Absolute homes october 2013

HOMES

OCTOBER 2013 • FREE

INTERIORS

BUSINESS

Regency Splendour

STRICTLY LIMITED

Meet the county's most exclusive wine-makers

Teeing off with

SPENCER & LEIGH TOTALLY FLOORED Carpet & Rug Ideas

October 2013

Inside HOMES

THE TEAM

INTERIORS

B USINESS

Welcome...

This month we feature our estate agency friends networking at our very own property event at the Sussex County Cricket ground, plus we also accompanied two good sports on a round of golf at the picturesque Mid Sussex golf club. Also in this issue there is a dreamy dream home in Pembroke Road, Hove, and cosy carpet and rugs ideas for the autumn. As always our professional For all advertising and general enquiries contact: Commercial Director: Lynne Edwards Mob: 07931 537588 lynne@absolutehomesmagazine.com Designer: Sally Wynn

columnists will give you the best advice and information – and it’s all FREE.

Lynne

Page 26-28

ABSOLUTELY - Bonkers About Carpets & Rugs

Designer: Dominic Loosemore Production: Michael Brooks Editor: Ian Trevett Publisher: Alan Prior Absolute Homes is published by: The Pinnacle Group

Absolute Homes and Pinnacle 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 publishing; 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.

Legal Matters 8

Howlett Clarke - Don’t suffer in silence when creditors cross the line.

The October collection 10 - 11

A selection of some of the best properties around the City this month.

Dream Home 14 - 15

Jason Dean brings you their dream home from Pembroke Crescent.

Cover photo: Royal Crescent £1,650,000

Conran Column 19

Marketed by Winkworth 01273 772175

A Round of Golf 20 - 21

A stunning Regency property overlooking seafront and south facing communal gardens with 3 grand reception rooms. Beautiful master suite. Separate 1 bedroom cottage

Interiors 26 - 30

See page 9

Paul Zara asks who wants to be a millionaire?

This month Lynne tees off with Spencer & Leigh and asks some probing questions.

Motors 32 - 34

Kia have entered the large saloon market with their Optima and Maarten Hoffmann is impressed. He also brings us his report from the Franfurt Motor Show.

Sport 35 - 39

Sussex Sport editor, Mike Donovan, predicts big things for the county’s rugby scene

Business 40 - 51

Sussex is gaining a great reputation for its wine-making, to the extent that Ullrich Hoffmann moved from his native Germany to join in the English wine revolution.

He tells us about his risky but rewarding venture.

Carpets, rugs and something to sit on.

By Tara de la Motte.

Talk Money 31

Financial and mortgage advice from Claire Cook.

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Helping you find your perfect Hove property Mishon Welton, 94 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2EB

MEADOW CLOSE, HOVE A quite delightful, detached family home, standing in fine secluded plot, with a sunny Southerly aspect.

The accommodation is light, well planned, spacious and beautifully presented throughout.

The Property is situated in a quiet residential location, within immediate proximity of Hove Park.

£999,950

SHIRLEY DRIVE, HOVE, £1,200,000 A delightful detached family home of considerable character, standing in fine large secluded park like gardens, with sunny Westerly aspect. The accommodation is light, well planned and spacious and offers a large roof terrace with fine views, stunning kitchen/breakfast room and ample parking with garage.

01273 778877 • mishonwelton.com

DOWNSIDE, HOVE A superb detached contemporary residence, providing light, airy and exceptionally spacious living space throughout.

This Impressive property, commands an elevated aspect with views towards the sea at the front. With good sized and beautifully landscaped sunny gardens in this highly regarded residential location.

£999,950

wanted We have many buyers looking for property in Hove who are ready and keen to buy.

CHATSWORTH ROAD, BRIGHTON, £439,950 A quite lovely, two bedroom, garden flat of considerable charm and character occupying the entire ground floor of this detached, double fronted, period residence. The property benefits from pleasant gardens which surround the property on 3 sides.

If you would like an up to date valuation for your property from one of the most experienced agents in Hove, or simply a chat about how the property market is moving, then please contact us.

Columnists

The monthly column from our local quality solicitors

Legal Matters with Howlett Clarke Absolute have teamed up with Brighton’s oldest law firm QualitySolicitors Howlett Clarke to bring you a monthly insight into the latest legal issues, with top tips and advice.

Don’t suffer in silence when creditors cross the line.

cause, and made it clear that where a debtor

More than half (52%) of the UK adult

The message from the Court of Appeal

population is struggling to keep up with debt, according to the Money Advice Service (MAS),

has told the bank that they do not wish to discuss their debts via the telephone, then the banks should respect that. Crucially, Mrs Roberts also received damages of £7,500.

ruling is that you should not suffer silently. Being in debt is not a crime

an increase of 17% since 2006.

and creditors should accept

Meanwhile, the debt collection industry

the sand that they should not

has been posting massive profits, mainly it

cross. If they do, they may

seems from recovering debts under regulated

face serious consequences

consumer credit agreements, such as loans,

which could end up in

store cards, credit cards, payday lending and

criminal as well as civil

hire purchase agreements.

proceedings.

However, some of the methods of recovery

If a consumer is being

used by lenders and their agents have been

harassed by telephone they

in the spotlight lately. Many lenders and their

should firstly ensure that they

debt collectors will use telephone contact as

note down all calls and then write

a tool to pressure people into paying their

to the callers, be it creditor or

debts, often when there is simply no money

debt collector, and ask them to

available to pay. Consumers are left to suffer

stop calling and deal with the

the stress and pressure that creditor calls

matter in writing only. Above all,

place on them with nowhere to turn.

if the creditors continue to ring,

that there is a line drawn in

then they should where possible However,consumers are beginning to fight back

seek legal advice. Do not suffer in

against unfair and unwarranted harassment by

silence.

lenders and their debt collectors, while the Courts have been prepared to step in.

Paul Tilley and Kate Briscoe, consumer credit experts

In the case of Harrison v Link, Mr Harrison

with Howlett Clarke.

successfully challenged his lender over a

harassing him by phone.

8-9 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AZ

In the case of Roberts v HBOS, the Court

T: 01273 718514

number of breaches of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the way they went about

of Appeal was not sympathetic to the banks’

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ROYAL CRESCENT, BRIGHTON, BN2 ÂŁ1,650,000 FREEHOLD When you think about quality houses in Brighton and Hove this crescent always springs to mind.The curved uniform houses with their communal gardens and uninterrupted sea views are extremely desirable. They ooze period charm and are without doubt breath taking. This house certainly does not disappoint. The reception hall with its rich oak panelling is indeed impressive as is the sitting room beyond. This contrasts with the light and airiness of the kitchen with its floor to ceiling windows from which to enjoy views to sea. There are a further three floors of accommodation as well as a versatile lower ground floor which can provide separate accommodation if desired or could be incorporated to provide more reception areas if needed. The added bonus:- To the rear of this grand residence is a one bedroom cottage.

Uniformed facade | stunning period features | grand entrance hallway | light & airy kitchen | three grand reception rooms | generous master suite | versatile lower ground floor | one bedroom seperate cottage | flinted walled garden | stunning south facing communal garden

Scan this code to download the Winkworth iPhone app

winkworth.co.uk/brighton-hove 01273 772175 brightonhove@winkworth.co.uk

See things differently.

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The OCTOBER Collection Saltdean

Ditchling Road

A truly delightful 1930’s mock tudor detached family house with a wealth of character and original features together with stunning sea views. The 6 bedroom home property offers potential for extension and there are extensive gardens backing on to this superb coastline.

It has some unique oak carvings above the fireplaces and architraves together with oak wooden flooring to some of the living areas and impressive entrance hall which also boosts wooden panelling.

This stunning 5 bedrooms, 3 reception rooms, Edwardian property offers very spacious light and airy accommodation arranged over three floors. It still retains all of the charm and character associated with properties from this period and is tastefully decorated throughout. Fine period features including; fireplaces, ceiling mouldings, doors and high skirting boards.

A particular feature being the lovely fitted kitchen breakfast room with integrated appliances, beautiful quartz engineered worktops and solid wood cabinets. EPC E53.

• David Webb • 01273 300525 • £760,000

Cornwall Gardens, Preston Park, Brighton This spacious four bedroom, four bathroom detached family home, located on one of the most prestigious roads in Preston Park, is an amalgamation of traditional and contemporary design. Its unique and charming Tudor style exterior is beautifully complimented by its stylish and modern interior.

For those searching for deluxe accommodation at a premium address, this property is close to some of Brighton’s most desirable schools and within half a mile of the nearest train station.

The Lantern Rooms, Brighton

• Mishon Mackay • 01273 766320

• £1,000,000 - £1,100,000

Old Shoreham Rd, North Lancing A beautifully refurbished detached 17th century cottage set in secluded mature gardens with off street parking for several vehicles. The property has been extended in recent years with particular care being taken to retain the many pleasing and original features associated with properties of this period.

