This is the life
crisp mornings and conkers 2014 VOLUME V
GOODWOOD HOUSE Hosting grand celebrations for over 300 years. www.goodwood.com/house
IN A NUTSHELL this issue
37 The new Blick book Learn the skills you need to write and promote a best-selling book, from a bestselling author
40
27
Favourite Things
Pandora opens in Horsham
Time to shop. Gift ideas for Christmas or yourself from Burberry and TH Baker
Find out more about the new store, brought to you by Wakefields Jewellers
Regulars
Features
12 The making of the issue
18 New homes
A welcome from the editor and the inspiration behind Crisp Mornings and Conkers
Read more about the luxury houses available now at Chewton Rose
49 Congratulations are in order
29 Seeing double
Horsham welcomes Cocoa Loco – the shop! The UK’s first fair trade chocolate shop opens its doors
First it was sinks in the bathroom, now the latest trend is double fireplaces in your lounge
64 Top spots for a wintery retreat Find out where you can escape the cold this winter for a bit of R&R in front of the fire and in luxury surroundings |9
35 Light up, light up Katrina Smith on how to plan lighting that fits your interior design scheme
62
69
Steven Edwards pop ups
Make the perfect G&T
The South Lodge and TV star chef has launched Etch, a new company that organises innovative pop up dining experiences
Csaba Toth, bar and lounge supervisor at The Grand hotel passes on his tips for preparing the perfect, most refreshing gin and tonic
Features 48 TH Baker welcomes Tudor The Rolex-owned brand arrives in Sussex and TH Baker’s been celebrating with a smart soiree
72 Alexander House Hotel Enjoy a very merry Christmas at this country house hotel
75 Horsham Hearing Care Centre Find out more about the services on offer and why it’s not too early to get a check up
10 | FINE SUSSEX
IN A NUTSHELL this issue
31 all fired up Choose from this selection of fires and wood burners available at Chesney’s to warm up your home this season
80
53
Acceptable idols for your children
City-break style
In the age of tweeting and twerking, Jamie Craker reports on inspirational celebs for your kids to follow
Time to shop. A selection of pieces from Massimo Dutti and Chichester’s Lili Boutique suitable for private jets, 5 Star hotels and getaways
Education 77 Lancing college Dan Connolly passes on expert advice on how to choose the right school and says often the answer is closer to home than you might think
79 Farlington Head teacher Louise Higson gives her tips for getting the most from an open day with some thought-provoking questions
82 Burgess Hill School for Girls Kathryn Bell on the notoriously male-orientated world of science and technology and what the future holds for young female students | 11
the making of CRISP MORNINGS AND CONKERS
I
’ll be honest – it’s all about spending this issue. And why not? With the weather turning more bleak by the week, making outdoor pursuits less enjoyable, and Christmas around the corner, it’s time to shop. If you need any inspiration for what to buy for others or, of course, for yourself at the moment, keep turning the pages of Fine Sussex: Crisp Mornings and Conkers.
We teamed up with two of my favourite brands to showcase some of their autumn winter clothing, accessories and gifts this issue. The faultless Massimo Dutti ‘fall line’ provides the basis for a story on city break style in our Looking Good section. And this wouldn’t be a
Christmas-inspired issue without a sprinkling of Burberry, which you’ll find an abundance of in our Favourite Things. And although we know you love to shop further afield, in London and around the world, we couldn’t include gift ideas without a selection from TH Baker’s stellar collection of jewellery and watches, for when you need exquisite diamonds a little closer to home. I’m also really happy to hear so many success stories coming from the county at the moment. We spoke to Dee Blick about her new book, TV star chef Steven Edwards about his new venture and Sarah Payner, founder of Cocoa Loco about her first shop. More proof, as if we needed it, of just how fine this great county is.
BLACK TIE MEDIA LTD finesussex.co.uk
EDITOR James Hood jhood@finesussex.co.uk
LAYOUT & DESIGN Lewis Forsaith lforsaith@finesussex.co.uk
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Goddard Jamie Craker
PHOTOGRAPHY Sophie Ward
CIRCULATION distribution@finesussex.co.uk
JAMES HOOD EDITOR
ACCOUNTS MANAGER Dave Smith dsmith@finesussex.co.uk
Inside the issue the new dee blick book “Know you have a unique author voice. Yes there may be other books out there that talk about what you know. But you are the only one with your knowledge, skills and distinctive ‘voice’” DEE BLICK pictured here with editor James Hood
respectable idols “She stunned the world by releasing an unpublicised album of songs and videos overnight. It went on to sell a million copies in a few days” JAMIE CRACKER on perfectly acceptable idols for your kids
SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@finesussex.co.uk 01403 251000
ADVERTISING COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Matthew Wheeler matt@blacktiemedia.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR James Hood jhood@finesussex.co.uk The views and opinions expressed in the articles herein are those of the authors concerned and are not endorsed by the publisher. Whilst every care has been taken during the production process, the publisher does not accept any liability for errors that may have occurred or for the views expressed. Fine Sussex Crisp Mornings and Conkers 2014 This publication is protected by copyright. ©2014 Printed by The Magazine Printing Company.
Cover image supplied by Massimo Dutti.
lighting design “A small dark room can be transformed at night with the glow of a carefully positioned table lamp”
Go to page 53 for more or visit massimodutti. com
KATRINA SMITH on designing a lighting scheme at home This is the life
CRISP MORNINGS AND CONKERS 2014 VOLUME V
12 | FINE SUSSEX
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOWS & DOORS FOR YOUR HOME
W
alk down any street in England and you can tell, almost instinctively, whether the doors and windows of a home really suit the structure of the building. When the windows are wrong it is blindingly obvious – but when they have been chosen well, or the original windows and doors preserved, the effect is often simply beautiful. So what should you consider when investing in new Timber Windows? For many homeowners, restoring the integrity of the original structure is paramount. When choosing windows and doors to faithfully replicate the appearance of the building in its heyday it is essential to study the size of the window sections, ensuring that they match the proportions of the original frames as closely as possible. Deep bottom rails, slim meeting styles and fine glazing bars are important details. In casement windows non-opening elements should be glazed with dummy sashes to ensure balanced sightlines. The amount of glass area is important and overly bulky sections should be avoided.The Timber WIndows range provides great dimensional flexibility and a wide range of choices to ensure traditional aesthetics are preserved, whilst providing 21st century levels of comfort, security and performance. Fungal & Insect
30 YEARS
Sealed Unit
10 YEARS
Hardware
10 YEARS
Workmanship
10 YEARS
Paint
8 YEARS
Stain
5 YEARS
Many options also exist to really break down the boundaries between the house and outdoor space, letting light flood in, such as the addition of a folding sliding door or a smooth running patio door. Time was when every window frame in sight was white. Today the choice of factory applied colours and finishes available adds a level of choice our predecessors would envy. With natural timber finishes, subtle shades of cream, green, blue and grey, as well as elegant black, the Timber Windows colour palette can help to highlight or to blend in. Multiple colours are also possible, with the option to finish the insides of your windows and doors differently from the outsides. We can also colour match to leading, quality paint brands to complement your interior colour scheme. Balancing the style, colour and choice of windows and doors appropriately all adds up to what our trans-Atlantic cousins call 'curb appeal' - a pleasing visual aspect for neighbours, passers-by and even future purchasers. This is the art and hallmark of a job well done. Timber Windows would very much welcome the opportunity to work with you, enabling you to enhance the value and beauty of your home through the addition of well-chosen timber windows and doors. To take the first steps simply visit our website, call us direct or pop into our showroom.
