Fine Sussex & Surrey - 2015 Volume 3 by Fine Magazine

FINE SUSSEX & SURREY

2015 VOLUME III

In this issue... 30 HORSHAM IN FOCUS

44 COUNTRY CLUB LIVING

Editor Catherine Ross explores the history of Morris in Sussex and Surrey and rounds up where to stay, where eat and what to do in and around Horsham.

Editor Catherine Ross takes a tour of the new facilities at Slinfold Golf Club.

42 CLANDON IN CRISIS

48 BESIDE THE SEASIDE

Fine checks in with the National Trust for an update on how it goes about recovering from the devastating fire at Clandon House.

Follow one of Bridget Glynne-Jones’ coastal walks for a breath of sea air.

24 YOUR HOME, YOUR STYLE

46 GOLFING FOR BEGINNERS

Interior designer, Gary Warrell, looks at how to stay connected to your home in these busy modern times.

West Chiltington Golf Club is attracting new members with new loyalty schemes and membership schemes for absolute beginners.

36 GARDENS WITH GLAMOUR

52 FATHERS’ DAY FUN

Jack Dunckley of Birchfield Nursery looks at how to use topiary to add interest and form in a garden.

If you haven’t already made plans to spoil your dad, the National Trust has some handy ideas.

39 A YEAR IN THE LIFE

56 PHONE-OMENAL

Anna Allum, Visitor Experience Manager at RSPB nature reserve, Pulborough Brooks, describes the changing sites and sounds over the course of a year.

Gadget guru Steve Goodwin gives us the lowdown on the latest smartphones on the market.

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59 STYLE EVERY DAY

66 TIME FOR TEA AND CAKE

If you’ve ever looked in your wardrobe and sighed with despair, read Samantha Wilding’s feature on how she helped one client find her style.

Take time to visit Steyning Tea Rooms for fine home made fare in historic surroundings.

64 ENGLISH WINE’S TIME TO SHINE

78 ETIQUETTE AND MANNERS

England’s biggest wine estate, Denbies, tells Fine about its bumper 2014 harvest and its award winning wines.

Manners are the key to confidence in any social situation. Etiquette expert Emma DuPont describes how to give children the confidence they need to thrive.

70 GLORIOUS GOLF AND FINE FOOD

76 TAKING ON THE WORLD

Gatton Manor opens its doors to show Fine around the 18 hole golf course and new Lakeside Restaurant.

Christ’s Hospital students beat teams from around the world in the recent Model UN competition.

72 RENDEZVOUS ON THE SEINE

80 PENSIONS UNCAGED

Jennifer Wright describes her experience of a Tauck river cruise from the heart of Paris to the Normandy Beaches.

If the new pension regulations have you in a tailspin, Brewin Dolphin’s Nicholas Oliver explains what the changes mean for you.

75 ART IN NUMBERS Frances Mwale, Prep Headmistress at Farlington School talks about how applying maths to every day life can inspire young mathematicians.

82 LASTING FIRST IMPRESSIONS Fine’s resident photographer, Alan Wright, explains why professional headshots can be the key for business success.

In this issue | 5

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A word from the

editor H

BLACK TIE MEDIA LTD finemagazine.co.uk

EDITOR Catherine Ross catherine@finemagazine.co.uk

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Steve Goodwin steve@finemagazine.co.uk

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

ello and welcome to my first issue of Fine Magazine.

Gary Warrell Jack Dunckley Anna Allum Bridget Glynne-Jones Samantha Wilding Jennifer Wright Frances Mwale Emma Dupont Nicholas Oliver

Firstly, let me thank outgoing editor, James Hood. James has been at the helm for several years and consistently produced a magazine that celebrates the very finest things in life. His hand-made, Italian leather shoes are going to be difficult to fill.

PHOTOGRAPHY Alan Wright Photography

Let me introduce myself. I’ve lived in Sussex since I was two years old. The county and its neighbours are where I’ve lived, worked, played and am raising a family.

CIRCULATION distribution@finemagazine.co.uk

FINANCE CONTROLLER Dave Smith finance@blacktiemedia.co.uk

To me, there is no finer place and I hope I manage to convey that through the magazine over the coming months.

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

In this issue, we’ve started by exploring some of the history of the area. I spoke to several local Morris groups to put together our lead feature, “Focus on... Horsham”. We have a rich folk history in this area and groups like Broadwood Morris, who organise the annual celebration in Horsham are helping to keep those traditions alive.

We’ve started by talking to the National Trust about the devastating fire at Clandon and how they go about recovering and restoring the building and its contents.

You might previously have known the magazine as Fine Sussex, but we’re extending our coverage to include Surrey. We’ll be introducing you to the people and businesses across the border and celebrating more of what’s on offer in both counties.

We’d love to hear your thoughts and if there’s something you think the people of Sussex and Surrey should know about, be sure to let us know.

We’ve also brought you a selection of expert contributors to give you their top tips for you and your home.

Catherine Ross

Terry Oliver toliver@finemagazine.co.uk

MANAGING DIRECTOR Matthew Wheeler mwheeler@finemagazine.co.uk The views and opinions expressed in the articles herein are those of the authors concerned and are not endorsed by the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken during the production process, the publisher does not accept any liability for errors that may have occurred or for the views expressed. Fine Sussex & Surrey 2015 Volume III This publication is protected by copyright. ©2015

EDITOR

A word from the editor | 9

10 | fine

Dream

home

Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Amberley is home to some of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful homes. Guy Leonard is marketing a stunning Grade II listed, four bedroom period home with views of the South Downs.

n exceptional property, which has been sympathetically restored and modernised to create a beautiful home with stunning landscaped gardens and terraces. The house is Grade II listed with a Georgian facade and a cottage-style front garden raised above the lane, which Amberley calls its High Street. Holly Tree House appears to be a typical village house from this aspect but it is what lies behind this facade that makes it exceptional.

Guide price: ÂŁ1,495,000 The Entrance Hall has two large antique Threshers studded with flint, which have been crafted into large doors to conceal a spacious floor to ceiling cloaks cupboard and storage area. The Hall leads to the 40ft long Kitchen, Dining and Sitting room which has been created from an original barn at the back of the house. Steps take you into the hall, through to the Orangery with double doors onto the terrace and into the Drawing Room. Both the Drawing Room and the adjacent Snug Lounge are double aspect and have inglenook fireplaces and feature original beams. From the Orangery, the Library creates a comfortable room and double doors lead to the study with custom made curved walnut wall cabinets and wood burning stove. The Master Bedroom Suite on the first floor has outstanding views of the South Downs. The two further double Bedrooms have ample wardrobes and the family bathroom has a free-standing bath. The secluded and fully landscaped rear garden and terraces are sunny and south facing. From the terraces, steps lead up to the garden which has distinct areas. Including Gertrude Jekyll inspired fully established perennial borders through the Fig and Jasmine arbour into the rear Woodland garden and the formal lawn area kerbed in box hedging. Being one of the finest homes In Amberley, an internal viewing is highly recommended. Strictly by appointment with Guy Leonard & Co Estate Agents 01903 742354.

Hot property | 11

Surrey/Sussex Border

KnightFrank.co.uk/Horsham

Complete privacy and seclusion

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Cranleigh 5.5 miles, Horsham 8 miles, Guildford 14 miles, Central London 47 miles An exceptional and sympathetically renovated country house lying centrally within its own land of 37 acres. The main house is 5,350 sq ft with 5 large bedroom suites and a 1,582 sq ft 2 bedroom barn. Swimming pool, duck pond, vegetable garden, paddocks, bluebell wood and river all approached down a private lane. Offering total seclusion yet within 10 minutes drive of Cranleigh and 15 minutes to Horsham. EPC rating D. Guide Price ÂŁ2,750,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/HOR140140

james.machell@knightfrank.com

KnightFrank.co.uk/Country nick.wheeler@knightfrank.com

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Haslemere, Surrey

KnightFrank.co.uk/Haslemere

A beautifully presented period house set in 1.5 acres

01428 770 560

Haslemere 0.4 miles, Godalming 9.5 miles, Guildford - 17 miles, London 40 miles A stunning family home within striking distance of the mainline station and Haslemere town centre. Dating, we believe, back to the late 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the property boasts many period features and enjoys extensive gardens and grounds. Comprising Entrance hall, drawing room, dining room, sitting room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, pantry, cloakroom, master bedroom suite, 4 further bedrooms and 2 family bathrooms. There is also an integral annexe, single garage and detached double garage with store room above. In all about 1.59 acres. EPC rating E. Guide Price ÂŁ1,600,000

KnightFrank.co.uk/HSM120034

sam.turner@knightfrank.com

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Haslemere Office haslemere@struttandparker.com

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Peter Hughes country property

IDYLLIC RURAL SETTING WISBOROUGH GREEN - £1,250,000

OVERLOOKING THE VILLAGE GREEN WISBOROUGH GREEN - £879,000

www.peterhughes.co.uk New Street Petworth West Sussex GU28 0AS

• • • • •

4 beds • 2 baths (1 ensuite) • 3 receps • Cloakroom/Utility Kitchen/breakfast room • Study area Dilapidated outbuildings with potential Planning consent for enlargement to incl. annexe and garaging Extensive gardens, grounds, paddocks & woodland (in all about 6.15 acres)

• 5 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms (1 ensuite) • Drawing room • Dining room • Kitchen/breakfast room • Separate WC • Garden/play room • Attractive front & rear gardens • Off street parking & large garage

Peter Hughes country property

GRADE II LISTED COUNTRY HOUSE SHIPLEY - £1,100,000

• • • •

www.peterhughes.co.uk @propertyhughes

Master bedroom with ensuite shower room • 2 further bedrooms • Bathroom 3 reception rooms • Kitchen • Utility room Open bay garage and storage • Stable block incl office & shower • Ménage Extensive gardens, kitchen garden, wood, ponds & paddocks (in all about 4 acres)

01798 344554

A light & versatile family home, recently transformed and featuring a self-contained annexe/apartment

West Chiltington, West Sussex A stunning home, remodelled four years ago with a fabulous kitchen and all-new stylish bathrooms. Landscaped gardens; exclusive close location Light, space & style in this contemporary 4/5 bed 3/4 bath home, featuring an annexe/ apartment ideal for relatives or holiday/letting income

Offers are invited in the region of Ä950,000

12 Church Street, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 4LA

01903 74 12 12 e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

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West Chiltington Old Village Ä

Offers invited Ä550,000

Storrington Ä

Offers invited Ä 635,000

West Chiltington Ä

Thakeham Old Village Ä

Guide Price Ä275,000

Offers invited Ä1,700,000

A conjoined group of 3 eclectic buildings in a lovely village setting On the market for the first time in 50 years, a central period cottage with a wonderful beamed interior & large conservatory | Enlarged & 2000-converted forge buildings providing a spacious 3-storey, 2 bath ÅannexeÇ | Barn studio with further living accommodation | Vaulted gallery / library room | High connecting room used as a farmhouse kitchen | Approximately 1 acre plot & grounds backing farmland with views to the Downs | Covered swimming pool | Triple garage/workshops | Dual entrances |

Village & Country Property, Lettings, Land & New Homes

01903 74 12 12 e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

www.clarkeandcharlesworth.com

HIGH STREET, STEYNING Valuable Freehold including Established Profitable Business and Substantial Accommodation An impressive Grade II Listed freehold premises currently owner-occupied, comprising a successful confectioner’s and florist’s business, with further income stream through residential holiday lettings in delightful and well-appointed four-bedroom maisonette accommodation above. Price Guide £700,000 Freehold

ESTATE OFFICE : 38 High Street, Steyning, Sussex

www.hamiltongraham.co.uk

01903 879212

BRAMBER A Delightful Period Home in the Heart of Bramber Village

An attractive detached village home of ancient origin with original heavy timbering and oak plank flooring, and a fine Inglenook fireplace creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Sitting room with wood-burning stove, further sitting room with Inglenook fireplace, large kitchen/dining room with gas-fired Aga, cloaks/shower room, three bedrooms, charming en-suite bathroom, gated garden and parking area.

