AC122 - November 2008

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ASPECT COUNTY - NOVEMBER 2008 - Est 1989 - Read online at www.aspect-county.co.uk -

ASPECT COUNTY 20 Years Of Quality Publishing

Late Autumn 2008

ISSUE 122

Cover Shot: The Original Country House Hotel - Powder Mills, Battle

HOMES ■ GIFTS ■ LEISURE ■ FASHION ■ FOOD & DRINK ■ HOLIDAYS

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FARNINGHAM OAK Established Since 1987

COUNTY & CONTEMPORARY SOLID OAK FURNITURE SPECIALISTS

Warehouse Stock Clearance, Sale Now On! Visit our large period showroom to view our many ranges all 100% solid oak.

We have been established over 20 years, provide our own delivery service and offer extremely competitive pricing.

Farningham Oak, the Old Bull Stores, High Street, Farningham, Kent (1.5 miles from junction 3 M25)

01322 863230

www.farninghamoak.co.uk Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Sunday 11am - 3pm Closed Wednesday

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Inside

P1 COVER SHOT P6OUR PROPERTY

Welcome to the November issue. Now well into the Autumn season, we have enjoyed some glorious weather in spats over the past month. Inside we have plenty of excellent reading material for you to enjoy. This month you can also check out the online issue of Aspect. Our turning pages are a brilliant new way to read and use the magazine. For any friends and relations living away, tell them to go online to keep close to the counties. Just go to www.aspect-county.co.uk

P5 PROPERTY P25 LOCAL BOARDS

Property, See Page 5

Powdermills Hotel in all its glory. A traditional country house hotel in Battle, adjoining the battlegrounds of 1066 East Sussex. Read more on PETS page 33.

P24

Holidays, See Page 25

More prime properties from the local counties, plus news and investment ideas from abroad. Plenty of prime estate for you to enjoy.

BOOKS

P27 P25 HOLIDAY IDEAS From sun to ski, some tempting locations.

P28 STARS P29 ART Antiques Auctions, Exhibitions, Jewellery, Galleries P30&HEALTH and more

P33 P33HOTELS ART ANTIQUES & AUCTIONS Choices from both town and country. Treat yourselves to a break this Autumn.

P37 WEDDINGS P36 LISTINGS Whats On this month over the counties.

P49 DAYS OUT P37 ON A WAVE With Sussex Power Boats on the South Coast.

P61 WHATS ON P44 HEALTH & BEAUTY News from Bannatynes, Total Health and more.

P67 FIREPLACES P46 FASHION with South Coast Studio, Long Tall Sally.

P71 HOMES P52 GIFT IDEAS Unusual and Exclusive choices, from Harrods and more.

P84 GARDENS P58 HOMES & INTERIORS 25 Pages ofMOTORING flooring, fires, and trends for 2009.

P91 P86 LOCAL NEWS Lydd Airport and a new fish species.

P89 GARDENS & PETS The Good Life explored.

P94 MOTORING

Stunning Wheels, with Hummer, Land Rover and a Gran Turismo.

Motoring, See Page 94 ASPECT COUNTY is published in Kent, East Sussex, and parts of Surrey.

Annual subscription £24, inc P&P. Editor: Nigel Lelew.

Listings: Darren Cole.

Editorial: Roger Paine, Cindy-Lou Dale, Publisher: Neil McGuigan Distribution Manager: Maggie Brookes.

Account Manager: Jason Hutton.

Photography: Sarah Tate Production Manager: Ian Isted Accounts: Angela Scannell Account Executives: Max Hutton, Helen Holmes, Jamie McGuigan, Telephone: 01424 777444.

Fax: 01424 772224.

Web: www.aspect-county.co.uk Email: mail@aspect-county.co.uk Address: 6 OLC, High St. Battle, E-Sussex, TN33 0AH

Please mention Aspect Magazine when responding to advertisements

Next issue: December 2008.

Copyright © Media South. Est 1989 No part of this publication may be stored, copied, redistributed or in any way be reproduced except with prior written permission of the publisher.

ENJOY this issue of Aspect. In the interest of the environment please pass this magazine on to a friend or colleague. Thanks for reading,

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CHRISTMAS CHARITY CRAFT AND FARMERS MARKET SAT 22ND AND SUN 23RD NOVEMBER IN AID OF ST.WILFREDS HOSPICE IN EASTBOURNE

Opening times: Mon- Sat 10-5 (Tues closed) Sunday 10-4 Evening appointments available Holmes Hill Furniture, Holmes Hill Estate (On The A22), East Sussex BN8 6JA

Tel: 01825 873607 www.iwantfurniture.co.uk sales@iwantfurniture.co.uk

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PROPERTY Church. Not usually the most comfortable place to spend time – hard wooden pews; cold stone floors; drafts whistling round doors and windows. Not so a former chapel in Catsfield, where you’ll find a notable absence of all the above.

The Spire House, originally part of a Methodist chapel built in 1912, was converted into two houses in 1992 and while it retains many of its original features, it has also lost the less desirable features mentioned above.

From the outside, there is little to give away the fact that this former chapel now forms two comfortable homes. The huge, archedmullioned, leaded windows remain in place, and while not forming part of The Spire House itself, the chapel’s soaring spire dominates the surrounding area.

A large, solid, studded wooden front door is found within the imposing original entrance porch which nestles beneath the spire. Inside, the historic architecture of the building makes for a perfect framework for up-to-date living. Church or chapel conversions can often be badly laid out due to the restrictions imposed by the design of the original building, but again, not so The Spire House. The accommodation is arranged over three floors – downstairs the parquet flooring remains and arched doorways have been fitted throughout, all of which help to remind one that this is not an ordinary house but a former chapel.

Up another flight of stairs and one finds oneself up in the rafters of this wonderful building. Here there are two further bedrooms, one of which is currently the master bedroom, and another bathroom with shower.

Outside, the secluded garden is completely enclosed with mature hedging. Running down the side of the chapel between the lawn and the building itself is a paved sitting-out area which gives the perfect space for barbecuing and outdoor eating on warmer days.

Catsfield itself is a popular village with a primary school, public house and general village store and post office. The Spire House is walking distance from all these amenities, which makes it the most ideal, one could even say heavenly, family home for those who want conventional functionality in a truly unconventional house.

For more information or to arrange a viewing call Batcheller Thacker of Battle on 01424 775577.

The warm and welcoming family-size kitchen/breakfast room leads through to a large and extremely useful utility room with a door out into the garden. Also downstairs there is a study and a cloakroom/bathroom. Climb the first flight of the attractive central staircase to the bright and airy sitting room with two giant mullioned windows, one of which is arched. Next door is one of three bedrooms, again with the top section of a sizeable arched window bathing the room in light. At the end of the landing is a small gallery, which looks down on the front door and entrance hall.

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PR RO OP PE ER RT TY Y P

Fabulous opportunity to acquire a delightful farmhouse together with an extensive range of recreational facilities together with some 10 acres of pasture and woodland and all within the Cranbrook School catchment area.

White Cottage is an attractive Grade II listed farmhouse believed to date from the 16th century with later additions. The property is of timber frame construction with brick, timber and tile hung elevations, with a partially jettied first floor and set under a Kent peg tile roof. The accommodation is arranged over three floors and is immaculately presented following continued refurbishment over the years by the current owners to make White Cottage an excellent family home. There is a wealth of exposed timber beams and inglenook open fireplaces in the drawing and dining rooms, elm latch doors and evidence of ancient pargetting on the first floor. There is a triple aspect reception hall with quarry tile floor. The kitchen/breakfast room has a good range of oak wall and base units with an electric Aga and quarry tile floor. On the landing, there is space for a computer desk. The master bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with Whirlpool bath. There are three further bedrooms and a family bathroom comprising a white bath, separate shower, wc and basin. There are two further bedrooms in the attic, each accessed by its own staircase.

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The property is approached via a gravel driveway that leads round to the house and double garage where there is space and parking for several cars.

There is an area of lawn to the front of the house with mature trees and hedging providing natural screening and privacy and edged with pretty and well stocked herbaceous borders. A flagstone path leads up to the secluded and heated swimming pool with summer house and a spring fed pond. Adjacent is a recently resurfaced, all weather tennis court.

There are gates that lead into the paddocks and stable yard where there is a stable block comprising two loose boxes and tack store. There is a mobile field shelter together with paddocks and woodland of approximately 10 acres.

Of particular note, to the side of the property is a spacious barn with separate road frontage, electricity, water and drainage with potential for a variety of uses.

To find out more or to arrange a viewing you can contact Savills of Cranbrook on 01580 72016.

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Architectural Salvage Specialists 7

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PROPERTY With over three hundred days of sunshine a year and surrounded by dramatic landscape and coastline. Cyprus is the sparkling jewel in the Mediterranean and has always been a firm favourite with the British holidaymaker, and since joining the EU in 2004 has become even more popular with British home buyers.

Even in todays economic climate, Cyprus boasts economic stability. It has been a member of the EU since 2004 and joined the Euro in 2008, both of which events have led to high levels of capital growth, typically 11% per annum. This has tempted the British homebuyers to invest in property there rather than in the UK. Cyprus has 800,000 inhabitants, of which the largest minority is British (10%).

Another crucial element in many a home buyers’ decision is Cyprus’ favourable tax position. There is no inheritance tax, only 5% pension tax, 10% income tax, just 20% capital gains and double taxation agreements with over forty countries, ensuring that investing your money into your life in Cyprus loses less of your hard earned cash to the tax man. The standard VAT rate of 15% applies to Cyprus.

Cyprus also boasts one of the lowest crime rates in Europe, at just 6% the UK’s. This makes buying property in Cyprus both a sound investment and a wonderful lifestyle choice for your whole family.

Allow us to introduce to you, Acropolis Panorama. It is a development of suites, apartments, town houses and 7 luxury villas, situated on a large plot of land to the west of the center of Peyia Village. It benefits from unobstructed views of the coastline of Coral Bay and the proposed marina site and is just fifteen minutes from the centre of Paphos and a five minute drive to Coral bay, which provide stunning scenery and beautiful sandy beaches.

Cyprus has always been popular with golfers and has an array of world

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class courses, the Aphrodite Hills 18 hole championship course is just a thirty minute drive from Acropolis Panorama.

All properties benefit from the following amenities: Individually controlled air conditioning/heating FREE furnishing and electrical package Satellite TV dish, telephone/internet connection points Marble floor tiles Open plan contemporary fitted kitchen with granite worktop Master bedroom with en suite facilities Luxuriously fitted bathrooms with high specification sanitary ware Pressurised water system Fitted wardrobes in all bedrooms Solar water heating system Large tiled balconies, all of which offer panoramic sea views.

All properties are entitled to use the large communal pools, one is an infinity pool with built in Jacuzzi and waterfall, the other features a wet bar, Jacuzzi and water features and there is also a childrens pool and an indoor heated pool/gym area complete with sauna and steam room.

There is underground parking, a club house with bar, snack bar and play area.

Properties in Acropolis Panorama are available from •143,044 and currently you can buy with just a £1000 reservation fee and 10% deposit (available for a limited period only).

Mortgages are with The Alpha Bank of Cyprus and are effectively self certifying, non status loans. All that is necessary to grant a loan is proof of income.

For more information about properties or inspection trips, or for a quotation, please call Bricks Abroad on 0800 1804789.

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PROPERTY

This stunning Grade II Listed Elizabethan house was originally owned by a local Essex farming family. The north easterly winds sweeping in from the continent became too much and they vacated to a more recently constructed 1970’s house for more conventional and comfortable living.

swings into the tarmacadam driveway which is flanked by close clipped lawns, with mature fruit trees and a high brick garden wall. There is parking to the side and a pretty brick arch which leads through to the gravelled parking and turning area immediately to the front and west of the house.

A young couple with good ideas and taste were looking to relocate from their pretty period cottage in an idyllic Hampshire village.

Geography was not important, it was the house that would count.

Low brick walls and steps lead out on to the front lawn, which is bordered by deep shrub and herbaceous borders either side, with covered loggia, high brick walls and octagonal rotating summerhouse.

Centrally, there are two deep flower and shrub borders, extending to a further area of lawn, with a mixture of specimen trees, maturing hedge and access back to the entrance drive.

Having spotted an advertisement for Wix Abbey, they made the ‘grand trip’ to what was then a very distant North East Essex, on the basis that they liked what they saw and it was commutable to the city. Therein began a comprehensive renovation and refurbishment programme which was to last the next twenty years.

Using local suppliers and craftsmen, they started out with the services of Henderson and Redfearn, a highly respected and skilled company of local carpenters and cabinet makers. They transformed the cavernous kitchen into a most attractive and useable space, combined with the installation of the ‘must have’ 4 oven oil fired Aga. Opening off the kitchen is the dining room, for which again Henderson and Redfearn built a table to fit the room and the minimum twelve people that could be seated round it.

The good work continued throughout the house, including the sitting room, where a fabulous open fireplace was discovered, into the side hall with a secondary staircase to the first floor, the magnificent reception hall with entrance porch having a carved stone arch and raised threshold, large drawing room and games room beyond.

The staircase to the first floor, with its carved balustrade, opens up on to a wide landing, together with secondary landing, off which are five bedrooms, the master bedroom having a dressing room and adjacent bathroom, four further bedrooms, with dressing room, en suite bathroom and family bathroom. The extensive second floor attics are all boarded out, with ceiling heights generous enough to accommodate further bedroom and bath accommodation if required, subject to the usual planning and Listed Building consents.

The gardens and grounds had as much love and care lavished on them as the main house. The entrance drive, lined with poplars to one side, 10

To the side of the house is a brick and tiled garage block with two sets of double doors to the garage area. Mature yew hedge, inner garden and steps up the extensive flagged terrace which runs the length of the east facing elevation, with brick dwarf walls and shaped privet squares.

There is a formal gravel parterre, with box hedging and central fountain.

The garden is designed for enjoyment as well, with a fully up to date and very smart hard tennis court, alongside which is a tennis pavilion with covered balcony area and power and light connected.

The property has a long history. Originally a priory, it was founded as a small convent of Benedictine nuns in the early 12th century, with the present farmhouse built as a small Elizabethan Hall House by the Vesey family between 1561 and 1575, the land having previously been granted to Cardinal College Oxford after the suppression.

Also available with the property and the opportunity to place the Title on your passport, is the Lord of the Manor of Wix Abbey, which predates the house, having been held by Cardinal Wolsey.

Jackson-Stops & Staff, Ipswich are offering Wix Abbey at a guide price of £1.2m. It offers the opportunity to live in some considerable style but with great comfort, close to the commuting station of Manningtree (London Liverpool Street Station 55 minutes). Tim Dansie, the director responsible for the sale, would be pleased to supply any further information (01473 218218).

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PROPERTY

A Complete Make-Over Old Tiles can be found in a small hamlet known as Ivy Hatch. The surrounding countryside is particularly picturesque interspersed with similar small hamlets nestled within the Chart Hills, bordering the Weald of Kent, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Nearby is the village of Ightham, with its famous 14th Century Manor House known as Ightham Mote.

A little further is the popular town of Sevenoaks which offers a fast rail service to London Bridge (30 minutes), a large selection of excellent independent and state schools for all ages, a range of individual and popular shops, an array of gourmet restaurants and one of the oldest cricket grounds in the country.

Old Tiles is a most attractive house believed to have been built in 1955, built of part red brick lower and tile hung upper elevations together with colourwashed weatherboarded elevations, with wooden double glazed windows all under a Kent peg tiled roof. The property has recently been extended and refurbished to a high standard and includes bespoke solid Ash kitchen units with Granite work surfaces, Oak doors with moulded

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architraving, Oak flooring to the reception rooms, white bathroom suites, and now provides spacious and light accommodation throughout.

Approached via a gravelled driveway to extensive turning and parking to the front of the house, the front garden is mainly laid to lawn edged with mature trees, shrubs and wooded area. Pathways lead around the house to the south facing Limestone paved terrace which extends along the rear of the property. The well established rear gardens are mainly laid to lawn with mature shrub and flower borders together with a south/west facing Summerhouse with paved terrace, an established vegetable garden with Greenhouse and a variety of fruit and nut trees including Apple, Pear, Plum and Cob Nut. The accommodation includes:- Entrance Porch, Reception Hall, Drawing Room, Sitting room, Dining Room, Kitchen/Breakfast Room, Utility Room, Cloakroom. Master Suite, Guest Suite, 2 further Bedrooms, Family Bathroom. Summerhouse, Greenhouse, Garden Shed, Garden Store, Car Port, Verandah and Garden.

To arrange a booking or for more information call Jackson Stops on 01732 740600.

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PROPERTY

A picturesque 17th century country house, with an annexe and a substantial oast house, with income generating potential.

Little Bucksteep is approached via a private entrance driveway, and has an attractive Queen Anne Façade. Notable features include a large inglenook fireplace in the drawing room, polished oak and brick floors, linen fold panelling, a four-oven Aga, high ceilings for a property of its age, and a wealth of exposed honey coloured timbers. Attached to the main house is an excellent self contained annexe.

The property lies within beautifully landscaped gardens, which have been opened to the public under the National Gardens Scheme.

Bordering the gardens, and the entrance driveway is the property’s paddock. In all about 7.4 acres.

Tim Page-Ratcliff, Partner at Strutt & Parker’s Lewes office, is handling the sale and commented, “Little Bucksteep is an exceptional period house, set within magical gardens and grounds, and lies in a glorious unspoilt rural position. Substantial period properties with the added flexibility of secondary and tertiary accommodation, with income generating potential continue to be in strong demand.”

For more information or to arrange a viewing call Stutt & Parker on 01273 475411.

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PROPERTY

The Attraction Of Water The statement “Water is Best” is inscribed over the entrance to the famous Pump Room in Bath. Whether such a sentiment would be echoed by homeowners, many of whom have seen their properties submerged beneath several feet of water as a result of the floods which have devastated parts of South East England in recent years, is another matter.

Nevertheless, since the beginning of civilisation water has played a vital part in people’s lives and for centuries houses have been built close to water. The earliest settlements were in river valleys because water was needed for human consumption as well as for livestock and watering crops. In East Sussex, Uckfield and Rotherfield situated on their eponymous rivers provide a clear illustration of where water helped to shape and establish flourishing communities. It was also a means of defence, as moats around the castles at Leeds and Scotney in Kent, and Hertsmonceux in East Sussex, still testify.

In the latter half of the eighteenth century, landowners and aristocrats were building fine country houses and renowned landscape architects, such as Capability Brown, were much in demand to create lakes, cascades, waterfalls, fountains or aqueducts. These became important features as the wealthy vied with each other to establish elaborate settings for their country estates. Sheffield Park, near Haywards Heath, is a magnificent example of a grand residence remodelled some 300 years ago and the National Trust is now the owner of around 200 acres of the estate, including four large lakes.

Although today’s TV gardeners want to establish a ‘water-feature’ in everyone’s back garden, the attraction of water remains an important factor when it comes to purchasing property. This can be in the form of the sea, which may appeal to those who have spent childhood holidays at the seaside and dream of retiring to a coastguard cottage, or perhaps simply want to be close to the marina where their yacht is berthed. Or it maybe water in the form of lakes, rivers or reservoirs, which as well as being an inspiration for novelists and artists, can provide a more

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restful ambience, or the opportunity to pursue outdoor activities, such as angling or sailing.

Estate agents take a pragmatic view and recognize that when it comes to a purchaser’s ‘wish list’, water is one factor which tends to polarize opinions. There will be those keen to find a house or apartment which has river frontage, as in Tonbridge where houses have gardens fronting the River Medway, or in Eynsford where the River Darenth forms a natural barrier on one side. Then there will be others who refuse to consider a property which has any connection with water and look upon a river as a natural hazard to be avoided. To those who believe proximity to water is too much of a danger for young children, fencing, or locking off, the area that fronts the river, lake or pond is recommended. Such safety measures are considered standard practice in the USA and Australia.

