Fine v4 2019

FINE SUSSEX & SURREY 2019 VOLUME IV

2019 VOLUME IV Focus on... Education

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Reigate

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Ile de Ré

In this issue...

12 CHRIST’S HOSPITAL

22 ALED JONES AND RUSSELL WATSON

This unique Sussex school celebrates 150 years of its world famous and distinctive marching band with a series of events.

Lucy Pitts talks to Aled and Russell about their recent joint album and their forthcoming tour.

14 THINKING ABOUT SCHOOLS

24 SPOTLIGHT ON REIGATE

Contributor Nick Keith talks us through the hot and stressful topic of education, from primary school right through to university.

This month we slow down a little and take a stroll around historic Reigate and its many leafy corners.

16 FLEXI BOARDING

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Staff at Hurst College explain the school’s innovative approach to flexi boarding and why it’s such an unmitigated success.

How the heartbreaking story of Hope’s founders led to the to provision of much-needed support for young people with mental health issues.

18 STUDY TIME Feng Shui expert and Fine contributor Janine Lowe offers valuable tips on how to make your study or desk conducive to learning.

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HOPE CHARITY PROJECT

37 STAYING ACTIVE Tips from fitness expert Karen Stanton from my Active Life on how to ensure you make being active part of your routine as we start the new academic year.

29 LATE SUMMER STROGANOFF

32 THE FRENCH ATLANTIC COAST

Embrace the flavours of autumn with this delicious recipe for chestnut mushroom and watercress stroganoff.

Set sail for La Rochelle and the idyllic îLe de Ré as Fine unearths the best places to enjoy a late summer break.

30 ECO STUDY

54 IN THE DIARY

As the new academic year gets under way, Fine contributor and interior designer shares some ideas for creating a place for children to study that is kind to the environment.

From foraging in the woods to taking part in the South Coast Challenge, there’s plenty of great things to enjoy in our region at this time of year.

40 BEAUTIFUL SKIN

52 CLASSIC CAR NEWS?

As autumn approaches, we’ve been trialling some new beauty products to help you prepare your skin for the months ahead.

Classic Car specialists Mole Valley share their lifelong passion for classic and performance cars and some exciting news about the new TVR Griffith.

46 THE CHEQUERS Whether you’re enjoying late summer rambling or planning a Christmas event, why you should head to the Chequers of Rowhook this month.

60 SCHOOL FEES Chartered accountant Stuart Ritchie provides valuable advice on how to save and pay for private school fees.

In this issue | 5

A word from the

editor

Welcome to our late summer edition of Fine, which this month is all about education. As pupils head back to school and families start to make some big decisions about the best educational options, I’m delighted that Oxbridge Aspire student mentor Nick Keith has shared some valuable insights on choosing the right school (private or not) and the great university, apprenticeship or workplace debate.

finemagazine.co.uk 01243 717578

EDITOR Lucy Pitts lucy@finemagazine.co.uk

DESIGN & PRODUCTION Philippa French production@finemagazine.co.uk

Fine contributor and chartered accountant Stuart Ritchie also provides practical advice on how to plan and fund those all-important school fees whilst Christ’s Hospital provide a glimpse of what college life is like as part of their nationally renowned marching band. We’ve even included advice on how to make sure your child’s, grandchild’s (or maybe even your own) study space is conducive to learning.

In other news, we were delighted to have had the chance to interview Aled Jones and Russell Watson about their recently released album and forthcoming tour … what a charming couple of gentleman they are and the tour sounds amazing.

As always, we’ve also included some great suggestions for things to do in our area in our In The Diary feature which includes foraging, photography and food festivals and what’s not to love about those. Or, you could take a stroll around Reigate, our spotlight town this month, and discover some of its lesser known highlights.

FINE MAGAZINE LTD

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Janine Lowe Jeanette Mercer Stuart Ritchie Karen Stanton Nick Keith Sophie Ward Photography

Finally, if you’d rather stay at home as the nights start to draw in, why not try out our delicious mushroom and watercress stroganoff recipe on page 29 and start planning next year’s holiday – a trip to the stunning Ile de Ré off the west coast of France perhaps or an all-inclusive ski trip to Morzine with The Chalet Edit.

September is one of my favourite times of the year, as the autumn colours just start to emerge, and I hope this edition of Fine leaves you fired up and inspired to explore our region and beyond.

On the front...

The iconic Christ’s Hospital’s marching band celebrating 150 years

CIRCULATION distribution@finemagazine.co.uk

COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Terry Oliver toliver@finemagazine.co.uk

DIRECTOR Jennifer Oliver

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 2019 Volume IV This publication is protected by copyright. ©2019 Printed in the UK by Gemini Print

A word from the editor | 7

Green Square

Renewable Energy Why now is the time to switch

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R

ising energy costs have led to an increase in demand for Renewable Energy products which means that now is the best time to invest in a new renewable energy heating system for your home.

In 2013 the Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) was launched in the UK giving homeowners, landlords and self-builders the ability to claim government grants which pay back the money spent on higher cost Renewable Energy systems. To date, over 70,000 systems have been installed and around £400m of payments have been made to property owners already.

The scheme is relatively simple: use an MCS installer, have a recent EPC Certificate (less than 2 years old at the date of your application) and you qualify.

There are a number of technologies available and each comes with a set level of RHI payments. Once approved, you will receive those payments quarterly into your nominated bank account over a 7 year period.

The technologies available are Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHP), Biomass and Solar Thermal. The right product for your home will depend on a number of factors: age of property, size, insulation levels, land available, roof space available, etc. These factors will influence product selection and design. Using a registered MCS installer will help to simplify this process and is the only way to guarantee eligibility for the Renewable Heat Incentive.

With the UK’s commitment to zero carbon by 2050, these technologies will become the norm. With Phillip Hammond’s statement in Spring 2019, New Build properties will have to incorporate renewable technology – fossil fuel boilers such as Gas and Oil will not comply.

...your property will require a renewable technology sooner or later In order to meet CO2 targets, this will undoubtedly be followed by regulations on the existing retro-fit market.

In short – your property will require a renewable technology sooner or later.

The question is whether you should do it now whilst you have the choice and government funding or later when there is no choice – and no funding!

Green Square Renewable Energy is a showroom based business with 4 branches around the South East: Guildford, Tunbridge Wells, North London and High Wycombe. As a fully registered MCS installer, they are ideal to find the right solution for your home because they install all technology types. This allows them to make a fully independent assessment of the property and ensure that they propose the best Renewable Energy technology specific to the requirements of your home.

For your free consultation, and to discover how you could not only help the environment, but your pocket as well, visit www.greensquare.co.uk and try their handy online RHI calculator to see how much you could save and receive by upgrading your heating system to a new renewable one.

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THE BED CENTRE BRAMLEY

Summer Sale now on up to 40% off selected products Old Barn, High Street, Bramley, Surrey GU5 0HS Free Parking front and rear Open: Monday to Saturday from 9:00am to 5:30pm. Closed Sundays

Telephone (01483) 898209 www.bramleybedcentre.co.uk 10 | fine

FREE DELIVERY AND FREE DISPOSAL OF YOUR BED

Welcome to the

Old Barn showroom...

We spend time talking about individual requirements to make sure customers select the right bed.”

Gary Ewmett

... where specialist advice from the experts is key to a good night’s sleep

T

he historic converted barn known as ‘The Bed Centre’ may be a familiar landmark for regulars passing through the village of Bramley on the A281, but the extensive range (and, more importantly knowledgeable advice) that lies within may come as a surprise to most.

“We spend time talking about the individual requirements our customers may have to make sure they buy the right bed.”

This family business has more than 75 years’ experience helping customers get that perfect night’s sleep.

The majority of the centre’s business comes from recommendations from previous customers.

Owner Gary Ewmett specialises in traditional handmade pocket-sprung mattresses, offering support for the spine and comfort to relax the muscles and encourage a deeper sleep. Memory foam, latex and coil sprung mattresses are also available.

The Bed Centre has built up a solid client base and offers a free delivery service – it can also dispose of your old bed for you, taking it for recycling.

Clearly that extra bit of effort has paid off.

He says the thing that sets the Bed Centre apart from others is the personal service it provides.

Specialising in solid oak, ash, mahogany and cherry wood bedsteads, metal frames, drawer divans or ottoman storage bases, there is plenty of choice to complement a new mattress.

“The one thing that is very apparent is that the general public get very little advice about buying the correct bed,” he said.

Why not pop in to see for yourselves?

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The beating heart of Christ’s Hospital

The school’s iconic marching band celebrates 150 years 12 | fine

C

hrist’s Hospital is surely one of the region’s most recognisable institutions and nothing perhaps represents all that the school stands for than its marching band. Every day, at about twenty past one, the band starts to play in the main quad of the school as the other pupils file into the dining hall. It’s a very visual representation of the dedication and commitment of the band members some of who go on to pursue professional musical careers. And it’s something the school and pupils are immensely proud of as it also epitomises the ethos of the school – hard work, commitment and excellence.

Humble beginnings Daniel Defoe, author of Robinson Crusoe, originally suggested the idea of a band in 1728. But it wasn’t until 1868 that some of the pupils requested that instruments be purchased to enliven their marching drill.

The Treasurer of Christ’s Hospital agreed and, with money from his own pocket, purchased a few instruments and paid the salary of the first Band Master.

In 1872, the newly established band played in public for the first time, in front of the American Ambassador General Robert Schenck who was visiting the boys’ school then at Newgate Street in the City of London. As the band performed, boys paraded in groups with flag bearers out in front. Although girls at Christ’s Hospital, Hertford, began to learn to play musical instruments from at least 1875, it was more than one hundred years later before they were able to join the boys in the band, after the transfer of the girls to the school site at Horsham in 1985.

Now, over 100 young musicians make up the famous band with a mixture of oboes, piccolos, tubas and drums. Senior school posts within the band include the Band Captain, Assistant Band Captain, Senior Drummer and Senior Drum Major. The Band Master, Terry Whittingham, joined Christ’s Hospital in 1999 having formerly been Band Master of the Grenadier Guards and Queen’s Own Highlanders.

The most famous member of the band has been Sir Colin Davis, who started with a clarinet and later also played the bassoon.

One of the best school marching bands in the world Apart from daily playing, today, the band

has an impressive record of engagements.

It accompanies the school on its annual parade through the City of London on St Matthew’s Day and also performs at Lord’s and Twickenham (RFU).

The band took part in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Parade, marching down the Mall and then past the Royal family. And in what was a truly memorable weekend, last November the band both marched in The Lord Mayor’s Show and led The People’s Procession for the centenary of the Armistice in London.

