme range to really bring your hair back to life and keep that salon fresh feeling.
ABSOLUTE
B0110_036 Mwoolley JAN10.indd 1
11/12/09 16:14:13
Look beautiful this winter
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
When the weather’s frosty and dry, skin becomes dryer, flakier and more irritated. So how is it that some women look so supple and healthy, even in the dead of winter, while you’re all dry and chapped? 1 Apply sunscreen even when it’s chilly: You probably know that UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays, but UVA radiation is the principal cause of wrinkling and skin cancer and can penetrate glass even in the winter months. 2 Don’t linger in the bath or shower: Healthy skin has a protective superficial layer and as temperature and humidity drop, this natural barrier becomes vulnerable to damage 3 Cut back on acids and astringents: For the winter months, consider limiting your use of acid products and astringents that contain alcohol, which strip the skin of its natural protective oils. 4 Humidify: Place a humidifier in your bedroom and office to prevent winter skin from drying out. Humidifiers keep air moist. 5 Sip hot cocoa and get your antioxidants: According to recent studies, cocoa beans were found to contain large amounts of natural antioxidants called flavonoids. 6 Repair Winter Cells: Skin is nourished by blood and lymph fluid, and since less blood flows when you’re cold, you’ll want to compensate by giving skin extra protection and nourishment. Try Olay Regenerist, because it repairs without irritating the skin.
The USUAL SUSPECTS
OFFERS FROM 2ND JANUARY 2010 - 1ST MARCH 2010
JANUARY SALE
3 TREATMENTS FOR THE PRICE OF 2 26 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FN
Tel: 01273 747245 www.usualsuspectshairsalons.com
B0110_037 Usual_Suspects.indd 1
Creative cutting . Colour specialists . Weddings Waxing . Laser Hair Removal . Threading . Semi Permanent Make up Sunbed . Spray Tan . Keratin Brazilian Hair Straightening Detone Tattoo Studio
16/12/09 20:13:10
ABSOLUTE LIFE COACHING Each month, Free Spirit Coaching respond to one of our reader's letters for guidance on an issue bothering them "Hi, can you help? With the New Year here I really want some direction. I feel like my life is disappearing before me - I never find time for things that used to be important. Life seems to be swallowed up with worry about work, not enough money, dashing here and there, staying too long at work, feeling worn out and then just starting the same things again the next day. I don’t feel in control of my own life." Jill, Hove Dear Jill Life coaching would be a perfect New Year’s resolution for you. We’d answer this letter more fully but I think a lot of the answers lie in this story... read it and enjoy. One day a teacher was talking to some students. As he stood in front of this group, without a word, he pulled out a large glass jar and put it on the table. He then took out a dozen large rocks and placed them one at a time into the jar. When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked: “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class said “yes”. Then he said; “Really?”
Gain control
He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of pebbles and poured some in and shook the jar causing the pebbles to work down into the space between the big rocks. Then he asked the group once more; “Is the jar full?” The students laughed and said it probably was. He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand and started dumping the sand in the jar until it filled the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel. Once more he asked the question; “Is this jar full?” “No!” the class shouted. “Good,” he said. Then he grabbed a jug of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. He asked the class what they thought was the point of this. A student answered, “The point is, no matter how full your schedule is, if you try really hard you can always fit some more things in it!” “No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point.” Then he looked at the class and said; “I want you to realise this is your life… “The point of this is that if you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all. Put in first the ‘big rocks’ in your life. Your
health, your family, your hopes, your work, your goals, teaching others, your learning, your own values. Remember to put these BIG ROCKS in first or you’ll never get them in at all. “If you sweat about the little stuff then you’ll fill your life with little things and you’ll never have the real quality time you need to spend on the big, important stuff.” And the moral of us telling you this story? Tonight, or in the morning, when you are reflecting on this short story, ask yourself this question: What are the ‘big rocks’ in my life? Then, put those in your life jar first. The rest is just pebbles and sand. Try Life coaching to discover the big rocks in your life. After all you can’t save time, make time or stop time, all you can do is use it wisely. Call Georgina 07912206483 or Terrina on 07775513188 to talk about how coaching can help.
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yourself at your nearest Beauty Secrets Branch. 34 East Street Horsham 01403 240489
65 Western Road Hove 01273 822476
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Exclusive Offer: Until January 31st 2010 Beauty Secrets will be offering 10% off a course of 3 wraps!
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B0110_038 Life coach JAN10.indd 1
15/12/09 12:06:05
ABSOLUTE DENTAL COLUMN
Your teeth are what you eat! E
very day, your body renews itself, building new muscle, bone, skin and blood. The foods you eat provide the building blocks for these new tissues. Since our bodies are not able to manufacture all the nutrients we need, especially certain vitamins, we must get them from food or supplements. If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have a more difficult time resisting infection. Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel affects your general health, and that of your teeth and gums. Dentists are concerned that their patients are consuming record numbers of sugar filled fizzy drinks, sweetened fruit juices, and non nutritious snacks that affect their teeth. These items generally have little, if any, nutritional value and over time they can take a toll on teeth. A poor diet can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. Foods high in carbohydrates, sugars and starches greatly contribute to the production of plaque acids that attack tooth enamel. Eventually, these acids can cause tooth enamel to break down, forming a cavity. Eating patterns and food choices among children and teens are important factors that affect how quickly youngsters may develop tooth decay. Establishing good nutritional habits is beneficial for good eating patterns and food choices throughout life. How nutrition affects oral health Providing your body with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals helps your teeth and gums - as well as your immune system - stay strong and ward off infection, decay and disease. Harmful acids and bacteria are left behind in your mouth from eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. These include carbonated beverages, some kinds of fruit juices, and many kinds of starch foods like pasta, bread and cereal. A poor diet and nutrition problems (including obesity and overeating) can create conditions that make gum disease easier to contract. The foods that you eat come in contact with the germs and bacteria that live in the mouth. If you don’t brush, plaque will accumulate on the teeth. Plaque thrives on the starches and sugars that are found in a great deal of foods. When plaque combines with the sugars and starches, an acid is produced that attacks enamel on the teeth, and eventually causes a cavity. The acid attacks the teeth for 20 minutes or more.
Dr Farrokh Sharifzad from Marina Dentalcare discusses how the food you eat is vital for good teeth and gums, and the establishing of early good eating patterns Choosing a Healthy diet Choosing a healthy diet may sound easy, however, fruits, milk, cereals, bread and some vegetables contain sugars and/or starches. Carbonated drinks, sweet fruit juices and sugary snacks should be limited. You don’t have to avoid these foods completely, just bear in mind that you should eat a balanced diet, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily. What is Proper Nutrition? Proper nutrition means eating a balanced diet so your body can get the nutrients needed for good health. A balanced diet consists of the following nutrients: • Some carbohydrates • The essential fatty acids (found in fats) • The essential amino acids (found in proteins) • 15 vitamins • Approximately 25 minerals • Water Children’s Nutrition and Teeth Good eating habits that begin in early childhood can go a long way to ensuring a lifetime of good oral health. If children do not eat a balanced diet, their teeth may not develop properly. In order for them to develop strong, decayresistant teeth, children need a balanced diet with emphasis on calcium, phosphorous and proper levels of fluoride. Children should eat a healthy balance of the essential food groups like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, poultry and meat. Allowing your children to eat excessive amounts of junk food (starches and sugars), including crisps, cookies, crackers, fizzy drinks only places them at risk of serious oral health problems down the road, including obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. The carbonation found in some drinks, for example, can actually erode tooth enamel. Encourage your child to use a straw when drinking soda; this will help keep at least some of the carbonated beverage away from the teeth. Adult Nutrition and Teeth There’s no discounting the importance of continuing a healthy balanced diet throughout your adult life. If you develop a weight problem, change your diet and get regular exercise. Be aware that some so called fad diets have been known to cause serious deficiencies in recommended levels of minerals and vitamins. Of course, good oral hygiene helps ensure that harmful bacteria and plaque are effectively minimized.
Adults should avoid eating sticky foods such as toffees, caramels and dried fruits because they leave behind stubborn substances on teeth and only encourage needless plaque formation. Crash diet Crash dieting can affect more than your figure. With the focus of the media on diets, exercise equipment and personal care products, people are more concerned with their appearance and physical health than ever. Crash dieters who lose weight excessively fast, or diet on an on-and-off pattern, tend to have a lack of certain vitamins, most notably Vitamins D, B12 and calcium. They also tend to lack certain minerals and proteins in their diets. These are very important vitamins especially for the health of the teeth and gums. Dieters also tend to take diet pills that may cause a decrease in saliva flow as a side effect. This decrease in saliva flow tends to increase the acid levels in the mouth, which may cause an increased level of cavity formation. Dieters should consult with their GP or nutritionist to determine what type of diet they should be on. Vitamin levels and a balanced diet with all food groups should be evaluated. As always, sound oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist help decrease oral health problems. Healthy Tips • Drink plenty of water • Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups • Cut down on snacking in between meals • Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar • Brush twice a day • Floss Daily • Visit your dentist for regular check ups For more information, contact Dr Farrokh Sharifzad on 01273 628899 or visit www.marinadentalcare.co.uk for a complementary consultation.