The Association of British Insurers is the trade association of Britain’s insurance industry with more than 400 member companies providing over 97% of the insurance business in the UK. In view of the damage and personal hardship flooding has caused to private property, the association points out that the Environment Agency (www.environmentagency.gov.uk) provides flood information free of charge. Would-be purchasers worried about flooding for any reason, can check for flood risks before they start their search. At the same time, it is acknowledged that a house which has been flooded before can be more expensive to insure. It is understood that only a handful of properties across the UK are deemed uninsurable.

If water holds attraction for you, there are many interesting and unusual properties, both near rivers, lakes and the sea, from which to choose.

But if it does not, and you are adverse to water, like some small children except when it is near sand on a beach, then it is probably prudent to take up residence far removed from the wet stuff!

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WE WOULD HAVE NO DOUBT IN RECOMMENDING HKS TO ANYONE J.S. of Lewes.

OUR

26th YEAR

Hill House, Mutton Hall Hill, Heathfield. 01435 865599 138 London Road, St. Leonards-on-Sea. 01424 443464 231 Seaside, Eastbourne. 01323 639446 www.hks-uk.com

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PROPERTY

Algarvian Lifestyle Discover the beauty of Europe’s Southern most Coastal Resort The Algarve, think of the Algarve and you think of sunshine breaks, beautiful sunsets and relaxing by the pool. You imagine golden beaches stunning yachts & motor boats cruising along the coast on calm sea waters, the abundance of stunning rock formations along the coastline, sun-kissed locals relaxing and sampling the delights that this wonderful region of Portugal has to offer.

Everywhere you go, you are surrounded by bright colours, from the golden sands, to the crystal clear waters, the clear blue skies, the vivid green grass, and the white-washed walls of the buildings in Algarve's old towns.

There is no single best way to explore this region of Portugal. The seemingly endless coastline includes some of the world's most beautiful beaches, but by venturing just a few miles inland, you can lose yourself in the heritage and history of Portugal.

The lifestyle you deserve with over 300 days of sun every year Nestling between the Ocean and the Monchique Mountains under an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, positioned within the triangle of the fishing villages of Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and the ancient and historical town of Silves lies stunning undulating valleys and hills many of which were, until twenty years ago, local fig farms. In this stunning and spectacular location Algarvian Villas exclusively offer a unique blend of recently completed luxurious sea view apartments, golf vi view villas and stunning detached villa plots, traditionally designed and yet fitted with every modern convenience. Completed in late 2008 each of these properties are brand new and available exclusively in the UK through Algarvian Villas, both as outright purchase and under our innovative fractional ownership scheme.

Inspired by tradition, designed for enjoyment Central to this Algarve region lays Quinta da Boa Nova and The Pestana Golf Resort which includes the two championship golf courses of Gramacho & Vale da Pinta. Specialising exclusively in only these two resorts, Algarvian Villas are pleased to offer exceptional purchasing opportunities at affordable prices. Whether you choose Quinta da Boa Nova to have stunning sea & mountain views or the equally exceptional golf course views of the Pestana Golf Resort we will offer a package no other developer is offering within the Algarve. Our entire philosophy is Live

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the Lifestyle You Deserve. Therefore when purchasing from Algarvian Villas, many things classed as extras on other villas, come fully inclusive and are standard when in investing in our more exclusive properties.

Thirty-six reasons to invest Portugal’s golf courses are increasingly being named in the top course listings, they make up 18 of the top 100 in Europe according to www.pestanagolf.com, where the Pestana Carvoeiro courses are ranked number 4 in Portugal. Using every contour of the landscape to maximum effect, the course enjoys striking views of the countryside from the manicured fairways. Pestana Golf Resort including both Gramacho and Vale da Pinta courses, have become landmarks on the in international golfer’s tour – offering 36 holes of the ultimate golfing experience. To find out more contact Algarvian Villas on 01622 842115 or visit www.pestanagolf.com

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Best - For Reclaimed Building Landscaping Materials Architectural Salvage & Antiques We Stock ■ Bricks (walling & paving) ■ Stone (paving, walling & rockery) ■ Roof Tiles ■ Fireplaces (surrounds, inserts & stoves) ■ Stained Glass ■ Sleepers ■ Old Beams ■ New Oak Flooring ■ Reclaimed Pine Flooring ■ Chimney Pots ■ Doors ■ Windows ■ Period Bathroomware ■ Period Radiators ■ Garden Items ■ Gates & Railings ■ Door Furniture ■ Taps and much, much, more.

Harcourt Lodge Buildings, Burwash Road, Heathfield, East Sussex.

Tel: 01435 862381 Est. 1959

www.bestdemolition.co.uk sales@bestdemolition.co.uk

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AC122 - 20:Aspect County 24/10/2008 12:44 Page 10

PROPERTY

Northiam Chapel Nestled against a backdrop of majestic Douglas Fir trees, the Chapel at Northiam is a haven of peace and tranquillity. Built in 1810 it is a Grade II listed building and, hence, despite being converted into a delightful 2 bedroom residence the exterior aspect remains true to the original simplicity. And this is it's charm.

Throughout developement the aim was to retain that simplicity but to include every modern comfort teamed with retaining as many original features as possible.

The stunning leaded light windows are original, carefully restored to a high standard but the impressive solid oak front door is new. Inside, a completely new timber structure was erected and divided simply to provide flexible accomodation. This includes an impressive oak kitchen, two double bedrooms, two ultra modern bathrooms and a lounge on the mezzanine floor, complete with both a built in gas fire and the original pulpit! Insulation packed into the walls and ceiling, underfloor heating, Victorian tiles in the entrance hall, an impressive solid oak staircase, oak internal doors and original beams complete the picture. Not forgetting the soft-close toilet seats!

There is a large level lawned area to the front which abounds with wildlife and a small, graveyard area to the rear with headstones dating from 1811. This area has been disturbed as little as possible and treated with the utmost respect.

The chapel was built to replace a previous small timber-framed meeting house which was constructed in 1795 but, unfortunately, collapsed whilst improvements were being carried out to include a gallery! The cost of the new brick building was in the region of ÂŁ205 and raised by subscription.

Four generations of the Comport family worshipped in the chapel, as can be seen both by memorials in the chapel and monuments in the chapel yard. Of these, Kitty Comport perhaps deserves a particular mention. As the last remaining member of her branch of the family she felt that it was her duty, for as long as she lived to preserve and tend the building. This included her decorating the ends of the pews with rows of fresh flowers. (Some of these pews have been converted into simple items of furniture). She was a vegetarian, loved nature and was delighted by the fact that an Animal Service was held annually in the chapel from 1974 until 1985. Perhaps it is no coincidence that the Project Manager of the development is vegan, as are several of the craftsmen who lovingly worked on the conversion. And that three Border Collies supervised every stage of the development!

A hymn board and numerals was presented in memory of Kitty in 1981 and this can be found in its original position in what is now the master bedroom.

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Northiam itself is a delightful village, situated between Hawkhurst and the coastal town of Rye. It boasts beautiful countyside, steam trains, rowing boats to Bodiam Castle, the famous Dixter House and gardens, and several well frequented shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs (including The Station House, which made everyone who worked on the chapel, including the three Border Collies, very welcome! Kitty would be impressed!).

To find out more contact Vanessa on 07870814088 or email reikvan@msn.com.

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PROPERTY

Wonderful views and secondary accommodation Brickyard Cottage provides well arranged and interesting accommodation. Notable features include a magnificent inglenook fireplace in the drawing room, some exposed wall and ceiling timbers, a two-oven Aga and a range of hand-painted units in the kitchen. In addition to the main house, there is a detached two storey annexe, which provides excellent secondary accommodation, or alternatively an ideal home office. Surrounding the property there are pretty well stocked gardens, from which there are wonderful southerly views over the surrounding countryside.

Tim Page-Ratcliff, Partner at Strutt & Parker’s Lewes office, is handling the sale and commented, “Period houses located in peaceful locations, with the added flexibility of secondary accommodation, always prove attractive to buyers. Rushlake Green is a particularly picturesque, and unspoilt village, and is highly sought after.

Strutt & Parker are inviting offers in the region of £625,000 for Brickyard Cottage. Full particulars are available from the Firm’s Lewes Office (Tel: 01273 475411).

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AC122 - 23:Aspect County 10/10/2008 09:35 Page 10

HOLIDAYS & WINTER SPORTS

Discover Bermuda Five hundred years ago the Spanish navigator Juan de Bermudez discovered Bermuda. Its treacherous reefs led the Spanish to name Bermuda “The Isle of Devils”. The 1609 storm that shipwrecked the Sea Venture on its reefs was immortalized in Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”. Survivors’ tales of beauty lured settlers to call the island home.

Perhaps Bermuda’s appeal lies in its sub-tropical nature, temperate climate and rich tapestry of cultures. The diminutive 21 square mile island lies 650 miles east-southeast of North Carolina, USA. Fresh ocean breezes are warmed year round and scented with gardenias, spice and stephanotis. Bermuda’s heritage dates back 400 years to Britain, Africa, the Azores, North America and the West Indies. The people, old-timers to newcomers, nurtured in this sunny climate, share a pride of place and a joy of life that is 100 percent Bermudian.

Bermudians are sports fanatics and the spirit is contagious. World-class golf courses and over 70 tennis courts await you. Warm crystal-clear waters welcome swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Rubbing elbows with the locals on the sidelines at a soccer game or cricket match is great fun. If you prefer, stroll, jog, or cycle along the old Bermuda Railway Trail, canter a horse along beach trails, sail on a yacht into the sunset, or cast a line for Bonefish or Marlin.

The cashmeres of Scotland, British tweeds, Irish linens, Italian leather, Belgian lace and fine crystal and jewellery — if it’s sought after, you’ll find it in Bermuda at very competitive prices, with no sales tax added!

And don’t miss out on the plethora of local crafts and art available.

Everyone eventually finds their way to the historic Town of St.George (designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO) in the East End of the island where the townspeople live among four centuries of history. In the West End, the refurbished Royal Naval Dockyard, the Bermuda Maritime Museum and the restored Commissioner’s House exhibit the grandeur of Bermuda’s naval heritage and maritime history.

All over the island you’ll find museums and historic forts to explore.

For a fun and interesting natural history tour be sure to visit the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, the Bermuda Underwater

Exploration Institute, the Botanical Gardens, the Crystal Caves and the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Science lab tours.

Bermuda’s many beaches lie along its coastline like a string of rosy coral beads on an azure silk gown. Wherever you stay, the ocean is never more than a mile away. Even Bermuda’s architecture sports a sunny disposition. Cottage walls mirror pastel skies, from the powder blue of mid-day to the peach and mauve of dusk and dawn. Whitewashed rooftops reflect the sun and catch the rain for drinking water.

Bermuda’s motor scooters are as famous as Bermuda shorts and a favourite for visitors to rent. Frequent, comfortable buses call at nearly every corner and friendly, helpful taxi drivers are eager to show off the island. Bermuda’s commuters find ferrying across the Great Sound soothes away the stress of the day. It works equal wonders for vacationers. Ferry to Somerset and browse there in the village. Take the ferry or public bus to the Town of St. George and explore shopping alleyways and historic sights on foot; or ride in a horse-drawn carriage in the capital City of Hamilton.

More than 80 restaurants and 40 cafes and coffee shops cater to every budget and taste, from posh to inexpensive. Come nightfall, put on your dancing shoes and explore Bermuda’s nightlife.

Bermuda’s gracious accommodations range from world-class resort hotels and cottage colonies (most with state-of the- art spas or spa services and exercise facilities) to intimate bed and breakfast inns, cottages, apartments and a new concept, floatels (luxury accommodation on the water). Wherever you choose to stay, you’ll enjoy friendly, professional hospitality from staff who are committed to ensuring your Bermuda experience is one you will want to repeat.

And remember, direct flights to Bermuda are less than 7 hours from London.

So if you want to discover Bermuda, please call us on freephone 08000 336 335 to discuss your plans with someone who’s been there – and who wants to tell you all about it!

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AC122 - 24:Aspect County 27/10/2008 10:45 Page 10

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AC122 - 25:Aspect County 08/10/2008 14:27 Page 10

HOLIDAYS & WINTER SPORTS

Spectacular Skiing In Nevada This Winter Head to Nevada this winter for some truly great skiing! The ski season opens in November and runs through to April and with more than 33 feet of snow annually at some ski resorts, unlimited nightlife and the stunning scenery of Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder that hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Nevada each year.

The best skiing in the state is at Lake Tahoe where many Olympic athletes train on the snowy slopes surrounding the lake, and many holidaymakers flock to each year to try their hand at skiing and snowboarding. The most famous Tahoe ski resorts are Squaw Valley USA, home of the 1960 Winter Olympics, and Heavenly Mountain Resort, which straddles the Nevada-California state line, but there are actually nearly 20 ski resorts surrounding the lake, and all within a quick drive from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport. Read on to find out what’s happening this winter in Nevada…..

On the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Diamond Peak Ski Resort has runs that feel like they’ll end in the lake’s shimmering blue water – it’s that close to the lake! Few other resorts have the spectacular lake views that Diamond Peak has, and the resort capitalizes on that fact with a monthly full-moon “Last Tracks” event. During Last Tracks, skiers ride a lift up to the mountaintop lodge just before sunset to enjoy wine and appetizers and then ski down freshly groomed trails as the sun sets over the lake. It is a truly spectacular site to behold. For more information please visit www.diamondpeak.com.

Nevada’s other north shore ski resort is Mt. Rose – Ski Tahoe, the “locals’ favorite.” Mt. Rose boasts some of the most challenging runs at the lake, the triple-black-diamond “Chutes.” These near-vertical runs test even the strongest skier and boarder. Besides boasting some of the toughest terrain at the lake, Mt. Rose is dedicated to fun and offers special pricing on event days, such as the ’80s Flashback Day (7 February 2009), when skiers dress in outrageous clothes from the 1980s, or the celebration of Elvis Presley’s birthday (10 January 2009), when skiers and employees dress like Elvis and the whole mountain echoes with Elvis’ famous saying, “Thank you, thank you very much.”

And no one does “Ladies Day” (14 March 2009) quite like Mt. Rose – male skiers who dress up as women (don’t forget the wig and dress!) get a discount. For more information please visit www.mtrose.com.

On the south shore of Tahoe, you’ll find the vast Heavenly Mountain Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. What sets it apart from the rest is that it’s right in the heart of the action at Lake Tahoe. Its gondola lifts off from the main street of the city of Stateline, where you’ll find casinos, hotels, nightclubs, shopping and dining. The area surrounding the gondola is called Heavenly Village, and this is where non-skiers can hang out all day sipping hot chocolate, shopping and watching the action, and skiers can warm up after a long day on the slopes. While the Lake Tahoe region seems created for skiers, let’s not forget about those who would rather keep two feet safely in their own shoes. Many ski resorts, Heavenly included, have a wide variety of activities for non-skiers too. Rent snowshoes to explore the mountainside or jump on a giant inner-tube or sled and slide on the snow just like you did when you were a kid. Or fly down the mountain in the Heavenly Flyer, a 3,100-foot zip-line ride, the longest ZipRider in the continental United States. For more information please visit www.skiheavenly.com. Nearby Zephyr Cove (www.zephyrcove.com) offers snowmobile tours through the snowy Tahoe backcountry that can’t be beat.

So what happens when the lifts close, the sun sets and it’s time to go back to your hotel room? That’s when the “après ski” fun begins.

“Apres ski” is the fancy way of saying “after-hours party,” and nearly every Lake Tahoe hotel, casino and ski resort has its own après ski event. The south shore hotels, including Harrah’s, Harveys, MontBleu, Horizon and Lakeside Inn, put together post-ski drink specials, music, contests and giveaways to keep the party going all night long. On the north shore, the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe’s Cutthroat Saloon is always a hot party after the ski resorts close with food and drink specials and giveaways.

Ski Independence is offering seven nights at the MontBleu Resort & Casino in Lake Tahoe, Nevada for £982 per person. Price includes return flights to Reno with United Airlines, airport transfers and seven nights accommodation on a room only basis. Based on two people sharing. To book or for more information please call Ski Independence on 0845 310 3030 or visit www.ski-i.com For further information on skiing in Nevada please visit www.travelnevada.com

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AC122 - 26:Aspect County 17/10/2008 10:04 Page 10

HOLIDAYS & WINTER SPORTS

Antigua, The Gateway To The Caribbean Located in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean lies the tropical island and new investment hotspot of Antigua. Now regarded as 2009’s most chic and glamorous tourist destination of the Caribbean, the island offers holidaymakers and residents alike their very own Robinson-Crusoe retreat with miles of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.

Drenched in natural beauty, with endless powder white sands, hidden coves and protected coral reefs, holidays in Antigua can be described as the ultimate Caribbean escape and are truly a beach lover’s paradise.

Antigua has experienced a recent property boom thanks to improved flights and extensive foreign investment. The country’s drawing power also lies in its tropical climate, the outstanding golf and yachting facilities on the west coast combined with the fact there are 365 beaches on the island enabling a beach for every day of the year.

Furthermore, the vibrant culture, excellent restaurants and nightlife and the variety of tours and excursions have resulted in Antigua becoming renowned as one of the top holiday and vacation destinations in the world.

Jeff Hadeed, a developer on the island for South Point, a boutique residence hotel comments: “The tourist market in Antigua is really taking off due to the stunning beaches, the fantastic weather and the wealth of activities on offer. In turn this has fuelled demand from second home buyers and investors looking to purchase an island getaway as prices here represent excellent value for money when compared to other places in the Carribean.”

For those who fall in love with Antigua and want to invest in their own piece of paradise on the island’s shores, South Point offers potential purchasers a luxury holiday home with excellent investment opportunities.

South Point is a collection of 23 one and two bedroom apartments situated in Falmouth Harbour, the yachting capital of the Caribbean.

When complete in July 2009, it will operate as a boutique residence hotel providing luxury four-star accommodation to owners and

26

overnight visitors alike. Nestled among the rolling hills of this stunning Caribbean island, South Point offers residents breathtaking views of land and sea, while overlooking the Antigua & Barbuda Yacht Club Marina – home to a wealth of world-class mega yachts and classic sailing vessels. Its’ intimate, picturesque location is just minutes away from the land-based activities of Falmouth Harbour, yet within walking distance of the areas nearby bars, restaurants and shops.

South Point has been designed with the vacation home and investment property buyer in mind and offers contemporary architecture with high specification interiors. Modern and sophisticated European furnishings and décor are used throughout the residences, restaurant, and reception areas, setting South Point apart from the traditional Caribbean retreats seen throughout the island. Each open plan suite comes fully furnished and features a designer kitchen, living area, bedroom, bathroom and spacious terrace area. The apartments also benefit from a state-of-theart entertainment centre including CD/MP3 Player, DVD/CD Player and flat screen Plasma TV, as well as phone line and high-speed Internet connection.

The onsite facilities at South Point provide luxury and exclusivity catering to the guests every need. Residents can take advantage of a first class concierge service, suspended waterfront restaurant, styled with a fusion of Caribbean and international design, as well as the private beach, freshwater swimming pool, spa cabana and fitness centre, featuring floor to ceiling glass windows overlooking the Harbour. Other facilities include a lobby lounge—designed to be the social centre of South Point—room service, 24-hour security personnel and CCTV systems, plus house keeping and laundry services.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the development with public PC’s accessible at the guest lobby lounge. Guests can also benefit from the hire of South Point’s private chefs, masseuses and boats. Furthermore there is the option of utilising additional amenities through other third party vendors, including tennis courts, diving instruction, day sailing and yacht charters.

