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April 2010
Lifestyle | Community | Business
Steyning Bramber Beeding Ashington Washington Storrington Henfield Small Dole Ashurst Partridge Green
Spring Arrivals Lambing in Coombes
Say Cheese
Nature in Focus Local photography with Sussex Wildlife Trust
Beer & Wine matching at High Weald Dairy
The Perfect Host
Top tips from Ghyll Manor
Cromwells Easter Feast recipes
WIN a 3-month gym membership Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 1
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2 • BACK IN TIME
Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 2
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3 • BACK IN TIME
Contents 5
Welcome to April
6-7
Village News & Diary
9
Garden Diary
11
Who’s got the key to your door?
13
Oscar Wilde brings the stars to Worthing
14-15
Spring Has Sprung Church Farm opens for lambing
16-17
The Perfect Host Inside Ghyll Manor
18-19
Nature in Focus: Photography for beginners with the Sussex Wildlife Trust
21-22
Cromwell’s Easter Feast
25
Sussex in Season: A Royal Feast
27
Drink Local: High Weald Dairy
THE PERFECT HOST 16
Matching local beer with local cheese 29
Gardening: Thinking Big from the Big Plant Nursery
30
Talk Money: with Claire Cook
31
Mind & Body: Self Esteem
RECIPE 21-22
Where Can You Find Village Living? Village Living Magazine is delivered to 10,000 homes and businesses in across 10 villages.
Editorial & advertising enquiries Melissa Love 07976 917363 melissa@villageliving.biz
Find us in Steyning, Bramber, Beeding, Small Dole, Henfield, Ashurst, Partridge Green, Washington, Ashington, Storrington as well as selected outlets in Worthing & Shoreham.
Production Toni Barrington The Magazine Production Company 01273 467579 production@villageliving.biz
We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you didn’t receive a copy through your letterbox, you will do very shortly.
© 2010 Village Living
Village Living is published monthly by Big Picture Projects. Cornerways, Pound Lane, Upper Beeding. BN44 3JB 01903 814092 www.villageliving.biz
Village Living is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine. Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of Village Living magazine.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG 14
Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 3
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Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 4
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Welcome to April
A
s I write this, the sun is shining and
Win...
a 3-month gym membership at Chantonbury Sports & Leisure
at last I think we
can bid a cautious welcome to Spring. Certainly all the signs are here. Seeing lambs in the fields always gives me a lift and a visit to family-friendly Church
to get up close and personal with some Sussex nature, so
Win a 3-month gym membership courtesy of Chanctonbury Sports & Leisure and there’s no excuse for not shaping up. With all the latest equipment and a relaxed atmosphere, Chanctonbury Sports & Leisure is the perfect environment for anyone who ‘doesn’t like gyms’.
I headed off for a Beginning Nature Photography course
HOW TO ENTER
at the Sussex Wildlife Trust and I haven’t put my camera
For a chance to win, simply email your name, address & contact telephone number to info@villageliving.biz or send a written entry to the address at the front of the magazine.
Farm at this time of year is a firm favourite with my own children (p14). With Spring on the horizon, it seemed the perfect time
down since (p18). Don’t miss our easy Easter Feast, from resident chef, Nick Cain, at Cromwells of Golding Barn (p21). And at last, BeerMatt & I have taken a break from drinking and gone in search of the best Sussex cheeses to match with a local tipple (p27).
Wishing you a Happy Easter.
Melissa EMAIL ME AT melissa@villageliving.biz
P.S. Don’t forget to visit www.villageliving.biz where you can visit the Village Living message board.
Congratulations: To Mrs J. King of Henfield who wins March’s case of Hepworth Ales
www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092
Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 5
Village Living • April 2010
18/3/10 17:42:50
6 • NEWS BACK IN & EVENTS TIME
DOGGY DAY OUT SENDS MESSAGE TO DOG OWNERS
N
EIGHBOUrHOOD Wardens in the south of the Horsham District have started a campaign to promote sensible dog ownership, supported by the Horsham District Crime and Disorder reduction Partnership. The Neighbourhood Wardens in Ashington, along with their team of Junior Wardens, held a march on Saturday 27 February through the village. The Junior Wardens made their own banners with messages to encourage people to pick up after their dogs. The ‘Doggy Day Out’, organised by the wardens on behalf of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder reduction Partnership, is part of a campaign to highlight the problem of dog fouling in the village. Local dog owners were invited to take part in a walk around the recreation grounds, streets and footpaths of Ashington to promote responsible dog ownership, particularly focusing on clearing up after their pets. Ashington Neighbourhood Warden Paul Conroy, said:
National Rogue Traders Day
T
he 20th April, 2010, is National rogue Traders Day. Steyning’s Police Community Support Officer, Charlotte Whittaker, along with Neighbourhood Wardens Paul Sweeney and Carol Montgomery, will be using this as an opportunity to remind people of good practice in dealing with rogue traders and bogus callers. On the 20th, they will be setting up shop in Steyning High Street car parl between 10 am and 12 noon. Information and advice will be available and Magic Marty will be showing how easily people can be confused, tricked and bamboozled, even when they are expecting it ! In the afternoon the PCSOs and Wardens will be travelling through Steyning Bramber and Upper Beeding doing their own door-knocking and offering advice on people’s doorsteps about how to make your home a harder target. For more information, contact PCSO Charlie Whittaker on 07833600119 or visit www.sussex.police.uk.
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“Although it was designed to be a fun afternoon, the march had a serious message for everybody and highlighted the anti-social impact of the behaviour of a minority of residents who allow their dogs to foul the footpaths and recreation areas of the village.” The Neighbourhood Wardens for Steyning, Bramber and Upper Beeding are also set to run an anti-fouling campaign in May and are currently continuing regular dog foul patrols.
Voting opens for best Brighton food places
D
o you like to treat yourself to lunch in Brighton or dinner in Hove? The Brighton & Hove Food & Drink Festival has just launched the Brighton & Hove Foodie Awards, which opened for online public voting on the 11th of March, allowing locals residents and visitors to vote for their favourite eaterie or food shop. Voting will continue throughout the summer with the winners announced during the annual food and drink festival in September. See www.brightonfoodawards.com to join in – everyone has one vote for each category, including Best Restaurant, Best Food Pub, Best Cafe and Best Food Shop.