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11/12/09 15:15:13
ABSOLUTE HEALTH
Pressure pleasure Mo Hunter-Shine discovers the life-enhancing effects of a full Indonesian massage, a healing and therapeutic treatment that has been used to relieve aches, pains and muscle tension for thousands of years
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hen you mention the word massage, most people automatically think of the most classic western type, which involves stimulation of the muscles, usually around the top part of the body. Swedish massage is commonly practised, and is efficient in bringing muscle ease, but there is another type of massage, that works on the muscles and also the soft tissues, all over the body, and is invigorating and healing. I went along to Euphoric, the skin and body care specialists in Worthing, to experience for myself the wonderful Indonesian massage. After answering some questions about my general health, I was taken to a comfortable
a beneficial effect on the body’s circulation. Claire explains that the application of pressure is administered to follow the course of the Chinese energy meridians, to restore the flow of energy through the body. The meridian lines were mapped out by the early Chinese physicians, and are of great importance in many other practices such as reflexology and acupuncture. A blockage or unbalance within the meridians that runs up and down the body causes illness, stress or pain, and so the deep massage can relieve the blockage and regain balance. The gentle but firm pressure applied is incredibly relieving and reviving. I often feel tension around the neck and shoulders,
“A blockage or unbalance within the meridians that
runs up and down the body causes illness, stress or pain, and so the deep massage can relieve the blockage and regain balance...” room by my therapist Claire. Lying on my front, she first started to warm and relieve the muscles and joints using many pressure movements including her thumb pushing to stimulate the soft tissues and break down tension. In Indonesian massage therapy, pushing techniques are used mostly, as this can work very deeply to ease muscle and joint pain. This deep pressure technique helps to break down tensely knotted tissue and promote harmony of body, mind and soul. The oils applied, after the muscles are warmed, are very therapeutic and have
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and have recurring lower back pain, which Claire was able to detect from a redness that appeared after the oil was applied. The techniques used are very soothing indeed, the massage to the front of the body is also very invigorating and yet relaxing. Claire explained that the stomach area is where the emotions are centred, and she said that she did not find that I had much tension in this area. As I am happily married, and content at home, this would usually be the case. An unhappy person would probably have tension around the stomach area,
and Claire remarked that some people do feel quite emotional while this part of the massage is being applied. I suggested to Claire that she could probably tell quite a lot about a person’s physical, and emotional condition from applying such a full massage! After the massage, which took over an hour, I felt quite drained for a few hours. Luckily I was able to go home afterwards, and enjoy the new chilled out me! Claire said this might be the case, but the sleepy feeling would go off, and the following day I felt really energized, but relaxed and with hardly any aches and pains! Men and women of all ages can benefit from a treatment like this, which reminds you that you are alive, and makes you aware of your body and mind. I thoroughly recommend it – you will be amazed and delighted. A full Indonesian massage casts just £55, and you can book on line. If you feel you would prefer just the back (which includes the back of the legs), this is just £35. Many customers are so delighted they go back regularly for this enhancing treatment – you may find the same! Find out about the other many body and beauty treatments on offer at Euphoric Beauty by visiting www.euphoric-beauty.co.uk Euphoric Beauty, the skin and body care specialists. 30 South Farm Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN14 7AE Tel: 01903 206600
ABSOLUTE
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ABSOLUTE HEALTH
Techinque is the way forward Prevention is the key in keeping healthy teeth and gums. Vida Bagherzadeh from Eaton Road Dental Practice suggests some basic procedures to keep your mouth looking and feeling good
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e all know our bodies better then anyone else; when there is something wrong we may not know the way to deal with it, and that’s why we go to professionals for advice. As a dentist my advice to patients is they have to understand the way their mouth functions in order to maintain healthy gums. Prevention is better then having to cure a problem that may occur, so my advice to my patients and others is to maintain good hygiene by using the right technique along with the correct dental instruments. Brushing Technique: You need a soft/medium toothbrush and a toothpaste with fluoride and bicarbonate soda. You then need to use a circular movement, start at the back of the mouth and work your way round the outside and continue on the inside then finish with the chewing surface, and tongue, always make sure you don’t miss any teeth. To prevent decay, floss/mouthwash is always required. Gum Disease: To avoid gum disease loss, interdental brushes, plastic toothpicks and mouthwash is always required
regularly. I have noticed that patients stop brushing when they notice their gums are bleeding, this is actually unfortunate as bleeding is a sign that the plaque is still retained between the teeth, so when the gum bleeds more flossing is required twice daily. Rinsing with salt water is also a very affective and a natural remedy for any infection.
Mrs Vida Bagherzadeh D.D.S. 01273 820 888 Eaton Road Dental Practive 30 Eaton Road Hove East Sussex BN3 3QA
Children’s Hygiene: My advice to parents on maintaining healthy teeth and gums for their children is to make sure brushing starts as soon as a tooth erupts, and to brush their teeth every night before bed until the age of 8 years old. Also make sure water is given between meals and at night time after brushing. Maintaining Dentures and Gums: Patients with dentures need to brush the gum as well as the denture. Dentures need to be taken out every night and the gums have to brushed. If you have a partial denture, brush your remaining teeth as well as your gum and tongue, then every night soak your denture in Sterident and twice a week soak the denture in diluted white vinegar to remove any stains.
The Eaton Road Dental team, Dominique Fernandesz, Vida Bagherzadeh and Malgorzata Rynkowska
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 Practive 30 Eaton Road Hove East Sussex BN3 3QA
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ABSOLUTE HEALTH
Smooth Operator Our health expert Sheryl Waters shares some of the secrets to a healthy and delicious smoothie Unfortunately, the digestive system is incredibly complex, and there is not just one answer to ensuring that it functions perfectly. There are so many things that can go wrong, and there are a multitude of solutions. The best starting point for maintaining a healthy digestive tract is to cut out food intolerances. Wheat, dairy, gluten and yeast are the most common trouble makers. STICKY GLOOPY FOODS If you think back to your school days, you might remember making glue out of wheat flour. Wheat and other forms of gluten such as oats are sticky and gloopy, which can be incredibly difficult to digest. A large amount of people are lactose intolerant, which means their body cannot process the proteins in milk. While these are the most common food problems for the bowels, there can be many others. This is why it is essential to get a food intolerance test if you are experiencing a problematic belly. As well as cutting out food intolerances, it is also essential to eat plenty of digestive loving foods. Fibre is number one. Fruits, vegetables, sprouts and seeds are all high fibre foods that help maintain balanced bowels. This is because fibre makes the gut work and move, unlike
sticky wheat. Psyllium husks are packed with fibre and are often taken to get the bowels to function better. Lack of stomach acid is another common reason that people have belly issues. While anti acid medications are sold to improve digestion, in reality it is often a lack of stomach acid which causes problems. Zinc and B6 are both needed for stomach acid. One way of discovering if you are low on zinc is to look for white spots on your nails as this is a symptom. Eating raw foods is another good way to improve digestion, since digestive enzymes are killed when fruit and veggies are cooked. Nearly everyone who is over 40 is deficient in digestive enzymes, unless they have eaten a high raw diet throughout their life. Fresh papaya is especially high in digestive enzymes.
“Many of us have overeaten during the holidays. So this is a brilliant time to find ways to get nutrients and fill ourselves up in a way that is healthy and won’t put on the pounds” CANDIDA Perhaps the most common instigator of digestive problems is Candida albicans. Candida is a yeast overgrowth that begins in the gut, and can move throughout the entire body causing all sorts of serious health problems. Candida is generally caused by antibiotics, since they not only wipe out the bad bacteria; they also wipe out the good. This gives other beings, such as Candida a chance to grow. Candida may also be caused by excess sugar in the diet, the birth control pill and steroids. TESTS There are different tests you can do to find out if you have Candida, but the simplest is a spit
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test. Get a glass of water and spit in it first thing in the morning. If it grows legs or sinks to the bottom, you probably have Candida. If it sits nicely on top, you most likely don’t have it. Unfortunately, getting rid of Candida can take a long time. It is important to see a good health practitioner who has a lot of experience treating Candida, since it is a very specialized problem to treat. A detox followed by herbs along with a healthy diet free of food intolerances is the best way to clear it. PARASITES Parasites can also cause serious digestive issues. They too start in the gut but can move all over the body causing ill health. If you have belly problems, it is a good idea to get a parasite test. Getting rid of parasites can be done with antibiotics, but can then leave the body open to Candida overgrowth. Herbs are equally effective, provided they are the right herbs. Seeing an experienced health practitioner is a good idea. STRESS Have you ever felt nervous or stressed and then noticed that your bowels reacted accordingly? This is because the gut is very connected to our emotional states, and digestive problems can be caused by stress. Many people have already identified this link, but it can be difficult to know what to do about it. Hypnotherapy and Emotional Freedom Technique are two easy ways to work on the emotional causes of digestion. There are of course many other causes and treatments for digestion problems. It can be a long journey to discover the root causes of malfunctioning bowels. The only thing to do is to keep working on it, since a healthy gut is essential for absorbing nutrients and enjoying optimum health. Sheryl Walters is a kinesiologist, reflexologist and nutritionist and works in London and Brighton. Tel: (01273) 676551 / 07930 477091 www.sherylwalters.com
10/12/09 16:24:54
Squeaky clean!
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
Treat yourself for the new year with these fabulous detox products, for your whole body from head to toe Sanctuary Warming Charcoal Detox Mask - A self heating thermal mask.Your skin is purified, feels soothed and refreshingly clean. £8.99 Sanctuary Warming Detox Body Mask - This luxurious body mud mask is rich in natural minerals from the Dead Sea. £6.99 www.boots.com
Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub £3.49 for 150ml
ELEMIS Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules contain the highest concentration of anti-oxidant power to help repair the visible signs of ageing and counteract the damaging effects of everyday pollution. £58.00 for 60 capsules ELEMIS Cellutox Active Body Concentrate A powerful synergy of Juniper and Lemon Essential olis £30.00 (100ml) www.timetospa.co.uk
Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2-in-1 Wash Mask £4.49 for 150ml www.boots.com
Lush Grease Lightning A small, subtle, portable spot zapper to magic away spots and blemishes at grease lightening speed £4.95 Lush Paradise Regained Moisturiser The natural AHA’s and antioxidants stimulate and brighten the skin £24.95 Available at all Lush stores
Garnier Clean Detox Anti- Dullness Foaming Gel Remove make-up and impurities to reveal more radiant skin. £4.99 Garnier Clean Detox Exfoliating Wash Purify pores and deeply cleanse skin £4.99 www.boots.com
Almond Delicious Tummy For a slimmer and firmer stomach! This wonderfully fresh, silky gel provides targeted action to firm the skin around the waistline. £26.00 Almond Delightful Shape A double action on cellulite for a refined body! £27.00 L’Occitane, 23 East Street Brighton uk.loccitane.com
New Turnaround Radiance Peel Once-a-Week System With continued use, this powerful exfoliator will help reduce the visible signs of past sun damage. £35.00 Available at Clinique counters nationwide.
Origins Introduces Drink Up™ Intensive Overnight Mask With a combination of nourishing natural ingredients that instantly hydrate parched skin while helping repair and reinforce skin’s delicate moisture barrier, this creamy nighttime mask delivers immediate results. £20.00 www.origins.co.uk
Soap & Glory Feel the Knead Soap A super invigorating spa massage soap. £4.99 Bliss Hot Salt Scrub Great in a sauna or stream room! £28.00 www.boots.com
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WINTER SALE NOW ON S AV E U P TO 3 5 %
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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!
ABSOLUTE MAKE-UP
Soothing and revitalising
www.jenidodson.com
ZZ Z
SLEEPING BEAUTY. . . A New Years resolution, for women who want to attain a gorgeous inner and outer glow Getting plenty of sleep may not be enough to reverse daily environmental damage to skin, but by taking advantage of the natural renewal process our bodies go through every night and making a little extra time in your night time beauty routine, you can experience beauty that goes beyond skin-deep. With products that are working whilst you sleep you can quite literally be rest assured that your skin is getting the best treatment it deserves. Make some chamomile tea and pop your PJs on, then follow this simple guide to effortless beauty and wake up feeling radiant, rested and feeling alive... Cleanse: Take time to prepare the skin by cleansing thoroughly, it is really important to remove all traces of daily grime, sweat and make-up. Exfoliate: Exfoliating your face regularly helps to remove dead skin cells that block pores, and it helps promote a clearer complexion. Face Mask: Give your skin a boost by applying a face mask once a week to target problem areas. A Relaxing Bath; A nice warm bath an hour or so before your sleep time may help you relax and feel sleepy. Warm water benefits your circulatory system while relieving tension and relaxing your body into peacefulness. Moisturiser: Achieve maximum benefit to your skin by choosing a moisturiser made for your skin type and have your skin looking refreshed, replenished and healthy by the morning. Eye cream: Improve the circulation and condition of your eye area to alieviate dark eye circles and bags. It is important however to apply the serum or cream sparingly at night. Too much on the eye area can contribute to the problem because of an increase in water build up.