Price Guide ÂŁ450,000 Freehold

ESTATE OFFICE : 38 High Street, Steyning, Sussex

www.hamiltongraham.co.uk

01903 879212

NINE BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED LUXURY APARTMENTS IN HORSHAM TOWN CENTRE The Causeway | Horsham | West Sussex

Available soon, these apartments will be finished to a superb specification, featuring quality design with a contemporary twist. A range of two and three bedroom apartments with prices from £300,000

Pedestrianised areas

Horsham Railway Station

Albion Wa y

Bis

Guil

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John Lewis at Home & Waitrose (soon to open)

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Swan Walk We st S tre et

Carfax

Way

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The Forum

Capitol Theatre and Cinema

Park

Piries Place

Mid dle St

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Bla ckh ors eW ay

St Mary’s Church

Th eC au se wa y

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01403 248222 www.guyleonard.co.uk

Horsham Park

located development, contact Guy Leonard Estate Agents.

Pavilions Sports & Leisure Centre

d oa nR do Lon

interest in this exceptional centrally

HORSHAM TOWN CENTRE

De nn eR oa d

To find out more and to register your

Brig

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Interior photos from previous Fairfax Designs developments

www.guyleonard.co.uk

West Chiltington – £1,200,000 Freehold - ID 45894 With 3,200 square feet of accommodation, this modern and stylish contemporary home offers generous room sizes and is finished to an excellent standard throughout. Located in one of West Chiltington’s most sought after private lanes, the property offers a high degree of seclusion within its grounds with views from the balcony across neighbouring woodland. • Dining Hall • Cloakroom • Utility Room • Kitchen/Breakfast/Family Room • Sitting Room • Study • Stairs to First Floor • Galleried Landing • Principal Bedroom Suite • En-Suite Bathroom • Patio Doors to Balcony • Guest Bedroom • En-Suite Shower Room • Patio Doors to Balcony • Two Further Double Bedrooms • Family Bathroom • West Facing Rear Garden • Ample Off Road Parking • Detached Double Garage • EPC Rating C

enquiries@guyleonard.co.uk

Storrington Office

01903 742354

Open 7 days a week

Your home your style

When it comes to interiors, it seems weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re eschewing modern technology in favour of home comforts and classic styling. Leading Interior Designer, Gary Warrell tells Fine how to stay connected â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to your home.

24 | fine

s a small child I remember using a blanket and two dining room chairs to build a house or fort, sectioning out different areas with cushions and blocks...saying to my mother this is the kitchen, here is the living room and these bricks are the garage. I would play for hours in my imaginary house, as children do. Whether our desk at work, a hotel room or indeed our homes, we surround ourselves with things of great importance, not just as an expression of who we are, but to fill ourselves with comfort and a sense of familiarity - because creating a home is an innate instinct in all of us.

Our culture is generating a desire for interiors that evoke a sense of calm, romance, nostalgia and well-being.

When I think of interior design, I think of elegance, timeless classics and style. But most of all I consider how a person feels about their personal space as it is paramount to their well being. For me it’s about creating environments that are not only beautiful, but also create a sense of calm and optimism – spaces that are effective places to be. With all the high tech, constant contact in today’s super connected world, our culture is generating a desire for interiors that evoke a sense of calm, romance, nostalgia and well-being, with a dash of reflection thrown in for good measure. For years the momentum of an eclectic

mix of styles has been slowly growing and now more than ever marrying the old and new, vintage and modern, serious and fanciful is unabashed as we bridge design styles across multiple decades. Living rooms are becoming more reminiscent of a pre-internet era, it’s about symmetry and sophistication, combining modern vintage pieces that invite you to sit down with an aperitif, rather than a laptop, and reflect on your day. And despite the proliferation of e-readers, it’s time to lock away your Kindle as at home libraries are once again the ultimate dream space. Imagine row upon row of beautifully crafted, bespoke bookcases,

painted in the same soft muted tones as the wall coverings and soft furnishings - so as to give the illusion of your hardback and vintage finds being suspended in air, surrounding you whilst you delve into the scintillating world created by your favourite author. For bathrooms, simple elegance reigns over fast and functional, as the vintage style tub makes its way back into our homes. With their smooth roll top edges and deep basin, offering that old fashioned, all embracing soak, giving that perfect retreat to indulge the senses...an experience not to be rushed. continued >

Home sweet home | 25

< continued At the end of a long day, there is something unspeakably luxurious about rolling out of a vintage tub and into what is the epitome of tradition and elegance, the four poster bed - even they are having a come-back moment. With their sense of romance, these pillared pieces offer a feeling of privacy and sanctuary, invoking you into a deep slumber. Whether you are looking to simply decorate, revamp a room or completely remodel your home, it is all about embracing your vision and creating spaces

26 | fine

that are timeless and distinctive yet restorative â&#x20AC;&#x201C; so you feel compelled to cast aside the mobile phones, emails, deadlines and all other stresses that todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s uberconnected world presents and enjoy your time, your space, your place.

About Gary Warrell-Phillips Gary is regarded as a leading authority within the design industry and is highly sought after having worked with well known personalities, in addition to making regular guest appearances on breakfast television programmes such as This Morning.

He began his career as a painter and decorator, working his way through design school, where he studied colours and textiles. For more than 20 years he divided his time between Hampshire and Cornwall, establishing himself as a top designer and in 1999 put his roots firmly down in Hampshire and founded Decoration by Design. His design studio is situated in the grounds of Brook House and is full of antiquities, fabrics and furnishings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where he also restores fine pieces. If you have a design project you would like to discuss call 07977 299271 or visit www. garywarrell.co.uk

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Focus on…

Horsham Each issue, Fine will focus on a Sussex or Surrey location, bringing you an in-depth report on a particular tradition or celebration and the low-down on where to eat, where to stay and what to do. In this issue, Catherine Ross has explored the traditions behind Morris dancing and delved into Horsham and its surrounding towns and villages.

orsham’s annual day of dance, organised by Broadwood Morris has become a key fixture in the town’s events calendar. This year saw around 20 local sides dancing and entertaining throughout the day. Many of the local groups have a rich history and this unique art form is used to celebrate summer - and events throughout the year. Broadwood Morris is Horsham’s most local Morris group – or “side” to use the technical term. Named after Lucy Broadwood, who lived in Rusper and was a collector of folk music and customs in Horsham and Crawley, Broadwood Morris has been delighting local crowds since 1972.

30 | fine

Of course, the tradition of Morris dancing predates the 1970s by several centuries. Its exact origins are subject to some debate. There are three main schools of thought, firstly that it evolved from druidic springtime rites, second, that the crusaders brought it back to England following the Moorish conquests and that Morris as a name evolved from the word Moorish. Finally, it is likened to an Italian court dance called the Moresca, though as Pilgrim Morris in Guildford point out, “your average Morris dancer has more important things on his mind that the origins of the dance, like what’s coming next and who’s buying the next beer!” We do know that Morris was commonplace in the fifteenth and

sixteenth centuries and earned a reference in Shakespeare’s Henry V. Church records from the sixteenth century record the commissioning of Morris bells and windows, while several fifteenth century wills – including those of members of the royal family – mention “Morris Cups”, silver cups sculpted with images of Morris dance. Despite attempts by Oliver Cromwell’s puritan government to supress Morris dancing (and all Whitsun revelries), the art lived on and when the crown was restored to Charles II, the springtime celebrations were reinstated.

Your average Morris dancer has more important things on his mind that the origins of the dance, like what’s coming next and who’s buying the next beer!

Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men formed in 1949 and a photograph of them at the Shepherd and Dog at Fulking featured in The Times in 1954. Since then, the Side have become standard bearers for Morris dancing in the local area. Their Bagman (or secretary), Clive Funnell gave us a run down of an average year: “We start with Apple Howling on the first Saturday of the new year. Its also called Wassailing. We go to a local orchard owned by Wobblegate at Bolney, and after a parade with flaming torches to an old apple tree, we perform a ceremony and dance there, before heading back to the barn where we have cider and Wassail Cakes. “On Good Friday we join Knots of May, a ladies Clog Side at ‘Long Rope Skipping’ at Alciston. As you might guess, this is Morris dancing dancing followed by skipping with a long rope! The public get involved and it’s a popular annual event. “On May Day we celebrate Spring by heading up to Chanctonbury Ring at dawn and dancing Many other local sides have traditional May Day dancing locations. Spring and summer is when Morris is most popular and we dance at pubs and special events throughout the season.

“In October, we join with several other side to help Harveys Brewery in Lewes ‘Roll-out the Old’- a winter ale. Then we also join in with the Lewes Bonfire Societies’ annual Bonfire Night Parade, where we get great reaction from the crowds. “To round off the year, we go out on Boxing Day to dance and perform a ‘mumming play’- or ‘tipteering’ as it’s called in Sussex - telling a tale of St George slaying a Turk who is brought back from the dead by the Doctor who is the Seventh Son of a Seventh Son.” So despite its associations with summer, Morris dancing really is a year-round tradition. But what makes it so appealing for the participants? Ewell St Mary’s Morris Side put it best with their description: “Firstly is the wish to get off ones backside and enjoy life! Something that has been enjoyed for generations is perhaps a good place to start. You meet great company from all walks of life, rich to poor, plutocrats to plough Boys – all have a common wish: to have a good time and keep our own traditions alive.”

Morris has had close ties with Whitsun ever since and the holiday is still celebrated on the anniversary of Charles II’s birthday. Morris has almost died out several times over the centuries as fashions have changed, but there have always been enough people preserving the traditions to keep the dance alive. Here in Sussex and Surrey, those traditions are surviving thanks to the local Morris sides who dance in pubs, town centres and festivals throughout the summer. Many of the sides have a member who acts as their historian.

Focus on... Horsham | 31

Horsham WHERE TO EAT

Restaurant Tristan is a Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of the town, serving fine food in historic surroundings. Diners are spoilt for choice in the town, particularly in East Street, Horsham’s restaurant quarter, which has enjoyed a renaissance in recent years. Horsham is host to most of the major chains, including Cote and Bills, as well as some long-standing, family-run restaurants, including the fantastic Akash Indian restaurant (editor’s favourite), which serves consistently excellent Indian cuisine.

WHERE TO STAY South Lodge Hotel in nearby Lower Beeding can’t be beaten for luxury and elegance. As well as the beautifully appointed guest rooms, marble floors and extensive conference facilities, South Lodge is host to Horsham’s only other Michelin Starred restaurant, The Pass, where Head Chef Matt Gillan has won numerous awards and critical acclaim. For the more modest budget, Sillett House is a two bedroom guest house that offers modern, comfortable accommodation and a warm welcome while being within walking distance of the town centre.

WHAT TO DO For a brief but intriguing peek into the past, Horsham Museum is a hidden gem that’s worth a visit. Nestled in one of the Town’s prettiest streets, The Causeway, the museum features several galleries, including art, crafts, costumes, toys and world cultures. One of the most popular galleries is the Crime and Punishment gallery which includes the windows, door, padlock and keys from the world’s first revolutionary gaol, which was built in Horsham in 1775. The gallery also features the cell door that housed notorious acid bath murderer, John Haigh, who was held in the cells at Horsham Town Hall. If all that culture is just too much, Horsham’s park is the perfect place to take a stroll. The Human Nature Garden is a recent addition and offers a place for quiet reflection when it’s not being used as an amphitheatre for the town’s popular Horsham Garden Music Festival.

Henfield WHERE TO EAT

If pizza is your weakness, Henfield has the place for you. The Bull at Shermanbury (immediately north of Henfield) is a dedicated pizza pub, offering gourmet pizzas cooked to order. The pub also has a large beer garden with a children’s play area and an indoor skittle alley, which is a popular attraction.