Every year, the band also rounds off the academic year with an hour-long display of marching and counter-marching as a tribute to those who are leaving.

This Beating the Retreat ceremony is a chance for family members to join pupils in the quad for a picnic. They’ve even taken this performance elsewhere, including the Tower of London in 1997 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the laying of the Foundation Stone of the new school on farmland at Horsham in 1897.

Celebrating 150 years As it marks its 150th year, the band and the school have pulled out all the stops.

In May, they took part in the Children’s Parade in Brighton for the first time.

Then as the sun set on Saturday the 22nd June, pupils, staff, family and friends gathered in the quad to listen to the band as the light faded and the surrounding buildings were lit up with a myriad of twinkling lights.

Finally, on the 13th October, members of the public will have a chance to see the band perform, as they march through Horsham town centre as part of the Horsham District Year of Culture.

This remarkable band, which requires daily practice and commitment, forms a major and traditional part of the school.

It epitomises the high standards they strive for at Christ’s Hospital and their uniqueness as a school. It’s a rare and magical spectacle to witness this 100 strong band in their distinctive tunics, and it seems to capture both a sense of the past and the optimism of the future in a peculiarly special way. Long may they continue to march.

Education | 13

Running the rule

over schools

Nick Keith offers readers a UK educational guide from primary school to university.

L

et’s start with some good news. The quality of UK education is better than it is often portrayed in the media. In 2018 the UK was ranked sixth in the world by Pearson, the multinational educational publishing company. In Europe only Finland heads the UK, which holds a high place partly because of the strength of its university and higher education offering.

The West still lags behind South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong. This reflects the economic growth of those countries, according to John Fallon, CEO of Pearson. It also reflects the culture of Asian countries, where the status of the

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individual is embedded in the family and the community – interpendence compared with the West, which tends to favour independence and individualism.

6 tips on research The best tip for parents is to research thoroughly at every stage of their child’s education. Today the pressure for places is strong, in good state schools as well as private schools, so check out what is available in both sectors.

1. Start your research by deciding what education is for. Do some online research, read some books and watch some 20-minute TED talks, especially

on creativity in education by Sir Ken Robinson. He is a British educationist who lives in the US and whose TED talk has been watched by 57 million people since it was first broadcast in 2006. He doesn’t have all the answers, but he asks some interesting questions.

2. When you have looked at prospective schools online and read their brochures, visit some of them. Try to meet the head, the teachers and some pupils. Ask open questions to which the reply cannot be given in one word – the students will often give the most interesting answers.

whether or not they have the money and the family is targeting university.

3. Find out what non-curricular activities are available – art, theatre, dance, music, sport etc. The best schools usually have a broad culture.

4. How does the school prepare its pupils for the future with Careers Advice? Since September 2018 this is required by Ofsted which is looking for schools to meet eight ‘Gatsby’ benchmarks. Ask the school how they are measuring up.

5. Ensure that the school has a good pastoral system and is on top of bullying and disrupters. In truth the bully or disrupter may have great natural talents but is bored by school and disengaged at home in one way or another.

6. Trust your gut feeling.

Summary: By visiting a school, seeing the pupils moving around in herds, and asking the right questions you will get a good impression of the vibe of a place.

Private or state?

This is the next big question. State education in the UK is improving and closing the gap with the private sector.

Professor Alan Smithers is director of the Centre for Education and employment Research at the University of Buckingham, and he wrote in the Sunday Times last November: “In 2016, before any of the new GCSEs came on stream, 79 schools attained the benchmark of exceptional performance of at least half their entries being awarded an A*. Of these, 63 were independent schools. This year, with new-style GCSEs mainly in place, the number of state schools reaching this pinnacle has more

Getting to university requires confidence and, if Oxbridge is the goal, analytical skills. than doubled to 38 — nearly a third of those with these outstanding results.”

Professor Smithers points to a geographic imbalance in state education. “Too many children who show real promise at primary school do not go on to get good grades at GCSE.” He favours grammar schools and streaming in state secondaries.

“Learning is a social activity and there is a lot to be said for bringing bright pupils together. My experience as a workingclass lad in a grammar school was that my classmates showed me just what was possible if you applied yourself.”

He will be pleased to learn that children in primary school can expect increased attention on art, music and sport. This was announced in May by the chief schools inspector Amanda Spielman, who called for a “rich education” and the end of “teaching to the test”. She deplored the Dickensian cultures at some primaries where pupils were put off learning by repeated SATs’ tests. Learning needs to be enjoyable if possible.

You may consider private education as an investment in your child’s future. But there is a good argument for parents to consider sending their children to state schools,

Oxbridge now offers an increasing proportion of places to pupils from state schools. In 2017, more than 64% of British school-leavers awarded a place at Cambridge were from state schools, up from 61% in 2013. At Oxford, the figures rose from 56.8% to 58.2%.

Although only 7% of pupils are privately educated this has caused the independent sector to complain of “social engineering – “rich” when you consider their innate advantages with great wealth, fine facilities and small classes.

Anthony Wallersteiner, head of Stowe School (alma mater of Richard Branson), told The Times in a front page story on 11 May that admission plans had “successfully driven down the number of Oxbridge places awarded to privately educated pupils”.

Many fee-paying parents are now making claims about social engineering and positive discrimination, he said.

“There’s a much more concerted effort by [Oxbridge] admissions tutors to drive down the number of places given to independent schools and redress the balance and to put in contextual details, “But allowing access to gifted and qualified state school pupils seems only fair.”

University or apprentice or workplace?

Oxford and Cambridge are the top two universities in the world with Imperial College London in ninth place, according to The Times Higher Education Supplement.

Success at university requires academic ability, hard work and the social skills to cope with the pressures of work and hordes of bright young people.

The most important thing is that young people keep their eyes open and are offered a choice. After school, the best destination will be different for each individual – university, an apprenticeship or a job. But they need to have a clear view of the choices. Getting to university requires confidence and, if Oxbridge is the goal, analytical skills.

There are a number of apprenticeship jobs with professional firms and in the services, which also offer the chance to go to university or business school. A government scheme introduced in 2015 targeted 3 million apprentices in 2020, but it has its critics and is falling short at present. But at least it is a start in the right direction.

So, students must keep their options open as they progress through school. In any case, not everyone stars at school so let’s hope they find the inspiration to shine brightly outside academia in life and in the world of work – that surely is the point of education.

Nick Keith MA (Oxford University) is a mentor for Oxbridge Aspire students at Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, Eastleigh. www.nickkeithauthor.co.uk

Education | 15

Modern

boarding approach

Flexi and weekly boarding are the popular choices for students and parents at Hurst College 16 | fine

and allowing more time for co-curricular activities and study.

Housemaster Adam Hopcroft, said: “Boarding gives students a work-home balance. School life is busy, so boarding provides students with the chance to take part in extra-curricular sport, drama or music after school.”

The benefits of boarding extend far beyond the extra-curricular options.

Adam believes boarding gives students an advantage academically. “Boarding pupils have more access to their teachers as well as their friends. Our students work in study groups during prep and we make sure they are productive during this time.

If they work well it allows them to have a more relaxed weekend.”

Boarding gives students a workhome balance.

M

odern boarding is about achieving academic excellence and building confidence, leadership skills and independence, as well as gaining a sense of community and cultural understanding.

Different schools operate their boarding in different ways, but at Hurst College the boarding community is made up of flexi and weekly boarders, as the college has now moved away from full boarding. Hurst believes that these two options allow students to make the most of the educational and co-curricular opportunities during the week, and then enjoy home life with their families at the weekends.

Housemistress Fran Williams said: “Most parents have now moved away from the full boarding idea, as nowadays they actually want to see their children, which is lovely. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Caty Jacques, Deputy Head Pastoral said: “I think it is much easier to fully immerse

Tania Fielden, Housemistress believes that a boarding environment gives students a strong foundation for their future. “As boarders children have to learn skills for life, which is good preparation for their future.

They grow up in a supportive environment and it becomes their second home.”

Key to a home-from-home atmosphere is the real and sustained effort by housemasters, housemistresses and their teams to not only provide a welcoming house, but to also make themselves available to share the ups and downs of the day.

In families where both parents are working full-time and childcare is expensive, boarding means parents do not need to worry about the school run every day and can be confident that their child is being well looked after. This leaves weekends free for quality family time. For children, boarding is a way to spend more time with their peers, be better prepared for the school day and have more time to take part in a full range of extra activities.

yourself in the school community when you stay the night. You can embrace the ethos and values of the school and really feel part of it. I worked at a school for 11 years where there was full boarding and the biggest complaint from parents was that they felt as if they were totally out of the loop and cut off from their children.

This is the first time I have worked in a school with flexi boarding, and I am completely sold on it.”

Flexi boarding for three nights each week is a great attraction, as it really is flexible, with students able to choose their nights even at short notice, while retaining their own bed throughout the term. It is also seen as a halfway house between being at home and boarding. As all students participate in co-curricular activities many find flexi boarding particularly beneficial, as do parents who need to juggle a busy lifestyle.

Hurst’s weekly boarders can stay Sunday to Thursday or Monday to Friday, removing the stresses of a daily commute

Headmaster Tim Manly explains: “Essentially we are trying to strike a healthy balance between school and home. Boarding means that pupils are able to engage with a rich and textured life within strong communities but also maintain contact with parents and family.

We want our students to develop in all sorts of good ways, not least a sense of independence and individuality, but also the ability to work in a team with others and to understand what it means to be a fully functioning human being and live not just for oneself but for other people too.”

The open-door policy of Hurst’s modern boarding approach, coupled with excellent communication between school and home, means that parents are continuously in touch with progress and can regularly watch their children in matches, concerts, drama and dance productions.

The college operates an extensive bus network throughout Sussex and Surrey to accommodate flexi and weekly boarders, as well as day students.

Education | 17

Education is the most powerful weapon,

which you can use to change the world.

Nelson Mandela

Wise words on how to get the most out of your study

I

love to teach Feng Shui as I find it an amazing tool to use in both your home/work and to inspire others to do the same.

be clear of clutter, only the work you are studying should be open to ensure you focus solely on the project you are working on.

The North East of your home/business holds the Knowledge star the most powerful energy to both educate and enchant you. When I am working with students I will either teach in this sector or get them to study in their own homes or at their local library in this area.

Ensure your back is not facing the door, ancient Chinese history says to always be aware of your attackers! Although now a days it’s probably more likely to be someone offering to get you a cup of coffee.