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1. Cleanser: Shu Uemura - ‘Cleansing beauty oil premium A/O’ I love this two-in-one cleanser and makeup remover, infused with green tea extract providing strong antioxidant protection against the environmental stresses associated with ageing while leaving the skin thoroughly clean. It also easily removes waterproof makeup. Available at Shu Uemura 22 Dukes Lane, Brighton. £51.88 2.Tone and Tonic: Creme de la mer - ‘The Tonic’ A gentle soothing and non dehydrating tonic Infused with Colloidal Mineral Water that revitalises and enlivens the skin after cleansing. Available at www.cremedelamer.co.uk. £45.00 3. Exfoliant: Dermalogica - ‘Daily microfoliant’ is a super fine rice-based enzyme powder that instantly leaves your skin feeling baby smooth and brighter. Finally, an exfoliant which is gentle enough to use every day! Available at Lookfantastic 26 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF . Priced £32.70 4. Mask: Sundari - ‘Gotu Kola and India Asparagus Mask’ This anti ageing, gel face mask helps restore a youthful glow to skin ravaged by the elements. A nourishing and firming mask infused with botanicals to stimulate collagen and elastin. Available at The Treatment Rooms, 21 New Road, Brighton. BN1 1UF. £80.00 5. Moisturise: Madara - ‘Regenerating Night Cream’ repairs damage caused by stress, sun and the environment. Hydrates and nourishes whilst smoothing out fine lines and stimulating cell renewal. Simply divine! available from The Dolphin House Shop 14-15 New Road, Brighton, BN1 1UF. £25.00 6.Treatment: KALME - ‘Night Repair Cream’ contains an active ingredient taken from young caper buds to combat rosacea, reduce redness and decrease skin sensitivity. Amazing results for those with extremely sensitive complexions. Available from www.skinshop.co.uk £19.99
now – Did you dkicon Marilyn
Hollywoo ted on sleeping sis Monroe in to silk sheets r in satin o ictoria V d n kles! A in r w id o av at by swear s th and Beckham es v otton glo wearing c ing at is r moistur socks afte the lps lock in night, it he e she sleeps. whil moisture
7. Eye Cream: Avon - ‘Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift’ The best-selling eye cream in America, also Avon’s best-selling skincare product in the UK, it works both above and below the eye to lift the skin and smooth out wrinkles. More than 1,000,000 British women swear by it. Available from www.avonshop.co.uk £15 8. Bath oil: NEOM - ‘Tranquillity Luxury Organic bath oil’ with English lavender, sweet basil and jasmine is simply gorgeous. It’s made using only the finest ingredients and is free from any synthetic products. Contains: 70% certified organic ingredients and 30% pure essential oils Available from ABSOLUTE
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10/12/09 16:46:51
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY
SKIN DEEP Technology is advancing apace within the skin care field; we round up some of the most important innovations. Kathy Carter investigates the options available and discovers what each procedure entails Sonic skin care Having originated in the USA, sonic skin care has now hit our shores. The Sonicare sonic toothbrush changed the way we cleaned our teeth, and now its inventor is directing a new team of skin care specialists. The Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System is a home-use, twoway oscillating brush system safe for virtually all skin types. Clinical trials show it reduces pore appearance, fine lines and wrinkles; the waterproof unit is even safe for rosacea-affected skin, and other mild skin conditions. In scientific terms, the brushes use ‘differential manipulation of the micro-anatomy of the skin’ and oscillate at a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second; available at retailer Space NK, or visit: clarisonic.com/uk Our conclusion: Great for men and women – guys may find the product great for shaving, to maximise their shaving products and reduce rashes.
Facial muscle stimulators These electronic gadgets are becoming very popular, with companies such as Cleo, Genie Tech and Oralift providing units with various benefits and actions for home use. Muscle stimulators aim to boost skin’s appearance by making the facial muscle contract, stimulating growth. Oralift is salon-fitted, and is worn for two hours, every three days – the mouth guard-like device is said to reverse the lower facial area’s ‘ageing triangle’, and separates the teeth to build and maintain muscle tone. Visit: www.oralift.com Our conclusion: A potentially great alternative to facial surgery!
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Cosmeceutical products Cosmeceuticals, or skinceuticals, are seemingly all the rage. These products use pharmaceutical research to create ingredients that work at cellular level. One example is DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), an antioxidant that helps stabilise cell membranes. A new anti-aging skincare product containing the compound has been launched; CACI International’s Amino-lift Peptide Complex contains a raft of anti-aging ingredients. Visit: caci-international.co.uk Another interesting beauty compound is Lumixyl, a peptide that inhibits tyrosinase, the enzyme that initiates production of melanin. Skin care guru Wendy Lewis says Lumixyl can lighten dark spots and sun damage; available from selected clinics, and London’s Wigmore Medical, visit: wigmoremedical.com. Facialist Sarah Chapman says Renovage is a key ‘skinceautical’ ingredient, as it prolongs skin cell life. “It lengthens DNA sections called telomeres, which allow skin cell division,” she says. Sarah’s refining serum, Overnight Facial, includes Renovage, and is part of the Sarah Chapman Skinesis skin care range. Visit: sarahchapman.net. Our conclusion: If concerned with the affects of skin damage, why not take advantage of the latest pharmaceutical research?
Dermabrasion Traditional, surgical dermabrasion changes skin texture by removing surface layers using chemicals or lasers; however, in recent years, less invasive versions have become popular. Non surgical microdermabrasion is often used to treat wrinkles; it uses medical-grade crystals to exfoliate the skin’s top layer, and is available at medical practices such as harleymedical. co.uk. A less abrasive alternative to traditional microdermabrasion has been launched - The Hydrohealing spa in London’s Notting Hill offers hydrodermabrasion, a ‘natural peel’ using mineralised water to remove undesirable skin layers, and high air pressure oxygen to improve circulation. Visit: hydrohealing.com Our conclusion: Hydrodermabrasion is also said to be good for tackling stretch marks and cellulite; a natural way to achieve smoother skin?
Cold sore denaturation Cold sore breakouts can cause complete misery, and have various triggers, from sunlight exposure to immune challenges; but technology may have found a new solution. Herpotherm is a medical device that passes concentrated heat through the skin, causing ‘denaturation’, a process that changes the virus’ protein and enzyme structures. This allows the immune system to attack the virus, resulting in potential breakout prevention. Visit: herpo-therm.co.uk Our conclusion: Prevention being better than cure, this could transform cold sore sufferer’s lives.
ABSOLUTE
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WEDDING ISSUE
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15/12/0917:02:53 12:20:09 16/12/09
The London to Brighton vintage car race passes through Hassocks. Picture courtesy of www.motoringpicturelibrary.com Car shown is on display at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu.
ABSOLUTE PLACES
Henry Cohen's dream
Brighton Marina has come a long way since its construction in the 60s. Tim Parker paid a visit recently
I
t was in 1962 that Henry Cohen had his dream. The proud owner
later years I asked him about his time as a Mod. “We did remarkably little,
of a cruising boat in Newhaven, Henry thought how nice it would
Tim. Of course it was important to look the part and we used to drive in
be if he could moor his boat in Brighton. On a whim he decided to
convoy round the town and sometimes to local villages but most of our
do something about it. Henry was in the motor trade and was a great
time was spent in cheap cafés, talking.”
salesman. A likeable, energetic man, he persuaded two local architects,
After some ten years in construction, the Marina was officially opened by
Derek Head and Peter Farley, to give him a hand and within a year he had
the Queen in May 1979. Things started with great promise. It was exciting
presented proposals for a Marina to the Borough Council. There was much
to see boats in the harbour and an old Isle Of Wight ferry, The Medina, was
opposition, but seven years later Taylor Woodrow began building Brighton’s
moored in the inner harbour becoming Brighton Marina’s first yacht club.
new harbour.
The catering at the club was a hit or miss affair. I remember ordering a
Since that time, Brighton Marina has stood up to the worst of the Channel
Dover Sole one evening. It looked splendid on the plate and was a decent
weather including the great gale of 1987. The morning following the gale,
size. Delighted, I tried to open it up but it was still frozen and full of ice
Brighton looked like a war zone but surprisingly there was in fact little
crystals. I beckoned the waiter over. “My dear, Sir,” he said, “Poof, it is not
damage to the Marina or its boats.
as if Sir is an Eskimo!” and with a flourish he carried my plate back to the
Brighton in the 1960s and 70s was a very different kind of place from what
kitchen. Sadly, the Medina was soon gone, in its place ASDA’s car park.
it is today. More innocent perhaps. But more fun? Well that’s debatable,
For years after the grand opening the marina development seemed to stall.
but looking back we were surely free of many of the rules and regulations
Changes of plans and changes in ownership. The truth was that the old
that oppress us in 2009. So what was happening in Brighton in the 60s?
company had run out of money. There were many initiatives. A 2nd World
Well the Mods and Rockers caused more than a stir by choosing our town
War Destroyer, HMS Cavalier, was moored in the harbour. I’m sure they
as their major battle ground. The two groups were easily identifiable: the
thought that should bring in the punters. Well it did bring in me together
Rockers - fierce, tattooed, in black leather jackets with their high-powered
with my son and his friend. Going below I tapped one of the hammocks
noisy, motorcycles .The Mods seemingly more gentle, dressed in Parkas and
which were still slung in the mess decks. “I slept in one of those for over a
riding Vespas. When the two sides clashed there was violence and broken
year,” I told the boys. The following day delivering my son to school another
bones but in an odd way most seemed to enjoy themselves.
parent accosted me “John has told me where you slept in the War!”
In the 1960s we had a nice family living next to us whose eldest son was
There were a host of other ideas including the setting up of a fast ferry
about seventeen. He was a Mod with all the gear, a Parka and a Vespa. In
service to France. The most entertaining and spectacular project, was a Jet
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ABSOLUTE PLACES
“... an old Isle of Wight ferry, The Medina, was moored in the inner harbour becoming Brighton Marina’s first yacht club...” Foil service to Fecamp, a crossing that on a good day would take less than an hour and a half. On a bad day? Well the chances were, you wouldn’t get there. Another idea which failed was the setting up of a fish farm in the harbour caissons. And so it was for a time that the harbour was home to submerged cages of crabs waiting for export to France. The crustaceans and the prospect of a free lunch even attracted a tame seal, Sammy, to the harbour. In 1996, some thirty years after construction commenced, the Marina Company was purchased by Andrew Goodall of Brunswick Developments. There was new investment, and soon Brighton Marina became the place that we know today: A harbour full of boats, a Board Walk with harbour views, restaurants and entertainment, Karma Bar and Restaurant, the Rendezvous Casino, The Cinema, a David Lloyd and much more. The Marina village is still under used but there is more goes on than there was before, including a Calvin Klein clothes shop and the Marina Dental Practice. Now of course there are still critics of the Marina but even they should be mindful of the benefits the Marina has bought to our City and when the development is finished there will be more. Those benefits include two thousand jobs and new homes for people that need them. It has brought in tourists and visitors to help our economy but above all it has bought pleasure to many of us, sailors, walkers, dancers, drinkers, gamblers, cinema buffs, fitness fanatics, anglers, gourmets and shoppers. Without this investment we could have ended up like Hastings. When will Andrew Goodhall’s tower reach for the sky? I guess we will all have to wait and see.