To find out more call 001 268 464 8392.

AC122 - Bagham:Aspect County 24/10/2008 10:05 Page 10

AC122 - 28:Aspect County 27/10/2008 09:18 Page 10

ANTIQUES, ART & AUCTIONS

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AC122 - 29:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:38 Page 10

Rowan Galleries

The Old Workshop, Eridge Green, Eridge East Sussex TN3 9JR

Tel: 01892 860606 We have recently opened a fabulous gallery at Eridge Green on the A26.

Sell original works of art, beautifully framed limited editions and hand made gifts from artisans.

We also have our workshop at Eridge green where we produce bespoke photographs on canvas, this is a long lasting way to preserve your favourite images, why not transform your family portraits and memories onto canvas for a fantastic keep sake or present.

Why not pop in to our gallery and bring your pictures with you.

Or phone on 01892 860606 or visit our website www.rowangalleries.com

It's little wonder that art on this medium has become such a highly collectable commodity.

Rowan Galleries, The Old Workshop, Eridge Green, Eridge East Sussex TN3 9JR Tel: 01892 860606 29

AC122 - 30:Aspect County 22/10/2008 10:42 Page 10

ANTIQUES, ART & AUCTIONS

Royall Fine Art celebrates 25 years in the art business this year and is now the longest established gallery in Tunbridge Wells enjoying a worldwide reputation for fine art with collectors around the globe.

The gallery was established in May 1983 by partners Trevor & Nicola Royall.

Nicola, herself a trained painter, had already been an assistant to one of the leading art dealers in the country for eight years before setting up Royall Fine Art with her husband, Trevor, who had previously been in the airline and hotel industry.

After spending many months touring round Kent and Sussex looking for suitable locations for the gallery they eventually settled on Tunbridge Wells after deciding that it could only get better - and how right they were - with the town being voted as the third best place to live in the country in 2006.

Their ethos was simply to be one of the best destinations possible to see the widest range of paintings, sculpture and decorative art by some of the UK’s leading artists so whether you visit from London, the South East or from the other side of the world you can be assured of being pleased that you made the journey.

The gallery moved to its present location in the heart of The Pantiles in 1987 giving it more exhibition space as well as a higher profile position within the town.

Amongst the artists whose work is always on show include Jonathan Pike, who is probably the finest architectural painter of his generation, Matthew Alexander, the landscape painter as well as still-life painter, Raymond Campbell and sculptors Ronald Cameron and Desmond Fountain FRBS. Many of the artists have been with the gallery from its inception and have since become world-renowned with the value of their work soaring over the intervening years and although investment may not be the primary, or best, reason for purchasing a work of art it is reassuring to know that paintings and sculpture continue to hold their value even as other investments fluctuate.

During the past quarter of a decade the gallery has acquired and shown work by many additional established painters and sculptors encompassing artists from abroad as well as including studio glass,

30

ceramics and other decorative arts and is constantly seeking out new artists to expand its repertoire.

The Royall Fine Art 25th Anniversary Exhibition will be on show to the public from Monday 17th until Saturday 29th November everyday (except Sunday) between 9.30 - 5.00 and will showcase over 100 new works specially commissioned for the exhibition.

For brochure or further details please contact Royall Fine Art, 52 The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 5TN (01892 536534) or visit the website www.royallfineart.co.uk

AC122 - 31:Aspect County 27/10/2008 15:08 Page 10

ANTIQUES, ART & AUCTIONS

An interesting approach to modern art Rowan Galleries was previously known as Imagine art and had a store in the centre of Tunbridge Wells. They have now moved to a fabulous workshop and gallery in Eridge Green, which is 2 miles south of Tunbridge Wells on the A26 opposite the entrance to Eridge Park.

The Rowan Galleries manifesto is to provide an innovative forum for affordable and contemporary abstract and realism art. They are currently exhibiting work by artists from the Royal Institute of water colours. Many are young and established international artists whose work has been rarely or never exhibited in the UK. This will allow collectors to purchase original works of art, beautifully framed limited editions and lots of unusual hand made gifts from artisans from across the world.

As part of the Gallery there is a workshop where corporate canvases, posters, vinyl's and signs of all shapes and sizes are produced. Also within the workshop there is a fantastic bespoke process to print any photographs onto canvas, with prices starting at only £28.00. This is a long lasting way to preserve and show your favourite images. You can transform your family photographs, portraits and memories producing a fantastic keep sake, this amazing process also makes for an unusual and original present.

Using the Giclée printing process, with up to one billion drops of ink on each canvas. These microscopic drops of overlapping colour are sprayed at a rate of more than four million droplets per second. The Giclée technique gives stunning definition, with a finish that is of museum archive grade, that will last for 100 years or more without fading or changing colour. As quality is important Rowan Galleries use the finest art canvas, stretched over tensioned, finger jointed pine gallery bars.

Why not pop in to the gallery for a look around and bring your pictures with you.

The gallery can digitally copy original photographs or artwork ready for manipulation and retouching, or take your picture from a cd, memory card/stick, or you can send digital files (jpg, tiff, eps) via email info@rowangalleries.com.

Rowan Galleries pride themselves on offering outstanding service and will not go to print until you have agreed with the final picture. Consequently you can be in control of how the picture will ultimately look.

It's little wonder that art on this medium has become such a highly sought after collectable.

To find out more visit www.rowangalleries.com, call them on 01892 860606 or pop into their showroom Rowan Galleries, The Old Workshop, Eridge Green, Eridge East Sussex TN3 9JR.

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AC122 - 32:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:37 Page 10

The

Upgrade Scheme

At M Jewellers we are proud to offer a unique and varied selection of fine quality new, antique and secondhand jewellery and silverware at competitive prices all year round.

We are so confident in our prices and our collection that if you return any item sold by us costing over £400 and spend at least double the amount, we will refund the whole of your original purchase price.

Already bought something? Do not worry, this offer applies to anything we have ever sold.

jewellers & silversmiths Offers a unique collection of quality new, antique and secondhand jewellery, silverware and clocks.

Also repairs and valuations.

121 South Street (near the War Memorial) Eastbourne • East Sussex • BN21 4LU T: 01323 430304 • E: mjewellers@btconnect.com

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AC122 - 33:Aspect County 23/10/2008 14:14 Page 10

HOTELS

PowderMills - Beautiful and romantic surroundings in Sussex A sweeping drive between lakes and gardens anticipates the graceful elegance of the PowderMills Hotel nestling in 150 acres of beautiful parklands, woods and lakes.

Privately owned, the 18th Century listed Country House Hotel is situated just outside the historic town of Battle adjoining the Battlefield of 1066.

The PowderMills has a large range of conference and banqueting facilities that caters for every eventuality. The versatile Pavilion suite can seat up to 250 persons and is also used for exhibitions, shows and fairs.

The Hotel is licensed for civil weddings and naming ceremonies and is the perfect venue for a special wedding with excellent service, food and facilities in one of the finest locations in the South East .

The acclaimed Orangery Restaurant enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality of its modern English cooking under the direction of Head Chef James Penn. Everything, including bread, ice cream, sorbets and chocolates is freshly prepared on the premises. Vegetables, herbs, eggs and pork are produced at PowderMills and local farmland.

A light menu, morning coffee and afternoon tea is served in the Library or Conservatory. whilst a daily table d’hote is offered at luncheon in the Restaurant. In the evening, a fixed price seasonal a la carte is available, perhaps featuring sautéed sirloin of beef, spinach and watercress puree, wild mushroom and port sauce or seared fillet of halibut on black lasagne with passion fruit sauce. To finish, indulge in chocolate and mint soufflé with ginger nut biscuits or apple parfait, marshmallow and vanilla ice cream.

There is a range of 40 individual ensuite bedrooms and junior suites.

There is also the private Lake suite with large double patio doors overlooking Powdermill lake.

Building work is progressing on additional speciality conference and dining facilities with extra large suites above to be completed early 2009.

There are still a few vacancies available for Christmas Parties in December so please phone for a brochure.

If you are looking for a chance to relax in tranquil and beautiful surroundings and pamper yourself with fine dining, then the PowderMills is the place to go.

The PowderMills Hotel, Battle. Tel 01424 775511. e-mail powdc@aol.com. www.powdermillshotel.com

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AC122 - 34:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:23 Page 10

HOTELS

The Brew House Hotel Ian Isted spent the weekend at this chic hideaway.

Comfortably placed in the Georgian elegance of Tunbridge Wells, The Brew House is a modern and stylish boutique hotel within the walls of an 18th century building.

In our room the first things that stood out to us were the enormous Queen sized bed, and spacious glass bathroom. After kicking off our shoes we made some coffee from the Tassimo machine conveniently placed next to the bed and took it onto the balcony. The room was certainly exquisite!

Renovated in 2007 to a contemporary style, The Brew House interior is a stylish and understated addition to the hotel scene in the south east.

After taking it easy for a while we decided to take a trip downstairs for drinks before dining.A sweet glass of Sauvignon Casa Lapostolle was very satisfying and really helped to build our appetites before selecting our starters and choosing a table.The chilled Gazpacho soup accompanied by fresh, soft and doughy bread was most palatable, and the herbs and vegetables tasted both fresh and delicious.

To follow, the roast pork seemed like an excellent choice, and our waiter selected a perfect red to compliment it. With red cabbage, pomme purÊe and elderberry sauce the tender and succulent pork’s delectable flavour was greatly intensified on the tongue.

After an excellent main course, we scanned the dessert menu for sometime before finally deciding on the white chocolate cheesecake, drizzled with summer berries and topped with a blackberry sorbet.

Certainly a rich and mouth-watering dessert; I struggled to finish what was on my plate and had to admit defeat.After a short while we returned to our room to enjoy two glasses of perfectly chilled Louis Roederer champagne before retiring to bed.

My stay at The Brew House was most relaxing and certainly luxuriousfrom the Bang & Olufsen television and telephone to the state of the art bathroom suite, and spacious balcony. I look forward to my next stay and highly recommend the experience of The Brew House.

If you would like to arrange a booking or find our more information you can call 01982 520587 or visit www.brewhousehotel.com

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AC122 - 35:Aspect County 15/10/2008 11:08 Page 10

LEISURE

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

By Roger Paine By the middle of the nineteenth century most of the land, where the town of Eastbourne is today, belonged to two wealthy landowners, John Davies Gilbert and William Cavendish, Earl of Burlington. The two men, the latter of whom was a direct descendant of William Cavendish, 5th Duke of Devonshire, whose wife, Georgiana, is currently the subject of hit movie, “The Duchess”, oversaw the town’s growth. This development, encouraged by an increased appreciation of the seaside, accelerated rapidly following the arrival of the railway in 1849. Ten years later, Cavendish, now the 7th Duke of Devonshire, commissioned the architect, Henry Currey, to lay out an entirely new town, a resort built “for gentlemen by gentlemen”.

Over the next half century the town’s population grew from less than 4,000 to nearly 35,000. This period of development included building the Devonshire Park Theatre, also designed by Currey, which opened in June 1884. Now listed Grade II, the building has changed little in the past 124 years.

The first play performed at the Devonshire, as it has always been affectionately known, was a comedy, After the Wedding, which met with enthusiastic acclaim. Under the directorship of Stanton Triggs, the theatre continued to flourish for almost 20 years until, in 1903, a well known theatre designer, Frank Matcham, was appointed to update the auditorium. Elegant stage boxes and a new proscenium arch were built and a foyer added on the first floor. This is now the dress circle bar overlooking Devonshire Park. The main entrance was enhanced and a canopy built to enable theatregoers to step straight from their carriages into the theatre, exactly as those alighting from cars and taxis do today.

Three months after the refurbishment, the theatre re-opened with Mrs Patrick Campbell as Paula in Pinero’s The Second Mrs Tanqueray, a play which helped make the actress a star of her day. Throughout the early years of the twentieth century, the Devonshire continued to present productions on tour with all the renowned Edwardian management companies. In 1912, Mr Murray and Mr Clark became the sole lessees and commenced their celebrated pantomime seasons which, except for a break during World War I, continued for thirty years.

During this time the Devonshire played host to many well-known

names, including Harry Lauder, Seymour Hicks, Lily Langtry and Marie Tempest .

The 1930’s were the boom years for theatres and the Devonshire was no exception. Packed houses enjoyed twice nightly variety shows, musicals and popular dramas. During World War II the theatre was used by ENSA to provide entertainment for troops stationed in the area.

After 1945, the licencee was Charles W. Bell who once again brought variety shows and West End hits to the theatre. Annual pantomimes too were revived. Stars of that era, such as George Formby and Diana Dors, as well as legendary revue companies, the Fol-de-Rols and Twinkle, all performed at the Devonshire.

Eastbourne Corporation, who had acquired the lease in the 1950’s, assumed management of the theatre in 1974. Ten years later, the Friends of Devonshire Park Theatre was formed to provide financial assistance and promote the preservation of this Victorian landmark. In 1984, to celebrate the theatre’s centenary, a magnificent chandelier, previously hanging in Eastbourne’s Grand Hotel, was installed in the auditorium.

In 2001, the theatre’s safety curtain was in need of refurbishment. The decoration, which depicts Eastbourne’s promenade in Victorian times, was carried out by well-known film and theatre set designer, Michael Stringer, who lived in Pevensey Bay. Money for this unique painting by Mr Stringer, who had a list of world-renowned films to his credit, including Fiddler on the Roof, for which he received an Oscar nomination in 1971, Genevieve, The Sundowners, Alfred the Great, and many more, came from a generous legacy left by Roger Neil, the Devonshire’s manager from 1983 to 1989.

Today, under the management of Eastbourne Theatres, with valuable support from the Friends, the theatre continues with a full programme of plays, musicals and one-person shows. It is also proud to maintain the tradition of staging a spectacular seasonal pantomime. This year it is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs which opens on 12th December 2008. Patrons are encouraged, as they have been for almost a century, to “Book Early”!

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AC122 - 36, 37:Aspect County 27/10/2008 13:06 Page 10

LEISURE 1

2 2 3 3 3 3 3 5 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9

Joe Pasquale at the Assembly Hall Theatre The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells 1 French Mime Artist The Pantiles, Royal Tunbridge Wells 1 The Alter Eagles Winter Garden - Eastbourne Theatres 1 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Northern Ballet Theatre, The Marlowe Theatre Russell Howard at the Assembly Hall Theatre The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells London Philharmonic Orchestra Congress Theatre, Eastbourne The Tiger Who Came to Tea Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Theatres Flashdance - The Musical Congress Theatre, Eastbourne 'Allo 'Allo!

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (until the 8th) Calendar Girls The Marlowe Theatre (until the 8th) The Marlowe Comedy Club Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre Fireworks at Pluckley Elvey Farm, Ashford Box of Delights at the Museum Mount Pleasant Road,Tunbridge Wells (until the 23rd) Keith Nichol's Hot Five The Masonic Hall, Tunbridge Wells Crafts for Christmas The Kent Pavilions, Maidstone (until The 9th) Leeds Castle Music & Light Firework Spectacular Leeds Castle, Maidstone The Magic Of Musicals The Sinden Theatre Elvis on Tour at the Assembly Hall Theatre The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Spectacular Fireworks to Music Groombridge Place Gardens, Tunbridge Wells Fireworks at Smarden Smarden, Ashford Farmer's Market on Civic Way Mount Pleasant Road,Tunbridge Wells The Bonfire & Fireworks Spectacular!

Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone Fishbowl Acoustic at Trinity Church Road, Tunbridge Wells Collectors' Fair and Fleamarket King Charles Hall, Tunbridge Wells Leeds Castle Legend of Excalibur Firework Spectacular Leeds Castle, Maidstone (Until the 9th) Festival of Remembrance Concert Congress Theatre, Eastbourne The Poisoned Kiss: Vaughan Williams Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Theatres Victor Spinetti A Very Private Diary ... Revisited!

Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne

Calendar Girls (3rd - 8th) The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury 9 9 10 11 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 15 15 16

Verdi Requiem at the Assembly Hall Theatre The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells Lest We Forget. Benefit performance for the Royal British Legion Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Lapland at Bewl Water Lamberhurst, Kent (until the 24th Dec) Ashford Music Society present Maggini Quartet Norton Knatchbull School, Ashford Alan Aykbourn's Affairs in a Tent Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne Eastbourne's Tea Dances Winter Garden - Eastbourne Theatres Meet Mavis Cheek at the Library Mount Pleasant Road, Tunbridge Wells Buddy Holly & The Cricketers Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Titanic The Musical Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre (until the 15th) Santa arrives at Royal Victoria Place Royal Victoria Place, Tunbridge Wells When Hell Freezes Over - Andy Kirkpatrick Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Murder Mystery Dinner at Salomons Southborough, Tunbridge Wells Equator Series - Eliza Carthy at Norton Knatchbull School Hythe Road, Ashford Jane Booth and John Irving at All Saints' Church Tudeley, Tonbridge Abbalicious The Sinden Theatre Simon Day: What a Fool Believes at Trinity Church Road, Tunbridge Wells Sophia Lisovskaya (piano) King Charles the Martyr Church, Tunbridge Wells Royal String Quartet at Trinity Church Road, Tunbridge Wells

the farmers markets Battle: 3rd Sat, Battle Abbey Green Brede: Every Fri, Village Hall Brighton: 3rd Sun, Brighton Racecourse Brighton 2: 3rd Wed, Village Sq. Brighton Cranbrook: 4th Sat, Pine Grove Car Park Hailsham: 2nd Sat, Cattle Market Heathfield: 3rd Sat, Co-op Car Park Lewes: 1st Sat, Cliffe pedestrian precinct.

Pevensey Bay: 2nd Sat, St. Wilfred’s Hall 34

Rolvenden: Every Thur, St. Mary’s Church/village Hall.

Rye: Every Wed, Strand Quay, Tenterden: 2nd Sat, East Cross Gardens Tonbridge: Tel: 01732 876077 Tunbridge Wells: 1st, 3rd Sat, The Pantiles 2nd, 4th Sat, Civic Way (Town Hall) Uckfield: 1st Sat, Main car park off High Street.

East Dean: Every Wed. East Dean Village Hall.

Laughton: 2nd Sat of month. Village Hall.