GUARANTEE GUARANTEE GUARANTEE GUARANTEE GUARANTEE GUARANTEE
TEL: 01403 732822
Whilst some customers follow the conservation route, for others the opportunity to blend traditional and contemporary styles is a serious temptation. Pairing a stunning contemporary front door with beautiful box sash windows may give the individuality that your home has been longing for.
email: enquiries@timberwindowshorsham.com
www.timberwindowshorsham.com Timber Windows of Horsham, Unit 1, Blunts Yard, Newbuildings Place, Dragons Green Road, Dragons Green Horsham RH13 8GQ
w No
BROADWATER LANE, COPSALE, HORSHAM, WEST SUSSEX, RH13 6QW
d he nc lau
GHYLL HOUSE FARM
A unique opportunity to create your own bespoke home. A select development of just four houses, each set within circa 0.5 acres. Incorporating traditional build design and quality, to retain a feel of country living, the thoughtfully designed layouts and specifications provide for every convenience of modern family life – providing the best of both worlds. Ghyll House Farm allows you to make your home truly bespoke with a choice of finishes from select manufacturers. You will be able to choose from a selected range of kitchen, bathroom, staircase, and internal joinery designs.
“We offer our clients a unique opportunity to influence both the internal layout and the internal specification.* The concept will have particular appeal to those that would like to self build but are unable to secure the land or do not have either the necessary skill sets or time.” * Subject to the stage of construction.
GHYLL HOUSE FARM WEST SUSSEX
For more information call 01403 264962
new homes
A new development just three miles from Horsham has released its four new family homes
18 | FINE SUSSEX
C
hewton Rose has recently launched ‘Ghyll House Farm’, a development whose first phase offers four stunning, family orientated homes, set in the picturesque village of Copsale, just 3 miles from the centre of Horsham. There are two striking elevations currently to choose from and the developer is offering buyers the opportunity to work with them to create four truly bespoke homes. Buyers currently have the chance to influence internal layout for a limited time also, subject to structural consideration. There’s also a wide range of staircase designs, door finishes including ironmongery, as well as kitchen styles, work surfaces, appliances, bathrooms, light and other fittings to choose from. This level of choice and input is extremely rare, so if you’re were considering building your own home or just want to have a truly ‘one off’ property, why not have the best of both worlds, create a home to your very own specification, but have someone else do all the hard work for you? Each property is to be set within a half acre of landscaped grounds, however, given the development’s beautiful open surroundings, each plot feels so much larger. The design of the houses have been carefully
considered and have been created to reflect the character of this exclusive location and the finished houses will be a combination of traditional build design and quality, retaining a feel of country living, whilst the thoughtfully designed internal layouts and specifications provide every convenience for modern family life. The development’s rural setting has been considered in every detail so that the finished homes will complement their established environment. Externally, the development will sit well in its rural surroundings with unobtrusive fencing, using post and rail or post and wire designs and with driveways created from bonded gravel. The developer, a Sussex based business whose CEO is a life long creator of carefully crafted home, commented “We believe the concept will have particular appeal to those that would like to self build but are unable to secure the land to do so or do not have either the necessary skill sets or time. We feel that Ghyll House Farm brings a solution to this conundrum”. For further information, call Chewton Rose on 01403 264962 or email horsham@ chewtonrose.co.uk
Home sweet Home | 19
£529,950
Pulborough | ÂŁ795,000 With glorious panoramic views over the Wild Brooks to the South Downs from a commanding hilltop setting, this is a beautifully presented 4/5 bedroom detached family home off a private drive in the heart of the village - very well placed for access to village amenities, mainline station and country walks. Hall | Drawing Room | Dining Room | Study Garden Room | Kitchen / Breakfast Room | Master Bedroom with En-suite | Dressing Room Bedroom 5 | Guest Bedroom with En-suite | 4/5 Bedrooms in total | Double Garage | Garden | Hilltop setting with outstanding Views | Energy Rating D
LANDLORDS If you’re about to let a property, talk to Smiths Gore. Our dedicated lettings team successfully look after hundreds of properties in the region. We are contacted every day by prospective tenants looking for properties to rent and urgently need quality properties to meet demand. Please telephone Gayle Ratcliffe on 01798 345993 and discover how we can help.
Petworth lettings t 01798 345981 petworth.lettings@smithsgore.co.uk
Gayle Ratcliffe
smithsgore.co.uk
LODSWORTH A timber-framed detached historic house dating from the 16th Century in the heart of a quintessential downland village. Impeccably restored, this charming property offers comfortable living, perfect as a principal residence or weekend retreat. Guide Price ÂŁ950,000
Petworth sales t 01798 343111 petworth.sales@smithsgore.co.uk
4
Daniel Clay
Philippa Gilbert
3
2
smithsgore.co.uk
leaders.co.uk
All rents quoted exclude other charges or fees which may be payable – for more information please contact your local branch or visit the branch page on www.leaders.co.uk
P A N D O R A’ S A R R I VA L Catherine Goddard on the brand new jewellery store opened by Wakefields Jewellers
W
akefields Jewellers in Horsham has opened a brand new, stand alone Pandora store in the town. The new franchise will be located in Swan Walk shopping centre, (where Barratts used to be).
The interior bright and spacious – a clean, minimalist backdrop against which an extensive range of beautiful Pandora jewellery can really shine. Similarly to the Pandora’s flagship store at Marble Arch, London, the Horsham branch features stunning Evolution furniture. Melanie Wakefield told Fine Sussex: “The new concept store will enable us to bring clients a very enjoyable and comfortable shopping experience. We already have a devoted Pandora following in Horsham and we have been serving them until now at Wakefields Jewellers. We hope our existing clients and a new audience will be attracted to the Swan Walk space, where they will get the same dedicated customer service, along with a more extensive range of Pandora to explore. We are delighted that Pandora has chosen to work with us to bring this amazing store to Horsham and we are very much looking forward to this exciting venture.”
LOOKING GOOD | 27
Seeing double A new trend for two of everything, from bathroom sinks to his and hers dressing rooms has made it to the living room
W
ith the news that Prince William and The Duchess of Cambridge have installed a second kitchen in their Kensington Palace home, and with stylish housing developments popping up all over Sussex installing two sinks in their en-suites (saving countless arguments no doubt) - trends in the way we are using our homes are changing. Owen Pacey, fireplace expert for 25 years and founder of Renaissance London Fireplaces, has noticed a change in the way we use our rooms, smaller single living rooms, or separate kitchens, dining and living spaces are now being opened up to make larger, double, open plan living areas, often revealing two fireplaces
that no longer match, or creating space for a bold statement of two striking original fireplaces, with beautiful symmetry. With this in mind, Pacey developed a bespoke reproduction fireplace service for this reason, enabling him to recreate stunning matches of beautiful original designs, using unique aging and immaculate carving techniques he has painstakingly developed, alongside the finest materials and marbles. They typically cost a third of that of an authentic period piece - but look true to the original. Go to renaissancelondon.com for more information.
