This is the life
PoPPing corks and crystal 2015 VOLUME I
CHOOSING THE RIGHT WINDOWS & DOORS FOR YOUR HOME
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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
23 Discover Wharfside Our favourite furniture find of the issue. Take a look at the retro-meets-modern designs on offer plus one seriously stylish fire
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Sussex Staycations
go wild
Lauren Bayliss selects the top spots for a mini break in 2015 – and there’s no airport required
Edward Dickinson reports from his safari in Kenya and find an enriching, soulful experience – with the odd royal thrown in
Features 21 Bath time A selection of Aston Matthews latest range – which can be tailored to match your own colour scheme
45 Legal talk We speak to Alessandro Mancini who has brought his city legal experience to the people of Sussex with his business, Mancini Legal
50 Drama at Farlington As Prep 6 and upwards choose their exam pieces for next year, we take a look at the theatrical credentials of the Horsham school 8 | FINE SUSSEX
IN A NUTSHELL this issue
40 wiston wines Three wines for three different birds. The Sussex vineyard owner selects the right vino for goose duck and turkey
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meet new media co
soiree style
Simon Page and Ross Butterfill explain the philosophy behind their advertising agency – a city style business in the sticks
Ahead of party season, we select some of the best looks on the high street with a special ensemble created by Net-A-Porter and Mr Porter
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the making of POPPING CORKS AND CRYSTAL
I
t’s party time! The season to celebrate, eat, drink and be merry (and set a few goals for the year ahead). That’s why, as is tradition in Fine Sussex at this time of year, we have created an issue that is about enjoying yourself and looking great while you do it. In our style feature this time round you’ll find outfits perfect for any occasion – including an ensemble for the ladies and the gents selected by none other than Net-a-Porter and Mr Porter. As my favourite place to shop, I am really grateful for their contribution not only to the magazine, but to helping us all look more amazing at whichever soiree we decide to grace this ‘holiday’.
Best-selling Book on a Shoestring Budget. As its slogan suggests, ‘if there’s a book in you, this is the book for you.’ I’ve read it and have to say it’s a helpful, enlightening and inspiring read. What’s more, its author is a best-selling writer herself.
Someone else who needs a thank you is the esteemed and talented Dee Blick, who has given Fine Sussex not one, not two, but three extracts from her latest book; The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Marketing a
I hope that each of you has the most amazing 2015, and that we’ll be coming along with you for the journey.
BLACK TIE MEDIA LTD finesussex.co.uk
EDITOR James Hood jhood@finesussex.co.uk
Now, moving on to the 12 months ahead. If you’re a regular reader and have been with us since the early days (we’re almost four years old!) then you will know that every year around this time we publish our favourite spots for a Sussex ‘staycation’. Yes, we frequently feature far-flung, exotic beaches. But I know as well as anyone else who loves Sussex that you can find somewhere equally as breath-taking in this county – without the eight hour flight. So on page 12 you’ll find our recommendations for a ‘stone’s throw getaway’.
LAYOUT & DESIGN Lewis Forsaith lforsaith@finesussex.co.uk
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Lauren Bayliss Dee Blick Edward Dickinson
PHOTOGRAPHY Sophie Ward
CIRCULATION distribution@finesussex.co.uk
ACCOUNTS MANAGER
JAMES HOOD EDITOR
Dave Smith dsmith@finesussex.co.uk
Inside the issue
SUBSCRIPTIONS subscriptions@finesussex.co.uk 01403 251000
S u s s e x s tayc at i o n s
ADVERTISING
“The award winning spa includes 25 treatment rooms with Grecian inspired interiors. Melt away under the monsoon and plunge into the hydrotherapy pool, before taking a seat for a delicious afternoon tea in a sun-soaked lounge”
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR Matthew Wheeler matt@blacktiemedia.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR James Hood jhood@finesussex.co.uk
LAUREN BAYLISS on places to visit this year
Author advice “After protesting for all of five minutes to no avail I realised he was right. And so with a somewhat heavy heart it was back to the drawing board, spending as much time on the rewrite as I did on the initial drafts”
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 Popping Corks and Crystal 2015 This publication is protected by copyright. ©2015 Printed by The Magazine Printing Company.