The accommodation briefly comprises 3 double bedrooms, cottage style kitchen/breakfast room, lounge with inglenook fireplace, dining room, family bathroom, en-suite shower, exposed beams and floorboards. INTERNAL VIEWING ESSENTIAL.

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• Beaumonts • 01273 550881 • £585,000 Freehold

Skilfully erected between 1836 and 1838 in the prime location of Devonshire Place, this former Synagogue was designed by Britain’s very first Anglo-Jewish architect, David Mocatta. Many typical features of the Regency style still remain, having been sensitively restored and upheld.

Inside, the chaste, symmetry, central doorway and stunning original ceiling lantern still remain, and allow the property a perfect partnership of past and present as well as a great amount of light and charm. This historic conversion displays every last bit of regency architecture and exclusive, modern living.

• Winkworth • 01273 772175 • £695,000

Brighton Seafront

• Peter Burchett Cales & Co. • 01273 422706 • £359,950

A rare opportunity to acquire one of the few remaining entire Regency freehold residences on Brighton Seafront. An elegant five storey house totalling 3,137ft² / 291m², beautifully presented with a wealth of original features and breathtaking panoramic sea views. Five bedrooms, a guest/au pair suite, 3 / 4 reception rooms, a fabulous bespoke kitchen/ dining room, separate utility, 4 bathrooms and cloakroom.

Two balconies, a south facing lawned garden and private parking for 2 /3 cars.

• Oakley Residential • £2,395,000 • 01273 688881

A selection of some of the best properties in and around the City this month.

Dean Gardens, Hove

Poplar Avenue, Hangleton

Light and versatile. Could this be your first house? Offering three bedrooms, two of them double, the other could be a child’s room or study, a modern kitchen/diner, lounge and bathroom and the bonus of a patio/garden. This is a brilliantly situated home, being located just outside of the city but close enough to access. It’s also near to a large Sainsburys, Boundary Road shopping area and good public transport links. Commuting is made easy as it’s just off the A23/A27 to Lewes, London, Steyning and Chichester. If you are looking for value for money, then this property gives just that!

An amazing extended and re-furbished tudor style semi detatched family home positioned in and elevated spot with stunning westerly views and 100ft WEST facing rear garden. There are 4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms and a superb family sized kitchen / diner with bifold doors onto the terrace and the garden.

Off the main bedroom on the top floor is a “Juliet” balcony with sea views to the south and downland views to the north. It is also possible to see the Isle of Wight on a clear day.

In addition a separate “grown ups” lounge and a garage.

Positioned in a lovely family area close to numerous schools.

• Jason Dean • 01273 727000 • £215,000

Surrenden Crescent

Nursery Close, Hurstpierpoint A beautifully maintained three bedroom detached family home, located in a sought after and tucked away cul-de-sac.

Well-proportioned with a light and airy feel throughout.

The kitchen/dining room is double aspect and has been well fitted with ample work space and storage and comes with integrated appliances (dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and fridge/freezer). The dining area has enough space for a large table for up to 10 people. This has the added bonus of having both parking, a garage and a stunning rear garden.

• Elliotts • 01273 322766 • £375,000 Freehold

• Mishon Mackay • 01273 834602 • £399,950

A truly outstanding and individual detached family home measuring 307 square meters/3304 square feet and is brought to the market in immaculate order throughout finished to exacting standards by the current owners and enjoys an elevated, yet secluded setting on one of Brighton’s most popular and sought after tree lined roads.

Accommodation comprises; stunning open plan kitchen/ breakfast/family room, 6 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms and 3 reception rooms and an outdoor heated swimming pool. Viewing essential.

The Droveway, Hove

Carlisle Road, Hove

An exceptional detached residence occupying a prominent corner position of the prestigious Hove Park district. Presented in excellent decorative order with many original features, the house has a contemporary feel making this an exceptionally striking family home. Boasting five bedrooms including a quadruple aspect master bedroom and luxury en-suite, two separate garages, extended gardens to three sides and the versatility to include an additional annexe this property must be viewed internally to be fully appreciated.

A substantial (213.30 sq.metres / 2295.9 sq.feet) semi-detached six double bedroom Edwardian home over three floors in sought after New Church Road area.

It retains a host of period features together with flexible living space, front and rear gardens with side access, complete with a first floor west facing balcony.

• Elliotts • 01273 773399 • £1,275,000

• Austin Gray • 01273 232232 • £1,350,000

• Justin Lloyd • 01273 692424 • £799,500

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Citywide sales & lettings 01273 565566 www.spencerandleigh.co.uk

Private Woodland setting - ÂŁ799,950 A newly built four bedroom detached home finished to a high specification. Four bathrooms. West facing lounge with French doors. Stunning kitchen/dining room.

Gated entrance. Block paved parking.

City fringe - OIRO ÂŁ1,000,000 Unique opportunity to purchase this Grade II Listed Windmill neighbouring the South Downs. Comprising four bedrooms, with stunning panoramic views, parking area & triple garage.

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guestlist What?

Property Professionals Lunch Where?

Boundary Rooms at Sussex County Cricket Club 1

Why?

2

Absolute Magazine hosted the lunch for the leading businesspeople in the city’s property market Who?

3

1. Leigh Brand and Spencer Turner (both Spencer & Leigh), Chris Oakley and James Epps (both Oakleys)

4

2. Alex Jones (Howlett Clarke), Brian Quinton (Metro Bank), Penina Shepherd (Acumen Business Law) and Trevor Mould (Sussex County Cricket Club) 3. Steven Sparks (Sparks Property Developments), Claire Cook (Talk Money), Joanne Darrock and Phoebe Watson (both Leaders) 4. Simon D’arcy-Abbott (Darcy PR), Judy Welsh (Brighton Racecourse) and Sean Healy (Sporting Signs) 5

6

5. Nicola Brown (Hamptons), Paul Zara (Conran), Paul Taggart (Hamptons) and Keith Hatton (Beaumonts) 6. Chris Oakley (Oakleys), Lynne Edwards (Absolute) and Tony Uden (Udens) 7. Naomi Birks (Yelo Architects) and Richard Zinzan (ZSTA Architects) 8. David Aspey (Sussex Surveyors) and Lewis Watts (Creative Development)

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8

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9. Tom Worner (Moore Law) and Julian Bishop (Parsons Son Basley) 10. Zac Toumazi and Tony Cottey (Sussex County Cricket Club) 11. Pieter Grobbelaar (Concordia Dental Health) and Lee Hills (Mayo Wynne Baxter)

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

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Photos: Rosebery Images

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ABSOLUTE Dream Home

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Area: Pembroke Crescent, Hove A fine example of your ‘dream home’ located in the beautiful Pembroke area of Hove. It has recently been superbly refurbished by the current owner who has created a luxurious feel whilst retaining some of the desirable period features.

The ground floor is a wonderful space with the kitchen, breakfast and family room spilling out onto a south aspect garden. All appliances are integrated and there is underfloor heating; wonderfully cosy in winter. The lower ground has been converted into a family/TV room and again, you can access the rear garden - conveniently there is a utility/laundry room and a separate store room. On the first floor you will find three of the six double bedrooms. The master bedroom which is south facing and has an en-suite bathroom and two further double bedrooms sharing a fantastic contemporary family bathroom.The second floor has great storage and the other three double bedrooms which all have their own en-suite shower room. Outside has parking for several vehicles and two single garages.

The property is listed with Jason Dean Asking Price: £1,395,000 • T: 01273 727000

“The complimentary style of this redesign gives the house splendour and warmth, making it all the more inviting and embracing - something we all search for in a home.”

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall who is the fairest of them all? by Natasha Askaroff

*A mirror is an object that reflects light in a way that preserves much of its original quality subsequent to its contact with the mirror.

1,2. Omeletter-ed designed by La Mamba. From £330. Available at Milk Concept Store London www.milkconceptboutique.co.uk 3. Linge Roset Mon Beau Mirror, from £334 4. Modern 20s Mirror, £170.

5. Cantori City Dressing Table with Mirror, £3155.

3,4,5. All available at Heals www.heals.com 6. LEFT TO RIGHT Madison Wall Mirror £195, Madison Full Length Mirror £375, Carlton Glass Framed Full Length Mirror £375, Carlton Glass Framed Wall Mirror £325, FRONT Portland Wall Mirror £125. All from The White Company www.thewhitecompany.com 7. Gudi Adnet Mirror. From £474. Available at Rume www.rume.co.uk 8. Funfun by Violaine d’harcourt www.violainedharcourt.fr *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror

“Our experience and commitment will move you”

Davigdor Road, Hove, BN3 £399,950 - £425,000 3

2

1

A truly unique home with a self-sufficient south facing organic garden which has been loving nurtured by the current owner. It’s close proximity to excellent schools and the ever popular 7 dials and St Ann’s Well park, make this property extremely desirable.

