Absolute Magazine February 2015

ISSUE 117. February 2015

Romantic RestauRant Roundup

Luscious Lingerie

next Hot ModeL Sizzling shots from the Seychelles

THE VALENTINE’S

issue

COMING SOON!

Meet Over 1 Million Stylish Singles Today

ISSUE 117. FEbrUary

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6 WHAT’S HOT 8 STEPHEN GRANT 14 NEXT HOT MODEL

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18 FASHION 29 WELLBEING 34 BEAUTY 42 HEALTH & FITNESS 44 FOOD & DRINK

Contents

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58 GARDENING 59 FILM 60 TRAVEL 64 EDUCATION 68 BUSINESS 78 IT 79 INTERIORS

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From the DAVID HALL – SALES MANAGER

david@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Dave does exactly what it says on the tin. He’s a straight up, no-nonsense sales manager, working to make sure clients get the best results.

editor

SAM HARRINGTON-LOWE – MANAGING EDITOR

sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk

As editor Sam is responsible for the content of all the Absolute magazines and works closely with the publisher to develop the brand and support relationships with all partners and clients.

DANIEL WHITE – DEPUTY EDITOR

dan.white@absolutemagazine.co.uk As deputy editor Dan writes feature interviews and articles, edits copy and runs the Absolute website. His strong passions are music, sport and culture.

FRIDA CLEMENTz – SENIOR DESIGNER

frida.clementz@absolutemagazine.co.uk Frida is the creative force behind the magazines. Apart from being our head designer, she also works closely with our clients to ensure they get the look and feel they want from their campaigns.

FEbRUARY’S CONTRIbUTORS Amanda Horlington, Stephen Grant, Bill Murray, Noel Preston, Aaron Thorpe, Sarah Hitchman, Simon D’arcy Abbott, Charlotte Horlock, Albion in the Community, Active Sussex, Mark Woolley and Dorothy Max Prior COVER SHOT

Amazingly we have all managed to tear ourselves away from Celebrity Big Brother to get this issue put to bed. Fortunately there aren’t anywhere near the same sort of dramas here at Absolute Towers but we are all very excited about this edition and we’ve pulled out all the stops to bring you a great magazine.

Firstly we’ve got the lowdown on Next Hot Model, including a travel feature about the stunning Seychelles where the winners lived the dream and had their winning photoshoot.

See all the sizzling pictures inside.

We fully believe that all of you who made new year resolutions to get fit and healthy are still sticking to it and so we’ve got quite a lot of health and beauty going on here.

There’s a roundup of all the sporting events on this year’s social calendar, and we delve into Active Sussex and the activities of Albion in the Community.

It’s also February of course which means only one thing - the luurve issue! Yes, Valentine’s Day is here, and brings with it sexy lingerie, beautiful beauty and luscious food. We’re not forgetting half term either, with travel ideas for getting away with the kids in our Center Parc review.

As well as this we’ve got all our usual news, columnists and regular features. I hope you enjoy it and keep feeling the love.

Sam - EDITOR

sam@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Photographer: Darren Black, Cherry Bomb Studios Stylist: Fatosh Kalan Model: Daisy Boote, PRM London Location: Hilton Seychelles Clothing: Cafe Bleu USA

Absolute Lifestyle Limited, Tower Point MWB, 44 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YR, Tel: 0870 005 2211, Fax: 08700 052 082, info@absolutemagazine.co.uk, www.absolutemagazine.co.uk

Absolute Magazine would like to thank the advertisers that appear in this publication for their support, and wish them every business success. The contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing; nevertheless, we cannot endorse, and readers should not rely solely upon, the accuracy of any statements or claims contained herein, without prior consultation with the service provider.

What’s

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH PETER JAMES

Hot

International best-selling crime fiction writer and Absolute‘s very own food reviewer Peter James will be sharing anecdotes about his life as one of Brighton’s most famous sons over dinner at The Grand Hotel on 12th February.

The evening with Peter James is hosted by the Mayor and Mayoress of Brighton, Councillor Brian and Mrs Norah Fitch, and is one of a series of Mayor’s Events that will raise money for local charities. This year, The Argus Appeal, The Martlets Hospice and BHT are the beneficiaries.

Peter is much in demand as an after dinner speaker around the world, talking to lawyers, policemen and private investigators, and an evening spent with him promises to give new insights into the minds of criminals and the people who catch them.

Peter’s books will be available for purchase and signing. Tickets are priced at £45 and include dinner and wine.

WALK IN WARDROBE’S WONDERFUL TRANSFORMATION Hove’s Walk in Wardrobe will re-launch in March with a full boutique transformation in store.

One of the south coast’s leading suppliers in evening and prom dresses, Walk in Wardrobe has been going strong since 1997 but, after nearly two decades in the fashion industry, the owner and founder, Katherine Tanswell, decided it was time to make a change.

The new style emporium will feature two new concessions run by well established local business women.

The lower ground floor will now be home to Louise Eaton’s Tranquillity Beauty, offering treatments such as spray tans, facials, professional makeup and manicures.

London stylist Carol Ives’ will be the other addition and, with 19 years experience in styling both homes and people, the arrival of her day-wear concession, Lace, now means shoppers will be able to sort their fashion and beauty all under one roof.

Walk in Wardrobe will celebrate their re-launch with a showcase on Thursday 5th March. For more information visit www.walk-in-wardrobe.co.uk

BEAGLEMANIA! Forget Beatlemania, it’s Beaglemania at Shoreham’s Dogs Trust as the rehoming centre is currently caring for four adorable Beagles waiting to find new homes.

The fab four, named Bertie, Beatrice, Bertha and Betty, found themselves looking for a new home after being handed over by a breeder who could no longer care for them. Having arrived at the rehoming centre together, the Beagles have buddied up into two pairs and are ready to find a loving new home with their very best friend.

“It’s not often that we see Beagles arrive at the Rehoming Centre, especially four at once; it certainly is Beaglemania here at the moment,” says Rehoming Centre Manager at Dogs Trust Shoreham, Tracey Rae. “It’s always a little harder to find new homes for pairs of dogs but it would be difficult not to fall in love with these adorable duos. They are inseparable so we would love to see them find new homes together.”

If you think you can give these Beagles the affection they need, get into the season of love and call the centre on 01273 452 576 or visit the centre at Brighton Road, Shoreham by Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5LT for further details on how you can help.

WILDLIFE TO TAKEOVER SHOREHAM WildLife 15 is set to be Sussex’s biggest ever music festival after SJM Concerts were granted a license by Adur District Council to hold the festival at Brighton City Airport in Shoreham on June 6th-7th.

The two day event could draw up to 70,000 people with massive headliners including Disclosure, Rudimental, Nas, Sam Smith, George Ezra, Wu-Tang Clan and Annie Mac set to kick off the inaugural festival.

However, with issues over alcohol provision, sound limits and late-night entertainment, there are a total of 92 conditions that must be met before the June festival can take place.

If it is allowed to go ahead, the festival could be the biggest Sussex has ever seen and received the backing of Jonathan Candelon, Managing Director at Brighton City Airport.

‘This high profile event will benefit many and is a great opportunity for the airport as well as the wider local community,” Jonathan explains. “It’s vital to retain Brighton City Airport at Shoreham as a viable asset for the community, so any activity that allows that to prosper should be embraced and encouraged.”

To buy tickets or for more information visit www.disclosureofficial.com and follow the links to their blog.

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February 2015

- News|What’s hot -

What’s

Hot

NEW GYM, NEW YOU? Just as many of us are beginning to question the emotional and physical toil our ‘New Year, New You’ resolutions have brought us, Brighton’s LA Fitness has just the answer to reawaken that fitness fanatic in you with the launch of their new dedicated functional training area.

Complete with cutting-edge training kit that includes SURGE, Bosu, Powerbags, ViPR and Kettlebells, Brighton’s only central gym and swimming pool centre has not only introduced new equipment but also a brand new form of training, exclusive to LA Fitness customers.

Primal Series is the perfect solution to the festive fat, consisting of five new 30 minute dynamic, high intensity, small group training classes.

To try out this new training or any of the new equipment on offer at LA Fitness, Brighton you can now make use of a free one-day trail.

To talk to someone about a trial or for more information contact LA Fitness on 01273 685868 or email brighton@LAFitness.co.uk TIME TO GO TEETOTAL

LEARN THE LANUAGE OF LOVE Facing the prospect of another Valentine’s Day alone?

Well if the thought of spending February 14th on your couch watching The Notebook clutching a tub of Ben and Jerry’s doesn’t fill you with hope then make sure you check out the Pocket Guide to Flirting.

The Indytute will be running workshops with flirtologist Jean Smith at All Bar One’s across the country called the Pocket Guide to Flirting and, from 5pm everyday between February 2nd-15th, you can visit the Pavilion Parade Bar in Brighton to practice your flirting while learning how to make one of three Flirtini Cocktails.

However, if you’re not the type to learn on the job, then make sure you don’t miss the chance to also pick up the Pocket Guide To Flirting absolutely free at any All Bar One nationwide because, during the season of love, you never know who is around the corner.

The Pocket Guide To Flirting course costs £12.50 and for more information visit www.allbarone.co.uk

Get on the wagon this month by swapping Pear Cider for Peartiser at Brighton and Hove’s first alcohol free bar.

Tea Total, opened in January at the Brighton Arts Club in Provence Place, Brighton has banned the sales of booze and drunk customers. The ‘dry-bar’ will feature non-alcoholic lagers and wines, hot drinks and ginger ale along with live music, a book corner and a selection of board games.

“It’s going to be a completely alcohol-free venue. I don’t want to sell it, see it or smell it,” explains the owner of the new pop-up bar, Pasha Du Valentine.

“Drunk people won’t be allowed in; I can spot one at twenty paces.”

The bar will initially be open every Thursday for a trial period with plans to extend its opening hours if it is a success.

“I think it’s going to be a revelation for a lot of people,” says the 51-year old Ms Du Valentine. “Everybody should come down, even hardened drinkers, and give it a go.”

Tea Total will be open from 8pm to midnight every Thursday during its trial period.

SEA LIFE INSTILLATION IS DINO-MITE Dinosaurs are set to descend upon Brighton this February as Sea Life Brighton is transformed in the global debut of high-tech instillation Jurassic Seas.

This half term you can feed the deadly Plesiosaurus, test the patience of the beastly Liopluradon and examine the lethal teeth of the mighty Megalodon thanks to the cutting edge motion sensor technology installed.

In a world first, Jurassic Seas will feature interactive activities with digital dinosaurs, real life Jurassic creatures, the opportunity to unearth real fossils from the Jurassic period and a number of themed activities, including Dino Twister and Design a Dino.

“Jurassic Seas will give visitors the chance to explore the seas, from their history thousands of years ago through to today,” says Sea Life Brighton manager Max Leviston. “With so much to see, hear, touch and do, there truly is something to entertain and excite visitors of all ages and interests.”

Jurassic Seas will officially open on February 14th and is open everyday from 10am-5pm. Tickets are priced from £9.95pp and for more information or to book online visit www.visitsealife.com/brighton - News|What’s hot -

February 2015

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Stephen

Grant

Spa-ing partnerS

T

Stephen Grant confronts the social and logistical challenges of a ‘relaxing’ retreat

here is nothing more destressing, and distressing, than a trip to the spa.

The problem lies in its plus points. Firstly, it’s a trip into the unknown, which human beings are programmed to be wary of. People don’t regularly spa, it’s a treat. The modern day definition of a treat? Anything you can buy someone a voucher for. A fancy restaurant meal, time with a stylist, a day driving a Ferrari. If you’re the sort of person who does this every day, congratulations, and now get your manservant to stop reading this article out loud - this is in no way aimed at you.

Secondly, in order to be (quite literally) a retreat, a spa is usually kept comfortably far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

For that reason, it’ll be bloody tricky to find.

If it’s not a secret underground basement of a private member’s club, it’s the hunting lodge of a country manor in private woodland.

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February 2015

“I imagine in wellbeing circles, the ‘chicken and egg’ dilemma can be neatly replaced by ‘spa and panpipes’. One must have existed without the other first, but it’s almost impossible to imagine.”

Just the postcode alone will have your satnav whimpering out loud.

Adding that to the logical stresses of getting there in advance of an immovable fixed timeslot, there’s the social stresses. Will I have to strip off? I guess, so, date-night underwear. And I’ll be touched by a stranger, and I don’t want to look like I want that.

So no date-night underwear. I wish I was a hermaphrodite, this is hard. Which I hope it won’t be.

If the spa is half decent though, you’ll be whisked away by the soft ambience of a beautiful setting and the harmonious scents, cleverly masking your own nervous perspiration. On top of that, there’s the background music; which will be both pleasing to the ears and something you would never, ever buy. I imagine in wellbeing circles, the ‘chicken and egg’ dilemma can be neatly replaced by ‘spa and panpipes’.

One must have existed without the other first, but it’s almost impossible to imagine.

It’s easy listening that makes actual silence sound a bit too hardcore. It’s whale songs so tranquil you realise the reason whales have been so heavily hunted is because they’re too relaxed to consider something as terrible as a harpooning even remotely possible.

Then there’s the treatments - where the stress should evaporate. Or, multiply.

Because unless you’re a spa aficionado, just

- Culture|column -

what exactly will ‘hot stones’ involve? When my wife and I opted for this, we panicked.

Of course, the obvious explanation is that someone was going to massage them in to us. But she thought they would just balance them on her and make her look like, at best, a rockery, and at worst, a novelty path to a cottage’s front door. I had bigger worries; I was imagining something similar to the punishment for adultery in medieval societies.

And yet at the end of it, we all sit there, in our dressing gown and slippers, tucking into a glass of champagne, trying to work out when we can next come back. The reason? Because you are slap bang in the middle of the best bit; Dressing gown. Slippers. Alcohol. Don’t get me wrong; a neck massage, essential oils, and a foot rub is glorious. But getting pissed in your pajama’s? This is the stuff of gods.