18/3/10 17:42:50
7 • VILLAGE BACK IN DIAry TIME
Village Diary Village Diary is a great way to publicise an event in your village. Charitable & not for profit events are listed free of charge. A small charge applies for commercial listings. Don’t forget to visit www.villageliving.biz to view a complete calendar of events or submit your own listing online. FARMERS’ MARKETS
SUSSEX WILDLIFE TRUST COURSES
Ashington Farmers’, Artists’ & Makers’ Market –
An Introduction to Birdsong Woods Mill, Henfield & Pulborough Brooks. Starts Friday 9th April. 10.00 – 16.00. Multi-session course ending on 26th June.
Fri 9th April. 9.30 – 13.30. Methodist Church, London rd.
Henfield – Fri 16th April. 9.00 – 13.00. Library car park. Horsham – Every Sat. 9.00 – 16.00. Carfax, Town centre. Pulborough – Sat 24th April. 9.00 – 12.00. Village Hall. Shoreham – Sat 10th April. 9.00 – 13.00. East Street. Steyning – Sat 3rd April. 9.00 – 13.00. High St car park. West Chiltington – Sat 10th April. 9.00 – 12.00. Village Hall. Worthing – Sat 24th April.9.00 – 14.00. South Street Square. EVENTS YOGA 4 FUN! – New children’s yoga class – The Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft, Steyning – Tuesdays 4pm-4.45pm. Starts Tuesday 20th April. Suitable for children of 5 and above.To book your child’s place on this new mini course please contact Alison, on alison.stoker@gmail.com or 07794 550 108.
MONDAY 5th April Storrington Rotary Club Car Boot Sale And every Bank Holiday Monday 8.00am. Storrington Library Car Park. Cars £7. Vans £10 per space. Charity Bingo Evening. 7pm ravenscroft Guide and Community Centre, Browns Lane, Storrington. And on the first Monday of every month. regular bingo evening in aid of the Mary How Trust for Cancer Prevention. Only 50p entry. Great prizes; raffle & refreshments and fun for everyone!
TUESDAY 13th April Storrington Film Night at Sullington Parish Hall Next film showing: “An Education”. Performance at 7.30pm. Tickets £5, available from ‘The Card Centre’ in Storrington. Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on the door. For further information please contact Ken Collins on 01903 740745, or Tony Vaughan on 01903 740633.
SATURDAY 17th April Tenebrae – A concert in aid of the Mary How Trust Champs Hill Music rooms, Coldwaltham Drinks at 6:45pm, concert at 7:30pm A stunning vocal group that performs and records in UK, Europe and USA with rave international reviews. Tickets £20 incl pre-concert & interval drinks. Call 01798-877641 or visit www.mayhowtrust.org. Las Vegas comes to Ashington A Grand Casino Night at the Ashington Community centre from 7pm till 11.30pm. Winners, prizes and raffle. Tickets just £15
Find out about the songs and calls of our more common resident and summer birds. Introductory classroom session and field trips. Members/Concessions: £42 / Non-members £55 An Introduction to Amphibians Woods Mill, Henfield. Sunday 11th April. 15.30 – 20.30. An introduction to the amphibians of the UK. Members /concessions £23 / Non-members: £32 Sussex Spring Photographic Safari Meet at Woods Mill, Henfield for minibus to various wildlife sites. Saturday, 24th April. 09:30 – 17:00 Travel via minibus to various superb wildlife sites across Sussex. Opportunities to photograph woodland flowers. Sites visited will include Sussex Wildlife Trust nature reserve. Members / concessions £55 / Non-members: £65 Booking essential for all events. Please ring 01273 497561 or visit www.sussexwt.org.uk. each or 4 for £50 to include a meal, gaming chips. This event doesn’t use real money but tokens! To book your ticket call Tony (01903) 891455 or Margaret (01903) 892633. For information on our Ashington Festival visit www.ashingtonfestival.co.uk. Friends of Steyning Museum Coffee Morning The Penfold Hall, Church Street, Steyning Coffee morning, plant stall, cake stall, raffle & bric-a-brac. Good As New Sale Ashington Community Centre Toys, baby equipment and clothes (age 0-10yrs) in aid of Ashington Tinytots. 10am till 12pm. £1 entrance feechildren free. For more info please ring Jean on 01903 892053 or Charmaine on 01903 892033. Dynamite For school years 3-6 4-5.30pm at Henfield youth Club cost 50p. www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092
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Village Living • April 2010
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8 • BACK IN TIME
Chalcraft Funeral Directors circa 1870
Long established & family owned business, dedicated to making traditional funeral services as personal & special to you as possible . . . Chequers Yard High Street Steyning 01903 812656 info@chalcraftfunerals.co.uk www.chalcraftfunerals.co.uk Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 8
18/3/10 17:42:51
9 • GArDEN BACK IN TIME DIAry
Garden Diary
Louisa Bell from City and Country Landscapes Send your gardening and design queries to me: louisa@villageliving.biz
April is such a busy month in the garden...
E
verything seems to be happening. This is the perfect time for planting borders, laying new lawns, improving the soil and getting all your pots ready for the summer. A few hours in the garden this month will make such a difference for the rest of the year. This is the time to carefully tie in the new shoots of climbers. If you haven’t got a good framework of wires or trellis, install it now. Once everything’s grown like mad, it never works as well to start tying in later – after it’s all collapsed. Fork the earth around all your plants and add some good handfuls of organic matter (horse manure in the old days). Make sure it’s well rotted and mixed with the soil. Don’t put any around peonies. They don’t like it. Put loads around roses. They’ll love it! Think about the terrace in your garden – if it’s too small and you can’t match the paving, think about using a different material around the edges to tie it in to the house. If some of the paving moves or is cracked, remedial work now will save time and a broken ankle later! Ideally, make sure your landscaper gives you a guarantee for any paving, steps and paths. We guarantee all of our work.