ABSOLUTE
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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
Wokmania Oriental Cuisine 65-75 West Street Brighton Tel: 01273 746294
Coriander Restaurant & Deli North African & Latin cuisine 5 Hove Manor Parade Hove Tel: 01273 730850
English's Of Brighton Classic Seafood Restaurant 29-31 East Street Brighton Tel: 01273 327980
Meze Meze Greek Cuisine 168-170 South Street Lancing Tel: 01903 765333
Pelham House Fine Dining St Andrews Lane Lewes Tel: 01273 488600
Merkaba - Myhotel Hotel Bar 17 Jubilee Street Brighton Tel: 01273 900300
Strada Italian Cuisine 160-161 North Street Brighton Tel: 01273 202070
Terraces Bar and grill Madeira Drive Brighton Tel: 01273 570526
Buddies 24-hour dining 46-48 Kings Road Brighton Tel: 01273 323600
Oki-Nami Sushi 6 New Road Brighton Tel: 01273 773777
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
Blanch House Fine Dining 17 Atlingworth Street Brighton Tel: 01273 603504
Buxted Park Fine dining hotel restaurant Buxted East Sussex Tel: 01825 733333
The Royal Oak Fine Cuisine Poynings West Sussex Tel: 01273 857389
Newick Park Restaurant and hotel Fine dining Newick Nr Lewes Tel: 01825 723633
Whites Bar & Kitchen Homemade pub cuisine 23 High Street Steyning Tel: 01903 812347
Hotel du Vin Hotel and Bistro Ship Street Brighton Tel: 01273 718588
Artisan Modern European 197 High Street Lewes Tel: 01273 479713
The Real Eating Company Fine Dining 18 Cliffe High Street Lewes East Sussex Tel: 01273 402650
The Coach House Homemade fine dining 59 Middle Street Brighton Tel: 01273 719000
Chilli Pickle Indian cuisine 42 Meeting House Lane Brighton Tel: 01273 323824
Cromwells at Golding Barn Fine Dining Henfield Road Nr Small Dole Tel: 01903 815999
In Vino Veritas Tapas and bistro dining 103 North Road Brighton Tel: 01273 622522
La Cantina Traditional Mexican food 10 Kensington Gardens Brighton Tel: 01273 623683
Karma Late night Moroccan themed bar The Waterfront Brighton Marina Tel: 01273 818000
ABSOLUTE
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ABSOLUTE COCKTAIL REVIEW
Caribbean night Lidia De Luca has a True Rum Experience as the rum tour comes to Heist Bar, Brighton
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he True Rum Experience event started at 7.30pm on a winter’s evening in December, hosted by UK Rum Authority Ian Burrell; the chosen venue was Heist Bar on West Street in Brighton. Once all the guests had bustled in from the cold, Ian took us to warmer climates giving us the history of Caribbean rum. Heist is a very nice and popular bar in the town centre. The main room that we were in, was warm with leather sofas and a well equipped bar. There were people of all ages at the event, all geared up for a good rum tasting night. Whilst Ian Burrell talked us through the history of Caribbean rum, explaining how in the Caribbean rum is more a part of the lifestyle rather than just a spirit, as we the guests all kicked off with an Authentic Caribbean Rum and ginger ale. It was a refreshing mixture; spicy and tangy with lime, but it wasn’t too much for my palette. It was very interesting to learn the extensive process involved in the making of rum; how
it gains its distinctive flavour depending upon the region, age and blending process. While trailing 12 of the 19 Authentic Caribbean Rums Ian talked us through their differences in how they are made and how best to drink them. It was thoughtfully served with dark chocolate and orange chocolate, which I thought was the perfect combination. After tasting several rums, Ian talked about the amazing cocktails this wonderful spirit can make, showing us how to make our own rum punch and a daiquiri. After this interesting demonstration Ian invited some of the audience to try mixing some cocktails themselves. This turned into a competition where the first one to finish would win a prize that included a bottle of rum! This was a great way to make sure that the audience had learnt how to make these great cocktails and added to the fun of the evening. My favourite cocktail of the evening was the Daiquiri of which the ingredients were 50ml of Authentic Caribbean Rum, 20 ml lime juice,
10 ml sugar syrup (two parts sugar to one part water) I’ll certainly be trying this one at home! By the time everyone had tried making the cocktails, Ian answered some questions on what we learnt from the night. It was nice to have a quick chat with him afterwards, where I found out that he is also the founder and brains behind ‘UK RumFest... The Rum Experience’; Europe’s first ever festival to celebrate the diversity of Rum. The Authentic Caribbean Rum campaign has informed me they are going to be running more fantastic events in the coming year so keep your eyes on the website www.truerum.com. The website also includes more information on Authentic Caribbean Rums, such as cocktail recipes and tasting notes.
Relax in style and try the exciting winter menu at
SOFA
Bar . Kitchen . Lounge Marine Parade, Worthing 01903 200552
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ABSOLUTE RECIPES
Sizzling salads! W
ith winter well and truly set in, many of us have put away our salad bowls. But salads aren’t just for summer. Combining cool, crunchy lettuce leaves with hot ingredients can provide a tantalising taste sensation as well as a delicious alternative to the usual winter stodge. Try celebrity chef Anjum Anand’s Firecracker Salad, with its delicious contrast of grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, fiery chilli and crunchy cashews on a bed of crisp lettuce. Or for something a little lighter try our warm creamy goat’s cheese, asparagus and roasted pepper salad. Another exciting new warm salad courtesy of The British Leafy Salads Association is Jerk Chicken, Sweet Potato, Rice and Peas. This wonderfully colourful salad is perfect when you are craving wholesome yet interesting food. Slices of spicy chicken served on a bed of rice, crunchy gem lettuce and sweet red pepper all tossed in a zingy fresh lime juice dressing. The Roasted Mushroom, Squash and Halloumi salad is another hot and cold taste explosion, packed with immune boosting ingredients. The Firecracker recipe printed here has been created for the everyday palate, but if you want a salad even hotter than a vindaloo then add another 3 Scotch Bonnet peppers. As part of the campaign to highlight the versatility of salads, The British Leafy Salads Association is sending the salad off to the Guinness Book of Records to get it accredited as the World’s Hottest Salad. Salads are a great way to help you towards the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables, whether as a crunchy side dish, a refreshing starter, or a filling main course. Just one cereal bowl (80g) of salad counts as one of our 5 portions of fruit and veg, making salad one of the easiest ways to achieve your ‘5 a day’. So as winter is upon us once again, don’t despair, enjoy these yummy new salad recipes. For more recipes and salad info visit: www.britishleafysalads.co.uk
Turn up the heat this winter with salad-fuel
The Firecracker Salad
Preparation Time: 20 minutes plus marinating time Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes Serves two For the chicken 90ml/6tbsp Greek yoghurt 2.5ml/ 1/2 tsp salt 2.5ml/ 1/2 tsp chilli powder 10ml/2 tsp cumin powder 2.5ml/ 1/2 tsp garam masala 2.5cm/ 1/2in piece root ginger, peeled and grated 1 clove garlic, crushed Juice of half a lemon 2 (140g) chicken breast fillets, skinned Scotch bonnet vinaigrette 50ml light olive oil 40ml lemon juice 30ml/2tbsp water Salt to taste 2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1-2 scotch bonnet chilli, seeds removed and chopped One large pinch of sugar
Top: Jerk chicken, sweet potato, rice and peas. Above: Roasted mushroom, squash and halloumi salad Right: Goats cheese, asparagus and Roasted Pepper Salad
Salad 1 (90g) naan bread 100g/4 oz cucumber, finely sliced 1 large plum tomato, deseeded and finely sliced 30ml/2 tbsp finely chopped red onion or shallot 45ml/3 tbsp fresh pomegranate seeds 30g coconut shavings or flakes, fresh or dried 30g chilli cashews 2 handfuls of Romaine lettuce 1 handful of baby salad leaves 1 long red chilli, deseeded, and finely sliced for garnish (optional)
Method 1. Marinate the chicken: Mix together the ingredients for the tikka paste. Add the chicken, coat well, cover and leave to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 mins or overnight if time allows. 2. Meanwhile, make the dressing: place all the ingredients in a bowl and blend into a fine paste with a fork. Season to taste. Set aside. 3. When ready to cook, heat a griddle pan, add the naan and cook on both sides until the naan is crisp, about 2 minutes each side. Slice and then cut on the diagonal to make diamond shapes. 4. Add the chicken to the griddle and cook undisturbed for 3 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for another 4 minutes. Turn the chicken over and cook for a further 5-6 minutes or until cooked all the way through (pierce the thickest part with the tip of a knife and press the juices coming out should be clear). Slice the chicken and cool slightly. 5. Place all the remaining salad ingredients in a large bowl, add half the dressing and toss well to mix. Divide between two large plates, scatter over the naan and place the chicken on top and finally garnish with the sliced chilli. Serve with the remaining dressing for dunking the pieces of toasted naan. Quick Chilli Cashew nuts: Heat 1 tsp oil in a small saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and 1/4 tsp each freshly ground black pepper, chilli powder and ground cumin powder. Add 30g unsalted cashew nuts and stir well to coat. Keep stirring until roasted, around 4 minutes more. Transfer to a plate. Wrap to avoid skinning and allow to cool.
For more recipes and salad info visit: www.britishleafysalads.co.uk ABSOLUTE
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NEWSXTRA HARWOODS TEAM SURPRISES APPRENTICE STAR ON HIS WEDDING DAY
News items brought to you by Mo Hunter-Shine mo@absolutemagazine.co.uk
HIGH TECH BORDER CONTROL ARE A SUCCESS AT GATWICK Lee McQueen, the popular winner and star of The Apprentice in 2008, got the sort of surprise wedding present every young bridegroom dreams of when a new Bentley Continental Supersports unexpectedly appeared on his driveway. And just to make sure the star of the BBC’s cult programme had a day to remember, Bentley’s hugely-powerful 621bhp British Supercar came without a chauffeur and Lee was handed the keys. The ‘Bentley surprise’ was the brainchild of Lee’s elder sister, Nikki Manderson, who works for Harwoods at the company’s headquarters in Pulborough, Sussex. Nikki explains: “As soon as I saw the Continental Supersports arrive at our Bentley dealership I thought about Lee and wondered whether I could arrange a different kind of wedding present. Even for a Bentley, the Supersports is a real head-turner, and all our technicians and sales advisers crowded around the car when it first arrived in the showroom. Thankfully, our general manager Simon Elkin, loved the idea of surprising Lee and even agreed to drive the car over to Lee’s house for me.” “I’ve always loved exciting, fast cars since I was a youngster and the Supersports is just the sort of machine I would like in my dream garage,” says Lee.
Nearly one million passengers have used the latest ‘face scanning technology’ at Britain’s airports, the Home Secretary, Alan Johnson announced this month. He confirmed the figure while visiting the state-of-the-art facial recognition gates at Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal. More than 950,000 passengers have used the secure self-service gates which scan biometric details and then check them against a range of watch lists before allowing the passengers to enter the country.
The facial recognition gates offer legitimate passengers the choice between queuing at traditional, staffed passport controls and using the self-service gates. More than 50,000 passengers have used the gates at Gatwick since their introduction. Andy Flower, managing director for London Gatwick Airport, said: “The introduction of the e-Passport system at London Gatwick Airport will provide a more efficient process for passengers entering the country.”