AC122 - 36, 37:Aspect County 27/10/2008 13:06 Page 11

LEISURE

17 17 18 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 24 25 25 26 27 27

East Sussex Music Prom Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Theatres That’ll Be The Day Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre (until the 18th) Joe Brown 50th Anniversary Tour Live in Concert Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Joe Brown's 50th Anniversary Tour The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Winter at Penshurst Place Penshurst Place & Gardens, Tonbridge (and at the 25th) Sally Morgan Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Romeo And Juliet – The Musical Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre An Evening with Pam Ayres Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre My Brilliant Divorce Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (until the 22nd) Katy Setterfield sings Dusty Springfield The Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Jason Manford at Trinity Church Road, Tunbridge Wells SING-A-LONG-A HAIRSPRAY Canterbury, The Marlowe Theatre Leeds Castle Festive Fair Leeds Castle, Maidstone (until the 23rd) Ashford Choral Society presents Purcell - Ode for St. Cecilia's Day Churchfield Way, Wye Ashford Christmas Lights Switch On High Street, Ashford The Snow Queen with Juliette Dodd Mountfield Community Arts (01424 424010) Coming Up - Raising the Roof at Chartwell Mapleton Road, Westerham Hoof! at Trinity Church Road, Tunbridge Wells Christmas Craft Fair Finchcocks, Cranbrook The Holly & The Ivy Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne (until the 27th) Eastbourne's Tea Dances Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Theatres Crazy for You at the Assembly Hall Theatre The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells (until the 29th) Dionne Warwick Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Elvis on Tour - Lee Memphis King Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Christmas Music Hall Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Theatres

28 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 30

Screaming Blue Murder Comedy Club Winter Garden - Floral Hall, Eastbourne Theatres Christmas Art Fair Godinton House and Gardens, Ashford Old Times at the Oast Theatre London Road, Tonbridge Strongman Competition The Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells (until the 30th) Cobtree Christmas Fayre - New for 2008 Museum of Kent Life, Maidstone (until the 30th) Christmas Time at Hever Castle Hever Castle, Edenbridge Little Shop of Horrors Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne The Nutcracker Congress Theatre, Eastbourne A Celebration of Musical Theatre and Christmas Music Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Old Mother Hubbard at Trinity Church Road, Tunbridge Wells

view events online did you know you can view our full directory of listings and events online at www.aspect-county.co.uk?

get listed if you would like us to list an event you can call us on 01424 777444 or visit www.aspect-county.co.uk for details.

theatres & venues Bedgebury Pinetum, Cranbrook Bewl Water, Lamberhurst Brighton Dome, Brighton Chatham Centrak Theatre, Chatham Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne Finchcocks, Cranbrook Groombridge Place Gardens, T-Wells Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury Hawth Theatre, Crawley Hever Castle, Edenbridge Hippodrome, Eastbourne Leeds Castle, Maidstone Museum & Art Gallery, Tunbridge Wells Penshurst Place, Tonbridge Royal Victoria Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells Salomons, Tunbridge Wells The Assembly Hall, Tunbridge Wells The De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill The Hop Farm, Paddock Wood The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury The Millenium Hall, Ashford The Museum Of Kent Life, Maidstone The Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks The White Rock Theatre, Hastings Tonbridge Oast Theatre, Tonbridge Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells West End House Gallery, Ashford Winter Garden, Eastbourne

01580 879820 01892 890661 01273 709709 01634 338338 01323 412000 01323 412000 01580 211702 01892 861444 01227 769075 01293 553636 01732 865224 01323 412000 01622 765400 01892 554171 01892 870307 01892 529176 01892 515152 01892 530613 01424 229111 01622 872068 01227 787787 01233 756775 01622 763936 01732 450175 08701 451133 01732 363849 01892 678678 01233 770261 01323 412000 35

AC122 - 38, 39:Aspect County 23/10/2008 10:32 Page 10

LEISURE

On a glorious sunny Sunday in October we put out from Sovereign Harbour in Eastbourne and headed against the tide and wind towards Beachy Head.

Our speedboat was the well kitted high spec Stingray 250C. Low slung, sleek and stylish, the Stingray attracted envious glances as we cast off from the quayside. With plenty of room up top and below this beast comfortably takes up to seven. Below there is more seating, a double bed, kitchen and shower room.

Once we had reached the lighthouse and turned for home the Stingray put us though our paces and sped above the waves at an exhilarating pace. This beast can top 45 mph, and with the French coast only an hour or so away you can cross the Channel, take in lunch on French soil and be back for sunset.

This alternative but luxurious leisure lifestyle can cost less than you may think. The Stingray starts at ÂŁ36,550 which is less than you may have paid for your Audi or Mercedes. Food for thought indeed.

To check out the Stingray for yourself contact Sussex Power Boats who are based at Sovereign Harbour. Call 01323 478505. www.sussexpowerboats.co.uk

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AC122 - 38, 39:Aspect County 23/10/2008 10:32 Page 11

LEISURE

39

AC122 - 40:Aspect County 24/10/2008 10:43 Page 10

The Cock Inn

B

Bannatyne’s Hotel, Health Club & Spa

Te Ex rra ec N c u E op e b tive W en ar a ro in nd om gs l s oo ou , n! ng e

Beauport Park

www.bannatyne.co.uk

Featured In: The Good Pub Food Guide The Good Beer Guide

m as christ

at Beauport Park

festive lunches from £13.95pp

Available from 1st December - 23rd December 2008 Award Winning Ales And Food Locally Sourced Produce Friendly Service Christmas bookings now being taken!

party nights from £29.50pp Available from 29th November - 23rd December 2008.

With fabulous food followed by dancing to our resident disco.

Please contact us to find out more and ask about our Christmas and New Year residential packages

01622 743166

For reservations, please call 01424 851222

Email: cockinnboughtonmonchelsea@hotmail.com Heath Road, Boughton Monchelsea, Nr Maidstone, Kent, ME17 4JD

Bannatyne’s Hotel, Health Club & Spa, Beauport Park, Battle Road, Nr Battle, East Sussex TN38 8EA Fax: 01424 852465 Website: www.bannatyne.co.uk

Christmas@ Salomons Salomons is a magical venue for the festive season and offers a host of events throughout December for personal and corporate celebrations.

The Woolpack Inn at Warehorne - 16th Century Freehouse

N Party Nights & Casino Dinners for groups to enjoy a big party atmosphere N Private Parties of 20-200 for lunch & dinner N Sunday Carvery Lunches with table magic – 7, 14 & 21 December N Carols by candlelight – 7 December The Woolpack Inn at Warehorne is a 16th Century Freehouse serving freshly prepared food, fine wines and local real ales.

Wednesday Night Carvery, three roast meats with all the trimmings - Eat as much as you like for £8.95.

N Christmas Carvery Lunch with the Welte Organ – 21 December N Christmas Day Lunch N New Year's Eve Gala Buffet, Casino & Disco

Our new menu is coming soon.

Our carvery is now being served for Sunday lunches.

We are now open all day Sunday and bank holiday Mondays for drinks. Bookings are advisable.

N New Year's Eve 1970s Night David Salomons Estate Broomhill Road, Southborough Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0TG Tel: 01892 515152 E-mail: christmas@salomons.org.uk www.salomons.org.uk 40

Salomons Conferences & Events

01233 733888 Warehorne • Ashford • Kent TN26 2LL

AC122 - 41:Aspect County 23/10/2008 14:30 Page 10

LEISURE

Magical Christmas Childrens Treat A traditional Dutch organ will greet visitors to this year’s Santa Specials at The Kent & East Sussex Railway. The heritage line that is based in Tenterden is proud of being the first heritage railway in the country to introduce Santa Specials back in 1975 when the fare was just 60p and only two trains operated per day! Now thirty-three years on another generation of children looks eagerly forward to meeting Santa and his pixie helpers to receive a present and for all to enjoy seasonal festive fare during the one-hour steam train ride from Tenterden to Wittersham Road and back.

A Victorian Carousel will be the centerpiece of station activities with unlimited free rides for everyone. The railway’s well-stocked gift shop could give the chance for some last minute Christmas shopping with the exclusive ‘Santa Special’ beer, brewed specially for K&ESR, being just one of the many ideas on offer!

For that extra special occasion, the Balcony saloon can be hired for a family or office outing. Enjoy the one-hour train journey with first class refreshments and a named present for every child from Santa himself.

Trains dedicated to groups of pre-school aged children depart from Tenterden at 10.25 am 12.15 pm and 1.30 pm on Friday 5th December.

With at least seven trains running every weekend through December and from Monday 22nd right up to Christmas eve, Santa is going to be very busy! Advanced booking for this popular event is advisable to avoid disappointment.

After all the excitement of the Santa Specials, the pace slows with the ‘Post Christmas Running’ giving the opportunity to blow away the postChristmas blues with steam train rides to Bodiam.

Further information can be found at kesr.org.uk or by calling 01580 765155.

Lapland UK Returns with another Enchanting Christmas Experience For All The Family After a sensational sell out inaugural year in 2007, Lapland UK is again bringing its magic to Kent this Christmas.

This year’s location will be the beautiful Bewl Water Estate which will be transformed into a winter wonderland from the 10th November until 24th December 2008.

The Lapland UK experience begins when a personalised invitation to each child from Father Christmas arrives in the post requesting his/her help to assist the Elves in the toy factory this Christmas ...and here begins the children’s magical journey along the elves’ enchanted pathway to learn the ‘secrets in the forest’!

Families will enjoy four hours of magical fun at Lapland UK. Starting with a visit to Father Christmas’s toy factory, where the children train as apprentice elves - working on the majestic, hand carved rocking horses created by the world renowned Stevenson Brothers.

Then every child will delight in helping Mother Christmas in her Gingerbread house, before moving on to Lapland UK’s very own North Pole Post Office where they can send a letter to Father Christmas.

And, whilst at Lapland UK, everyone will also learn about the indigenous Saami people of Lapland when visiting their tented encampment, where children can listen to traditional Nordic stories as

well as meet the much loved Husky dogs and reindeer of Lapland.

New for 2008, families can also go ice skating on the in the Village Square as well as enjoy a delicious freshly prepared two-course meal in the new seated log cabin restaurant, both of which are included in the ticket price and are another unique Lapland UK feature.

But, the highlight of the day will, of course, be the family’s personalised private audience with Father Christmas in his snowy woodland home, where extra-special memories will be created as the magical man personalises each visit, referencing information about the child’s interests and friends as provided by parents at the time of booking.

And to cap it all ... every visitor will receive a beautiful gift from Lapland UK to remember their special day! “Our vision is to provide a high quality Lapland inspired Christmas experience here in the UK as an alternative to flying to Lapland, thus providing families with an opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint yet still enjoy a magical Christmas day trip”, said creator Mike Battle.

Prices £55-£85 pp and include a meal, all activities and quality gifts for all. Tickets available from 8th September at www.laplanduk.co.uk or call 0871 221 9627. Places are limited so early booking is recommended. Advance booking only.

41

AC122 - 34:Aspect County 13/10/2008 14:33 Page 10

Become a 7 Day Member at Dale Hill for just ÂŁ95.00 per month

From now until 30th November 2008 join Dale Hill with no joining fee you will also receive a 4 ball vouchers to play The Oxfordshire, Chart Hills and Sandford Springs golf clubs worth over ÂŁ500.

This offer is limited to the first 25 new members. The first 3 months subs are to be paid in advance.

Call now on 01580

201 800 for more details and full terms and conditions of this offer

Dale Hill Hotel and Golf Club, Ticehurst, Wadhurst, East Sussex, TN5 7DQ Tel 01580 200 112 Fax 01580 201 249 e-mail golf@dalehill.co.uk Website www.dalehill.co.uk

AC122 - 43:Aspect County 27/10/2008 09:08 Page 10

FOOD & DRINK

Show Your Body You Care….

Eat Healthy, Tasty Organic Produce!

The growing understanding of the connection between diet and health, especially in a country with a rapidly growing 55+ population that wants to stay healthy and active, has made natural and organic products the buzzwords of the 21st century. More and more people are turning to organic food as a more reliable and safer way to feed themselves and their family.

Although you can find many providers of organic produce within the country, there is one company that has gone that extra mile in offering a truly customer-focused service. Sussex-based SIMPLY WILD ORGANICS not only provide fresh locally produced organic vegetables, fruit and meat, This innovative service is proving to be a real winner with busy mums who find themselves juggling the demands of running a home and caring for their children with a career.

Easting is central to our ability to live yet we spend less time growing, preparing and eating food than we do watching the TV. By eating organic food you will not only be maintaining a body but also helping the environment. This is further highlighted in the Government’s Organic Action Plan, in which statutory advisors (English Nature, the Environmental Agency) and NGO’s, including the RSPB, all confirm organic farming has environmental benefits to the wildlife, causes lower pollution from sprays, produces less carbon dioxide and less dangerous wastes, has high animal welfare and increases jobs in the countryside.

In short, the whole process of organic farming works “with nature” rather than “against”. With Farmers nurturing natural predators that help

to control pests and fertilisation being achieved using time tested methods such as rotation of crops rather than with chemicals and pesticides.

What do you most often reach for when you are cold or ill? A steaming brimming, bowl full of hot soup? Using seasonal fresh vegetables to create a good pot of soup is the most simple, yet satisfying cooking you can do. It's a great place to start experimenting with cooking, trying different vegetables and flavours to find the prefect smooth, chunky, spicy or creamy combination for you. You can create a hearty winter vegetable broth or an exotic curried potato soup - the possibilities are endless!

Imagine a bag of fresh, locally produced seasonal fruit and vegetables arriving at your door every week. Simply Wild Organics can deliver the organic produce to suit you - whether you live alone or have an army to cater for.

Ordering from SIMPLY WILD ORGANICS couldn’t be easier….you just log onto website: www.simplywildorganics.co.uk click on Go Shopping and choose from the wide array of delicious organic produce available. Alternatively contact them direct on 01580 879930.

SIMPLY WILD ORGANICS…. passionate about excellent British organic food, grown the way nature intended…with nothing added….nothing taken out.

Changes at The Swan, West Malling The ground floor Michelin listed brasserie, which can seat up to 150 people has just seen the introduction of theatrical curtaining, so that companies can either book a private dining space for up to 30 people or the entire restaurant. The brasserie offers fabulous British cuisine, using seasonal and regional produce, created by award winning head chef Scott Goss and his team. Updated with the very latest interiors this former 15th century coaching inn/meets 21st contemporary corporate space, saw the addition of a ‘theatre window in the summer; to enable guests to watch the award winning team in action in the kitchen, whilst screens in the private dining rooms also connect corporate guests with the action in the kitchen.

The interiors of the radical refurbishment on the first floor corporate and private party space was designed with a relaxed and classic combination of Antique retro, meets Hoxton Bar, by award-winning London designers Brinkworth Design. Brinkworth completed the interior for the Swan at the Globe Brasserie, which picked up a Highly Commended in the Best Bar and Restaurant section of the FX International Design Awards 2007.

world’s finest and most expensive boutique wines of the world by the glass, with The Swan offering a choice of eight wines at any one time.

Director Peter Cornwell believes the new space will be an exciting boost for an already thriving business in the heart of Kent and looks set to be a winning formula for the next phase of expansion of The Swan.

“Uniqueness is a word that is used too freely, but I believe we have created a very unique business and event space in the heart of Kent and only 40 minutes from Central London. Its designer interiors, meets 15th century charm and sophisticated business facilities, with stunning food and wine, is set to create a truly memorable venue for a Christmas party, product launch or company conference. We are able to offer Central London style and panache, but at out-of-town prices.”

Bespoke Swan feather wallpaper is contrasted with quirky Tracy Kendall paper which replicates the look and feel of a library running across an entire wall of the lounge. Breath-taking moooi chandeliers are a defining feature of the new space, with retro film-set lights, reclaimed tables and a fifteen foot bespoke sofa adding to the uniqueness of this event space. Event organisers can select from a wide variety of packages including champagne and canapés through to bowl food and British beer. The Swan is also introducing an exclusive wine system in the bar, for hosts who really want to impress top clients. The new wine system enables wine connoisseurs to enjoy a tour of some of the 43

AC122 - 44:Aspect County 23/10/2008 11:44 Page 10

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Half a Billion Breaths "The perfect man breathes as if he is not breathing" - Lao-Tzu (circa 4th century BC).

Breathing is the most important activity in our lives, with our first breath or inspiration at birth we arrive on earth, with our last breath we expire and leave and between these two major events we take around 500 million breaths. However it is the most neglected aspect of our health in medicine today. Why do we all believe we breathe correctly?

Well the truth is that most of us don’t! Some 90% of us over-breathe.

We don’t all eat correctly, we don’t all use our bodies considerately, we have bad postural habits, overstress ourselves physically or don’t exercise enough, we don’t keep calm and mentally sane but get stressed, anxious, angry, or depressed, So why should we presume we all breathe correctly? Good breathing is inhaling and exhaling through the nose just enough air to meet our oxygen requirements and clear surplus carbon dioxide. Our breathing is controlled by carbon dioxide receptors in our body that should keep levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide optimal to ensure maximum oxygenation of tissue.

So why do most of us over-breathe? Firstly, there is a culture of deep breathing in the West, we are taught to increase our breathing in gymnasiums or at keep fit classes, if we are stressed we are told “take a few deep breaths” and there seems to be a mind set that the deeper

you breathe the better you will feel and the healthier you will be. This is not the case in the East where health is seen to be based on quiet, light breathing like a baby.

Modern life stressors repeatedly trigger the fight/flight response that insidiously leads to our receptors accepting low carbon dioxide levels and hence hyperventilation as the norm. Growing evidence would suggest a myriad of our modern diseases including hypertension, asthma, sleep disorders, hay fever, IBS and many more would be less of a problem for us if we all learnt to reduce our breathing!

It took the genius, tenacity, and strength of will combined with a lifetime of dedicated research and effort of a Russian, Professor Konstantin Buteyko to bring this simple fact to the attention of the West. The Buteyko Method is an effective training system for reducing chronic hidden hyperventilation and is now recommended by the British Thoracic Society for asthmatics because of the high research quality supporting it.

See www.buteykokent.co.uk for more information

The Art Of Fragrance Inspired by the timeless, elegant photographic collection by John French (1906-1966), the new Bsq. Natural Couture by Berkeley Square Cosmetics Company is a unique collaboration of art and fragrance combined to create a luxurious range of bath and body products.

John French was one of London’s top fashion photographers during the 1950s and 1960s, an era when those who wore and photographed clothing for a living could become famous overnight. He regularly worked with the era’s top models like Jean Shrimpton and well-known society figures and his work was featured in virtually every newspaper and magazine of the time.

After his death in 1966, the John French archive was presented to the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, the world’s greatest museum of decorative arts and design.

The new Bsq. Natural Couture collection is a range of premium fragrances and body care products following a three year collaboration with the V&A. The range contains no parabens, no mineral oils, no SLES, no harsh preservatives, no artificial colours and no ethanol perfume bases.

The range has three beautiful fragrances – White Bergamot, White Amber and White Muguet inspired by the Golden Age of Couture (1947-1957), one of the V&A’s most successful recent exhibitions, and features images from the V&A John French photography archive.

White Bergamot – a refreshing fragrance with top notes of sparkling tea and floral bergamot finished with an orange base of Neroli essential oils.

White Amber – a warming fragrance with amber and Sandalwood essential oils. White Muguet – a fresh floral fragrance with Muguet on a citrus base with Jasmine essential oils.

Within each fragrance there are the following products: Bsq. Natural Couture Eau de Toilette £20 – choose your favourite fragrance and spritz lightly all over. The three EDT’s make the perfect light day scent and don’t contain any ethanol based perfumes for a natural, refreshing fragrance.

44

Bsq. Natural Couture Shower Cream £12 – a gently hydrating body cleanser for everyday use. The unique natural fragrances are perfect for an early morning wake up call to uplift your senses.

Bsq. Natural Couture Body Lotion £14 – a light moisturising body cream perfect for everyday use.

Simply apply all over after bathing for a daily tonic to super, soft skin.

Bsq. Natural Couture Shea Butter Soap £6 – these non-drying soaps are triple milled using traditional soap making methods and are ultra moisturising and create a creamy foaming lather to nourish as they cleanse.

Bsq. Natural Couture Body Butter £15 – a fine blend of shea butter and cocoa butter with Anuus seed and Moluccana nut oils to deeply moisturise dry, dull skin. Simply massage into the skin after bathing.

The Body Butter will leave skin lightly fragranced and radiant looking.

Bsq. Natural Couture Hand & Nail Cream £10 – keep hands soft and smooth with the moisturising Hand & Nail Cream. The cream is also a great overnight intensive manicure must have to nourish hands as you sleep.