WHERE TO STAY In a small village like Henfield, you won’t be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere to stay, but there are several small B&Bs and guest houses that offer a clean comfortable bed, a warm welcome and a hearty breakfast. The Laurels has four guest rooms and Woodhouse Holiday Cottages offers three selfcontained bungalows for people who are after self-catering accommodation.

WHAT TO DO Woods Mill, just outside Henfield is the headquarters of the Sussex Wildlife Trust. It has a combination of wetland and woodland habitats and is a great place for a spot of wildlife watching. A mill on the site was mentioned in the Domesday Book, suggesting it was already operating at the time of William the Conqueror, though the current mill is fewer centuries old! Henfield is also home to England’s oldest Scout group, formed in 1907 and one of England’s oldest cricket clubs, with the Henfield club dating back to 1771.

32 | fine

Southwater WHERE TO EAT

The Little Tea House makes the MOST amazing cakes. A recent success was their jaffa cake sponge cake, with vanilla, marmalade and chocolate layers of sponge cake, topped off with marmalade butter cream and jaffa cakes. Well worth a visit just to see the cake of the week.

WHERE TO STAY Fine struggled to find anywhere to stay in Southwater, but Roundstone Caravans has been in business for 80 years, selling caravans to people across Sussex. Try out various styles for size and facilities and take yourself on holiday!

WHAT TO DO Southwater Country Park offers a relaxing break from modern life. With a range of water sports, a quiet beach area and the brand new, dinosaur-themed playground as well as walks around the lake, there’s plenty to keep families occupied. The on-site café is great for replenishing energy levels before starting all over again. Situated on the Downs Link, Southwater Country Park is a great place to walk or cycle from or to.

Steyning WHERE TO EAT

For light bites or an indulgent spot of afternoon tea, head to the Steyning Tea Rooms. The home cooked food is delicious and even the jams and chutneys are made on the premises. Try the Sussex Rarebit for a local treat. See our feature on page 66 for more on the Steyning Tea Rooms. For evening meals the White Horse Smokehouse and Grill is just across the road from the Tea Rooms. Offering local beers, an extensive wine list and cocktails, it’s a popular place for drinking as well as eating.

WHERE TO STAY Springwells guest house on Steyning’s High Street offers beautifully decorated rooms, including one with a four poster bed. There’s also a lounge and bar and an indoor, heated swimming pool. Springwells’ central location means it’s just a stone’s throw from everything Steyning has to offer.

WHAT TO DO This ancient and beautiful market town is perfect for wandering and enjoying the buildings. Take in the church of St Andrew and St Cuthman, parts of which date from the ninth century, the original building having (as legends have it) been built on the spot at which St Cuthman’s wheelbarrow broke. St Cuthman was using the wheelbarrow to transport his paralysed mother and took the wheelbarrow breaking as a sign from God that his journey was done. Steyning has some of the finest old buildings in the area, and a walk along Church Street towards St Cuthman’s takes in several of these.

Focus on... Horsham | 33

Restaurant Morning Coffee Afternoon Tea Private Hire Meetings

Christenings Wakes Anniversaries Birthdays Children’s Parties

Owner and interior designer Lissette Trembling has opened a delightful vintage furniture and acccessories shop ‘Talking Points Interiors’ in the hotel

Old Rectory Lane, Pulborough, West Sussex RH20 1AD hotel@chequershotelpulborough.co.uk

Tel: 01798 872486

www.chequershotelpulborough.co.uk

Petworth WHERE TO EAT

The Leconfield Restaurant and Bar has won acclaim from all quarters, including The Times best places for Sunday lunch, the Observer and Gazette Business Awards and the Michelin restaurant guide. Using the finest, freshest local ingredients, the Leconfield offers a mouth-watering menu. For informal dining, the Hungry Guest café offers a seasonal menu from breakfast to 7pm. Try their freshly baked croissants with handmade jam – or one of their signature sourdough pizzas.

WHERE TO STAY The Old Railway Station Hotel in Petworth has to be worth a visit. The station, originally built in 1892, has been beautifully restored and transformed into a hotel. Guests have a choice of staying in the station itself, or in one of four restored Pullman carriages.

WHAT TO DO For a small town, Petworth is bursting with character and things to do. Antique enthusiasts can easily while away a day (or several) in the town’s myriad antique shops. Whether a collector or curiosities or fine art, or looking to furnish a period home, there’s an antique shop for you. But the main attraction in Petworth has to be Petworth House and Park. The stunning late 17th century mansion is home to the National Trust’s finest and most extensive art collection. Life size sculptures, original artworks by Turner, Reynolds, Blake and Van Dyke and wood carvings by Grinling Gibbons are just some of the treasures to be found within the walls. The 700 acre deer park, landscaped by Capability Brown offers walks and picnic spots a-plenty and the servants quarters offer a fascinating glimpse into life “below stairs”.

Pulborough WHERE TO EAT

The Rising Sun, just outside Pulborough is a popular gastro pub offering a varied, seasonal menu and excellent real ales. The pub is particularly popular for its Sunday lunches, so be sure to book early.

WHERE TO STAY Chequers Hotel is a converted coaching house in the heart of Pulborough village with views across the South Downs. The nine guest rooms are all individually designed and offer the perfect retreat from which to explore the area and all it has to offer.

WHAT TO DO Look no further than the RSPBs Pulborough Brooks nature reserve. The site boasts a variety of habitats, including wetland, woodland and heathland and there’s always something new to see. Read our Year in the Life feature on page 39 for more about what to see and do at Pulborough Brooks.

Focus on... Horsham | 35

Gardens

with glamour We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t all be green fingered gods and goddesses, but a well-designed garden is the perfect accompaniment to an elegant home. As the nights draw out and the evenings become warmer, a beautiful garden is the perfect place to relax and take stock of the day. Jack Dunckley of Birchfield Nursery in Henfield tells Fine how to tackle topiary.

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opiary comes in many different forms and can create a multidimensional aspect within a garden.

It helps to set the scene of any garden design, whether it is a traditional, contemporary or futuristic scheme. Topiary provides a good framework for vistas and avenues. It originates from the days of ancient civilisations like Egypt and Persia. More recently topiary has been more commonly associated with the French – (Chateau Vaux le Vicomte) and the Italianate Gardens (Villa Lante). A typical example is Buxus sempervirens (Box) and this is used to line pathways, creating a formal edge to borders. The dark green foliage acts as a good background for perennials especially those with blue and purple flowers. Taxus baccata (Yew) features in many historic gardens as a topiary plant, and is often used to create garden mazes because of its extremely dense growth habit and adaptability to being pruned vigorously. Ilex crenata – (Japanese Holly) is a very slow growing evergreen shrub that is perfect for being clipped into topiary. It is commonly used for creating cloud pruned specimens. More diverse types of topiary have been introduced in the last century including pleached trees, such as Carpinus betulus (Hornbeam), Tilia cordata, (Small leafed lime), and Photinia x Fraseri (Red Robin). You don’t need to have a large garden to appreciate the aesthetics that topiary provides. A couple of small spiral buxus can frame a doorway and create real visual interest at the front of a house. Ligustrum jonandrum is another variety

and can also be clipped easily into many different shapes. Topiary has become an art and there are special nurseries in Italy that specifically create topiary shapes on a wireframe, anything from a Sea Horse to a Formula 1 car. As a garden designer I love to use topiary as a feature in my show gardens. In “The Just Retirement Garden” at RHS Hampton Court 2014 which gained me a Silver Gilt medal, I planted some special cubed Buxus sempervirens (Box) to add dynamics and symmetry to great effect. Notice the Taxus baccata (Yew) that was planted between the large Chilstone windows. This was heavily clipped once in position to provide a seamless wall edge either side of the garden’s borders. Pleached Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is another real favorite of mine. When I was designing “The Italian Job” again at the RHS Hampton Court 2012, the panels, which are ideal for screening, gave some height above the perimeter hedge and wall. Although they are not very deep, the panels can be planted reasonably close to walls or boundaries.

ABOUT JACK DUNCKLEY’S LANDSCAPE DESIGN Jack and his fellow designer Daniel Barber have a dedicated studio which is based at Jack’s 6 acre Birchfield Nursery in Henfield. They produce a wide range of garden designs for both public and corporate clients all over the Sussex and Surrey area. Telephone 01273 494058, email Jack@jackdunckley.com or visit www. jackdunckley.com

Daniel Barber and Jack Dunckley

Out and about | 37

Jack Dunckley BIRCHFIELD NURSERY

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

J A C K D U N C K L E Y. T V

JACK DUNCKLEY LIMITED KIDDERS LANE HENFIELD WEST SUSSEX Telephone: 01273 494058

Email: design@jackdunckley.com

BN5 9AB

Website: www.jackdunckley.com

A year in

the life

There’s always something fascinating to see (and hear) down at the RSPB’s nature reserve at Pulborough Brooks. Anna Allum, Visitor Experience Manager, takes us through the changing seasons in a year in the life of Pulborough Brooks.

t’s a frosty morning and I take a walk down the hedgerow-lined trail that leads to my favourite place on the nature reserve – Hanger View. I pause en route at the bottom of the zig zag path to take a peek into the spruces in the courtyard, a tiny bird hovers around the edge of a branch – a goldcrest. It flies lower and during a brief spat with a fellow titchy creature I spot a flash of yellow as its crest flares up in indignation. I continue down Green Lane – an old drover’s road – and as I approach the viewpoint I can hear the honking of geese and the gentle whistling of wigeon. I watch an array of dabbling ducks going about their business; herds of colourful wigeon – a mass of orange, chestnut, pink, grey and white – graze the wet meadows, zippy little teal inhabit the nooks and crannies at the edges of the pools, handsome pintails parade in the deeper water whilst shoveler ‘minesweep’ across the surface.

All of a sudden this peaceful scene is interrupted – chaos ensues as thousands of ducks and lapwings and black-tailed godwits and snipe take to the air, swirling around in panic. It must be a peregrine. And there she is, sharp pointed wings and powerful wing beats as she scythes through the whirling mass. This time she returns to her favourite perch in the big willow empty-taloned – even the fastest bird in the world has to work hard for her breakfast. continued >

Photo: Gareth Hughes

Out and about | 39

< continued As the weather starts to warm up look for signs of spring; pretty pink bullfinches enjoy nipping the buds off the blackthorns and our adders emerge from hibernation to bask in the sun on the warmer days. Our resident birds, the ones who stick with us through the wind, rain and even snow of a British winter, are starting to think about establishing a territory and finding a mate – listen out for the feisty wren who punches above his weight. He shouts out his song like a town crier, perched on a prominent branch, yellow beak open wide and tail cocked. Look for your first butterfly of the year – a sulphur-yellow brimstone perhaps? Or a fuzzy queen bumblebee looking for an old mouse hole in which to start her colony. Spring is on its way.

Photo: Chris Prince

Mid-April is when things really get going as one by one new voices are added to the Pulborough Brooks choir. We begin with the repetitive song thrush, mellow blackbird and wistful robin, add the chiffchaff and bubbly blackcap (my personal favourite). But it is the nightingale who is the soloist, the virtuoso performer. Out on the wetlands the lapwings perform acrobatic manoeuvres and you can hear their evocative ‘peewit’ calls. Look skywards for dancing dots – skylarks – as they rise higher and higher into the air singing their joyful tune I defy you not to smile. Shelducks feed on the pools before circling round in search of a suitable rabbit burrow to nest in and raise those lovely fluffy humbug ducklings.