DEE BLICK on writing a best-selling book FINE SUSSEX
Digital marketing
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For more, go to page 26 This is the life
POPPING CORKS AND CRYSTAL 2015 VOLUME I
ROSS BUTTERFILL on his business, New Media Co
POPPING CORKS AND CRYSTAL
“We create adverts that target the right customers for our clients in the right place, online. We measure the success of a particular campaign, such as an application for insurance, and our clients pay us based on the response they get”
Burberry’s spring summer 2015 campaign.
2015 VOLUME I
the guide to a fine 2015
S u s s e x S tayc at i o n s Lauren Bayliss selects the best venues in the area for our annual list of top spots for a vacation close to home
SOUTH LODGE HOTEL, HORSHAM 01403 891 711 SOUTHLODGEHOTEL.CO.UK Nestled in the heart of the Sussex Downs, South Lodge hotel is the perfect place for a holiday staycation this year. With 89 individually styled rooms, you will be in fabulous comfort during your stay. There is no need to dine out as the hotel has two award winning restaurants, the Michelin starred The Pass with Masterchef winner, Matt Gillan, and the perfect place for private dining, The Camellia. With Manning’s Heath golf club nearby and the option of afternoon tea for two in the beautiful grounds, there is something to cater to your every whim.
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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
THE GRAND, BRIGHTON 08712224684 GRANDBRIGHTON.CO.UK Classic meets contemporary in this wonderful Victorian property in the heart of Brighton. Steeped in British history, The Grand is an iconic hotel with an abundance of luxury and traditional interiors. The sumptuous day spa with eight treatment rooms including a VIP couple suite will take you away from the stresses of daily life and allow you an induction into the leisurely sea-side town that is Brighton. The GB1 seafood restaurant and oyster bar is the perfect place to wind down and relax with a glass of wine after a busy day exploring the myriad of beautiful jewellery stores in The Lanes.
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EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY…
South Lodge is a veritable feast when it comes to delicious dining - choices, choices! Will you choose the Michelin starred restaurant ‘Matt Gillan at The Pass’ in the heart of the hotel’s kitchen, or the elegant charm of The Camellia. Or perhaps you’d prefer the treat of an afternoon tea out on the lawns or in the Drawing Room or even a visit to The Cellar. Pick out a wine under the guidance of our sommelier or simply sit and enjoy a few different tipples with one of our sharing plates in The Cellar itself. • Matt Gillan at The Pass: Menus from £27.50 for four-courses • The Camellia: Menus from £19.50 for two-courses • Afternoon Tea: from £26 per person
BOOK NOW 01403 891711
EMAIL US
enquiries@southlodgehotel.co.uk
FIND OUT MORE
southlodgehotel.co.uk/dining
southlodgehotel.co.uk | South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Nr. Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6PS
ALEXANDER HOUSE AND UTOPIA SPA, EAST SUSSEX 01342714914 ALEXANDERHOTELS.CO.UK Alexander House, a luxury five-star boutique hotel and spa, situated within 120 acres of Sussex countryside with classic historic charm with modern finishes and homely warmth, is the perfect place to stay for your summer staycation. The award winning spa includes 25 treatment rooms with Grecian inspired interiors. Melt away under the monsoon and plunge into the hydrotherapy pool, before taking a seat for a delicious afternoon tea in a sun-soaked lounge. AG, a 3 AA Rosette restaurant with Executive chef Mark Budd at the helm, is a picturesque dining location all must experience.
THE SHIP HOTEL, CHICHESTER 01243 778000 THESHIPHOTEL.NET Established in 1938, The Ship Hotel in Chichester is the former home of Admiral Sir George Murray and an outstanding place to stay for a couple of nights away. It is an independent boutique hotel, bar and restaurant, blending a wealth of original Georgian features with modern day opulence. Choose from a range of rooms including Number 1 Chichester, a private cottage on the grounds, or a superior room to ensure a luxurious stay from start to finish.