Follow Stephen Grant on Twitter @stephencgrant

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TOP TEN SPORTING EVENTS IN SUSSEX

2015

Sussex is bursting with sporting ambition and is lucky enough to feature a wealth of top sporting events all year round and here are our picks of the very best that the county has to offer

Brighton Marathon – 12th april – Madeira drive renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, this is one of the UK’s favourite 26.2-milers.

With a stunning backdrop of one of the country’s most lively cities, the course winds through city streets, culminating on Brighton seafront. www.brightonmarathon.co.uk

taKepart – 20th JUne–5th JUly – Brighton City Billed as Britain’s biggest festival of sport, take part is a two-week festival encouraging people to become more active. The festival kicks off with a launch day at preston park where dozens of taster sessions, demonstrations and displays are held over five hours featuring a mix of sport, dance and active lifestyle activities to try. www.brighton-hove.gov.uk

london to Brighton BiKe ride – 21St JUne – london to Brighton Celebrating its 40th year, the legendary 54 mile bike ride sees 27,000 cyclists start at london’s tower Bridge, pass through the Sussex countryside and cross the South downs before reaching Brighton’s beautiful seaside. held in support of the British heart Foundation, it is europe’s biggest fund raising cycle event. www.bhf.co.uk/get-involved

paddle roUnd the pier – 4th-5th JUly – hove laWnS europe’s biggest free beach and water sports festival, this weekend of water-based activities features the very best in water, street & urban sports, live music, kids entertainment and much more. With up to 55,000 visitors each year, paddle round The pier has raised over £200,000 since its inception in 1997. www.paddleroundthepier.com

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February 2015

- sport|events -

Glorious Goodwood – 28Th July–1sT auGusT Goodwood raCeCourse This annual showpiece event where racing and glamour take centre stage is quite simply the sporting and social highlight of the racing season. The iconic five-day festival features a host of thrilling races as well as entertainment, food and drink and much more throughout the glorious five days. www.goodwood.com

The Gold Cup – 19Th July – Cowdray park polo Club widely recognised as the home of british polo, Cowdray park plays host to the climax of the british open polo Championship when the Gold Cup Final is contested in front of up to 18,000 spectators. The tournament that every polo “patron” wants to win, the event has attracted celebrity guests and high-octane entertainment since its inception in 1956. www.cowdray.co.uk/polo-club

FooTball leaGue season sTarTs – 8Th auGusT amex and broadField sTadiums as the Football league season kicks off around the country so too will brighton & hove albion and Crawley Town as they start the new season with hopes of promotion. www.football-league.co.uk

women’s ashes naTwesT TwenTy20 – 28Th auGusT The briGhTonandhoveJobs.Com CounTy Ground hove will play host to the second T20 international this summer as england’s women go head-to-head with australia’s women in the first international game to be played on the ground since england beat australia in two one-day internationals during the southern stars’ last visit in 2013. www.ecb.co.uk

sussex TriaThlon – 6Th sepTember – ashburn plaCe held within the beautiful surroundings of ashburn place, the sussex Triathlon is undoubtedly a strong test of endurance. The standard event features a 1500m-lake swim, 40k rural bike course and a 10k run, with sprint and middle distances also available. www.sussextriathlon.co.uk

ruGby world Cup – 19Th & 20Th sepTember ameriCan express CommuniTy sTadium The world’s biggest rugby tournament returns to england for the first time in over two decades as the 20 best teams battle it out for the william webb ellis Cup. The amex stadium will see south africa, Japan, samoa and the usa in action during the six-week tournament. www.rugbyworldcup.com

- sport|events -

February 2015

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Bohemia

Grand Cafe â?– Late Lounge Love food? Love coffee?

Love music? Love Bohemia‌

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Traditional Afternoon Tea is also served daily from 3pm till 6pm

(booking is advisable for afternoon tea.)

Open hours 9am-1am (Sunday-Thursday) Till 3am Friday and Saturday Food is served everyday from 9am-9pm (except Saturday's 8pm)

www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk 54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton Telephone: 01273 777770 Free wifi and newspapers. Follow us on Twitter & Facebook

JIMMY’S BRIGHTON IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 1

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WHAT The new Jimmy’s Restaurant in Brighton celebrated its official opening with a VIP evening WHERE Jimmy’s Restaurant, Brighton Marina WHEN 14th January

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WHO

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1. A chef cooking up a storm at the wok station 2. Area Manager Mukesh Driver, Gully, AITC CEO Michael Edwards 3. Staff at Jimmy’st 4. Chefs at Jimmy’s carved fruit art for the occasion 5. Mukesh cuts the ribbon with the help of Gully, representatives of Albion in the Community and Brighton and Hove Albion players 6. Chinese Lion dancers strike a pose 7. The Bollywood dancers pose for the camera 8. VIPs make way for the Chinese dragon!

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Photos: Phil Duncan

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8 - Guest|LIst -

Winners of Next Hot Model UK visited the Seychelles Islands to turn up the heat and live the highlife, as Simon D’arcy Abbott explains

W

inners of 2014’s Next Hot Model competition beat off over 2000 aspiring models to secure exclusive contracts with model agency PRM London.

Teams of talent scouts travelled through town centres, supermarkets, malls and events, casting their professional eyes over the South’s beautiful people in a bid to find aspiring and unsigned models who dream of ditching the high street for the cat walk and enter the glossy world of high-fashion.

Run in partnership with the London-based and internationally-acclaimed boutique model management company PRM London and multiple influential media partners, the project aims to discover and mentor potential male and female models, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and launch their careers.

Held at the prestigious Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel on 6th June, the exclusive Grand Final 2014 event was a night of VIP glamour and excitement not only featuring a stunning fashion show from the 2014 finalists, but also some incredible live performances. Headlining

- Fashion|Next hot model -

February 2015

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was the hotly tipped Brighton-based rock ‘n’ roll modernists The Last Carnival, with support from songstress Miss Kyla White and The Loose Cannons. Add to the mix daring and dazzling performances by the colourful performers from Proud Cabaret Brighton, along with street dance displays from UK champion dance crew Marina Studios and you have all the ingredients for one of the biggest VIP fashion events on the south coast in 2014.

After the heats have been and gone and the final 30 remain, the Grand Final Catwalk offers the final contestants the exciting opportunity of strutting their stuff in front of the UK’s media and fashion experts, including Paulo Ribero, founder of PRM London, John Bruce of C4’s ‘The Model Agency’, Alex Proud of C4’S ‘Four Rooms’, Electric Hair founder Mark Woolley, Next Hot Model UK founder Fatosh Kalan, founder of Brighton Fashion Week Lizzy Bishop and after flying into the UK, Ms. Sherin Naiken, the CEO of the Seychelles Tourist Board.

After wowing the judges it was Robert Loydell and Daisy Boote that were the lucky winners of modelling contracts with PRM London as well as the opportunity to be whisked away on the trip of a lifetime to a photo shoot in the Seychelles Islands with top fashion photographer Darren Black, staying at stunning exclusive villas and hotels.

“Winning it was obviously amazing and life changing,” explains NHM winner Daisy. “Since then I have been doing a lot of shoots for PRM and I’m actually living in London now during the week to really develop and progress as a model. I now feel as though I have the chance to be really successful.”

Within the Seychelles’ luxurious locations, Daisy and Robert were allowed to relax and unwind with their every whim catered for, dining on world-class international and local cuisine while sipping on cocktails.

“The trip to the Seychelles was amazing,” says Robert.

“The locations we visited were an absolute paradise and seeing all the different culture the islands had to offer was superb and very entertaining and interesting; from learning

“The trip to the Seychelles was amazing. The locations we visited were an absolute paradise and seeing all the different culture the islands had to offer was superb. It definitely was the trip of a life time.”

Images - Darren Black, Cherrybomb Studios Hair and Styling - Fatosh Kalan Locations - Hilton Silhouette Island / Indian Ocean Lodge Praslin Seychelles Clothing - Cafe Bleu / RTH London / Mottoo Make Up - Beyond Foundation / Electric Hair

about the basics of the islands and seeing the rural areas of the Seychelles to relaxing and respecting nature’s finest scenery on the beaches on the different islands. It definitely was the trip of a lifetime.”

Although the temptation to overindulge in hedonistic hospitality might prove detrimental to the immediate career of any aspiring model, fortunately the winners also had a very full schedule of shoots at various locations all over the four islands during their seven day stay, offering plenty of time to burn off the calories with a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean at some of the world’s best and non-tourist beaches.

“The Creole folk couldn’t have been any more accommodating; this truly was an exceptional job and I’m so happy to have had the opportunity to shoot there with a fabulous team,” begins photographer Darren Black, who was full of praise and commendations for 2014’s winners.

“Daisy is a fantastic model who was so easy to shoot; she knows her angles and didn’t need much direction. Rob is also a really nice lad and deserving winner for 2014. Two faces of the future for sure, watch this space to see them popping up in the UK fashion press this year!”

To enter Next Hot Model 2015 or for more information on the competition visit www.nexthotmodel.co.uk 16│

February 2015

- Fashion|Next Hot Model -

the look of

LOVE

With a night of romance in store for many this Valentine’s Day, make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to be struck by cupid’s arrow during the season of love with this collection of vivacious lingerie

KITCHEN IMAGES CREDIT: Photographer: Ramses Radi www.ramsesradi.com Assistant: Ruben Julia Gigato Assistant: Laura White MUA & Hair: Alicia Sandeman www.aliciasandeman.com Model: Giada Combusti Clothing Designer: Stephieann Design www.stephieanndesign.com Accessories & Bags: Just K.I.M Location: WHITECLIFFS CAFE Marine Drive Brighton Saltdean 07956 711859

JACUZZI/TEA IMAGES CREDIT: Photographer: Ramses Radi www.ramsesradi.com Assistant: Angel Gimenez Ucendo Make-Up Artist: Nicole Taylor Hair: Alfie Pfeffer - Headmasters Brighton & artistic team Model: Vanessa Rose Clothing Designer: Stephieann Design www.stephieanndesign.com Location: BEATNIK CENTRAL www.beatnikbreaks.com Luxury holiday lets, short term rentals, private dining etc

womens

mens

25 Bond Street Brighton BN1 1RD tel: 01273 325421

26 Bond Street Brighton BN1 1RD tel: 01273 722245

www.badgerclothing.co.uk

Stylist and personal shopper Jane Busby tells Absolute about the easy way to change your look without wasting time and money

Let’s Make This PERSONAL TELL US WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO? I have been a personal shopper for over eight years in the Brighton area.

My career started as a professional dancer for 15 years then I became a photographic stylist working with photographers and casting models. However, working with clients to help them with their wardrobe dilemmas and to save them time trawling the shops is a wonderful job. Being the personal shopper for Brilliant Brighton and, with my dance experience, I style and stage fashion shows and over the last couple of years have been organising flash mob shows in the streets of Brighton.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES A PERSONAL SHOPPER DO? A personal shopping experience with me starts with a coffee to discuss my client’s lifestyle and what they are looking for in their wardrobe, whether it is a complete update or something for a special occasion; I will access their colour, style and shape. I then select outfits in two or three shops, making sure there is plenty of choice of styles and colours to suit my individual client. On our shopping day we meet and try on the clothes, I will help and advise with looks and be honest about the best pieces to buy which will mix and match and boost their current wardrobe.

going away for business or holiday I can help by putting out their clothes, bearing in mind suitcase weights, climate and type of holiday.

IS THERE A TYPICAL CLIENT? Anyone who needs help and advice and those who do not have the time to trawl the shops. I help busy businessmen and women, mums going back into the work place after having a baby and people who have just lost their way and need a wardrobe overhaul.

WHAT’S THE BEST BIT ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? Seeing my client going away after the shop with outfits that will boost their confidence and self-esteem and make their lives easier when deciding what to wear each day.

DRESSING FOR BUSINESS It is important to dress for the job you want.

Keep to clean lines and if you feel good in your outfit you will come across confident.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

For more information about Jane’s personal shopping service visit her website www.janebusby.co.uk or ring for a chat on 07869 136455.

“It is important to dress for the job you want.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

Jane’s next fashion show will be at the Thistle Hotel, Brighton on Thursday 26th February with all proceeds going to the local Macmillan Cancer Unit. Tickets are £10 from Trevor Sorbie, Brighton.

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS A TYPICAL DAY? No, which is what I love.

Personal shopping appointments are usually booked in advance but I do have clients who suddenly need an evening dress or something for an interview etc.

DO YOU HELP WITH WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS? Of course. I help the brides and, as there are many award and ball evenings in and around Brighton, I help with finding the perfect dress or suit. For anyone

- FASHION|STYLIST -

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Very.co.uk Aztec Cape £16.00

Debenhams H! By Henry Holland scarf £18.00 Next Block heel sandals £30.00 and clutch bag £14

Mix and match to the max with these hot accessories…

George at Asda Statement four tier necklace £12

Primark Navy ribbon stripe straw floppy hat £4 Accessorize Leather Slouchy Shopper £65.00

Family Portraits Brighton and London

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Additional Prints £25 pounds each and all the images on a disc for £100.

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Shall We Dance?

Get on your dancing shoes this month as Dorothy Max Prior investigates how health and wellbeing are affected by getting your groove on

S

o here we are, it’s February and you are still no closer to pulling on the Lycra and heading into the gym. What’s that you say? Do you have to? Well no, actually you don’t. There are other paths to fitness and wellbeing, and dancing is certainly one of the most pleasurable.

You could, for example, take yourself along to a Ragroof Tea Dance to trip the light fantastic. Featuring a DJ for discerning dancers, glamorous dance demos in ballroom, Latin and swing, and the company’s trademark ‘instant dance classes’ dotted throughout the afternoon, the Ragroof Tea Dances are held every second Sunday of the month at One Church, Brighton – and everyone is welcome, including absolute beginners. It being a ‘tea dance’ there are gorgeous cakes made by She Cakes available to purchase.