Photo: Gareth Hughes

It is the nightingale who is the soloist, the virtuoso performer Photo: Russ Tofts

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Photo: Chris Prince

We’re moving into May and June and more insects are enjoying the wildflowers around the trail. The orange tips are over but feisty small copper and beautiful common blues flutter around the sunny sheltered spots. Dragonflies emerge and start to patrol the ponds – and when the sun is out you can hear the clash of their wings as they vie for the best perches from which to launch their attacks on smaller insects.

highland cattle graze, spotted flycatchers make their aerial sallies in search of insects from the fencelines around adder alley. Redstarts give themselves away by flashing their rusty red tails before flitting back into the cover of the hedgerow. Weird and wonderful fungi pops up in the damp and dark places – black wood is the best spot for fairy tale fly agaric, delicate lilac bonnets and clumps of bright sulphur tuft.

Now is the time for an evening visit; choose a warm, still evening and you’ve not far to go, just a short walk up to the highest point on our heathland area, the site of a bronze age barrow mound, and as the daylight fades listen out for the rather unnatural ‘churring’ of the nightjar. If you’re lucky you could see a dark long-winged silhouette emerge from the darkness and even catch a glimpse of the white tips of the wing and tail feathers.

We are almost full circle as the pools start to expand and the ducks return, initially tricky to identify in their rather scruffy eclipse plumage. Their colours gradually brighten as the autumn leaves turn golden and the berries redden, ready to be feasted on by the hungry hordes of thrushes arriving from Scandinavia.

The breeding season is now in full swing and busy parents can be seen feeding noisy demanding youngsters amongst the bramble patches, along the hedgerows and around the pools. Look for lapwing chicks on the pool edges, with protective parents nearby. These wonderful birds are one of the key species that we manage the wetlands for, and one of the RSPB’s priority species in the South East, so the chicks are not only cute but really rather important too. The summer months can seem quiet for birds – some will already have left for their epic southwards journey, others will be more secretive whilst they moult. This is when the insects take centre stage and the bright yellow fleabane on the zig zags is popular with fabulous butterflies – skippers, blues, small tortoiseshells, red admirals, peacocks and painted ladies. Whilst the pools will have largely dried out, the muddy edges prove popular with migrating waders stopping off to rest and re-fuel at the Pulborough Brooks service station. It is autumn in the bird world and things are on the move. Yellow wagtails can be seen picking up insects disturbed as our

Whatever time of year you choose to visit there is special wildlife to see and hear. There is also home made soup, great cake and bird-friendly coffee in our café, and when you know that spending your money in our shop or café raises money to help conservation you can enjoy a slice of cake with a clear conscience. Eat cake, save nature, enjoy nature –it doesn’t get much better than that! RSPB Pulborough Brooks is located off the A283 between Pulborough and Storrington, you can find out more at www.rspb.org.uk/pulboroughbrooks The RSPB is the country’s largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home.

Photo: Anna Allum

Out and about | 41

Clandon in crisis On 29 April fire tore through Clandon House in Surrey, destroying the magnificent interiors and priceless furniture and paintings and leaving behind a burnt out shell. Fine caught up with the National Trust to find out what happened and where the charity goes from here.

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landon, just outside Guildford, was one of the country’s finest and most complete examples of a Palladian mansion. Originally built in 1720, the house was donated to the National Trust in 1956 and has been lovingly restored under the guidance of interior designer, John Fowler. A team of 80 firefighters battled through the night to tame the flames, which left only one room intact, the Speaker’s Parlour. All staff and volunteers were safely evacuated. Now the National Trust has begun picking through the wreckage to see what can be saved. Incredibly, significant portions of the house’s collection of eighteenth century furniture, porcelain and textiles have been salvaged, but the house needs to be made safe before a full archaeological

investigation can begin. Helen Ghosh, Director General of the National Trust said: “The house is now essentially a shell, most of the roof, ceiling and floors have collapsed into the bottom of the building. It’s a terrible sight. We have saved some significant items but certainly not everything. It will clearly take some time to assess the full scale of the damage.” Understandably, Clandon is currently closed to visitors, but the National Trust has set up a dedicated restoration fund and supporters can donate by phoning 0344 800 1895 or on the National Trust website www.nationaltrust.org.uk. We’ll bring you an update on the recovery operation in the next issue of Fine magazine.

Photo: National Trust Images / Beata Moore

AMONG THE ITEMS THAT HAVE BEEN SAVED ARE: • Painting depicting Speaker Arthur Onslow calling upon Sir Robert Walpole to speak in the House of Commons, by Sir James Thornhill and William Hogarth 1730, from the Library • Board listing the rules to be observed in the servants’ hall at Clandon Park, 18th century • Painting of an ostrich in a classical landscape, oil on canvas, by Francis Barlow (c.1626–1704), probably painted in the 1670s, from the Marble Hall

photographs, from the Library • A pair of giltwood side tables in the manner of John Gumley and James Moore, made in about 1725, from the State Bedroom • Silver, including some pieces by the noted silversmith Paul Storr, from the Speaker’s Parlour, which survived almost intact

• Bible printed by John Basket in 1716-1717, from the Library

• The hangings of the Clandon Park state bed, made in about 1710. The hangings had just returned to Clandon Park following conservation treatment and were still packed up.

• Folding screen incorporating Victorian and Edwardian Onslow family

• Set of hall chairs with the Onslow crest, from the Marble Hall

Out and about | 43

Photos: Alan Wright Photography

Country Club

living

When’s the last time you took a whole day to take care of you? Catherine Ross took a tour of Slinfold Golf & Country Club to see what’s on offer. 44 | fine

Photos: Alan Wright Photography

hen you think of golf clubs, women-friendly might not be the first phrase you think of to describe them, but that’s a trend that’s changing rapidly thanks to clubs like Slinfold, which is working hard to broaden its appeal to women, while still ensuring the men’s game is as popular as ever. It starts with providing safe, high-quality child care. Women with children don’t have to choose between staying at home or getting out as Slinfold Golf & Country Club offers an excellent crèche where children from 4 weeks to 7 years old can be cared for by highly trained professional childcare providers. The extensive range of fitness classes and options offers something for everyone, whether their aim is to tone up, get healthy, lose weight or work towards a major challenge, like a marathon. Slinfold’s personal trainers are on hand to offer training plans and guidance on technique to make sure all members are getting the most out of their workouts.

benefits country club membership offers. A spot of lunch followed by a beauty treatment is the perfect way to round off a day with old friends and new friends. Of course, the women are also encouraged to participate in the main function of the club – GOLF! The stunning 18 hole course and new floodlit driving range are available to all members and Slinfold has seen a surge in female players in recent years. So whether you see yourself as a golf pro or just fancy a spot of yoga in an idyllic setting, Slinfold Golf Club is worth a look. And Fine readers can try it all for free. Just phone 01403 792620 and quote “fine” to the membership department for a free day pass.

The extensive range of fitness classes and options offers something for everyone, whether their aim is to tone up, get healthy, lose weight or work towards a major challenge, like a marathon.

The new holistic studio offers yoga, pilates and body balance classes and provides a tranquil environment away from the main gym. The club has also recently added spin cycling classes to its roster with the installation of a fleet of IC7 spin bikes. After their workout, ladies are encouraged to stick around and enjoy the social

This is the life | 45

Golfing

for beginners

Always fancied golf, but didn’t know where to start? One local golf club is helping attract new members to the sport through an innovative scheme for absolute beginners and golfing part-timers.

est Chiltington Golf Club in West Sussex has been singled out for praise by the sport’s governing body for its innovation in boosting membership numbers. The club has gone back to the drawing board and created new loyalty schemes and memberships both for absolute beginners and for those who find they can’t dedicate a lot of time to golf.

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declining since 2004 and this has put a financial strain on many golf clubs. Overall participation in golf has also been declining steadily since 2007.” To combat this, West Chiltington Golf Club designed a brand new loyalty scheme to encourage anyone, of any age, to give golf a go. “The 9 Hole Club” was launched in March 2014.

The club was forced to take action and get creative in a bid to halt the slide of decreasing club memberships - a problem affecting the majority of clubs in the UK.

West Chiltington Golf Club now has 212 new members of their 9 hole course, nearly 10 per cent of whom have since progressed onto bigger memberships for the 18 hole course.

In 2014 England Golf - golf’s governing body - highlighted the issue in its strategic plan to help secure the future of the sport. It concluded: “The golf business contributes £3.4 billion a year to the English economy. It is the fifth largest participation sport in the country but the number of golf club members has been

The initiative has been praised by England Golf, who commented “We’re delighted to be supporting West Chiltington in progressing the 9 Hole Club. The last few years has seen many clubs starting to diversify their golf offering to attract more players and more members to their facilities.”

“There’s a national trend of clubs looking at flexible memberships and creating shorter formats of the game to attract more customers, and it’s great to see West Chiltington are at the forefront of exploring different ways to present the game.” The 9 Hole Club is just £30 per year and offers 50 per cent off green fees for the 9 hole course as well as some vouchers for the 18 hole course to encourage new members to give it a go.

West Chilt isn’t a stuffy club and that’s what attracted me, you’d be hard pushed not to find new friends and playing partners here.

Even main club members have been getting involved to help new golfers; Gary Milburn, a 7 Day member commented “Everyone is so friendly here, it’s a real community and we all try and encourage new golfers, we’ve been organising 18 Hole Taster Days for all the 9 Hole Club, it’s great to see people progress! West Chilt isn’t a stuffy club and that’s what attracted me, you’d be hard pushed not to find new friends and playing partners here.” Due to the continued success of The 9 Hole Club and the increase in ‘nomadic golfing’ West Chiltington Golf Club are pioneering the new 18 Hole Club & 18 Hole Club plus’. The 18 Hole Club Plus includes the opportunity to hold a handicap and enter

into competitions at the club for a fee of just £120 per year (plus cgu fees). The 18 Hole Club, is essentially a year round social playing ticket and will set you back a mere £65 per year, both offer green fees from just £9 on the 18 hole course 7 days a week and have already proven popular, the results so far are promising, with 70 members in just a few winter months. They are expecting a significant growth this summer in the sale of these memberships and hope to end the year with a much increased playing field. West Chiltington Golf Club are also now running an unbeatable offer of £799 for a full 12 month 7 day membership. It’s the first discounted full membership offer to be run of its kind at the club and they hope to add to the easy going, mixed gender atmosphere at the weekends. A significant amount of money and effort has been poured into the course over the last year and it is now all ready and waiting to be enjoyed by everyone. That coupled with the ever so friendly feel in the clubhouse, makes the chance to buy a 7 day membership at such a low introductory price an opportunity not to be missed. For more information on these and other memberships which West Chiltington Golf Club offer visit their website www. westchiltgolf.co.uk or call the office on 01798812115.

This is the life | 47

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Beside the

seaside The summer is yet to materialise for most of us Brits but spring is well and truly here. Time to head for the coast for one of Bridget Glynne-Jones’ wonderful walks

hat better way to spend the longer afternoons and evenings of spring and summer than by heading to the sea? Admittedly, with the weather as it is, rather than a lazy stroll with the warm sun on your back you may be best advised to expect something more bracing but the Sussex coastline is still well worth exploring. And you may be delighted not only by the countryside around you but by the strides also being made with regard to the conservation of this most important part of our natural heritage. The following three walks are delightful, require only reasonable levels of fitness and are all dog and child friendly. That said, whilst there are remarkably few stiles to tackle there are, in the East Sussex walk, some taxing hills to deal with but the West Sussex walks are on the inevitable coastal flats. Choose appropriate footwear and take extra water. If you need additional reassurance take one of an Ordnance Survey.