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Jobs for April
Don’t believe that you can’t grow th ings from seed. It’s immensely satis fying and if you ch oose the right plants, you’ll only have to sow them on ce. They’ll flower and pollinate , spilling their seed s into the garden at the end of the growing se ason, and come up year after year – all on their own! you’ll feel so clever. Choose hardy annu als – it will tell you on the back of the packet. My favourites are Limnanthes (poached egg flow ers) Nigella (Love in a mist), nightscented stocks and ladybird poppies. The poppies are a bit more tem peramental, and I do start these off first in little po ts and then plant th em out later, but the others rea lly are so simple. Find a nice spare bit of earth – these pla nts are all small enough to pla nt near the front of the border. Lightly fork over th e area and sprinkle a handful of potting compost ac ross the space. No w, give the soil a light sprinkle of water with the watering can – warm water is a go od idea too. Open the packet of seeds and from yo ur hand sprinkle th e seeds lightly across the surface of the soil. Water them again with a fine rose on your can. The tiny green haze will start to appear in a week or so, dependent on the plant and variety. And th at’s it! As that Meerkat sa ys: “Sshimples!”
18/3/10 17:42:54
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11 • BACK SUSSEXINDOOrS TIME
Who’s got the key to your door? Thieves can now enter your home without leaving signs of forced entry.
A
ccording to Horsham-based Sussex Doors, lock bumping or key-bumping as it is also known, is a method used by criminals to gain access to your home or business premises. It is becoming one of the most common forms of entry for burglars in the UK. Home office statistics tell us that 67% of burglars gain access to our premises via the front door. The lock bumping technique uses a universal key shape to trick your lock into thinking that the correct key is being inserted. Criminals are catching on to using these tools to break and enter properties and it appears that thieves will stop at nothing these days if they want to gain access. Lock bumping is unobtrusive, takes only seconds and ‘how to’ methods are becoming widely publicised on the internet, with the keys themselves can be bought online for very little. Because this method of entry leaves no visible sign of forced entry many homeowners are finding that when they come to claim on their home insurance after a break- in where lock bumping has been used to enter the property, they are unable to put in a valid claim as insurers will often not pay out in such circumstances.
This leaves homeowners with hefty bills to replace belongings as well as the need to fully upgrade their home security system. With regard to protecting locks and doors themselves, you have several options. you could choose to change all your locks for anti-bump locks or you can buy an anti lock-bumping sachet that is inserted directly into your lock, protecting your door for up to 2 years. Alternatively if your door is more than two years old, you might want to think about replacing your current doors with composite doors already fitted with the highest quality anti lock-bumping technology and the in-built essential anti pick, drill, snap and extraction features, which could work out to be more cost effective than you think.
Find out more about door safety options from Sussex Doors Ltd, Horsham. Telephone 0800 174763
Be security-wise Lock-bumping is a growing problem but there are several simple and cost effective ways of keeping you, your family and your belongings safe. The easiest step? Don’t forget to double lock your door at night when you are out. Many people forget to do this or simply get out of the habit. Motion-activated security lighting is also a proven deterrent and I would encourage you to join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme too. If there isn’t one, why not think about setting up a new scheme? your local PCSO would be happy to advise. Contact PSCO Charlie Whittaker on 07833 600119 or get in touch with your local PCSO team at www.sussex.police.uk.
or visit www.sussexdoors.com. www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092
Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 11
Village Living • April 2010
18/3/10 17:42:56
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18/3/10 17:42:56
13 • theatre BACK IN TIME
Oscar Wilde brings the stars to Worthing Melissa Love catches up with the cast of Lord Arthur’s Savile’s Crime, starring Kate O’Mara and Joseph star, Lee Mead.
I
t’s not Oscar Wilde’s best-known work, but this charming adaptation of a Wilde short story will soon be packing them in at Worthing’s Connaught theatre thanks to an all-star cast, which includes Joseph star Lee Mead, popular entertainer, Gary Wilmot and Dynasty legend and British stage actress, Kate O’Mara. This is Lee Mead’s drama debut and it will be the last chance for audiences to see the winner of the BBC’s hit show Any Dream Will Do in Sussex this season. After winning the television show Lee Mead played Joseph in the West End hit musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which visits Worthing in April starring Craig Chalmers. Lee released his debut solo album, at the same time as starring as Joseph and it sold nearly 200,000 copies. Now Lee has released his follow-up album Nothing Else Matters and has returned to the stage in Oscar Wilde’s comedy. Playwright Trevor Baxter has produced a clever ten-scene adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1891 short story, in which a gullible young aristocrat (Mead) is frightened by a society fortune-teller into believing he must fulfil a dreadful fate before he can marry his true love, Miss Sybil. With rave reviews to date and a tongue-in-cheek musical score, this light-hearted Victorian melodrama is a welcome addition Worthing Theatre’s spring programme. Kate O’Mara, who has great fun playing Savile’s wilful aunt, is delighted to be returning to Worthing and in particular, the Connaught, where her
With clever musical accompaniment, witty dialogue, and the kind of throwaway aphorisms that Wilde himself would be proud of, this stylish production promises a great night out. mother before her trod the boards every week for five years in repertory theatre. This visit will be even more special, Kate tells me, because her sister, the actress Belinda Carroll is also in the show. “We spent a lot of time here growing up,” says Kate, “and I’ll be looking forward to exploring some of my favourite Sussex haunts. It will be very special to
be in the very dressing room, with my sister, knowing that my mother was there before us, many years ago.” Kate comes from an illustrious theatrical family, with both parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, having been on the stage. Indeed, her great-grandfather was a personal friend of Oscar Wilde himself. Kate is remembered by many for her stint in Dynasty during its heyday, but it is her long career on the British stage and in countless TV dramas for which she is most noted. Surely her stint in the US must stand out as a crazy time? “It’s certainly a different way of life,” she tells me, “but the press scrutiny isn’t what it is these days, so it was good fun and it did my career the power of good but it wasn’t for me in the long-term. There’s a certain superficiality about the Hollywood lifestyle and I just love stage acting and I love being in this country. I’m a country girl at heart.” And what about working with housewives’ heart-throb, Lee Mead? Can he really be as charming as he seems? “He is an absolute darling,” she confirms. “Handsome, charming, selfeffacing, professional and a big draw for younger audience members – he’s a great addition to the cast.” With clever musical accompaniment, witty dialogue, and the kind of throwaway aphorisms that Wilde himself would be proud of, this stylish production promises a great night out. Tickets are available from the Worthing Theatres box office on 01903 206 206 or at worthingtheatres.co.uk
www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092
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Village Living • April 2010
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14 • FArM BACK IN PIECE TIME
For more information, visit www.coombes.co.uk or call 01273 452028.