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PARK HOUSE HOTEL AND SPA 01730-819000 PARKHOUSEHOTEL.COM It is called ‘The perfect Country Retreat’, a family run business and a ‘home from home’ atmosphere awaits you when you stay at Park House Hotel and Spa. Situated next to the South Downs, surrounded by beautiful scenery, there is no better place for a mini break in Sussex. The PH2o spa is an oasis of luxury with a 15 metre mother of pearl indoor swimming pool and 4 treatment rooms with spectacular views over the South Downs. There are many outdoor pursuits too for the activity goer in your life, including 2 traditional grass tennis courts, a bowls lawn, croquet lawn and a 9 hole putting green. Here at Park House Hotel and Spa, there is something for everyone.
DRAKES HOTEL, BRIGHTON 01273696934 DRAKESOFBRIGHTON.COM Situated in an unbeatable seafront location in the heart of Brighton, lies the luxury Drakes Hotel. 20 bespoke designer rooms with views to both the East Brighton Marina and the West Brighton Pier are just the beginning of this fantastic hotel. With a contemporary mix of orientalism, a splash of Indochina French colonialism along with a touch of decadence, Drake’s Hotel is not to be missed. Dine in the multi award winning Brighton restaurant, also known as the jewel in the Drake’s crown, before taking a stroll into the quaint The Lanes, which are just a stone’s throw away.
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Have you heard...
“I am so impressed by the quality of your customer service. Most companies could take a leaf out of your book.” Stuart, Reading - May 2014
neptunehailsham.com AVAILABLE AT:
PICTURED:
Neptune Hailsham Neptune House, North Street, Hailsham, BN27 1DQ 01323 849 483 info@neptunehailsham.com Price of similar sized Chichester kitchen including those cabinets not on show is £14,850. Montague Bar Stool £150
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colourful
cast iron
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ne of the joys of a cast iron bath is that the exterior can be painted to match your dĂŠcor. Aston Matthews stocks the largest range of new cast iron baths in the UK and the models all feature a high quality white enamel interior and superior primed exterior ready to be painted at home. These gorgeous Athena cast iron baths, from ÂŁ1,492, measure a generous 1800 x 770mm and sit on ornate claw feet. Athena, which is suitable for use with wall or floor mounted taps, features raised ends making it an extremely comfortable design in which to lean back and relax. For more information or to purchase, contact Aston Matthews on 020 7226 7220 or go to astonmatthews.co.uk
Home sweet Home | 21
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.
newd i s c o v e r y We’ve spotted a stunning new range of retro-meetsmodern furniture and fireplaces from Wharfside
The Cocoon Aeris Suspended Fireplace
W
ith a showroom in London and Leatherhead, Wharfside is a family owned, UK supplier of contemporary luxury furniture and kitchens. The business has been supplying bespoke and made-to-measure furniture design and sourcing high-end solid wood craftsmanship from Scandinavia andEurope since 1962. To shop their collection and view more products, go to wharfside.co.uk
Home sweet Home | 23
how to plan the content of your book
In the second of our three-part series, we print an excerpt from Dee Blick’s latest release, The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Marketing a Best Selling Book on a Shoestring Budget CHAPTER 3 Your big idea has taken shape. You’re clear about the purpose of your book and you’re pretty confident that you have a lot to offer to your readers. WHAT’S NEXT? Should you head straight into writing chapters? No. Not yet. Instead I’d like you to do what I do for each one of my books and spend some time gathering the content that’s going to shape your book into a bestseller. This means expanding further on your big idea. For example you could think about the case studies and all of the material that’s going to give your book substance, depth and gravitas; material that will
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make it a compelling and captivating read. If you skip this crucial stage and head straight into writing chapters, you’ll short change your book and your readers. Inspiration is fantastic and you need bags of it as an author but you need a solid platform on which to base your book and this can only come from planning your content. At the content gathering stage you start thinking in detail about your book and exploring the options without putting the brakes on your thoughts and your ideas. Your best ideas are formulated when you’re in this creative mode. There are other reasons why you shouldn’t skip this process. This is the planning stage of your book and most successful books are the result of thorough and painstaking planning, stemming from one simple but well thought out big idea.