West Wittering and East Head 4 miles

If like me your experience of West Wittering is defined by sitting on the beach with youngsters, (albeit a while ago) then consider heading down there once again and attempt a grown up version by way of a lovely coastal walk – to include

that infamous bit of beach. This circular walk begins in the village itself and soon heads down to the beach where you can choose to walk along the sand if the tide is low enough heading westward or , do as I did and stay in amongst the dunes – much more of a work out and strangely satisfying and rejuvenating. The dunes here evoke wonderful memories of childhood beach holidays and the sky goes on forever. Walking in front of the beach huts you soon reach the superb coastal natural habitat of East Head. The entire area is under the control of the National Trust where admirable work is going on re-establishing the marram grass and providing an area for the local wildlife to proliferate such as lizards and ringed plovers which nest amongst the pebbles. You may even be lucky enough to spot a seal playing in the waters off the head. A stroll here is an absolute pleasure and made easier if you attempt this walk either early morning before the pleasure seekers have descended in their hoards or late afternoon when the crowds have subsided and only the locals are left walking their dogs - though only if you are trying this in the height of the summer. At other times of year you will have the place virtually to yourself. At these times though wrap up well against the inevitable wind. This walk can be done at both high and low tide though check the times if you are at all concerned. Having circumnavigated the headland and

arriving back at the “red flag” you can take the footpath alongside the main car park to head back in to the village and your finish. At the moment, work is being undertaken to build up the flood defences so the footpath is closed. Until such time as it re-opens, walk through the car park, not in itself unpleasant and affording the opportunity for a little refreshment from the kiosks, before heading back up the lane to the village. Find somewhere to park up in the village centre as near to the The Old House at Home PH as possible. Heading seaward, walk past the pub along the pavement. Stay on this as it turns east and as you begin to exit the village, locate Berry Barn Lane on your right, which takes you directly down to the beach. Head west either along the sand or along the footpath in the dunes to soon pass the beach huts and round up the inlet to East Head. Stay on ahead to the end of this stretch of beach for a mile or so when, rounding “the corner”, you now cut back in to the dunes and head away from the water towards the marshy land to pick up one of two boardwalks taking you back to the car park. Choose either the footpath back to the village alongside the car park, soon forking right to take you back to the village or just walk up the length of the car park and the access lane back to the village. continued >

This is the life | 49

< continued

Climping Walk 3.75 miles

Sandwiched between the busy Sussex coastal towns of Worthing and Bognor Regis lies the rural little safe haven of Climping, well known the length and breadth of the county as a lovely stretch of beach- and deservedly so. Much of the area is now designated of scientific interest, and parts are a nature reserve, although many sections of the sand dunes are now fenced off to protect against erosion and help local species to thrive.

The views are quite literally unsurpassed if you like our British coastline

Try this on a wild and windy day or a light breezy one and consider combing it with a visit to the Black Horse PH or, for something a little more grandiose, tea at The Bailiffs Court Hotel. If it is low tide as you set off you can walk along the sand of the foreshore, a little easier than the pebbles. Park in the car park at Climping Beach remember you will need change for the machine. Head eastward out over the beach for just over a mile until you round the corner and find yourself in West Beach car park where the Arun meets the sea, Littlehampton and its beach on the far side. Walk up the car park’s access road, past the golf club entrance and turn left on the footpath when the lane becomes a road to walk alongside the golf course. Continue until you see a 3-point finger post (beside the 12th tee) and turn right though the woodland. Emerging into a field cross over to the finger post and then turn left, striking out over the field, to soon cross another before reaching the byway at a T junction. Turn left here to find the car park (shortening the walk to just under 3.5 miles) or continue ahead over the next field to the Climping lane. The hotel is dead ahead and the pub can be found a short way up on your right. From here it is a 5 minute walk back to the car park and beach.

Seven Sisters Saunter 6.3 miles

This walk will involve a bit of effort in terms of mileage and time but it will be hard to better. The drive to the start from the Horsham area is a little over an hour in good traffic and you can expect to find yourself out of breath on the walk itself but seldom will you have enjoyed such a fabulous vista filled walk if you are lucky enough to be blessed with good weather. The views are quite literally unsurpassed if you like our British coastline and the history and intrigue surrounding the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head make it all the more magical.

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The ups and downs are mildly challenging as you disappear down one “sister” and up another but at around 200 feet above sea level you need a head for heights with those stunning views, each one revealing glimpses of their glaring white chalk cliff fronts and, if you look down, the occasional “graffiti”, where the white chalk stones that litter the landscape have been laid out so as to read their owners names underlines the joie de vivre here. In fact the place seems to have an atmosphere of its own and if you close your eyes you could swear you can almost hear the sound of those Rolls Royce Merlin engines in an imaginary overhead dogfight. Coming back down to earthy and practically, not to mention usefully, you encounter en route the Birling Gap Hotel which despite being more of a cafe offers respite by way of a quick drink before you head on to your destination. The Beachy Head Pub is an ideal spot to finish this with the option of a bus back to the start point. Begin by parking at the Seven Sisters Country Park car park at Exceat (£2.50 for up to 2 hours, £3.50 for over 2 hours) which is best accessed via the village of Litlington off the A27 (the turning for Afriston/Drusillas Zoo). The walk is easy enough to follow by simply striking out south alongside the winding Cuckmere River picking up the signs for the South Downs Way and just heading eastward along the cliff top. Continue on ahead

when you reach the Birling Gap and when you become aware that you are on Beachy Head, head slightly inland to find the pub and catch the 13X bus back to Exceat. This bus runs every 30 minutes up to 6pm in the summer months between April and the end of September. Should you feel the need to find the start/ finish of the South Downs Way, head inland here and downhill for another couple of miles down in to Eastbourne to find the official sign. Keep walking along to the pier and take the 13X bus back to the start point. Another very nice alternative to this and if you prefer your walks circular, is to head to East Dean on the A259 Seaford to Eastbourne road where you can park close to The Tiger Inn pub in the village. Time this 4 mile walk well and you can enjoy a very lovely pub meal here – famed far and wide for its food. The walk heads out across the green, up Went Way and the uphill track towards the woodland. From the ridge you can see the Belle Tout cliff top to the east where you head south towards the sea and the Birling Gap before picking up signs for the South Downs Way heading west. Stay on this cliff top walk until you see a footpath to the right on the third “sister” heading up the valley signed to Crowlink village and stay on this back to East Dean.

SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 2015 Have you got what it takes to walk the South Downs Way from Arundel to Brighton and raise much needed money for the Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

BRIGHTON 35KM KITHURST HILL 12KM

Bring friends and family, start a work team or walk alone if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up for the challenge!

For information on how to take part visit www.bit.ly/A2BWalk Call 01403 788994 or email mytime@patadventures.com

Sponsored by: In partnership with:

Poster Designed by: www.dvltrust.org.uk Tel: 01403 780444

In the

diary

Summer is the perfect time of year to get out and about in Sussex and Surrey. Here’s a round-up of some of the best events to keep you occupied throughout the summer.

13-14 June MAGNA CARTA RIVER PAGEANT, RUNNYMEDE To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede, 195 craft will take part in a river relay from Hurley Riverside to Runnymede Pleasure Ground transporting a copy of the historic document. It promises to be quite a spectacle.

26-28 June FESTIVAL OF SPEED, GOODWOOD Join the largest motoring garden party in the world at this true celebration of motor sport and all things automotive.

4 July GUILDFORD LIONS RAFT RACE Always a spectacle the annual raft race in aid of Guildford Lions is worth a visit. Cheer from the bridge in the centre of town or from various points along the river. Entry is £30 per raft and registration is still open.

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13 June-12 July FESTIVAL OF CHICHESTER The third Festival of Chichester will feature international and local musicians, artists and performers in what promises to be the city’s most spectacular show yet.

11-12 July PRIVATEERS AND REVOLUTIONARIES AT ARUNDEL CASTLE A weekend of fun set against a 19th century background where the privateers, smugglers and revolutionaries of Raven Tor Living History Group face the 2nd Queen’s Regiment of Foot with displays of weapons and two encampments in the castle grounds.

11 July PETWORTH HOUSE FETE IN THE PARK This traditional town fete is in its tenth year and offers delights for all the family.

1-26 July GUILDFORD FRINGE FESTIVAL Guildford’s open access multi-arts festival includes theatre, cabaret, live music and films. Several events are free of charge, so book early.

28-31 July l

This four day festival of horse racing is a popular date for horse lovers across the south east.

QATAR GOODWOOD FESTIVAL Phot

e o: G

ge or

In the diary | 53

Beauty and

power

Struggling to choose between a sports car and an SUV? Mercedes has combined the two with the striking new Concept GLC Coupe.

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he new Mercedes Concept GLC Coupe is unmistakably a Mercedes. It combines a powerful front end with the sleek styling synonymous with the brand.

285/45 R 21 wide-base tyres.

The detailing screams sports car, while the sheer size and weight make it unmistakably an SUV.

The four polished stainless-steel tailpipes of the exhaust system provide a visual highlight. Mounted in pairs above an A-wing similar to the one at the front and featuring characteristic underbody protection, the tailpipes underscore the sporty look of the coupé.

The rear view of the precisely two-metrewide Concept GLC Coupé in particular reveals the wide, muscular shoulders with harmoniously modelled wheel arches that house 53.3 cm (21-inch) alloy wheels with

The drive technology aboard the Concept GLC Coupé matches the vehicle’s looks. A V6 powerplant delivering 367 hp and 520 Nm makes for a highly sporty level of performance.

Favourite things | 55

Phone-omenal

The most technologically advanced handsets and the boom in 4G means the world is at your fingertips more than ever before. Take and edit photos and vidoes and share them on social networks. Research Sussex and Surrey’s best restaurants and book a table or use maps to explore the local countryside. However you use yours, there’s a smartphone just for you. Fine’s very own gadget guru, Steve Goodwin, takes a look at what the latest smartphones have to offer.

SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 EDGE Dimensions 142.1 x 70.1 x 7 mm Screen 5.1 inches 577 ppi CPU Exynos 7420 Octa-core RAM 3GB Storage 32/64/128 GB Camera 16MP

SAMSUNG GALAXY S6 Dimensions 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm Screen 5.1 inches 577 ppi CPU Exynos 7420 Octa-core RAM 3GB Storage 32/64/128 GB Camera 16MP

The S6 Edge is virtually identical to the S6, but features a unique edge-toedge screen design and a slightly bigger battery. The screen curves round the phone’s edges, and these areas do have some additional functionality. All this comes at a cost however, as the Edge costs around £100 more than the S6.

Samsung have finally stepped into the world of metal for their latest flagship, replacing their previous plastic designs. The S6 boasts the sharpest screen currently available, and its Super AMOLED technology makes for great viewing.

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APPLE IPHONE 6

HUAWEI P8

Dimensions 138.1 x 67 x 6.9 mm Screen 4.7 inches 326 ppi CPU Apple A8 Dual-core RAM 1GB Storage 16/64/128 GB Camera 8MP

Dimensions 144.9 x 72.1 x 6.4 mm Screen 5.2 inches 424 ppi CPU Kirin 930 Octa-core RAM 3GB Storage 16/64 GB + microSD Camera 13MP

Apple have improved all round with the iPhone 6. It has a bigger screen, more power, a larger battery and better camera. However, it’s the most expensive phone on the market and has the lowest resolution screen of our shortlist.

The Chinese firm have shown promise with their recent handsets, and have come up trumps with the P8. It has the specs to rival the leading brands, with a great screen, decent camera and a lower price point. It’s also one of the thinnest phones on the market.

NEXUS 6 HTC ONE M9

Dimensions 159.3 x 83 x 10.1 mm Screen 5.96 inches 493 ppi CPU Snapdragon 805 Quad-core RAM 3GB Storage 32/64 GB Camera 13MP

Dimensions 144.6 x 69.7 x 9.6 mm Screen 5.0 inches 441 ppi CPU Snapdragon 810 Octa-core RAM 3GB Storage 32GB + microSD Camera 20MP

The Nexus family runs pure stock Android which means it benefits from early software upgrades. The Nexus 6 has a huge screen - it feels more like a phablet than a phone. It also features wireless charging, but has dropped the microSD support from the previous models.