Spring Arrivals Lambing opens at Coombes’ Church Farm
E
very year, there is great excitement in our house when the first brown sign on the A27 is spotted, announcing that Church Farm is open for the lambing season. you can keep your snowdrops and your daffodils because for me, nothing heralds the arrival of spring quite like seeing lambs hopping about in fields across the South Downs. And the best place to get up close and personal with them is at the brilliant Church Farm in Coombes. Tucked away just off the A27, Church Farm isn’t a dedicated animal petting attraction – it’s a working farm, which makes it all the more special. With over a thousand lambs expected to arrive in March and ten times as many visitors, I join farmer, Jenny Passmore, for the afternoon to find out how her and her family cope with their busiest month of the year. On the day I visit in early March, it’s still bitterly cold and the first half dozen lambs have already arrived in the barn to a chilly reception. No more than a day old, they are tucked up against their weary mothers, who take a break every now and then from bleating at me to give the new arrivals the occasional lick. They are captivating – woolly and April 2010 • Village Living
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wobbly with frisky little tails and it’s wonderful to be able to get so close to them. Jenny introduces me to a veterinary student who is busy giving the lambs bottles of milk, one of several students who joins the family for the mad month of March. “We can’t do it on our own at this time of year,” says Jenny, “and we need our helpers to have some experience so giving placements to vet students is a great solution for us and it gives the students some amazing hands-on experience. But we are always on call, day and night, in case something goes wrong.” The ‘we’ in question is the rest of the Passmore family, fifth generation farmers who have farmed in Sussex since 1901. Originally owned by the Petworth Estate, the thousand-acre Church Farm was bought by the family in 1924 and has been handed down through the family ever since, with Jenny’s son Andrew getting ready to go off to agricultural college at Plumpton next year. Jenny’s mum, Mary and her brother, Trevor complete the team and the family has worked hard together in recent years to diversify, from opening
the farm up to the public to renting out the barn as a party and wedding venue. “you have to do this now,” says Jenny. “There isn’t enough money in farming for private individuals to just farm, but we have a real passion for making farming more accessible to the general public.” Indeed, the Passmores have been opening the farm since 1979, when the first open day they held attracted thousands of visitors. “In the early days we had problems,” Jenny tells me, “because sometimes people don’t understand how a farm works, leaving gates open or walking across pastureland, not realising that they might be damaging valuable grazing areas. That’s why it’s important that as many people as possible have the opportunity to visit local farms.” There are occasionally problems even now, mostly involving ‘stray’ lambs. “Every now again someone will arrive with a lamb in their car which they have found on its own whilst they are out walking. The problem is that ewes often leave their lambs and come back to find them gone.” A lamb which has been handled by humans can then often be
www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092
18/3/10 17:42:58
15 • BACK IN TIME
SAMnews
SHAPE UP FOR – lambing yard. “We’re sad toTHE NEW YEAR Guitar them go off to market,” in thesee of your own home sayscomfort Jenny, “but we produce
rejected by its mother, so she urges people to call the farm rather than take the lamb with them. Sheep are surprisingly selfsufficient and there are only a handful of lambs every year who are orphaned or rejected by their mothers. These are the ones which end up being bottle-fed, an experience my own kids look forward to with great anticipation every year. Jenny tells me they are known as ‘hob lambs’, socalled because in the past they were often kept warm in the kitchen right by the hob. They are irresistible and it’s no surprise to hear that local butchers report a fall in lamb sales every year which coincides with the public opening of the Coombes
wonderful lamb which we are very proud of, as well as giving lots of visitors a great experience.”
Church Farm at Coombes is open to visitors from the 13th March - April 18th. Help with bottle feeding, take a tractor ride and watch the new lambs at play. Entry costs £3 for adults and £2 for children. The farm also takes bookings from schools and groups.
From the upstrokes of Bob Marley’s reggae, through the power chords of punk’s Sex Pistols and all the way to the breakdowns of Metallica’s heavy metal, the guitar is an expressive way to relax, be creative and in some cases turn a hobby into a profession. SAM offers a wide range of genres spanning over 4 decades and currently offers electric and acoustic guitar lessons. While being informative and a great skill to develop, learning the guitar is primarily a fun and exciting hobby to get involved in. Lucy Osborn has been teaching guitar professionally for many years, and has taught in secondary schools, primary schools and as a private tutor. Lucy has been playing guitar for ten years, and has been performing live for six years. Her passion for music led her to enroll on a BA(Hons) degree at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music, from which she will graduate in June 2010. Lucy has attended masterclasses from the likes of Jeff Beck, Kenwyn House (reef), and has had regular tuition from Paul Bielatowicz (Carl Palmer Band) and Martin Cooper (Guitar Techniques columnist/Abbey road session player) to name but a few. Lucy has played extensively throughout the UK in cities including London, Bristol, Newcastle and Brighton, and has appeared on regional radio and in a music video as a session guitarist. She performs as a solo act, and as part of the Bernice MacDonald Band and the rachel Mosleh Band. Lucy’s teaching encompasses many styles including pop, rock, blues, acoustic, acoustic fingerstyle, metal, funk and rnB.