How to set up your study area: The elements for this area are fire and earth. The colours for this area are reds, oranges, yellows or a variation of them, no green or blue.

Artwork can be mountains, landscapes and fiery sunsets. You can place the Buddha of knowledge here.

Your study area should have a desk made of wood…no metal. The desk should

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The lights in the room should be soft in focus other than desk light which should be bright. Make sure there are no phones, TVs or any form of communication around when you are studying.

One more quote to inspire you: The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled… Plutarch

Visit Janine at www.janinelowe.co.uk

Christmas at

The Old Tollgate

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CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS We have something for everyone at The Old Tollgate this Christmas. Whether it’s a celebration meal in the Restaurant, Christmas Day Lunch or a relaxing overnight break, our festive atmosphere will certainly bring out your Christmas spirit allowing you to really enjoy celebrating with your family and friends at this special time.

FESTIVE DINING IN DECEMBER Join us in December for a celebratory three course carvery lunch or dinner with all the festive trimmings. Monday to Friday we are open for lunch from 12pm until 2pm, Saturday 12pm until 3pm then for dinner from 6pm until 9.30pm and on Sundays we are open all day from 12pm until 9.30pm.

Lunch price per person £25.00 Dinner price per person £26.50

CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH Let us do all the work this Christmas whilst you spend time celebrating this very special day with your family and friends.

Enjoy your choice from our extensive carvery with a five course festive meal plus coffee and mince pies.

Price per person £95.00 Price per child age 3–12 £51.00 Price per child under age 3 £15.50

BOXING DAY LUNCH Leave all the stress of Christmas Day behind you and join us for a superb Boxing Day Carvery Lunch. After slaving over the stove on Christmas Day let our dedicated team of Chefs prepare you a delicious lunch serving only the finest quality produce.

Price per person £43.00 Price per child age 3–12 £23.00

NEW YEAR NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER 7pm until late Following cocktails on arrival join us for a tantalising six course meal plus coffee.

Then dance the year away to the sounds of our resident DJ which will keep you on the dance floor until the clock strikes midnight. To celebrate the New Year in style join our Highland piper as he leads you through the streets of Bramber then back to the dance floor till 2am.

Price per person £95.00

Special accommodation rates for the Christmas & New Year Packages available Check our website for our Special December voucher

THE OLD TOLLGATE Hotel & Restaurant The Street, Bramber, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3WE T: 01903 879494 E: info@oldtollgatehotel.com www.oldtollgatehotel.com

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In Harmony

Aled Jones and Russell Watson embark on their first joint UK tour 22 | fine

T

his autumn, Aled Jones and Russell Watson are taking to the road for their first ever joint UK and Ireland tour, at some of the country’s most beautiful venues. The tour comes after the success of their first album together, In Harmony which was released last year.

Early this month, I was lucky enough to catch up with Aled and Russell to find out a little more about how this tour came about and what it was like to finally work together, having been friends for nearly 20 years.

What was the trigger that inspired this album and subsequent tour and persuaded you to finally work together? Was it just a bathtub moment or was it a long time in the planning?

Russell: (Amid much laughter about the thought of Aled in the bathtub). I hope you use a lot of bubbles. But seriously, to answer the question, Aled sent me a slightly tongue in cheek text to congratulate me on my top spot on the Classic FM best-selling artists list. We batted a few texts back and forth and then I suggested we should do something together sometime. Three weeks later we were in the recording studio.

Aled: Yes, there was nothing preconceived about the idea. We both care passionately about First World War and 70th anniversary of the NHS, so as an idea it naturally made sense. But initially we weren’t sure how our voices were going to work together because of course, we’re vocally very different. And we’re so proud of the result. We both share a love of life and had a lot of fun and it shows.

Our voices blend beautifully, and you can quite literally hear the joy and passion.

Russell: What I particularly like is the way that it is not just a collaboration as such where I sing a verse, Aled sings a verse and everybody joins in on the chorus. It’s been really cleverly written and arranged so that our voices blend really well.

How did you choose which tracks to include?

Aled: That was the easiest part – we both just chose the tracks that were important to us individually and that we wanted to record. The result is that the album is really personal for both of us.

Russell: Yes coming up with the album name was much harder.

You’ve known each other a long time, what was it like actually working together?

Russell: We both have similar backgrounds and similar work ethics. When we first met 20 years ago, it just clicked. I thought to myself here is someone really nice, who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Aled: Yes, and I thought the same thing.

Russell: Our paths have crossed professionally many times since, often with Aled interviewing me, so I suppose it’s a bit strange now that we’re both being interviewed together but it’s been amazing fun working together.

When you’re not in the public eye, do you sing and if so, what? I’m trying not to mention the bathtub again. And do your children like your music or do they just cringe?

Aled: (Amid more laughter) One of my earliest memories is having an eye operation and then, just a few hours later, getting up and starting to sing. I sing all the time and I always have.

Russell: Yes, I’m constantly belting out tunes when I’m at home. We have a home with good acoustics so it’s a great place to sing. I grew up with music and it’s part of who I am. If my mother and grandmother hadn’t played classical music, I don’t know if I’d love it as much as I do.

Of course, I remember listening to the likes of Paul Weller as a teenager and my dad telling me it was rubbish. These days, I do the same to my children with their music but at the same time, they’ve grown up with my music and now it’s part of who they are.

Aled: Yes, music has always been part of my life and my children’s lives too. My son might not be a massive fan at the moment, but both my children appreciate it.

What is instantly apparent as Aled and Russell talk is the natural camaraderie and synergy between these two exceptional singers. They clearly “get one another” and their enthusiasm and sense of joy is infectious. There’s a lot of laughter and a lot of passion and it’s not hard to see why the album has been such a success and the tour is being so well anticipated.

The forthcoming show will feature ‘Ave Maria’ and modern classics such as ‘You Raise Me Up’, as well as ‘Where Have All The Flowers Gone/Here’s To The Heroes’.

The tour comes to the Eastbourne Congress Theatre on 24th September.

Tickets are available from axs.com and at venue box offices.

Interview | 23

Revisiting

Reigate

An historic Surrey town with a surprisingly number of hidden secrets 24 | fine

I

n a previous life, I often found myself driving from Redhill to Dorking, and keen to get home, I rarely, if ever, gave Reigate more than a cursory glance.

But when I eventually stopped to explore recently, I discovered Reigate is an unusual little town with some well-hidden but worthy open spaces and a wonderfully tranquil heart.

With the beautiful North Downs to the north, the town dates back to the 11th century when William the Conqueror awarded the land to one of his knights, William de Warenne. It’s believed de Warenne commissioned both the building of a castle and the town. The name Reigate may come from Roe-deer Gate, as the town was near the de Warenne's deer park (now Priory Park and Reigate Park).

The main marketplace was originally around Slipshoe Street, at the junction of West Street, but it had been moved to the east end of the High Street by the end of the 16th century into what is now the Old Town Hall - perhaps the town’s most recognisable building. Built in 1728 in red brick with grey headers, in 1811 the lantern from the from the Clock Tower (since demolished) was added. It was the Town Hall and Market House for nearly two centuries and is now home to a café.

Over the centuries Reigate had an oatmeal trade, a well-known tannery and two windmills. In fact, the Reigate Heath Windmill is still the country’s only windmill church. Built in the mid-1700s, it was a working mill until the late 19th century and then converted to a chapel of ease. It’s now part of St Mary’s Church.

Nowadays, Reigate has a whole raft of independent cafés and restaurants that spill out on to its busy main street. And from this bustling little centre, it’s only a short climb to the old Castle Grounds.

Bearing in mind you’re actually in the middle of a one way system, the sense of

serenity and quiet in the Castle Grounds is breath-taking and you discover a labyrinth of pathways that lead up to the almost deserted main plateau – now home to beds full of roses and the Baron’s Cave mound in the centre. From here, looking over the roof tops, all that remains of the castle is a mock medieval gate built in 1777 from the original castle and a sense of the past.

The Barons' Cave is underneath where the original castle once stood and Reigate has a network of old sand mine tunnels which include the Reigate Castle Tunnel constructed in 1823. You can still do a tour of the tunnels.

Reigate Priory, in Bell Street, is a Grade I listed building, set in open parkland.

It’s a short walk down from the Castle Grounds and was founded in the 13th century. Over the years, it’s had a number of roles including being converted into a Tudor mansion following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1535 and providing a home to Lord William Howard, uncle of Catherine Howard. It then became a family home for the Parsons family in 1681.

It has a beautiful 18th century staircase and ornate wall and ceiling paintings and now houses Reigate Priory School and Reigate Priory Museum. The museum presents exhibitions on a wide range of subjects including a collection of local history and domestic items as well as period costumes.

The Priory parkland is surprisingly spacious and once again, tranquillity reigns. There are lawns, and beautiful beds of flowers, woodland and even a lake as well as a modern pavilion café, designed by renowned French architect Dominique Perrault. It’s not hard to imagine the people of yesteryear, making their way down here from the castle to hunt and enjoy the fresh air, and I’m glad I’ve now seen a bit more of the real and original Reigate town.

Heritage | 25

Photography Possibilities

Explore Surrey Hills Explore the spectacular landscape of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and enjoy 2 fantastic Festivals that celebrate this special area.

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et amongst the steep wooded hills, rolling chalk downlands and river valleys, Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has an inspiring range of artisans creating beautiful crafted products and a delicious range of locally produced food and drink including award winning wines, local distilled gins, artisan bakeries and locally reared meat.

Offering great family days out, the Festivals showcase the beautiful woodland heritage of the Surrey Hills and the outstanding local produce.

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Jon Treasure Tree climbing

Wood fair carving Ruth Wheeler

photograpy Helen Dixon – Denbies

Celebrate all that’s Good about Wood Surrey Hills Wood Fair, 5th & 6th October, 10am – 5pm Fish Pond Copse, near Cranleigh GU6 7DW Full of traditional rural charm there will be lots to see and do including woodland walks, demonstrations, beautiful crafted woodland products and delicious local food and drink, all within the stunning setting of woodland and meadows.

Children can enjoy zip wires, tree climbing, horse & cart rides, crafts, archery, woodland games and animal attractions and flying Hawk display.