HTC didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stray too far from the excellent M8 with their latest upgrade, they have kept the same screen size, but made a few hardware upgrades and have plenty of storage with 32GB on board plus microSD support.

SONY XPERIA Z4 Dimensions 146 x 72 x 6.9 mm Screen 5.2 inches 424 ppi CPU Snapdragon 810 Octa-core RAM 3GB Storage 32/64 GB + microSD Camera 20.7MP The Z4 is currently only available in Japan, but expect it to land on our shores some time later in the year. It closely resembles the earlier Xperia handsets, and is again completely dust and water proof. It has the top specs you would expect, packing 3GB of RAM and a whopping 20.7 megapixel camera.

LG G FLEX 2 Dimensions 149.1 x 75.3 x 7.1-9.4 mm Screen 5.5 inches 403 ppi CPU Snapdragon 810 Octa-core RAM 2GB Storage 16GB + microSD Camera 13MP LG first attempted a flexible curvy phone last year, and seem to have perfected it this time round. The screen is plastic, specially coated with a Gorilla Glass 3 treatment, making it more durable than a glass screen. The curved design also helps it to fit into pockets.

LG G4 Dimensions 148.9 x 76.1 x 6.3 - 9.8 mm Screen 5.5 inches 538 ppi CPU Snapdragon 808 Hexa-core RAM 3GB Storage 32GB + microSD Camera 16MP The G4 has the expected hardware upgrades from last yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; G3, with significant improvements to the camera and battery life. The G4 also features a leather back, removable battery and a phenomenal QHD screen.

Favourite things | 57

Style every day Is your wardrobe crammed full of clothes you never wear? Does an invitation to an event send you into paroxysms of anxiety over the dress code? You’re not alone. Luckily, Fine has enlisted Brightonbased stylist, Samantha Wilding of Style & Grace, to show us how we can refine our wardrobes and avoid sartorial disasters.

lients come to me for a variety of reasons. They may be looking to revamp their professional wardrobe, refine their off duty look, or shop for a specific occasion. Whatever the reason, the process usually involves a ‘wardrobe detox’, where I review a client’s clothes and we discuss what they wear, what they don’t, and why. A wardrobe detox was the natural starting point for Louise. In her mid-40s, Louise recently joined a lingerie and swimwear company. Her role involves organising photoshoots and trade shows for the brand, so she is frequently with people in the fashion industry. Louise came to me because she wants to ‘look the part’ in her new role, and felt she had too many clothes. Louise was keen to clear out the clutter and get fresh ideas on new outfits. She explains, “I had no idea what goes with what, and I tend to stick to the same clothes – jeans and tops, or very dressy. I struggle with what’s in- between, particularly a smarter casual look for informal meetings and lunches. And I want to achieve a fashionable, funky look, as I often accompany models to shoots in farflung locations.” Louise’s wardrobe was crammed. There was lots of colour, but no overall palette stood out. “I’m not sure what colours actually work,” she said, “I’ve got too many tops, too many dresses – too many choices !” Things were packed in tightly, some items still had the tags on and smaller pieces got lost in the chaos. continued >

In fashion | 59

Research shows that someone judges you in the first three seconds based on how you look and what you’re wearing, before you say or do anything. While this may seem superficial, in our imageconscious age it is vitally important. Creating a great first impression is central to your ‘personal brand’. I am a personal stylist, helping men and women look their best, define their personal brand and boost their confidence. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your image for business or create your unique ‘off duty’ wardrobe, please get in touch. I’d be delighted to hear from you. Samantha Wilding Style&grace Email: samantha@styleandgrace.eu Phone: 07833 084864 Website: www.styleandgrace.eu Twitter: @alwayschicUK

< continued We started by weeding out the definite ‘no’s’: items that don’t fit, that hadn’t been worn for over a year and those that need repairing. We created piles destined for the charity shop or consignment. “Once we got going, I completely trusted Sam and we had loads of fun.” We then turned to the ‘trouble spots’ – those pieces she wasn’t sure how to wear. Louise has a beautiful black leather jacket with metallic chevron detailing – a real investment piece – but had no idea what to wear it with. We created several outfits, pairing it with jeans as well as a black dress. A long knitted vest came into its own with a camisole and bomber jacket, perfect for gigs or a casual lunch. A grey and black tunic worn with leggings, leather trainers and silver jewellery was

another casual option. “Sam gave me ideas I hadn’t considered and confidence in wearing my edgier pieces. And I loved her recommendation on colours.” Two sides of Louise began to emerge, along with a clearer colour palette. There is ‘polished bohemian Louise’ in dresses, jeans, boots and floaty tops in soft pinks, blues and greens; and ‘edgier rock and roll Louise’ in leather, blacks, greys and silvers. As we cleared things out and put outfits together, I captured a list of ‘gaps’ – those items that Louise needed to create complete outfits. These included a good white t-shirt, some plain basic tops, a denim jacket and a pair of white jeans. Louise was surprised by the emotional

It was good fun, and I love that Sam was honest about the things that didn’t work. attachment she had to some of her clothes. People often hang onto things in the hope they’ll come back into fashion, or that they’ll ‘diet’ back into them. Louise felt she had been hanging on to things that she could now let go of. Your life changes, so why shouldn’t your wardrobe? She explains, “My life has changed completely in the past year. My kids are older and I’m now working in the fashion industry. My wardrobe needs to take me from the school run to meetings in London with our PR agency to travelling to a trade show in Paris. Sam has definitely helped me achieve that. I know I can open my wardrobe and know what to wear, and it will be easier to shop as I now know what I’ve got – I won’t be wasting money on things that don’t work for me.” She adds, “I actually felt relief all the way through! It was good fun, and I love that Sam was honest about the things that didn’t work. The process taught me to look at my clothes differently. Sam helped me do something I had wanted to do for a long time. If I’d done it on my own I wouldn’t have got rid of half of what we did.”

In fashion | 61

English wine’s time to

Shine

Photo: Helen Dixon

England’s largest vineyard is right on our doorstep and its sparkling and still white wines are giving the rest of the world a run for its money. Fine catches up with Denbies Wine Estate to find out more about what they have to offer.

eading north from Dorking, you can’t miss the entrance to Denbies Wine Estate, but you’d be forgiven for driving on past – vineyards are not synonymous with the English countryside after all. But you’d be making a mistake. Nestled in the heart of the Surrey Hills, England’s biggest vineyard has been producing fine sparkling and still white wines using grapes grown on vines covering 265 acres of local chalk land. The vineyard was planted in 1986, with 265 acres of vines, and commands an impressive location overlooking Box Hill. The Vineyard through open its gates for visitors to watch the Olympic Cycling Road

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Race on big screens after cyclists whizzed through Dorking town centre in 2012. Approaching the expansive Denbies Estate, for a moment, one could really be anywhere in the world, acres and acres of vineyard rolling into the distant hills, a captivating sight – in the middle of Surrey! Denbies is open daily to the public and the chateau style winery hosts two restaurants, wine and gift shop, art gallery, exhibition and conference rooms. Denbies runs indoor classic wine tasting tours and outdoor vineyard tours daily. There is also a charming Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast with seven en-suite bedrooms adjacent to the winery.

Denbies produces award-winning excellent cool climate sparkling wines using the traditional grape varieties, grown on chalky soil. The winery also produces first class still wines from the noble varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. In 2010, the vineyard planted England’s first Sauvignon Blanc vines and the resulting wine has been added to the vineyard’s collection.

xon

English wine has been made possible due to a combination of warmer growing seasons producing riper fruit, and a great deal of expertise in the winemaking process. The 2014 Pinot Gris is currently showing some wonderfully complex flavours, as is the Sauvignon Blanc and the Bacchus. After the prolonged Indian summer weather experienced in September last year (2014), conditions enabled the production of a ‘sticky’ desert style wine made from the variety Ortega. These are wines with a style that would not be replicated elsewhere in the world, and this uniqueness is something that Denbies celebrates. Of particular note, 2014 was a great vintage for sparkling wines. Denbies follow the complete process of sparkling wine from grape to disgorging and distribution. Producing sparkling wine is challenging and fun. It is the wine style with the most potential for interventions possible for altering the wine style during its production. For the eagerly awaited 2014 harvest Denbies Winemakers are creating the Greenfields (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Cubitt Blanc de Noir (100% Pinot Noir), new for 2014 Cubitt Blanc de blanc (100% Chardonnay) and the Whitedowns White and Rose (new for 2014). Look out for some exceptional wines from the 2014 vintage! Since its first vintage in 1993, Denbies wines have won a wide range of national and international

awards and trophies, including the prestigious International Wine Challenge, International Wine and Spirit competition and Decanter. The 2010 Chalk Ridge Rose was awarded the title of Best Rose in the world, a major achievement for a still English rose wine. Denbies offers a wide range of specialist events, including the highlight of the year, Denbies Vine and Dine Grape picking experience which takes place during the October harvest and includes first-hand experience in the workings of the vineyard and winery. Running and wine? Now in its 5th year, the Surrey Bacchus Half Marathon based at Denbies was once again awarded a podium spot in the Runner’s World ‘The UK’s 50 Best Races’ 2014 as voted for by Runner’s World readers. The Surrey Bacchus is based on the Marathon du Medoc and attracts participants from all over the world, features wine tasting and fancy dress as part of the fun. The event passes through Denbies, Dorking, Ranmore Common and the North Downs Way and is a beautiful route. Denbies Wine Estate currently has a range of 14 wines and produces over 450,000 bottles of wine per annum. Denbies is located in Dorking, Surrey with direct rail access from London Waterloo and Victoria mainline stations.

These are wines with a style that would not be replicated elsewhere in the world, and this uniqueness is something that Denbies Full details www.denbies. celebrates. co.uk

Food & drink | 65

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Time for tea…

& cake

Fans of afternoon tea can’t fail to be delighted by a visit to Steyning Tea Rooms. Home made cakes and scones served with home made jams, served on a china service and housed within a 500 year old Grade II listed building, it combines the best of modern service and historic values.

he award winning Steyning Tea Rooms is nestled at the foot of the South Downs in the picturesque historic market town of Steyning. Rated Steyning’s number one place to eat by Tripadvisor visitors, the Steyning Tea Rooms pride themselves on serving good quality food all of which is home made on the premises. They are famous for their home made cakes and scones with their rhubarb scones and home made jam being a firm

favourite amongst customers. Loose leaf tea is served in teapots with china cups and saucers in this quaint village Tea Rooms. The menu includes a wide variety of breakfasts and lunches including salads, sandwiches, jacket potatoes and of course their Sussex rarebit and Stilton & pear rarebit along with daily specials and afternoon tea. continued >

Food & drink | 67

Photos: Alan Wright Photography

<continued Teddy bears picnicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite, served in a little basket with a drink in a teapot with a mini cup and saucer! Advocates of using local produce wherever possible, they have recently converted their outside space into an allotment to grow a lot of their vegetables and salad items themselves. Booking is generally advisable as they are very popular, especially at weekends and lunchtimes. You can find the Steyning Tea Rooms at 32 High Street Steyning. BN44 3YE and contact them on 01903 810103 or info@ steyningtearooms.co.uk

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Advocates of using local produce wherever possible, they have recently converted their outside space into an allotment to grow a lot of their vegetables and salad items themselves.

Forget your cockles and jellied eels, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a short hop to frogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legs and snails. Take a break from London City Airport. Now flying to Angers (Loire Valley), Quimper (Brittany) and Nice. To Fly. To Serve. Book at ba.com/londoncitysummer

Services operated by BA CityFlyer.