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Village Living • April 2010
18/3/10 17:43:02
16 • THE BACK PErFECT IN TIMEHOST
The Perfect Host General Manager, David Armstrong, takes us behind the scenes at Sussex country house hotel, Ghyll Manor
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avid Armstrong, General Manager of Ghyll Manor Hotel near Horsham, is standing on the sweeping lawn at the rear of this historic property, telling me all about the open-air production of Beauty and the Beast he has just booked, which will take place in the gardens of the hotel this summer. He is very excited and I can picture him mingling with his guests, topping up a glass here and there and making sure everyone has a thoroughly great time. He has already lit a fire especially for me, plied me with tea and delicate sandwiches and now he is threatening to open a bottle of champagne. I feel thoroughly spoilt because David is the consummate host. A product of old-school hotel training but with a thoroughly modern outlook, David has worked at some the most prestigious hotels in the UK, including Brighton’s Grand Hotel and the Compleat Angler in Marlow, but says he finally feels at home at rusper’s Ghyll Manor. April 2010 • Village Living
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“I always wanted to be a General Manager,” David tells me. “At the age of 14, I used to send off for brochures from famous hotels around the world, like raffles. It’s a bit sad, really, but hotels seemed impossibly glamorous and the General Manager’s job was the pinnacle. When I started my training at the royal Bath Hotel in Bournemouth, the GM was god. you didn’t speak to him and you certainly didn’t knock on his door for a chat.” I can’t help thinking that the era of the old-school manager has passed. Indeed, having worked in hotels myself, I know that many of the rather intimidating but certainly highly regarded general managers of Sussex’s grand hotels have moved on, to be replaced by managers like David, with a younger outlook and a more accessible style of management. “I think I am very lucky to have been schooled in that ‘host’ tradition,” says David, “where nothing is too much trouble for the customer. you
can’t do this job with a chip on your shoulder. you have to be humble and be prepared to respond to any request. I try to take that ethos of being the consummate host but without the pomp and ceremony. Above all, I want people to be comfortable, whether they are staff or guests.” After nearly two years, David has really found his feet and loves the local area. Having grown up in Worthing and been to school in Brighton, he feels very settled and has enjoyed creating the relaxing atmosphere the hotel is known for. With only 29 bedrooms, Ghyll Manor is small, but it has a fascinating past, dating back to Tudor times, with many of the original beams on display in the bedrooms and public areas. It is perhaps best known for having been Freddy Laker’s private residence and the 40 acres of grounds hold many clues, including Laker’s specially built heartshaped swimming pool, which is now a pond.
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These days the hotel is particularly noted for its dining and once again, the ethos of guest enjoyment shines through. “If you want to eat from our fine dining menu, in the bar, watching the football, with a beer, that’s fine by us. We just want our guests to feel at home.” I certainly do. The cosy fireplace in the library is calling and I think I might just let David twist my arm into having that champagne after all. I wouldn’t want to insult the perfect host now, would I?
Be the Perfect Host Ghyll Manor’s David Armstrong gives us his top tips. • Think your whole event through beforehand, from parking to the time of year. Where are you going to put everybody’s coats, for example? • Make arrangements very clear – times, dress code, dining arrangements. Vagueness makes some people nervous. • Things sometimes go wrong. Accept it, deal with it and move on. your guest probably won’t notice at all. • Sometimes it’s ok to make decisions for people. Hand them a special drink – champagne or a cocktail – as they come in the door, leaving you free to concentrate on welcoming them instead of taking complicated drinks orders. • Give people something to talk about. Whether it’s a magic trick you’ve perfected or a scratch card left under everyone’s plate to make the evening a lucky one, it will break the ice and make your event memorable.
Book a table or room at Ghyll Manor on 0845 3453426 or visit www.ghyllmanor.co.uk. Ghyll Manor is offering Village Living readers a complimentary bottle of wine with every meal per party of two. Quote Village Living on booking.
What is an OOMOO welcome? Spending time at OOMOO is like visiting friends and family. In fact, we are a family. My daughter, Christine, works with me in the salon, and we’re both committed to making our clients feel relaxed and special, while we pamper them with allnatural organic products. Making you feel comfortable and confident about yourself whilst you’re with us is the single most important thing we can do for you. Certainly we’re stylish, but we know that super-trendy salons can be intimidating and well… nobody wants to be on display to everyone passing by whilst they are in the middle of having their hair done. Our tucked-away salon and treatment rooms are discreet, private and allow us to make a fuss of you while you really relax. In my role as a fully-trained My New Hair stylist, a charity which helps cancer-sufferers to get appropriate hair treatments and bespoke wigs, I know just how important it is to have a little time to be yourself, in private, amongst friends. OOMOO is so friendly that even my Mum, Maureen, has become a fully-fledged organic OOMOO fan, using all of our products at home, including our sensitive skin makeup and facial range. I’ve brought her in for a bit of Mothers’ Day pampering and here’s what she’s got to say about us. “While you’re in the salon, Julie gives you 100% of her attention. I know I’m her mum, but when I’m here, I feel special and I know that everyone who comes here feels that way too.”