The new Bsq. Natural Couture collection is available from www.bsquare.co.uk, Fortnum & Mason and selected stockists

AC122 - 45:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:27 Page 10

Buteyko Buteyk ko (Pronounced bew-tey-ko)

for

Better Health

Asthma Sleep Ap Apnoea noea Panic Attacks Hypertension Hay Fever CO COPD OPD Eczema ME Snoring IBS

If you have asthma but can’tt afford can affford f the time for a full Buteyko Course this new publication is written just for you.

A short but valuable synopsis of the Buteyko Method that will get you started on better asthma control with less medication & better health.

Michael Lingard BSc. DO. BIBH. BIBH. www.ButeykoKent.co.uk www .ButeykoKent.co.uk For Free Information Pack Pacck or to Place an order for “The Buteyko Guide to Better Be etter Asthma Management” Management” £4.95 plus p pp

Phone 01580 015 580 752 852

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AC122 - 46:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:29 Page 10

HEALTH & BEAUTY

Doors Open At Bannatyne’s New Luxury Spa In Hastings The Bannatyne Group has officially opened its new £500,000 health and wellbeing spa in Hastings.

Located adjacent to Bannatyne’s Health Club and the newly extended Bannatyne Spa Hotel in St Leonards on Sea, the introduction of the spa creates a comprehensive wellbeing experience for visitors to Hastings.

Duncan Bannatyne, Chairman of the Bannatyne Group, said: “It always gives me great satisfaction to open a new venture and I’m delighted to be able to offer visitors to Hastings the complete wellbeing experience.

From a relaxing stay at the luxury hotel, to working on their fitness in the health club or spending time relaxing and unwinding in the spa, we now offer the whole package.”

General manager Paul Matthews and the team of therapists welcomed the first visitors with a glass of champagne, before taking them on a tour of the new spa, which is housed in a single story extension to the health club.

Paul Matthews, general manager of Bannatyne’s Health Club in Hastings, said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming the first visitors along to the new Spa. There is a real focus on quality and high standards of service, which is obvious from the moment you walk in.

One of 30 spas across the UK, the spa boasts a hair salon and two outdoor spa pools among its many features. It is one of the first in the group to boast an innovative relaxation room, designed to help visitors prolong their relaxation experience with luxury tiled heated loungers and piped music.

“I think the opening of the new spa will have a really positive impact for Hastings, and put us firmly on the map as a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.”

To find out more call 01424 851222.

The spa, which is open to non-health club members, provides a range of treatments designed to invigorate and relax, using products from leading brands including Elemis, Tigi, Wella and Leighton Denny.

Visitors can also take advantage of free parking facilities.

Other treatments include complimentary therapies and specialist massage plus beauty treatments such as waxing, nail care, make up and hairdressing. Dual Treatment rooms and twin outdoor spa pools will also allow two visitors to enjoy their spa treatments simultaneously.

As part of £16 million worth of investments being made by the Bannatyne Group this year, the spa in Hastings forms part of the company’s increasing focus on offering a comprehensive range of fitness, personal beauty, rehabilitation and relaxation facilities.

Chasing beauty in a little green box Aloe vera is the unsung hero of skincare. You'll find it listed in many moisturisers for its soothing properties. It's also used often in aftersuns to treat sunburn.

However, as well as soothing inflammation, it has a collagen boosting effect, which is why it's so beneficial post surgery. Aloe also slows down the production of pigmentation spot. It does this by slowing down the enzyme that lead to the production of melanin.

It's antibacterial, so good to use on problem skin. Some people use it to hydrate their skin if it's particularly sensitive or prone to breakouts.

Aloe vera has also been used to treat third degree burns. Tests have shown that it is less toxic to cell cultures than chemical burn treatments.

With so many health and beauty benefits it’s no wonder that the chase is on to find products, supplements or treatments, which produce naturally beautiful skin and hair.

As any biologist will tell you, by far the highest grade and most effective of all aloe vera plants is called Barbadensis Miller. And the most pristine and perfect derivative of that Barbadensis Miller plant is now available in a supplement form and is called Aloeride®.

Aloeride® is a tiny little capsule of pure essence, containing over 300 powerful nutrients straight from the aloe vera plant with only elements 46

that can cause diarrhea being removed. Aloeride® is the only aloe vera product in the world, which has achieved pharmaceutical standards. A pretty remarkable feat in itself!

Aloeride® enhances internal health by supporting digestion and feeding nutrients to the skin cells as they form and grow outward. This proves to give skin a healthy, natural glow at all times.

Independent testing has repeatedly proven there is simply no other aloe vera product on the market today, which can produce the same results.

Aloeride® is proving to be a tremendous asset with the Hollywood elite. That is why everyone in Hollywood is chasing, and attaining more beautiful, vibrant skin health, with the help of a very powerful little green box in the form of Aloeride®.

Most people find that just two Aloeride® capsules a day makes all the difference to their sense of wellbeing. Few other aloe vera supplements contain a high enough dosage of the plant's active nutrients to offer the same effects – in fact, according to lab tests, Aloeride® provides 2.73 times more working ingredients that its nearest competitor.

For more information you can call 01858 464550.

AC122 - 47:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:31 Page 10

Buckland Photographic Your Complete Photographic Shop For Sussex

• Digital & Analogue Cameras • Wide Range Of Binoculars

• Inks & Paper Stocked Epson & HP Printers • Passports ~ Tripods Frames ~ Albums

Opening Hours Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9.30am until 5pm Thurs 9.30am until 1pm

bucklandphotographic@hotmail.co.uk www.johnpreddycompanyltd.co.uk 36 Church Street, Seaford Tel: 01323 894643

01732 770105 142 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1BB

fresh, natural, organic, simple, sweet, crunchy, healthy, delicious and delivered to your door.

Buying fresh organic fruit, vegetables, meat, dairy and groceries has never been so easy.

To place your order go to www.simplywild.co.uk or 01580 586 879930. call us on 08456 140.

simple shopping - pure food - direct to your door 47

AC119 - Fitting Room:Aspect County

24/07/2008

17:21

Page 10

The Groom’s Room is now open at

The Fitting Room

01323 641437 46a Meads Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex.

AC122 - 48:Aspect County 20/10/2008 16:49 Page 10

AC122 - 50, 51:Aspect County 21/10/2008 17:27 Page 10

50

AC122 - 50, 51:Aspect County 21/10/2008 17:27 Page 11

FASHION

Long Tall Sally 51

AC122 - Gifts:Aspect County 28/10/2008 16:09 Page 10

Christmas Gift Ideas JIMMY CHOO

Perfect for Her

EVEN - Suede san

dal

from Roca of London

Price: £360.00 Heel Height: 115mm /4.

5"

Roca London combines the prestige associated with tradition Bond Street jewellers with the convenience, accessibility and great value of shopping online.

£5,995

www.rocalondon.com

GREYHOUND FRAMES

W W W . O R I E N TA L R U G S O N L

INE.CO.UK

The best selection of oriental rugs in the area! online or at: Patrick Robbins Interiors 78 Norman Road, St Leonards-on-Sea

& GALLERY

Greyhound Frames & Gallery offer a competitive bespoke framing service with an extensive range of mouldings. Ther e is a wide selection of limited edition and open prints, including etchings by Willi Kiss mer.

The gallery offers a wide choice of crystal jewellery, crystals and chakra sets for healing. Well worth a visit!

Call now 01580 766630

01424 200220 (Tue-Sat)

Carr Taylor Vineyard jewellers & silversmiths Pave Diamond ring in 18ct white gold 1.23ct of Diamonds priced at £1895

eer e first to pion were one of th which their r fo In 1985 they ne wi g glish sparklin ing commercial En ablished, winn now firmly est & is on ati ut rep medal in 1988 ld Go a ng includi many awards nal du Vin. tio na ter In allenge e 1999 in the Ch 1.95 per bottl £1 nes from just

Sparkling wi

lor.co.uk - www.carr-tay 01424 752501 35 4SG TN , gs in ast H field, el Lane, West he W s, rd ya ne Carr Taylor Vi

01323 430304

121 South Street (near theWar Memorial) Eastbourne • East Sussex • BN2 1 4LU

T H E CA M E R A C E N T R E Full Manicure sage for £45 Back, Neck & Shoulder Mas azine. if purchased from Aspect mag lcome Male & Female clients We Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

01892 820444

LUCY’S BEAUTY STUDIO

makes the perfect This stylish new 10 Megapixel ultra-compact digital camera 2.5" LCD screen, gift this Christmas. It features a Fujinon 3x optical zoom lens, easy. creating and sharing videos and images has never been so The Camera Centre also offer Digital Camera Accessories, 35mm Cameras & Film, Printer & Inks Telescopes, Binoculars and Tripods.

Call them on 01323 840559 or visit www.camcentre.co.uk

AC122 - Gifts:Aspect County 28/10/2008 16:10 Page 11

W I N T E R WA R M E R S F RO M F A L L E N A N G E L On a cold evening why not indulge in a glass of our delicious Dark Mead (14.5%) or our award winning Sussex Boarhunter mead liqueu r (22%) enhanced with medieval spices?

Both are beautifully presented in uniqu e high quality bottles with natural wooden stoppers and make a perfect locally produced gift.

Call Fallen Angel on 01424 777996 or visit www.fallenangelbrewery.co m

Skybus Ballooning • Flights over Kent & Sussex • 5-6 passengers in each Balloon • Gift Vouchers for any occasion • Credit cards accepted • Open 7days a week 9am-9pm • Certificated Air Operator • FREE Brochure

01622 891791 www.skybusballooning.co.uk www.balloonflights.org

GALE & WOOLGAR Uckfield's oldest established jewellers, having been in the town since 1961.

Although they have a modern shop they still give the traditional service and values.

They hold an extensive range of Gold & Silver Jewellery, Cultured Pearls, Watches, Clocks and gifts for everyone.

Telephone 01825 762831 Call in at 47 High Street, Uckfield

The Luxury Of Bentley This Christmas Quality is never lacking in any Bentley product and this item is no exception; a wonderful way to show how much you care. For him and her, matching luxury leather weekend bags supplied by Alfred Dunhill are a sure winner. And why not treat them with a lavish travel robe each, too?

For further details on the full Bentley Collection,please call Harwoods of Sussex on 01798 877213, visit theshowroom on London Road, Pulborough

Jon Firth Photographer t valued at £50 Portrait Sitting Voucher and prin .

(Sitting by flexible appointment) £25 n otio prom as Christm (Voucher shows £50 value) new baby.

Great gift for couples, families, t if required s High speed printing at the even Corporate/Family/Parties all type instance) (attendance may be free in this essional photography. prof with le dazz t even Make your 01424 214072 www.JonFirth.co.uk

Femme en Rouge fabulous fashion jeweller y

Gorgeous fashion jewellery & handbags for all occasions 01424 422182 www.femmeenroug e.com 16 Marine, Hasti ngs, East Sussex, TN34 3AH

Sparkle this Christmas Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but if you want a 21st century, “new age” look cast your diamonds aside in favour of unusual, individually cut gemstones.

It is time to move away from the perfectly cut “diamond” look and try something different. And these pieces make highly original, aspirational gifts for friends and family too!

Call www.rokchix.com on 01273 689061

Harrods - The Boxing Day Collection Spirits VSOP Cognac Single malt 12-year-old Whisky Amontillado Sherry Port Late bottled Vintage Port 2000 A perfect gift this Christmas (£95)

AC122 - 54:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:26 Page 10

Eastbourne Seafront & Lifeboat - October 2008 Photograph by Jason Hutton

AC122 - 55:Aspect County 27/10/2008 17:45 Page 10

Beachy Head Lighthouse - October 2008 Photograph by Jason Hutton

AC122 - 56:Aspect County 23/10/2008 16:32 Page 10

Buckswood B uckswo u ckswoo od d S School chool

More affordable than you think!

Day fees £2,940 per term Scholarship and Bursaries available School Bus Service Service available Contact: Buckswoo Buckswood od School, Guestling, Nr.. Hastings, Ea Nr East st Sussex TN35 4L 4LT T tel: 01424 813813 3 • fax: 01424 812100 achieve@buckswood.co.u achieve@buckswood.co.uk uk • www www.buckswood.co.uk w..buckswood.co.uk

We Want Your Articles!

For publication in Aspect County Magazine Any local, historical personal history, (e.g. stories from WWI, WWII) county, country, or even contentious issues.

Please email with photo’s or illustrations to articles@aspect-county.co.uk or telephone 01424 777444 (ext. 25) 56

AC116 - 82:Aspect County

21/04/2008

12:15

Page 10

Banquets& Weddings

At High Rocks we offer a choice of four magnificent banqueting rooms for your wedding reception, social or charity event.

Each room has it’s own bar and late licence and we can accommodate parties of 20 – 350 guests. With no room hire charge and from under £30 a head for a three-course meal including wine and drinks, you’ll find our prices are unbeatable value.

High Rocks, High Rocks Lane, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 9JJ Follow signs to High Rocks from Tunbridge Wells. Ample parking.

Tel: 01892 515532 Fax: 01892 511479 www.highrocks.co.uk

AC122 - 58:Aspect County 23/10/2008 16:15 Page 10

Redfyre Range Cookers Woodstock Fires Limited

Traditional style, gas, oil or electric with round or square feature lids.

3 Station Rd, Heathfield, E. Sussex Tel: 01435 868686 Web: www.woodstockfires.co.uk

Visit our showroom with working electric model with superb induction hob.

We are open 7 days a week.

Mark Ripley Forge & Fireplaces Robertsbridge, East Sussex, TN32 5NY

STOVES

COOKERS

SASH WINDOW CONSERVATION

GAS FIRES

Your existing Sash Windows without Draughts, Rattles, Jamming or Noise

Also ELECTRIC STOVES • SPARES SERVICING • COOKWARE...etc

We specialise in All draughtproofing and timber repairs Noise reduction G Reducing your CO2 footprint G Joinery from our own workshop G

G

OFTEC and HETAS Registered Company

Tel. 01580 880324

www.sashwindowconservation.com

0800 214 984

Member of FENSA

THE GARDEN HOUSE LTD “A Room of One’s Own” Having a party?

Everyone got to drive?

Why not hire your own teepee?

Solidly built to the highest standards this timeless design fits perfectly into any surroundings.

Each Garden House is individually built in our Kentish Barn and reconstructed on site by our own experienced team.

Superbly finished with a roof of red cedar shingles, excellent insulation for all year use and choice decor, the Garden House is the perfect retreat for use as a home office, studio, workroom or den.

58

We will erect and dismantle your teepee on site for you and it comes complete with matting and either floor cushions or mattresses.

We can even supply a log burner including logs for £30.

Perfect for BBQ’s, children’s parties, themed parties (summer or winter), sleep overs or just family holidays.

Send us a smoke signal now on...

Call now for Brochure & Design Schedule 01843 821851

01797 253829 or 07713 605525

info@thegardenhouse.ltd.uk www.thegardenhouse.ltd.uk

TP’s, HAREBELL, WATERMILL LANE, BECKLEY, RYE, EAST SUSSEX, TN31 6SH

www.tp-hire.co.uk

AC122 - 59:Aspect County 24/10/2008 09:28 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS

Amtico Respond To Classic Demand One of the most innovative and resilient flooring manufacturers in the world has just expanded its stunning collection of Oaks.

Amtico International has added two new classic colours to the collection, which sit within the Amtico wood range. The additions expand the colour palettes of Oaks to create an exciting new alternative to the natural product.

Natural Red Oak is a traditional wood with rich warm tones, a distinctive grain and large cathedrals. Natural and untreated, the wood will be a staple addition to Amtico’s recently launched Red Oak, which has a stained finish.

Farmhouse Oak is a popular mid colour neutral, launched to meet demand for floorboards and reclaimed barn oaks. The soft aged brown colour and sophisticated rustic feel make it suitable for many different interiors, and fills a gap in Amtico’s existing range.

Sian Lewis, residential marketing manager for Amtico International, said: “These new products expand our already comprehensive range.

The Oak collection is a beautifully simple yet stylish collection of classic woods that is ideally suited for a wide variety of interior schemes.”

Amtico International has 40 years’ experience in designing, engineering and manufacturing some of the most innovative and resilient flooring products in the world. The company delivers flooring solutions to domestic environments as well as industry and business.

For further information visit www.amtico.com.

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AC122 - 61:Aspect County 22/10/2008 14:39 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS Opened in 1996, Factory Tiles of Uckfield are proud of their reputationand their large showrooms based at Uckfield.

Why Factory Tiles? Well, as well as dealing with a selection of top distribution companies, Factory Tiles also buy direct from the tile factories in the UK and abroad. By buying in bulk, Factory Tiles can purchase the very best tiles on the market and pass on the savings to their clients.

From Spain and Italy, Factory Tiles purchase ceramic and porcelain wall and floor tiles. Turkey supplies travertine, limestone and marble.

Terracotta comes direct from Mexico, and slate, sandstone and quartzite from India. This means that they are able to offer top quality tiles and stone at low prices- and stock a large selection on the premises for immediate collection.

Factory Tiles are rightly proud of their large warehouse/showroom which enables the company to show life size displays in an uncluttered environment.

The displays in the showroom cover a wide range of tiles and floor coverings including ceramic wall tiles, porcelain wall tiles, porcelain floor tiles, terracotta floor tiles, slate floors, stone for walls and floors.

The selection of tiles on this page represents a very small proportion of range you will view at their showrooms. To find out more visit at Units 3-7 Bell Lane, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield. Telephone 01825 768733. Alternatively find out more at www.factorytiles.co.uk

61

AC122 - 62:Aspect County 23/10/2008 16:20 Page 10

B. Mitchell Plastering All aspects of plastering undertaken

Ben Mitchell Skimming | Drylining | Tape & Jointing Floor Screed | Rendering

BDM PLASTERING

Mobile: 07980993109 Email: Ben.mitchell6@btinternet.com FREE ESTIMATES

We are here to stretch your imagination with innovative suggestions and designs for the very best in bathrooms and kitchens. Each kitchen or bathroom installation, is custom created to suit your every requirement in materials, finish and functionality.

Visit our award winning showroom near Maidstone, one of the largest in the UK and see for yourself the amazing selection of bathrooms and kitchens available.Potts have expert staff who are ready to help you every step of the way, from selection through planning to installation.

POTTS LIMITED KILN BARN ROAD EAST MALLING MAIDSTONE KENT ME19 6BQ

., ,

.,

INGLENOOK RESTORATION

B

OPENING HOURS: MON - SAT 9.00AM – 5.00PM TELEPHONE 01732 848444 FACSIMILE 01732 844238 WWW.POTTS.LTD.UK

ltd

ring your period feature back to life using traditional methods and materials.

SPECIALISTS IN •lime plasters •lime mortars •damp •blast cleaning We source reclaimed stone, bricks, oak beams etc, to bring your inglenook back to its best.

For a free survey or any advice call 01797 270773 or 07875 655821 or visit www.inglenookrestoration.com 62

AC122 - 63:Aspect County 24/10/2008 09:37 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS Based in Church Street, Reigate and established in January 2000, The Finishing Touch Flooring Studio is an exciting, forward thinking family run business.

The Finishing Touch pride themselves on extolling the traditional values of excellent customer service and professional installation, with the sort of customer care and after sales attention that is second to none and sadly missing in many larger outlets.

This can be backed up by the owners Peter & Gareth, who, have a combined 40 years fitting experience before moving into the retail business, hence, as their shop is so important, they endeavour to have at least one of them present on all installations, to ensure high standards are always maintained.

The product portfolio contains the very latest innovations in hard flooring such as Amtico, Karndean and the environmentally friendly Marmoleum. There is also a very extensive range of engineered wood plank flooring. This is further backed up by one of the largest carpet displays in the area, providing all the major manufacturers including the traditional Axminster, Adam, Westex & Penthouse- to the slightly more adventurous natural carpet companies such as Crucial Trading, Alternative Flooring and Kersaint Cobb.