For those who want a regular weekly dance class, a good bet is Brighton Dancing, run by Carola Degener-Pereira, with a full timetable of classes held across the city, including at Rox School of Dance in Hove. Carola runs classes in all the classic partner dances – so all the ballroom and Latin rhythms you know and love from Strictly are on offer – and she also hosts regular party evenings and

practice sessions. The Rox School of Dance is also worth checking out for other dance styles – including ballet, jazz and tap for both adults and children.

If authentic Argentine tango tickles your fancy, then Kirsty Bennett’s Kijutango is a good option. Kirsty runs classes across Brighton and Hove, and brings well-known dancers and teachers over from Argentina for weekend workshops. She also DJs from her excellent collection of authentic music at the Milongas (tango dance evenings), which she hosts a number of times a month.

From tango to flamenco, Brighton is lucky to have a top-notch teacher in the form of Alvaro, who runs The Flamenco Dance Academy. There are not only adult classes for all levels of ability but also classes for boys and girls, held at the ACT studios. Other world dance options include Rosaria Gracia, who teaches all sorts of funky things, from Bollywood to Brazilian samba and beyond.

But perhaps swing dancing is more your thing? In which case there’s plenty of choice.

Swing is the umbrella term for a whole raft of dances that grew out of the American jazz scene, including lindy hop, east coast swing, balboa, jive and shag, amongst other variations. Now admit it – doesn’t doing The Shag appeal?

- HealtH|Wellbeing -

Brighton Lindyhoppers is run by the fabulous Amanda Walderman and her dance partner Graeme, with classes at various venues, including The Good Companions at 7 Dials. Brighton Boogie (Nick Smith and Helen Rogers) teach classes and run the legendary Rhythm Club on Friday nights at St George’s Hall in Hove. Sussex Swing, led

by Lizzie Abrahams, offer classes at various venues across Brighton and beyond into Lewes and Eastbourne. Shake that thing, why don’t you!

Also jazz-era related, Silver Screen Dance, run by the fabulously svelte and fleetfooted Flo Harman, offers some unusual and glamorous dance options, including Hollywood-style tap, Chorus Line, and Showgirl – with regular classes held at Brighton Youth Centre. Yes, you get to wear short shorts and fishnets and learn how to high kick. (And that’s just the boys…)

Talking of dancing boys, Matthew Blacklock has been building a well-deserved reputation for his fabulous and fun Zumba classes: “When I shimmy out of the studio I feel on top of the world”, he says. Well, he would, wouldn’t he? His fast-moving combination of feel-good dance tracks and easy-to-follow moves offer a chance for everyone to groove along, regardless of level of fitness or dance ability.

If you fancy something a little more hardedged, Streetfunk – run by the legendary JP Omari – offer classes in street and hip hop Dance for kids, teens and adults. Based at Marina Studios (which unsurprisingly can be found at Brighton Marina), here’s a dance form that boys won’t shy away from – and of course girls are more than welcome!

So really – it’s all to be had on the dancefloors of Brighton. Whether you want to flounce around the ballroom in a silky tea dress, swing-out with the lindyhoppers, or groove along with the Streetfunk boys – it’s all out there. So get going, get dancing and get fitter whilst having fun. What’s not to like?

February 2015

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“Yes, you get to wear short shorts and fishnets and learn how to high kick. (And that’s just the boys…)”

Adult dAnce: The Ragroof Players: www.ragroofplayers.co.uk Brighton dancing: www.brightondancing.com Kijutango: kijutango.blogspot.co.uk Rosaria Gracia: www.rosaria-gracia.com/classes Brighton lindyhoppers: www.brightonlindyhoppers.co.uk Sussex Swing: www.sussexswing.co.uk Brighton Boogie: www.brightonboogie.com Silver Screen dance: www.silverscreendance.co.uk Zumba with Matthew Blacklock: matthewblacklock.zumba.com KidS dAnce: Rox School of dancing: www.roxschoolofdancing.co.uk Street Funk: www.streetfunk.co.uk The Flamenco dance Academy: www.flamencodanceacademy.com Photo credit: ‘The Ragroof Players Tea Dance.’ Photo by Cut Creative.

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FebruArY 2015

- HealtH|Wellbeing -

DON’T FEAR THE

DOWNWARD DOG

T

he world of yoga can be an intimidating one.

The thought of soccer mums arriving at the studio clad in yoga pants clutching their personal yoga mat while discussions of chakra alignment are abuzz may daunt any newcomer.

With the notion that yoga is more of a fashion style than a lifestyle choice now commonplace, it is important to understand that this is misleading and contradictory to its true value.

“It’s ironic that such an understanding has come to be, as a yogic lifestyle discourages consumerism and celebrates inclusiveness,” explains Fiona Condie. “I strongly dislike any idea that yoga should be exclusive and would never turn anyone away regardless of their means.”

Fiona, who has been teaching yoga for over 20 years, learnt her practice in India before the study of yoga lead her to the flowing movement practice most akin to a Vinyasa flow.

As such, in a society where ego rules, Fiona feels a yoga class is the best way to let go of selfconsciousness and arrogance.

“With its primary purpose of integrating the mind, body and spirit, a yoga practice is so much more than an exercise method. Taking our attention inwards strips us back to just the body, to our primal self. From this connection a yoga session becomes a deep, active meditation and can offer some surprising revelations,” she says.

“It is important to remember that our time on the mat is a ‘practice’ and to let go of any idea of seeking perfection. Perfection in this sense simply doesn’t exist and being free from such unobtainable goals allows for the liberation that yoga offers.”

Yoga offers liberation not fear, explains Fiona Condie of Yoga with Fiona

Who is Fiona Condie?

I am a yoga teacher and therapist based in Brighton & Hove and Lewes.

In 1992, a hunger for adventure saw me buy a one-way ticket to India where I was fortunate to study with BKS Iyengar.

It was five years before I returned to the UK and it was important to me to deepen my knowledge beyond the standard yoga teacher training, so I completed a four-year professional therapist course; including full human anatomy.

What do you teaCh? Each class follows a unique flow, where rather than following a lesson plan or a rigid set, the practice evolves in an appropriate manner for those who have come to share. hoW important is yoga to a Content Wellbeing?

If yoga is practiced correctly, it has a powerful effect on our wellbeing.

Experiencing a connection within ourselves, brings back a respect for the body and respect for the self. It is essentially a practice of refining ourselves holistically, a practice of disciplining the mind, body and spirit to optimum capacity. hoW Can people attend your Classes?

My regular mixed ability classes are held six days a week in the beautifully renovated studio space that is part of the King Alfred complex. All classes work on a drop in basis, with a first class available for free to any new student.

A full timetable and further information is available on my website www.fionacondie.com or call me on 01273 474419.

IN THE RESULTS BUSINESS Established in 2005, Albion in the Community (AITC) is a registered charity that uses the power of sport and the reach of Brighton & Hove Albion (BHAFC) to change lives across Sussex

I

Mental Health Wellbeing Football

32│

February 2015

- HealtH|Wellbeing -

t is a decade since the launch of Albion in the Community, Brighton & Hove Albion’s charity arm, and during that time we have won a host of awards for our work.

Through delivering programmes in the areas of education, disability, health, sports participation and social inclusion, AITC was named as the Football League Community Club of the Year in 2007 and more recently, in 2013, we won the Best Corporate Responsibility award at the Football Business Awards.

The Albion in the Community (AITC) health department has grown considerably over the past four years to become one of the largest health departments of any football

club community scheme in the country.

Our overall aim is to improve health and wellbeing through targeted programmes that raise awareness of health issues and motivate people to make positive lifestyle changes, particularly those living in areas of health inequality. We currently deliver programmes across Brighton and Hove and West Sussex that span cancer awareness, mental health, weight management, wellbeing coaching support, targeted physical activity and falls prevention initiatives.

In Brighton and Hove our new weight management services are delivered in partnership with Brighton and Hove Food Partnership and are designed to support people living in the city with a BMI of over 25 to lose weight and keep it off. The Weight Management Coaching service is a free service which offers flexible and personalised support and guidance around behaviour and dietary change for adults who find accessing services away from home difficult.

We OFFeR: Shape Up at the Stadium

• A one-to-one supportive service with a focus on achievable goals • A wellbeing coach who specialises in supporting your healthy lifestyle change • A flexible service - we can meet at a location that best suits you, whether that is at home or out in the community • A dynamic approach – as well as talking through plans for change, we can accompany you and offer healthy eating advice on your usual supermarket shop or accompany you in a physical activity until your confidence grows Through the Weight Management Coaching service there have been numerous success stories and Andy Harris, who is a client that receives support, is just one who has been pleased with the results.

“I have gone from 19.5 stone to under 17 stone in five months,” explains Andy. “I am still going, I aim to get to about 15.5 stone and then to carry on eating as I have been

- HealtH|Wellbeing -

when on this programme. It is not about dieting, it is about eating healthily.

“I was very impressed by the service. Through exploratory discussion, I was encouraged and supported to talk about my issues and not rushed into an off-the-peg solution.

Slowly I was encouraged to become more aware of my consumption and presented with practical, achievable solutions. The work was not done for me but I was inspired and greatly encouraged by my coach. The pattern of change after a long time stuck in a rut can be difficult to achieve, but with ongoing appropriate support I was able to make changes. Anyone who wants to lose weight, get support; it makes it easier.”

Results for the first cohort of clients to access this service revealed 100% achieved their nutritional goals, 77% achieved their physical activity goals and 100% had increased confidence to lead a healthy lifestyle.

AITC also offer a group programme for men wanting to lose weight. Shape Up at the Stadium is a new free ten week course which offers men a unique opportunity to take part in a nutrition and physical activity course led by expert coaches within the facilities of the Amex stadium. Sessions are tailored to individual’s needs and include nutritional advice, behaviour change strategies and physical activity within a supportive group environment.

Men who completed the first course at the stadium last year achieved a 7.2cm average reduction in waist circumference and AITC wellbeing coach, Fran Taylor, who oversees the Shape Up programme says, “Shape Up is a great programme for men who want to lose weight, become more informed about health choices and have fun while doing it.”

We are currently taking bookings for our February courses – if you would like to book a place on Shape Up at the Stadium, or find out about Weight Management Coaching, please phone 01273 431703 or email healthyweight@bhfood.org.uk. Information can also be provided about equivalent free services for women wanting to lost weight in Brighton and Hove.

FebrUary 2015

│33

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Sealed with a kiss

If you want to plump up your lips and give your Valentine’s smooch some va-va-vavoom, the only person to go is Allison Jeffery, as Sam Harrington-Lowe reveals…

Dubbed – quite rightly – the Queen of Lips, Allison Jeffery has got some kind of voodoo special gift going on when it comes to giving lips a beautiful boost. There’s no trout pouts here. Allison uses the best filler on the market – the Rolls Royce of fillers, apparently – to shape fuller, plumper lips, carefully injecting the filler to create exactly the results you want. How big you decide to go is up to you. She has clients who come looking for a much bigger smooch, but equally many of her faithful customers come along for a bit of a lift, to fill in thinning lips, lift the corners and banish the droop.

Having the actual treatment isn’t terribly painful, in case you were wondering. There’s the glamour of wearing an anaesthetic cream moustache for a while before the treatment which pretty much takes away the sting of the injections, and Allison is insistent about clients using arnica tablets before and after, and arnica cream too. But if you follow the advice you’re given, bruising can be kept to a minimum.

All in all, this is one of those treatments that you kind of hope exist but are only occasionally lucky enough to actually find. It doesn’t hurt much, the results are instant, and Allison’s skill means you never walk away wondering what the hell you were thinking. Actually, I’ve been twice and been utterly thrilled with the results each time. So if you want to plump up that pout, this is the place to pucker up.

Prices start from £398 for Designer Lips www.allisonjeffery.com

Get yOuR cLAwS IntO tHeSe…

Banish the Blues

OK, so putting on your outdoor fitness kit and getting low down and dirty with the British Military Fitness guys might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but it’s hard to argue with the up sides. Getting fresh air and daylight can help reduce depression – and research shows that outdoor exercise and views of the natural landscape can increase concentration and reduce health complaints by restoring the areas of the brain involved with direct attention.

It’s also excellent for releasing tension that builds up during the day, and as if that wasn’t enough, working out with other people is good for you too - having a training partner or training in a group environment is a great way to make exercise social and more fun, whilst keeping you motivated when you may feel like just giving in. If you’re anything like us, the temptation to fall off the treadmill into a cake is way too overwhelming, so why not give it a go?

Beauty&Fitness

we’re loving nail expert Poppie Sharman - ex-wah nails nail artist and well-known nail blogger – whose new venture SHe-nAIL has taken up residence at the Dental Health Spa on Queens Road offering a cracking range of innovative nail art. There are four levels on offer, ranging from the basic ‘She’s classic’ to the full Monty with ‘She’s All That’. But look! For a limited time, Poppie will paint AnytHInG yOu LIKe for just £15!

Poppie is famed for her signature paisley design, which was featured in the successful book The wah nails book of Downtown Girls but she can create bespoke designs for anyone. Said Poppie: “For years I’ve wondered how nail art can be so popular in London but yet no one has taken Brighton’s talons by storm. I’m hoping to change that.”

Notes

Open Monday – Wednesday evening (6-8pm) by appointment only, with drop-ins welcomed Thursday & Friday evenings, and Saturday 10-3 07572 383722 or email bookings@she-nail.co.uk

British Military Fitness have sessions on Hove Lawns, in Hove Park and in Preston Park. www.britishmilitaryfitness.com

- BEAUTY & FiTnEss|NOTES -

February 2015

│35

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Champneys Best of Spa Deluxe Gift £20

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Valetine’s Wish List

It’s the time for luscious loving and lazy pampering

A Day in the Life of…

A Healthcare Worker

Charlotte Horlock guides us through the ins and outs of a working day at a pharmacy Tell us how The day begins…

I get up at 6am, which, at this time of year, feels like the middle of the night. Work starts at 8am sharp. Vicki and I are the cleaning force. We mop the floor before it gets busy and the whole pharmacy reeks of Dettol for an hour. I love the smell, but I don’t think the others would agree with me… how long have you been in The role and whaT’s The job’s mosT challenging parT? Three years.