It’s an opportune time to sell your home!

The property market has shown significant signs of recovery during 2013 & there is every indication that autumn will be a very busy period for our team.

Economic growth, increased confidence from buyers and an ongoing shortage of quality homes available for sale all contribute to our view that the best months of the year for selling your home are now upon us.

Our extensive experience, strong presence in Brighton & Hove and intimate local knowledge from our team who work tirelessly to find buyers for our clients, ensure you will have the right combination to achieve the best price for your property.

Whether you are looking to move this autumn, or preparing for a sale in the future, speak to us today to find out how we can be of assistance.

Tel: 01273 727000 Visit: www.jasondeans.co.uk Email: home@jasondeans.co.uk Jason Dean, 1b, Montefiore Road, Hove, BN3 1RD

POYNINGS

A Delightful House in the Heart of this Picturesque Village at the Foot of the South Downs

A charming village house of 17th Century origin providing family accommodation with good size gardens and views to the ridge of the South Downs. Drawing room with inglenook ďŹ replace and exposed timbering, sitting room, cloakroom, kitchen, cellar, four bedrooms, bathroom. Large gardens with productive vegetable plot and associated outbuildings. Detached garage, ample parking. EPC rating F.

Price Guide ÂŁ600,000 Freehold

PAUL ZARA From Conran & Partners

Who wants to be a millionaire?...

W

ell, I guess most of us do. We all dream about how we’d spend our lottery win. I buy a ticket a couple of times a year, maybe when there’s one of those Euromillion prizes of tens of millions.

I don’t, of course, have the slightest expectation that I will ever win, but it’s the thought that if you did... That would be my ski chalet sorted and my house on the beach in the south of France, plus a place to crash in London, along with a penthouse in Brighton.

rooms. Pretty much all of the houses are around the million pound mark (often just under to avoid the stamp duty threshold). And very nice it is too...

So where else are the million pound properties? Withdean Road, Dyke Road and Tongdean Avenue seem to be the places to flash your cash, our own version of the Hollywood Hills. Maybe Montpelier Villas or Royal Crescent if you want period splendour? Lewes Crescent or one of the squares (Palmeira, Sussex or Brunswick?).

Or down at Western Esplanade with the celebs. Have a quick nose around on the Internet and you will see over 100 houses for sale at over the magic million, including houses in Saltdean and Rottingdean.

You could even buy the top of Bedford Towers or a windmill in Patcham. Or for £4.5million a house in Roedean Crescent

But many of us become millionaires by just owning a house. Mine’s

So best of luck getting to that magic seven figure sum, whether by

not worth that, (not yet anyway!) but there are plenty of people in

winning the lottery, inheriting cash, working hard or just sitting still

Brighton and Hove who have seen their houses rise in value to hit

and watching the value of your house gently climb. But maybe you’ll

that magic figure.

find that it won’t go far if you want to but one of our city’s finest properties!

Some friends of mine were recently searching for a house and had a budget of around £1m. They’re not that rich, (well, I guess they are quite rich), but they’d sold their house in Beckenham and the elderly

Paul Zara is a director of architects Conran and Partners. Email: paul.zara@conran.com

mother of one of them was moving in too, so the budget included the sale of her house in Lewes. I offered to help look, mainly for the chance to nose around nice houses. So with £1m to spend you might think it was easy to find something suitable. But it wasn’t.

A lovely house in Preston Park came on and off the market, and eventually after agreeing a sale and going through all the legal stuff they were gazummped. (We really ought to change our property laws to stop that happening). A lot more searching followed. Many people’s favourite street, including my friends’, is Clifton Terrace.

We looked at a few there - it’s now a row of houses worth at least £1m, but having visited several they are not that big. The wow factor is the view - the houses are quite ordinary. And some at the ends have virtually no garden. Eventually they found somewhere on Hove, in the Pembroke area, a quiet part of red brick Hove north of the museum. Wide streets, plenty of parking and houses with generous 19

A ROUND OF GOLF - With Spencer & Leigh

“I had a sinking feeling therefore, when, after teeing off the easy first hole, I pitched a beautiful arcing wedge straight into the sand.”

Lynne Edwards introduces the new property professionals golf challenge page.

There was a day towards the end of September that felt like the definitive last day of summer. I was playing golf at Singing Hills in the early evening sun, and I thought I’d better hurry up and get going with the new Absolute Homes regular golf interview and review page before the nights draw in.

My first victims were already lined up and, above all, willing!

And so it was that Spencer Turner and Leigh Brand from Spencer & Leigh estate agents and I met at the delightful Mid Sussex Golf Club at Ditchling. There have been some huge improvements over the last couple of years at the club, including an improved, extensive driving range and club fitting facility, extended pro shop and completely refurbished bar and restaurant, where we enjoyed a pre-golf bacon sandwich on a beautiful, warm, autumnal day.

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Both Spencer and Leigh are keen golfers with

over the last few years, so we fulfilled a

handicaps of 24 and 16 respectively, and they

need in this area. Having once developed

play regularly in various local societies. So

relationships in a community like this and

with my own at 21 I felt I could probably

having received recommendations, we felt

at least hold my own – unless I went in any

we needed to respond to demand, offer a full

bunkers, that is.

service and not turn business away. It’s been

I therefore had a sinking feeling when, after

a good decision.

teeing off the easy first hole, I pitched a

Your office is in Patcham, on the northern

beautiful, arcing wedge straight into the sand.

outskirts of Brighton – explain what the

Trying to take my mind off our collective

area is like for ignorant city dwellers?

indifferent start to the round, we discussed

S. It’s great for young families as there are

their successful Estate agency business in

some good local schools. Parking is easy and

Patcham.

gardens are bigger. There are also lots of

How long have you been in business

properties in all price ranges with Westdene

together?

and Withdean just a stone’s throw away

S. &L. It’s actually our 10th anniversary this

in addition to Hollingbury and Coldean.

month! We have grown from just the two of

However, as our office is in a key central

us to a team of 11. We have over 40 years

location, we can take on properties anywhere

experience between us, gained from mostly

in Brighton & Hove.We even have a property

corporate estate agency chains, which was a

in Shoreham for sale.

good training ground in the 90s.

What do you like most about running your

You are known locally for sales, but a few

own business and why does it work so

years ago you introduced lettings, didn’t

well?

you?

S. & L. We are both committed to being

L. Yes we did. Many owners have turned into

‘front of office’ and always available to

accidental landlords due to the recession

clients. It’s what we have both done since

we were teenagers – a long time ago! We

It’s fair to say that none of us played to

do, however, have a brilliant and committed

our handicaps. The course is in beautiful

team behind us, which means the office is in

condition, and with benign weather

good hands on the rare occasion we are on

conditions there were no excuses. Leigh

the golf course.

in particular has an enviable long game but

With all long term partnerships people

even he succumbed to the water on the 9th.

always want to know if the partners

Both Spencer & Leigh were not particularly

actually still like each other!?

sympathetic on the17thhole when I landed

S. Absolutely. We were friends before we went into business together, and we share business aims and ambitions. Our families

in my eighth bunker of the day, particularly annoying as I was about to pick up four Stableford points!

socialise and our children are similar ages, so

The course offers a fair test with some

we have a lot in common.

lovely water features, but is a relatively easy

We are actually very similar and mostly agree on how we want the business to

walk, so we didn’t take advantage of the buggies on offer.

develop. Although we are both quite

With none of us covered in glory, we

ambitious, we have seen other agents open

retreated to the club house and sat on the

multiple offices and risk the core business

beautiful sun terrace overlooking the South

they have built up. We are determined not to

Downs to assess the damage.

do that.

Time for one last question

“We are both committed to being ‘front of office’ and always available to clients.”

So where do you see yourselves in 10 years?

S. & L. Playing a bit more golf perhaps as it’s funny we still feel a little guilty if we do this too often. But essentially we love what we do, so hopefully we will always be very involved in our business.

Estate agency has changed hugely over the last few years and it is very internet reliant. But thanks to Absolute Homes magazine and other advertising we do, we still want to showcase our properties in the best way possible and promote our well known green/grey branding. Plus, the local community is vital to us, and in recognition of that we support many local causes, in particular the local school by supplying their football kits.

Winner Leigh Brand! But I promised not to reveal the points....

Spencer & Leigh T. 01273 565566 www.spencerandleigh.co.uk Mid Sussex golf Address: Spatham Lane, Ditchling, BN6 8XJ T. 01273 846567

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contemporary by

benchmark energy gaining windows

Featured Property of the Month With views across the South Downs to die for, this brief was quite simple… to bring the outside inside. We think that you will agree that this client didn’t settle for anything less than spectacular.