Find out more and book ahead: www.surreyhills.org Tickets also available from Guildford Tourist Information Centre 01483 444334 155 High Street, Guildford GU1 3AJ www.tickets.visitguildford.com

Celebrate Local Food & Drink Fantastic Food Festivals – Surrey Hills Sat 14th & Sun 15th Sept 2019, 10am -5pm Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking A fantastic Festival celebrating the delicious food & drink from the Surrey Hills & beyond. The festival is set in the stunning grounds of Denbies Wine Estate in the centre of the Surrey Hills. A full programme of demonstrations, tastings and cooking tips from experts will be available in the Talks and Tastings Hub and there will be an opportunity to meet some of the country’s top celebrity chefs and producers. Children can enjoy the pop-up rare breeds petting farm, games, storytelling, live music and face painting in the Kids Zone.

A great event to combine with a wine tour at Denbies or an inspiring walk in the surrounding Surrey Hills. Staged by Fantastic Food Festivals in partnership with Surrey Hills Enterprises.

Albury Wine glasses

Buying local is becoming increasingly popular and the Trade mark Surrey Hills provides a clear mark of local provenance quality and sustainability. The Award promotes the best of what Surrey has to offer and celebrates those businesses of high quality that reflect and support the distinct and special nature of the Surrey Hills.

Discover the best of the Surrey Hills and explore the local area for great experiences, beautiful crafts and delicious food and drink www.surreyhills.org Surrey Hills Enterprises is a Community Interest Company working with local businesses to support the rural economy and promote, protect and enhance the Surrey Hills.

Find out more and book ahead: www.surreyhills.org

Surrey Hills Enterprises | 27

The Trade Mark

Surrey Hills

A Mark of quality and local provenance

The Trade Mark Surrey Hills is a new accreditation celebrating organisations of high quality that reflect and support the distinct and special nature of the Surrey Hills and who share the values of supporting the local community.

The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, said: “The Surrey Hills Trade Mark awards play an important role in celebrating the high-quality products and services the area is renowned for, and the awardees all deserve our congratulations.�

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Support local!

Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has an inspiring range of local artisans, vineyards, micro-breweries and businesses offering a fantastic range of local produce and services as well as exciting events, courses, craft workshops, tastings, festivals and activities.

Discover more! Sign up for our e-newsletter and receive regular up-dates about the exciting range of activities, courses and events in the Surrey Hills. www.surreyhills.org

Apply for the Trade Mark Award!

Are you a local business or charity?

Join a fast-growing community who are benefiting from being part of the Surrey Hills - apply to receive the Trade Mark Surrey Hills Award. www.surreyhills.org

Cook’s corner Chestnut mushroom and watercress stroganoff with giant wild rice

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s the leaves slowly start to fade, a change of season is in the air.

September is a wonderful time to enjoy nature’s abundance, and we just love this wholesome recipe from Watercress.

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 45 minutes Serves 4

Ingredients 500g chestnut mushrooms, thickly sliced 1 x 85g bag watercress 1 medium onion, finely sliced 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp chilli powder 50ml dry white wine 2 tbsp tomato puree 100ml hot vegetable stock 100ml double cream 1 knob butter tbsp vegetable oil 250g giant wild rice Salt and black pepper

Method First cook the wild rice according to packet instructions. If giant wild rice is not available, then you can substitute with Basmati or long grain rice instead.

Add in the paprika, chilli powder, and white wine, then bring to a simmer. Stir in the tomato puree, vegetable stock, and cream, then continue to simmer for 10 minutes, or until liquid has reduced by a third.

Heat the oil in a large pan and add in the butter. Once the butter is foaming add in the onions and a good pinch of salt, frying on a medium heat for 5 minutes. Add in the mushrooms and garlic, continuing to fry until the mushrooms are cooked and the onions are softened.

Once the rice is cooked, take a handful of the watercress, roughly chop and stir through the rice. Stir the remaining watercress into the stroganoff. Taste the sauce, then add salt and pepper if needed.

Serve along with the giant wild rice. www.watercress.co.uk

Wellness The peppery compound in watercress, called isothiocyanate (ITC), protects the skin from UV damage and premature ageing. Watercress contains nutrients associated with the maintenance of normal vision and eye health including vitamin A, vitamins C and E, alphalinolenic acid and carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin and beta-carotene Hero ingredient Watercress is great as the leading leaf in any salad, the perfect nutritional boost in a smoothie or a delicious soup.

Use watercress in a range of dishes or as a tasty alternative to spinach or kale, preserving all the goodness with no need for cooking. Try it added right at the end of stir fry, chopped into mashed potato or added to an omelette.

Food | 29

A fresh perspective How to create an eco-friendly study space

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he new school year has always been a time for fresh starts. If you’re a parent (or grandparent) whose children are showing increased awareness of environmental issues - or are even getting worried about the state of the planet - here are some positive things to do together for the new school term.

Space to study How well we learn isn’t about how much stuff we have, it’s about how well we are supported. Before I retrained as an interior designer, I was a linguist and qualified

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teacher, which has proved useful when designing spaces to study in.

The most useful thing that I learned during my teacher training is that individuals learn in different ways. I’m a very ‘visual’ learner, so I sketch out ideas, and use mind maps and lists to organise thoughts. And I colour code everything!

Some people seem to ignore a messy desk, others need a pristine space to organise their things neatly around them.

Some people study in silence, others need

a thumping beat or soothing classical music. It doesn’t have to be a large space, just one that suits them.

Creating the right space Creating space where young people can study effectively is so important it’s worth putting a little time aside to work on it together before the school year starts.

This could be a plan to get you going: 1) Look together at where they study now and talk through whether it works.

I love noticeboards as they allow me to change the display at will.

2) Work out what needs to go and sell or give away anything that still has some use left in it. Old pencil cases, half used crayons and even felt tip pens that have run out have a value or use to someone else. A quick search online (try local Facebook groups like Waste Not Want Not or parent groups) will give you ideas. Deciding how to dispose of things is a great way to show children that all the stuff we buy doesn’t just vanish when we no longer want it.

3) Look together at what tools they need.

I love noticeboards as they allow me to change the display at will. A magnetic board is great for favourite pictures and quotes - add in a set of magnetic poetry for budding creative writers.

Dry wipe boards are good for writing or drawing temporary things. The glass kind are nice (for older children) but be careful to get the right pens and strong magnets.

For older children (as it requires pins), there’s a great material called Sundeala pin board. It’s recycled and recyclable, comes in different colours, can be cut

to size to fit the space, and can even be lightly sanded if it gets grubby.

4) Are they sitting comfortably? Sitting in one spot hunched over a desk for long periods of time isn’t really good for any of us. Think about a comfortable alternative for reading. It won’t guarantee they’ll love the textbook (I suspect I would have hated Madame Bovary wherever I’d sat) but it might make it feel like less of a chore.

My top choice would be an ecofriendly bean bag chair or an old rocking chair I could up-cycle with bright chalk paint and a cosy cushion.

5) Stock up on the essentials. I confess I loved the new term stationery shop, mainly because it meant a new set of pencils or pens to arrange in colour order! Today’s families have much more variety to choose from, and you can do your part for the planet by only buying what’s needed and choosing carefully. One of my favourite stationery suppliers is remarkable.co.uk who use recycled materials such as paper cups, plastic bottles and CD cases to make pens, notebooks and so on.

If a new bag or backpack is needed, look out for ones made of materials such as recycled plastic bottles.

They’re incredibly hard wearing and a number of companies now make them.

Jeanette Mercer is an interior designer and Director of Fresh Traditions, who is committed to making sustainable design accessible to homeowners. www.freshtraditions.co.uk

Interiors | 31

A taste of

Atlantic charm

Lucy Pitts explores La Rochelle and the île de Ré in search of September sun

L

ate summer holidays are surely one of life’s great pleasures? And never more so, in my opinion, than on the French Atlantic. By September, the tourists have mainly headed home and the weather is still normally wonderfully warm and sunny.

The Lantern Tower is the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners over 3 centuries.

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Anyone who knows me, knows that I’m a particular fan of the Charente Maritime in what’s now called the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. And one of the many great things about this region is, that it’s easy to get to by car or plane, and it’s full of Atlantic charm.

La Rochelle If you’ve never been to La Rochelle, then you must. Right on the cusp of where north France meets south, it feels distinctly southern. It’s one of France’s oldest and most important ports and dates from the 4th to 17th centuries.

Limestone facades, and pavement cafés, restaurants and bars line the harbour. From there, cobbled streets, arcaded walkways and half-timbered houses weave their way round this vibrant little city.

The three towers. There are a few “must visits” in La Rochelle, and at the top of that list for the first-time visitor, are the omnipresent towers.

The two 14th century towers guard the entrance to the old port, namely Saint Nicolas Tower and Chain Tower.

Amongst other things, they were used as a prison both for the Huguenots during the time of the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes and later during the revolutionary wars.

Just around the corner, is a third tower, called Lantern Tower. Built in the 15th century, it’s notably more ornate. The Lantern Tower is the oldest lighthouse on the Atlantic coast and contains over 600 examples of graffiti carved into the walls by prisoners over 3 centuries.

From the towers, there are fantastic views of the city as well as the islands out to sea and the Atlantic, and you get an interesting taste of what life was like over the centuries. You also get a reasonable work out on the stairs!

You can buy tickets on the door or via the Tourist Office, and they’re open most of the year.

Ré, from where you can track them

by GPS. www.aquarium-larochelle.com

Visit the market. Who doesn’t love a French market? In La Rochelle the market is daily although the biggest and best ones are on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

You’ll find the early 19th century market hall (complete with original wrought ironwork) a few streets behind the old port. Overlooked by a half-timbered 16th century house, the market itself spills out into the square with brightly coloured local produce and goods.

Le Grand Pavois. One of the top 5 floating boat shows in the world, Le Grand Pavois boasts “100,000 square meters of exhibition, 750 boats exhibited, 300 of which are on the water, more than 800 international exhibitors and a number of themed areas”. This year it’s being held in Les Minimes, La Rochelle’s 20th century harbour, from the 18-23rd September. http://www.grand-pavois.com

The Aquarium. La Rochelle is rightly, very proud of its aquarium. It’s home to over 1600 different species and has been proactive in leading the fight against pollution. It’s a great place to visit with kids, but even better when the kids have all gone back to school and it’s not so busy. It’s also home to a Centre for Sea Turtles. Stranded turtles are rescued from anywhere from the shores of Spain to the Opal Coast. If possible, they’re then released back into the sea off the île de

Places to eat La Rochelle is a food lover’s heaven.

Restaurants are everywhere and most notably, tables tumble on to the streets all around the old port. It’s always bustling and a great place to watch the sun set over the masts of the many yachts moored here. However, if you’re looking for something a little more special, head to the back streets.