Home sweet Home | 29
ine comfort The
wellbeing that includes all the calm and relaxation you could
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sonal oasis of tranquillity where time is your own. A place to
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Make yourself comfortable in a Stressless® of your own. www.stressless.co.uk *Stressless® Sunrise recliner with footstool small now £999 was £1599 rrp, medium now £1099 was £1699 rrp and large now £1199 was £1799 rrp. Offer ends 30th November 2013. Available in Batick latte leather with natural wood finish, Batick Burgundy with Mahogany wood finish and Batick Brown with Brown wood finish only. Whilst stocks last. Main image features the Vegas recliner & stool.
Collingwood Batchellor y o u r Horsham ( 01403 269261
*Stressless® Sunrise recliner with footstool small now £999 was £1599 rrp, medium now £1099 was £1699 rrp and large now £1199 was £1799 rrp. Offer ends 30th November 2013. Available in Batick latte leather with natural wood finish, Batick Burgundy with Mahogany wood finish NOW and Batick Brown with Brown FREEwood LOCAL ORDER finish only. Whilst stocks last. Main image features the Vegas recliner & stool.
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B e a u mo n t S tove chesneys.co.uk | 020 7627 1410
t u r ntheu p
HEAT
It’s time to grab the cashmere throw, a good novel and sit in front of the fire. So here we showcase a small selection of the options available from Chesney’s Home sweet Home | 31
L a n g l e y F i r e Surroun d wit h Bea um on t Stove chesneys.co.uk | 020 7627 1410
The Chi chester su r r o u nd £ 4 , 6 2 0 chesneys.co.uk | 020 7627 1410
Osterely Steel fi r e b as k et £ 1 , 8 6 0 chesneys.co.uk | 020 7627 1410
32 | FINE SUSSEX
Bolney Stoves Ltd
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10 The Farmers sTores, GaTehouse Lane, Goddards Green, hassocks, WesT sussex Bn6 9Le saLes@BoLneysToves.co.uk
any
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The Bromley Table Lamp available at John Lewis
lighting design A small dark room can be transformed at night with the glow of a carefully positioned table lamp
I
am working with three different sets of clients at the moment, all with very different homes and requirements, but all need a good lighting plan to ensure their new homes look their best. The wrong lighting can ruin a beautiful scheme. Several light sources are required in a room to achieve various functions and activities. In a living room a floor lamp next to a sofa or chair is well positioned to enable people to read whilst sitting comfortably. For ambiance, table lamps create a relaxed atmosphere. During the winter months it is especially welcoming to walk into a room with the glow of carefully placed lamps, adding to the feeling of warmth and homeliness. The correct lighting can make all the difference to a room. A small dark room can be transformed at night with the glow of a
carefully positioned table lamp. Likewise a lovely room with just a single ceiling light can look cold with dark shadows forming on the walls in the evening. A dining room needs to be bright enough so that you can see what it is you are eating, but you may want to soften the lighting by adding a dimmer. A central light over the dining table creates a focal point. If you have a long table then perhaps instead of a single pendant light you could have three pendants. For one of the homes we are working with at the moment we have specified recessed lighting, but also a gorgeous rectangular chandelier to go over the dining table, all of the lighting in this room will be dimmable. Katrina Smith owns True Colours Interiors, which has now opened a Design Centre upstairs at La Source, East Street, Horsham. In the showroom they will design room schemes, whole house schemes and lighting schemes as well as project manage entire builds for clients.
HOME SWEET HOME | 35
Dee Blick, by Sophie Ward. Photographed at South Lodge Hotel
if there’s a book in you
th is i s th e book for you Best-selling author Dee Blick has put all her writing and marketing knowledge into a fourth book, aimed at inspiring others to put pen to paper. Here, Fine features the first in a three-part series of excerpts from the book, beginning with chapter 1.
A
fter three best-selling marketing books, author, public speaker and marketing supremo Dee Blick has launched her fourth title. This time, Dee passes on her knowledge in The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Marketing a Best Selling Book on a Shoestring Budget. All the author’s previous releases have made it to the Number 1 spot on Amazon in their categories and, at the time of going to press, book number 4 made it to Number 1 of the ‘Hot New Releases’ on the site. Her achievements make her the ideal candidate to produce a book that informs and inspires the rest of us to put pen to paper and get started on our own.
wish I had when I wrote my first marketing book. I did my research and found very few books that cover writing, publishing and promoting. This book is relevant to both fiction and non-fiction writers because my editor was a fiction writer and I’ve worked with her to provide really valuable advice in those chapters. Something else I thought was important to get across is that the work doesn’t end when you’ve finished writing. There’s an awful lot more to do such as publishing and promoting your book. So I wanted a complete guide, because I believe there really is a book in everyone.” Search online and on Amazon.co.uk for Dee Blick’s new book, The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Marketing a Best Selling Book.
Dee’s top ti ps for wri ti ng yo u r b o o k What’s your big idea? What are you hoping to achieve or tell people? Then get writing. Be confident in your ability A lack of self esteem is an impediment to writing a great book. Believe in yourself. Know you have a unique author voice Yes there may be other books out there that talk about what you know. But you are the only one with your knowledge, skills and distinctive ‘voice’.
Speaking about the new book, Dee told Fine Sussex: “I wanted to write the book I
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38 | FINE SUSSEX
From humble beginnings... “Y our book won’t sell because it’s too expensive. Who’s going to pay £13.99 for it when there are cheaper marketing books for small businesses?” When I was told this by a businessman I’d been recommended to my heart sank. He sold business books for a living. I’d hoped that after speaking to me he would add my new book to the titles he was already promoting. Here I was with my very first book fresh from the printers and already it had been consigned to the author graveyard by a guy who was seemingly in the know. So what did I do? Reduce the price of my book? Give up my dream of being a bestselling author? Decide he was right, that I’d been deluded in thinking that my childhood dream of becoming a successful author was possible? I completely ignored his advice, dusted myself down and decided that when my book did make it into the bestsellers I would recall his grim comments with a grin. Although shaken by his ‘advice’, I knew deep down he was wrong and so I could not allow his negativity to have any impact on me beyond the inevitable bruising of my ego. You may experience something like this. You may well have the odd critic who’s only too keen to tell you in no uncertain terms why your book won’t sell; that your subject matter has been covered many times before. And what can you possibly bring to the table that’s new and exciting anyway? Ignore your critics. Blaze your trail to bestselling glory. This is your journey. There’s a book inside you which is why you’re reading this one. You can spend the precious time you have on this planet being distracted by negative people so that your book never sees the light of day or you can do what I have always done and believe in yourself wholeheartedly. And make sure to start writing. I’ve wanted to write this book for some time now but over the past six years most of my
spare time has been devoted to writing three small business marketing books. Indeed before writing this book I had to prove to myself that I was an author of integrity; that you could trust my advice on writing and marketing a bestselling book because I had become a bestselling author. And so for the record, I am a genuine Number One bestselling author not simply a clever marketer who has managed to sell enough books to propel me to the top of my category on Amazon only to tumble from this spot a day or so later.