WE ARE “THE FOLDING-SLIDING DOOR SPECIALISTS IN SUSSEX” view them for yourself in our showroom

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The gold standard for greener glazing.

Come and visit our extensive showroom to discuss your requirements and ideas – for a greener, more efficient windows, doors & conservatories solution.

01903 756699 or visit www.benchmarkwindows.co.uk Units 4 & 5 Marlborough Road Lancing Business Park Lancing West Sussex BN15 8UF

Kitchen – Bedroom – Living

58 Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JD 01273 206016 125 South Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 4LR 01444 443777

sales@design-interiors.com

www.design-interiors.com

CARPETS AND RUGS - Elegance underfoot

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By Tara de la Motte (Editor of Sussex Homes & Gardens) www.sussex-homes.co.uk

Carpets and rugs add comfort, warmth, colour pattern and texture to our homes. While wall-to-wall carpets continue to be popular; rugs should not be underestimated either. Rugs play an important role in offering softness, texture and protection in a carpeted area of heavy traffic, while adding a touch of luxury to a room.

England has been home to many

years of buying plain carpets there is more

internationally renowned carpet

of a demand for contemporary designs that

manufacturers for hundreds of years, a

are more sympathetic to modern tastes and

legacy which still lasts today. The first carpet

so we see the appearance of contemporary

factories were running in 1550 and by 1655

floral and damask styles, as well as modern

work had started at the Wilton carpet factory

plaid and tartan styles.

Other than carpets and rugs for floors, there are some amazing stair runners available today to adorn our stairs. Adding an elegant striped stair runner will enhance and smarten your staircase.

and yet, England has developed a particular

in Wiltshire. In 1755 Moorfield and Whity opened a factory at Axminster in Devon, before relocating to Wilton in 1835. It was in this area of Southwest England that unique weaving methods were developed which were named after the towns of their origin, Axminster and Wilton. These techniques are still used in the modern manufacturing processes to produce quality carpets.

Many of the carpets today are imported expertise in manufacturing wool-rich and patterned woven Axminster and Wilton carpets aimed for the mid to top end of the market. To compete alongside imports English

When buying carpets it is important to install the best quality carpet that your budget will allow. A 100% wool or a wool and nylon mix carpet will serve you well in years to come and bear in mind that patterns help detract from wear and tear as well as not showing dirt compared to plains.

Some natural materials such as seagrass, jute and coir have also become very popular in modern carpets however the age – old appeal of wool and nylon mix still remains.

Combining the luxury of wool and the hardworking properties of nylon ensures durability.

carpet manufacturers have begun using new

On a visit to your local showroom you will

design technology and new materials for

be offered a great choice of carpet in various

making carpets.

range of colour and pattern. Before ordering

Today we are adding more personality to our homes through our choice of carpet. After

your carpet ask your carpet retailer for a sample to take home to see it in your own surroundings.

“Today we are adding more personality to our homes through our choice of carpet.”

27

A sumptuous rug can enhance a room and can sometimes become a treasured heirloom for future generations to cherish and enjoy.

Up until the nineteenth century when people talked about carpet they were actually referring to what we now call a rug.

A rug would have sat in the centre of a room, with the stone or wooden flooring just visible around the edges. Today’s rugs, whether laid on carpet, wood or stone, still create a beautiful and luxurious focal point.

The choice of rugs available is wider than ever and so choosing a quality rug is an easy task. Buying a rug is very personal. If you decide to choose a ‘bold’ patterned rug, then this can work well with simple, pared-back surroundings. A finer silk rug may suit a room that is more traditional and ornate.

Wool and silk are traditionally used for rug making as they are both durable and versatile. Today other hardwearing materials such as sisal, coir, jute and seagrass is used for rug making.

These materials are tough and well suited for areas with high traffic. Modern synthetics such as acrylic and viscose are often mixed with natural fibres, such as wool to create practical and inexpensive rugs.

Getting the size and shape right for your room is a key factor to consider when buying a rug and also think how your furniture will sit on or around your future rug. A rug will usually define the space so the larger the rug the better.

Some rug specialists will offer a bespoke service and will be able to make up a design in any material, shape, size and technique.

However, if you don’t wish to commission a bespoke rug, or you prefer a wall-to-wall carpet design but would prefer a rug, it is worth asking your local carpet retailer to see if it is possible to create a rug using a section of the carpet. Some carpet manufacturers offer this service.

Mister Smith Interiors 28

Whether you choose a carpet or a sumptuous rug, you will be rewarded with a wonderfully warm beautiful home.

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29

SOFAS AND CHAIRS - Best seating in the house

By Tara de la Motte

G

ood seating invites relaxation so investing in a new sofa The cover of your sofa or chair is personal. These days leather has or armchair is most important. It is important to choose become popular – it stays warm in winter, cool in summer and very the right sofa or chair because this is where we probably easy to maintain. Fabric of course requires a little more looking after spend more of our waking hours whilst at home than but you are rewarded with a great many more options.There is a choice

anywhere else.

There are many local furniture showrooms that specialize in many different styles of sofa and chairs, whether you settle for bespoke or buy straight from the shop floor. It is important to think carefully

of fitted or loose covers. If you choose fitted covers then consider the colour and texture carefully, with loose covers if budget allows buy a second set. Loose covers are very practical, especially if you have children or pets.

about the type of sofa or chair that you require, whether it is for Days of the matching three – piece suite is definitely fading; a sofa socialising, reading or television viewing as well as the style, cover and alongside a couple of arm chairs in different styles is the new way comfort of the piece.

forward.

Size is another important factor as you don’t want your sofa to With a great number of local companies offering a multitude of styles, command the available space, you equally don’t want it to get lost, so shapes and sizes, there is an ideal sofa and chair for all tastes. To find take time to consider. Also a sofa can look much larger in your own yours it is well worth a visit to your local furniture retailer. home then it does in the showroom. If your room is small it is better to choose a simple shape with slim arms and low back. High backs on sofas and chairs tend to sit best in rooms with high ceilings.

Some local sofa companies will make sofas with removable arms or in two halves and they will even come to your home to conduct an access check for a small fee and this option is really worthwhile if you have restricted access.

Before buying it is incredibly important to thoroughly test the comfort factor of the sofa or chair. Equally important is to find out about the construction of your sofa or chair as this will determine how long it will last and how comfortable it will remain.

30

“Good seating invites relaxation.”

Columnists

Claire Cook

from Talk Money Tips to speed up your mortgage offer When people apply for a mortgage they often ask the question “how long will it take”. This is a difficult question to answer, and is often dependent on many factors. In my article today I will explain some of the processes lenders go through to produce the ultimate “mortgage offer”.

When you apply for a mortgage, a lender will first make enquiries into your credit history and will check your last three years addresses. It is always wise if you are thinking of buying in the future that you register on the electoral register at each address you live at, even if you are renting. That way the lender can see where you have lived and can find a history for you.

When the lender does a credit check, they will be able to see any loans or credit you have outstanding, and whether you have paid up to date. It is worthwhile setting up direct debits for any credit cards you have, as a late payment will show up on your credit record. So make sure you make payments on time, any blip can affect the lending decision.

The next thing a lender will look at is your income and how long you have worked with your current employer. If you are self employed they will need to know your net profit since your business started and the start date of your business. They will require payslips, or accounts.

Once you have applied, the lender will send a surveyor to the property to value it. This satisfies the lender that the property is suitable for them and is worth what has been stated. Be careful if you are buying an unusual property, for example a studio flat, a flat above a shop, or a flat in a block with more than 4 storeys. Lenders can be choosy about which properties they will lend on. Again, your adviser will help you with this.

Once the lender has all of the above information and they are happy, they will issue a mortgage offer to you. We, as your advisers would be liaising with the lender throughout the process to ensure that the offer is issued as quickly as possible. In answer to the original question, some lenders can offer within days, especially those who have online systems, others can take much longer. If time is a critical issue to you, we can take this into account when we place your mortgage. If you require any advice regarding mortgages or other financial matters, please call me Claire Cook and my team on 01273 224667.We offer a free initial consultation and we would be very happy to help. Email: claire@talkmoney.co.uk Web: www.talkmoney.co.uk Talk Money is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

KIA OPTIMA

Bank Robbers Need Not Apply!!