In the cobbled Rue St Jean du Perot (head to the Chain Tower and turn right just

Travel | 33

before you get there), you’ll find a crop of Michelin starred restaurants. And in Parc Charruyer (keeping going at the end of Rue St Jean du Perot) you’ll find La Yole De Chris and Christopher Coustanceau.

They’re both owned by Christopher Coustanceau, a 2-star Michelin chef and member of Relais & Châteaux and Grandes Tables du Monde. Renowned for his seafood and love of this region, both restaurants have a stunning sea view and a high end and exclusive menu.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, but equally good food, try Le P’tit Nicolas in Rue Chef de Ville or Prao in Rue SaintNicolas, the other side of the harbour.

Prao has got a rustic but pleasant warehouse feel, welcoming staff and a relaxed atmosphere, and the menu features delicious innovations that include “Moelleux de chataignes, chabichou et graines de pivot” – a chestnut, goat’s cheese and poppy seed tart. It’s unpretentious and filled with locals – always a good sign. It’s right next door to a “Guingette”, if you fancy an evening of traditional dancing.

Places to drink L’Imprevu. Place de la Fourche is a picturesque little square a short distance back from the old port and Quai Valin, with a large plane tree and plenty of café culture. With an arched entrance into a private courtyard, L’Imprevu is wonderfully quirky little bar, stuffed with odd artefacts and original art deco adverts, with a Georgian glass roof and a touch of early 20th century adventure. It’s thoroughly retro and a great place for a late-night Pina Colada or Gin Fizz!

France 1. Just next to the Musée Maritime and beyond the aquarium is France 1, an old meteorological ship, decommissioned in 1988. For the last 10 years it’s been a floating bar and restaurant. Buzzing with life, locals gather here after work for a quick drink or a bite to eat on the top deck! http://lefrance1.com/ îLe de Ré A short drive from La Rochelle, over the connecting bridge, île de Ré is the epitome of idyllic island living. Low, whitewashed cottages and old fishing villages, weather beaten wooden shutters in pastel shades, clumps of brightly coloured holly hocks and the 17th century, fortified harbour of St-Martin-de-Ré make it a photographer’s dream.

Known for its salt marshes in the north and its sandy beaches, dunes and pine trees, it has a completely different atmosphere to La Rochelle. Where La Rochelle is bohemian and buzzy, out of peak season, île de Ré has a relaxed and serene feel.

There are cycle routes in abundance, and it’s perfectly possible to park up once you arrive and not drive again until you go home.

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Natural abundance Mustard, samphire, fennel and white peppers grow along the roads of the north of the island with poppies, honeysuckle and brightly coloured flowers making the villages sweet smelling. And there are of course plenty of places to enjoy the island’s two staples dishes of seabass and oysters.

with Parisians and a UNESCO world Heritage. Its 17th century ramparts, citadel, town gates and the old Place d’Armes all form part of its defences.

Within the city walls, trendy boutiques and restaurants and the sounds and smells of the sea are the order of the day as you meander the patchwork of back streets in the sunshine.

You can now do a tour of the island in a ‘tut tut’ which is great fun. The driver (there’s only one) is knowledgeable and charismatic although, “Uh oh, that’s never happened before!” is never something you want to hear as you whizz along the island’s narrow streets.

There’s no escaping that in July and August îLe de Ré gets pretty busy which is great if you’ve got youngsters in tow. But for the rest of the year, when the crowds are elsewhere, it’s still retains some of its remote island feel and seems to cast a magic spell over its visitors. Once you’ve been here, you’ll almost certainly want to return.

The village of Ars-en-Ré in the north has a very pretty little harbour surrounded by restaurants but in the small main square, La Tour du Senechal offers a fantastic light lunch and one of the best salads I’ve ever had.

A chic little citadel The main town of St. Martin is popular

The Charente region has lots more to offer. From Cognac and vineyards, to medieval cities, wetlands, and festivals, it’s a great place to explore by car, on foot or by bike. You can find out more at https:// www.infiniment-charentes.com/ or www. charentestourisme.com/

Each design invites you into Simon Pure’s world of indefinable beauty

www. simonpure.co.uk 3 Smithbrook Kilns, Horsham Road, Cranleigh, GU6 8JJ • 01483 273111

HOPE Charity

Project is here...

Hold On Pain Ends

traumatic experience we as a family have been through, we realised just how many families are struggling in our community behind closed doors with nowhere to turn.

How HOPE Charity Project evolved There wasn’t a place to go that had the therapeutic nurturing impact that’s needed for this serious area of health for our adolescent generation. So we created one. We provide a space where those that need to be heard NOW, can get some support, those that need Help NOW have somewhere to go that understand and will care.

Bringing the community together We converted a donated shipping container into a support and therapy centre, constructed from donated and recycled materials and the kindness of skilled tradesmen helping out for free.

Now we connect families in our local community so they know they are not alone and have each other to turn to for emotional support.

Hope Charity Project is the place where these young people can come to meet others with similar worries, fears, sadness, frustration. So they know they are not alone and will not be judged, rejected or ignored.

How it all began Finding your child attempting suicide by hanging in their bedroom is not a sight I wish on any parent to experience. And all because the system failed us as a family.

After months of trying to find support and help for my 12-year old’s anxiety and building depression, it took almost tragedy to get professional attention and help and even then, the help we were offered didn’t really help at all.

An epidemic affecting our young people This rise in young people struggling to cope in today’s society is escalating.

Emotional struggles due to Anxiety, Panic attacks, Self-harm, Depression, Eating disorders, Gender/body dismorphia to name a few. Leading on to withdrawal, violent outbursts, school refusal, disruption in the home, breakdowns, and now all too regularly, suicide. During the awful,

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This kind of set up and carefully designed environment is a lifesaver for so many.

Early Intervention and Prevention is our aim. Through our experience and shared feedback from the many other families we now support, we understand what works (& what doesn’t!) and what is so needed to help these families.

We are always looking out for venues and rural areas for us to be able to expand our services/facilities, to enable us to help more young people and their families covering a greater area. If you could help or would like to get onboard, involved in any way, we would love to hear from you.

We need your help and support to keep this going.

Please get in touch via the website. www.hopecharityproject.org EW90387

‘Do’ First. Sofa second…

W

hat a year we’ve had so far, political battles, fantastic World Cup action, hot weather, cold weather, a royal baby and plenty of discussion about how, when, why (and if!) we’re leaving Europe… it’s all been going on. However, as the Summer months draw to a close and whatever the outcome with that final point, one thing we know for certain is that the children will head back to school, the nights will draw in and the log stores will get loaded up ready for some evenings curled up in front of the fire!

it school term, hobbies, change in work commute or even adjusting to a revised bus timetable:

When the sun is shining it’s so much easier to keep your step count high and continue attending those exercise classes and activities. At this time of year there is often a change in our habits as we transition to the new season and the parents of school age children or grandchildren amongst us, also adjust to the new patterns of the working week.

2) Ensure there is something active and enjoyable planned into every week. Every single week. Never let one go by without ‘doing’ something.

If you’re not ‘active’ as yet – make this your month. What’s going on at the local leisure centre? Have you always fancied ‘Zumba’ but never made it along? Could you walk the neighbour’s dog for them? While the pattern of the week is getting established try something active and new for you too. Find it, book it, do it!

So, some things to keep in mind as you get started with the new season – be

1) Plan YOU and YOUR activities into your new schedule. It can be really easy to sort out everyone else in the home with lifts, kit and space on the schedule – but forget to include ourselves in these arrangements.

When those around you plan in their dates and clubs – don’t let yourself be last to slot things in. I have heard this woeful situation from many a parent!

3) Treat yourself… After the summer everything and everyone seems to have grown. From the children’s hair to the garden, it all needs a bit of a trim and general updating. Whether you still have the expense of new school uniform or if it’s winter togs in general – take the opportunity to update your workout clothes while you’re doing everything else. Trainers and kit don’t last forever and not only will your joints benefit from the support of some new footwear, you must just FEEL a bit more positive about getting started with those new things you’d like to try.

The sofa, glass of red wine, fire. They’re definite pleasures of the season ahead – but trust me, they are OH so much better when they’ve been earned…

Contact: My Active Life provides PT and Lifestyle Consultancy services online and face to face locally in West Sussex. For more details please see www.myactivelife.co or contact Karen on 07766 260765 or Karen.stanton@myactivelife.co

Health | 37

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It’s a beautiful day

Beautiful products for great looking skin The team at Fine have been out and about trying new skin products this summer and having tested and trialled, the results are now in.

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Radara Eye Radara, is a patch with a difference because it’s printed on a 3D printer with tiny little needles. It sounds scary but it isn’t an unpleasant sensation. It’s a bit like putting sherbet on your tongue, according to our tester. It’s designed for both the needle-phobe and for those who want increased efficacy between in-clinic injectables and works by boosting hydration levels and promoting the formation of new collagen.

It targets crows-feet and the eye area, and the patch is accompanied with a hyaluronic acid serum. It’s quick and easy to use and takes around 5 minutes a day. Radara claim that it’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines on average by 35% in just 28 days with a 20% improvement after one week and our tester confirmed that after one week, she saw some improvement.

Tropic’s Pure Lagoon Tropic’s Pure Lagoon is a blemish prevention serum and we asked our editor’s teenage daughter to try it. It’s light and non-greasy and can be used under a moisturiser and our tester absolutely loved it. It visibly helped to reduce spots, so much so all her friends are now trying it too!

Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm The Tropic Tamanu Healing Balm is described as a skin saviour and our tester tried it on a troublesome patch of her skin on her forehead. The area was dry, sore and slightly unsightly (in her eyes, not ours). Ideally used at night as it is a little greasy, our tester saw impressive improvements within a couple of weeks.

Tropic Smoothing Cleanser Complexion Purifier All our testers loved this cleanser which feels light but creamy.

You apply it as a cream and then wash it off using the bamboo face cloth which comes with it to remove make up and cleanse.

It feels wonderfully luxurious but is very gentle to sensitive skin and leaves your skin feeling really soft. A great way to combine evening washing with make up removal.

What we really loved about the Tropic range is its social conscience. It’s vegan and animal friendly and is all made in the UK using sustainably sourced, premium, natural ingredients. It comes beautifully and colourfully wrapped.

Beauty | 41

15%discount on all coffee orders for

readers of Fine Magazine. Use the code 'FINE15' at checkout

Good ideas start with

Great Coffee

Horsham Coffee Roasters began in the garage of Amelia and Bradley Steenkamp in 2012. Since then we’ve grown (though we’re still a small team of just 5 people) but what drives us stays the same.