A large proportion of their trade comes from word of mouth, which is a testament to the kind of service provided.

The Finishing Touch are very competitive in price and would be delighted to help you put "the finishing touch" to your home.

To find out more contact The Finishing Touch on 01737 225975.

63

AC121 - StrawberryHill2:Aspect County 19/09/2008 12:30 Page 10

Strawberry Hill Fireplaces

01323 733883

Suppliers of period and contemporary style fireplaces

79-81 South Street, Eastbourne www.strawberryhillfireplaces.com

AC122 - The Finishing Touch:Aspect County 24/10/2008 09:39 Page 10

35 Church Street, Reigate, RH2 0AD Telephone: 01737 225975 www.finishingtouchreigate.co.uk

AC122 - 66:Aspect County 23/10/2008 16:01 Page 10

HERITAGE

CAST IRON RADIATORS Stylish & Practical Kitchens from Country classic style to modern chic at affordable prices

Visit Our Showroom Mon-Fri 10am - 4pm Sat 9am to 1pm

Hailsham Road, Heathfield (next to cycle revival)

01435 868225 www.kitchensbycdc.com

SUPPLIERS OF ORIGINAL CAST IRON RADIATORS & TRADITIONAL VALVES & FITTINGS

01435 869288

WWW.HERITAGECASTIRONRADIATORS.COM

MOUNTFIELDS Quality Bespoke Furniture Specialists

Cross in Hand, East Sussex, TN21 0SR Open Mondays - Saturdays

66

01435 864005 mountfields@yahoo.co.uk

AC122 - 67:Aspect County 24/10/2008 09:31 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS

Margaret Muir - Blume Margaret Muir, designer and manufacturer of beautiful bed linen.

Inspired by nature and combined with an injection of style from the Orient, the range is both fresh and exotic.

Margaret Muir began her work in textiles in the late 1920s fuelled by her passion for interiors. Her vision was to create uncomplicated sophistication in the home. This has become a reality with the Margaret Muir collection, which has evolved over the years and is now designed

by Ivy Rawson, the wife of Margaret’s grandson. The classic white themes of Margaret Muir remain, but are combined with Rawson’s fashion background and Asian influence, to create a striking contemporary collection.

The Margaret Muir range uses 100% cotton percale to ensure a quality finish and ultimate comfort. Both leaf and floral detail is intricate and created with the highest standard of workmanship.

Different countries around the world show subtle but significant differences in their taste for home textiles, but the Margaret Muir collection appeals to a universal good taste. Just 18 months after the initial launch, the collection is now available in countries throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.

For more information, please visit www.margaretmuir.com.

Interior Design Dos and Don’ts from Ambience Do you look around your home with despair, knowing it is in dire need of an overhaul but with no idea where to start? Do you dearly want a new look for your home but are scared of making a mess of it and ending up with a home design disaster? If so, you’re not alone; many of us are stumped when it comes to recreating the beautiful homes we see in magazines and on television.

Creating interiors that are stylish and up-to-date, beautiful to look at and a joy to live in, while also being functional and reflecting the lifestyle of you and your family is no easy task. This is especially the case for those of us who have no design training or experience and who are overwhelmed by the choice of looks, styles and makes of home furnishings on the market. But as with any project, it helps to start with some basic guidelines which, if adhered to, are sure to vastly improve the look of your home. Ambience Home Design recommends keeping in mind the following ‘home truths’: • DO update your home on a regular basis to keep the interior fresh and up-to-date. This doesn’t just mean keeping up with the latest fashions in interior design. You can keep things new by moving furniture around, changing your scatter cushions with the seasons, and by regularly retouching the paintwork.

• DO test a potential new paint colour for a room by painting a large block of the wall and not just by using a tiny tester. Paint colours can look very different once on the wall and dry, and you’ll only be able to see how the new shade will look with your furnishings by seeing it on a wall of the room itself.

• DO use rugs to anchor furniture in the layout of a room, but have them as an integral part of the styling of the room and not just as an afterthought.

professionals. To get the most out of your home décor you should do the same: use expert interior designers to provide conceptual design and bring out elements of your home that you had never considered.

Professionals draw on years of experience, a network of suppliers and natural designing flair to create interiors with a polished finish that most of us mere mortals couldn’t hope to achieve. Using a company such as Ambience Home Design that offers interior design project management is vital if you have a large project that involves more than just changing curtains and cushions.

• DON’T underestimate the power of good lighting. When looking at how to light a room, consider its function: would dimmers be best to create atmosphere and to easily change the lighting level, if not what wattage of central and side lights should you use? For the best effect, use different types of lighting – table lamps, floor lamps, recessed and spot lighting.

• DON’T get obsessed with themes or your home could end up looking like an amusement park. Having a cohesive style in a room is vital, but over-styling can be as bad as no styling at all.

• DON’T forget that the key to beautiful home furnishings is all about the details. The most styled interior will be lacking warmth without details such as candles, personal photographs and favourite ornaments, etc.

• DON’T use only one colour or texture throughout a room. Mixing up shades and textures gives depth to a room and creates a homely, lived-in feeling. But be careful not to create chaos - have one colour and texture that runs through all the rooms, and while you should have a minimum of two or three patterns, don’t go overboard with too many. Take a tip from interior designers and start with an inspiration piece (a swatch of fabric or a cushion); it can help keep the mixture focused.

• DO get professional help. Most of us wouldn’t attempt to cut our own hair or remodel our kitchen on our own; we would call in the 67

AC122 - 68:Aspect County 17/10/2008 15:32 Page 10

AC122 - 69:Aspect County 27/10/2008 19:33 Page 10

VICTORIA STONE

the ďŹ re place

Victoria Stone Limited Fireplace Designers & Installers Stoves - Gas Fires & Chimneys

www.thenaturalheatco.co.uk

T: (01892) 541337 F: (01892) 541339

• Woodburning & multi fuel stoves

W: www.victoriastone.co.uk E: sales@victoriastone.co.uk Victoria House, 79 St. Johns Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN4 9TU

wroom ur Sho Visit O o At Rye! Als - Now

• Fireplaces • Wood burning & pellet boilers • Gas & electric models available

01303 813999 Open: Mon - Sat 9am-5pm

Otterpool Lane Sellindge - Ashford 500 yards from Port Lympne (ample free parking)

Open 7 Days 6+233,1* ‡ )22' ‡ 086,&

TRADING BOUNDARIES Welcome to the Unique Shopping Experience

12 High Street - Rye Tel: 01797 227943 Open: Mon,Wed & Fri 10am - 4.30pm

$ 9DVW &ROOHFWLRQ RI )XUQLWXUH $UWLIDFWV Textiles & Jewellery

Superb Belgian designed sofas from ÂŁ795 while stocks last!

The Elephant CafĂŠ Bar

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Ready Stock at Importer’s Prices!

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AC122 - 70:Aspect County 14/10/2008 17:06 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS

Capacity As Large As The Ocean For the ultimate multi-tasking sink, Franke is proud to present the Oceana OAX 110, an undermount sink with jumbo capacity.

When you need a sink that can cope with numerous pots, pans and plates at tea time, the sheer size of the Oceana can accommodate your every need.

Combining high-style with ergonomic ideas, the Oceana is designed with modern lifestyles in mind. Suitable for 80cm wide cabinets, and with a bowl size that measures 710mm wide x 430mm deep x 226mm high, this extra deep and spacious bowl is designed to be as versatile as possible.

The undermount nature of the Oceana ensures that the worktop is smooth and uninterrupted, for a cleaner, minimalist appearance, while the easy-on-the-eye shape, with its carefully-crafted curves, offer a gentle and softer touch.

The good looks of the silk steel finish also make it also incredibly resilient – resistant to staining, chipping, rust and erosion as well as being extremely easy to keep clean – everything you need from a modern day sink!

For further information, contact 0161 436 6280, or visit www.franke.co.uk.

Kitchen Catwalk For kitchens straight off the catwalk, look to Keller Kitchens.

Functionality as well as style provides the essential elements in modern lifestyles. Busy homes require those ergonomic touches which look great as well as functioning fabulously and this is where the GL 7300 from Keller excels.

The simplicity of design conceals accessible storage solutions and, with the opportunity to have cabinets as wide as 2000mm, is ideally suited to open-plan or largerscale kitchens.

With the exclusive features such as horizontal grooves for subtle detailing, crisp lines of the cabinetry silhouette and self-contained sliding fronts, as well as demonstrating convenient and safety-conscious aspects, the overall super-sleek style of the GL 7300 is the ideal cabinetry for those who desire a clutter-free effect kitchen With 18 colourways available, including the crystal-white hues and dusky dark diamond as pictured, the silkysmooth worktops allow easy cleaning as well as enhancing the visual appeal.

For further information on Keller, and a brochure which illustrates the entire range, please call 0161 962 6939 or visit www.KellerEurope.com.

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AC120 - Country Warmth:Aspect County 19/08/2008 15:45 Page 10

COUNTRY WARMTH Top quality fireplaces from a top quality company

One of the worlds most efficient eco wood burning stoves introducing the new xeoos TwinFire.

Established 25 years Full design & installation service throughout the south east.

01303 240300 www.countrywarmth.com 1-3 Sandgate High Street, Sandgate

AC122 - 72:Aspect County 15/10/2008 10:49 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS

Leading Retailer Predicts A Bolder And Brighter Year Ahead For Britain’s Kitchens A riot of rainbow colours, the resurgence of horizontal stripes and a new emphasis on natural materials. No, we’re not talking the latest catwalk trends, but the hottest new kitchens. (insert byline – option to magazine journalist or PR team – amend according to publication and editor’s preference) investigates.

Kitchens are the busy hubs of most households, with a recent survey revealing that two thirds of people have ditched the dining room in favour of the kitchen as the main room for eating and entertaining guests.

New research from Lloyds TSB has unsurprisingly revealed that personal loan applications for home improvements have risen by 19% with more homeowners choosing to invest time and money in renovating their properties. In the current uncertain housing market, homeowners are making improvements either to make homes more attractive to potential buyers, to add long-term value or simply to accommodate changing lifestyle needs.

The study also found that a new kitchen is the feature most likely to help a homeowner sell their property.

A kitchen that appeals to an ever-shrinking pool of prospective purchasers is clearly what will make your home really stand out from the crowd. So if you’re planning on updating your kitchen what should be on your checklist? Despite the grey financial landscape, one of the big trends in kitchens in the coming year will be bright colours according to Paula Morris, Marketing Manager at County, a company that has been designing, manufacturing and selling kitchens since 1975,

“Horizontal grain doors bring a very contemporary look to the kitchen, with a strong retro feel. It is particularly effective when combined with wide drawers, creating a linear look which lends itself well to open plan spaces.”

“Much like on the autumn catwalks vibrant shades such as greens, yellows, aubergine and dark red are making a splash in interiors.

“De-cluttering remains a watchword for modern life and the importance of having a place for everything people need to hand in a busy kitchen will grow and grow. Maximising the use of hard to reach corners and the back of cupboards is now much easier with storage solutions such as ‘magic corners’, Le Mans units, carousels and half carousels, while deep drawers with food dividers and tall larders with pull-out drawers are becoming more and more desirable.

“For those less adventurous souls, there is always the opportunity to include a brightly coloured single feature, such as a unit or an island while using more neutral natural wood as a backdrop.”

The age-old fashion edict that horizontal stripes are a big no-no is firmly imprinted in all women’s minds. But it’s time to re-evaluate says Paula:

Optimisation of space will continue to be a priority as consumers search for more innovative ways to make use of previously dead space:

“Increasingly smart storage means that the typical busy parent or timepoor young professional can easily lay their hands on that elusive tin of beans or spice jar without a ten-minute rummage through a dark cupboard!”

Set for a comeback in 2009 are timbers such as dark oak, harking back to a trend last seen in the nation’s kitchens around 20 years ago. Paula says that the textured design of these dark doors has brought them bang-up-to-date, lending a sumptuous, decadent air to any kitchen. She also predicts a rise in popularity of natural timbers in general: ”Materials such as natural oak have enjoyed huge popularity over the last two to three years, and this has led to a resurgence in interest in other natural timbers. So rather than lacquered or varnished finishes, people are revelling in the beauty of the wood which looks as nature intended.

Paula concludes: “2009 will be an exciting time for kitchens with more people looking to make the most of their current homes and really maximise their appeal.

It’s important that not only does a kitchen have the impressive ‘wow factor’ aesthetically, but work from a practical perspective too. The resurgence of impactful colours and the latest innovations in storage solutions mean that there has never been a better time to make the most important room of the home work harder.”

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AC122 - 74:Aspect County 16/10/2008 09:21 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS Small is most definitely beautiful when it comes to Boone’s Chapel, one of London’s most endangered buildings that is currently undergoing a £400,000 one year restoration programme.

Boone’s Chapel, originally built with four adjoining almshouses, is a single-storey rectangular building that is just 45 square metres in size. It is all that remains of the founder's estate. The design of the exterior is grand and combines fine brickwork with detailing in Portland stone under a complex, pyramidal roof topped by a cupola. It occupies a prominent corner of the later Merchant Taylors’ Company almshouses site on Lee High Road in Lewisham.

The red brick chapel dates back to 1682. Local legend states that Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to carry out the work although it’s more likely that it was his protégé, Robert Hooke, who designed it.

The restoration process began late in 2006 but was delayed by twelve months due to the discovery of the burial chamber of original founder Sir Christoper Boone.

One of the UK’s leading blacksmiths, York-based Don Barker, was called upon to restore the ironwork.

“The work comprised of replacing the existing windows with exact replicas made with stainless steel frames,” explained Don who has been creating decorative ironwork for four decades and has worked on many of the UK’s landmark buildings including Westminster Abbey.

He went on: “The existing leaded lights were carefully removed and where possible the original panes of antique glass were re-used. The early window glass was made by spinning a lump of molten glass on the end of a rod until it formed a large circular sheet of glass from which the panes could be cut.

“The most expensive pieces were the thinnest, clearest sections at the outer edge and the cheapest section was the bull’s eye which was sold to the less well off. How times change as replica bull’s eye windows

cost more than the perfect glass that we use today!” added Don of the building that was last used in 1945 for a celebration VE Day service.

Some of the windows had a double glazed safety glass layer added to the outside for protection and security.

Don, who operates two busy forges on the outskirts of York, went on “Two of the oval windows were originally glazed directly into the stone openings so we manufactured and fitted new replica stainless steel opening windows to comply with modern day building regulations.”

The chapel, which had been used as a reading room until the Second World War has become a design office for Research Design, a local architectural practice run by Madeleine Adams and Charlie MacKeith.

A condition of Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage grants is that the building be opened to the public for at least 30 days per year.

During Open House London weekend in September, the building and exhibition attracted 1,260 visitors. Future exhibitions will present contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship.

"Having worked with Don before, I knew he would bring passion, creative input and highly quality workmanship to the project. Don's work perfectly summarises the whole project approach: a light touch, salvaging as much as much as possible while being appropriate to a contemporary use." says Charlie.

“It’s a wonderful building and it deserves a new lease of life,” exclaimed Don “and I’m proud to have played a part in reviving such a distinctive piece of our architectural heritage.”

Wise words indeed and the kind of language that would be music to the ears of Wren, Hooke and Boone as well as all of the craftsmen involved in creating this small but perfectly formed slice of our capital’s history.

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AC122 - 78:Aspect County 24/10/2008 12:01 Page 10

HOMES & INTERIORS

Bring a warm, cosy glow to your home With its realistic coal fire effect, the beautiful Provence portable heater from Calor will bring a warm, cosy glow to any home. Its traditional cast iron stove design is the ultimate in country chic and sophistication, and is perfect as the main focal point in a conservatory or living room.

Fuelled by either a 7kg or 15kg Calor butane cylinder, which fits neatly inside the body, it is a simple way to ‘pay as you go’ with your heating this year. The average cylinder will last up to 103 hours so you’ll know exactly how much you’re spending.

Call Calor on 0800 662 663 or visit www.lpg-portable-heaters.co.uk.

Shower Your Bathroom With Elegant Accessories York - With its pretty curves and intricate fretwork, Imperial Bathrooms’ popular York range of accessories perfectly compliments a wide selection of traditional and period bathrooms, providing the perfect finishing touch. Intricately detailed and finished in chrome or antique gold, the York range boasts a wide choice of options including tumbler holder, glass shelf, soap dish, single and double towel rails, toilet roll holder, robe hook and towel arm available with or without glass shelf.

Avignon - Graceful and elegant, the beautifully proportioned Avignon range is sure to give your new bathroom an elegant and truly luxurious feel. Combining glass, frosted glass and polished chrome, this range is truly a timeless classic. All wall mounted, options include soap dish, tumbler, glass shelf, single, double and short towel rails, covered and uncovered toilet roll holder, toilet brush and robe hook. A freestanding toilet brush is also available.

Get The Classic And Stylish Look The timeless appeal of Cornwall, a new kitchen design from Keller, is designed to suit any home.

From the Red label collection, Cornwall offers stunning oak veneerfinished 18mm thick cabinet doors that are sleek and stylish. The attention to detail of this range is evident through its vertical grooves and trendy handleless doors.

The Cornwall is offered in 18 colourways as standard along with the Keller palette of 1500 paint colours. There is also a selection of five glass effects for wall units, including rippled, frosted, master carre and ornamental.

It’s not just the external aesthetics of Keller’s kitchens that are highly specified – the internal storage has also been carefully considered, allowing you to make use of every inch of available space. For example, the drawers and pan drawers in the base units can be fully pulled out – not only providing you with instant access to all the internal contents, but also allowing you to keep all your pots and pans neat and tidy.

For further information on Keller products, please call 0161 962 6939 or visit www.KellerKitchens.com.

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AC122 - 79:Aspect County 22/10/2008 12:02 Page 10

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AC122 - 85:Aspect County 23/10/2008 12:24 Page 10

LOCAL NEWS

Royal Society of Marine Artists annual exhibition This year’s show includes Mark Myers’ painting The Mystery bound for Melbourne, depicting the 37 ft Cornish lugger, which was sailed from Cornwall to Australia in 1854-55. The heroic journey is in the news at the moment as Pete Goss, who received a Legion d'Honneur for saving the life of a fellow sailor in the 1996 Vendée Globe solo world yacht race, is about to embark on a recreation of it sailing a replica, the Spirit of Mystery.

Marine art fans may already be familiar with another painting Bradford Service to the Indian Chief, which appeared on the RNLI Christmas cards last December and depicts one of the most celebrated lifeboat rescues. Ramsgate Coxswain Charles Fish was awarded a gold medal for this arduous 26-hour service on 5–6 January 1881 when he and his crew rescued 11 people from the stricken Indian Chief. It has been described as one of the finest services in the RNLI’s history.

The painting will be owned by Mrs J. B. Theobald, a direct descendent of Coxswain Charles Fish.

Fans of Patrick O’Brian and Master and Commander will be glad to see Flying Kites, a painting of HMS Surprise by Geoff Hunt, specially created for the definitive book about this famous ship to be published in November.

The Society is also focusing on environmental issues this year, forging a new connection with the Marine Conservation Society. The MCS Chairman, Sir Geoffrey Newman, opened the show on 14 October 2008.

Artists are uniquely placed to observe and record our environment and the Members of the RSMA explore many aspects of this, our ocean planet.

£1.7m And Thousands Of Man Hours Later London Ashford Airport (Lydd) has spent £1.7 million and thousands of man hours preparing reports and undertaking environmental studies to support its planning applications, the airport’s new managing director has revealed.