H

ands up who thought that Kia

Mondeo, Passat, Mazda 6, Skoda Superb and

normally have to straddle the floor hump.

only made small fun city cars

the like, that appeal firmly to the motorway

(that just sounds wrong!)

and good looking 4x4’s? I have

bound businessman who will most likely do

to admit that my hand is well

a zillion miles in his fleet supplied car, so

and truly up. Having given a stonking review

the Ultima is going to have to work hard to

recently of the Sportage, it is obvious that

earn its place.

this South Korean company really have

All versions are powered by the same 1.7 litre diesel power plant with 134 bhp and it’s quite lively. The 6 speed manual is standard and works well enough but

Essentially, this is a good car with high

l would plump for the automatic and be

levels of standard kit, great interior space

done with the countless gear changes as

and a pleasing layout. It is let down by a

you push it through all 6 gears and back

slightly cheap feel to the plastics with little

again more times that you can shake a

soft touch anywhere but it is a smart and

stick at. I know 6 speed is all the rage now

well planned interior with a really spacious

in most cars for economy purposes but

feel. The rear has huge legroom and they

when is enough enough. What next, a 0.2%

This is a crowded market and one that is

have smartly flattened the floor which is a

decrease in Co2 emissions by fitting a 15

awash with standard Euro boxes such as the

great benefit for ladies in short skirts that

speed box?

world domination on their minds and have now ventured into the crowded large saloon market with the Optima. This is actually the third generation of this model although it has previously been badged as the Magentis.

32

I do like the exterior though – quite Jaguaresque in its styling and a really good looking car, even if the Joe 90 wheels take a bit of getting used to.

The oddest thing in their desire to present a unique feature is that they have decided that when you get into the car, it will play

Maarten Hoffmann, Motoring Editor

you a little tune and automatically slide the seat forward to the optimum position.

Trouble is, when you switch the ignition off, the seat slides back again so that your feet can no longer touch the pedals and the door handle, which you instinctively learn the location of, is suddenly no longer there.

What a nightmare for bank robbers. Run out of bank, jump into car, hum along to a little tune whilst you wait for the computer to leisurely move you into position before you can start the engine. Then, wind down window, put out hands for cuffs and say ‘It’s a fair cop, guv!

For the money, the entry level Optima is a great buy at £18,945 and with 57mpg, you could do an awful lot worse than this good looking, well equipped car. And let’s not forget that this is a KIA and therefore the buyer also gets the best 7 year warranty in the business.

LIKE: Styling; interior size, standard kit.

DISLIKE: Road roar; noisy diesel.

ALTERNATIVES: Ford Mondeo,VW Passat, Hyundai i40

TECHNICAL STUFF

“Quite Jaguaresque in its styling and a really good looking car, even if the Joe 90 wheels take a bit of getting used to.”

How hard do we have to work for them darned Polar bears?

Comfort and refinement are compromised somewhat with an unsettled feeling when hitting rough surfaces and quite an annoying amount of road noise coming

Engine: 1.7 litre CRDi Acceleration: 0-62 – 10.2 seconds Top Speed: 125 mph Economy: 57.6 mpg Price from: £18,945 - £23,845

from the tyres.You could probably minimise this with different tyres but why should you? The manufacturer should already have worked that one out. The other option is to go for the yesteryear 16-inch wheels in place of the 18-inch which will certainly give a smoother and quieter ride. Or do what l do and crank the radio up.

33

Frankfurt Motor Show This is again the season where l try to avoid the Editor like the plague in case he spies my expenses claim, but l don’t go to these international motor shows for fun but for the benefit of my dedicated readers. For me, it is just a week of toil and hard graft and l can assure you that l derive no pleasure from them whatsoever, dear Editor.

The new Volvo concept coupe

2015 and therefore will have to amuse myself with the V8s F Type that

is a stunner and is the first in a

they deliver next week. Life’s a bitch but honestly, someone has to do it.

series of three concept cars that demonstrate the new direction for the company and pave the way for the launch of the new XC90 next year. If they transfer just half of the beauty of the concept, they will be onto a winner.

Porsche debut their 918 Spyder and it does rather take your breath away. Not so much the looks, although wow!, but its electric!! Well hybrid at least. 60mph arrives in 2.8 seconds and returns 90 mpg. Hands up who thought that was remotely possible only 20 years ago or even 10 years ago.

Mercedes also launched a concept of the top of the range S-Class. With a very sensual design, it looks good enough to lick – in fact l did and just hope no one saw me! Mercedes line is that ‘Design needs the sublime’.

Hmmm…….

Aston Martin celebrates its centenary this year and to celebrate, guess what they did? They produced the fastest Aston ever. The CC100 Speedster Concept hits 60 in 3.7 seconds and screams on to 205 mph. And it looks almost identical to ever other Aston ever build. But then, when a car is this beautiful, why change it? They have also launched a new personalisation division called Q (no 007 connection there then) thus allowing owners to totally personalise their vehicle into a one off bespoke automotive piece of art.

Jaguar continues their march to dominance with the launch of the first ever 4x4 cross-over Jag. Not only will this no doubt go on to invade our high streets but the UK will also benefit from 1700 new jobs at Solihull and an investment of £1.5 billion in a new plant. I cannot get my hands on it until its launch in 34

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Unchain the Brighton motorist!

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Driving around Brighton & Hove is tough enough. We don’t want it to become any harder.

Please like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnchainTheBrightonMotorist, follow us on Twitter @unchainmotorist or email your support to enquiries@unchainthebrightonmotorist.info You can also have your say by visiting the Brighton & Hove City Council website: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/20mph Or contact your local councillor, whatever your views: North Portslade Bob Carden bob.carden@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Penny Gilbey penny.gilbey@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Wish Anne Pissaridou anne.pissaridou@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Garry Peltzer Dunn garry.peltzerdunn@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Hove Park Jayne Bennett jayne.bennett@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Vanessa Brown Vanessa.brown@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Hangleton & Knoll Dawn Barnett dawn.barnett@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Brian Fitch brian.fitch@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Tony Janio tony.janio@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Brunswick & Adelaide Phelim Mac Cafferty phelim.maccafferty@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Ollie Sykes ollie.sykes@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk St Peter’s & North Laine Ian Davey ian.davey@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Lizzie Deane lizzie.deane@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Pete West pete.west@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk South Portslade Leslie Hamilton leslie.hamilton@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Alan Robins alan.robins@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Westbourne Denise Cobb denise.cobb@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Graham Cox graham.cox@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Central Hove Christopher Hawtree christopher.hawtree@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Andrew Wealls andrew.wealls@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Goldsmid Ruth Buckley ruth.buckley@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Rob Jarrett rob.jarrett@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Alex Phillips alex.phillips@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Regency Ania Kitcat ania.kitcat@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Jason Kitcat jason.kitcat@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Queen’s Park Geoffrey Bowden geoffrey.bowden@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Ben Duncan ben.duncan@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Stephanie Powell stephanie.powell@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Withdean Ann Norman ann.norman@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Ken Norman ken.norman@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Sue Shanks sue.shanks@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk

Unchainthebrightonmotorist.info

Patcham Brian Pidgeon brian.pidgeon@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Carol Theobald carol.theobald@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Geoffrey Theobald geoffrey.theobald@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Hollingdean & Stanmer Jeane Lepper jeane.lepper@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Sven Rufus sven.rufus@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Christina Summers christina.summers@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Preston Park Mike Jones mike.jones@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Amy Kennedy amy.kennedy@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Leo Littman leo.littman@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Moulsecoomb & Bevendean Leigh Farrow leigh.farrow@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Mo Marsh mo.marsh@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Anne Meadows anne.meadows@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Hanover & Elm Grove Emma Daniel emma.daniel@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Bill Randall bill.randall@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Liz Wakefield liz.wakefield@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk East Brighton Gill Mitchell gill.mitchell@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Warren Morgan warren.morgan@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Chaun Wilson chaun.wilson@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Woodingdean Dee Simson dee.simson@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Geoffrey Wells geoffrey.wells@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Rottingdean Coastal Lynda Hyde lynda.hyde@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Mary Mears mary.mears@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk David Smith david.smith@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk Please like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UnchainTheBrightonMotorist Follow us on Twitter @unchainmotorist

Visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/20mph today and tell the council what you think.

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Columnists

Welcome to my latest column for Absolute Brighton.

I

t has been another busy sporting month here in Brighton and Hove. The Brighton and Hove Jobs.com County ground in Hove played host to the women’s ashes.

Carrying on the fine tradition of beating the Australians at cricket, Britain’s female cricketers won both the One Day International matches played at Sussex.

One of the key aims of the Government is to increase the levels of female participation in sport and events like this on our doorstep can only help to encourage more people to get involved.

An event I was pleased to welcome to my constituency of Brighton Kemptown this month was the Lawn Tennis Association European Beach Tennis Championship at Yellow Wave.

The tournament was one of the highest grade Beach Tennis tournaments on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Beach Tennis Tour. There were over 20 countries competing, with approximately 70 teams involved.

This event was an excellent opportunity for residents to come along and introduce themselves to beach tennis as well as to enjoy the fantastic seafront facilities that Brighton has to offer.

Accessible events like these in the heart of our communities is one of the best ways to get people involved in sports, even sports they may never have previously considered playing and I will be encouraging more events like these in Sussex in the future.

Best wishes, Simon

Mike Donovan

B

RIGHTON & HOVE ALBION have flown the flag for team sport around the area for a year and a day.