BRIGHTON WATER BUSINESS HELPS RESTAURANTS SAVE LIVES Brighton based Life Pure Water has made a big splash launching a pioneering new business concept in the form of a genuinely life-saving bottle for serving water in restaurants. Piloted by two celebrated local produce restaurants, Due South in Brighton and Kitchen Garden Cafe in Birmingham, ‘Bottle for Life’ has been a proven success and now Life is making the opportunity available to other restaurants. ‘Bottle for Life’ is a reusable and stylish glass 1-litre bottle, bought for just £5 per bottle by the restaurant, which then washes and re-fills it with filtered tap water in their own kitchen. Customers are offered the bottle for £1 and a percentage then goes to Life’s drop4drop charity. In just one month, the Bottle for Life concept in
Brighton’s Due South has raised enough funds to provide over 600 children in developing communities with clean drinking water. Said Robert Shenton, owner of Due South: “Instead of selling bottled mineral water or providing tap water, we now support the drop4drop charity. Filtered and bottled here at Due South, each Bottle for Life provides a child in a developing country with clean drinking water for at least a month.” Life provides support to restaurants buying into the scheme, assisting with finding a suitable filter, if they do not have one already and designing bespoke leaflets to help restaurants to inform their customers about the product. To find out more about the ‘Bottle for Life’, contact 0845 634 5030. ABSOLUTE
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ABSOLUTE SALES
BARGAINS OF THE YEAR With pockets still being tightly closed from the recession and the damage from Christmas still raw, visiting a sale for those necessities could be a great opportunity to grab a much needed bargain more than ever this year. We pick a selection of the best offers taking place
S
in Sussex. Will you find that bargain of the year?
SALE taking place: Designer handbag and accessory brand Mimco is offering 50% off everything in their wonderful January sale. So get there quick! MIMCO 23 Dukes Lane Brighton Tel: 01273 329 402 www.mimco.com.au/Boutiques.aspx
SALE taking place: Ripples sale runs from 29th December to 30th January 2010. All customers ordering in January will receive free planning and design service from one of their experienced and talented specialist bathroom designers, and between 10-15% off all bathroom products. Please make note: Ripples are always incredibly busy during the sales period 56
AND SO TO BED LONDON
SALE taking place: The winter sale at And So To Bed is on now until February 28th 2010. and encourage customers to book their They are offering 20% off of everydesign consultation as early as possible to thing in store. avoid disappointment. And So To Bed Ripples Adastra Place 38 Keymer Road 16 High Street Hassocks BN6 8AP Handcross Tel: 01273 841 228 Sussex 5 Crane Street Chichester PO19 1LH Tel: 01444 401 789 Tel: 01243 776 661 www.andsotobed.co.uk www.ripples.ltd.uk
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ABSOLUTE SALES SALE taking place: You can grab that designer gear by Calvin Klein with an amazing 90% off of everything in their extensive Brighton Marina store. Calvin Klein Collection Brighton Marina Brighton Email: ckfs2_bm@btconnect.com Tel: 01273 679402
L A SALE SNOW U TS ON C U E e P h T US S
SALE taking place: Sussex Blinds are holding a fabulous sale in January where up to 30% is slashed off of selected blind and shutter prices. Sale commences 4th Jan until 14th Feb, so get there quick! Sussex Blinds have an extensive showroom just outside Brighton:
SALE taking place: Celebrate New Year with La Vida lingerie and help raise money for BREAKTHROUGH BREAST CANCER CHARITY. They will be donating 10% of profit from their January sale to the charity. Discounts of up to 30%. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity for a good cause. La Vida Lingerie 11 Brighton Square The Lanes, Brighton BN1 1HD Tel: 01273 220080 www.lavidalingerie.com
LA VIDA lingerie
SALE NOW ON SALE MISNOW ON SALE taking place: The Usual Suspects hair and beauty salon in Hove is offering three treatments for the price of two for any of their hair and beauty treatments (cut, colour or beauty). This is definitely an offer not to miss, gaining that perfect look for 2010 at a snip of the cost! The Usual Suspects 26 Church Road. Hove Tel: 01273 747245 www.beautyhove.co.uk
36-38 Warren Road Woodingdean Brighton Tel: 01273 684848 www.sussexblindsltd.co.uk
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SMIT
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SALE taking place: Mister Smith Interiors is offering 15% off of any fabric orders in its January Sale with discounts of up to 20% on larger orders of fabrics and flooring. Definitely worth a visit! Mister Smith Interiors 23 New Road Brighton BN1 1UF Tel: 01273 605574 www.mistersmith.co.uk
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ABSOLUTE TRAVEL
Neil Geraghty takes a journey around Central America where he discovers a hidden world of sorcery and ancient traditions
“W
Under the Shaman’s Spell 58
e’d better hurry, the rainy season begins at two”, said Arturo my chirpy Guatemalan guide. We’d just arrived at the Mayan Biosphere Reserve in the steaming jungle lowlands of Guatemala’s northern Petén province and were having a quick breakfast before setting off on a 10km hike to explore the magnificent Mayan ruins of Tikal. The sky was an eggshell blue speckled with tiny powder puff clouds and slender scarlet winged Helicopter Butterflies were hovering in the early morning sunbeams “It’s such a beautiful day, are you sure?” I replied, lingering over my coffee and doubting his precise meteorological expertise. “Oh yes”, he nodded with that sage look that middle aged weather forecasters have the world over, “it reached El Salvador yesterday and will be here this afternoon”. Sure enough, at 2 o’clock sharp, just as we scurried back to the cafe the first fat raindrops began falling and 10 minutes later a thunderstorm of biblical proportions broke out sending groups of bedraggled tourists shrieking from the jungle for cover. I felt thankful to have the canny Arturo as my guide. Petén is an exciting place to be an archaeologist. Over 200 ancient Mayan sites, some dating back 3,000 years have so far been discovered and many of them remain unexcavated. How such a great civilization came to flourish in this inhospitable terrain and why it suddenly collapsed in the 9th Century are two of history’s greatest enigmas. Mel Gibson’s 2006 blockbuster Apocalypto and the forthcoming Sci Fi disaster movie 2012 have sparked a worldwide interest in the ancient Mayans and there’s no better place to experience the full grandeur of this
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ABSOLUTE TRAVEL mysterious civilization than at Tikal. The allure lies as much in Tikal’s pristine jungle setting as in the spectacular ruined temples and as we entered the Bioreserve, Arturo was hopping with excitement. This was his favourite place in Guatemala and he kept a detailed record on his digital camera of all the wildlife he encountered on each of his visits. “Look what I saw last week”, he said, excitedly scrolling back the photos. A giant tarantula popped up on the screen and I almost jumped out of my skin A few minutes later a park ranger called us over. He was holding open the fanged jaws of a juvenile boa constrictor and its body was writhing around his arm in annoyance. “Isn’t he beautiful”, cooed Arturo stroking the diamond patterned skin.
“A medicine man dressed in a knee length grass robe began spinning around wailing and shaking maracas in a scene that transported us straight back to their ancestral West Africa...” “Go ahead you can touch him”, said the beaming park ranger. “Thanks a lot” I muttered sarcastically and with gritted teeth reached out and briefly patted my second worst nightmare (the first being tarantulas). Phobias notwithstanding, Tikal is a wonderful place to spot wildlife
and it’s worth bringing along a strong pair of binoculars to get a more detailed look at the colourful toucans, macaws and howler monkeys that all thrive in the forest canopy. The steep sided temples at Tikal are not merely an archaeological theme park. Indigenous Mayans travel here from all over Guatemala to make offerings to their ancestors. In front of the towering Jaguar Temple we stumbled across a Highland family dressed in intricately striped huipils (traditional loose fitting tunics). They were standing around a stone circle watching a shaman chant prayers and throw alcohol onto a crackling fire. We’d encountered similar scenes in front of churches throughout the Guatemalan Highlands where the Mayan’s descendents still adhere to many of their ancient beliefs. Lake Atitlán lies in the heart of the Mayan speaking Highlands and its rich culture and breathtaking scenery justifiably make it Guatemala’s most popular tourist attraction. It’s one of the world’s most beautiful natural sights. Three perfect volcanic cones, all over 3,000 metres high sweep up from the reed fringed shore and in the afternoon, squally winds blowing in from the Pacific known as xocomil send mysterious patterns dancing across the surface and are believed to cleanse away sins. One of the most enjoyable ways to experience Atitlan is to hire a water taxi and cruise around the lake visiting the fascinating Tz’utujil and Kaqchikel speaking villages that dot the shoreline. The villagers are renowned for their colourful textiles which are woven on portable back strap looms, a technique dating back to the ancient Mayans. Each village has its own
Shrine to Maximon
distinct traditional dress and at the jetty in San Juan La Laguna we were greeted by some smiling Tz’utujil girls wearing green and purple zigzag patterned huipils. “The zigzags represent snakes, the Mayan symbol of the sky”, the encyclopaedic Arturo pointed out. A fisherman in a sombrero was handing the girls large silver bellied crabs from his rectangular wooden boat which they were dextrously tying onto long poles. These they then slung over their shoulders and carried up the hill to the market like crucifixes. At the top of the hill Arturo called over to a group of small boys who were playing football and asked them the directions to the shrine of Maximón, the Highlands’ infamous “evil saint”. The boys dutifully interrupted their game (Guatemalan children are some of the best behaved in the world) and politely escorted us down a dusty alleyway into a dimly lit shack. Here, surrounded by flickering candles, sat a life sized statue of a moustachioed European man wearing a ghostly white mask and straw boater with a limp cigar hanging out of his mouth. SHRINE Following the Spanish Conquest, the Mayan tribes readily adopted Catholicism but to the exasperation of the missionaries merely mingled it with their traditional beliefs creating a hybrid religion which is one of the most fascinating elements of modern Mayan culture. Maximón is a combination of the Mayan God Mam, Saint Simeon and the bloodthirsty Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Locals come here, often straight from church, with offerings of alcohol and cigarettes in the hope that this sinister looking deity will grant them anything from good crops to a happy marriage. Next ABSOLUTE
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ABSOLUTE TRAVEL Jaguar Temple, Tikal
Lake Atitlan
to Maximón’s shrine stood an exquisite knee high ancient Mayan figurine with an enigmatic smile. The custodian of the shrine nonchalantly told us that he’d discovered it on a mountainside, evidence of the tantalizing treasures that still lie undiscovered throughout Guatemala. Later in the afternoon we had an exhilarating ride over the lake to the northern Kaqchikel speaking shore. The capricious xocomil winds had picked up sending our boat careering over the choppy waves. At San Antonio Palopo the villagers were celebrating their annual fiesta and the air was filled with the delicious smell of frying tortillas wafting out of street stalls. In front of a pretty whitewashed church a crowd had gathered to watch the Dance of the Conquistadors. To the slow hypnotic tinkling of marimbas a line of drunken men were staggering around dressed in dazzling scarlet and blue military uniforms. Around their faces they’d tied finely carved wooden masks depicting golden bearded Spanish soldiers while on their heads 16th Century style war helmets covered in sequins were sparkling in the sunshine. The dance was introduced by the Spanish to commemorate their colonial victories but in typical Mayan fashion was incorporated into an intoxicated pre Columbian dance that is believed to release the spirits of the dead. Although it’s possible to swim in Atitlan, the water is freezing and with the Belize
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Barrier Reef tantalizingly close, a popular tourist route is to travel overland to the Honduran Bay Islands to unwind with a few days’ scuba diving and snorkelling in the pristine Caribbean waters. The route takes you through Copan Ruinas, a delightful highland town with an invigorating spring like climate. Here you can enjoy a spot of horse riding in the hillside coffee fincas and explore the nearby ruined city which has one of the finest collections of sculpture in the Mayan world and is mercifully free of Tikal’s creepy crawlies. It comes as a big surprise to discover that the Bay Islanders speak a lilting old fashioned English dialect. Known as Garifunas, these English speaking Afro Caribbeans are found all the way along the coast from Belize to Nicaragua and are descendents of rebellious African Slaves and Carib Indians who were deported from St Vincent by the British in the 18th Century. Roatan is the largest of the Bay islands and at the backpacker hangout of West End I hired a scooter for the day and headed out along dusty roads stopping at isolated beaches where the only company I had was the odd spinytail iguana basking in the sunshine on fallen coconuts. The Garifunas are famous for their seafood and at the ramshackle village of Punta Gorda I stopped at a beachside café and ordered a spicy coconut fish soup swimming with plantains, king prawns and chilli peppers. On the sand a group of boys carrying
sticks were prodding a deadly poisonous Portuguese Man of War that had been washed up on the beach while just offshore a fisherman in a wooden dug out canoe paddled by, idly trawling for Queen Conchs, a popular local delicacy. That evening a Garifuna dance troop came to perform in my beachside resort. A troop of drummers dressed in white struck up a frenzied rhythm and a group of ladies in Rastafarian coloured skirts began shuffling forward chanting hypnotic incantations. A medicine man dressed in a knee length grass robe began spinning around them wailing and shaking maracas in a scene that transported us straight back to their ancestral West Africa. During this trip I’d been astonished to encounter similar cultural traditions that have survived hundreds of years of slavery and colonial oppression and it’s this vibrant cultural diversity that makes Central America such a rewarding travel destination.