The airport’s exhaustive preparations have drawn on the knowledge of environment, architecture, traffic and transport experts, as well as planning consultants and lawyers and the geography department of the University of Liverpool.

More than 20 volumes of information have been produced since December 2006, when the airport submitted its proposals for a runway extension and new terminal building to Shepway District Council.

The latest reports include updates to traffic and transport assessments, studies on noise, ornithology, sewerage and invertebrates, a carbon management plan and a lighting impact assessment.

The Kent airport’s original environmental impact assessment (EIA) began in 2004 and took two years to complete. It covered everything from moths to air quality and outlined a series of measures to help safeguard the environment, including waste, air quality and noise management strategies, and promoting a conservation monitoring programme.

Added Mr Spink: “While some stakeholders will never be satisfied and will continue to object to the airport’s development, the council now has more than enough detail to determine our applications and we are confident there will be no further requests for information.

Since then, numerous additional studies have been prepared covering over 20 subjects. Eight reports were submitted to Shepway Council in October 2007 and last month the airport handed over a further eight volumes, plus plans and maps.

Airport managing director Cliff Spink said: “We have worked tirelessly to answer each and every concern that stakeholders have had about our development proposals. It’s been a painstaking, costly and timeconsuming process but we recognise we have a duty to minimise any potentially significant effects the project might have on the environment and local community.

“We are ready and willing to invest and bring widespread social and economic benefits to the region at a time when the credit crunch is costing jobs and hitting many companies hard. Development of Lydd has never been more important - it’s time for the council to make its decision.”

The airport’s plans are supported 100% by business groups such as the Channel Chamber of Commerce and the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce.

Cliff Spink said the investment in a new terminal and a runway extension would build on the current services already offered at Lydd.

This includes an aircraft maintenance and repair service which is being expanded to meet increasing demand.

“However I believe the local authority also has a duty to secure inward investment and advance the district’s economy and people’s job security,” added Mr Spink.

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AC122 - 86:Aspect County 23/10/2008 12:23 Page 10

LOCAL NEWS

New fish species found in the Thames Estuary The Environment Agency and the Zoological Society of London have uncovered a new species of fish in the tidal Thames - the Greater Weever - one of an astonishing 125 species of fish known to be found in the river.

The Greater Weever, a predatory fish, can grow to a length of half a metre and has venomous spines on its back and was discovered last week as part of a two year, joint monitoring programme looking at fish populations in the tidal Thames.

The new find will bring the total recorded number of fish species in the Thames Estuary up to a grand total of 125. The 125 species listed have been caught in the tidal Thames between Fulham and Tilbury since 1964. A number of the species listed are resident within the estuary, with others being considered occasional visitors or simply passing through into the freshwater Thames.

During this two year study over 60 species of fish have been recorded, including commercially important species such as Sole, Cod, Sea Bass and Thornback Ray. Unusual species such as the Short-Snouted Seahorse and John Dory have also been recorded. In addition, conservation species such as the Twaite Shad, European Eel and River Lamprey have been recorded.

The Thames estuary is under huge pressures, including new development, dredging, cargo vessel traffic and commercial fishing.

Data gathered by the Environment Agency and the Zoological Society of London from monitoring programmes such as this one provide vital information for detecting changes in fish populations.

Environment Agency Fishery Officer Emma Barton said: "The diversity and abundance of fish is an excellent indicator of the health of the Thames estuary. Long-term monitoring provides us with vital information that helps shape the way we manage future development on the estuary."

Matthew Gollock, Zoological Society of London's Thames Conservation Project Manager, said: "Heavy pollution in the Thames estuary once left the waterway devoid of fish species. However, the discovery of this new species and the blossoming diversity of fish are hugely indicative of the renaissance of the estuary.

"The Zoological Society of London's partnership with the Environment Agency will help us to understand much more about the distribution and behaviour of the many species and, in the long term, help us to maintain and conserve the estuary, and increase its biodiversity."

Adopt a phone box...?

Wealden District Council is calling for 35 endangered call boxes to be retained in the district.

"It is our job to respond to BT's closure plans," said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member for Strategic Planning & Housing Delivery.

"We have had a great response from members of the public, and parish and town councils, who are concerned about the loss of emergency telephone cover if the call boxes were removed. Many telephone kiosks have become a well-loved part of the rural landscape and their retention will help preserve the heritage of the district."

"I think BT should carry on maintaining these public phone boxes in the interests of the local community."

Twenty-one of the boxes are the classic K6 kiosks designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, the famous 20th century architect who spent his childhood at Ninfield. His work also includes Liverpool's Anglican cathedral and Battersea power station. It was his bicycle rides around the Sussex countryside looking at churches that helped foster his interest in architecture.

The Council is calling for 35 kiosks be saved out of the total of 44 which BT want axed, and has asked for more information about two more. Due to uncertainty regarding the details of some of the phone boxes earmarked for closure, Wealden has been given extra time for the consultation process. It is asking both parish and town councils and the general public for their views on Wealden's call to save 35 telephone kiosks.

Wealden is asking for all submitted responses to be made to it by 5pm 86

on Friday October 17 to ensure BT receive these views on time.

BT is operating two schemes whereby local authorities can either: • Adopt-a-Kiosk at cost £1 a call box but the telephony equipment is removed; or • Sponsor-a-Kiosk which costs £500 including a contribution towards keeping the telephony equipment in place.

Information about both these scheme can be found on www.payphones.bt.com

AC121 - 11:Aspect County 23/10/2008 12:31 Page 10

THE TRUTH ABOUT MONEY

Why should you start financial planning for 2009, now?

By Mike Robertson, Independent Financial Adviser Everybody knows, to successfully lose weight you have to exercise and count calories, which, for some people, takes a lot of will power and preparation. It’s like planning a road journey or if you use a GPS (Sat Nav) the first decision is always put in the post code. In other words, where do you want to go, otherwise you may not know if you have arrived there or not.

important task that should be addressed.

• Life insurance could help ensure that your family will have enough money to meet their financial obligations in the event of your premature death.

The subject is boring…and morbid

The philosophy of a successful financial plan evolves from your will power to set your financial goals, its all about the preparation. It is about setting short and long-term goals and developing the strategies to achieve those goals. Goal setting is the process of deciding which needs and wants to pursue, based on a person’s values. Goals provide direction (like a roadmap) for plans and future actions. Goals become more effective when they are SMART - specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound. Goal setting is the foundation of financial planning.

A successful financial plan is an understanding of where you want to be financially in both the short and long term. In other words, a destination plan (a road map) for you and your money.

Once your Independent Financial Planner understands your future goals he can then take a holistic approach to planning for your financial future. This will provide direction and meaning to your financial decisions. Financial planning covers the various facets of the individual’s financial needs, which include: • Protection against risk, insurance planning, risk management • Accumulating capital, future cash flow planning.

• Investment planning and advice, asset allocation and rebalancing.

• Estate or Inheritance Tax Planning includes Wills and Trusts.

• Pension, Retirement and Tax Planning.

This month we look at - Protection against risk, insurance planning, risk management?

• If you really don’t like to think about death, you’re not alone.

• Death is an unpleasant subject, and life insurance raises issues of our own mortality.

• Some people say that the very thought of starting the life insurance buying process makes them feel stressed-out.

• There’s no great appeal to contemplating our own mortality • It’s a subject we’d rather ignore than address.

• The result can be inertia or denial.

It doesn’t have to be that way. People who do act on their life insurance needs tend to focus on the positive aspects. The idea of meeting their responsibilities to provide for, and care for, their loved ones, they think of it as contingency planning, protecting their families against the uncertainties of life. They also recognise that life insurance is really about life and love, about helping to ensure a positive quality of life for their spouse and children if they die prematurely.

I don’t know where to start? If you don’t have a clue about which type of policy is right for you, or how much life insurance you need, join the club. Few of us truly understand life insurance: Why we need it; what type of policy is best; how much we need; when and how benefits are paid; how benefits may be taxed, and more.

That’s OK; it’s not your job to know everything about life insurance.

That’s the job of the financial planner. Thinking you need to have all of the answers about which type of life insurance is best for you, is like needing surgery and thinking you need to know which type of scalpel to use. That’s the surgeon’s job.

What is Life Insurance – 5 reasons to buy life insurance?

1. provide continuing income or a lump sum for your family.

2. pay off debts you leave behind 3. pay off final expenses and taxes 4. provide an estate for your loved ones 5. leave money to a charity Why people Don’t Want to Buy Life Insurance If you’re like most people, it’s not that you don’t welcome the value of life insurance. In fact, many people believe they need more life cover.

If the truth be known, you probably wouldn’t mind owning additional life insurance. It’s just that you don’t want to buy it.

• Thinking about buying life insurance?

• Talking about buying life insurance?

• Discussing the reasons for buying life insurance?

• All of this makes many people feel uncomfortable?

Here are just some of the reasons why you may be putting off buying the life insurance you know you need.

• I don’t have enough time?

• You’ll get around to buying life insurance…but not today.

With all the things you’ve got to do, buying life insurance can come off as a low priority–just one more thing you ought to do. Plus, the whole idea of discussing life insurance isn’t a whole lot of fun. Who wouldn’t rather take the dogs for a walk on the beach, attend a child’s football game, or spend those precious few hours of free time in the evening visiting with friends? Nevertheless, buying life insurance is really an

In the same respect, the right financial planner can guide you through the process of selecting the policy that best suits your needs, budget, and objectives, and can answer your questions.

• Life insurance isn’t a high priority compared with the other expenses I have For many underinsured people, it’s not so much that they don’t want the life insurance they need; it’s just difficult to find the extra money to pay for it.

Buying life insurance you can’t afford benefits no one. If it causes your family hardship or requires you to make choices that seem incongruous then you’ll eventually discontinue the policy. Then you lose, and your family loses. That’s why it’s important to purchase a policy that meets your needs and your budget.

The bottom line buying life insurance is one way you can help secure your family’s financial future. And what could be better than knowing your loved ones will be protected, even if you’re no longer around to take care of them?

MRA (Mike Robertson Associates Limited) 0800 612 9223. If you are concerned about 2009 and want to discuss your investment, retirement, life insurance, your present and future financial position, don’t wait until the end of the year. We help you estimate the cost of the life you want to enjoy in years to come. If you need further information, visit our website www.mraltd.com, for debt management www.mradebthelp.co.uk

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AC122 - 88:Aspect County 15/10/2008 11:17 Page 10

LOCAL CHURCHES

Burwash Church

By Roger Paine At the eastern end of the picturesque village of Burwash, on the road between Heathfield and Etchingham, is the parish church of St Bartholomew. The first stone church was built here in 1090 but only the walls of the tower, three feet thick and made of roughly embedded stones with wide mortar joints, provide evidence of these Norman origins.

As Burwash grew so too it became necessary to extend the church.

Towards the end of the 12th century the church was enlarged by removing the south wall of the nave and adding an aisle. The north wall underwent similar treatment 50 years later. The chancel was also replaced at this time and later still both aisles were widened, buttresses added to the south west corner of the tower and new widows put into both aisles. A porch over the west door was added and a vestry built in the north east corner. At some point an impressive shingled spire was built on top of the tower.

Except for these alterations, the church remained largely untouched for almost 500 years until 1856 when it was partially rebuilt and extensively restored. During rebuilding the opportunity was taken to install wrought iron gates in the porch. These were made locally at Franchise Forge and are inscribed with the words, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise”.

For centuries Burwash was at the forefront of the Sussex iron industry.

Evidence of this can be found in the earliest known cast-iron sepulchral slab, dated 1343, now on the wall of the Lady Chapel. Originally on the floor, it marked the last resting place of John Collins, member of the ironmaster family who owned a forge at Socknersh, near Brightling. In addition there are several unusual cast-iron headstones in the churchyard and a memorial inside the church to an Elizabethan ironmaster’s daughter, Obedience Nevitt, who died in 1619.

The stained-glass triple lancet window at the east end of the chancel depicts St Bartholomew, the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Richard, patron saint of Chichester cathedral, a model of which he is holding in his hand. Another distinguishing feature is the intricate oak carving of the low chancel screen which adjoins the pulpit. The choir stalls are carved to match.

To the left of the altar is a memorial to Cecil Cooper, who became Bishop of Korea in 1930 and suffered great hardship at the hands of the Chinese communists in the 1950-53 war. On return to England he became chaplain to the nearby Anglican convent at Dudwell St Mary.

Also of interest is the octagonal post-Reformation font on which is carved the Pelham Buckle, one of the most famous Sussex heraldic signs, and a rare 16th century bible which was discovered in 1954 amongst a collection of old books in the vestry.

No mention of Burwash would be complete without reference to the writer and poet, Rudyard Kipling, who lived at Bateman’s, an ironmaster’s house built in 1634 by John Brittan. Once described as “the loveliest small house in Sussex”, it is now owned by the National Trust. Kipling worshipped at St Bartholomew’s and an oval bronze plaque by the south door commemorates the death of his son, John, a lieutenant in the Irish Guards who was killed at the Battle of Loos in August 1915, six weeks after his 18th birthday. This memorial, which includes a Latin inscription meaning “Who died too soon”, was the first commercial work of the sculptor Charles Wheeler, who was later knighted and became President of the Royal Academy.

Kipling visited the battlefields of Flanders after the First World War and was instrumental in bringing back 12 wooden crosses that originally marked the temporary graves of Burwash men buried where they had 88

fallen, before they were later permanently recognised by engraved headstones provided by the War Graves Commission. These simple crosses, crudely painted or stencilled with names and service numbers, now hang on the walls in the porch and provide a focus for quiet reflection before entering the church. In addition, the village has an unusual war memorial opposite the gates of the church. This was unveiled by Kipling after World War I and now records the names of nearly 100 soldiers, sailors and airmen from Burwash killed in action during two world wars. To ensure that the names of the men who never came home are not forgotten, a light at the top of the memorial is turned on in the evening of the anniversary of each death.

For many years the village was notorious for being on a route used by smugglers going to and from the coast near Beachy Head. In 1892, the Reverend John Coker Egerton wrote that he knew parishioners who remembered “the Trade”, as it was known, and that one of his predecessors had taken to his bed, giving out that he was too ill to take the Sunday service, because he knew the church tower was stuffed with contraband! Small headstones in the churchyard, engraved only with a skull and crossbones, mark the last resting place of known smugglers.

Today, the Rector of Burwash, the Reverend Stephen France, whose fine church with its many memorials, Victorian wooden pews and timeless views from the churchyard across the valley of the River Dudwell, welcomes all who wish to visit, “St Bartholomew’s is open to visitors every day of the year. We hope everyone who visits will experience that sense of peace in a place where Christian worship has been celebrated for nearly one thousand years”.

AC122 - 89:Aspect County 14/10/2008 10:45 Page 10

GARDENS

The Good Life- Gardening With Hadlow College

By Pat Crawford The BBC’s recent repeats of The Good Life doubtless caused a lot of people to yearn to replicate Tom and Barbara’s endeavours but, even in rural areas, few gardens are sufficiently large to sustain half a dozen hens, a Gloucester Old Spot and a house cow. Absolutely all of them, however, are big enough to grow at least a contribution to the ‘five-aday’ recommended by the health gurus. Even a window box or a couple of pots - carefully managed - can produce a useful crop.

There hasn’t been so much interest in growing vegetables and fruit since the days of the Second World War when ability to be largely selfsustaining contributed to Britain’s victory in no small way. Now, as then, allotments are in fashion and in many parts of the country there is a waiting list. And ‘Grower Groups’ - involving pooling labour to grow edible crops and sharing out the spoils at harvest - is a new idea catching on like wild fire.

During the last few decades kitchen gardening went into decline. Now it’s back, and in an increasingly big way. In previous centuries, kitchen gardens were a fundamental part of the population having sufficient to eat. The great estates had large kitchen gardens which were generally walled to protect plants from the vagaries of the weather. The walls supported a surprisingly wide range of fruit trees trained as espaliers, cordons and fans. A south facing wall, an orangery and a series of glasshouses were used to produce ‘exotics’ such as peaches, nectarines, almonds, grapes and delicate herbs. Big landowners lived well – but even the tiniest cottage almost always had at least a strip of ground on which to grow food for the pot.

With the near demise of the traditional kitchen garden, the growing of fruit and vegetables was generally relegated to out-of-sight places located, more often than not, at the bottom of the garden. Fortunately the new generation of kitchen gardeners recognises that, in the right place, edible crops can be wonderfully attractive. The most successful

kitchen gardens are the ones that are carefully thought out and well planned. In fact, ‘planned’ should be ‘well designed’ because there are so many options. Choosing the option best suited to the garden in its entirety – and the gardener’s lifestyle – is the most important prerequisite for success.

Planning must start with consideration for the garden as a whole and the uses to which it is put. A children’s play area is generally within sight of several windows - and an alfresco dining area for the grownups is probably occupying a sunny spot that affords protection from gusting winds. There is no reason to disturb parts of the garden that are working well – but the amount of space left, and its location, will strongly influence the plan and structure of the kitchen garden.

Some of the choices? Fruits - and lots of types of vegetables - can be grown in smallish rectangular beds divided by formal or informal paths.

These work well because they can be very attractively planted and are practical to work in a variety of weather conditions. ‘Potagers’ – decorative vegetable and fruit beds – are wonderful in any size garden.

The design can be traditional or modern - circular, rectangular, square, asymmetric – it’s all up to the creator. A raised bed, or a series of raised beds divided by paths, can make a wonderful feature. Raised beds do seem to deter rabbits and they are fantastically functional for gardeners with mobility problems. If the space available is very limited – or when the location isn’t very favourable – the best option will be containers. Finally, would-be gardeners living in flats and apartments without access to a garden or a sheltered balcony or similar, may be surprised what a little know-how would enable even them to grow!

Hadlow College have a wide range of career (including degree) and recreational courses in horticulture and gardening. Telephone: 0500 551434 for information and advice.

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AC122 - 90:Aspect County 24/10/2008 17:00 Page 10

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AC122 - 91:Aspect County 17/10/2008 16:00 Page 10

GARDENS

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare Our guiding principles are to find loving homes for dogs, cats and small animals, and a lifetime of care in our first class facilities for those other animals that remain with us. We warmly welcome enquires from those wishing to provide that special home for any of our companion animals.

Our trained staff will help you to make the right choice to find a new friend. Please come and visit us and enjoy a day out meeting some of the animals. It costs over ÂŁ4,000 every day to care for the animals and maintain our services to the community in the South East and all of this is provided by donations from the public as we receive no government or lottery funding.

The film crew arrived before 5am on Thursday morning to film in our rabbitry. They wanted to highlight the rise in Myxomatosis seen in several parts of the country. Myxomatosis is a nasty disease found in rabbits which is often fatal. It has been in the UK since the early 1950's and is seen mainly in the wild population but can easily affect pet rabbits too. The disease can be spread by fleas, ticks, mosquitos and direct contact. Once the disease is contracted, the rabbit will have swellings around the eyes, face, genitals and anus. They are lethargic and become increasingly depressed and ill until after a slow and painful degeneration in health and often starvation, they die within two to three weeks. Whilst we can do little for the wild population, all pet rabbit owners can help prevent the disease in their own rabbits by seeking a vaccination at their local veterinary surgery. GMTV interviewed a vet from Crowborough as well as our own rabbit expert, Leigh Forbes. If you need advice about this or any other small animal subject why not give Leigh a ring on 01825 840252 or email her at smallanimals@raystede.org

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AC122 - 92:Aspect County 24/10/2008 09:50 Page 10

Enjoy a wonderful day out meeting some of the 1000 animals in our care.