Visit Oomoo Organic Hair Salon at www.oomoo.biz or call 01903 745616 High Street, Storrington RH20 4DJ
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18 • swt photography
Nature in Focus Beginning Wildlife Photography with the Sussex Wildlife Trust
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efore my two-day nature photography course with the Sussex Wildlife Trust at Woods Mill near Henfield, I had visions of capturing rare birds in flight or perhaps snapping stunning woodland panoramas which would certainly be good enough to grace the front cover of this very magazine. The truth is that a cold weekend in February wasn’t going to yield much in the way of exotic wildlife and before we could be let loose with our cameras, a solid morning of classroom theory was on the agenda. Our teacher, renowned nature photographer, David Plummer made it clear from the beginning that we were here to learn the basics of photography and after a brief round of introductions, we were soon getting to grips with our SLR cameras. I certainly wasn’t the only person there who loved taking photos but rarely used my camera in anything but full automatic mode. I’m lucky in that I get to take a lot of photos and some of them are even published, but I will freely admit that any success I’ve had with my camera until now is more by luck than judgement. According to David, we were here to take back control of our photography and to stop leaving the decision-making up to the camera. It sounded simple, but the
April 2010 • Village Living
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calculations behind taking a good photo are quite complex and involved a bit more maths than some of us had expected. Fortunately, the theory was riveting and after a quick briefing, we ventured forth on our first photographic assignment. Within the group, levels of experience and quality of camera kit varied greatly, but the lessons were pretty universal, so there was the same opportunity for everyone to come back with some great snaps. At this stage I was still looking for exotic birds and there was a bit of stampede for a lonely patch of crocuses, but it wasn’t until I stopped to really look around me that I had my David Attenborough moment. Quietly and carefully, I got into position, booted up my camera and focused on my prey – a beautiful dappled patch of moss on a wooden bridge. I fired off a round of shots and soon I was seeing the nature reserve in a completely different way. Bullrushes gently swaying in the breeze… stunning. Tree bark… a richly textured study in orange and grey. Still, I couldn’t help wondering what it might be like to photograph some actual animals or some more exotic plantlife. As well as teaching several courses for the Sussex Wildlife Trust, David also leads photography
tours to the Pantanal region of Brazil and the Masai Mara in Africa where snapping lions and cheetahs is a daily occurrence. Indeed, some members of the group had already been on his tours with others signed up for trips later in the year. Fortunately, there is
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the opportunity to accompany David on photo safari a little closer to home, as he owns his very own private woodland, Scrap Copse, between Crawley and Horsham, where he has created ideal conditions for photographing badgers, native flowers and wild butterflies. But it was back to the classroom to finish the day, and this is when I had my eureka moment. As we discussed the merits of aperture versus ISO speed, suddenly it all came together for me. yes, it was technical, but David’s careful and logical explanations made perfect sense. Since that weekend, I haven’t taken my camera off manual once, and I’ve bought a tripod and all sorts of other semi-professional bits and bobs. I’m now a fully signed-up camera geek and I’m off on safari in Sussex.
Find out more about photography and other courses at the Sussex Wildlife Trust at www.sussexwt.org.uk or call 01273 497561. Find out more about David Plummer’s photographic tours and courses at www.davidplummerimages.co.uk or call 01273 736650.
NICHOLAS GENTLE PICTURE FRAMER Family Framers Since 1950 Fine
Art Trade Guild Commended Framer Next day service available Plenty of free parking
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21 • BACK IN TIME
Cromwells Easter Feast...
T
he key to preparing an Easter Feast is to keep things simple. Do this by making sure that at least two of the courses you are going to serve can be prepared in advance, leaving you free to entertain your guests, rather than fiddle about in the kitchen.
Main: marinated roast spring chicken with roast seasonal vegetables
Very simply, you want to bash all of the marinade ingredients together to release all the fresh flavours. Buy a small spring chicken per person, poussin is ideal, and place the birds in sandwich bags with all of the bashed up ingredients. Leave overnight to infuse. roast in a fairly fast oven, with some seasonal vegetables around it & the remains of the marinade. The juices from the bottom of the pan will make a fantastic gravy.
For the marinade: olive oil Basil Garlic Chilli Lemon juice and zest Thyme
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Nick Cain
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22 • BACK IN TIME
Cromwells Easter Feast...
Starter: smoked salmon on a crostini with vegetable tartare Crostini: Either white bread or ciabatta. Take nice thin slices, drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper and dry out until crunchy in a low oven. Veg tartare: This is an aoili base with some finely diced carrots, leeks, shallot, dill pickle and fresh parsley. Using a blender or hand whisk, place the egg yolk, lime juice, vinegar and Dijon mustard and start blending. Slowly add the oil, drop by drop at first. It will start to thicken, then just add all the diced veg and season to taste.
For the aoili: 3 egg yolks Squeeze of lime juice Teaspoon of white wine vinegar Teaspoon of Dijon mustard 150ml of mild vegetable oil
Dessert: glazed passionfruit tart rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips. When the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, add the sugar & the egg yolks, mixing with a knife. Slowly bring the mixture together – you might need a little iced water to do this. Line a 30cm tart case and blind bake until golden. Leave to cool. Beat the eggs & caster sugar together, add the cream and passion fruit. Pour into the pastry case and bake in the oven at about 150c for about 20 mins until set.
For the pastry (about 2 cases): 175g butter, very cold & cubed 175g of plain flour 125g of caster sugar 2 egg yolks
For the filling: 6 passion fruits 300g creme fraiche, 200g caster sugar 4 eggs, 2 egg yolks
Recipes courtesy of Cromwells at Golding Barn, Henfield Road, nr Small Dole. Tel 01903 815999 April 2010 • Village Living
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23 • BACK IN TIME
DIAMOND BIN VALETING The Wheelie Bin Cleaning Company
Your local family run Henfield business No Mess – No Fuss – No Maggots or Flies – No More Nasty Smells! Have your Wheelie Bin professionally power washed & sanitised. We use purpose-built equipment and environmentally friendly sanitation products to make your bin as fresh as a daisy. We will clean, deodorise and disinfect your Blue, Green and Brown Bins
£2.50 per bin
Book your wheelie bin in for a New Year Clean by calling
01273 492694 or 07769 912 980 www.diamondbins.com We also specialise in deep cleaning of Driveways, Patios & Wooden Decking
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the-tea-set offers a range of services to give your event the look and feel you are hoping to achieve. You can hire our vintage china, ice cream bike, bunting and linens or use our Set up & Style Service. As every pretty cake stand needs some pretty cakes we also do those, from the fanciest fairy cakes to the cakes to the loveliest lemon drizzle. Perfect for baby showers, weddings, christenings, birthdays and hen days, we have all you need for perfect vintage tea party...
get in touch.... hannah@the-tea-set.co.uk
April 2010 • Village Living
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25 • SUSSEX IN SEASON
A Royal Feast Nick Hempleman Owner of The Sussex Produce Company, award winning produce store in Steyning, West Sussex.
T
he wonderful thing about eating seasonally is the excitement when the first of a new crop arrives in the shop, and the most eagerly awaited of all is the Jersey royal new potato. Heralding the arrival of spring, they first arrive in small wooden boxes less than 24 hours after digging; their papery skins still covered with freshlydug Jersey soil. The vertiginous, steeply-sloping fields of Jersey are perfect for growing the potato, as the ground is light and sandy, perfectly free-draining and the islanders have a ready supply of seaweed that they use to fertilise the fields. It is back-breaking work as many
of the fields can only be dug and harvested by hand as the incline is too great for tractors. It may be the sloping fields or the seaweed fertiliser, but even the neighbouring island of Guernsey cannot grow Jersey royals. This is just as well, because they are now the only fruit or vegetable to have a prestigious European ‘Protected Designation of Origin’ meaning it can only be grown in Jersey. The simplest cooking methods are often the best for these new arrivals: boil with mint in the water and serve simply with butter and sprinkling of sea salt. A real taste of spring!