A number of sporting sides have done their best over the last fifty years to make the nation aware the city had more than day-trippers, musicians and pretty surrounding countryside.

First up there were the 1960s ice hockey side the Brighton Tigers before the Brighton Bears in the 1990s.

Eastbourne Eagles’ have tried to put us on the map, while Crawley Town have come from a life-support system in non-league football to League One in recent years.

The Seagulls have, by and large, been perceived as the only real set-up in the whole of Sussex to have the potential to perform at the highest level. However, Albion might have company in a few years if the county get behind them - Worthing Rugby Football Club.

The Raiders have come from a history of ‘non-league’ to establish themselves as the first Sussex side ever in the National League One, just two spots down from the Aviva Premiership.

Brighton and Hove and the rest of Sussex have produced wave after wave of outstanding individuals in rugby, including Will Green, Joe Marler, Billy Twelvetrees, Joe Launchbury and Noah Cato.

Without exception, though, these talents with the oval ball have got to where they have by linking up with clubs outside the county.The reason is simple. Sussex has not had a top class club capable of achieving Premier League status.

Now we have one that could be, given the support.

But the future could be even more exciting if Raiders could one day go full time. Interest in rugby has surged since England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, with top-flight matches attracting decent crowds,TV cameras and a high profile that, although not on a par with football, certainly gives the country’s No.1 sport a run for its money these days.

A club cannot become 100 per-cent professional without big backing, though, and if Worthing can get it, rising stars would travel to Roundstone Lane in droves rather than looking further afield to realise their rugby dreams.

Now we have an opportunity to build a big club. Let’s not waste it.

37

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Our monthly column from the Sussex County Cricket Club legend

Tony Cottey No Cigar but plenty to be proud of

W

ell we are nearly at the end of another season as we have just completed our first match in September v Durham at the Riverside.

On the face of it, the defeat by 285 runs was very disappointing and certainly ended Sussex attempt to win their fourth County Championship over the last 11 seasons.

But if we dig a little deeper there are certainly some very positive signs to emerge over the 2013 season. At Durham we had eight players who have come through the Sussex Academy system and is a great credit to the Club and Academy Director Keith Greenfield. Both Chris Nash and Will Beer hail from Horsham Cricket Club and both Michael Yardy and debutant Harry Finch started their cricket careers at Hastings. When you add Luke Wells from Eastbourne CC, Joe Gatting from Preston Nomads CC, Ben Brown from Balcombe CC and Lewis Hatchett from St James CC and latterly of East Grinstead CC, it really does show that the Sussex system is indeed working.

Obviously a young and inexperienced team like this were always going to find it hard against a rampant Durham team at the top of the table.

But I know from my Glamorgan days the value of having a team with a spine made up of local lads.

Another positive outcome of the 2013 season is the fact that we have no less than six of our Players on International duty. Luke Wright and Chris Jordan are in the England One Day Squad. Let’s not forget that last September CJ was being told that his services were no longer required at Surrey, yet less than one year on, he has been selected for England. Take a bow Mark Robinson, Mark Davis, Carl Hopkinson and all the playing squad at Sussex for providing such a great environment to allow players to flourish and make the most of their talent. Matt Machan has been picked for Scotland and he certainly has been a great success this year, he has achieved a Century in both the Championship and One-Day format in 2013. Luke Wells has made his debut for the England Lions and our Captain Ed Joyce is also currently playing international cricket for Ireland and has enjoyed a fantastic season in 2013. Ed, with two matches to go has 991 runs at an average over 70. We also can sometimes forget that the best Wicket keeper/ batsman in the World Matt Prior also came through the Sussex Academy system and Sussex have had to endure long periods without his presence over the last 6 years or so.

I am not making excuses for a season where we haven’t quite hit our straps, just merely pointing

out that there are a lot of reasons why a Sussex supporter can feel rightly proud of their team. Over the last 10 years Sussex have been extremely successful and to go through this season without a Trophy is obviously a little disappointing. But next season we will start in Division One of the County Championship and our aim will be to regain the One Day form our supporters have enjoyed for so long. Let’s also not forget that the young crop of home grown players will have benefited from the experience they have gained from this season.

Cheers Cotts

Let’s also not forget that the young crop of home grown players will have benefited from the experience they have gained from this season.

39

guestlist What?

The launch of a new bar and brasserie at the marina Where?

The Rendezvous Casino 1

2

Why? The Waterside Bar & Brasserie adds a new dimension to the casino Who? 1. Mike Sparkes with Jeanne Lessels Derrick 2. Catherine Castillo and Lucy Lloyd 3

4

3. Sue and Clive Bonny 4. Sandra and Hugh Lowson 5. TC with Carla ter Maat 6. Anita and Chris Ellison 7. Nick Pardo 8. Kirstie Prodger 9. Paul Rodmeuez Alonso and Lucy Lloyd

5

10. Dave and Annette Day with Sue and Paul Day

6

11. Ambrose and Pauline Harcourt with Allan Jones Cllr. Lynda Hyde and Mark Ansell

If you would like to see your event on these pages email us on guestlist@absolutemagazine.co.uk

7

8

10

9

11

Photos: www.grahamfrankspics.co.uk

41

Buy Tickets Now Buy online now www.sbawards.org.uk

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Sussex Business Awards Entries Are In! The entries are now all in for the most prestigious business awards in the county, the twenty-fifth Sussex Business Awards and the competition is better than ever.

Celebrating business excellence across Sussex, the Awards is the longest established scheme of its kind in the county and it is the one that everyone wants to win!

Companies from across Sussex have submitted entries for the fifteen trophies up for grabs this year, including the prestigious Sussex Company, International Company, Innovation, Best Customer Service and Businessperson of the Year.

Organiser Caraline Brown, from Midnight Communications, says: “We are delighted with the response to this year’s Awards.

“Some fantastic companies have submitted entries and the judges are going to have a real challenge in deciding on the finalists.”

This year’s sponsors include Morgan Sindall, Mazars, Legal & General, The Montefiore Hospital, Domestic & General, Morrisons Solicitors, Sussex Innovation Centre, HSBC, Checkaprofessional, Sussex Enterprise and Midnight Communications. Our media sponsors will be Heart FM, Sussex Business Times, Absolute Brighton and The Argus.

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The county’s leading business people will gather to see the Awards presented at the Brighton Dome on Thursday 5 December and will celebrate the twenty-five years of award winning businesses in Sussex.

Last year the event was attended by around 500 of the leading businesses in the Sussex area along with MPs, the Mayor and various other dignitaries and this year will be no different!

Tickets cost £90 each (plus VAT) or £850 (plus VAT) for a table of ten. This includes champagne reception, three course meal, and two bottles of wine on each table, as well as entertainment, dancing and a few surprises!

To purchase tickets simply go online at www.sbawards.org.uk.

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Business Julia Chanteray, President of Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce takes us

Inside the Chamber Where should you be networking for your business in Brighton and Hove?

I’

ve built my consultancy business

to the bank to persuade them to extend your

There are lots of other opportunities to

through networking and referrals, and

overdraft.

connect with other business people in the

even though I blog and use social media

And networking events often have really

city as well as the Chamber, and although the

a lot, I still get about 60% of my clients

amazing speakers, who can talk about their

Chamber has 5 or 6 events every month,

through networking and recommendations

own business journey, which can inspire you

often you might want to go to another group

from the people I’ve met networking. And I

and give you lots of food for thought.

as well as the Chamber. Some people love the

continue to recommend networking for lots of reasons to my clients.

Boundary Club at the Sussex County Cricket

Where to go?

Club, where you get a fantastic lunch and great

I’m the President of the Brighton and Hove

other cricket fans who just happen to be very

Chamber of Commerce, so obviously, I’m going

useful for your business. Others love to get up

The obvious reason is to sell more stuff. To

to suggest the Chamber as the first place to

early and go to breakfast with the Friends of

meet potential clients, and more likely, to meet

check out. It has the biggest range of events,

the Albion.

the people who know your potential clients.

and the most members, so you’re more likely

But actually, if you’re in the right networking

to meet the right people. The Chamber has

In Absolute magazine every month, I do a

group, this isn’t the main reason for going to

some brilliant speakers and training sessions as

round up of the best business networking

events.

well, and I particularly like that these are run

events, plus there’s a pretty comprehensive list

If you go to the right events, you should be

by real business people so I can learn from

of all the different groups, including how to join

able to surround yourself with a group of

their experience. I love the honesty of many

the Brighton Chamber, on my website

people who are on your side for business. As

of the breakfast speakers and I still remember

www.thejoyofbusiness.co.uk

business people themselves, they will be able

the woman who told 75 people at Carluccio’s

to understand the highs and lows of running a

all about the people who had got in her way

business, and be able to support you through

when she had her first business, including

your challenges. Often, people have faced

naming names. The Chamber is one of the

exactly those challenges before themselves,

most dynamic organisations in the city, and if

whether that’s finding the right printer for

you haven’t been along to an event, you really

your business cards, or knowing what to say

should check it out.