quality pad with dividers and deep pockets for storing documents. I gained a real sense of satisfaction as the pad got thicker and the pages began to fill with my ideas. I could see real progress being made and this spurred me on. I would encourage you to do the same too so you can write your ideas down as and when they arise. Great ideas don’t usually emerge the moment you pick up your pen so be patient and you will be rewarded. HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I SPEND GATHERING MY CONTENT? You can spend so long on the content gathering stage of your book that when you’ve reached the end you’ve lost the will to write it. Be disciplined.
GATHER YOUR CONTENT I spent several weeks gathering the content for this book as follows: • I researched half a dozen books on this subject and made a note of the tips I thought were really helpful and that I should include. • Over several weeks I wrote copious notes on the content I wanted to include with the reasons why I believed that established and budding authors would benefit from it. • I began to think about my guest contributors and the role they would each play in my book. I drafted their questions and then refined them as my thinking became clearer. You’ll meet these special folk further on. • I sketched out the rough titles for my chapters, knowing I would change them further on but I needed a starting point. • I gathered the marketing articles, blogs, emails and tips I’d written in the last few years to promote my books. This was material I was keen to share in the marketing section. • I revisited the notes I had written for my previous books and extracted sections I thought my readers would benefit from in this book. How did I store this information so it was easy for me to access when I began the process of allocating it to the right chapters? I did what I’ve done with all my books. I bought a good
Set a date by which you’ll have completed this process. I can’t tell you exactly how long it should take but, unless you firmly believe it needs to take longer, limit content gathering to three months. Make sure you get into the habit of capturing your ideas regularly during this time. You can fall into the trap of thinking that you have to cover every single facet of your subject matter for your book to be perfect. Firstly, I would imagine it’s nigh on impossible for you to do this. And secondly, even if you could cover everything there is to know about your subject matter, your book would resemble an encyclopaedia. Many readers would find a book that size disheartening. WHAT SHOULD I INCLUDE IN MY BOOK? These questions will help you decide. 1. What is the content that I must share with my readers? Why? 2. What content can I include that’s not essential but will add value to my core content? (You may want to include case studies and tips that will reinforce key points and make your book more enjoyable and easy to understand). 3. Would guest contributors enhance my book and if so what do I want them to share and why? 4. What am I not going to include in my book because it’s outside of my skills, experience and expertise or because it’s just not needed? I have more than enough great content anyway.
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s
Jourdan Dunn and Naomi Campbell model the new season trench and scarves, all by Burberry. Go to burberry.com to shop or for store information
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Tinnie Tempah wears Burberry
tyle
Burberry Spring Summer 2015
menswear
in 2015
A look ahead with a sneak peek at what we can expect from Burberry this spring summer
The finale of the
Burberry men’s
spring summer
w 2015 fashion sho
Looking good | 27
She wears Ted Baker | go to tedbaker.com to shop
He wears Ted Baker | go to tedbaker.com to shop
soirée stunning G e tti ng d o l l e d u p f o r a s e n s a t i o n a l p a r t y s e a s o n ? H e r e a re a fe w p i e c e s y o u ’ l l w a n t i n y o ur d r e s s i n g r o o m t o m a k e s ur e you t ur n h e a d s o n a r r i va l
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She wears Ted Baker | go to tedbaker.com to shop
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Gold clutch by Jimmy Choo £850 at net-a-porter.com
Jimmy Choo £475 at net-a-porter.com
Ruby and diamond bracelet at Wakefields
Dress by Diane Von Furstenberg £350 at net-a-porter.com