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These are coffees sourced by us through direct links with farmers and producers alongside our import partners.

O

ur goal is to source the best, ethically traded coffees in the world and through developing a highly methodical approach to roasting with the highest possible focus on quality control, bring them to our customers.

Coffees and Social Projects Alongside the philosophy that has informed our development over the years our core focus for sourcing has become our Relationship Coffees. These are coffees sourced by us through direct links with farmers and producers alongside our import partners. Currently we have established partnerships in Rwanda and Costa Rica. Well chosen importing partners are essential to match us with farmers and co-operatives that are dedicated to producing speciality grade (i.e. the highest possible quality) coffees.

We are committed to purchasing ethically traded coffees with full traceability to its origins. We also endeavour to obtain full transparency of our coffee’s financial trail,

giving us and our customers, peace of mind that each farmer has been well paid for the outstanding coffee they produce.

Our Coffee The coffees we stock will typically be exclusive, speciality lots that have been carefully scrutinised by us through our own cupping and quality control procedures.

We roast all of our coffee on an advance Loring S35 eco roaster. This type of roaster uses air re circulation and has the lowest environmental impact of any equipment of this type Our roastery in Lower Beeding is open Monday- Friday 9.30-4pm and you are welcome to come in and have a coffee in our cafe area whilst watching the roasting in action. We also offer Barista and Roasting training, please see our website www.horshamcoffeeroaster.com or email info@horshamcoffeeroaster.com for more information.

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Chalet Sapphire – Balcony View

Chalet Sapphire - Breakfast Club

Chalet Sapphire - Living-Area

Chalet Sapphire - Master-Bedroom

Skiing in style with

The Chalet Edit

Fine contributor Bethan Andrews tries out a brand-new concept chalet in Morzine.

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Chalet Sapphire – External

Morzine Office du Tourism, Sam-ingles

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he Chalet Sapphire experience… it’s a game changer! Especially the addition of a ski concierge to arrange for all your ski equipment to be ferried around to where you want it to be without having to so much as lift a finger!

With design led interiors, there is no detail left uncovered at Chalet Sapphire, and anything you wish for you can have arranged.

Our first day out in the fresh and continually falling powder was made all the better by the heated ski boots and being dropped off at the lifts. A guide organised

by The Chalet Edit ensures you get the best out of your day and we whizzed around the mountain before stopping for lunch of authentic tartiflette.

The ski areas here are fantastic for mixed level groups with so much terrain to cover and plenty to do. We skied Les Gets on the first day dining in cosy rustic Vaffieu Restaurant. On day two we headed to Avoriaz, where we skied directly into the ‘Goat Village’ to dine on the terrace of a local goat herding hut at Restaurant La Crémaillère (all organised in advance by The Chalet Edit).

On arrival back to the chalet, you’re greeted everyday with afternoon tea to rejuvenate and tide you over until dinner.

Energy levels replenished and the pick of late afternoon activity is yours. Choose from lounging around with a glass of fizz in the infinity hot tub overlooking the slopes, checking out the view in the glass walled hammam, or indulging in a restorative swim, ice plunge and sauna before having a Bamford massage from the in-house masseuse.

A short hop, skip and a jump across the footbridge and you can be in the quaint town of Morzine. Full to the rafters with traditional alpine architecture, gift shops and places to fill up on fondue and raclette, it is a beautiful place. But there are also a lot of cool bars popping up, vegan hotspots and not to mention the new La Folie Douce in Avoriaz perfect for lively après ski.

Back at Chalet Sapphire the evening meals are second to none and deserve not to be missed. As part of the stay, I was lucky enough to experience their Kaiseki concept, a Japanese fusion tasting menu made up of five to ten dishes based around the Kaiseki principles all with paired local wines and aperitifs.

There really are no compromises here but the winning formula is the way in which Chalet Sapphire operates in such a modern laid-back fashion. It is in no way

Morzine Office du Tourism, Sam-ingles

stuffy, uptight, or too in your face when it comes to its hospitality. In fact, it still manages to maintain a homely feel despite its five-star status. The utterly charming staff are there when you need them, and not when you don’t. They really have got it just right here.

A Seven-night fully catered stay with staff & driver at Chalet Sapphire, Morzine starts from 26,500 Euro (2,208 Euro per person based on 12 people sharing).

Bookable with The Chalet Edit. www.thechaletedit.com. 0208 133 1130 The Chalet Edit offers tailor-made luxury chalet holidays to Europe’s leading ski resorts.

Travel | 45

The Chequers

at Rowhook

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eptember has to be one of the finest months of the year. With the weather still warm enough for walking and eating outside, mists hang low early in the morning and late afternoons bring gentle wafts of the first bonfires.

And all around, nature’s produce is in abundance. Refreshed and renewed by summer breaks and cooler night’s, it’s often a period of renewed intentions and winter planning and a wonderful time to enjoy the delights of Sussex.

...you’ll often find him up on the South Downs foraging for wild mushrooms, or in farmers markets hunting for new, local suppliers.

Local ingredients For chef and proprietor Tim Neal, it’s the perfect time to source fresh, local ingredients and you’ll often find him up on the South Downs foraging for wild mushrooms, or in farmers markets hunting for new, local suppliers.

woodland surround you, making it a natural break for those long Autumn hikes or the perfect way to round off the day, with drinks on the terrace before moving inside to the flagstones and fire.

Woodland walks It’s also the perfect time to visit The Chequers at Rowhook. Walks and

Christmas celebrations It’s also a good time to think about booking those special Christmas events.

Set in a 15th century building, with two

dining rooms, along with roaring fires, wooden beams and a traditional bar, The Chequers is ideal for coming together with friends and enjoying fine wine and great food for seasonal celebrations.

Master Chef of Great Britain Tim Neal is a Master Chef of Great Britain, who formerly worked at South Lodge Hotel in Lower Beeding (where he was head chef and earned the Camellia restaurant three AA Rosettes). His vision is to create enticing, flavourful dishes that offer the exceptional quality of a country house hotel, served in a less formal atmosphere. The Chequers is in the AA, Michelin and Master Chefs of Great Britain guides.

Call now to book: The Chequers Inn Rowhook Road, Horsham, RH12 3PY 01403 790480

Food | 47

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Travelling Light No Naked Walls Galleries are delighted to host a solo exhibition of works from renowned artist Celia Wilkinson.

“Travelling Light” opens on Saturday 28th September 12pm – 4pm in our Bramley gallery.

Celia’s bold representational landscapes are as much psychological as real - “I don’t just paint what I see… it’s as much about what I feel; my paintings say what I can’t put into words”.

Moody, vibrant and bursting with energy, her paintings draw the viewer in, immersing them in the spiritual essence of time and place within the landscape. Celia’s brushwork is deft and swift. Weather and wildness are always prominent and despite their abstraction, certain landscapes will be familiar to those who beat the same paths around Niton and the secret garden at Knighton Gorges in the Isle of Wight. In contrast, her most recent works are inspired by the hot, arid landscape of Lanzarote after a recent trip.

Her influences include Patrick Heron,

Paul Nash, Ivon Hitchens, Peter Lanyon, Paul Klee, and Picasso amongst a host of others. These artists, she feels, have broken traditions of landscape painting with their very individual styles of mark making. She is interested in the process of deconstructing the landscape and piecing it back together, so from a distance it is recognisable but the closer you get the more abstracted it becomes. Patrick Heron’s landscapes in particular have been an influence in this regard.

Celia attended Central School of Art for her Foundation and went on to take her BA Hons Fine Art at St Martin’s School of Art, London. She lived and worked in London until 2001 when she moved to the Isle of Wight.

“Travelling Light” will continue in our Bramley gallery until Saturday 12th October (open Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri & Sat weekly 10am – 5.30pm).

No Naked Walls, 24 High Street, Bramley, Guildford, Surrey GU5 0HB (01483) 894466 www.nonakedwalls.co.uk

Art | 49

British world champion boxer

makes a surprise visit to Goodwood’s festival of speed

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W

orld Champion boxer Chris Eubank Jr dropped into Goodwood’s Festival of Speed back in July with his new customised McLaren 720s.

The 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed proved to be a huge hit drawing 200,000 visitors over the four day event. And the two times IBO Super-Middleweight Champion drew a crowd of admirers at Goodwood to his £300,000 original supercar with its distinctive, bespoke red and black livery.

“What an amazing visit to Goodwood, the mecca of motorsport, in my ‘one of one’ customised Mansory McLaren 720s. With my passion for supercars it was so cool to be driven up the famous Goodwood Hill.” said Chris Eubank Jr. This year’s theme centred around ‘Speed Kings – Motorsport’s Record breakers’ – the famous event celebrated all areas of outstanding achievement in racing, including land speed record cars and fastest racetrack monsters.

The weekend saw the all-electric Volkswagen ID.R set the outright fastest climb of the 1.16 mile Hill in a time of 39.9seconds, outpacing the 20 year-old previous record of 41.6 seconds set by Nick Heidfeld in 1999, at the wheel of his McLaren Formula 1 car.

Goodwood’s Festival of Speed General Manager, Dan Garlick added: “As one of Britain’s most accomplished international sportsmen, it was fantastic to be able to welcome Chris Eubank Jr to this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. His unique McLaren made a huge impression on all who saw it and his enthusiasm for the event was infectious.”

The British boxing champion is an avid car collector and owns over a £1 million of high performance cars including a BMW i8 and a Lamborghini Huracan Performante and Ferrari 458.

Motoring | 51

Chasing Cars What happens when two friends with a lifelong passion for cars set out to establish the most exciting specialist car boutique in the South East....

O

ver the last ten years, Mole Valley Specialist Cars has built an enviable reputation for the supply of specialist and performance cars of the highest quality.

Mole Valley has long been well-known for it’s association with TVR, Morgan and Noble cars and the sale of quality lowmileage sports and performance cars such as Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, Jaguar, Aston Martin and other exotica such as Weismann and Spyker with a few carefully chosen classic cars thrown into the mix so there is always something interesting to appeal to the car enthusiast!

Customers can browse classic and modern models in the large boutique-style indoor showroom in an environment that understands the love of beautiful cars and is free from sales pressure.

The stock is continually changing so carlovers can always find something new and interesting to view!

It is a rare place where customers and enthusiasts alike can compare rival marques under one roof and talk to proprietors Chris Chadwick and John Heywood who are always happy to give advice and share their passion and considerable knowledge.

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The service department is always busy, servicing and repairing TVR, Morgan and Noble and again has an enviable reputation in this area due to the knowledge and expertise of the technicians, who have many years experience in these marques.