Heralding the arrival of spring, they first arrive in small wooden boxes less than 24 hours after digging; their papery skins still covered with freshly-dug Jersey soil.
For more information visit: www.thesussexproducecompany or www.jerseyroyals.co.uk
Monthly offer:
Free bunch of mint with every purchase of Jersey Royal potatoes Name: .................................................................................................................................................................................................. Postcode: .......................................................................................................................................................................................... Name and postcode is used for marketing analysis only. you will not receive any marketing form us as a result and we will not share your details with anyone else. This offer is subject to availability and is vaild only for the month of April 2010 with an accompanying coupon.
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GENERAL
GLAZING
ELECTRICAL
Kitchens Bathrooms Tiling Plastering Carpentry
Windows Doors Bi-folding doors Window repairs
All electrical jobs Part ‘P’ approved test certificates issued
Call now for a free estimate April 2010 • Village Living
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0800 232 1102 (freephone)
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18/3/10 17:43:34
27 • DrINK LOCAL
Say Cheese Beer & Cheese Matching at High Weald Dairy
W
hen Beer Matt takes me out in search of Sussex tipples, somehow we always end up drinking before lunchtime and this trip is no exception. We’re at High Weald Dairy, with cheesemakers, Mark and Sarah Hardy, to test our theories about the pairing of Sussex cheeses and Sussex beers, so at least this time we’ll have something to wash down with our ale. High Weald Dairy is one of the most highly regarded cheese producers in Sussex and has won numerous awards for its sheep’s and cows’ cheeses, ranging from traditional cheddar to more exotic cheeses like halloumi. The dairy was even paid a visit recently by Gordon ramsey, who was there to film an episode for his F-Word local restaurant series. There will be no swearing today – just cheese-eating and lots of it. Beer Matt wants to test the theory that the stronger beers will be a good match for the stronger cheeses, so we start off with the gentle combination of Hepworth’s lager-style Blonde beer and High Weald’s newest sheep’s cheese, Sister Sarah. It’s soft and creamy with a gentle tang and brings out the sweetness of the lighter beer. In the
interests of thoroughness, we also taste the Hepworth Blonde with the Port Salut-style St Giles, the punchy Duddleswell Organic sheep’s cheese and the Tremains cheddar-style cheese. The stronger cheeses overpower the subtle flavour of the lager – so far our theory is holding up. Next up is a Sussex pale ale, Hepworth Prospect, too much for the softer Sister Sarah and St Giles, but a perfect match for the Duddleswell. It’s a classic ploughman’s combination. By the time we open a bottle of Adur Brewery’s Black William Stout, a Guinness-style brew, I’ve got a bit of cheese-sweat going. Amazingly, the strong Tremains is a perfect match for the stout, with its smoky notes of roast barley and chocolate hops. Beer Matt is triumphant. To finish off our feast, Mark brings out… another cheese. It’s a
Duddleswell, but with Prospect beer in it. Brilliant – an actual beer cheese! We manage a final morsel and I’ve got to admit that it works. The beer gives the cheese an extra tang and cuts through its creaminess. Maybe it’s the four different beers and the five different cheeses we’ve tasted but this one seems to work better on its own. We’ve definitely hit a beer and cheese wall now, but the theory has been proven and Beer Matt is already talking about beer and Sussex sausages… beer and Sussex game. I’m going for a lie down. High Weald Dairy cheeses are available from many delis and farm shops, including The Sussex Produce Company in Steyning, Crumbs of Sussex and selected branches of Waitrose or buy online at www.highwealddairy.co.uk.
Beer For A Year! Hepworth’s will be keeping the readers of Village Living in beer for a year. A different winner each month will win a case of 12 Hepworth’s ales. To be in with a chance just answer the following question: What is the name of High Weald Dairy’s newest cheese? Send answers to info@villageliving.biz or to the address at the front of the magazine for your chance to win. Closing date 30th April, 2010.
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We professionally clean... ovens hobs microwaves extractors ranges Agas and Rayburns ...using non-caustic, non-toxic cleaning products in your home. Henfield based, family run business.
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April 2010 • Village Living
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29 • GArDENING
Spring! Bruce Jordan from the Big Plant Nursery
W
ell, it’s now spring and the worst of the winter weather is quickly fading from our thoughts. As if by magic all around us gardens are showing signs of tender new shoots bringing anticipation to the warm months ahead. Surprisingly many of the plants we grow will be extra special this year, a result of the warm autumn and cold winter temperatures. Magnolias and Japanese Maples will be spectacular with masses of tulip like flowers arising on the bare branches of forms of Magnolia soulangiana and Magnolia stellata in particular. Well known for their autumn colour, the spring flush of new growth in the huge range of Acer palmatum will be ablaze with a range of reds, pinks, orange and subtle hues of green. What’s more, many of these plants often caught by spring frosts will be less susceptible being more ‘in tune’ with the season. That’s all fine but what about all those architectural and hardy exotic plants we all planted out last year –
surely they are no more. In my own garden in Wiston, I have over 50 palms of 7 different species from Asia, South America and Southern Europe, all of which are showing new growth with
Hole Street, Ashington. RH20 3DE. 01903 891466
Hardy exotic plants Architectural trees Bamboos Japanese maples Olive specialist
Friendly, expert advice Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 29
just a few broken leaves from heavy snow evident. For Bamboo, we have over 20 types many of which were horizontal under the snow for several weeks all looking lush and ready to ‘spring’ into life in a few weeks time. Planted amongst our collection of white, pink and red birches we have 10 different species of Eucalyptus many with wonderfully aromatic leaves and some with striking mottled python skin like bark, all flourishing in our heavy brick making clay. The reasoning behind this vigour is due mainly to the fact that many plants have evolved to cope with distinct seasons and a hard winter allows for a thorough dormancy period followed by strong growth – something that our somewhat unpredictable and generally mid climate usually doesn’t allow for. If you need convincing further I suggest you visit a good garden such as Nymans at Handcross or better still a nursery (mine of course!) and see for yourself.
www.bigplantnursery.co.uk
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Village Living • April 2010
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30 • TALK MONEy
Talk Money
Claire Cook from independent mortgage and financial advisers Talk Money, gives essential advice...