They’ve gone quickly. When I first started, it took me a long time to memorise the shop products. Fresh out of school, I knew Paracetamol cured a revision headache and that was about it. I later took a course in medicine sales, which helped me familiarise myself with the drugs and their benefits. how do you cope when iT geTs demanding? It gets busy around 10am, following the rush hour and the school run.

At this time the dispensers usually help us out in the shop. They’re lovely like that. whaT is The mosT enjoyable parT of The job? Chatting to the regulars.

Sadly, for a lot of them, this is a rare trip 38│

February 2015

out of the house. Karen, our pharmacist, is something of a local celebrity! Customers love her and always ask to see her. At this pharmacy, patients come in for more than their prescriptions. Knowing we have brightened somebody’s day is certainly the most fulfilling part of the job. are you able To offer advice To Those who don’T have appoinTmenTs? We can offer advice for mild to moderate problems. There are some excellent over-the-counter medicines that can treat a whole range of symptoms, and new products are emerging all the time.

Always ask, because you might be surprised by what is available without prescription. whaT do your afTernoons consisT of? Afternoons can be hectic. We receive two deliveries, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, but we can’t predict when these will arrive. how heavily do you rely on oTher members of sTaff from day-To-day? There are over ten of us here and none of us work the full five-day week, so we rely on each other to complete - a day in The life of -

individual tasks and note down changes that have occurred that day. Obviously there is a great deal of responsibility to be undertaken in this kind of environment and it is vital we are accurate above anything else. whaT are The biggesT challenges you face on a dayTo-day basis? Our deliveries are huge.

Think bin liner sized bags of medicines, both in the shop and dispensary. Shop products also have to be priced up before they find a home on a shelf. The dispensers are amazing. They unload their delivery on top of packaging prescriptions, giving advice and answering the phones. whaT are your ThoughTs aT The end of The working day?

I always feel satisfied when leaving work, knowing I have helped others. I feel part of the Shoreham community. But, I must admit, I look forward to putting my feet up with a glass of wine!

If you’d like to be in our Day in the Life feature or want to nominate someone you know, please drop us a line at editorial@ absolutemagazine.co.uk

Mark Woolley’s

HEALTHY HAIR RITUAL Award-winning hairdresser and creative director at Electric Hair, Mark Woolley, has been in the industry for over 20 years, treating everyone from Sienna Miller to Paloma Faith.

After years of focusing on long-term care he has put together his Top Secrets so, if you’re looking for that Electric glow, check out Mark’s tips on how to have strong and healthy-looking hair...

Every day…

Always use a heat protector before styling, this was something that was a must when I created the Electric product range. When drying, try to reduce the heat where you can. Avoid using a hairdryer/straighteners on full heat - if you have thick hair and need it to dry quicker, invest in a professional dryer. In all of our six salons we use a brand called Collexia, which uses dual fan technology to speed up dying without increasing the heat.

If in the sun, use a product that has UV protection in it like the Electric Preparation Spray, this will protect your colour from fading and the damage associated from the sun.

2-3 times per week…

Wash and condition the hair with products that are specifically for your hair; this will massively improve the hair’s health. Only shampoo your roots, there is no need to specifically wash the ends as this will dry them out; the process of washing the roots will cleanse the ends.

As the weather changes, it’s always good to notice the impact on the hair and adjust your products accordingly.

Once a week…

Use a treatment on the hair, again in accordance to what your hair needs. Some

clients may only need to use a treatment once a month if their hair is already quite healthy.

When using the Electric Intensive Treatment Masque it is important to lock down the cuticles by using a conditioner once the masque is washed out.

Every 8 weeks…

Get a trim at your local salon; this will keep split ends at bay and improve the overall look and feel of the hair. Each small trim will encourage the hair to grow longer and in better condition.

Always consult your stylist before making any hair decisions; I wouldn’t say stay away from something if you wanted it.

Your stylist can give you advice based on your hair’s condition so having a perm or a straightening treatment or bleaching is all fine as long as you take care of your hair and you understand your hair’s limits.

Mark Woolley owns salons in six key cities throughout the UK and for help with your hair or for more information visit www.electric-hair.co.uk

- BEauty -

February 2015

│39

LOCAL

TO YOU* W SEE BELO

HYDRO POOL SAUNA & STEAM ROOM

Sarah

HITCHMAN Fitness A-Z

Make 2015 your year by following Sarah Hitchman’s Fitness A-Z; a 26-point guide to success with an improved sense of wellbeing

A

– Achieve. Dedicate time to yourself and achieve things you have only ever dreamt of. What would you like to achieve?

B

- Believe in a fitter, stronger and more in control individual, it is possible with the right guidance and dedication.

C D

- Concentrate on a long-term plan and not a quick fix.

- Develop new routines through food choices, exercise sessions and outdoor activities. A change is as good as a rest.

E

- Encourage a healthy, relaxing home; one that functions as a whole and eliminate any temptation. Get those close to you to join your quest, there is magic in numbers.

F

– Focus and Fun; two very powerful words. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. Don’t accept “can’t” as an option.

G H

– Goals. Set achievable goals with realistic time scales.

- Healthy choices; enjoy the life shift. Implement a new diet of raw and home cooked food, one that everyone can follow and enjoy; it’s not a detox nor weight loss, just a balanced change.

42│

February 2015

I

- Imagine; picture the improvement. Visualise where you want to be, is it a shirt size bigger or a dress size smaller, to have radiant skin or shiny skin and nails?

J

- Join classes or meetings, surround yourself with like-minded people who have a similar outlook and goals. Remove yourself from situations and people that aren’t on the same page as you, it will enhance your chances of success.

K

- Kick old habits, the ones that provide you with remorse and guilt, it is the only way forward.

- HEAltH|Fitness -

L

- Learn new skills; cook, dance or ramble, it’s not all about the gym. Create a new you. Remember or discover the things you enjoy eating and doing that give you an enhanced feeling of wellbeing.

M

- Manage new situations and the urge to convert back.

Familiarity is easy, change is a challenge.

N

- Nourish. Definition; to provide with the materials necessary for life and growth, to support or encourage an idea or feeling.

O

– Optimism versus pessimism; this is your situation, embrace it, it is you that will reap the rewards.

P

– Priorities; what’s most important to you? Decide on an angle of attack and stick to it, it’s your battle.

Q

- Question if this new approach is working. Have you made enough changes, too many changes? Evaluate.

R

- Results, check your progression, is your skin looking clearer, have you lost a centimetre or two, is your family full of energy and drive?

S

- Supplement what is missing, is it a vitamin for achy joints, is it a higher water intake, could you now manage an additional training session?

T

- Try new things, experiment. Develop a new household menu, take part in a different class, go for a run outdoors opposed to pounding the treadmill, join a group to meet new people and have fun while keeping fit.

U

– Understand. There are two main elements to improving overall wellbeing. I suggest 80% diet, 20% exercise. The key is obtaining and maintaining this balance.

V

– Value. Step back and take a good look at the situation.

Have your changes added value, self-esteem and an element of control, have you taken charge?

W

- Wait, be patient, not all changes offer an immediate reward. The results will materialise, they have to; you have made the changes.

X

- X out anything negative; January detoxes and New Year resolutions only work if you stick to them all year through, there is no quick fix. Good results follow positive changes and persistent effort for long-term effect.

Y

- You; enhancing the person you are, feeling an enormous sense of achievement through making the decision to change your life for ever.

Z

– ZEN. The essence of Zen is attempting to understand and be in control of your own mind. Translated as a meditative state, the feeling of calm and collectiveness.

Sarah Hitchman is a health and fitness expert and personal trainer. Reach her on 07702 224451 or email s.hitchman@googlemail.com

- HEaLTH|Fitness -

February 2015

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HARD-PRESSED TO FIND BETTER Yo-yo dieting is not something we here at Absolute endorse and, as January’s diets begin to fall to the temptation of wine and chocolate, we have a simple answer to stop those quick-fix fasts and expanding waistlines.

The Natural Juicing Company are a new business that deliver raw, coldpressed juices which are full of nutritional goodness and all include super foods such as spinach and kale; creating ’power juices’.

Most of us can admit to not hitting the five-a-day fruit and veg guideline on a regular basis but with each tasty juice you take in at least three of your five and the process of cold-pressing juicing retains 95% of all nutrients – you can’t lose.

They also offer Nutritional Gurus who can advise and guide juicers through their cleanses so nothing is too daunting or difficult. So if you feel your healthy eating needs a kick-start this month then make sure you check out The Natural Juicing Company by visiting their website www.naturaljuicing.co.uk

FOOD NeWS Got food news?

Email editorial@absolutemagazine.co.uk

COMING UP ROSES You may not have drunk it, you may not have even seen it before but that doesn’t mean that Tequila Rose isn’t the best drink you’ve never had.

A natural strawberry flavoured cream liqueur blended with a splash of premium tequila and dairy cream, Tequila Rose is the number one selling strawberry cream liqueur globally.

Imported from America with an ABV of 17%, it is priced at £14.99 for a 70cl bottle but, if you still need inspiration to indulge this Valentine’s Day, here is a tasty little number made up of Tequila Rose and other treats.

GoRGeouS AND GluTeN-fRee Here at Absolute we love a tart, but it’s usually a nogo area for the gluten-intolerant lovers out there.

We can however guarantee everyone will enjoy this sumptuous No.G Chocolate & Morello Cherry Tart.

Valentine’s Day for the gluten intolerant among us can sometime be a headache of researching restaurants and label reading, but this gluten-free delight is the perfect treat for february 14th. filled with an indulgent chocolate filling infused with Morello cherries, this little gem costs just £2.69 from ocado and can also be purchased as part of a Gluten free Meal Deal where you can pick up two mains, two desserts and two beers for just £10.

“Customers love the high quality and great taste of our products and the fact that you don’t have to be coeliac to enjoy them,” says No.G Brand Manager Sam Benjamin.

For more information on this and other gluten-free products visit www.toogoodtobeglutenfree.com

The Strawberry Rose

Ingredients: 25ml Tequila Rose, 25ml vanilla vodka, 25ml double cream, 1/2 chilli muddled.

Method: Shake all the ingredients together and double strain. Serve with chilli and white chocolate flakes.

For more information and to stay up to date on Tequila Rose news, visit www.facebook.com/TequilaRoseUK

- Food|News -

February 2015

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10 Wellness Holidays to Change Your Life If you’re like us and get hit by that sinking feeling every time you think about your failing New Year’s resolutions then what you need is a wellness holiday. This is a selection of the best health spas, detox retreats and fitness breaks to help you get back on track, whether you’re looking for a healthier lifestyle, to lose weight, quit smoking or overcome stress.

All holidays are from Health & Fitness Travel www.healthandfitnesstravel.com

Learn a HeaLtHy LifestyLe: tHe PHiLiPPines tHe farm at san Benito Nestled amidst a tranquil haven of tropical jungle in the Philippines, you can shape-up with aqua aerobics, unwind with yoga, be inspired with nutritious meals and enhance your wellbeing with food preparation classes, where you’ll learn healthy eating habits you can continue at home.

Seven nights at The Farm from £2,240pp or £2,590 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, a choice of programmes, return flights and transfers.

Beat stress: india ananda stress management Revel in the peace of the enchanting landscape with daily sunrise yoga classes, relax with Ayurvedic treatments at the luxury spa, unwind with an aroma cocoon, revive with a grounding salt scrub or re-connect with Reiki.

Whatever you choose, you will return home feeling inspired and informed to make the small changes needed for a healthier, stress-free lifestyle.

Five nights at Ananda from £2,265pp or £2,830 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, de-stress programme, return flights and transfers.

stoP smoking: sPain sHa anti-toBacco Quit smoking in a natural and healthy way by escaping on a luxury, healing holiday in Spain. With a personalised post treatment health plan, this wellness retreat will ensure you get back on track with your new year’s resolution and quit smoking for good.

Seven nights at SHA from £3,325pp or £3,815 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, anti-tobacco programme, return flights and transfers.

Lose WeigHt: austria grand Park WeigHt Loss With the help of a nutritionist and your personalised weight loss plan, comprised of a basic diet and daily fitness classes, you will be whipped back into shape in no time. Pamper yourself after your hard work on this spa retreat with luxury treatments.

Seven nights at Grand Park from £1,595pp or £1,715 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, weight loss programme, return flights and transfers.

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February 2015

- HealtH|Wellbeing -

dEtox: Italy adlEr thErmaE dEtox With a medical consultation on arrival, a nutrition plan with set meal times and detoxifying spa treatments, cleanse and refresh your body on this wellbeing escape. With benefits from increased energy levels to kickstarting weight loss, return home from this detox retreat rejuvenated.

Seven nights at Adler Thermae from £2,095pp or £2,610 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, detox programme and return flights.

mIndFulnESS: IndIa ShrEyaS SIlEnt rEtrEat Spend your days in tranquillity and escape the stresses of everyday life with private Pranayama sessions, yoga nidra and candle meditation, as you learn mindfulness and awareness on this vacation. An ideal meditation retreat for those seeking a renewing wellness break.

Seven nights at Shreyas from £2,085pp or £2,655 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

EnhancE SlEEp & BEat InSomnIa: thaIland Kamalaya SlEEp EnhancEmEnt Improve and regulate your sleeping patterns on this healthy holiday with a sleep enhancement consultation, body bio-impedance analysis and naturopathic lifestyle consultation. Enhance relaxation and sleep easy with complimentary access to the steam caverns, personal meditation and yoga to address the issues which are causing your insomnia.