It was only when my three books were more or less permanently in the top five bestsellers in Amazon’s small business marketing category and I had a publishing deal in China that I could see how my story and approach to writing and marketing a book could help you if you’re aiming for similar success. As part of my research, I spent some time on Amazon UK evaluating all the titles on how to write a book. I couldn’t find anything on how to write a bestselling book and market it on a shoestring budget. This spurred me on. I could see the need for a book in which both subjects were covered in detail by an author you could trust because they had walked the walk for many years. You see, whilst writing a great book is important, if you want it to reach the bestsellers—and stay there—you’ll need to do more work than that. I’ve met many fiction and non-fiction authors when speaking at events. Browsing the pages of their books it’s clear they have a real talent for writing and yet they’re struggling to sell books beyond their circle of family and friends. Their Amazon sales are dismal. They have many five-star reviews but they’re not selling books and they’re baffled as to the reason why. Sadly these authors are not marketing their book with a powerful, effective and sustained plan; one that starts from when they make the decision to write and that continues for several months after their book launch. If your goal is to have a bestselling book you have to know how to market your book effectively on a shoestring budget.
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these are a few of our
favour i te things
40 | FINE SUSSEX
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Al l gi fts by Burberry Go to burberry.com for store information or to shop
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44 | FINE SUSSEX
Al l gi fts by Burberry Go to burberry.com for store information or to shop
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A ll gift s by Burberry Go to burberry.com for store information or to shop
46 | FINE SUSSEX
Omega Mens Speedmaster Bl ue Moon Bracelet Watc h £ 7 2 1 0 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP and TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
Om ega M en s 18ct Gol d Constel l ati on Bracelet Watch £5460 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP and TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
M a st ercut 18ct Whi te Gol d 0.30ct Di amond Cluster Ri n From £2400 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP and TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
M a st ercut W hi te Gol d 3 Stone Di amond Ri ng From £2000 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP and TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
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B re it lin g Ch ronomat 44 Stai nless Steel Rose Gol d Pl ated B lack D ia l Bracel et Watch £10040 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP and TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
M a st ercut 18ct Wh ite Gol d 7 Stone Di amond 1.2ct Ri ng From £2800 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP
TAG HEUER Monaco Black Rubber L i mi ted Edi ti on Strap Watc h £ 9 7 5 0 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP and TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
Om ega La d ies 18ct Gol d Constel l ati on Bracelet Watch £3040 Available at TH Baker Horsham, 49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP
48 | FINE SUSSEX
DID YOU KNOW We now have an app?
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR VIP LIST and receive a FREE single item jewellery or watch written valuation. (Value £20 + 1% of the item’s value)
Scan the relevant code for your mobile device to get the download link or search “James Ross” in the app store. www.jamesrossjewellers.co.uk
TH Baker welcomes Tudor
A brand new watch brand that was first established in 1926 has been launched in Sussex
T
UDOR watches have been officially welcomed to T. H. Baker Brighton at a celebratory in-store launch event. T. H. Baker, the respected family-run watch and jewellery retailer, invited guests from across Brighton and Sussex to come and explore the TUDOR collection at its Churchill Square store. The luxury watch launch evening was held on Thursday 2nd October 2014, and welcomed both press and the general public to have an inside look at the TUDOR brand, including some of the first watches being sold in the UK. The event allowed watch enthusiasts to share their enthusiasm for the new collection over complimentary champagne and canapĂŠs. The store was brimming with excitement
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Guests enjoy the celebrations as TH Baker celebrates the arrival of Tudor
as guests tried on these unique timepieces, with a TUDOR specialist at hand to educate attendees on the product and ethos behind the luxury brand. TUDOR is the latest brand to be showcased at the Brighton store, which moved to its new premises in 2013. TUDOR is a renowned watch collection, first established in 1926 and now known globally for the quality of production its timepieces offer. T. H. Baker was established in 1888 in the West Midlands town of Brierley Hill. Now in the fifth generation of family ownership, the company has grown to be one of the UK’s largest independent jewellery retail groups with a network of stores across the Midlands and southern England. For more information go to thbaker.co.uk
Congratulations are in orde r
C
ocoa Loco, the successful chocolate making business based in Partridge Green, has opened its first shop. As well as being organic, Cocoa Loco’s chocolate and baked ranges are also Fairtrade and the new chocolate shop is the first in the UK to sell only Fairtrade chocolate. Sarah and Rory, owners of Cocoa Loco said: “We are thrilled to finally be able to have a permanent home to showcase our Organic and Fairtrade chocolates which are made literally just up the road on the Knepp Estate in West Grinstead” Regarding the success of the launch, Cocoa Loco founder Sarah added: “The response from our customers so far has been phenomenal and we have been overwhelmed by the positive comments. The local community seems to love the fact that we are a small family business based locally, and that our chocolate is produced ethically. We have got lots of new exciting and innovative products for Christmas which we can’t wait to unveil. It’s crucial to Rory and I that our chocolate is produced to the
highest welfare and environmental standards by people who care passionately about what they do and who are paid for doing so. We love the fact that by working with Fairtrade we are showing our support for farmers and producers around the world and making a positive contribution”. Horsham has officially been a Fairtrade town since 2005, which is incidentally the same year that Cocoa Loco was born, with Sarah baking brownies from home in her Aga and selling them on the internet and at local farmers markets. Cocoa Loco MD Rory Payne added: “Sarah has wanted to open a Cocoa Loco chocolate shop since the very beginning and it’s been immensely rewarding for the whole team seeing that dream coming to fruition. This is such an exciting time for us. We have an amazing team at Cocoa Loco who really care about the product they produce and it shows. They’ve worked ridiculously hard to produce enough chocolate to fill our shop which we managed to open less than two days after we got the keys!”
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All pieces by Massimo Dutti Go to massimodutti.com to shop and for store information.
city break style
When the weather turns chilly many of us turn to wintery breaks that are more about boutiques than beaches. With the help of our friends at Massimo Dutti, we present some options you should pack to ensure you’re impeccably dressed when you get away.
Looking good | 53
All pieces by Massimo Dutti Go to massimodutti.com to shop and for store information.
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Looking good | 55
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All pieces by Massimo Dutti Go to massimodutti.com to shop and for store information.
Looking good | 57
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All pieces by Massimo Dutti Go to massimodutti.com to shop and for store information. Looking good | 59
sussex
selection Options for your city style chosen by the experts at Lili Boutique in Chichester
D
estination: New York, Paris, Stockholm? Taking a weekend bag while ensuring you include the most essential items in such limited space is a dilemma! Lili Boutique in Chichester can guide your choice of ‘ready to wear’.