Mole Valley’s reputation is such that customers return time after time and many cars are sold unseen to customers over the phone in the UK and overseas.

Some really exciting news is that TVR launched it’s long-awaited new Griffith model at Goodwood in 2017 and as a TVR Heritage dealer, Mole Valley will be eagerly awaiting arrival of the new car which has been designed by Gordon Murray and will be powered by a new Cosworth V8 engine.

To view the full range of Mole Valley’s prestige stock, visit the showroom and workshop on the A24 between Dorking and Horsham where you will be assured of a warm welcome whether looking for a new car or just to browse and dream! www.mole-valley.co.uk

Jaguar SS

TVR Sagaris, 2005

Suffolk Re-creation, £59,995

10,200 miles, £79,995

Noble M12 GTO 3-R, 2004

Maserati Grancabrio, 2010

33,500 miles, £49,995

20,500 miles, £41,995

Motoring | 53

The Soft Hues of A utum n at

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Anna sun, the to e ret nc co

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CHANTRY WOODS SUMMER FORAGING COURSE 25th August, Chantry Woods, Guildford, Surrey Chantry Woods’ 200 acres of woodlands are home to British Oak, Ash, Beech, American Redwood and Fir to name but a few, making it ideal for foraging. This course starts with a short introduction on what to look for and a brief of the general countryside codes, where they relate to foragers.

Then you’ll set off on a roughly 2.5 hour walk around the woods, teaching you how to identify the different plants, flowers, fruits and mushrooms that we find. There will be a break along the way for some homemade refreshments such as lovely wild food soup or elderflower champagne. After the walk you will end the day with a tasty wild food lunch based on what you have found. Limited spaces available, book your place online. https://www.wildfooduk.com/foraging-trips/surrey-guildford-chantry-woods-summerforaging-courses/

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SOUTH COAST CHALLENGE 2019 31st August – 1st September 100km, 50km, or 25km.....Walk it, Jog it, or Run it. Take on some of England’s finest scenery as a Walk, Jog, or a Run! An Eastbourne start, up Beachy Head, over the magnificent Seven Sisters, and along the famous South Downs Way National Trail with stunning views over the sea to a Brighton mid-point.

Devil’s Dyke, welcome rest stops, a few ups and downs all lie ahead before historic Arundel comes into view after an 100km amazing journey. https://www.southcoastchallenge.com/ THE SOURDOUGH POP-UP BREAD DEMO 7th September 2019, Epsom, Surrey Learn the basic principles of making your own sourdough bread in this sourdough taster session, cookery demonstration and lunch. You will also take home a sourdough starter and instruction booklet so you can make your own delicious loaves at home. https://www.howtocookgoodfood.co.uk/learn-to-cook/2019-cookery-events/

SURREY HILLS FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL Sat 14th - 15th September, Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking A truly fantastic Festival celebrating the delicious food & drink from the Surrey Hills & beyond. Set in the stunning grounds of Denbies Wine Estate in the centre of the Surrey Hills, local and regional stalls will be offering a tasty range of produce including artisan bread, cheeses, gourmet BBQ, locally reared meat, chocolates, Surrey Hills wines and locally made gins and craft beers. www.surreyhills.org

RHS PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION DISPLAY 2nd Sept – 11th Oct, RHS Garden Wisley, GU23 6QB RHS Photography Competition on display at RHS Garden Wisley. As part of this annual competition, this special exhibition brings to life the photographic power and beauty in flowers, plants, outdoor spaces and wildlife – as well as the joy people can get from being in a garden. These are images to stir the emotions, move the mind and celebrate the best in creative photography. https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/viewevent?EFID=1496&ESRC=CMS

CRANLEIGH FOLK FESTIVAL 13th -15th September, Knowle Park, Cranleigh

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This year sees the debut of this festival which will have two live music stages and a Village Tent showcasing Performing Arts & Workshops. You will be able to experience the Food Village including craft beers & locally sourced gins and wines. The site will host a range of amusements for all ages, including camping so you can make the most of your weekend!

This festival is to raise funds for a local Cranleigh charity, and to create a platform for up and coming musicians. https://cranleighfolk.com/

In the Diary | 55

The Sof t

Hu es of A ut um n

Your Invitation to join us for a

Christmas Party Slinfold Style...

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The festive tipi is back once again!

Due to popular demand and following many requests, our Christmas parties and events are being held in our amazing giant Tipi again for 2019. What makes this venue so popular? Step inside and you’ll be enveloped in a warm welcome, surrounded by festive spirit and tasteful decorations. This unusual venue can seat up to 100 guests, with rustic benches and tables festively decked out to give a fantastic Christmassy atmosphere.

Whether you’re looking to party the night away with friends or work colleagues, or maybe have a special family Christmas get together, let us make the magic of Christmas come alive. Join us for a brilliant night of delicious food, dancing and memories to last a life time.

For further details and to make your booking, contact our Events Co-ordinator Shirley on 01403 792630 or via shirley.parker-smith@slinfoldclub.co.uk The tipi is also available for private hire during the Festive period, but dates are limited and selling out fast so you’ll need to be quick!

With great options to choose from: Christmas Tipi Parties Join us for our famous Party Nights which include: Glass of fizz on arrival 3 course festive dinner Dancing to the award winning resident DJ Dates available from 23rd November to Sat 21st December 4th and 5th December New: Wild West theme nights Festive Christmas Lunches 2 & 3 course options available throughout the festive period Monday 25th November Christmas Wreath Making Thursday 28th November Christmas Gift Fair Sunday 8th December Family Santa Lunch Wednesday 18th December Kid’s Christmas Disco

For more information visit: www.slinfoldclub.co.uk/christmas_parties T: 01403 792630 E: shirley.parker-smith@slinfoldclub.co.uk Stane Street, West Sussex RH13 0RE

| 57

drink, EAT, STAY: THE complete experience

The White Horse Inn is a modern British pub in an 18th century setting.

Situated in the centre of the village of Sutton, in the lee of the South Downs and in the heart of the South Downs National Park, it is welcoming and relaxing.

We are a free house serving a fine array of local cask ales, beers and wines together with the highest quality, locally sourced, traditional British pub food with a contemporary accent.

Our eight, beautiful ensuite rooms provide all modern amenities and comfort in a traditional, country setting.

Please join us to drink, eat, stay; you’ll be certain of a warm welcome.

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.

“A superb project showing what can be achieved with passion, vision and commitment, ensuring ‘time’ will not be called in the future for this important community pub.

First class.”

To book a table or room call 01798 869191 or visit www.whitehorseinn-sutton.co.uk email: info@whitehorseinn-sutton.co.uk @whitehorseinnsutton

@WhiteHorseRH20

THE WHITE HORSE INN The Street, Sutton, West Sussex RH20 1PS Open every day 11.00 – 23.00 | 59

Setting up a trust fund to help

pay the school fees 60 | fine

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he average annual cost for a senior aged pupil was recently estimated at over £33,000 (not including extras). School fees have increased at an average rate of 5–6% per year in recent years although in 2017/18 that fell to 3.4%.

Just the thought of having to meet school fees for the next few years can fill you with dread and saving for them so they don’t break the bank can be a real challenge.

And that’s all before you start thinking about funding 3 years at university.

Cue the Educational Trust Fund An educational trust fund can be created by parents for the purposes of funding future or existing school, college or university fees and it has some significant advantages for Inheritance Tax and also other taxes too.

An educational trust fund can be set up so as to provide income and or capital during a child’s minority and up to age 25 if the child is or will be in full time education. Any funds not used for this purpose will revert back to the parent or their estate.

Assets within the fund are protected against any future problems you might encounter such as divorce or bankruptcy.

An educational trust fund can be created by parents for the purposes of funding future or existing school, college or university fees ...

The tax implications The fund isn’t exempt from tax and income payments paid to the beneficiary will be net of tax, but the child will be able to reclaim the tax paid by taking advantage of their personal allowance (first £12,500 tax free as of April 2019/20 and thereafter at 20% up to £50,000).

This can compare extremely favourably to a situation where the fees are paid out of the parent’s estate (potentially up to 45%) and the tax is not recoverable.

Income accumulated by the trust for the tax year but not distributed to the beneficiary is generally taxable to the trust although the principal amount in the trust is not. That said there is some flexibility in the terms of the trust you create and you can provide for whether any income earned by the trust is taxed to the trust or the beneficiaries, be it capital gains, interest, ordinary income or dividends.

You will also be able to specify how assets are divided, whether that’s equally between your children or paid in specific amounts in specific circumstances.

Grandparents wanting to help out Grandparents wishing to help out with school fees or wanting to make a tax efficient disposal of their assets may want to consider a Discretionary Trust. An individual can give away up to £325,000

without incurring Inheritance Tax. By doing this it reduces their own estate by £325,000 thereby potentially saving 40% tax on this amount (£130,000).

As a couple of course that amounts to £650,000, which is no mean contribution when it comes to the school fees. It does take 7 years for such a gift to fall outside their estate for Inheritance Tax purposes but provided the settlor survives seven years, their IHT threshold in reinstated and they are therefore able to settle a further £325,000 upon trust after that seven year period (provided they haven’t made other significant gifts in recent years). It should be remembered that the trust terms will preclude you from getting the money back.

Income payments from the trust are paid net of income tax to grandchildren who can reclaim the tax paid by the trustees via their own personal allowances. There may also be savings or advantages when it comes to potential Capital Gains Tax (CGT) which, if it is payable on putting assets into trust, the donor can claim to ‘hold-over’, so that there is no tax charge until the assets are sold later (and transfers of property may also be exempt from stamp duty land tax unless there is a mortgage).

The net effect The net effect of setting up a trust for the payment of school fees for both beneficiary and donor are significant.

With funds available to pay fees, you may also be able to take advantage of early payment school fee discounts and the massive burden of meeting those termly school fees or the daunting costs of University are met, bringing both peace of mind and giving your children or grandchildren the best start in life. What’s more, significant tax savings are likely to be made.

If school or university fees are on the horizon, and you would like to investigate an educational trust or other trust fund and how they may affect you, please get in touch.

Stuart Ritchie is a chartered accountant and chartered tax adviser with over 30 years’ experience helping individuals reduce their tax liabilities and keep more of the money they earn and wealth they have accumulated. He is a tax partner with Ritchie Philips LLP based in Horsham and can be contacted on 020 3195 1300 or at stuart.ritchie@ritchiephillips.co.uk.

He has direct experience of creating and administering trust funds and acting as trustee for individuals and their families.