Health and Fitness Travel (0203 397 8891 healthandfitnesstravel.com) offers seven nights at Kamalaya from £3,095pp or £3,520 for single occupancy. Price includes full board, sleep enhancement programme, return flights and transfers.

GEt FIt: St.lucIa thE BodyholIday FuSIon FItnESS Hidden amongst tropical jungle, this stunning beachfront retreat is an ideal escape for a fitness holiday. Work up a sweat with a mixture of private cardio, strength and sport workouts, and embrace change on this fitness holiday with mind and body sessions, before soothing sore muscles at the luxury spa with a sports massage or reflexology.

Seven nights at The BodyHoliday from £2,295pp. Price is all inclusive, with fitness programme, return flights and transfers.

SolvE dIGEStIvE proBlEmS: uK GrayShott Spa optImal hEalth If you are tired of battling with digestive problems such as IBS and bloating, you can now escape to this luxury wellness retreat in Surrey. Created with the latest scientific knowledge, this break includes personal health consultations, blood analysis, education lectures and post departure plans to help you keep it up following your retreat.

Seven nights at Grayshott Spa from £1,555pp or £1,495 for single occupancy. Price includes full board and a wellness programme.

- HealtH|Wellbeing -

hEalthy aGEInG: SwItzErland la réSErvE GEnèvE BEttEr aGEInG Located on the stunning shores of Lake Geneva, enhance your wellbeing with anti-ageing treatments based on the latest scientific advances at this luxury wellness retreat. With biological and genetic testing, healthy nutrition, better ageing massages and balneotherapy, leave this wellness retreat feeling revived and youthful.

Seven nights at La Réserve Genève from £4,725pp or £5,825 for single occupancy.

Price includes full board, wellness programme, return flights and transfers.

February 2015

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THE ABSOLUTE

restaurant guide

Make sure this Valentine’s Day isn’t left to the last minute by booking a table for you and your loved one at one of Brighton and Hove’s most romantic settings

LEONARDO, HOVE Since the opening in June 1996, Leonardo has gone from strength to strength. Starting at fairly humble beginnings, its popularity has superseded itself and earned it the reputation of being the best Italian restaurant on the south coast. In December 1999, the restaurant was awarded the “Best Restaurant of Brighton & Hove”. Voted for by the general public, Leonardo Restaurant is a bona fide Sicilian-Italian family run business bringing forth the true flavour of Italy to Sussex. Leonardo produces traditional Italian food, while using some of the greatest Italian recipes accompanied by the best ingredients. Today Leonardo is definitely the “Don” of the Italian restaurant scene, offering the highest standard of quality Italian Food with exceptional service, bringing the true flavour of Italy to Brighton & Hove.

FACEBOOK /leonardorestaurant TWITTER @leonardoHOVE

AGUADULCE, BRIGHTON This Spanish restaurant arrived in Brighton from Aguadulce, Almeria (South East of Spain) where they have successfully run a restaurant for nine years. In Brighton they have opened an authentic tapas bar and restaurant. The premises is divided into three; a bar area, restaurant area and a private function room for up to 25 people.

In the bar area you can enjoy an original tapas free with your glass of wine or lager, or just pop in to have a coffee and home made dessert. In the restaurant area you can try their Mediterranean cuisine, which includes a great selection of tapas or fresh local fish and seafood such as sole, red mullet, oysters, mussels, scallops and native lobsters. They also have a good selection of meats and vegetarian dishes, many with an Andalucían touch, and their food is always simple and fresh.

FACEBOOK /aguadulcebrighton TWITTER @aguadulcebtn

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- Food & drink|Valentine’s -

TEQUILA HUB, BRIGHTON

As one of the most popular restaurants in Brighton providing authentic Mexico City cuisine, the chefs at Tequila Hub pride themselves on the authenticity of their dishes. Choosing to use only fresh, flavoursome ingredients to create exciting and taste bud-tingling dishes, the menus at Tequila Hub are a true reflection of the incredible flavours, colours and smells found throughout Mexico. In September 2014, The Good Food Guide’s survey results found that Tequila Hub is in the top five Mexican restaurants in the city. So why not enjoy a wide range of dishes from tacos, tostadas, quesadillas and enchiladas to salads, soups and totopos (traditional homemade tortilla chips) before washing it all down with one of their much loved margaritas?

FACEBOOK /tequilahib TWITTER @tequilahub

MEMORIES OF INDIA, BRIGHTON MARINA

Set in the heart of Brighton Marina, Memories of India provide healthy and delicious quality food. With great outlooks across the marina and the Brighton seafront, the restaurant’s food matches the views on offer. Their executive chef has an immense amount of passion and skill for culinary art and has worked with some of the leading restaurant chains in the UK and abroad.

He has developed a modern and innovative skill in the food industry, which will unfold in front of you thanks to some out-of-the-ordinary dishes and a creative menu. With first class service on offer as well there is always a reason to visit Memories of India.

FACEBOOK /memoriesofindiabrighton TWITTER @memoriesofindia

THE GRAND GB1, BRIGHTON

Whether you’re looking for a romantic candlelit dinner, lunchtime grazing around the fish bar or a unique dining experience to enjoy with that special person, The Grand Hotel’s GB1 restaurant has an option for all. Located on the picturesque Brighton seafront and just a short walk from Brighton’s vibrant city centre and train station, the 2 AA Rosette seafood restaurant offers a tantalising array of Valentine’s greatest culinary hits and is open seven days a week.

FACEBOOK /TheGrandHotelBrighton TWITTER @GrandBrighton

HOUSE OF PICCOLO, BRIGHTON

Set up by two brothers in 1988, Piccolo is one of Brighton´s best-kept secrets. Infused with the romance of Italy, their noisy, bustling Italian restaurant cannot fail to delight with its infectious atmosphere. Growing up in a restaurateur family, the brothers came to these shores determined to make their mark and have undoubtedly done so. Located in the historic heart of Brighton city centre, Piccolo Ristorante has become a favorite Italian restaurant of locals and out-of-towners looking for the perfect Italian dining in Brighton. You will struggle not to be impressed by the ambiance, service and, most importantly, their quality and affordable Italian food. Piccolo´s family are what they serve – too much and delicious.

FACEBOOK /piccolobrighton TWITTER @piccoloBTN - Food & drink|Valentine’s -

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Cosy at the

Crabtree

If it’s not already booked solid, you would go a long way to beat the Crabtree for a romantic meal out this Valentine’s, says Sam Harrington-Lowe

Tell us abouT iT The Crabtree is a family run public house, located in the beautiful Sussex countryside south of Horsham in Lower beeding, with an enviable reputation for excellent food. The beamed ceilings, open fires and higgledy-piggledy layout you get with old english inns is in full effect but they’ve done nice stuff with it. It’s got a classy feel to it whilst still being comfortable enough to completely relax in, and the food is cracking. I’d move in if I could.

WhaT did you eaT? For starters we had potted pork with crackling, salad and bread, and a Crabtree scotch egg with curried mayonnaise – and they’re good sized starters. For main course we had Sussex beer battered whiting with hand cut chips, peas and tartare sauce, and the rye bay plaice fillets with new potatoes, purple sprouting broccoli and chorizo butter. The Crabtree lunch menu is a set £15 for two courses, £18 for three – a price that is amongst the best value for money I’ve ever experienced for food of this quality. Stars of the show for us were the scotch egg, which was soft in the middle and wearing the most delicious meaty jacket, and the plaice, which was light, beautifully cooked and so fresh I thought it might leap off the plate. but there wasn’t anything wrong with any of it. a rare feat indeed. did you do desserT? Yes we made it to dessert. We tried the lemon posset with pineapple foam and crumble topping, which was a light and fluffy sort of affair, but the total winner was the dark chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel chunks.

It’s also worth noting that there are salted caramel truffles to be had at the Crabtree and they were so good we bought boxes of them to take home. sum iT up for us This is a relaxed eatery with a good menu. I hate places with a million things to choose from – I prefer places that do a handful of things and do them really well, and this is exactly what the team at the Crabtree do.

The Crabtree Brighton Road, Horsham RH13 6PT 01403 892666 www.crabtreesussex.co.uk

- Food & drink|Review -

C O N T E M P O R A RY F I N E D I N I N G IN A MAGICAL SET TING Enjoy a three-course lunch for only ÂŁ25.50 throughout February and March T O M A K E YO U R R E S E R VAT I O N , P L E A S E C A L L 017 9 8 6 5 2 13 8 Available Sunday to Thursday, until 31st March 2015 excluding 15th February 2015 info@amberleycastle.co.uk www.amberleycastle.co.uk Amberley Castle, Nr Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9LT

AMC AbsoluteMag 210x148.indd 1

12/01/2015 11:11

“This looks like someone has made it in their kitchen at home, and a real benefit was trying new meals or dishes that we wouldn’t normally make.”

DO THE DIET RIGHT

Here at Absolute we get asked to check stuff out all the time, and over Christmas and January one of the things we’ve been asked to look at are diets and eating plans. We don’t believe in metabolism-meddling quick fixes or crash diets, so we said no to the shakes and bars diets, but we did like the look of one option, called Bodychef

WHAT IS IT? This is a complete menu of meals delivered directly to your door in chilled hampers every two or three days. It’s a lazy cook’s dream, as it’s all measured out for you and planned so that all you have to do is open the pot, or stick it in the microwave.

You have a dedicated number of calories every day, worked out based on your current weight, level of activity and so on. It’s all there for you, from your breakfasts through to your dinners, and includes snacks through the day too. The only thing not included is the skimmed milk you’re allowed for stuff like tea, coffee and cereals.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Actually, it’s really not bad at all. The food is delicious most of the time, although we tried a number of different diet ‘themes’ and the Superfoods one was a bit earnest, with stuff like bean paste and tofu blueberry fool. But the Mediterranean plan and the Flat Stomach plans were both lovely.

the calories are marked on the bags and the menus, it’s easy to do a bit of swapping if you wanted. We found a lot of the breakfasts were sweet, with fruit or yoghurt being the main ingredient, so we tried swapping that for eggs or something else, and it was easy to work that out.

WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD? Well, you need to be at home to receive the deliveries, so that’s something that might not be ideal if you work in an office all day, and we were really conscious of how much packaging is involved – from the tubs and pots and bags everything is packaged individually in to the boxes, hampers and chilling blocks. Also the deliveries leaked a couple of times, so one hamper had pink liquid all over everything when we unpacked it, but that doesn’t happen all the time, we think we might have been unlucky. It also takes up quite a bit of fridge space.

OVERALL? This isn’t a cheap option, at around £19-20 per person per day, and probably wouldn’t be ideal for someone with a family to feed at the same time, due to the fiddling around with two sets of eating. But as an option for singles or couples, it’s great.

Also, one of the best things about this diet was the re-education part. Eating the portions prepared by someone else makes you realise just how big portions can be when you cook yourself, so it was a wakeup call to see what a low volume of food is actually required to fuel a day.

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN? Yes, definitely. The food on the whole was lovely, and the results were tangible, with good steady weight loss and a general feeling of wellbeing and health.

For more information visit www.bodychef.com

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT IT? Top of the list is not having to think about food. Anyone who has tried to lose weight will probably have found themselves in that place where one ends up obsessing about food; counting points or calories, planning meals and generally thinking about nothing but food – but this means you don’t have to. You just open your little pots on the right days and off you go. The meals are freshly made – and we mean fresh, not like ready meals or mass produced stuff – this looks like someone has made it in their kitchen at home, and a real benefit was trying new meals or dishes that we wouldn’t normally make. Also, because

- food & drink|Review -

February 2015

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2AA Rosettes

Come and sample our hot dishes, sushi and cocktails

We look forward to serving you

38 East Street, Horsham, West Sussex. www.wabi.co.uk T: 01403 788140 E: info@wabi.co.uk

BRIGHTON

PRESENTING OUR STUNNING NEW LOOK

Following an extensive refurbishment Genting Casino Brighton has been transformed into the area’s premier gaming destination • Enjoy a refreshing drink or cocktail from our stylish new bar • Relax and enjoy a bite to eat in our comfortable new seating area • Play your favourite casino games on our fabulous gaming floor • Experience first class service from our knowledgeable team

gentingcasinobrighton.com Genting Casino Brighton, 6-8 Preston Street, Brighton BN1 2HN Tel: 01273 725101 /GentingCasinoBrighton

Booking is required

Taking iT slowly wiTh seÑor Buddha If you like your dining to be a constantly evolving, exciting experience, chances are you’re a fan of pop-up restaurants. Absolute’s Sam Harrington-Lowe and Frida Clementz went along to check out Brighton’s increasingly well-renowned and respected Señor Buddha….

TeLL uS ABouT IT Señor Buddha is a Brighton and Hove pop up restaurant – which for those of you who aren’t familiar with the concept is exactly what it sounds like. It pops up in different venues, with a changing menu and a single night of covers each time. Food is ordered in advance and there are two sittings each time. The food here is served as tapas or the slightly larger sets of raciones – you choose any five dishes from the tapas menu or two raciones and two tapas. The choices are both creative and exciting – it makes a real change from booking your local for dinner.

WHAT dId you eAT? This is a tapas place, so you get to choose a load of different options. We chose:12 hour slow cooked Thai pork belly – served with spicy cabbage broth Seafood stew – an Asian take on Catalan fish stew Oxtail spring rolls – our take on the Spanish classic rabo del toro Salt & pepper calamari – served with wasabi aioli Aromatic soy lamb cutlets - served with an apple, radish & rocket salad Asian tuna tartare and Iberian ham – served with an avocado & wasabi purée Lemongrass halloumi – served on Asian puy lentils with a lemon & ginger air (v) Goats cheese roundels – breaded roundels served with Thai red curry jelly (v)

WoW – THAT SoundS good It was. Star of the show without a doubt is the oxtail Spring Roll – we could’ve eaten a logpile of those but the tuna tartare was heavenly too – really fresh and clean with a zingy hit of wasabi – and the Halloumi was a surprise marvel. The lamb was very pink, so not for the faint-hearted, but there wasn’t anything wrong with any of it. Some really well-matched flavours going on too. dId you do deSSeRT? Actually, we just couldn’t do it. The beauty of tapas is that it comes out gradually, rather than a huge meal all in one go, so you eat slowly and have a chance to chat and relax, and get stuck into the very respectable red wine. It’s a very civilised way of eating and helps to prevent over-stuffing yourself by eating in a rush.