Why bother networking?

seats for a game, plus meeting a bunch of

Speakers can talk about their own business journey, which can inspire you and give you lots of food for thought.

Julia Chanteray is the director of business consultancy The Joy of Business and the President of the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce.

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networking

LOV E B I T ES

Dates for the diary Julia Chanteray recommends... the best business networking events in town

There’s plenty of networking to be done in Brighton and Hove.

Here are some of the highlights in the next month – do come and say hello at some of these great events.

1st October - Un-networking. A very agreeable, low key networking event in the bar of MyHotel at 6pm. Check out the rules of engagement and register at www.un-networking.co.uk You can watch me drink my favourite MyHotel vodka martini! Free to attend, buy your own vodka martini.

8th October – Business Curry Club - Lots of people, buckets of curry, and full on business card swapping. £17.50, book in advance at www.brightonbusinesscurryclub.co.uk

9th October – Bite Sized Learning on social media, employees and the law. If you’ve got staff you probably worry about them spending all their time on facebook instead of making money for you.

You maybe worry more about what they’re saying on facebook about your company. Learn about how to protect your business with this short training session. 9.30-11.30, £25

10th October – Hove Business Association members’ showcase breakfast, at the Cricket Ground. Come and tell everyone all about your business. £15, 7.45am, book in advance at www.hovebiz.com 16th October – Boundary Club – Your last chance of the season to eat delicious food, network with lots of interesting business people from all over Sussex, and talk about cricket. Contact James Potten on 01273 827126 to join.

16th October – Brighton Chamber Big Debate. Join 100+ Brighton business owners to talk about whether it’s ever okay to not pay someone. I’m chairing, so it will be fun, funny and serious all at the same time. 6pm, free to attend, book in advance at www.businessinbrighton.org.uk

25th October – Brighton Chamber Inspirational Breakfast - Nikki Gatenby, MD of Propellernet, one of the city’s most successful companies will talk about how to fit in running Propellernet inbetween scuba diving, driving fast cars and riding in helicopters. £15, 7.45am

Julia Chanteray helps businesses to make more money and have more fun through her business consultancy The Joy of Business.

She does a lot of networking in Brighton.

Ambrose Harcourt’s Business Love Bites Top 5 Robbie Raggio, Entrepreneur and owner of the Hand Car Wash at Hove Station Picking my top 5 favourite love songs became an impossible job so I decided to narrow them down to my favourite Artist of all time, ROD STEWART. I have been a fan of his from day one and have attended many of his concerts as well as owning all his CDs and DVDs. Song 1 – MY GIRL This song has a great meaning to me. I used to sing it all the time to my girlfriend, Debi. She then became my wife and we had our first dance to it on our wedding day. That was 30 years ago and I still sing it to her today. I know I’m nothing but an old romantic.

Song 2 - TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT I loved this song when it was released.

I was a bit of a lad in those days and there were some lyrics that were “quite naughty”. I thought it was great. I was playing it all the time and my mates were too.

Song 3 - HAVE I TOLD YOU LATELY THAT I LOVE YOU This is an old favourite of mine. I sing it to my wife, Debi just to remind her. It always makes her smile.

It’s that cheesy thing that all couples do.

Song 4 - YOU ARE IN MY HEART Again an old favourite. When I am out driving and I hear this song. I just have to sing along as the lyrics are so powerful.

Song 5 - PURE LOVE This is a song from his latest CD and in my opinion, one of his best albums. Pure Love was dedicated to all of his children and I will dedicate this to my own two children. As a father, it chokes me every time I hear this song as the words are really powerful. My children think its a beautiful song so its now become our special song. Please check out this song if you are a dad, you will soon appreciate what I am talking about.

Ambrose Harcourt hosts the Sunday Soul Breakfast Show on Brighton’s Juice 107.2 from 6am till 9am.

The Love Bites Top 3 is at 8.30am.

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A Rare Pleasure Ulrich Hoffmann talks to Daniel White about the world of wine making.

“

If you ask me if you can have 15 bottles I will say no.” Had I heard him right? Was Ulrich Hoffmann, the owner of winemakers Hoffmann & Rathbone, really telling me that I couldn’t buy his wine?

“You can’t. There is not enough for everybody,” Ulrich explained. Engrossed, I had to delve deeper, why not?

“We only sell in three or six bottles of wine, not more,” he clarified.Was this not limiting his business though? “We don’t want to sell 500 bottles to one person, we want to sell 500 bottles to 500 people because that’s what spreads it, that makes people taste it and talk about it.”

However, there is always an exception to the rule.

He said: “If it is a business, that is different. If they want to send out a Christmas present for their clients and need additional bottles, that is possible because they’re spreading the message for us.”

Ulrich, a wine tasting judge for international competitions, moved to Sussex in 2009 after an education in the art of wine making that took him all over the world.

“I grew up in Berlin and I studied wine making in the south of Germany,” he recalled. “I worked as a wine maker and an assistant wine maker in different parts of the world, from Spain to France to California.”

With more than 15 years of international experience that has taken him from the prestigious Rolf-Willy Estate in Baden to the Chateau de Fieuzal in Bordeaux, why is it that he chose to settle down in England?

“My wife, at the time my girlfriend, was already living in England, so we had a long distance relationship for quite a while. I came over and said ‘lets start our own thing and go for it’,” he explained.

“At the end of 2009 we started the business and in 2010 we started to invest in the winery. It took us quite a while to look for the suitable building in the hub of the English wine industry, which is right here in Sussex.”

Once settled, the couple combined their surnames to produce the brand of Hoffmann & Rathbone. While Ulrich is now highly regarded amongst the winemaking community, there were always fears when starting up the business.

He said: “There were financial risks because as an agricultural business you can’t project the years to come.

46

“You get a truly English, hand-made, home-grown, awardwinning local product.”

The financial outlay, because of all the equipment we brought and put

turning heads. Only ever producing a maximum of 5,000 bottles of each

in here, is high and then there is three years or more waiting while the

wine per-year, why is his sparkling wine from West Sussex rated so highly?

wines mature in the cellar for some wine critic to tell you your wine is not good. Hopefully with your experience it won’t be but the risk is high and you never know what is around the corner.”

“Because we are smaller I can take a lot of care of the singular lots,” he said. “I can do more blending decisions and I can do the right things at the right times, exactly when it is needed and not have to worry about 15,000

Since starting the business, Ulrich has won a number of awards for his

or 50,000 litres hanging around. Everything we do is handcrafted, hand-

winemaking, including a gold medal in both the China Wine and Spirit

made, hand-labelled, everything is done from hand, it’s classically English

Awards and the 2013 Decanter World Wine Awards, as well as having

and it’s only from limited releases.”

one of his wines served on the Royal barge for the Queens Diamond Jubilee last year.

With a limited stock, the allocation of bottles is something the company takes very seriously, with each bottle being hand-labelled, individually

After many years of hard work, he is now reaping the rewards and Ulrich

numbered and tissue-wrapped before being sent out straight from their

feels as though it is justification for the time he’s put in.

base in Sussex. So how do you get allocated a bottle of Hoffmann &

“It’s what you hope for,” he enthused. “How else do you measure yourself

Rathbone’s sparkling English wine?

on the world stage? You can push it as much as you want but at the end

“You go onto the website, you go onto the allocation page, you fill in

somebody will taste it and they either like it or not.

your details, if there are still ones available you will get some allocated,”

“If you get in those international competitions with really highly rated

he explained.

judges and they taste it blind and they all score it high, you can’t ask

The company recently announced their inaugural release, a 2010 Rose

for more. We’ve got quite a lot of medals right now and it shows the

Reserve Brut, and Ulrich is confident he has made something worth

consistency of quality.”

tasting.“With ours you get a truly English, hand-made, home-grown,

Despite being based in Sussex, far from the province of Champagne or the Mediterranean climate of Napa Valley, Hoffmann & Rathbone wine is

award-winning local product and that must be worth something.”

www.hoffmannandrathbone.co.uk

47

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Giving Financial Planning and Wealth Management a Personal Touch

Giving Financial Planning and Wealth Management a Personal Touch • Pensions

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City office 8 Laurence Poutney Hill London EC4R 0BE

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Tel: 01273 204999 • enquiries@skerritts.co.uk • www.skerritts.co.uk

• Family Financial Protection

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City office 8 Laurence Poutney Hill London EC4R 0BE

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Adviser Awards

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Best RDR Business Transition

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Columnists

Financial advice by

Richard Skerritt Managing Director, Skerritts Why use an Adviser?