At the boutique you’ll find Armani Jeans and Jackets: ‘a must have’ for day wear, sleek and fun. Fabiana Filippi: tops and trousers in an elegant yet understated style. Max & Moi: quite simply chic! Weill: gorgeous cashmere tops light but warm, and available in vibrant colours. D Exterior: for an alluring style. Go to liliboutique.co.uk or visit 3a Little London, Chichester
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A FAI RY - TA L E V E N U E I N A N I DY L L I C C O R N E R O F E N G L I S H C O U N T RY S I D E Magical wedding celebrations for 2 to 250 guests T O M A K E A N A P P O I N T M E N T T O V I S I T, P L E A S E C A L L 017 9 8 8 31 9 9 2 O R E M A I L E V E N T S @ A M B E R L E YC A S T L E . C O . U K www.amberleycastle.co.uk
an evening with
etch
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I
t’s a contemporary concept that mixes interesting venues with the style and skill of chef Steven Edwards. A new venture for food lovers everywhere has launched and this is just the beginning for its talented founders. South Lodge chef and winner of the 2013 Masterchef The Professionals TV show, Steven Edwards has branched out with his own foodie business. Along with Josh Stanzl, the now-well-known chef is producing popup evenings in restaurants under new brand name, Etch. Having trained in some of the best AA Rosette and Michelin kitchens in the country Steve and Josh set up etch to offer food lovers unique dining experiences in a fun, interactive and non-pretentious atmosphere.
etch is a food and drink brand established to imprint, define and impress. Bespoke menus are created to be original, creative and attractive, delivered in a way that is fun and interactive without compromising on quality. Steven said: “Our food philosophy is simple. We are Sussex chefs through and through and have a fantastic larder to choose from. We will always use quality local ingredients where possible and support local businesses. We create unique simple dishes focusing on getting the most out of each ingredient we use�. Etch has recently held a dining experience at Nyetimber, the Sussex vineyard (pictured) as well as another at The Proud Archivist in London. To find out more information about upcoming evenings and events, go to etchfood.co.uk
Wining and dining | 63
favourite spots for a
wintery retreat
It’s time to head indoors and get cosy. With that in mind we thought we’d help you choose from some Sussex hotels where relaxation comes as standard SOUTH LODGE HORSHAM SOUTHLODGEHOTEL.CO.UK
S
et back from a country road and set within a former family home, this is a place you can feel warm and cosy for a while. Staff at South Lodge are second-tonone, making you feel as though you’ve just stepped into a friend’s manor for tea, cocktails, dinner or a walk around the gardens. Once you’ve checked in, the drawing room, with it’s large, impressive and intricately carved fireplace, awaits. Grab the paper, a Scotch or a glass of bubbly and enjoy the piece and quiet that comes from being surrounded by beautifully kept grounds. One level below, you’ll find the cellar, where a range of fine wines are literally on tap, straight from the bottle to your glass. All you need to do is purchase a wine card from reception and once poured the wine is yours to take back to your table, sofa or room anywhere in the hotel.
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At South Lodge you have the choice of not one but two exceptional restaurants. The Michelin Starred The Pass, which was recently voted one of the UK’s best 100 restaurants by The Sunday Times, offers a contemporary setting and an exquisite tasting menu designed by star chef, Matt Gillan. There’s also the Camellia – a less more traditional ambience lends itself to sheer comfort. A richly decorated and historic room overlooks the stunning grounds and food on the menu is served to perfection. If you want to get out of the hotel, there are acres to discover. The venue is also affiliated with nearby Mannings Heath Golf Club in case you wanted to play a round. Plus Horsham town centre or Brighton are just a drive away if you wanted a spot of retail therapy.
ALEXANDER HOUSE TURNER’S HILL ALEXANDERHOTELS.CO.UK This 5 Star, boutique country house hotel has recently had an update and its interior is remarkably contemporary for such a traditional-looking hotel. The combination of comfort and cool works, providing somewhere for country bumpkins and city slickers alike to rest and recuperate. Set within 120 acres of glorious Sussex countryside, Alexander House also offers a choice of restaurants. Possibly the jewel in the crown for those looking for a real getaway from every day life is the hotel’s Utopia spa. The Grecian inspired interiors have been designed to
take guests on an intimate spa journey to relieve everyday stresses and strains. So as you lounge by the pool, melt away under the monsoon showers or plunge into the hydrotherapy pool, you really will feel as though you have escaped to another world. There are 25 treatment rooms including three double treatment rooms, a handful of relaxation lounges and therapists who are experts in their field. Spa guests can make full use of the state-of-the-art gym, join daily exercise classes such as yoga or body blitz, or enjoy outdoor activities including tennis, bike hire, trekking trail and garden games.
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LET US DO ALL THE HARD WORK THIS CHRISTMAS
We’d love to see you over the festive season! South Lodge is a welcoming retreat for the whole family over the Christmas period… friendly faces and instinctive service are discreetly on hand to add to the festive spirit as you take the weight off your feet… Will you choose our Christmas Eve afternoon tea, Christmas Day lunch with all the trimmings, our Boxing Day jazz lunch to get those toes-a-tappin’ or a home from home private dining experience with friends and family? And the very best bit is that we do all the hard work!
CALL US 01403 891711
EMAIL US enquiries@southlodgehotel.co.uk
southlodgehotel.co.uk |
FIND OUT MORE southlodgehotel.co.uk/christmas
South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Nr. Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PS
THE GRAND BRIGHTON GRANDBRIGHTON.CO.UK Although you might not immediately think of escaping to the coast for a wintery break, The Grand offers a true oasis of calm and tranquility in Brighton’s city center. Once you step inside, you’re immediately immersed in the history and tradition of this iconic venue. Designed and built in 1864 this historic hotel is a true example of Italian influence in Victorian architecture. From the stunning sweeping spiral staircase and traditional period design to the sumptuous day spa and the glamour of GB1 seafood restaurant, the Grand experience really is treating yourself to the best.
Enjoy a choice of rooms that include sea view rooms, Egyptian cotton bed linen, luxury toiletries and complimentary Wi-Fi. Or completely spoil yourself by booking one of the sumptuous suites, with more space and stylish extra touches. Downstairs you can enjoy a relaxing G&T or afternoon tea in the lounge area. And go down further still and you are in true pampering territory, in the Grand’s luxurious spa. You can choose from a range of relaxing massages and facials that will help you forget about your cares and focus on rejuvenation, thanks to the low lighting and soft textures around you. It is a truly sumptuous setting.
ESCAPES AND LEISURE | 67
The Grand Winter Escape
£89
Rooms from
*
• GB1 Seafood Restaurant and Bar • Iconic Victorian seaside hotel • Luxury spa with exclusive membership packages • Deluxe sea view bedrooms with balconies • Traditional afternoon teas
THE GRAND BRIGHTON, 97-99 KING’S ROAD, BRIGHTON, EAST SUSSEX, BN1 2FW
0871 222 4684 • www.grandbrighton.co.uk • reservations@grandbrighton.co.uk TheGrandHotelBrighton *Terms and Conditions apply
@GrandBrighton
perfect gin & tonic H O W T O MA KE THE
with Csaba Toth, our Bar and Lounge Supervisor
W
hen you mention gin, most people think about an elegant, classic martini or a refreshing gin and tonic. It is utter perfection when produced just right. There are numerous ways to make the perfect G&T – whether it’s with Tanqueray 10 and a squeeze of lime, a Sipsmith with a Fentiman’s tonic, or Hendricks and cucumber.
Here’s our take on the perfect G&T. G i n: Hendricks. This gin is refreshing and its unique rose and cucumber infusions really do set it apart from the rest. T oni c: Fever Tree. The mixer makes up three quarters of the drink, therefore it is a crucial to use a premium high quality tonic like this one.
