June 2016 Issue 3
A Sawyer & Co. Publication
Join us for free coffee & face painting
Brighton’s Rich Carnival Heritage
01273 685111 www.sawyerandco.co.uk
See inside for details...
Geoffrey Bowden, Kemp Town Carnival’s Chairman Tells Us Why HE Loves KT
Geoffrey Bowden
KempTownLIVING
Kemp Town Carnival Special!
June 2016 Issue 3
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KempTownLIVING
June 2016 Issue 3
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Dear Reader
W
elcome to the third edition of our Sawyer & Co bi-monthly magazine and as we’re proud sponsors of this year’s Kemp Town Carnival we’re making this issue a Carnival Special!
Contents
This year Carnival day is Saturday June 4th and as well as sponsoring one of the main music stages we’re inviting everyone to come into our office, meet the team and get in the mood for the celebrations.
This month we....................................................06–07
There will be free barista-style coffee for all and we’ll also be offering professional face-painting for kids (and adults!).
Marine Parade............................................................. 04 Geoffrey Bowden Q&A..........................................05
Preparing to sell your home?......................... 08 Property market........................................................ 09 Brighton’s Rich Carnival Heritage................10 Property for sale........................................................... 11
Just pop into our street-level office at 113 St. George’s Road anytime on Saturday. While you’re there why not take part in our special new promotion? Most people want to ask an estate agent what the value of their property is, but we want to ask YOU what you think WE are worth! Find out more when you come in to get your free coffee and get into the Carnival spirit. Pop into the office and say hello or contact us now on 01273 685 111. Lee Cook Branch Manager
Recently sold or let in your area
If you’d like to be featured in our next issue please get in touch with jenny@sawyerandco.co.uk No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers.
June 2016 Issue 3
KempTownLIVING
2 Bedroom, Raised Ground Floor Apartment in Grade II Listed Regency Building Situated directly opposite the seafront in one of Brighton’s iconic Grade II listed Regency buildings, this apartment is conveniently located for all that Brighton and Hove has to offer. As a Blue Plaque property this elegant building counts music hall comedian Max Miller as a past resident. Sitting on the raised ground floor, panoramic sea views along with a recently refurbished kitchen and bathroom combine to create a fantastic seaside home. To view Marine Parade call us now on 01273 685 111.
“Simply The Best ” 04|
www.sawyerandco.co.uk
June 2016 Issue 3
KempTownLIVING
A regular face around town and strong community activist, Geoffrey Bowden attended a public meeting in 2010 about restarting the Kemp Town Carnival.
Six years later and in his role of Chairman what does Kemp Town mean to him and how important does he think the Carnival is to the area? I think it’s really important. It showcases one of the true hidden treasures of the city and has a beautiful village feel. It draws people onto St. George’s Road which then gives them the opportunity to see what’s on offer there. Once they come to the area they’ll come back, so it’s really important in that respect for the local independent shops and businesses. I know someone who actually moved to Kemp Town after going to the Carnival so it really does a long term impact.
What’s the best time of year to be in Kemp Town and why? June 4th on Carnival day. Personally I love Kemp Town all year round. There’s always something going on. What makes Kemp Town different from the rest of Brighton & Hove? It’s got a very village feel. It’s impossible to walk down the main streets without seeing someone you know sitting outside one of the coffee bars. There’s a real neighbourly and community feel to the place. And finally, if you had to describe Kemp Town in three words which ones would you choose? Simply The Best.
What’s your personal favourite part of the Carnival? Personally I love the custard pie fight, it appeals to my childish sense of humour! But there’s also plenty of music and stalls that appeal to a wide variety of tastes, so there’s something for everyone. Your favourite Kemp Town building or landmark and why? Sawyer & Co. – obviously! After that it would be St. George’s Church which always forms part of the Carnival area and the lovely residential areas around it.
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June 2016 Issue 3
this month
KempTownLIVING
...we love
3 Bedroom Victorian Terraced House with South-Facing Rear Garden in Elm Grove. Contact us now on 01273 685 111 and find out more about this property.
this month...
...we’re looking forward to Handing out certificates to the pupils of St John the Baptist School for their winning pictures of our properties. 06|
June 2016 Issue 3
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this month ...we’re enjoying A little something we like to call The Spicy Twist! Created by our very own Matt Higgins this is flavour sensation for your BBQ…Smother half a dozen sardines in a marinade of a chopped red chilli, garlic and olive oil, wrap in tin foil and cook in the oven for 10 minutes. When nearly cooked placed the sardines individually on the hottest part of the BBQ for 30 seconds per side. When ready, place in a dish and cover with chopped fennel, sliced onion and a selection of sliced red, green and yellow cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve with a side accompaniment of sour cream with smoke paprika. Serves two.
…we’re listening to The Kemp Town Carnival is well known for the musical talent it always has on offer and this year Sawyer & Co. are proud to be the sponsors of one of the best musical stages. The Phoenix Rose
Kings Mews
Fronted by composer and singer Jarvis Smith, The Phoenix Rose fuse pop, rock, reggae, hip hop and Indian music flavours into their own unique and hugely successful style. The uplifting lyrical themes are matched by an ear for melody and an eye for detail that Jarvis Smith declares “celebrates the power of music to reach the entire human family.”