“The beauty of tapas is that it comes out gradually, so you eat slowly and have a chance to chat and relax, and get stuck into the very respectable red wine.”

Sum IT up FoR uS This is a really fun way to eat out, with the venue being different each time. The food is excellent, although the service was a little chaotic. But the atmosphere is buzzing and lively, so you don’t really care. I’ve already booked for the February date.

a set price per person of £22 with additional cost for dessert. For more information visit www.senorbuddha.co.uk

- FOOd & drInk|review -

FeBruary 2015

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Nick

LOVE A BUDDING MIND AND BODY Get informed and get healthy this February with Nick Love’s guide to maintaining an allotment

F

or me, February is a time for reflection on the allotment.

Having done most of the digging in November and December, I spend the dry, frost-free days pruning fruit trees, digging trenches for runner beans, which I will fill with food waste, planning the year ahead and contemplating the year ended.

As the days begin to lengthen towards Spring I feel a renewed sense of optimism. Making plans for the seasons ahead. I savour the crisp fresh air. I admire the panorama from Beachy Head to the Isle of Wight, framed by the horizon and our piers, Palace and West. After five years of tending allotments, I have had the time to analyse the reasons why I take such pleasure from this pastime and why I appreciate my allotment so much.

In 2013, Brighton and Hove Allotment Federation carried out a survey of allotment holders on behalf of BHCC in order to inform the council’s allotment strategy from 2014 till 2024. One of the sentences in the foreword really caught my eye.

“The findings of the research and consultation work that inform this strategy are also important for broader work on health and wellbeing, healthy ageing, physical activity and environmental sustainability.”

More than 1,700 people had responded to the survey, out of almost 6,000 people involved in allotment gardening in Brighton and Hove – an unprecedented response rate to a political survey, only surpassed by the recent events up north.

As expected, most allotment holders cited the fact that they were able to enjoy a healthy diet. They felt more informed about their produce, being directly involved in the use of pesticides and managing the seasonality of crops. Many growers chose a purely organic approach.

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FebruAry 2015

“An allotment is a place to switch off from the pressures of modern life and reacquaint oneself with the much slower, ancient calendar of the seasons.”

It was also widely recognised that the regular tending of an allotment provided an opportunity for healthy exercise in the open air. All that digging, fetching, carrying and bending add up to a valuable few hours of workout week on week.

A surprisingly large number of people highlighted the stress relieving qualities of keeping an allotment. Many cited their allotment as a place of refuge from the pressures of work and urban living. An allotment is a place to switch off from the pressures of modern life and reacquaint oneself with the much slower, ancient calendar of the seasons. Nature’s deadlines are more forgiving than the structures imposed by work.

A number of respondents made links between allotment gardening and improved mental health. It was felt that undertaking a few simple tasks on an allotment contributed to improvements in wellbeing of those who suffer from depressive illnesses. Some people noted that they were able to reduce their intake of anti-depressants over time and in discussion with their GP. Few growers cited cheaper produce as a benefit. However, all felt that the other benefits greatly outweighed the marginal extra cost of growing your own.

I agree with the findings above. I have a

- LifestyLe|GardeninG -

busy job which requires me to work to tight deadlines. My allotment is an oasis of tranquillity in the midst of a sometimes hectic life.

It also keeps me in touch with nature. I take pleasure in every encounter with frogs, toads, newts, mice, rats, moles, voles, birds and foxes. These are interactions which I remember from my childhood, but have been long absent in my adult life.

My allotment is a place to think. It is a place to enjoy. It is a place for me.

Absolute CinemA Guide with bill murrAy Shaun the Sheep (Out 6th February) One of the nation’s favourite woolly friends is back, and this time he’s on the big screen!

Originating from the hugely popular Aardman Animation’s stop-motion series ‘Wallace and Gromit’, Shaun the Sheep was first on our TV screens in 1995 and has since been a regular feature with his own spin-off series. However, this is the first movie adaptation for the character and it’s certainly not one to miss.

Directed by Mark Burton and Richard Starzack, the plot follows Shaun as he begins his day off and decides to have a little fun, but in true Shaun the Sheep style things don’t go exactly to plan. A mix up with the farmer, a caravan and a rather steep hill finds mischievous Shaun and his lovable flock in the Big City, where it’s up to Shaun to find everyone and make sure they get home safe and sound.

It’s definitely a 4/5 from me. Fantastic characters, very funny, and perfect for kids of all ages. A sure family favourite!

Focus (Out 27th February) Written and directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa (Bad Santa, Cat & Dogs), Focus is a dramatic comedy with a fantastic cast including Will Smith (Men in Black, Hitch) and Margot Robbie (Wolf of Wall Street, About Time).

Smith stars as Nicky, the veteran con-man who takes a young attractive girl under his wing to teach her the ways of the game.

However, things soon get complicated as they start to become romantically involved and Jess gets a little too close for comfort, causing Nicky to break it off.

Fast-forward three years and they meet again, but on opposite sides of the same scam: a billionaire international race car owner. Trained by the best, Jess is now an experienced femmefatale but in his most elaborate scam yet, can Nicky keep his head in the game and resist his own creation?

With great screenwriters and a strong chemistry between the lead actors this film is a great watch and echoes the excitement brought by iconic films such as Ocean 11.

It’s a 3/5 for me – go see it and you won’t be disappointed.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (Out 13th February) Based on the acclaimed comic book series, “Kingsman: The Secret Service” tells the story of Eggsy, a wayward but promising youth growing up in a rough neighbourhood. With his father deceased, Eggsy knows nothing of his father’s secret past as a ‘Kingsman’, a secret spy, but the time has come for him to learn.

As the secret spy agency recruit him for training, Harry Hart (Colin Firth), a veteran secret agent, sees his potential and takes him under his wing.

However, meanwhile the twisted tech genius Valentine (Samuel L. Jackson with a very funny thick lisp!) launches a diabolical plan to conquer the world and he must be stopped. Can Eggsy become a Kingsman and stop him before his plan succeeds?

Directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) and starring big names like Michael Caine, Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson, the film is a fantastic agent-spy film made in Britain. With many references to James Bond and comical sequences, this film is both funny and thrilling!

Definitely 4/5 stars from me for this very entertaining 007 adolescent imitation. Certainly not one to be missed!

- Culture|Film -

February 2015

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LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT Get away this Valentine’s Day with a romantic trip to Seychelles’ Silhouette Island Words by Simon D’Arcy Abbott

“A hike through the tropical jungle will make any newlyweds feel like they are the first to explore this disarmingly beautiful paradise.”

A

pproached from a distance Silhouette Island is a striking sight, with an expansive tropical forest enclosing an imposing mountain whose peak tips into a crown of clouded glory.

Located along a 2.5km stretch of powder-soft beach, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is a hub of relaxation; pristine beaches, modern and spacious villas, a first class spa and fine dining. The resort’s comprehensive range of couple’s packages are designed to maximise the island’s full romantic potential, ensuring all the guest’s needs are taken care of to the very last detail.

Upon arrival at the airport couples are whisked away across the Indian Ocean in an exhilarating speedboat or helicopter transfer. Guests then choose between the beautiful Garden Villas and the picturesque Beachfront Villas, featuring bright natural contemporary furnishings, wonderful pitched timber ceilings, delightful outdoor showers and wooden verandas leading onto lush exotic gardens and white sandy beaches. The spacious Deluxe Hillside and Deluxe Beachfront Villas come with private swimming pools, large circular bathtubs and thatched outdoor dining rooms, ideal for candlelit bathing and dinners.

For the ultimate intimacy, privacy and splendour, the hillside Presidential Villa is the pride of Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. With panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the spacious two bedroom villa boasts an extravagant private deck and one of the largest private swimming pools, along with your own secluded beach.

During the couples’ stay, a romantic evening turndown service is provided where the bed is strewn with frangipani and hibiscus and an atmospheric scented flower bath prepared. If you’re looking to get out and about to soak up the local culture there is also a variety of restaurants, all serving fine food in romantic settings too; ranging from modern Italian at Portobello under the stars, to fresh seafood and Japanese at Sakura, to traditional Seychellois Creole cuisine served in a beautifully restored 140year old plantation house.

Couples will find a wide range of enchanting excursions to suit all desires. The magnificent reefs showcase a staggering array of marine life, while on-shore, a hike through the tropical jungle will make any newlyweds feel like they are the first to explore this disarmingly beautiful paradise.

For the ultimate in luxury living, couples must visit the Silhouette Spa at Labriz; truly one of the most strikingly beautiful spas in the world, designed to bring the elements of nature closer to guests and to offer an organic, raw and natural ambience with a treatment menu to match. The spa boasts spacious indoor and outdoor couples therapy suites, which offer unrivalled views of the jungle-clad slopes of Mount Dauban and the Indian Ocean.

The comprehensive spa menu ranges from instruction in the ancient art of yoga to the pacifying effects conveyed by the secrets of Balinese therapies, to Seychelles island spa rituals, leaving you feeling cleansed and revitalised.

The ‘launching point’ for all on-island and sea pursuits, the Eco Centre, affords couples the chance to discover the marine world of the Seychelles, as well as Silhouette Island, through hiking and exploratory journeys of the island’s natural biodiversity. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa also lays claim to the only five star National Geographic PADI diving center in the Seychelles region. Furnished with a decompression chamber and equipment suited to divers of every experience level, adventure is assured.

Back on dry land fascinating guided mountain walks through the jungle with the resident naturalist explains and brings to life the spectacular sights and wildlife endemic to this equatorial forest.

Whether you opt to explore Silhouette’s breath-taking natural beauty or wile away the days beachcombing, relaxing at the spa and indulging in fine dining experiences, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa will provide you with an unforgettable escape in one of the world’s most romantic settings.

Direct booking: Hilton Seychelles Labriz resort & Spa: t: +248 429 39 49 e: sezlb.info@hilton.com W: www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com  LeaD-in Price: kuoni (01306 747008 or www.kuoni.co.uk) offers 7 nights with breakfast at the 5-star Hilton Labriz, Seychelles in a garden villa, including flights with emirates airlines from gatwick and group transfers in resort. Prices for 2015 are from £2,069 per person, based on two sharing. to book please quote: io0381

EDUCATION news NO BRIDGE TOO FAR There are certain games that appear to have passed the current generation by. From draughts to cribbage to hearts; there are games that seem to have been left by the wayside as the Xbox One and PS4 take control of what is deemed to be ‘fun’.

However, this may be about to change as a movement initiated by the Sussex County Contract Bridge Association is encouraging youngster who are enthusiastic about card games to get involved.

Several local bridge clubs are offering free tuition to all school and college age students, with tuition sessions available across the county including areas such as Hove, Worthing, Horsham and Eastbourne.

“Bridge has picked up a bit of a reputation for being an older person’s game but some of the best players in the world are under 25,” says Andy Ryder, Chairman of the SCCBA. “Lots of young people are getting into poker at the moment and bridge is a far greater challenge. We want to find the next generation of great players.”

For more information on tuition in your local area visit www.sccba.co.uk or call 07905 112878.

TIME TO SHOW AND TELL Burgess Hill School for Girls will be opening their doors this month as they host a ‘See Us at Work’ Open Morning on Monday 2nd February.

The event will run from 10.45am to 12noon during which time you will be able to visit all areas of the school, including Nursery 51, Junior and Senior School, Sixth Form and the boarding houses.

If you are unable to attend it will not be your last chance, as the school will be holding its Spring Open Morning on Saturday 28th Feb from 9.30am to 1pm and during both days there will be a chance to meet the Headmistress, Mrs Kathryn Bell, as well as numerous members of staff.

For more information on Open Days or any general information please call 01444 241050, email registrar@burgesshill-school.com or visit www.burgesshill-school.com

A HOSTEL WITH A DIFFERENCE

OFFERS THEY CAN’T REFUSE Brighton College has upstaged its rivals as its students received more offers to study at Oxbridge than any other school in Sussex.

The average independent school in the UK last year received just under five offers, however, Brighton College received an incredible 29 letter from Oxford and Cambridge delivering the good news.

It is just another sign of the school’s continued rise in academic prominence as it has received a steady increase in Oxbridge offers since four pupils were recipients in 2006.

“This is a fantastic achievement and I am absolutely delighted for the pupils,” says Brighton College’s head of sixth form Daniel Gabriele. “They are really talented and hardworking, of course, but above all they are passionately interested in their chosen subjects - and this is what shines through at interviews. I think that’s why half of the pupils who went up for interviews this year received offers. I am pleased too for our teachers, whose inspirational extension classes underpin our fifty eight Oxbridge offers in just two years.”

Some much-needed affordable tourist accommodation is now available in the city centre after the opening of Brighton’s ‘Poshtel’ on Old Steine Road in January.

The hostel was transformed from the former Royal York Hotel thanks to more than £1.2 million of investment and now features 180 beds and has also created 31 new jobs in the local economy.

However, in classic Brighton style it is not your everyday youth hostel. This luxury hostel features the familiar bunk beds but you’ll also find king-sized bedrooms, edgy décor from local artists, stylish black bathrooms, a bar and restaurant and amazing sea views. Much like our unique town, it is sure to leave impression.