Ruby and diamond bangle at Wakefields
Diamond drop earrings at Wakefields
Flower petal earrings, necklace and ring at Wakefields
Watch from the Longines Elegance collection available at Wakefields
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Emerald and Diamond tennis bracelet at Wakefields
Watch from the Longines Heritage collection available at Wakefields
Deakin and Francis violin cufflinks at Wakefields
Lanvin slim fit wool tuxedo £1,415 at mrporter.com
Brooks Brothers silk double bow tie £55 at mrporter.com
Emma Willis white shirts from £200 at mrporter.com
Patent leather Derby shoes £610 at mrporter.com
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Breitling Superocean Heritage Blue Mens Watch £3170 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
TH Baker Collection Platinum Round Brilliant Cut 4 Claw Twisted Ring From £995 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
Tudor Style Mens Classic Watch £1,900 Available at TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
TH Baker Collection 18ct White Gold Princess Cut 3 Stone Ring From £2,950 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
Tag Heuer Ladies Link Watch £16,500 Available at TH Baker Brighton, 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2TB
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gow
ild
Edward Dickinson travels to Lewa, Kenya, and finds a land of nature, and the odd Royal
L
ewa Wildlife Conservancy spans 61,000 acres of stunning savannah grassland to the north of Mt. Kenya. It is considered one of the finest wildlife viewing locations in Kenya. Home to the Big Five, it also plays a crucial role in protecting two of the largest populations of Africa’s most endangered species: the Black rhino and Grevy’s zebra. Of the 2,500 Grevy’s zebra found in the wild, Lewa boasts the largest population of around 350. Indeed, whilst driving around the plains and swamps it seems almost impossible that the Black rhino and Grevy’s zebra are critically endangered, such is the frequency with which one encounters these beautiful animals at Lewa. Sadly, this is down to the sheer determination and perseverance of Lewa to protect these animals than any significant increase in global populations. Originally a cattle ranch - owned and run by the Craig/Douglas family for 50 years from 1922 - Lewa established itself, in 1983 with the help and funding of the late Anna Merz, in becoming a role model for conservation. It started as a private sanctuary specifically for the protection of Black rhino - the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. In the 1980s, Black rhino populations throughout Africa, and particularly in Kenya, were at a critical point. It is thanks to sanctuaries like Lewa that we
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can still see these creatures in the wild such was the decimation, primarily due to poaching, of rhino populations throughout the 1970s and 1980s. In 1983, Lewa started out with just 15 Black rhino. Since then it has increased steadily, so that today Lewa can boast 68 Black rhino - 11% of Kenya’s entire population. In fact, Lewa has been so successful that recently 11 Black rhino were translocated to neighbouring Borana Conservancy to reintroduce the species, where once it used to thrive. More recently, and incredibly exciting, this September sees the long-awaited collaboration between Lewa and neighbouring Borana Conservancy come into fruition with the removal of the fence that separates the two conservancies. The new combined area will span a vast 93,000 acres, creating the largest rhino sanctuary in East Africa. This is a landmark move in conservation - it is the first time that two privately owned organisations have joined forces to protect Kenya’s Black rhino. Not only will this allow more space for the Black rhino to roam, but it also allows the free movement of all other species between the two conservancies, thus encouraging new DNA to enter the gene pools and provide healthy competition amongst the animals.
ESCAPES AND LEISURE | 37
The Lewa community Programme supports 20 schools from the Lewa sponsored communities - that’s a total of 6,500 pupils - and 800 women through the micro-credit programme. It also supports 10 water projects in all neighbouring areas, three Lewa-run and one supported clinics - the closest medical centres to over 20,000 people.