Financial Advisers have not had the best reputation over the years, a lot of this quite deservedly. With the various “selling” scandals over the years, many potential investors feel that the Adviser is acting in his/her own interests, rather than theirs. The old commission system (no longer available from 31st December 2012) incentivised Advisers, often with large commissions, in a way that led them to promote certain products rather than others. This was particularly prevalent with the Banks and their Advisers, PPI being a prime example.

At Skerritts, we are pleased that the Retail Distribution Review has changed the financial planning landscape and taken away the incentive to promote financial products that may not be aligned with the Client’s best interests as I believe that this will improve the image of Advisers and therefore lead to a greater demand for good Advisers.

For most things in life that are complicated or require a level of expertise, we tend to use “experts”. I for one wouldn’t dare tinker under the bonnet of a modern car, do my own legal work or try and fix my boiler. Investments, pensions and protection products are inherently complicated, so I am always surprised at the numbers of people who do their own financial planning without using an Adviser.

Using an Adviser, not only takes away the

hard work of arranging and managing your own finances, you will get the benefit of their expertise which can lead to greater growth on your investment/pensions and in many cases through good tax planning can lead to greater tax efficiency and therefore lower tax bills. Also, if the Adviser gets things wrong, you have comeback on them (all registered Advisers are required to hold Professional Indemnity insurance), whereas if you manage your own finances, then there is no comeback if you do get things wrong.

There are two main types of Adviser – those that are “whole of market” (i.e. those that look at all products and services that are available) and those that are tied – I personally cannot think of any situation when a tied Adviser would be more suitable, as they will never have the same choice as a whole of market adviser.

So, how do you go about choosing a suitable Adviser? There are often many factors, including: Level of qualifications/expertise – using a Chartered Financial Planning firm (such as Skerritts) gives a guarantee of certain professional standards Reputation/ recommendation – as well as personal recommendations,

“I wouldn’t dare tinker under the bonnet of a modern car, do my own legal work or try and fix my boiler”

don’t be afraid to ask for testimonials, or look for awards won by a firm Financial security of the Adviser Firm – using a well established Firm means that they are more likely to be around for the longer term Personal Service – building a longer term relationship with your Adviser is important and this is something that can be rare in larger firms (such as the Banks) where there is often a high staff turnover/change around.

Most Advisers will offer a free, no-obligation, first meeting that gives you a chance to meet the Adviser and the Firm, to determine whether they are the Firm for you – at Skerritts, we offer a free first meeting at our offices to do just that.

At Skerritts we manage portfolios specifically for those seeking an income. Lower interest rates will have an effect on those investing for growth too.

Go to www.skerritts.co.uk for further details on our portfolio range and views.

King of Brighton.

King of Dialogue.

By Mark Brailsford Creator of The Treason Show

W

hen Absolute magazine kindly invited me to be King of Brighton, I thought of the travails of our lords and masters and baulked a little.

Although I spend my professional life satirising the great and good, from the coalition of our ConDem nation right down to the local council, I wouldn’t want their job for moment. However, as it is my job to use the tool of ridicule to discomfort the comfortable and comfort the discomforted, here goes.

There’s an episode of Star Trek where Kirk and crew encounter an evil doppelganger version of themselves in an alternative universe, so I thought I’d pop over to this alternative universe and bring my evil twin over to join me in this diatribe in the form of a Socratic dialogue.

This is a polite term for right old ding dong between myself and my evil twin, King of Brighton, from the n’th dimension.

Me: As King of Brighton I would immediately abolish myself as, being the creator of The Treason Show, I could hardly do otherwise.

Evil Me:You idiot, you could have everyone who disagrees with you shot, why not do that?

Me: Well, I’d end up governing a half empty city.

Evil me: Fair point. So what would you do if you were King?

Me: For a start I’d try sort out this awful war that’s being waged between drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Evil me:Yeah! This war on the car owner is vindictive and borderline fascist.

Me: Ah yes, but we need people to cycle to make our city healthier.

Evil me: What about that 20mph speed limit crap then?

Me: A tad troublesome, as it’s eminently sensible for areas around schools, small side streets and areas well used by pedestrians like the North Laine. And apparently it reduces emissions.

Evil me: It’s you who’s emitting emissions; mate, mostly from your rear end where you are clearly talking. Cars and buses emit more fumes in a higher gear, which you end up using more of, in 20mph zones. The proof ? Air quality is worse under the Greens.

Me: That could be heavy traffic related.

Evil me: Traffic is bad in the city because of poor traffic flow (park and ride?). Smoother running traffic produces less pollution, if you want to improve air quality, smooth out the traffic, re-phase the traffic lights to keep it all moving and ensure roadworks are completed more quickly, or at the same time as other utilities. Stationary traffic is the worst polluter in our city.

Me: Which is why it would be better if more people

46

cycled or walked.

Evil me: But if you walk you’re likely to get mown down by a cyclist riding on the pavements, going the wrong way down one way streets and running red lights. Plus the fact that if you tell them off they turn very nasty, thugs on wheels, mush, and don’t get me started on the chuggers.

Me; The car drivers don’t help though do they?

Evil me: But they have licences and pay tax for the roads, cyclists should have insurance and take a test. They should also have number plates so the traffic light cameras that I would install, can catch and fine them. That should stop the buggars.

Me: Now whose a fascist? Next you’ll be suggesting putting little gun towers on top of the traffic lights to shoot them when they run a red light.

Evil me: Now there’s an idea! A cyclist on a pavement can kill a child you know.

Me: I’m joking. I’d reinstate the tram system that would encourage more people to switch to public transport, people who loathe buses and think they are expensive and inefficient.

Evil me: Which they are by the way. The five 81’s are a Kafka-esque nightmare. These trams, have you any idea how much that would cost!

Me: Ah yes, but if in the 1950’s they had foreseen the 70’s oil shocks and the current cost (both fiscal and environmental) of carbon fuels, trams would have meant cleaner air and public transport at a fraction of the cost.

Evil me: Building a new tram system now would cause months of disruption.

Me: Ah yes, but think of the millions saved on fuel, let alone the huge reduction in emissions.

It would save millions in the long run and we could be the San Francisco of the UK, with clean air.

Evil me. It would flatten those red light jumping bastard cyclists I suppose, they’d have to obey the law then. Might have to paint them red, just

centre closed (400 seats) and the upstairs of

barking up the wrong condemned tree there,

Komedia became a cinema (loss 250 seats)

old son. And while we’re at it, what about the

we’ve lost venues and spaces for local shows

parking charges? They’re obscenely expensive

and touring product that isn’t mainstream.

and come across as a vindictive ideological

Evil Me: Who needs venues? What with your

attack on people who need their cars. Talking

Faraday cages I wouldn’t be able to use my phone.

of fascists, have you seen traffic wardens lately?

It’s also a killer for the local economy.

Me: Then I would make Brighton and Hove,

“I thought I’d pop over to this alternative universe and bring my evil twin over to join me.”

the country’s first electric car city. Rather than building expensive cycle lanes that are hardly used and add to congestion, invest in car charging points all over the city and let electric cars park for free if they’re the size of a smart car. They can park end on, ergo: more spaces.

This would make the currently expensive electric car affordable and desirable. Result: reduction in emissions and quieter streets.

Evil me: That should put paid to a few more cyclists! They wouldn’t hear the cars coming

Me: I’d also (Courtesy of an idea from Joe

when they get flattened running the red lights.

Samuel) create a Tate Brighton. A modern art

Me: Come to think of it, both my ideas and

gallery where the West Pier sits. Also I’d add an underwater glass pier so you can sit and dine under the sea in a big glass bubble.

Evil me: What? And tear down the lovely ruins of the rusty old West Pier? Utter madness.

in case.

Me:Yep, tear it down, it’s an eyesore.

Me: Create Faraday cages in cinemas and

Me: As King, I’d build that there monorail along

yours are pretty draconian and controversial.

Evil me: Well, everyone’s entitled to their opinion.

Me: That’s the problem with democracy. I’d abolish me if I were you.

Evil me: I think I’ll just have you hanged if it’s all the same to you. (Evil cackle).

theatres. This is an electrical shield that would

the beach to the Marina.

cut out any electronic signals meaning your

Evil me: The Marina has a dirty great big Asda

evening would be undisturbed by people on

as you come in, hardly an attraction is it? Bomb

their mobile phones.

that and you might be on to something.

Me: Consider the post of King abolished.

Evil me: Are you sure you’re not me in

Me: Parking. I’d definitely put in a park and ride

Evil me: I’d vote for that.

disguise?

scheme. It’s madness not to have one when

www.treasonshow.co.uk • 01273 207407

Me: Another thing Brighton needs is a

traffic is so bad.

The next show is on Thurs 3rd Oct

contemporary new venue. Since the Gardner

Evil me: But the Green’s hate the car so you’re

at The Brunswick.

Me: But that’s Treason!

Evil me: Exactly!

51