Glorious golf & fine

food

In Surrey and Sussex we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to fine dining and the area enjoys an abundance of golf courses, but Gatton Manor Hotel and Golf Club perfectly combines the two along with an 18 bedroom hotel set in 200 acres of scenic countryside on the Surrey/ Sussex border.

hilst Gatton Manor Hotel and Golf Club is only a short drive from Horsham, Cranleigh and Dorking, it remains one of the areas hidden gems. To many, it is best known for its excellent golf course, but in reality this is just one of its many attractions. On-site is an 18 bedroom hotel, conference and meeting facilities and the newly refurbished Lakeview Restaurant, which is steadily building its reputation for fine food in the local area. Alongside this

Gatton Manor has a proven reputation for hosting unique weddings and events.

GREAT GOLF AT GATTON MANOR There can be no doubt that this mature 18-hole woodland course, designed by notable golf architect Commander John D Harris, offers golfers a true challenge in a picturesque setting. No two holes are alike and the course makes imaginative use of the streams, lakes and the tree-lined fairways incorporated within it. Whilst it had always been a popular members club, in early 2015 the running of the golf operation formally became the responsibility of the Members’ committee. A significant benefit of this management change has been the reduction in the annual subscription, with 7 day full

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memberships now starting from just £930. “It is an exciting time to join Gatton Manor” said newly appointed Golf Manager David Deering, “We are undertaking significant course improvements, investing in our greens team and developing our professional links by becoming the home of the TP Tour Academy. We offer members a full social and competition calendar and having our visitors and guests playing is an excellent way for us to showcase the course.” Members’, visitors, societies and golf break groups are of course extended the warmest of welcomes and all at the club remain committed to providing an outstanding course and practice facilities. Changes are underway for the hotel too as they celebrate the recent launch of The Lakeview Restaurant: - open to both hotel guests and the general public.

Food and Beverage Manager, David Friskey and Executive Head Chef, Ian Heffernan

FINE FOOD IN PICTURESQUE SURROUNDINGS Under the stewardship of Executive Head Chef, Ian Heffernan (Formerly of The Preston Cross Hotel), diners can now enjoy a menu which showcases the best of modern British cuisine. All the dishes have been created using locally sourced ingredients and showcase Ian and his talented teamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; passion and flair for creative cooking. Guests dine in a bright and airy setting, with as its name would suggest views over the lake, fountain and golf course beyond. Now finding favour with local diners and those from further afield its reputation for fine food is beginning to grow. To encourage readers to experience The Lakeview Restaurant for themselves from now until July 31st visitors can experience three courses of fine dining plus a complimentary glass of wine for just ÂŁ25.00 per person. To reserve your table, please call Gatton Manor on 01306 627555, quoting Fine 2015. For more information on all the facilities at Gatton Manor Hotel and Golf Club, please visit www.gattonmanor.co.uk

Great escapes | 71

Rendezvous on the Seine

Paris is, arguably, the world’s most romantic city and the rolling French countryside is the perfect place to leave the rush and bustle of everyday life behind. Imagine then, a ten day, all inclusive trip taking in the city and the countryside with guided tours with fine food and fine wine all while being whisked along the Seine on a river cruise. Jennifer Wright describes the experience in lustrous detail.

aving never been on a river cruise before – or holidayed as a single traveler before - I was apprehensive to say the least. My worries ranged from, how to make small talk with other couples without an “other half” myself, to whether I would find myself constantly with that empty seat next to me. I worried about that uncomfortable moment when I’d be ordering drinks at the bar for my “new found friends” and whether I would really be able to relax on what seemed like an exhausting itinerary? So picture this: A single lady stands at Gare Du Nord Station. She has not a word of French in her vocabulary and has three suitcases to wrangle with. Things weren’t looking good. So imagine my relief when a handsome hero called Jacques swept me off my feet. OK, so he turned out to be the driver of the transfer vehicle to my

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hotel, but I was very happy to see him! Having not visited Paris for many years I opted to spend some time here reacquainting myself with the city. When researching my trip I had originally planned to book myself a night in Paris before I joined the river cruise. Imagine my delight when I stumbled across this Tauck itinerary which included not just a night in Paris but two nights staying at the fabulous Hotel Pullman, located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. After two fantastic days of organized sightseeing and free time it was time to embark on my first River cruise, home for the next seven nights. With a smooth check-in completed with an hour to kill before dinner, I found myself making my way to the Panorama Lounge with all those initial concerns in the back of my mind. It is then that I realised that I had already spent two days acquainting

myself with my fellow cruisers and all of those worries had already been banished. What’s more, because the Tauck trip was all inclusive, I didn’t have to suffer those awkward moments buying drinks at the bar, The first morning we cruised along the Seine along to the “city of a hundred spires” Rouen. Enjoying the facilities onboard and taking full advantage of the glorious yet usual April weather, I sat on the top deck enjoying 360 degree views without a care in the world. I explored the city that afternoon with a guided city tour which also included sampling some of the locally produced Camembert cheese. I hadn’t realised when I booked the trip that one of the highlights would be an evening dining in a private French Chateau with local musicians to entertain us. As we made our way through the lush countryside the Chateau came into view, it was picture perfect and we dined like royalty. A truly memorable evening was had by everyone.

For a number of personal reasons I wanted to visit the pretty seaside town of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches of Normandy, both were part of this river itinerary. Visiting Honfleur which is one of the most quintessentially French villages I have ever visited did not disappoint, even if the sunshine had disappeared. Lunch here was on our own arrangements and to my surprise our Tauck Director gave us each a 20 Euro note to buy our lunch with. Speaking to other Tauck guests, some who were celebrating their 24th Tauck Trip it soon became apparent that these “little touches” are what make travelling with Tauck so special. Everyone likes a surprise, I certainly did. Les Andelys was the next destination. Home to Chateau Gaillard this is the crowing centre piece. The name of this palace means “well fortified” and is lauded as the strongest castle of its time. The castle was built in just two years by over 6,000 laborers. What remains today evokes images of how medieval this castle was in its prime. Back to our river boat,

we enjoyed lunch and some time to relax whilst the countryside rolled past en route to Vernon. On the last day we finished on a high, Monet’s Gardens. The spring time meant the gardens were awash with pink and green flowers, adorned in wisteria, azalea and, of course, water lilies. Enjoying the many gardens, walking to the water garden via the Japanese bridge with the scent of these flowers just gently catching the spring time breeze was breathtaking. Lunch was taken at a local restaurant. It was nice to experience local cuisine as well as the fine dining on the River boat. That afternoon we gently sailed along the Seine making our way back to Pairs. A final farewell reception and dinner was a perfect finish to what was a perfect holiday. So do I have the river cruising bug? I have to admit yes I do but it is as much about the company of friends I made, the peace of mind knowing my every wish was taken care of and the indulgence of all Inclusive travel, as it is about River Cruising itself.

TAUCK RIVER CRUISING Rendezvous on the Seine

10 days plus additional night pre or post for UK bookings 2015 & 2016 Dates Available Fares from £2770.00 per person NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on All Category 1 cabins All Inclusive / Travel With Like minded Guests / Highest Guest To Director Staff Ratio / Exclusive Destination Experiences To book call your preferred Travel Agent or call Tauck 0800 810 8020 or visit www.tauck.co.uk

Great escapes | 73

New Junior Boarding House Opening in September 2015 e ly i l k b ee Flex aila W d v A n a ng di r a o B

Registered Charity number: 307048

Farlington School is delighted to announce that it is opening a new Junior Boarding House, Fishponds, in September 2015. Fishponds Boarding House will be a self-contained house with a Farlington is an outstanding independent girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; day and boarding school located on the West Sussex/Surrey border, just outside Horsham. It provides an excellent

Headmistress, please contact our Registrar on 01403 282 573 or visit our website:

www.farlingtonschool.net Farlington School | Horsham | West Sussex | RH12 3PN

Art in

numbers

Maths leaves a lot of people cold, but when applied to every day life and to specialist skills it becomes the foundation for everything, which is why it’s so important to get kids excited about numbers. Frances Mwale, Prep Headmistress at Farlington School offers Fine readers some tips.

he French mathematician, Henri Poincare, described mathematics, unlike poetry, as “the art of giving the same name to different things”. I like this definition as, rather than being all about right or wrong answers, it suggests that creativity, relationships and rich language, are integral to the subject.

Just learning rules to manipulate number is not enough: a literacy equivalent would be reading letter e, knowing the sound it makes but then not being able to use it in different words. Making decisions about why and when to use methods, even devise new ones, is what gives mathematics its intrinsic appeal.

Nottingham and Oxford Universities were recently awarded over £2million towards solving the world’s 6 unsolved mathematical problems, yet press and Government releases inform us that the UK is falling behind many other countries. PISA results (Programme for International Student Assessment) show that our 15-year-olds lag behind the Far East and others in terms of what they attain in tests.

No subject is in complete isolation. In order to understand mathematics, we use the language of notation and recognise its symbols. Young learners have to equate a number symbol, say 5, with 5 ducks, or 5p or 5 pupils. They have to take on board a complete vocabulary - the language of mathematics - beginning with comparisons such as big and small, difference between, larger than.

A public admission at being terrible at reading or writing is pretty unthinkable, yet it seems acceptable for adults to say, ‘I was never any good at maths’ as a way of excusing a lack of progress, for them or for their children. In school we find children who really love maths: they enjoy problem solving, finding solutions and for some, not having to write loads! Mathematics possibly conjures up for you thoughts of endless algorithms, but it also encompasses mathematical thinking, where patterns and relationships are key. For those who feel inept at maths, thorny topics most feared are usually algebra, fractions and division, because we fail to see the relationships between numbers: denominator compared to numerator, for example.

Working with 2 ½ year olds, I was fascinated that they could identify biggest and smallest, but could not place 3 frogs in ascending size order. Just as we crawl before we walk, we reverse letters and numbers before we finally master their formation, so in mathematics, we move forwards at age-appropriate stages. Instead of moving on to ‘harder’ concepts, we go deeper and wider with mathematical learning. Being good at maths is often equated with being quick; that mental maths and correct answers are the only success indicators. But to push back the boundaries of mathematical thinking, we have to see problems in a new light and ask different questions. With developed teaching methods, greater application, less rote learning or endless columns of sums, why

are we less good at manipulating number in our heads? As a child, I would visit local shops to spend my pocket money, working out change and handing over the right coins. I measured and made clothes for my dolls, weighed out ingredients for cooking and played games that required adding and subtracting: there were always valid reasons for practising. Classroom challenges really motivate when children make the discoveries: working out primes, inventing sequences, deciphering codes. Ideas that seem neat and clever, can be so rewarding. My master’s research looked into the use of language in mathematics. It began with the notion that we use internal language in our heads when thinking. Young children babble aloud about everything they do and then gradually that commentary changes to silent thinking. Internalising the ‘talk’ can be difficult and so my study encouraged speaking to support all areas of mathematical learning. We should be asking challenging questions of young children: replacing ‘Look at the pretty rabbit’ with ‘How many can you see? Are they all the same size? How fast can they run?’ As parents and teachers, we need to grab every opportunity to bring meaning to the language of mathematics. So, how best can you support your child in their mathematical learning? I would suggest by getting creative with them. Do not just provide a diet of sums, or drill and practise computer games, but allow them to enjoy number, to use mathematics as a regular part of their daily activities, to experience reaching wrong answers then find out why, boosted by the joy of discovering new possibilities. Make thinking as concrete as possible, linking the abstract mysteries of symbols and digits, to bricks, counters, sweets –anything that can be handled and moved around, showing patterns and differences. Most importantly, make full use of mathematical language to promote deeper thinking.

Education | 75

Taking on the world The future of global politics looks secure as students from Christ’s Hospital took the top prize in the global Model United Nations competition.

of the conference, the best-performing delegates in each committee are selected for prizes.

Each year more than 400,000 pupils from primary school age to university age participate worldwide in these Model UN conferences, which debate live political issues.

Christ’s Hospital fielded several teams for the three-day competition and picked up a variety of prizes, including a number of awards for individuals. But the most prestigious prize of the competition, the Outstanding Delegation prize, was awarded to a team of five Christ’s Hospital pupils representing the views of the USA, Canada and Sweden in the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly.