“YHA Brighton is in a prime location and it is part of our commitment to making sure that we continue to have world class hostels that are modern, comfortable, welcoming and well-located but, most importantly, accessible to everyone,” explains Chief Executive of YHA, Caroline White. “We expect thousands of young people to experience this Youth Hostel and the city of Brighton every year, helping us make a significant contribution to securing Brighton’s place on the international tourist map.”

We

Hurst Prep because...

”...I was the Angel; it was scary but exciting!”

NEXT OPEN DAY: 14th March 2015 Hurstpierpoint College College Lane Hurstpierpoint West Sussex BN6 9JS 01273 836936

Hurst www.hppc.co.uk

Feel free in the forest

Looking for something to do with the kids at half term, or thinking about an Easter break? Center Parcs is just the thing, says Sam Harrington-Lowe

T

he benefits of going away are always profound. Say what you like about staycations, I like to get away from my home, away from the laptop and the nagging housework, away from the same walls and messy bathroom, away from the to-do list. But heading overseas and flying isn’t always a picnic – especially with kids.

The packing, the getting to the airport, the queuing at security, endless hanging about and then transfers at the other end – before you even start to think about the time in the air, trying not get backache or hate everyone else’s kids. Actually, sometimes it’s just nice to jump in the car and be on holiday in less than two hours.

That’s what Center Parcs has always meant to me. It’s going on holiday, without all the hassle. I’ve been a few times, so when the chance to check out the newest destination in Woburn Forest came up, I jumped at it.

Threw myself at it really.

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There’s something very Ikea about Center Parcs, perhaps unsurprisingly. But I’m always struck by how well packaged it is. You really do just pull up at the arrival window and take out your brain. They tell you what to do – park here, get your bikes there, here’s a map; that’s your lodge etc – for someone who manages teams of people and deadlines all the time, it’s utter heaven having someone do the thinking and planning for you. You get your wristband, which is a waterproof key for everything, from opening your lodge door or paying for food, to securing your locker or bike, or booking an activity, and off you go.

Woburn, like all Center Parcs, is set in a forest and for me one of the nicest things is getting on the bike and losing the car.

Life seems much simpler and less stressful on two wheels. Cycling through the tall trees without engines to shatter the peace is the first step to relaxation. The next step is arriving at the lodge to find that the pre- Culture|travel -

booked hamper of essentials is laid out on the table – tea, coffee, bread, biscuits, fruit and other goodies – whilst the fridge offers up stuff like milk, bacon, sausages, cheddar, eggs… No driving, and no shopping. Nice.

The hamper stuff is enough to get everyone some tea, toast or sandwiches and fruit before the unstoppable teens just vanish off to the huge tropical swimming area. My prediction before the weekend was that we’d hardly see them and I was right. They practically lived in the endless steamy burble of rapids, flumes, wave machines and slides.

We’d booked a couple of activities, so the two girls had an underwater aqua-jetting experience (pictured) one morning, and we’d booked laser clays. It’s very chilled, and nothing is more than five minutes’ cycling.

What I always appreciate is how smooth everything is. You leave your lodge, unlock your bike and pedal gently to where you’re going. From the minute we arrived, I felt like we were on go-slow.

“Life seems much simpler and less stressful on two wheels. Cycling through the tall trees without engines to shatter the peace is the first step to relaxation.”

The second afternoon my other half and I were booked into the spa for a spa session – for which we were told we’d need three hours – and a massage. The Aqua Sana spa is absolutely something you need to do if you visit – it’s an extraordinarily indulgent way to relax and lose a few hours. The minimum age for the spa area is 14 and the girls, who are both still 13, were properly hacked off not to be able to come too. On reflection it would have been fine to wangle them in on the QT, but anyway, an excuse to go back perhaps. And it is very nice to have a quiet space where there are no kids.

The spa area is laid out over two floors and an outside pool, with a huge range of saunas and steam rooms, scented with herbs and minerals. As well as that, there’s vast tropical rain showers and heated relaxation rooms, plunge pools and footbaths – we scoffed at the three hour suggestion but actually you could easily kill a day in there. My favourite bit was the outside pool with its huge taps, pummelling down on your tired and aching

shoulders as you breathe the fresh air and smells of the forest all around you. It’s an experience I want to repeat as soon as possible.

What’s excellent about the whole Center Parc experience is how very well it serves every member of the family, whatever age. There are activities and sports for all, restaurants to suit every taste, lodges with space for whatever you can bring in your car, and some. It feels safe and secure – the kids were basically feral from the minute we arrived – so everyone enjoys some freedom (mums particularly) – and you can book babysitters who come on site to your lodge if you want an adult night out.

I’ve always been a fan and Woburn really just reconfirmed my fandom. I’m just counting my pennies to see if we can go back for the half term. Maybe I’ll see you there.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW All the above notwithstanding, Center Parcs is not a cheap holiday. It’s a relaxing and seamless experience but you pay for that

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smooth delivery, and it costs more than a package holiday in many cases. Novices need to know that you really should book everything ahead of the trip, because by the time you arrive, pretty much everything is snapped up. I recommend stumping up for the food hamper, as it saves you buying loads of shopping to take with you, and aside from the activities you book, if you want a nice restaurant in the evening it’s best to book that too. We’d booked for the Saturday night but not the Friday and we had to do the rounds before we could find a table for four. Having said it’s expensive, it’s worth checking for special deals though, and if you sign up for their newsletter you’ll get the heads up on those.

February half-term breaks at Woburn Forest in 2015 currently start from £599 Easter breaks at Woburn Forest in 2015 currently start from £929 For more information or to book a break, call 03448 267 723 or visit www.centerparcs.co.uk

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SuSSex buSineSS awardS

What The 26th Sussex Business Awards Where The Grand Hotel, Brighton

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Why Five hundred of the county’s leading business people gathered to celebrate business excellence across the region

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Who 1. The winners of Sussex business awards 2. Cllr brian Fitch, Mayor of brighton & Hove, nora Fitch, Margaret Field, Lord Lieutenant of east Sussex Peter Field, dr davina redman, brian redman and Simon Fanshawe 3. emma Colbran, Casey dodson and danielle dickinson 4. Jason edge, ryan Heal and Jeremy burbidge 5. Mayo wynne baxter Table

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6. Caraline brown 7. Chairman of the Judges - Mike Herd 8. amanda Horlington, daniel white, Sam Harrington-Lowe and Frida Clementz 9. Sarah Coxhill, Mark ansell, Martin williams and Tom naylor 10. ViP table including (in no particular order) Caroline and richard Lucas from brighton & Hove City Council, Gary and Kate Peters, LoveLocalJobs.com, ana Christie and david Sheppard of Sussex enterprise, Keith and Tracy Smith of Homes Partnership, Gordon ross of Phoenix Systems, Julie ross of abC Translations and Luke Thompson from Hays recruitment

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11. The Grand Hotel

Photos: Julia Claxton

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Images: Mike Page of Pageturner Photography

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TIME FOR AN UPGRADE A year of transformation has seen Cardens Accountants expand more than just its business, as Daniel White finds out

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alking up the stairs to a new office on Albany Mews there is an overriding sense of significance. The grandeur of the building is equally as impressive as its transformation from the derelict casino it once was to the business hub it has become.

Built as The Hove Club in 1882, it is now home to Cardens Accountants and Business Advisers, and in the past year both have seen a transformation in more ways than one.

After out-growing their Church Road based premises, Cardens began the search for a new office in the centre of Hove and, after agreements were made to lease the office just off Fourth Avenue, a year of renovation took place to transform the building into a spacious modern workplace.

“It’s taken a fair old time,” begins Cardens’ founder and partner, Barry Carden. “But we have created a much nicer client experience now. There are more meeting rooms and we’ve been able to design a client lounge area with TV to make ‘visiting your accountant’ a less stressful time.”

However, it is not just the building that has seen changes as the company continues to grow after nine years in business.

“We were at the stage where we just couldn’t fit any more people in where we were, so we were looking for some extra space,” explains Barry. “We hope now that this helps us kick on. We’ve got room for more people in here so obviously part of the reason for moving is to gradually employ more people, which is all a function of winning more work.”

As a founder of the business, Barry has seen it grow from an idea into one of Brighton and Hove’s most successful accountants, and with it he has seen the numbers grow.

“When we started off nine years ago there were two qualified accountants and now we have 14; I keep losing count of how many we’ve got,” he jokes. “We used to have around three or four trainees and now we have twelve; we had one bookkeeper and now we have four. So the number and scale is what drives us forward and that in itself makes it easier to service more clients and a larger variety of their needs. In general, the workflow is easier to manage because there are just more people to deal with it.”

With a spacious air thanks to its high ceilings, glass walls and wide staircases, the building possesses a truly impressive environment, and one that is sure to be appreciated by staff and clients alike.

“I think we’re relatively done for a while now,” says Barry.

“There’s not a lot of point in moving to somewhere you’re then going to fill up straight away, so I think we’re going to be here for a while and we will make the most of the environment we’ve created here.”

After another look around the open plan offices I say my farewells and head back down the palatial staircase and back through the heavy double doors, to where nothing is as grand.

Cardens Accountants LLP, The Old Casino 28 Fourth Avenue, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2PJ Tel: 01273 739592, Fax: 01273 778665, Email: info@cardens4u.co.uk

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Aaron

Thorpe

Health Insurance: Protecting yourself, your family and your business

Healthcare insurance provides reassurance to you, your family or your business at a time you need it the most What is healthcare insurance? Often referred to as private medical insurance, it is designed to cover the costs of private treatment for curable, short-term illnesses or injuries, otherwise known as ‘acute conditions’. Most policies will automatically cover cancer treatment from start to finish even if terminal, so in this particular situation not necessarily ‘acute’.

Why pay for healthcare insurance?

A key reason is the avoidance of long waiting lists, something the NHS is often faced with.

It’s all about receiving the best treatment in a timely fashion, ensuring you can get back to work and enjoying your life as soon as possible.

You can receive a more prompt referral to a consultant, arrange treatment at a convenient time to suit you, access to treatments and drugs that aren’t available on the NHS and a high-quality private clinic and hospital accommodation.

How does it help you run a business? If you implement healthcare insurance into your business, your employees will then benefit from receiving prompt treatment to help return them to work as soon as possible, thus reducing days of absence caused by waits for NHS treatment.

It can also attract people to come and work for you or stay with the company as it provides a high-value benefit and peace of mind to employees.

When you need to use it, how does it work? First port of call should be your GP. From their diagnosis, they can then refer you for specialist treatment and it is at this point you need to make the GP aware that you have healthcare insurance.

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“Your employees will benefit from receiving prompt treatment to help return them to work as soon as possible.”

Before any private treatment is arranged a call must be made to your insurer to check that each stage of the treatment is covered.

The hospital or consultant will then invoice the insurance company or you for payment. You may have an excess, deductible or shared responsibility on the policy and it is worthwhile finding out from the outset how much that is and when you need to pay it.

What is not covered? Essentially “chronic” conditions (long term illnesses that are not curable) are not covered under healthcare insurance. Likewise pre-existing conditions (depending on the underwriting option of the policy and insurer in question) are usually automatically excluded.

Some other policy exclusions may be: • Any treatment outside of the UK (International PMI may be available depending on the insurer) • Routine pregnancy and childbirth • AIDS • Alcoholism, drug abuse or self-inflicted injuries • Cosmetic treatment • Kidney dialysis • Organ transplant - Business|ColumN -

Speak to your insurer or insurance broker for the full list of exclusions, which can sometimes differ significantly between various insurance provider’s policy terms and conditions.

What impacts the cost of the cover? There are four main elements which can affect the pricing of healthcare insurance policies, these are health history, medical inflation, age band and claims history.

Are there many insurers who provide healthcare insurance? Yes there are quite a few now, such as; PruHealth, Aviva, BUPA, AXA PPP Healthcare, Exeter Friendly, Simplyhealth, The Permanent Health Company and WPA. Most insurers can be contacted directly but you can also engage an insurance broker who should have access to most and then be able to provide a comparison between the various prices and policy covers available for you to make an educated choice.

For more advice please contact…

Aaron Thorpe, Client Handler Preston Insurance Brokers, 11 Hollingbury Place, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 7GE T: 0845 129 7505 E: aaron@prestonib.co.uk W: prestonib.co.uk

BUSINESS news

HOUSE PRICE RISE IN SOUTH EAST TOPS UK House prices in the south east are set to rise by five per cent over the next 12 months, topping the country’s increasing prices.

In October it was announced that house price growth in the south east had outstripped the capital and that has continued with the announcement that prices in London are barely set to rise at all over the next year. With buyers being priced out of the capital, it is the south east that is feeling the ripple effect. Across the UK, RICS expect most parts of the country to see modest price rises during 2015, bolstered by recent changes to stamp duty and the lack of property.

“2014 was a significant year for the property market as a more broadly based recovery took hold,” explains RICS Chief Economist, Simon Rubinsohn. “Help to Buy funding helped to support the turnaround alongside the more positive trend in the wider economy. That said, the bigger affordability issue is not going to go away highlighting just how important it is to speed up the supply

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

FREE business and legal training sounds too good to be true but thanks to the Acumen Business Academy it is now more than just a fantasy.

Following the opening of their new Gatwick office in October, Acumen Business Law are offering exclusive, high-level business and legal training to business executives in the Gatwick Diamond community.

While the firm has been running such a scheme in Brighton and Hove for a number of years, this is the first of its kind in the Gatwick area and is intended to offer an enhanced insight into the important matters affecting business as well as providing a platform for business executives to network and meet new clients.

If you would like to get involved, the Academy is launching with a legal seminar on Thursday 12th February at the Gatwick office.

To reserve you place or for more information visit www.acumenbusinesslaw.co.uk

pipeline of new homes over the coming years’’

Fiona Shafer

NOT A LOAD OF BARRACKS

ALL CHANGE AT BRIGHTON MDHUB

The £150m redevelopment of the former Preston Barracks site has moved a step closer after the University of Brighton and developers Cathedral Group exchanged contracts with Brighton and Hove City Council.