Iberia (www.iberia.com) flies from London Heathrow, via Madrid, to Guatemala five times a week. Connecting flights to other destinations in Central America can be booked through TACA Airlines (www.taca.com) For further information on Guatemala, Honduras and other destinations in Central America go to www.visitcentroamerica.com
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ABSOLUTE PEOPLE
The nation's sweetheart
I
© Associated Newspapers
have been very lucky in my work as a photojournalist in having the opportunity to meet many well-know faces in the world of show business. And Dame Vera Lynn is one that I have been fortunate enough to meet on occasions, since she has been involved for many years in supporting the ‘Shoreham Airshow’ and ‘Care South’s Sussexdown’ at Storrington (of which I am also involved in both). We also meet on a regular basis at ‘The All England Jumping Course’ at Hickstead where she is Vice Patron and was a close friend of the late Douglas Bunn, the Master of this famous show jumping venue. Recently hitting back in the limelight 55 years on from her wartime tunes with the re-issue of her classic recording ‘We’ll Meet Again,’ she is now aged 92 and shows no sign of letting up on her many activities including supporting her own charity ‘The Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy,’ of which she has been involved with for many years. Upon congratulating her on her number one hit, Dame Vera said: “I was delighted and more than surprised when my record reached number one in the charts again after all these years. I
The late Douglas Bunn with Dame Vera at Hickstead
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Aged 92, Dame Vera Lynn, OBE, and the forces’ sweetheart, is back in the limelight having secured a number one hit in the music charts. John Periam went to meet the glamorous veteran star at her Sussex home owe a big thank you to all my fans for putting me there.” Living in the picturesque village of Ditching near Brighton for over 39 years, it was love at first sight when Dame Vera and her late husband Harry came across the village. “Harry’s favourite quote was ‘The best day’s work I ever did was when I decided to come and live here.’ ” When one looks out of her spacious lounge windows, it is clear to see why. It was while she was with the Ambrose Orchestra that she met Harry, and in 1941 they decided to tie the knot. Looking around her lounge one see’s many pictures from her past - one that took my eye was that of her with the late Queen Mother at a party. “We were very good friends” she said, while referring to her presence at Queen Elizabeth’s sixteenth birthday at Windsor Castle. She has sung with some of the greatest and has had her own television and radio programmes that ran for many years. “Bing Crosby rang me one evening and asked if he could appear in the TV programme, and Bob Hope, Sammy Davis and the Glen Miller Orchestra all appeared on the shows – it was a wonderful period of my life,” she said with a genuine big smile. Adding,
“I was so lucky to have my husband Harry who helped run my hectic schedule back then.” During the war Dame Vera spent a lot of time in the Far East entertaining ‘her boy’s,’ and since that period has always been involved in D Day celebrations. Asking her about her memories of D Day, she said “At the time I was on my way back from Gibraltar. An officer who had been listening to the radio said something was about to happen. We were in the food tent and we raised our glasses hoping it would be the beginning of the end, which sadly it wasn’t.
“I was delighted and more than surprised when my record reached number one in the charts again after all these years. ..” Flying in those days was an experience in itself. I have fond memories of my first trip in a Sunderland Flying Boat; not being a good traveller even more so.” She said with a laugh. A few weeks ago she held a dinner at ‘The Imperial War Museum’ for her own charity. It was well attended and supported by many of her good friends old and new. All the money raised went to her trust based at Ingfield Manor, Billingshurst. The trust also supports a school for parents where they are taught the very direct experience of raising children with special needs. “I try and help raise funds in excess of a quarter of a million pounds per year.” Her daughter Virginia met her husband Tom, who was a Chinook helicopter pilot in the RAF, when he landed his helicopter in Dame Vera’s
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ABSOLUTE PEOPLE
Above: Dame Vera with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Elaine Paige and Bernard Cribbens Below: Don Bean MBE, Shoreham Airshow Organiser, and Dame Vera Lynn with Boss Bear Bottom: Chief Of The Air Staff with Dame Vera
back garden! “Both support me a great deal, especially now Harry has passed away. They take me to the many events that I attend and plan my diary for me. Tom started a clay pigeon shoot at Newick Park Hotel many years ago and it is supported by many celebrity guests who get involved in the days events. Thanks to their efforts, a lot of money has been raised for my trust at Ingfield Manor.” “I have been very lucky when you consider I was a little girl from East Ham! I was presented with an OBE – then I became a Dame.Yes! I have met many people but to be honest it is ‘my boy’s’ that I have the fondest memories of. Seeing them in the Far East in such terrible conditions with many surviving to this day makes me really proud.” Her songs including ‘The White Cliffs of Dover’ and ‘We’ll Meet Again,’ are well known to all generations and epitomise the hope she gave to thousands of serving men. “It is very sad when I see the problems in today’s world and so many of our servicemen being killed and injured; it does bring back all those moments in my life, and must do for many of the veterans who are still alive to this day.” The passing of Douglas Bunn earlier this year was another sad moment for Dame Vera and her family. All knew Douglas well as regular attenders of Hickstead Racecourse for many years. “Douglas did so much for show jumping. The good news is that his children will carry
on keeping the many Hickstead traditions alive – he would have been so proud of them all.” Her support of the RAFA Shoreham Airshow from its early days has helped no end. This year she met the ‘Chief of The Airstaff’ who attended for the first time. “When one considers they are all volunteers that run this magnificent event each year and have raised over one and a half million pounds for charity, they all need a big pat on the back,” she says. Just before I departed Dame Vera’s house I notice a picture of her with the late Lord Mountbatten. “He was a lovely man and made me so welcome when I went to Burma,” she recalls. There was also another picture of her with Field Marshal Montgomery. “A lot of photographers have said to me it is the only photograph they have seen of him both smiling and out of his uniform!” Looking thoroughly well and smart at 92, it was so nice to see Dame Vera in her own environment. She should be proud of what she has done for ‘our boy’s’ and equally proud of her daughter and son-in-law who have supported her over her later years; it is clear she is.
A ‘thank-you’ must be said to Dame Vera Lynn from our nation! And she has bought back so many memories with the re-issue of her recordings, making a lot of people very happy in the process. ABSOLUTE
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FACES & PLACES
Lord Taverners score again Derek Le Warde, Richard Gumbrell and Mike Gibson
Michael and Kevin Foreman and Terry Boyle
Yet another glittering affair was held at The Grand Hotel this year by The Lord Taverners. The charity, based upon cricket and founded in 1950, helps young people, particularly those with social, environmental, physical or learning disadvantages, to enjoy cricket and other sporting and leisure activities. Over the years, their charitable mission has developed and broadened. The charity raises money through the tireless work of members and volunteers across the country, often capitalising on their celebrity network that has been a key strength since their foundation. This annual event organised by the Sussex branch, always attracts hundreds of supporters including local businesses and businesspeople alike who the charity always rely upon to give generously- and this year was no exception. This event held in mid December managed to raise a staggering £39,000.
Businessmen Mike Holland and Chris Weatherstone with Chris Rigby of Clydesdale Bank
Peter Hiscox, Nigel Merchant, “Doc” Harper and Gar Cheung
Pictures Richard Bidwell The Lord’s Taverners East Sussex Region Committee and guests
Members of the Lord’s Taverners East Sussex Region Committee with Michael Knox-Johnston manager of the De Vere Grand Hotel
The girls from Icon Live with Barry Williams
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Steve Bennett from the Stanley Arms, and friends
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FACES & PLACES
Ripples of
Dawn Cleall and Roger Booth of South Downs Living magazine
excitement
Ripples in Hassocks launched their exciting new displays at their Christmas late night opening evening. The evening was run in conjunction with Rory Rayland and Lawrence Bates Ronnie and Michael Rosenberg
Hassocks village, and guests enjoyed canapĂŠs, and wine tasting by South Downs Cellar. With design-led products from Burgbad, Hansgrohe, Samuel Heath, Aquata, Finwood Design and Grespania Ceramics the showroom had plenty of on-trend displays to give
Maurice Drace from Samuel Heath, Colin Payne of Ripples and Brian Jones from Burgbad Alex Walmsley of Ripples, Michelle Budd and Lucy Driver
inspiration to anyone looking to makeover their bathroom in 2010. A Charity prize draw was held in aid of the Rockinghorse Appeal, and Ripples teamed Sarah and Andy Gander
up with local companies Downsview Deli and Maison du Vin to put together a luxury Christmas hamper for the prize. Rockinghorse is a local Brighton based charity raising money to buy medical equipment for paediatric facilities throughout Sussex.