I ce: Large cubes made using frozen distilled water only, not tap water, are the best. Garni sh: Cucumber. Sliced or cubes? You decide. Our preference is finely cut, long sticks for full flavour and a quirky presentation. Gl ass: Tumbler. This is down to personal taste although traditionally (and scientifically) you should use a tumbler or even a cabernet glass to be able to fully enjoy the smell and taste of quality botanicals. Crystal, naturally. Tri ck: Add a little dash of elderflower cordial, especially in the summer to beautifully complement the drink. Enjoy a G&T at the bar at The Grand in Brighton. Go to grandbrighton.co.uk for details.
Wining and dining | 69
Forget your cockles and jellied eels, it’s just a short hop to frog’s legs and snails. Take a break from London City Airport. Now flying to Angers (Loire Valley), Quimper (Brittany) and Nice. To Fly. To Serve. Book at ba.com/londoncitysummer
Services operated by BA CityFlyer.
THE GIFT WITH AN
oohhhh
AND AN
ahhhh!
MEMORIES T H AT AT L A S T T.. . .
From fabulous spa days to a�ernoon tea and dining; Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa has the perfect selection of Christmas Gi� Vouchers.
OUR
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS INCLUDE... LUXURYY SPA DAYS
FROM
£115.00pp
Show a loved one how much you care with a luxury spa day. These include full use of all the stunning facilities including pools, hot tubs, relaxation rooms, heat treatments, classes and gym plus a delicious two course lunch.
MONEY VOUCHERS
AFTERNOON TEA
FROM
£24.50pp
Our a�ernoon tea gi� vouchers make a thoughtfully delicious surprise. Treat someone to a gi� of warm scones, dainty desserts and fresh fancies, served in one of our stylish a�ernoon tea lounges.
FOR MORE GIFT IDEAS AND TO BUY ONLINE VISIT
ALEXANDERHOUSE.CO.UK OR CONTACT 01342 714914
Alexander House Hotel & Utopia Spa Turners Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH10 4QD
FROM
£25.00
Ranging from £25 to £1000 our money vouchers are a gi� that guarantees a genuine ‘thank you!’. Vouchers can be redeemed against dining, spa days and overnight breaks.
have yourself a
very merry
We explore the winter wonderland where you can get cosy this festive season and throughout the chilly months
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C h ratiAlexander s t m House as
S
urrounded by 120 acres of magnificent Sussex countryside, Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa is a winter wonderland within its own right. Throughout December this splendid hotel will be aglow with roaring log fires, twinkling lights and warm smiles. Both AG’s and Reflection’s restaurants will be offering a variety of deliciously festive menus while afternoon tea will be served within snug balmy lounges. At the hotel’s subterranean level, spa day guests who are brave enough to step into the winter garden for a plunge in the outdoor hot tub will soon warm up again once homed back inside and embraced by the welcoming pleasures of the hydrotherapy pool, indoor bubble tub, sauna and steam room. And, for extra body nurturing, the hot stone massage or luxury facial will certainly melt away any Christmas shopping woes and leave you blissfully refreshed, relaxed and prepared for the season.
C h r i s tma s Pa rt y N igh t s Party nights at Alexander House are a fabulous experience. On arrival you and your guests will be invited to take your seat at a table peppered with glittering decorations; your evening will follow with fabulously festive food and a mix of music that will keep your feet on the dance floor all night. A great evening is promised and with 38 bedrooms and 19 new suites, you and your guests will have the option of flopping into a seamlessly made bed for a wonderful rest before a well-deserved morning after breakfast. Party Nights start from £40pp with overnight options available.
R e s i d e n ti a l B re a ks Guests are in for a real treat with this year’s Christmas House Party! From 24th December there will be a plethora of dining, activities, relaxation and celebrations ranging from family films and Champagne and Carols to outstanding dining options, chocolate and wine tasting and falconry. The programme of events is combined with plenty of spa time so you have the option of joining an activity or simply basking in the undisturbed pleasures of the spas pools and bubble tubs.
Festi ve Di ni ng With two restaurants and a selection of private dining rooms, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining in December. If you are looking for a taste sensation and theatre of good food then AG’s Restaurant has it all. For a more relaxed yet equally inviting dining option, Reflection’s Restaurant is a wonderfully exciting space. Both eateries are overseen by Executive Chef Mark Budd, whose menus are inspired by the land, sea and of course, the festive season. Menus and bookings can be made online at alexanderhouse. co.uk
Afternoon Tea Nestle next to an impressive fire and enjoy a display of fresh sandwiches and homemade dainty desserts including sweet pastries and traditional scones. Afternoon tea at Alexander House is highly regarded with the experience making a perfect treat for colleagues and those you hold dear. Tea parties are the perfect time to exchange secret Santa gifts, and afterwards guests are of course welcome to take a stroll in the crisp grounds that surround the hotel. Afternoon Tea starts from £24.50pp
Gi ft Vouchers An Alexander House gift voucher isn’t just a token, this perfect present delivers an experience accompanied by a very happy memory. So whether you are choosing to treat someone to a Champagne Afternoon Tea, overnight stay, spa day or money voucher; you know you are giving a gift that will be truly appreciated. Vouchers start from only £25 and can be viewed online at alexanderhotels.co.uk Find Alexander House Hotel and Utopia Spa at Turners Hill, East Grinstead, Sussex RH10 4QD. Call 01342 714914 or go to alexanderhouse.co.uk
Christmas breaks start from £725pp
ESCAPES AND LEISURE | 73
hearing loss THE IMPACT OF
Rob Davies from Horsham’s South East Hearing Care Centre discusses the effects hearing loss can have on society and highlights some of the risks to our hearing health we never consider
T
Pursuits like shooting are an obvious area where we should protect our ears, yet we forget about everyday DIY activities like mowing the lawn and using power tools
here are an estimated 10 million people with hearing loss in the UK, which has an adverse affect on the economy. Hearing loss equates to poor communication and reduced job opportunities. A recent report estimates that hearing loss costs Europe 213 billion Euros a year. Hearing aids can be a major part of the solution, reducing communication problems and promoting good quality of life, especially in older age. With increased life expectancy the need for hearing correction is increasing. Good quality of life requires good hearing. It is baffling then that only a quarter of people with hearing loss actually seek a solution. Surely it cannot just be stigma that stops people wearing hearing aids? At South East Hearing Care Centres we believe a general lack of awareness is to blame and that is why we held our inaugural HearHere events to highlight not just the highly advanced, technical and in many cases invisible solutions available, but also the clever devices that can be worn to prevent hearing loss. These include custom made ear defenders, shooter’s electronic moulds and musician in-earmonitors. Too many people have damaged their hearing through exposure to noise and it is still the single biggest contributor to hearing loss across the world. Health and safety regulations ensure we are safe in the work place and community but it is leisure noise that is having a huge impact on the nation’s hearing. Pursuits like shooting are an obvious area where we should protect our ears, yet we forget about everyday DIY activities like mowing the lawn and using power tools at home. Also the risk of damage from listening to music through
ill fitting earphones from our Ipods and Mp3 players could be greatly reduced through a set of custom made ear moulds. Musicians will also benefit from custom made in ear monitors. Society would be more inclusive if we could all communicate more easily and we can help reduce the financial burden by firstly doing all we can to prevent hearing loss and as we grow older and our hearing gradually diminishes, doing something about it. If you feel you are at the stage of seeking advice then please pop in to one of our centres or visit our website for more information. Good hearing promotes better all round health and more enjoyable interaction with friends, family and co-workers. All evidence shows there is less stress and anxiety, better communication and understanding. Auditory fatigue from misunderstanding words rather than processing them is greatly reduced and generally life is more fun. South East Hearing Care Centres strongly promotes protection and prevention of hearing loss alongside all of the highly advanced solutions when your hearing has become impaired. A few pounds spent now on ear protection could save thousands in the future on hearing correction. Of course, we still recommend ear protection even when hearing has diminished and hearing aids are required. It is not closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, it is more importantly protecting what precious hearing is left. For more information go to hearingcarecentres.co.uk call 01403 218863 or pop in at 20-22 Bishopric, Horsham.