Strong support on the bill comes from local band Kings Mews, who will be showcasing their own mix-up of funky jazzy soul that is simply perfect for a creating a great carnival atmosphere. Their feel-good energy combines catchy melodies and infectious grooves that all come together to make up a truly original Brighton Soul Sensation.
Listen to the band’s single ‘Destination’ on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oqtlFOp32Fc
You can find out more at: http:// kingsmews.bandpage.com/
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Preparing to sell your home? Don’t’ panic! This issue’s topic is all to do with windows. Windows can be a fantastic wow factor in any size of home, be it the largest house or the smallest flat. As well as letting natural light flow in and make any property feel spacious and airy on a sunny day, they can also add a great deal of character to both interior and exterior design. So here’s some simple way that you can make your windows shine. 1. Keep ‘em clean Even the biggest windows with the most glorious views aren’t much use if you can’t actually see out of them. Depending on the kind of windows you’ve got it might be difficult to clean the outsides but you can always ask your friendly neighbourhood window cleaner to do a professional job for you no matter how high up your windows might be. However, there’s no excuse for not keeping the insides of your windows squeaky clean and if you use the old tip of diluting a little white vinegar in some water and using some scrunched up newspaper instead of a cloth you’ll get a professional result inside and out. 2. Dress them well Dirty and torn old net curtains are never a good look and there’s little point having the cleanest windows in your neighbourhood if your accessories look unappealing and shabby. If you really want to have some great curb appeal and give yourself privacy when you want it, why not think about fitting on-trend colonial-style shutters or wide slatted wooden blinds? 3.In the frame Damaged, ill-fitting or rotting frames not only look unattractive but can also be costing you money on your heating bills. Old, original sash windows can be a great period feature but if they’re so far gone that they’re not fit for purpose you should really think about replacing them. You might be nicely surprised about how cost effective and stylish modern uPVC sash style alternatives can actually be. 08|
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Property Market Update Sensibly priced properties are still selling very swiftly in our area despite the reduced activity following the recent buy to let investor deadline. The potential for uncertainty in the run up to the Brexit vote is also having a minor effect on market conditions here in Brighton & Hove. However, people’s desire to live in the Kemp Town area is showing no signs of slowing down and due to a shortage of properties on the market at the moment that means of course that prices are holding steady. If you’re thinking of moving now is a great time to do it as demand for properties in Kemp Town is far outstripping supply. Call us now for a free valuation on 01273 685111 or pop into our branch at 113 St. George’s Road and allow us to get things moving for you.
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June 2016 Issue 3
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Brighton’s Rich Carnival Heritage a quick trip through history The Fringe Festival is probably the most famous overall event in Brighton and Hove’s calendar, but it is really just a series of highly organised events taking place on a strict timetable. However, the city has a history of other gatherings or Carnivals that some would say reflect its diverse and sometimes chaotic nature far better. Although the word ‘Carnival’ probably originates from the Italian word for meat (carne), because of an ancient link to religious celebrations before a fast, today it is widely used for events which have a more playful and perhaps slightly unruly feel to them. As far back as the 1920’s the Brighton Carnival was a perfect example. The official programme declared to be “Issued by the decree of King Carnival, in which he sets forth in order his wishes: For the Enjoyment, Entertainment and Happiness of his Merry Subjects During his irresponsible reign.” In 1964 Brighton Carnival returned after a gap of more than twenty years and Christine Giddings, a 22 year old hairdresser’s receptionist, was crowned The Carnival Queen by Mr Derek Andrews, president of Brighton Lions Club. Well into the later hours thousands of people danced to groups playing from four bandstands along Madeira Drive. This was many years before the two towns were joined together into one city, so it’s no surprise that Hove had its own Carnival too. The Lions Carnival was a huge event throughout the 1960s with a procession that went from Grand Avenue to Preston Park. In later years it moved to Hove Park where it continues to take place each year, although now it is simply known as Hove Carnival after Hove Lions Club handed the running of the event over to the popular local charity Martlet’s Hospice in 2014. Of course no mention of street celebrations in the city could miss out on Pride, which began as a march in 1973 but really took off in 1991 when people celebrated in the streets in opposition to the government’s unpopular Section 28 legislation. With the first organised event taking place the following year, it moved to Preston Park in 1996 and now attracts an estimated 290.000 to the City over the Pride weekend and features the hugely popular Carnival of Diversity celebrating the uniqueness of Brighton & Hove and the inclusivity to be found in the City. 10|
June 2016 Issue 3
KempTownLIVING
For Sale ÂŁ775,000
Spacious 5 Bedroom Terraced House with Sea Views. Throughout this stunning bay-fronted home, modern design features blend effortlessly with bay windows and high ceilings to provide a brilliant example of contemporary, family living in a period property. Conveniently located in the heart of the Queens Park area, within easy reach of the city centre, seafront and mainline train station. EPC Rating D. Available NOW
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Silver BEST
BEST
ESTATE AGENT
LETTING AGENT in Brighton And Hove
in Brighton And Hove
2015 for
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Sawyer & Co. Small Estate Agency of the Year
2015 for
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE
Lee Cook, Branch Manager
Kemp Town 113 St Georges Road, Kemp Town, Brighton BN2 1EA 01273 685111