Once complete, the Lewes Road site and adjacent University of Brighton land will provide new academic buildings, 1,300 bedrooms of student accommodation, 350 new homes, 25,000sq-ft of retail space and this employment-led regeneration is predicted to make 740 jobs over a ten year period.

The news comes after it was announced that the Government will inject £7.7m into the Barracks development as part of a £17.4m investment in University of Brighton research and buildings.

“We are very proud to be starting work on our second major site in Brighton, one of the most forward thinking and creative cities in the UK,” says Richard Upton, Chief Executive of Cathedral Group (Holdings) Ltd. “This is a major development project and will create a new gateway to the city from the north, further establishing the University at the centre of Brighton’s economic life.”

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The south east’s premier peer-to-peer business growth network has undergone a change in the company’s structure.

Fiona Shafer, who has 18 years experience in business management, has taken on the role of Managing Director at MDHUB while Kerry Kyriacou, who has more than a decade’s experience as an accredited Business Adviser, has become the Associate Group Development Manager.

There is another new addition in the form of Ruth Maddison, who takes on the role of Marketing Coordinator following more than 20 years in marketing communications and PR. “These appointments herald an exciting new phase for MDHUB and I am thrilled that we have been able to strengthen our team to reflect our on-going commitment to provide a quality service and expand the membership,” says Director of the MDHUB, Phil Green. “Fiona has worked as a Director of the Hub for the past six years and I am confident that her talent and vision, together with help from the rest of the team, will ensure that it goes from strength to strength.”

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SuSSex FOOD & DRINK AWARDS What The ninth annual Sussex Food & Drink Awards ceremony Where The Amex Stadium, Brighton Why Over 350 business leaders gathered to celebrate and support local farmers, producers and food and drink businesses in Sussex

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Who 1. The winners of Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2. east Sussex National 3. Sussex Food Producer of the Year, Cocoa Loco 4. Sussex Food Shop of the Year, Rushfields Farm Shop 5. Sussex eating experience of the Year, The Curlew Restaurant 6. Charlie and Sarah Hughes 7. Tim Sheed and Anna Wiewiora 8. Grand finalist for Sussex Young Farmer of the Year Charlie Hughes with his team from Charlie’s Farm Shop and friends and family

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9. emily Brown, Daniel Cotton, William Goodwin, Jill and Kevin Cotton 10. Fiona Kaye, Natalie Brown and Fran Sterry 11. Dean and Jennifer Orgill

Photos: www.snapitnow.co.uk

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“We don’t preach, we ask what they want and then inform them correctly. We take the time to get to know them as individuals personally and their business inside out before we even look at the insurances.”

This month Preston Insurance Brokers’ Managing Partner Noel Preston is...…

MINDING HIS OWN BUSINESS

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Fresh from winning the Most Promising New Business category at the 26th Sussex Business Awards in December, Noel Preston reflects on the journey to date and what lies in store We’ve got to talk about the Most Promising New Business award first, how good was that? Yes, we were absolutely chuffed. We are so grateful to everyone that has supported us in our first couple of years, helping us achieve what we have to date and consequently this recognition. More than anything our clients have taken us to this stage and a massive thank you should go their way. We had our second birthday party with clients, business partners and prospects at GARS Chinese in Brighton the night after so the timing could not have been better from a celebration point of view.

For us, this is the result of two years hard work and commitment to providing a level of service to Sussex businesses, which they both need and truly deserve. Just being shortlisted for the award was fantastic, winning truly was the icing on the cake!

However, winning an award in itself doesn’t make you a good or better business but it does give you some well-received positive external recognition. It also provides encouragement to your staff, clients and business partners that we are doing things in the right way.

What important lessons have you learnt while setting up the business? Always be true to yourself and your values. Don’t try and be something or someone that you’re not.

When you are either in an existing business relationship or trying to build a new one, being sincere makes such a difference and it is so obvious to people when you’re not.

Deliver what you promise, manage expectations and set a standard of professionalism, avoiding complacency at all costs.

Any hurdles and how did you get over them? Jumped a couple, stumbled over a few. We are fortunate to have been busy from day one back in December 2012. The main challenge has been ensuring we deliver our service promises, which I am pleased to say

we have through prioritisation and evolving efficiencies.

Due to our growth we have already added to our team to continue to deliver the service standards we have become renowned for, alongside winning new clients and developing the business further.

What do the next three years bring for PiB? More of the same, hopefully! The next three years will take us to the magical five and the plan is to continue to slowly grow the team and the client base in a controlled fashion with an income to support. Keeping our clients on board and happy (currently 99% retention) is our upmost priority – they are also our best salesmen and play a vital part in our evolution.

picture but it is also the most interesting way for us.

We build strong relationships with our clients as well as a good rapport and most importantly trust, driven by honesty and transparency in our dealings. We also like to have some fun along the way and where possible try and enjoy some relaxed and informal time with our clients so we get to know each other better.

What differentiates PiB? One of our clients said we “provide a personal service with a corporate clout”. Bringing the right and deserved level of service to a diverse breadth of businesses is really where we deliver.

Our clients range from an owner of a single rental property to a company employing a few hundred people and everything in between.

Because of our set up and experience we have both the ability and the agility to look after a wide variety of all shapes and sizes of business.

The vast majority of our new clients come from the recommendation of others. A large number of our clients we are happy to call advocates and good friends who, without prompting, spread the word on our behalf, we count ourselves very lucky in this respect.

PiB’s becoming well known in the local community, what does that mean to you?

Everything! We believe businesses should play their part in helping and supporting the local community. We continue to support local sports clubs and associations, in particular those who provide fantastic facilities and support to all ages and abilities with strong family values. In line with this we are extremely pleased to have involvement with well-established clubs in Brighton & Hove Albion, Sussex County Cricket Club, Hove Rugby Football Club and St Peters Cricket Club.

We are also immensely proud to support Rockinghorse Children’s Charity as our chosen charity, with whom we also have a personal connection and experience. They do an amazing job for children who enter this world in a difficult situation. So many children are still with us because of the wonderful work they do and the support they provide to the Trevor Mann Special Care Baby Unit at the Sussex County Hospital and the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital.

Why do your clients believe in your products and services? I think it’s partly because we treat them like human beings. We don’t preach to them, we ask them what they want and then inform them correctly. We take the time to get to know them as individuals personally and their business inside out before we even look at the insurances. Not only is this the best way to form a complete

Are you on target?

After the first year of trading we finished 10% up on target, which we were really pleased with. It was a challenging yet realistic target but nonetheless we were chuffed to achieve that result. For year two we raised the bar and to date we are currently on track and thoroughly looking forward to what the future brings.

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Amanda

Horlington KEEP CALM AND DOWNLOAD THIS APP Find the time to de-stress with Amanda Horlington’s favourite easy-to-use yoga apps

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s British cities go, there can’t be too many that equal Brighton’s concentration of yoga instructors per square mile. Our yogic index must be off the charts. All things spiritual are on our doorstep; if you want your ear holes probed with Hopi candles it’s here, your colon sluicing – no problem, and if it’s mediation you’re after, just assume the lotus position at a nearby Buddhist or Holistic centre.

Over the years I have explored the underbelly of alternative therapies and have even experienced the blissful aftermath of the Loving Kindness Meditation, so much so that I was positively radiating waves of the stuff down North Street to all mankind, early evening revellers included. Meditation really works if you have the time, and there’s the rub. If you have the time to drop into a guided class or two per week then maybe you’re not the time stressed, hamster-wheel soul that really needs it.

I wondered, with so much soul fodder at our fingertips, is Brighton a happier place?

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) thought so in 2013; Brighton was voted third happiest city when examining the link between towns and the temperaments of its citizens. A year later Brighton didn’t make the top ten. Was there a pied piper exodus of the yogic, tantric, healers types?

I doubt it, but if you are feeling a little fraught and you’ve got ten minutes spare to de-clutter your brain I’ve three app ideas that might just help. Of course being Motherboard I have, with due diligence, weeded out any with annoying whale song, celtic harp backing tracks or drawling LA voiceovers. One simply cannot relax when you’re imagining Cher from Clueless, and ‘relaxing music’ has been the ruin of many a massage – or is it just me?

Anyhow, no such problem with Brain Wave – Advanced Binaural Programs. A purely tonal experience, you listen to two different notes played through your headphones

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“If you have the time to drop into a guided class or two per week then maybe you’re not the time stressed, hamster-wheel soul that really needs meditation.” on the left and right side which differ in frequency. The way the brain perceives this difference as an inaudible, periodic beat or binaural beat. After a few minutes the “listener’s own brainwaves will begin to fall into step with, and synchronize with, this binaural beat, inducing states ranging from deep sleep to intense concentration and focus.” Sound like gobbledegook? I thought so too but I’ve used this app to great effect, looked into the background theory and found the science behind it to be credible and well documented.

Headspace is up next. No, not a reference to shops displaying industrial looking bong apparatus in their windows but in fact, ‘A gym membership for the mind’. Treat your head right and the rest will follow is the idea and anyone can start for free with a series of ten minute meditations over ten days. If it’s working for you then a subscription to Headspace gives you access to hundreds of meditation modules which are tailored toward specific goals such as health, concentration or relationships. Under the category of Singles there are mediations to do whilst you are cooking or exercising to bring mindfulness into everyday activities.

The whole thing feels very Brighton in its

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approach; colourful, un-patronising and super laid back.

The last stress-busting app, The Smiling Mind, was developed in Australia; its meditations are aimed at young people from seven years old to adults. Through the introduction of meditation and mindfulness its aim is to help manage stress, build resilience and reduce mental health risks now and in the future. Smiling Mind’s website is full of examples of the benefits of classroom mediation where, with just two minutes of calm focused mindfulness, students learn in a much calmer and effective way.

So, if you find yourself a little frazzled don’t dip into the last of the sherry, stop for a moment, dip into your mind instead, your inner yogic will thank you for it.

Amanda Horlington is the founder of web design and internet marketing company Fusion Marketing. Contact Amanda at amanda@fusion-marketing.co.uk Twitter: @jiggertyjig

AT HOME .. .

We love the combination of our cabinets painted in Snow, walls painted in Lead Light and Somerton Baskets from ÂŁ28 Neptune Hailsham, BN27 1DQ, 01323 849 483, info@neptunehailsham.com

Inside Fold Out - Jacob Armchair in Geometric Jacquard Blue £375.00

ALL ABOARD SS15 trends bring a nautical theme. Think light and airy, with blues and greens, and a real 50s slant to the design.

We’re loving this geometric chair from Next and this House of Fraser breakfast setup. Bring a sense of the seaside into your home…

J by Jasper Conran Teapot, Debenhams £18.00

Maze Dining Table, Furniture Village £603.00

Cut Out Star Marquee Light, BHS £120.00

GreenGate Spot Egg Cup Pale Blue, Occa Home £4.50

Rope Napkin Ring (set of 4), House of Fraser £12.00

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- INTERIORS -

M&S Print Cushion £19.50

Betty Jackson Black Vase, Debenhams £32.00

Stacked Storage Baskets (Set of 3), Littlewoods £40.00

Anchor Mug, House of Fraser £5

- InterIorS -

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Young people in SuSSex get more active through Sportivate There are loads of opportunities for young people in Sussex to get more active through the Sportivate programme

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aunched in 2011 by Sport England to capture the excitement of the London 2012 Olympic Games, £56 million has gone into making Sportivate a successful nationwide Legacy Programme.

Managed locally by Active Sussex – one of the 45 County Sports Partnerships in England, over 10,000 young people aged 11-25 have so far been involved in 1,000 Sportivate courses across the county.

There’s something for everyone – activities vary from traditional team sports such as football, netball and hockey, to more adventurous extreme sports including parkour, wakeboarding and rollerskiing.

Sportivate courses welcome young people from all backgrounds - with specialist disability and female-only courses also available.

The 6-8 week courses are either free or hugely subsidised, making sports usually considered ‘expensive’ such as watersports and golf fully accessible to all. For instance, a seven-week Sportivate windsurfing course offered at Hove Lagoon costs just £25 - less than £4 a session.

2014 was a year of successes for Sportivate in Sussex. Brighton-based girls-only skateboarding project, Sportivate SheShredders won Bronze at the National Sportivate Awards at the Houses of Parliament in October for establishing a prominent female skateboarding scene in Brighton. A weekly Thursday night skateboarding club now operates at Brighton Youth Centre Skatepark, Kemp Town, coached by UK Number 1 female skateboarder Lucy Adams.

She-Shredder Louise Ting spoke of her experience of learning how to skateboard: “It’s the fact that you’re learning something new and you know when you can do it because you land the trick. If you’re not getting it, you won’t land the trick and it won’t feel right, but when you finally get that trick that you’ve been trying to do – it’s amazing.”

22-year-old Ben Slade, a participant at a Sportivate disability project organised

by Chichester-based disability and autism charity Outreach 3 Way was named South

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“6-8 week courses are either free or hugely subsidised, making sports usually considered ‘expensive’ accessible to all.”

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East ‘Sportivate Participant of the Year’.

Ben, who has learning disabilities, signed up for the programme after losing much of his confidence and self-esteem after experiencing some tough personal problems.

He began attending the sports sessions where he had the opportunity to try some new sports, including cricket.

Ben said: “They inspired me and gave me the confidence to try out for the county cricket team. Meeting new friends with Sussex County Disability Cricket squad has been really good, and my ambition for next year is to score more runs for the team.”

For more information, contact Sid Fletcher at sfletcher@activesussex.org or 01273 643838.

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Whether you opt to explore Silhouette’s breath-taking natural beauty or wile away the days beachcombing, relaxing at the spa and indulging in fine dine experiences, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa will provide you with an unforgettable escape.

For room reservations please visit www.hiltonseychelleslabriz.com, Call +248 429 3949 or email sezlb.info@hilton.com

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