Pictures Richard Bidwell One of the lovely bathroom displays at Ripples
Lee Dubesteyn, Colin Payne, Director of Ripples, Marcel Dubesteyn, Alex Walmsley, showroom manager of Ripples in Hassocks Ian Rayland, Deirdre Huston, Lucy Driver of South Downs Cellars in Hurstpierpoint
ABSOLUTE
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ABSOLUTE EDUCATION
Million Dollar Media meets the Mayor F
ive pupils from the
was the Mayor’s approval
real product operating in a
find success. Presenting to
Brighton College Young
of Million Dollar Media, that
real market with all of the
the Mayor put Million Dollar
Enterprise company, Million
the students were provided
associated challenges and
Media straight into a high-
Dollar Media, met with
with a long list of contacts at
opportunities that require
pressure scenario that they
Brighton & Hove Mayor
council-operated facilities
the students to show real
handled with considerable
Councillor Ann Norman
who would be interested
commercial aptitude and
finesse and were able to
in the Mayor’s Parlour at
in advertising using their
entrepreneurial flair. The skills
turn to their own commercial
Brighton Town Hall to present
product.
of presenting commercial
advantage.”
the innovative new media
Mike Macfarlane, volunteer
ideas and making
product that the company
business adviser to Million
connections with useful
hopes to roll out across the
Dollar Media, said “This is
individuals are absolutely
city. Million Dollar Media
a real life business with a
essential for the students to
Further details about this innovative product can be obtained by emailing swoodmansey@ brightoncollege.net
is helping local businesses to promote themselves to the YouTube generation, including local people and visiting tourists, by featuring them in a short video that will be aggregated across popular tourism and local websites for a fee that is far more competitive than traditional print media advertising. The Mayor was enthralled by the potential to help local businesses to better promote themselves using a new digital medium, saying “It really is excellent. Nobody
Brightonhas Absolute 7 done thisBanner:Layout before”. Such
BRIGHTON COLLEGE
16/11/09
15:10
Page 1
“A CLASS ACT IN EVERY WAY”
Daily Telegraph, June 2009
OPEN MORNING
Pre-Prep and Prep Schools Saturday 30 January Senior School (11+, 13+, 16+) Saturday 6 February
01273 704201/2 www.brightoncollege.net SCHOOL BUS B0110_066 Education1 JAN10.indd 1
S E RV I C E AC RO S S
SUSSEX
W E E K LY B O A R D I N G
FROM
13+
15/12/09 10:22:43
ABSOLUTE EDUCATION
Extra Special Care With schools in touch with our children’s educational needs more than ever, the children that suffer with difficulties in learning are hopefully more likely to receive help within their school. But what are special educational needs? What ‘special educational needs’ means: range of activities (often described as The term ‘special educational needs’ ‘differentiating the curriculum’). (SEN) has a legal definition, referring to If your child is making slower progress or children who have learning difficulties or having particular difficulties in one area, disabilities that make it harder for them they may be given extra help or different to learn or access education than most lessons to help them succeed. children of the same age. Just because your child is making slower Many children will have SEN of some kind progress than you expected or the at some time during their education. Help teachers are providing different support, will usually be provided in their ordinary, help or activities in class, this doesn’t mainstream early education setting or necessarily mean that your child has SEN. school, sometimes with the help of outside Getting the help if your child needs it: specialists. Your child’s early years are a very If your child has special educational important time for their physical, needs, they may need extra help in a emotional, intellectual and social range of areas, for example: development. When the health visitor or Schoolwork doctor makes a routine check, they might Reading, writing, number work or suggest that there could be a problem. understanding information If you have any worries of your own, you Expressing themselves or should ask for advice straightaway. understanding what others are saying You should first go to your child’s class Making friends or relating to adults teacher, the SENCO (the person in the Behaving properly in school school or pre-school who is responsible for Organising themselves coordinating help for children with special Keep a watchful eye on your child’s educational needs) or the headteacher. progress at school: You could ask them if: Children make progress at different rates The school thinks your child is having and have different ways in which they difficulties and/or has SEN learn best. When planning lessons based Your child is able to work at the same level around the National Curriculum, your as children of the same age child’s teacher will take account of this Your child is already getting extra help by looking carefully at how they organise You can help your child: their lessons, classroom, books and If your child’s school agrees that he or she has SEN in some areas, they will adopt a Brightonmaterials. Absolute Banner:Layout 7 20/10/09 09:12 Page 2 The teacher will then choose suitable step-by-step approach to meeting these ways to help your child learn from a needs.
There are a number of basic principles that all those involved in your child’s education will consider. When talking to your child’s teachers, there are some basic points to bear in mind: If your child has SEN their needs should be met and they should receive a broad, well-balanced and relevant education Your views should always be taken into account and the wishes of your child should be listened to Your child’s needs will usually be met in a mainstream school, sometimes with the help of outside specialists You should be consulted on all the decisions that affect your child You have a vital role to play in your child’s education If your child has SEN, there are also a number of organisation’s that will be of great help, full of advice. These can be found on the internet, in leaflets found in schools or in some doctor’s surgeries. Remember, it’s not the end of the world. It is a positive thing that your child’s difficulties have been uncovered, especially for your child.
“OUTSTANDING” Ofsted Report 2009
BRIGHTON COLLEGE
Register now for entry at 11+ Limited availability! 01273 704201/2 www.brightoncollege.net SCHOOL BUS
S E RV I C E AC RO S S
B0110_067 Education2 JAN10.indd 1
SUSSEX
W E E K LY B OA R D I N G
FROM
13+ 16/12/09 11:57:37
ABSOLUTE ART
Q u a k e r Ta p e s t r y E x h i b i t i o n T
Top: Industrial Welfare (detail) – This panel commemorates four Quaker firms who have pioneered industrial welfare: Cadbury, Rowntree, Huntley & Palmer and the London Lead Company. The detail shows a tenant of the garden village created by Richard and George Cadbury when they moved their factory from central Birmingham to Bournville in 1879. Above left: Innocent trades - Quaker belief in peace, simple living and honesty ensured that their involvement in many different trades brought public confidence and thus growing business. Friends were counselled to engage only in ‘Innocent Trades’.
he famous Quaker Tapestry, a tale of 350 years of social history, will be on display in a special exhibition starting in January, at the Friends’ Meeting House in Brighton. Created by 4,000 people in 15 countries, the Tapestry is one of the world’s largest community textile projects. Thirty-nine of the 77 embroidered panels that make up the main Quaker Tapestry Exhibition travel to Brighton from their permanent home in Kendal, Cumbria. Each of the Tapestry panels measures 25”(635mm) x 21”(533mm) and was created in the narrative crewel embroidery style of the Bayeux Tapestry. The Tapestry is not the work of experts but was made by men, women and children aged between 4 and 90. The Tapestry celebrates social history stretching back to the 17th century and including such events, subjects and characters as Elizabeth Fry, the Irish Potato Famine, the Slave Trade, the Crimean War, William Penn and Pennsylvania, Pope Pius VII, Tsar Nicholas I, Joseph Rowntree, railways, science, marriage and botany. Bridget Guest, General Manager at the Quaker Tapestry Centre said “For several years we have been planning to bring the Tapestry Roadshow to Brighton and we are delighted that the exhibition will be taking place in 2010. We are looking forward to taking up residence in the delightful Friends’ Meeting House and welcoming visitors to the exhibition.” A special feature of this year’s Roadshow will be the display of a brand new panel in preparation by local Friends. Once the exhibition plans were confirmed, Bridget Guest travelled to Brighton to teach the stitches and techniques used in the creation of the original Tapestry. The new panel will be worked on by Brighton Friends during the exhibition. The exhibition includes audio guides, an introductory film, children’s activities and the Quaker Tapestry Gift Shop. The Quaker Tapestry 30th January - 27th February 2010 10am – 4.30pm Mon – Sat (Closed Sun) Brighton Friends’ Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF Exhibition free of charge to all visitors. Audio guides are available at a small charge on entry. Groups of more than 15 people are recommended to book in advance. For further information and bookings, please telephone 01539 722975 or email info@quaker-tapestry.co.uk www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk
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ABSOLUTE WHATS ON AND ART
Daisy Pulls It Off D
aisy Pulls It Off centres on the attempts of super achieving scholarship girl Daisy Meredith to make her mark on the snobby setting of Grangewood School for Young Ladies. It’s not all plain-sailing through these posh waters though, and Daisy faces numerous challenges along the way. By staying true to herself and remaining admirably straightforward, a positive outcome is promised as Daisy saves the lives of Monica and Sybil - her arch enemies - discovers the treasure of Grangewood and proves her sporting worth when she scores the winning goal at hockey! Daisy’s is the classic girls’ school story and the success of brain over bullying, dealing with the bitchy belittling by two of her classmates. The revival of Deegan’s work comes at a time when bullying is central on the news agenda – not just the terrain of times gone by, a very modern day problem that is constantly being examined as the various forms it can take diversify from face to face, to online. Daisy Pulls It Off By Denise Deegan Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London Tuesday 19th Jan – Saturday 6th Feb 2010 Box Office: 0845 017 5584 or www.seetickets.com Tickets: £18 (19th & 20th January) £20/£25 all other performances (plus booking fee) www.daisysbackintown.com
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ABSOLUTE MOTORING
Although the styling of the 6 Series Coupe has divided opinion, it’s surely impossible to grouse about the stunning convertible model. Andy Enright reports on the latest revised models
Open for the new year I
n theory it‘s easy to dislike big convertibles. They’re brash, showy, fuel guzzling tributes to propping up an overinflated ego, yet at the same time it’s impossible not to warm to their sheer brass neck. The BMW 6 Series Convertible is a case in point. You’ll need to be very comfortable with the notion of being stared at and although you may well achieve this and a good deal more cheaply by leaving home in the morning bereft of clothes, you wouldn’t relish the prospect of 155mph with your bits blowing in the breeze. The 6 Series Convertible makes exhibitionism seem wholly acceptable. The hood mechanism isn’t of the currently fashionable folding hard top variety, instead being a more conventional fabric affair capable of disappearing from view in less than 20 seconds. The best part about the hood is that it’s operable with the car moving at speeds of up to 20mph. Much quicker than that and aerodynamics would plant your hood onto the windscreen of the car behind but it’s nevertheless very impressive to be able to drop the hood while on the move. Six hydraulic cylinders guide the ragtop into place without significantly compromising luggage space – a major issue with folding hard topped cars. All 6-series convertibles are available in Edition Sport trim which focuses around improved handling. All 6-series convertibles are available in Edition Sport trim which focuses around improved handling. This is the facelifted 6-Series but you’d really have to eyeball one parked alongside the original car to pinpoint the changes. For the record, the headlamps have the LED technology that is so popular amongst the premium marques at the moment. It takes the form of a thin row of lights above the main projectors. More obvious is the redesigned front valance that accommodates differently shaped air intakes and at the back the bumper has been tweaked it increase the impression of width. Other than that, the grille is fractionally larger and the rear light clusters have been tweaked. “It’s a car that will brighten even the greyest of days….” The convertible retains the coupe model’s near 50:50 weight distribution and the car’s contours are preserved with C-pillar style fins. Many soft-top cars look a million dollars with the roof down but around a hundred with the soft top in place. The 6 Series also features a retractable glass windows and noise insulating polyurethane foam sandwiched between the rubberised outer membrane and the inner hood fabric. The designers have done their best to minimise wind noise and a quick trip
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through a car wash will show that water ingress just isn’t worth worrying about. The shape of the car directs airflow away from the passenger compartment and at speeds of over 100mph, front passengers will encounter very little in the way of turbulence. With the roof in place, the boot offers a generous 350 litres of space and 300 when it’s folded. Manufacturers love to measure capacity in terms of golf bags (target market) and this boot is capable of carrying two. Priced from £55,495, the 6 Series Convertible is currently available with two mainstream petrol engines and both are mighty pieces of work, now made more powerful yet more efficient through BMW’s clever EfficientDynamics technology. The 630i now packs a 272bhp six-cylinder unit capable of 060mph in around six seconds and yet this is the affordable face of 6-Series Convertible ownership with a very reasonable combined fuel consumption figure of 34.0mpg. Even the 4.8-litre V8 650i Convertible manages 22.4mpg, up 7% on the previous version. Yet it wafts to sixty in 5.5s. BMW offer a sports package on all convertible and coupe BMW 6-series models that enhances the driving dynamics and adds a sportier look to the car. This includes a contoured bonnet, 19-inch light alloy wheels and anti-roll stabilisation for improved handling. A brushed aluminium interior and extended lighting complete the look. Arguably the 6 Series Convertible to have however, is the 635d diesel version. Yes, you read that right. Diesel engines don’t traditionally sit well in luxury convertibles but this 3.0-litre twin-turbo isn’t a traditional diesel. It’s slightly slower on the 0-60mph measure than the 630i but the engine’s crushing peak torque of 580Nm is served up from just 1,750rpm, making it devastatingly fast in real world conditions. The 635d’s surging acceleration has more in common with that of the range-topping 650i. Ring its neck and a supercar-esque 6.6-second 0-60mph sprint can be extracted. It would bludgeon through the 155mph barrier too, if the artificial limiter were not on guard. Yet it will record 39.2mpg on the combined cycle. BMW plan to import just 1,000 convertibles a year, so unless you live in Alderley Edge or Guildford, it’s unlikely they’ll become common currency. For those of us unable to stretch to one, that is a shame. It’s a car that will brighten even the greyest of days.