FEELING GREAT | 75
An inspiration on the educational landscape
Lancing College Senior School & Sixth Form AN EXCEPTIONAL INDEPENDENT EDUCATION FOR BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 13 TO 18
www.lancingcollege.co.uk Tel 01273 465805
West Sussex BN15 0RW
Registered Charity Number 1076483
school can set the bar high, only accept highly able pupils and churn out good grades, but it takes a great school to take a broad church of young people and really add value to their education. Watch too, what you are letting your child in for. Perhaps they do scrape past that 65 per cent Common Entrance barrier after intensive efforts at school, extra tutoring and no holidays: congratulations. One word of warning however – they will be in the bottom sets. If your child can handle that, then that’s fine, but please don’t set your child up to feel bad about themselves. Don’t set them up to fail. Never trust league tables. The best measure of the quality of teaching and learning at a school is the value added data. Did I say don’t trust league tables? Do trust the head teacher of your prep or primary school. They earn their salaries by getting the kids into the right senior schools. Just be gently aware of prep schools that are affiliated to senior schools. It may be completely right that they recommend the ‘home’ team, in fact, that makes sense because the prep school will often echo the values of the senior school. That said, do your own due diligence at the same time. We’ve all heard the horror stories about schools going broke. Look at the Charities Commission website – they all have to file financial returns, if they are owned by private companies or families, ask in-depth financial questions and don’t go if these aren’t forthcoming. Do not indulge in Mumsnet. Everyone wants you to go to their son’s or daughter’s school to validate their own decision.
choosing a
senior school Dan Connolly, registrar, sometime housemaster and assistant head at Lancing College, says that although school success is important, the answer to which one is best for your child can be found a little closer to home
M
y one great tip for all parents when looking for senior schools is this: don’t look at senior schools at all. By far the most important element in choosing your school is to look, firstly, at your child. What is even more difficult is that you need to do so as dispassionately as possible. I have lost count of the number of times parents have visited talking about their school days as if, somehow, they have any relevance to the choice they are making for their child. Rugby playing fathers looking for sporty schools for their artistic son, and academic mothers looking for hothouses for their all-rounder daughters; I’ve seen it all. It’s actually very helpful to write all this down – not just the interests but the character as well. Often it’s very helpful to bring in friends for a slightly less subjective view. You are then ready to look at your options. My second tip is to watch that Common Entrance bar. Higher barriers do not, and I repeat do not, denote a ‘better’ school. Any
Once you’ve done all this and drawn up a hit list you are ready for the tour. Be charming and polite please. There have been a lot of articles in the glossy mags that advocate a slightly bullish approach to school visiting, but pushing into private rooms without knocking is unacceptable. Remember, these schools are (or should be) homes for the children who live in them and they should be treated as such. Also remember that you are being looked at too! See the accommodation especially if boarding. You must see the housemaster/ mistress and it’s always great to see the matron if there is one. Ask the difficult questions: how do you get pupils to settle in? How is bullying dealt with? What is the provision for learning support? Check what they say – if sport is important to your child, ask to go on a Saturday to see how many fixtures are really being played. All these schools love headline grabbers and their pages will be full of U18 England cricketers and the girl who has just appeared on the front cover of Elle. Just remember, your child may not be a headline type. It’s all very well playing for England, but does the school celebrate the U14Cs? That leads me full circle – look at your child first. Lastly, remember most of these schools will give your child a fantastic academic education. The question is what else is important to you?
The young ones | 77
An “Outstanding” Education from Nursery to Sixth Form r ble ste la Ta vai A ys Da Registered Charity number: 307048
“Farlington in Action”
Thursday 6th November at 9.15am
An opportunity to enjoy a tour of the school and to meet the Head and key staff. To register your interest, please contact our Registrar, Mrs Jo Coveney, on 01403 282 573 or visit our website:
www.farlingtonschool.net Independent day and boarding school for girls aged 3 to 18 with a co-educational Nursery
Farlington School | Horsham | West Sussex | RH12 3PN
getting the most from an
m
s re ist
s
Buying a house and investing in your child’s education are probably two of the most expensive purchases you will make. Louise Higson, headmistress at Farlington, offers some practical advice to consider when visiting a school for an Open Day Research i s vi tal
Lou i
se
Hig s
on ,h ea d
O p e n D ay
When you visit, make sure you are offered a tour of the school, ideally with one or two of the existing pupils
The internet is a valuable source in the first instance and by looking in detail at different school websites you can begin to build a picture of whether a particular school is right for you. Telephone the school and ask to speak to the registrar in the admissions office who should be able to give you detailed information about the school’s admission policies, when entrance exams take place, or indeed, if there are opportunities to apply for scholarships. The registrar should also be able to send you a copy of the school’s prospectus which, in conjunction with the website, will provide a greater insight into your chosen school. At this point it would be sensible to create a shortlist of potential schools you would like to visit. It is also prudent to check that the logistics are practical, both in terms of the fees and how your child will travel to school.
Vi si ti ng the school on an Open Day What are your first impressions? Are the buildings and grounds well maintained? Does the head teacher meet you personally? Are the staff friendly and welcoming? What are the pupils like – do they smile, say hello, are they engaged in their lessons? When
you visit, make sure you are offered a tour of the school, ideally with one or two of the existing pupils. If possible start your tour with the year group where your child is currently, and make a comparison between their current school and what is on offer. Work your way around the campus and up through the year groups making sure you concentrate not only on the academia, but also all those activities which enrich the curriculum, such as sport, music, drama and art. Ask what the school offers by way of clubs and extra-curricular activities, and are these included within the fees? Don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have about the school. Choosing a school is very similar to buying a house; you will have certain basic criteria but often, assuming those criteria are met, it comes down to how a school ‘feels’. I suggest you ask for a couple of taster days so that your child has the opportunity to spend time with their peer group, experience lessons and get a true impression of whether the school suits them. Ultimately your decision will be based on what is right for your child as an individual. At the right school they will feel happy, successful and confident to pursue their ambitions. For more information go to farlingtonschool.net
THE YOUNG ONES | 79
F o u r a c c fore your p tchildren able With the rise of Twitter and other social media has come a new breed of accessible, fame-hungry rebel celebrities. To help you find out who’s more hardworking than twerking, Jamie Craker takes a look at some of pop culture’s more respectable role models
W
ith such a huge portion of our children’s lives taking place at school and online, it’s hard to keep track of who influences them the most. Internet connection gives access to celebrity culture from all over the world and has allowed impressionable children and teenagers’ lives to be saturated with information, both good and bad. Whilst interesting, diverse and freethinking people are everywhere on the web, the more dubious are also easily accessible on your kid’s screens. Take Miley Cyrus for example. Loved by thousands for her portrayal of Disney’s Hannah Montanna, she has become one of many young stars trying to break away from her innocent childhood image. She has unfortunately disregarded
some of her younger fans in her fight to be taken seriously - her sexualized performance at last year’s VMAs received over three million views on YouTube and was criticised by multitudes of outraged parents. Miley has every right to flaunt herself and discover who she is, but you may not want your child following in her footsteps. But in this ever-changing landscape of google search results, who is to be trusted? Before you rush to switch off the wi-fi forever, think again. The digital world is absolutely bursting with excellent role models for your children. These are the people that I think are among the best for the social media generation.