Free entry - Aviary - Sanctuary walks - Picnic area Gift / Charity shop and café - Facilities for the disabled Christmas Fayre 7th December 12noon.

Open 7 days a week 10am - 4pm.

Situated on the B2192 between Halland and Ringmer Ringmer, Nr Lewes, East Sussex, BN8 5AJ. Tel: 01825 840252 www.raystede.org 50 Years of Caring We rely totally on voluntary donations. Charity No. 237696

Battle Mower Centre We can offer New and Used Mower Sales and are starting our Winter Service to the following makes of Garden Machinery; Atco..Hayter..Mountfield..Flymo..Briggs and Stratton Engines.

We can service other makes ..please ask for details.

Agents for Spear & Jackson hand tools and DANequip Chippers and Stump Grinders.

Ryobi electric 4 tonne log splitters.....Flymo and McCullock electric or petrol leaf blowers and Hedgecutter all in stock.

Abbey Pet Foods 20 MARKET SQUARE, BATTLE, EAST SUSSEX, TN33 0XB

FOR ALL YOUR PETS NEEDS We have a Wide Range of Animal and Bird Feeds as well as Accessories and Toys. Live and Frozen Food for Snakes and Reptiles.

Livestock includes Small Animals, Birds, Parrots and Fish.

Free Local Delivery Over £10 Open Mon - Sat 9am - 5pm

For further information please phone 01424 773096 or e-mail; battlemowers@btconnect.com

TEL/FAX 01424 773376

Visit our showroom at the Granary, Station Road, Battle TN33 0DE

www.abbeypetfoods.co.uk info@abbeypetfoods.co.uk

AJEER RECLAMATION Sugar Loaf Yard, Brightling Road, Woods Corner, Nr Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9LL Tel: 01424 838555 Fax: 01424 838556 Email: sales@ajeer.co.uk www.ajeer.co.uk

NATURAL STONE PAVING

BLACK ANTIQUED SANDSTONE

RECLAIMED YORKSHIRE FLAGSTONE

KANDLA GREY SANDSTONE

RAJ MIXTURE SANDSTONE

Please telephone Toby or Barry on 01424 838555 Opening hours: Mon - Fri 7.30 - 5.30pm 92

Sat 7.30 - 1pm

AC122 - 93:Aspect County 23/10/2008 12:48 Page 10

GARDENS

Beautiful Battle Blossomed in 2008 Top awards in the regional South East in Bloom competitions don’t come easily….but that is exactly what Battle scooped this year.

Battle Town, and The Almonry Garden won silver gilt and gold respectively, in this years entry. This was achieved in no small way by the volunteers of BEAUTIFUL BATTLE. BEAUTIFUL BATTLE came into existence in 2004, when the organisers of South East in Bloom recognised that the competitions were becoming too complex for Local Authority management. It was considered that independent groups, whilst working alongside local councils, were better placed to manage the entries. And so it was that in 2006 Beautiful Battle assumed an independency, with the strap line ‘pride in the community’ It’s prime objective is to improve and sustain the environment of Battle, and this it undoubtedly achieves, with the support of much of the community of Battle, embracing both private and public support, including that of schools, community groups, and the local authority.

In achieving this objective the competitive edge has crept in, and this has now become the yardstick and the motivating force, with which to measure it’s success.

Sponsorship is the key to many of the town’s displays. BEAUTIFUL BATTLE is indebted to Battle Town Council for funding and maintaining the flowers in the centre of Battle, and for enabling volunteers to manage the beautiful, public, Almonry Garden.

Businesses and community groups fund both the hanging basket summer displays, and many of the smaller public gardens and flower beds.

This summer has seen the beginning of an exciting Meadow Enhancement Project. King’s Mead is the open space by the Caldbec Hill Windmill, owned by Rother Distict Council. It commands some of

the best views in Battle. The land has received minimal management over recent years, and is a prime candidate for restoration of natural wild flowers. BEAUTIFUL BATTLE has been working alongside Keith Datchler…a Battle farmer & recognised Conservationist in wild flower meadows. The project is also supported by local farmers and Rother District Council. The area has now been mown, the hay bailed, the field harrowed, and local provenance wild flower seed introduced from a neighbouring site. By next summer we should see the first of flower re-generation, and with minimal annual management, an open space to be enjoyed by all of us.

BEAUTIFUL BATTLE is always looking towards more support.

Sponsorship and volunteers are the key towards continuing success.

Should you wish to become involved then please make yourself known to Diana Watson on 01424 774331, or visit www.beautifulbattle.org.

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AC122 - 94:Aspect County 27/10/2008 10:22 Page 10

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AC122 - 95:Aspect County 20/10/2008 11:35 Page 10

MOTORING

The Ultimate Wagon Wheel Wild West ‘Hummer’ artwork unveiled at Zoo Art Fair 2008 Parking wardens take note – it’s not a car, it’s art…

Artist Matthew Harrison today unveils his latest project entitled ‘Hummer’ at the fifth Zoo Art Fair (17-20 October) - a HUMMER H3 complete with wooden wagon wheels, the iconic installation will be parked on Old Burlington Road, opposite the Royal Academy of Arts for the duration of the fair.

Harrison is exhibiting on behalf of East London gallery, Limoncello, one of 57 under six year old galleries, project spaces, artists’ collectives, curatorial groups and publications showcasing works from some of the most exciting art talent in the world.

Harrison has combined the legendary off-road vehicle with ‘Wild West’ wooden wheels to create a sculpture that is a mixture of art, engineering and motoring. For Harrison, the crux of the ‘Hummer’ is formed by both its ‘being’ and its afterlife.

Corin Richards from HUMMER comments: “Similar to HUMMER, this sculpture really is like no other. As well as being built for action, the H3 certainly has a unique, iconic style. We were thrilled to be approached by Matthew and glad to be supporting his work at the Zoo Art Fair.”

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AC122 - 96:Aspect County 10/10/2008 09:48 Page 10

MOTORING

7 of the world's greatest yacht designers, 2 of the world's leading luxury brands, 1 world-class competition Once again, Edmiston & Company leads the way on innovation and design. At this year’s 18th Monaco Yacht Show, Edmiston’s six metre waterfall provided the most dramatic entrance to their spectacular duplex stand, which included a first floor lounge with unrivalled views over of some of the world’s greatest superyachts.

The private Edmiston Terrace at the Port Palace Hotel was the ultimate location for VIP clients to relax. With nearly 100 yachts on display, the Terrace provided a cool, calm sanctuary for clients to talk to an expert Edmiston broker over a glass of chilled champagne, draw up a shortlist of what to see and have everything arranged to make life easy.

And if that wasn’t enough, Edmiston pulled off another industry first by bringing together seven of the world’s greatest yacht designers and two of the world’s leading luxury brands for one world-class competition.

Together with partner Land Rover, Edmiston challenged the world’s leading superyacht designers to customise a Range Rover using the influence of cutting-edge superyacht design. The winning design was unveiled at a press conference in the Port Palace Hotel with over 100 of the most influential press representatives attending. For further information and to find out who the winner was please do look at the link below.

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AC122 - Skinners:Aspect County 27/10/2008 17:51 Page 10

DIESELS 06 06 BMW 530D Sport 4dr Auto, PAS, alloys, climate control, e/w, e/m, ABS, sat nav, phone prep, black metallic with full leather....................................................................................................................................................................................£25,995 07 07 Chrysler 300 CRD 4dr Auto, PAS, alloys, sat nav, boston stereo sound system, e/w, e/m, climate control, ABS, c/l, CD, blue metallic with grey leather, Xenon headlights, Bentley grill, 27,000 miles....................................................................£17,995 03 03 Mercedes E220 CDi Avantgarde 4dr Auto, PAS, alloys, e/w, e/m, panoramic roof, CD autochanger, blue metallic with half leather, 66,000 miles ......................................................................................................................................................£10,495 04 54 VW Golf 2.0 GT TDi 5dr, PAS, alloys, e/w, c/l, ABS, CD, a/c, deep blue metallic, 29,000 miles..................................£9,995 06 06 Seat Ibiza 1.9 TDI FR 130 5dr, PAS, alloys, e/w/m, CD, c/l, ABS, a/c, 23,000 miles, black metallic ......................£8,995 07 07 Peugeot 307 1.6 HDi S 90 5dr, PAS, a/c, e/w, c/l, ABS, 1 owner, choice of 2 black metallic and grey metallic, 11,500 miles ........................................................................................................................................................................................£7,995 07 07 Peugeot 207 1.4 S 5dr, PAS, e/w, a/c, c/l, ABS, silver metallic, 11,000 miles ..........................................................£7,295 05 05 Rover 75 CDTi Connoisseur 4dr, PAS, alloys, a/c, e/w, ABS, e/m, 5 spd manual, CD, c/l, facelift model, 35,000 miles, BMW diesel engine economy ................................................................................................................................................£6,995 05 05 Peugeot Partner 2.0 HDi Escapade Combi 5dr, PAS, e/w, stereo, twin rear sliding doors, 22,000 miles, 1 owner ........ ................................................................................................................................................................................................£6,995

04 04 Jaguar XKR 4.2 Supercharged 2dr Auto Coupe, 57,400 miles, silver, ABS, alloys, climate, e/w, e/m, PAS, remote locking, side airbags, radio/CD multichanger, sports seats, CD, heated screen, leather, FSH..........................................£18,995

COMMERCIALS 06 56 Ford Transit 260 SL6 SWB, std roof, PAS, e/w, a/c, c/l, stereo, white, 15,000 miles, new shape ..............£9,495 + VAT 05 05 Ford Transit 280 SWB, std roof, PAS, stereo, c/l, side loading door, 49,000 miles, white ..........................£6,995 + VAT 04 54 Ford Transit 280 SWB, std roof, PAS, stereo, c/l, side loading door, 62,000 miles, white ..........................£6,495 + VAT 04 54 Vauxhall Astra Van 1.7 CDTI Envoy, PAS, c/l, stereo, 50,000 miles, ABS, white ........................................£4,995 + VAT 03 03 Mercedes Sprinter 311 2.2 CDi LWB, hi roof, PAS, stereo, 5 spd, side loading door, 4 meter load area, 149,000 miles, white ............................................................................................................................................................................£4,495 + VAT 04 04 Ford Transit Connect 1.8 TDCi LWB T230 90 BHP, PAS, side loading door, 5 spd, stereo, 85,000 miles, white ............ ....................................................................................................................................................................................£4,295 + VAT 03 03 Toyota Hi Ace 280 2.5 SWB GS, PAS, stereo, 5 spd, side loading door, white, 89,000 miles ....................£3,995 + VAT 02 52 Vauxhall Movano 2.2 DTi SWB, std roof, PAS, stereo, side loading door, 5 spd, racking in the rear, blue, 43,000 miles ....................................................................................................................................................................................£3,695 + VAT

SALOONS & ESTATES

4X4

06 06 Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDi SE 140 BHP, PAS, alloys, climate control, e/w, c/l, CD, ABS, 41,000 miles, dolphin grey ....£12,495 04 04 Mercedes C180 Kompressor Avantgarde SE Estate, PAS, alloys, c/l, a/c, e/w, e/m, CD, silver metallic with full charcoal leather, 41,000 miles ....................................................................................................................................................................£10,495 04 54 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.8 T3 5dr, PAS, alloys, e/w, c/l, ABS, a/c, CD, 1 owner, 7 seats, NEW SHAPE, 31,000 miles ..£6,995

05 05 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 SE 5dr, PAS, alloys, e/w, c/l, e/m, 7 seats, 6 spd, silver metallic with black leather, 1 owner, 39,000 miles ..............................................................................................................................................................£16,995 06 06 Nissan Navara 2.5 DCi Double Cab Aventura, PAS, alloys, side steps, climate control, sat nav, e/w, c/l, 6spd, e/m, ABS, electric seats, tow bar, privacy glass, Truckman top, dark blue metallic with charcoal leather, 16,000 miles........£13,995 +VAT 06 56 Mitsubishi L200 Elegance Double Cab Auto, PAS, side steps, front & rear park assist, a/c, e/w, e/m, sat nav, CD player, electric seats, silver metallic, full leather, ABS, rear privacy, rear shutter cover with load liner, front fog lights, r/l, 16,000 miles, 1 owner, NO VAT, LATEST MODEL ......................................................................................................................................£13,995 05 55 Nissan Navara 2.5 DCI Double Cab Aventura, PAS, alloys, privacy, sat nav, CD, e/w, c/l, manual, a/c, ABS, Truckman top, towbar, black with full black leather, 40,000 miles, 1 owner, FSH ..................................................................................£12,995 +VAT 04 54 Land Rover Freelander 2.0 TD4 HSE 5dr, PAS, alloys, sidesteps, e/w, e/m, c/l, sat nav, e/s/r, ABS, Xenon headlights, black with black leather ..........................................................................................................................................................£8,995

HATCHBACKS 05 55 VW Beetle 2.0 3dr, alloys, PAS, e/w, e/m, c/l, a/c, stereo, 5 spd, black metallic, CD player, 15,000 miles......................£8,495 03 03 MG ZR 1.8 160 +3dr, PAS, alloys, c/l, a/c, half leather, ABS, e/w, 5 spd, stereo, grey metallic, 43,000 miles........£4,995 02 02 VW Polo 1.2 SE 5dr, PAS, alloys, climate control, e/w, c/l, black metallic, 25,000 miles..........................................£4,395

CONVERTIBLES 05 55 Audi A4 2.4 Sport Cabriolet, PAS, power hood, alloys, e/w, c/l, CD, 1 owner, a/c, baby blue metallic with grey leather and black hood, 1 owner, 26,000 miles..................................................................................................................................................£17,995 04 54 Audi TT Quattro 3.2 Convertible, 6spd Auto, PAS, alloys, e/w, e/m, c/l, power hood, CD, ABS, met grey with red leather ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................£14,995 05 05 Audi A4 1.8T Sport Convertible, PAS, alloys, CD, ABS, c/l, a/c, power hood, 1 owner, silver metallic with blue hood, 30,000 miles ..................................................................................................................................................................................................£13,995 03 52 BMW 320 Ci Convertible 2dr Auto, petrol, 2 owners, ABS, a/c, alloys, c/l, computer, cruise, airbag, e/m, e/w, fogs, front armrest, electrically adjustable seats, h/rests, immobiliser, metallic blue ....................................................................................£11,995 08 08 VW Beetle 1.4 Convertible, alloys, a/c, e/w, e/m, power hood, ABS, harvest moon with full beige leather and a black hood, rear through loading, 4,000 miles....................................................................................................................................................£11,995 06 06 Mazda MX5 1.8 Convertible, PAS, alloys, a/c, stereo, ABS, e/w, power hood, 1 owner, multi functional steering wheel, 28,000 miles, grey metallic ..........................................................................................................................................................................£10,995 05 05 Mini Cooper 1.6 Convertible, chilli pack, a/c, 17 inch 5 star bullet alloys, e/w, c/l, stereo, 5 spd, burnt orange metallic with black hood, 1 owner, 16,000 miles..................................................................................................................................................£10,995

SPORTS 08 08 Audi RS6 5.0 V10 TFSI Avant, PAS, 20” alloys, e/w, e/m, e/sunroof, c/l, CD, voice control, TV reception, privacy glass, DE restricted, adaptive cruise control and advance keyless go, silver headlining, climate control, Daytona grey with silver nappa leather, 4,000 miles, latest model, cost new £84k, now ....................................................................NOW £79,995 WAS £69,995

MOTORCYCLES 03 53 Honda VTR 1000 SP1, red / black, Akrapovic end cans, power commander, double bubble tinted screen, 14,000 miles, V twin performance for ..........................................................................................................................................................................£3,995

PART EXCHANGES TO CLEAR 04 54 Honda CRV 2.0 VTEC SE 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/c, e/w, e/m, c/l, ABS, dark blue metallic, 61,000 miles, FSH..................£4,700 03 03 Toyota Rav 4 GX 2.0 VVTi 5dr, alloys, PAS, c/l, e/w, a/c, stereo, 5 spd, silver metallic, 80,000 miles, 1 owner, FSH ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................£4,700 99 T BMW 323i Convertible, PAS, power hood, ABS, a/c, e/w, c/l, stereo, dark blue metallic with charcoal cloth and blue hood, 61,000 miles, lovely condition ............................................................................................................................................................£4,500 02 02 Audi A3 1.8 SE 5dr, PAS, alloys, a/c e/w, c/l, ABS, 71,000 miles, dark grey metallic........................................................£3,750 00 X Peugeot 406 2.0 LX Estate, PAS, e/w, stereo, 5 spd, 89,000 miles, few knocks and dings but good value, silver metallic ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................£1,495 01 51 Ford Focus 1.6 LX 4dr Saloon, PAS, a/c, e/f/w, 1 owner, 57,000 miles, green metallic, some dings and scratches ..............................................................................................................................................................................................................£1,295

04 04 Jaguar XKR 4.2 Supercharged ..............£19,995

05 55 Audi A4 2.4 Sport Cabriolet ..................£17,995

06 56 Mitsubishi L200 Elegance Double Cab Auto £14,995

04 54 Toyota Corolla Verso 1.8 T3 5dr ..................£6,995

04 54 Land Rover Freelander 2.0 TD4 HSE 5dr ....£8,995

05 05 Land Rover Discovery 3 TDV6 SE 5dr ......£16,995

04 54 Audi TT Quattro 3.2 Convertible ............£14,995

08 08 Audi RS6 5.0 V10 TFSI Avant ................£71,995

06 06 BMW 530D Sport 4dr Auto ....................£25,995

07 07 Chrysler 300 CRD 4dr Auto ........................£18,995

04 54 VW Golf 2.0 GT TDi 5dr ............................£10,995

06 06 Nissan Navara 2.5 DCi D/Cab Aventura £14,995 + VAT

AC122 - 98:Aspect County 09/10/2008 15:35 Page 10

MOTORING

Granturismo S Makes Uk Debut Alongside Three Stunning Single Seat Grand Prix Maseratis Maserati and COYS created a stunning showcase today at the stylish Bluebird Café in Chelsea, London, displaying three classic Maserati single seat grand prix cars alongside the GranTurismo S, on its official début on UK roads.

On display were the stunning works 1936 Maserati 6CM, raced to victory by Aldo Marazza at the Naples Grand Prix in 1938, accompanied by the ground-breaking 1948 4 CLT, an ex-works grand prix car, raced by Reg Parnell and later by Juan Manuel Fangio. Finally the iconic 1954 250 F, originally delivered to Tony Vandervell and ultimately driven by the exuberant Mike Hawthorn completed the line up*. The 250 F entered into Maserati history as the car in which the great Juan Manuel Fangio won the 1957 Formula One World Championship. These three cars have been recently sold by COYS for in excess of five million dollars.

Alongside its illustrious predecessors, the Maserati GranTurismo S received today its official début on UK roads. The GranTurismo S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s sportiness. Its 440 HP V8 4.7 litre engine, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and dual-cast brakes make the GranTurismo S a true ambassador for Maserati’s sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 183 mph, the highest ever reached by a standard production Maserati. The GranTurismo S goes officially on sale today, with prices starting from £89,900 OTR. Andrea Antonnicola, Managing Director of Maserati GB said: "Maserati is one of the most iconic marques in the world and this was a unique occasion to see the very best of old and new."

98

Chris Routledge, the Managing Director of COYS said: "It could well be the last time that these three famous Maseratis are together in one place. The fact that Maserati are using this occasion for the UK debut of the Granturismo S is fantastic."

AC122 - 99:Aspect County 27/10/2008 15:38 Page 10

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AC122 - 100x:Aspect County 28/10/2008 15:09 Page 10

Free Design Consultations

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