ABSOLUTE
B0110_070 Motoring Jan 2010.indd1 1
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The new Porsche Panamera. Share the passion. The flexibility you desire. The luxury you seek. The performance you demand. The new Porsche Panamera is the four-door, four-seater sportscar you would expect us to build. Free from the constraints of convention, the Panamera features the latest technology; a 7-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung transmission with Auto-Start-Stop function*, direct fuel injection engines and Porsche Active Suspension Management, resulting in a car you’ll want to drive, and your passengers will want to be driven in. Passion has always driven us, now it can be shared. For further information on the Panamera range, please call us on 01444 318170 or visit www.porsche.co.uk/panamera
Porsche Centre Mid-Sussex Innovation Drive, York Road Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9TW info@porschemidsussex.co.uk * Standard on 4S/Turbo models, optional on the S model.
Fuel consumption figures for the Panamera range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 15.0-17.7 (18.8-16.0); Extra Urban 31.7-35.8 (8.9-7.9); Combined 22.6-26.2 (12.5-10.8). C02 emissions (g/km) 253-293.
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FACES & PLACES
The Snowman Ball triumphs
Chaiman of Trustees, Guy Clinch and Kerstin Jagfelt
Robbie and Debbie Raggio
Craig Moorland with Trevor Sorbie’s Kate Wilson Michelle Poysden, Richard Ball and Anna Warne
This year’s Snowman Spectacular Fundraising Ball for Chestnut Tree House raised over £55,000 for the children’s hospice. The event, took place at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, and was a sell-out success, attracting 570 guests made up of hospice supporters and influential business people from across Sussex. Raymond Briggs, Patron of Chestnut Tree House, once again kindly allowed the charity to use his iconic Snowman as the theme for the Ball to create a Christmassy, winter wonderland, complete with a real Christmas tree forest. The Snowman Spectacular was hosted by friend and supporter of the hospice, Ben Richards, who plays PC Nate Roberts in the popular ITV police drama ‘The Bill’, and who brought a host of celebrity friends from ‘The Bill’. Ben was also joined by Brighton actress, Julie Graham, known for her lead role in ‘Survivors’, Sally Gunnell OBE who attended in her role as Patron of Chestnut Tree House, children’s TV presenter, Sid Sloane, Brighton artist Julie-Anne Gilburt, as well as local celebrity DJ, Ambrose Harcourt. The main speaker of the evening was Chestnut Tree House mum, Sue Berry, accompanied by her 13 year old son, Matthew, who suffers from Duchene Muscular Dystrophy. She spoke eloquently about the care Matt receives at the hospice. Highlight of the evening was the hugely successful ‘Money Can’t Buy’ auction which included such fantastic prizes as two soughtafter tickets to the Last Night of the Proms at the Royal Albert Hall.
David Fluke with Claire Love of Local Web Solutions
Sue Berry with her son VIP guest Matt Berry
From The Bill Chris Simmons with Mehrnez Hashemi
Cheers! From Nick Warren and friends
Pictures Graham Franks TV presenter Sid Sloane
Annette and Dave Day
Olympic champion Sally Gunnell
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Actress Julie Graham
ABSOLUTE
B0110_072 Social Snowman Ball1.i1 1
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FACES & PLACES
More Snowman Ball pictures...
Margaret Higgins and Ray Williams
Jane Godfrey and Dave Butcher
The group from Juice FM
Chief Executive of Chestnut Tree House and St. Barnabas Hugh Lowson and Sandra Lowson
Kevin and Jo Colburn from DNK Hair
From The Bill, Ben Richards and Micah Balfour
ABSOLUTE BUSINESS MATTERS
SME Risk Management – Business Continuity Management (BCM) Roger Clifton- Moore with an overview of his series of articles on Business Continuity Management
This is the final article in my series on Business Continuity Management in which I intend to recap on the key points made in each article on this subject. Why invest in Business Continuity Management (BCM)? All companies, whatever their size, should have a risk management / business continuity strategy. Unfortunately, a large proportion of SMEs (small/ medium enterprises) do not have an effective strategy. SMEs are often more vulnerable to going ‘out of business’ due to a major incident/disaster than are larger organisations. A SME will have many ‘single points of failure’ in its infrastructure/business processes whereas, a large corporate is much more resilient (but not invulnerable) due to sheer size of resources, multiple operational locations and infrastructure. BCM is about identifying and, where appropriate, reducing your internal and external business risks and exposures and implementing an effective business continuity strategy and associated recovery plans. This series of articles addressed the four main phases to implementing an effective BCM strategy: Risk and Business Impact Assessment This phase is the first step to developing an effective BCM strategy. This phase will help you objectively assess the ‘threats and exposures’ that your business faces both internally and externally. All ‘single points of failure’ need to be identified, in particular those relating to your IT infrastructure and backup arrangements. Once you have identified your risks you can then properly assess the financial and consequential
business impact of not being able to function for a ‘day’, a ‘week’ or a ‘month’ or ‘longer’. Recovery Strategy Development In conjunction with having the correct ‘Business Interruption’ insurance, there are a range of recovery strategy options that can be considered. A combination of some / all of the following options can be utilized: l Transfer key business functions to an alternate company location l Have a reciprocal arrangement with another SME l Recover IT infrastructure / systems at a third party recovery facility l Continue business functions at a third party recovery facility l Continue business functions from ‘home’ workstations l Halt function until normal or alternate office facility is available Plan Development & Implementation My key message is keep it simple and prepare separate high level plans / call lists for each business/ support function and do not mix detailed recovery procedures with the initial ‘first steps’ instructions. Create a separate ‘Emergency Call List (ECL)’of all key internal / external staff and service suppliers in a form which your staff can keep on them (i.e. in their wallet/purse). This will ensure it will be immediately
accessible off-site at all times. Change Control – strategy/plan review, testing and maintenance This is an essential part of your overall risk management strategy. There is no point making the effort of developing a business continuity strategy and plan if you do not review, test and maintain it! Your recovery plans should be reviewed and tested at least annually. Testing is a vital to ensure your recovery strategy and plan remains viable The ‘ECL’ should be reviewed quarterly and a ‘callout test’ conducted every six months as accurate contact numbers are essential to fast response to an emergency situation. There are several British Standards relating to all aspects of Risk Management. For Business Continuity Management it is BS 25999. If you would like further information about implementing this standard or would like a copy of our BCM risk checklist do email or contact me. I would like to wish all readers of this series of articles a prosperous New Year! Recovery Management International Business Continuity Management Phone: 01273 832 996 Mobile: 07860 438 267 Email: rmi-rcm@pavilion.co.uk Member of the Business Continuity Institute www.thebci.org ABSOLUTE
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EACH MONTH, ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON WILL BE DELIVERED TO SELECTED HOMES IN PRESTIGIOUS AREAS IN AND AROUND THE CITY. THIS MONTH: NEW CHURCH ROAD AREA These are some of the many places where you can pick up your copy of Absolute Brighton BRIGHTON Brighton Station, Queens Road Jury’s Inn Hotel Studio 27, Queens Road Parsons, Son and Basley, Queens Road Starbucks, Churchill Square Oxygen, 74 West Street Moksha Café, 4/5 York Place, Jimmy Chop Chop, Trafalgar Street The Laines Deli, 31 Trafalgar Street Easy News, 29 Trafalgar Street The Point Hairdressers, Trafalgar Street Rosalins Hair and Beauty Salon, 78 Trafalgar St Fired Earth, Prince Albert Street Gars, 19 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 Reiss Clothing, East Street Toni & Guy, 68 East Street Champneys, 24 East Street Madame Geisha, 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 Sqaure 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 Ha! Ha! 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 Aruna Newsagents, 55 Gardner Street AIB Bank, Marlborough Place Graves Jenkins, 26 Marlborough Place Healys Solicitors, 8 Old Steine Venus Hairdresser, Old Steine
Terraces, Madeira Drive Caffyns showroom, Preston Road, Wynne Baxter, 15-19 Dyke Road Blenios, Seven Dials Uden Estate Agents, Seven Dials John Hoole Estate Agents, 214 Dyke Rd Dyke Golf Club, Devil’s Dyke, Dyke Road Albion Hotel, King’s Road Parade Brighton Centre, Kings Road Brighton Metropole, Kings Road Cavendish House, Kings Road The Grand, Kings Road The Thistle Hotel, Bartholomews Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road Holiday Inn, 137 Kings Rd, Kings Hotel, 139-141 Kings Road Marina West Hotel, 26 Oriental Place Brighton House Hotel, 52 Regency Sq Pelirocco Hotel, 10 Regency Square Hotel Una, 55 Regency Square Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road
KEMPTOWN Seaspray Hotel, 25 New Steine The Square Hotel, 4 New Steine New Steine Hotel, 12a New Steine Blanch House, 17 Atlingworth Street 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 Top to Toe, 46 Upper St James Street Four Seasons, 3 Upper Rock Gardens Alvia Hotel, 36 Upper Rock Gardens
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 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 Zamaan, 38 Church Road 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 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 J Farrington Dentist, 40 Norfolk Square Starbucks, Western Road Brighton White, 2 Hampton Place Design Interiors, 56 Western Road Beauty Secrets, 65 Western Road Barneys Restaurant, Western Road Caffe Nero, 208 Western Road Coffee Republic, 55 Western Road Spektra Hairdressing, 69 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 Southern 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 TJ Signs, Portland Business Park
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 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 House, Southover Rd Chalk Gallery, 4 North Street Gorringes, 15 North Street Gorringes, Market 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 NK Hair, Brick Lane Henfield Richwards Estate Agents, Henfield White Mischief Weddings, Henfield Ghyll Manor, High St, Rusper Ripples Bathrooms, Keymer Rd, Hassocks Shepherd and Dog, Fulking White Horse Hotel, Rottingdean Bright on Beauty, Rottingdean Angels n’ Saints, Rottingdean Newick Park, Newick Buxted Park, Uckfield The Gallops, Woodmancote The Ginger Fox, Woodmancote Wickwoods, Albourne Cowdray Park, Cowdray, Midhurst Cromwells at Golding Barn, Small Dole Cherrywood Events, Stanmer House
THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY PLACES YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY 74
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