Your money, your business | 61

C O N S E R VAT I O N Pantone 5497C

The Timber Windows range includes a host of window & door options to improve your home. For most of our customers, the style of their property will inform the design choices they make, so whether you live in a period home or something more contemporary we can help enhance both appearance and performance.

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Black

We can also provide advice on the ďŹ ne details of glazing, hardware and colour, helping you to make your property authentic to the area.

CONTEMPORARY

styles

Stylish stainless steel hardware choices and an extensive colour palette echoing today’s preferences enable you to achieve the looks you want combined with exceptional timber performance.

In locations with more design freedom then we can help bring your ideas to life, balancing design and practicality to enhance your home, whilst still maintaining traditional looks.

Timber has proven to be the perfect material for contemporary style windows and doors, characterised by clean proďŹ les and lines.

When it comes to conservation areas we have proven experience in helping to restore the original character of a property through carefully selected windows & doors, always with an eye to any planning considerations.

Fine Sussex DPS - 325 x 480 .indd 1

Etched and patterned glass for front door panels, even incorporating your house number or name, can help add personality.

And in locations where there is more latitude for creativity Timber Windows can help to combine elements of both our traditional and contemporary ranges in a single unique look perhaps by pairing beautiful sash windows with a contemporary front door.

Beautifully crafted

HAND-MADE timber windows & doors

THE REASSURANCE OF DEALING WITH A

local SPECIALIST

Timber Windows of Horsham install the award-winning range of hand-made, engineered timber casement windows, sash windows and doors throughout Sussex and surrounding areas.

Whether your home is a country cottage, a Victorian semi, a modern townhouse or a converted barn, we have a range of traditional and contemporary timber windows and doors that will complement it perfectly.

Our beautiful timber products do not stick, warp or twist, require very little maintenance, offer modern standards of security and signiďŹ cant energy savings.

visit our showroom: Unit 1, Blunts Yard, Newbuildings Place, Dragons Green Road, Dragons Green, Horsham RH13 8GQ

Tel: 01403 732822

enquiries@timberwindowshorsham.com

www.timberwindows.com

Showrooms also in Wimbledon & Guildford 11/02/2019 08:39

Horsham 35 Carfax, Horsham RH12 1EE 01403 886860 | horsham@struttandparker.com

West Sussex | Horsham

Guide Price ÂŁ1,350,000

A handsome, detached family home with delightful gardens, in a secluded yet convenient "tucked away" location.

Reception hall | Sitting room | Dining room | Kitchen/breakfast/family room | Utility | Master bedroom with en suite shower | 5 Further bedrooms | Family bathroom | Family shower room | Detached barn, 2 garden sheds and tractor store | EPC: D Gardens and grounds of about 2.38 acres Horsham Ken Roberts | 01403 886860

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

60 Offices across England and Scotland, including Prime Central London

Horsham 35 Carfax, Horsham RH12 1EE 01403 886860 | horsham@struttandparker.com

West Sussex | Slinfold

Guide Price ÂŁ1,325,000

A beautifully presented, detached family home with delightful landscaped gardens and separate paddock.

Reception hall | Kitchen | Breakfast room | Dining room | Drawing room | Sitting room | Utility | Master bedroom | 4 Further bedrooms | 2 Family bathrooms 2 Detached garages and tractor shed | EPC: E Gardens and grounds of about 2.16 acres Horsham Ken Roberts | 01403 886860

/struttandparker

@struttandparker

struttandparker.com

60 Offices across England and Scotland, including Prime Central London

|

GAY STREET, PULBOROUGH, WEST SUSSEX AN ATTRACTIVE GRADE II LISTED DETACHED PROPERTY, LOCATED IN A BEAUTIFUL SEMI RURAL LOCATION ON THE EDGE OF THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK. This house retains much of its charm and character with exposed beam and inglenook fireplaces, whilst offering versatile accommodation over three floors in the main house, with the addition of a detached two storey Annexe with Garaging and Studio. 3 Reception Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, beautiful gardens/grounds of approx. one acre.

Guide Price £1,450,000

EPC Exempt

Arundel 01903 885886 arundel@jackson-stops.co.uk

PLUMMERDEN HOUSE, LINDFIELD A GLORIOUS AND SECLUDED COUNTRY HOUSE WITH BREATH-TAKING VIEWS OVER THE SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE TOWARDS THE SOUTH DOWNS. Surrounded by around 37 acres of gardens and fields this 7 bedroom property also has a 3 bed Victorian gatehouse lodge, tennis court, swimming pool and excellent equestrian facilities. 7 bedrooms (6 en-suites), kitchen/ breakfast/ family room, drawing room, dining room, study, cinema room, 2 double garages, stabling, outbuildings, 37 acres of gardens and grounds, lodge, reception room, kitchen and garage.

Guide Price £4,775,000

EPC D

Mid Sussex 01444 484400 midsussex@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

DORKING, SURREY AN EXCEPTIONAL MATURE LOCATION JUST MOMENTS FROM DORKING TOWN CENTRE. Entrance hall, two cloakrooms, drawing room, sitting room, kitchen/dining room, utility room, master bedroom with built-in wardrobes, bedroom two with en-suite shower, two further bedrooms, bathroom, study, large storage room, basement - games room, cellar, mature established gardens, long driveway providing ample parking, double garage, in all, about 0.29 of an acre.

Guide Price £1,150,000

EPC rating F

Dorking 01306 887560 dorking@jackson-stops.co.uk

REIGATE, SURREY A STUNNING DETACHED FAMILY HOME SITUATED IN A HIGHLY DESIRABLE LOCATION WITH DELIGHTFUL VIEWS OVER A SMALL PRIVATE LAKE. Entrance hall, sitting room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, utility, cloakroom with shower, five bedrooms, family bathroom, shower room, store room, landscaped and lawned rear garden, ornamental lake with island, three terraced patios, driveway, double garage.

Guide Price £1,050,000

EPC rating C

Reigate 01737 222027 reigate@jackson-stops.co.uk Local & National reach through a network of London & Regional offices PROPERTY EXPERTS SINCE 1910

Greyfriars Lane, Storrington Village, West Sussex

Price Guide £925,000

Unique and elegant living at St Joseph’s Abbey, a stroll from the Village & Downs This practical 3,000 sq ft home has the feel of a London home with lovely rooms over 4 floors (easy living on 2 levels) Lots of light & space. Ideal as main home or escape from the bustle of city life.

Own walled garden and garden room leading through to 5 acre communal parkland grounds and residents’ tennis court | Stone-mullioned windows & high ceilings | 4 main bedrooms with 3 bathrooms (2 suites) | Imposing own hall & entrance | Elegant drawing room | Formal dining room | Study ( carpet option for living, dining room & study) | Appliance-fitted kitchen breakfast room opening to garden | Lower TV room and occasional bed 5 | Wine store and original “silver safe” | Feature staircases | Top floor ideal as an “apartment suite” for home office, guest suite or uni age offspring | Gas CH | Walled secret garden | 20 x10 garage with loft storage | NO CHAIN |

Chanctonbury Walk, Church Street, Storrington Village,

Price Guide £215,000

Easily managed 2 bed 1st floor apartment (lift-served), ideal for comfortable retirement living Light interior (all newly decorated) | Sunny outlook with a glimpse of the Downs | Security entrance | Large 2-window sitting & dining room | Refitted kitchen with rear outlook | Spacious main bedroom with wardrobes | Bedroom 2 or study | Smart new shower room with rear window | One bill heating, cooking & hot water | Beautifully maintained gardens & grounds | Resident & guest parking | 60–plus age requirement | Emergency/alarm system | Reasonable service charges | NO CHAIN |

12 Church Street, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 4LA

01903 74 12 12

e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

Village & Country Homes for sale & wanted in West Sussex

www.clarkeandcharlesworth.com

01903 74 12 12 Independent Estate Agents, Residential Sales & Lettings

www.clarkeandcharlesworth.com

The Street, Patching Village, West Sussex

Price Guide ÂŁ855,000

A beautiful 17th Century cottage, the perfect downsizing home for practical modern living in a delightful village setting Reputed to have been stables next to the village forge, a beautiful detached thatched cottage, extended by its architect owner and re-thatched in 2012 | Mixing lovely period detail with contemporary style and great entertaining space | This beautiful home offers a 1687 sq ft interior, plus a summer house & garden store/studio | 3 first floor bedrooms | Vaulted & beamed 24 x 21 ft sitting room | Bespoke fitted kitchen with walk–in larder | Utility/preparation area | 15 x 12ft period dining room | Study or bedroom 4 with garden view | Contemporary vanity/cloakroom | Large, stylish ground floor shower & bathroom | 2nd cottage bathroom downstairs | Master bedroom upstairs with en-suite shower room | Oil-fired (radiators) & underfloor heating system (no gas in village) | Double glazing to south extension | Mature, landscaped gardens created by Chelsea Flower Show Designer | Sunny terraces for al fresco eating | Gated drive and 4-car parking | EPC not applicable (Listed Building) |

12 Church Street, Storrington, West Sussex RH20 4LA

01903 74 12 12

e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com Clarke & Charlesworth

01903 74 12 12 e: property@clarkeandcharlesworth.com

www.clarkeandcharlesworth.com

Collingwood Batchellor y o u r

h o m e

Long Island Dining Collection

3 Drawer 3 D oor Sideboard

WAS £975

NOW

£729

Bishopric, Horsham, RH12 1QN

High Street, Haslemere, GU27 2LA

Victoria Road, Horley, RH6 7QE

London Road, East Grinstead, RH19 1EJ

Montague Street, Worthing, BN11 3HG

( 01403 269261

( 01428 641947

( 01293 782404

( 01342 325033

( 01903 234811

OPENS 01/08/19 NOW TAKING BOOKINGS

GATWICK SELF STORAGE www.gatwick self storage.co.uk

by Collingwood Batchellor

d

Extending Ta ble with 4 Chairs

WAS £1835

NOW

£1299

H U G E S AV I N G S N O W O N !



SEE OUR E U H GE RANG E N ONLI

Collingwood Batchellor y o u r

h o m e

www.collingwoodstores.co.uk

SUMMER

SALE

43 HIGH ST, REIGATE, RH2 9AE | 01737 249357 49 WEST ST, HORSHAM, RH12 1PP | 01403 258582 63 CHURCHILL SQUARE, BRIGHTON, BN1 2TB | 01273 710357

TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 01 Chris Hemsworth works hard and chooses his roles carefully He handles pressure by taming it, and turning it to his advantage. #DontCrackUnderPressure was coined with him in mind.