Importantly, Lewa also works closely with the immediate community. The Lewa Community Programme exists to improve and facilitate the education, health and livelihoods of the surrounding communities. This relationship with the community is crucial, both for the community and for Lewa. Through education, the community can appreciate and understand the benefits of a close relationship with the Conservancy. The Conservancy, in turn, can also benefit from the community, as their involvement increases security - the community are now much more inclined to inform on poachers or turn from poaching to conservation as a source of income. So successful has the programme been that the community is now considered Lewa’s “first line of defence” against poachers. Lewa, though, is more than just a sanctuary for Black rhino and Grevy’s zebra, and hosts a
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plethora of flora and fauna - there are around 70 mammal species; and around 420 species of birds, resident and migratory. In one game drive alone it is possible to see up to around 30 different bird species; and in one month of safari I have logged in excess of 200 bird species. Also of note, are the five Northern Specialty Species, which can only be found north of the equator - the Reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, Gerenuk and Grevy’s zebra - and all can be found at Lewa. Indeed, it is possible to see all in one day; though you must be lucky to spot the elusive Gerenuk. You may be even luckier and catch a glimpse of one of Lewa’s rarest visitors, Wild dogs, who, having suffered severely in recent years appear to be making a slight comeback. Lewa is an awesome expanse of plains, dotted
Around 215 species of trees, shrubs and herbs can be found growing in Lewa. There are around 70 mammal species, including the five Northern Specialty Species and the Big Five. About 420 different species of birds can be found at Lewa.
with kopjes and hills, valleys, rivers and swamps, supporting one of the highest wildlife densities in Kenya, with panoramic views over the plains in all directions. Particularly breathtaking are the views across to Mt. Kenya’s two tallest peaks, Batian (5,199 m) and Nelion (5,188 m), towering in the distance, amazingly - though sadly less and less in recent times snow-capped and twinkling on the equator. For geologists, Lewa is also a fascinating place; and the history of Kenya and her Great Rift Valley, the “cradle of mankind”, is written into the very rocks and soil that support the savannah and all the magnificent creatures who call this place their home. When you visit Lewa, what you see is not just any old conservancy where you can spot the Big Five; or stay at the most luxurious safari camps; or see how the Masai live in their villages. No. For that you can go to the Mara.
What you see at Lewa, and why you go, is an exemplary model of conservation working symbiotically, at every level, to achieve an environmental community of peoples, animals, and plants, all thriving together in unison nature in its purest, original, and most natural form; a fleeting reminiscence of what the environment once was before the dawning of modern man. And this is why people come to Lewa. This is why Prince William visited Lewa. This is why David Attenborough came to Lewa. This is why, above all other conservancies, I recommend coming to Lewa and seeing, with your own eyes - and undisturbed by crowds and vehicles - how Africa once was; and would strive to be again, given the chance. For more information on Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, activities and advice on where to stay, go to lewa.org
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wonder wines
It’s been a very good year for Sussex wine maker, Wiston Estate. Here we look at their recent achievements and Dermot Sugrue from the vineyard gives his recommendations for three seasonal dinners
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T
he Wiston Estate has been owned and managed by the Goring family since 1743. It’s 6,000 acres straddle the chalky slopes of the South Downs where Sussex beef herds, grazing sheep and arable crops have been part of the Estate landscape for centuries. But it was the arrival of Harry Goring’s South African born wife Pip in 1972 that the idea of planting a vineyard took hold. In true English fashion, Harry thought it best to consider the options, which they did for 34 years. In 2006 a vineyard plot was selected and planted with the traditional varieties of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier across 16 acres. It lies on a periglacial dry river valley on the Upper Cretaceous Chalk, closely resembling the physical and chemical composition of the Côte de Blancs in Champagne. Wiston Estate is celebrating a haul of medals including Gold at this year’s Decanter World Wine Awards, Gold at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, Gold at the Sommelier Wine awards and Gold in both The Drinks Business inaugural Rose and Chardonnay Masters competitions.