Tom Daley Olympic Bronze medallist Tom Daley can teach your child about much more than just diving. The young champion was winning medals from the age of eight, but became big in the public eye after the London 2012 Olympics when he was just 18 years old. Daley encourages youngsters to work hard and achieve their dreams, being a hardworking individual himself, and not only in sport; in 2012 Tom received straight As in his three A-levels. The now 20-year-old exhibited incredible bravery when he came out as bisexual using an online video in 2013, telling his fans: “In an ideal world I shouldn’t be doing this video because it shouldn’t matter.” The admirably honest clip showed supporters the importance of embracing who you are no matter what others think. Daley has received huge amounts of support online, quickly becoming a inspiration for the LGBT Community and others who might feel lonely or isolated. He appears regularly on TV show Splash, in which the young brit coaches celebrities in the art of diving.
I worked so hard during my childhood to meet this goal. By the time I was 30 years old, I could do what I want. Later that year Beyone did just that – stunning the world and the hard-to-please music business by releasing an un-publicised album of songs and videos overnight. It went on to sell a million copies in a few days 80 | FINE SUSSEX
e idols BeyoncÉ Finally, who hasn’t heard of Beyoncé Knowles-now-Carter? Singer, dancer, actress and active feminist icon. The multi-awardwinning artist has kept her title of Queen B for over a decade. A family-oriented woman whose songs exude femininity and confidence. Recent allegations that the singer’s outfits have been too revealing do not seem to have swayed the opinions of her fans, myself included. Beyoncé’s Albums contain explicit content and are recommended for older listeners, and her outfits are the same: never leaving much to the imagination. But this is just another part of her mantra: You can be comfortable in your own skin, love your body; it is okay to be both feminine and feminist. Unafraid of a challenge, Beyoncé shows us that by working hard, you can achieve anything. In February 2013, she told GQ Magazine: “I worked so hard during my childhood to meet this goal: By the time I was 30 years old, I could do what I want.” Later that year she did – stunning the world and the hard-toplease music business by releasing an un-publicised album of songs and videos overnight. It went on to sell a million copies in a few days. Now married and with a child, she continues to wow the world, showing that a young woman can have both a family, and a successful career.
C a r r i e H o p e F let ch e r Also known as ‘the big sister of the internet’, Fletcher is an actress, singer, songwriter and author who makes connections to her fans through entertaining and heart-felt home videos on YouTube. Carrie’s warm and bubbly personality means that she is loved and respected by her thousands of fans, collectively known as ‘The Hopefuls’. The 22 year old offers advice and friendship both online and in the real world, taking time to reply to letters sent to her from young girls all over the globe. She actively supports many charities; her current project involving plans to donate between seven and 12 inches of her hair to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that makes wigs for little girls with cancer. Her new book, All I Know Now, is set to be published in June 2015 and contains blog style entries and serving as an advice manual of everything that Carrie has learned growing up. You can catch Carrie on stage playing Eponine in West End’s Les Miserables (where she is happy to say hello to admirers at stage door after the show) or in her regular videos online at www.youtube.com/ user/ItsWayPastMyBedTime.
Jenni fer L aw rence Lawrence caused a stir when cast as Katniss Everdeen in Hollywood blockbuster and trilogy, The Hunger Games. Now an Oscarwinning actress, she has not allowed her newly found fame to go to her head. “Why would I ever get cocky? I’m not saving anybody’s life. There are doctors who save lives and firemen who run into burning buildings. I’m making movies”, she told Vanity Fair in January 2013. The starlet is also a strong supporter of body positivity, a topic that is becoming increasingly important for pre-teens. “I’m never going to starve myself for a part.” She added. ”I don’t want little girls to be like, ‘Oh, I want to look like Katniss, so I’m going to skip dinner’. I was trying to get my body to look fit and strong—not thin and underfed.” With the constant demeaning portrayal of women larger than size zero we are seeing in the media, Lawrence’s light-hearted and healthy approach to body image makes her a valuable mentor in any young girl’s life. You can catch Jennifer in the third upcoming Hunger Games Film: Mockingjay Part 1.
The young ones | 81
girls in the world of
Science & Engineering
Kathryn Bell, headmistress at Burgess Hill School for Girls, talks about their drive to inform girls of the options available to them in notoriously ‘male’ industries “In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy. To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.” (National Science Foundation) In today’s world, it is clear that girls in particular need to be inspired and educated about their interests in STEM. The role of women in the workplace and their contribution to the workplace in STEM needs to be encouraged and celebrated, particularly as technology is present in every aspect of daily life. On Wednesday 1 October 2014, Burgess Hill School for Girls hosted an event for their GCSE and A Level students that focused entirely on science and technology. Girls from The Towers Convent School, Oakmeeds, Downlands and Brighton & Hove High School attended and were challenged to open their minds and fully engage with the speakers to consider the application of knowledge and practical skills in a diverse range of scientific fields. The aim was to use creativity of thought and innovation to address the challenges that are critical today if the demands required of skilled workers in the STEM careers of tomorrow are to be met. Stereotyping about the ability and attitude of women and their role in the family often keep women from pursuing maths and science careers. This is old fashioned and significantly outdated. The day provided a real insight into the world of work in the areas of science,
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technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). There is a significant demand in the work place for highly skilled workers in all of these areas. There is also enormous global competitiveness for students who possess the skills necessary to be able to work in these exciting, challenging and hugely interesting fields. The students listened to a wide range of talks from highly experienced, exceedingly well-qualified and well-informed speakers that enabled them to gain experience in areas that they may not have encountered before. These speakers included Mechanical Engineers, a PhD student in the Nanoanalysis of Plastic Electronic Materials and Devices group at Imperial College, Engineers, Senior Fingerprint Expert at Essex Police, Research Associate at Great Ormond Street Hospital, Geoscientists, the Principal Engineer for MacLaren Automotive Ltd and the Diabetic Research Group at the University of Brighton. It is essential that girls have the opportunity to really get involved, to immerse themselves in a whole host of STEM pursuits, to be engaged and above all to have fun. At Burgess Hill School for Girls, these opportunities are one of the many on offer where stereotyping is not on the agenda. Our students are given many occasions to take risks, face challenges and achieve success throughout all ages from our Infants and Juniors up to and including our Sixth Formers. You are invited to visit on our next Open Morning on Tuesday 11th November 2014 from 10.45am to 12noon to see why our School is the right choice for your daughter. Follow Kathryn Bell on Twitter @HeadBHSfG and for more information go to burgesshill-school.com
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