00 pupils in 128 teams from 47 schools on three continents participated in the debating competition, which replicates various UN committees, including the Security Council and General Assembly.

The competition gives young people the opportunity to flex their diplomacy, research, public speaking, debating and writing skills and teaches them about international relations and the United Nations. To accurately replicate the real UN experience, participants in Model UN conferences are referred to as delegates, placed in committees and assigned countries to represent. Each team is responsible for researching their topics and formulating their positions before the competition begins. At the end

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The pupils on the winning team, successfully secured backing for a number of resolutions offering answers to global issues. These included proposals for achieving universal primary education, addressing the Ebola epidemic, protecting biodiversity and ensuring freedom of expression in the media. Dr Alistair Goddard, who teaches History at Christ’s Hospital and runs the School’s Model United Nations programme, commented: “I am always hugely

We were competing against the best schools in the country and from across the world. It was an amazing achievement for the pupils to have done so well.

The winning team

impressed by the passion with which Christ’s Hospital pupils support their ideas about solving the world’s problems. They have real interest in international politics, human rights and development. In some cases, the pupils were able to draw on their personal experiences of migration, social exclusion and life in developing countries in their speeches.” “This was an astonishing result for the team. We were competing against the best schools in the country and from across the world. It was an amazing achievement for the pupils to have done so well”, he added. Another Christ’s Hospital team also picked up second place and was awarded the Highly Commended Delegation award, while ten individual pupils were singled out for Distinguished Delegate awards and recognised for being the best in their committees. With so many talented future diplomats waiting in the wings, we can look forward to a future that secures global solutions to global issues.

Christ’s Hospital

Education | 77

Etiquette

& manners

Photos: The Milestone Hotel, Kensington

In our fast-changing world, manners might seem to have gone out of fashion, but with increasing numbers of children crippled with anxiety, learning how to hold their own can be empowering. Etiquette expert, Emma Dupont, of The English Manner gives us her view.

t’s hard to believe that the adage of ‘children should be seen and not heard’ was still upheld until only a generation or so ago. Nowadays we encourage children to socialise with people of all ages and to express themselves appropriately. Whilst we as adults may see their world as different to the one we grew up in, children aren’t really any different now to years ago. Whilst their peers may still have a prevailing influence over them, it is

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still up to adults to show them the way. Children have always wanted to appear older than their current years and they constantly seek knowledge and skills to help them appear more grown up. Embarrassment is the complete nemesis for a child’s confidence, and humiliation often occurs when a child does not know how to behave in a situation or have the social skills to carry them through. In order for children to make the most of opportunities that come their way they

need to show their best side in a variety of social situations and as they grow older, semi-professional situations. Coming from a world of online communication and social networking, many children and young adults are spending more time in their own company rather than in the same physical space as others. Whilst there is nothing wrong with the new ways of socialising with one another, it is naïve to think that face-toface personal skills no longer have a place in this world.

Coming from a world of online communication and social networking, many children and young adults are spending more time in their own company rather than in the same physical space as others.

Both adults and children build relationships with people that show confidence and consideration with others, and that they like and trust. To gain that inner confidence they must know what to do in any given situation.

like making small talk with adults, eating difficult foods, how to be a good guest and the importance of writing thank you notes.

Skills like introducing themselves and others correctly help set them apart from their peers. Walking and sitting with a straight back and knowing how to shake hands with an adult makes them appear more confident and self-assured, and creates the right impression when they are meeting new people.

I believe that children learn best when they are having fun and my classes aim to achieve this as well as being an educational and learning experience.

There is so much pressure on schools and children to achieve certain grades that there is no time to include these vital life skills within the curriculum. And whilst finesse is recognised as a desirable asset, the teaching of this must fall outside the normal day-to-day learning. If the standards achieved are high across the board what is going to set children apart from their peers when they start applying for internships and university places? Many will see these soft skills as a nice addition but you could argue that they are as necessary as the grades themselves for securing a child’s future opportunities. At The English Manner I teach Social and Business Etiquette to children and adults of all ages. Children can come along from when they are just 5 years old and my Children’s Etiquette Classes start with basic skills like Introductions, Dining Skills (such as what each piece of cutlery does and how to hold it), to helping someone into their seat. For children aged from 9 upwards I go into more detail and teach them skills

Tuition can also be made bespoke to your child’s needs and objectives.

5 TOP TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR ANY SOCIAL SITUATION • Teach them to look people in the eye when they are talking to them • Encourage them to practice walking and standing with their spine straight • Ensure they close their mouth when they are eating and have good table manners • Practice shaking hands with a grown up • Rehearse making small talk with adults Emma is running Children’s Etiquette Classes every Tuesday from 28th July – 18th August inc. in Duncton, West Sussex. Prices start from £60 + VAT pp. with a maximum of 4 children per class. Individual Tuition is also available in either Duncton or the client’s home. Emma is fully DBS Checked. For more information see www. theenglishmanner.com/westsussex or contact Emma Dupont on 07528 062130 / emma@theenglishmanner.com

Emma Dupont

Education | 79

Pensions

uncaged Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably have heard that the government has brought in huge changes for pensions, but do you know what it means for you? Brewin Dolphinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Planning Divisional Director, Nicholas Oliver, sheds some light on the subject. 80 | fine

his Spring, the pensions world was turned on its axis by reforms that have the potential to change the thinking behind how we use our accumulated wealth in retirement and beyond. Are you ready for the biggest retirement revolution in a generation? On 19 March 2014 Chancellor George Osborne stood at the despatch box in Parliament and delivered what for many will be arguably one of the most important Budgets of their lifetime. In this article we will look at some of the main changes and highlight areas that anyone considering taking advantage of the new flexibility should think about. Several commentators have said that the pension reforms herald the death of the annuity – the annual retirement income that will be paid to you for the rest of your life. Investors certainly seemed to draw this conclusion in the aftermath of Mr Osborne’s speech, with £4.4bn wiped off the value of annuity providers in a few hours. Since 6 April this year, individuals have the right to choose how much they draw down from their pension pot without restrictions. This is a significant change from the current limits imposed by the Government Actuary’s Department for most individuals. The new flexibility allows people to withdraw their entire fund in one go if they want. The consequences? You will be taxed at your marginal rate of income tax on the amount you withdraw over and above your entitlement to a tax-free lump sum from your pension (currently set at a maximum of 25%). Much media coverage has focused on this flexibility and there are bound to be those who see this as a fantastic opportunity. Naturally, there are concerns over what happens after all that new ‘cash’ has been spent. The Government, however, does

not appear to share these concerns, seemingly assuming that everyone who retires will be sensible and only draw out what they need. Potentially, though, this change could overcome concerns many savers have had about not “getting back their pension” because they may die early and not reap the full benefit of the annuity payments their fund buys. Another concern that is frequently expressed is, “I want my family members to benefit from my pension when I die”. Now that all of the pension fund money will be in the hands of the individual, they have the freedom to spend it or leave it to their beneficiaries on their death. Problems solved? Maybe – but will it be done in the most tax-efficient way? Less coverage has been given to a further key area that has been overhauled: the rules on pension death benefits. Passing down pension funds is nothing new, but who can receive these benefits, and how they can be passed on to family members – including children and grandchildren – is changing. Previously, it was necessary to be a ‘financial dependant’ such as a spouse/ civil partner or a child under the age of 23, to inherit pension benefits. Since April, anyone can be nominated to receive a pension benefit. A pension fund has the potential now to be an intergenerational, lasting family legacy. It should be possible for estate planning purposes for no inheritance tax to be payable by those inheriting the pension fund. Your pension fund can now pass on to successive generations of beneficiaries. The new rules will apply to the date that benefits are distributed, rather than the date of death. To enable this passing down, beneficiaries will be categorised as follows: • Dependants: Beneficiaries who were

financially dependent on the original plan holder. • Nominees: All other non-dependent beneficiaries of the plan holder. • Successors: All subsequent beneficiaries of dependants, nominees or other successors, regardless of their financial dependency. The pension pot can be distributed in three different ways: lump sums, drawdown and dependants’ annuities. Under the new rules, any beneficiaries can choose between lump sums or drawdown, but only dependants can buy annuities. Many with pension savings will not have thought past their spouse/ civil partner when it comes to who will inherit their pension pots. This area may need to be revisited and it is important to review your beneficiaries regularly. An Expression of Wishes form needs to be completed where changes are made, as the pension provider will only take your most recent request into account. Different levels of tax apply to passing on pension benefits depending on your age at death, and whether your funds are uncrystallised (no benefits have been taken) or crystallised (in drawdown). When a beneficiary with a dependant’s, nominee’s or successor’s drawdown account dies, their age at death will determine how their successors are taxed, as shown in the table below. As can be seen, the options are many and varied and also include the possibility of using trusts as recipients of your pension benefits. This is a complex area where expert guidance is required, however. What hopefully is apparent is that everything has changed this April; pensions have never been more flexible, but at the same time they have never been so complicated. The wise course is to seek advice before deciding how to take advantage of the new rules.

Pensions taxation Lump sum

Drawdown pension

Uncrystallised, under 75*

Free of tax

Crystallised, under 75

Free of tax

Uncrystallised, 75 and over

45% tax (beneficiary’s marginal tax rate from 2016)

Beneficiary’s marginal tax rate

Crystallised, 75 and over

45% tax (beneficiary’s marginal tax rate from 2016)

Beneficiary’s marginal tax rate

The value of your investment can fall and you may get back less than you invested. All information within this article is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended as investment advice; no investment is suitable in all cases and if you have any doubts as to an investment’s suitability then you should contact us or your financial adviser. Any tax allowances or thresholds mentioned are based on personal circumstances and current legislation which is subject to change.

Your money, your business | 81

Lasting first

impressions If you’ve ever needed to supply a photograph of yourself for work purposes and had to flick through your holiday photos to find one that doesn’t feature a cocktail, small child or bikiniclad photo-bomber, you’ll understand the value of having a professional head shot. Our resident photographer, Alan Wright explains the importance of getting it right.

our website is your shop-front and social media your billboard. It’s vital that all the content you put there resonates with your ideal client, including professional portraits of you and your team. Your goal is to make sure your audience likes the cut of your jib: does your profile picture make potential clients want to stop and hear what you have to say? My favourite piece of advice offered to companies or individuals considering business portraits is how the images can be re-used in multiple ways, not just for your website. A popular re-use is including them in your email or printed newsletter. Dry or sales pitch heavy newsletters often go over looked, simply including a team member spotlight feature along with an outstanding portrait can do wonders to build trust, elevate brand awareness and keep readers engaged. Carefully crafted brand messages are worth nothing if nobody is paying attention – and an unprofessional portrait could be all

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it takes to turn people off. Think back to the last time you visited a website in search of service provider (by way of an example). After liking what you saw you naturally click on the about us page to find out more about the people behind the company. If you were greeted with images of people on holiday, at a wedding or snapped with a camera phone while at their desk I bet your enthusiasm for getting in touch took a nose dive. It’s such a simple thing that often is overlooked but it can imprint an undesirable first impression. Don’t gamble on a client passing you by for something that is so easily remedied. A professional photographer with make sure that you look your best – tidy, approachable, natural, relaxed, confident and professional. Don’t be afraid to let you and your team’s personality shine – it’s a special USP that only you have! Alan Wright Photography offers a popular on site business portrait service with efficient appointments at convenient times for you and your team. commercial. alanwrightphotography. co.uk

C apt ivat ing Portrait ure f or your Heart & Home

HELLO SUMMER There are only 12 summer weekend dates available. Looking for a weekend date for your session? Reserve your date today! Alan Wright is an established and sought after family portrait photographer, covering the South East and beyond.

WWW.ALANWRIGHTPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK // 01403 782597

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