The star performer, Wiston Estate Rose 2011, was one of only three wines awarded Gold among the 102 UK sparkling wines entered into the Decanter Awards. As well as Gold in the Sommelier Awards, where the Rose was judged as rich, refined and very appealing, it’s third Gold came in the £30+ category of the Rose Global Masters competition where two English sparkling wines won both the Golds awarded, with notable Champagnes winning Silver and Bronze. The Wiston Rose scored the second highest score in the entire competition, with only the Rose Master winner, Chateau D’Esclans 2013 from Domaine Sacha Lichine, achieving a higher score. The recently launched NV range was star of the English Blanc de Blancs at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships, gaining a Gold medal and Best in Class, with the tasting note “Delicious, super tangy, yeast-complexed… with flavour glide to a very crisp finish”. Owner Pip Goring said “we are completely thrilled to have our wines recognised in this way. I have long dreamed of having a vineyard in this very special place. We feel like it has taken years to get to the party, but now we’re here we want everyone to really enjoy it! Dermot has done a fantastic job”. wistonestate.com
D E R MO T’ S W INE SUG G ESTION S: Turkey Wiston Rose 2011 Duck & Goose Wiston 2010 Cuvée Brut
Wining and dining | 43
WILLS FOR ALL! from
Choose from: ƒ a FREE Will if you are aged 55 or over (Cancer Research UK scheme) OR ƒ a bespoke Will tailored to your inndividual circumstances (check today if you are eligible for a FREE gift) Milnwood House, 13 North Parade, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2BT Telephone: +44 01403 337 337 Fax: +44 0845 280 1515 E: horsham@mancinilegal.com Web: www.mancinilegal.com
c ro Man sand A les
ini
Legal talk We spoke to the founder of Mancini Legal to find out more about how the firm has grown to a team of ten in under three years and what drives him to provide the best advice to his clients I always liked the idea of doing this role to help other people in their time of need. It’s very rewarding and was the reason I wanted to set up my own practice
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ancini Legal is now in its third year of business after a successful start for the small, Horsham-based firm. Having started with just two members of staff in 2012, including its founder Alessandro Mancini, the business now operates from four different offices and has a team of 10. Services are wide-ranging, and include will writing, probate, family law, conveyancing, advice for employees and one of their specialisms – industrial disease and personal injury. The firm also offers legal counsel to businesses, with services including commercial law, employment law, entertainment and intellectual property. Speaking about the breadth of services offered by Mancini Legal, its director told Fine Sussex: “I’ve got about 12 years experience in law, so I have a wide skill set
that I felt I could put to good use. I wanted to set up a service that offered people in Sussex the kind of quality, dependable advice they need with an affordable, highstreet-practice price.” Prior to setting up his own firm, Alessandro worked in the city and also has experience at large companies like Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Holidays, where he worked in-house as an injury lawyer. His background was originally in litigation, and he told us that getting into law was always about helping others: “I always liked the idea of doing this role to help other people in their time of need. It’s very rewarding and was the reason I wanted to set up my own practice. I also enjoy working in court too, compiling a case and delivering it. Plus working for both claimant as well as on the business side of things has helped to provide me with a much wider set of skills that my clients now benefit from.”
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C i t y s k i linlthessticks
We create adverts that target the right customers for our clients in the right place, online. We measure the success of a particular campaign, such as an application for insurance, and our clients pay us based on the response they get. If they get nothing, we get nothing
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Ross Butterfill (left) and Simon Page
James Hood meets the founders of New Media Co, an innovative advertising agency that offers London style and talent in the suburbs
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own a country lane in West Sussex, a stone’s throw from Gatwick, you’ll find the odd tractor, a large field (that crosses the flight path), a Range Rover or two, a few pheasants you need to dodge in the car and something a lot less ordinary; digital marketing agency, New Media Co. And yet, inside the offices of the web advertising firm, you wouldn’t know you’re in rural England at all. Mac computers sit on every desk, staff wear jeans and Ts, and there’s a rather large expanse of space that’s used for, well, nothing at all. And why not? This is the age of Google and this is a city agency in the sticks. It’s a theme that was not just about aesthetics but a company ethos created by founders Ross Butterfill and Simon Page. They told me (over a macchiato) the reason behind the company’s cool interior. “We wanted a place where our staff and our clients could feel comfortable and have fun. It is a place of work but at the end of the day there are no strict rules here. We want to do great work and in order to achieve that we need people to be relaxed and at their best. Also to feel like they’re valued employees rather than just a number. That’s why there’s beer in the fridge and we take everyone out for lunch every so often.” But there’s much more to this organisation than the fluffy beanbags I was offered the chance to sit on. New Media Co is in the serious business of making its clients more cash through digital advertising. Simon and Ross created the company after meeting at their previous organisation a few years ago. In 2013, they set up the business to offer clients an innovative form of digital advertising. And what sets it apart from others is that their customers pay for their advertising based on a performance basis. Ross said: “We create adverts that target the right customers for our clients in the right place, online. We measure the success of a