Interest rate predictions
O
n the 4th March, the Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted to keep the bank base rate at 0.5%. The rate has remained at this all time low for a whole year now, reducing to this level on 5th March 2009. Who are The Monetary Policy Committee? The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meet monthly to decide on the country’s interest rates. They are made up of nine members – the Governor, Mervyn King, the two Deputy Governors, the Bank’s Chief Economist, the Executive Director for Markets and four external members appointed directly by the Chancellor. The external members are appointed to give “outside thinking” to the committee. Each of these members are experts in the field of economics and monetary policy, they are all independent and do not represent any particular area or group. During the month they are extensively briefed by Bank of England staff, and Agents who talk directly to
businesses to find out about trends and future prospects. The meeting takes two days, and the decision is made and announced on the second day at 12 noon. Each member has one vote. Why do interest rates rise and fall? The driving force behind interest rates is the stability of our economy. The interest rates are used as a tool to keep inflation to a certain level, the Government’s target is 2%. If inflation goes above this level, the panel can increase the rate as a measure to reduce the amount we spend, bringing prices and inflation down. Interest rate moves take time to filter through to the economy, so the MPC is always looking at trends and future predictions. What are the predictions? Many people have worried about the recent inflation statistics, there has been a rise from 1.1% in September last year to 2.9% in December. A number of factors have caused this, some temporary. So let’s see what the Governor of the Bank of England Mervyn King had to say in his report of the 10th February. If inflation rises over their target of 2%, he has to write a letter to the Chancellor explaining why.
Mervyn King says “This would be the third episode when inflation has temporarily moved above the target by more than one percentage point, requiring me to write an open letter to the Chancellor. On both previous occasions the MPC said that inflation would come back down. On both previous occasions it did. And the Committee expects that to be the case this time too.” He also comments that “Monetary policy can do little to affect these short-run movements in inflation.” He feels that there are sufficient factors in the economy that will dampen inflation without the need for an interest rate rise. If you need advice on your mortgage or any other financial area, please call us. We are a firm of independent advisers and we have access to the whole marketplace. Please call me, Claire Cook on 01273 224667. Source of information: Bank of England publications Buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Finanicial Services Authority. Talk Money is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you prefer to pay a fee for advice this option is available, the exact amount of the fee will depend on circumstances but we estimate it will be 0.5% of the loan amount. Where a rate is quoted the rate will depend on individual circumstances and not all borrowers will qualify for acceptance of the loan (or similar).your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
Independent Financial Advice for an Independent You For a free initial mortgage health check talk to us on 01403 330822
Mortgages Investments Pensions Insurance
e info@talkmoney.co.uk w www.talkmoney.co.uk
Talk Money Limited is trading style of Best Practice IFA Group Ltd, which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you prefer to pay a fee for advice this option is available, the exact amount of the fee will depend on circumstances but we estimate it will be 0.5% of the loan amount. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.
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31 • MIND & BODy
Mind & Body Chris Jones Cognitive Therapist and Mind Coach, Southdowns Hypnotherapy
Self Esteem – You are what you think you are!
I
n my years a practicing Hypnotherapist, I have come across a wide range of presenting conditions; from Anorexia to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and performance issues to depression. Underlying almost all of these conditions exists a degree of lack of self esteem; either resulting from, or as a causal factor in, the condition itself. There are many reasons why lack of self-esteem is so prevalent. Often it is as a result of bullying; usually during the formative teenage years, or during relationships. When an individual is made to feel inferior, by physical, or psychological, bullying, then it is something that will last and affect them throughout their life, if left untreated. Parental actions and relationships can also have a lasting impact. For example, I have had many clients who have subconsciously assumed the responsibility for the breakdown of their parents’ marriage, resulting from words spoken in anger, by one or the other parent. Are you a perfectionist and have you ever wondered why? Sometimes this is the result of a childhood where the child is led to believe that he/she has
xact age.
15:18
never done enough, by parents that push too hard and make them feel like a failure At the end of the day, it is all about perception and not necessarily about reality. No matter what people achieve in life, if they are suffering from low self-esteem, they will focus on their perceived shortcomings. Comparison with close relatives or friends can lead to poor self image, especially if one person has excelled in any aspect of life. Using hypnotic techniques, my task is to help get the client to see themselves in a different light; to help focus their attention on what they know (often deep down) that they have done well. Often, it also involves revisiting the past and looking at the actions of others through new eyes; the eyes of an adult and seeing other people’s perspective on the issues involved. These ‘reframing’ techniques are then complemented by ego-boosting techniques, to help make the client feel good about him/herself. When you next get a feeling of low self esteem, you might stop and ask yourself why this has happened. If you cannot find the answer and more importantly the solution, I would be delighted to help you.
Chris is a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner and Sports Performance Mind Coach. He became involved with mind techniques while practicing martial arts in his younger days. He subsequently became interested in the concept of using them to help people and found that Hypnotherapy provided the ideal tools for this work. He is based in Storrington, where he works alongside his wife, Cathy (also a Hypnotherapist), who specialises in weight-loss.
Visit: www.chrisjones.uk.com or contact him on 01903 745606.
Chris Jones
Treatment of
DipChyp, HPD, NLP, MNCH
phobias weight & eating disorders
Cognitive Hypnotherapy & Sports Performance Mind Coaching
anxiety & stress compulsions & addictions performance enhancement healing & pain management
01903 745606 or 07740 085101 www.chrisjones.uk.com Village Living 7 32pp AW.indd 31
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pd kitchens
all the ingredients for a perfect kitchen
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