particular campaign, such as an application for insurance, and our clients pay us based on the response they get. If they get nothing, we get nothing. So it’s a very safe way for businesses to invest in online advertising and also encourages us to always be on the top of our game and get results.” The New Media Co service extends beyond designing a few ads, placing them in carefully thought out locations and hoping for the best. The team plans its campaigns carefully in consultation with clients. And using the in-house technology that they have built, they continually monitor the responses to advertising, making changes to the strategy quickly if necessary. It’s a flexible, affordable way of targeting the consumers using the web and campaigns are adapted to be just as effective on an iphone, tablet or desktop PC. The company has some skilled analysts and computer coders on its staff (I’m surprised they’re not in white coats), something that Ross and Simon are keen to point out doesn’t only happen in big cities. Simon added: “I think there’s this perception that you have to go to London for talented techies and creative people. But it’s not true. Not everyone wants to live or work in a big city and the suburbs have some incredibly experienced people from digital or marketing industries. Our clients who do work in the city say they find it refreshing to find an agency like ours that is based in Sussex. It’s a great chance for them to come somewhere a bit different, where they can still be sure they are getting value for money and a very high quality service. There just happens to be a toy helicopter too!” For more information go to newmediaco.co.uk or call 01293 316130. Read more about Ross and Simon’s views on mobile marketing in the next issue of Fine Sussex.
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s p e e c h and d r a m a at farlington
It takes courage for a Year 2 girl to bound into a room, perform her poem… and yet time and again the girls excel From Prep 6 upwards, students are busy choosing their exam pieces for next year’s LAMDA (London Academy of Performing Arts) examinations. Will it be Shakespeare, David Hare, Chekhov or Caryl Churchill?
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AMDA examinations give girls the opportunity to gain valuable UCAS points as ‘QCA – Accredited’ LAMDA higher-level qualifications are included in the UCAS tariff. A Grade 8 with Distinction gains a student 65 UCAS points, and when it comes to university entrance, these points can offer that little edge needed. Speech and drama continues to be hugely popular, not really for the points, but for the enjoyment the girls in the Senior and Prep School take from it. In all, 138 girls are taking classes. Speech and Drama nurtures spontaneity, imagination, trust, teamwork, and self-confidence. Most importantly it is so valuable for learning presentation skills. It is not just about acting although the girls absolutely love acting and appreciate the release it gives them. As Abigail Vine and Rebecca Briggs in the Lower Sixth put it, “It is such a lovely break from A level studies! We look forward to every lesson. Especially the amusing improvisations! It also expands our knowledge of literature and it gives us the opportunity to read and talk about plays we would not usually study.” Farlington School has developed a strong reputation and examiners always comment
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on the confidence and charm of the girls. It takes courage for a Year 2 girl to bound into a room, perform her poem and then exchange in conversation with someone they have never met before about what they have just done, and yet time and time again the girls excel. This results in essential life skills being taught when they are fearless and before the inhibitions set in. Last year the exam results were brilliant with 67 senior girls taking an exam; 41 receiving a distinction; 25 a merit and 1 with a pass. In the Prep School 68 girls took an examination, 42 received a distinction and 26 a merit. Some deserve special mention: Sarah Binns who received a distinction for her grade 8 gold medal in acting; Katie Wycliffe, Jessica Clarke, Georgie Tarplee and Jenny Hardy who all received distinctions in their grade 7 - silver medal in acting. The results were way above the national average with 8 girls getting 90 and above. A distinction is 80, so to get 90 is exceptional. Those girls included Orla Ridpath, Lucy Hourihan, Alberta Dale, Alice Tarplee, Sophia Page and Georgia Buck. For more information go to farlingtonschool.net
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
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49 West Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1PP, Telephone: 01403 258582 63 Churchill Square, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2RG, Telephone: 01273 747129