Sussex Living December 2021

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K EE PICPY FREASEA CO PL U P

December 2021

WELLBEING

CHILL OUT & RELAX

HOMES & GARDENS

A DECORATIVE HISTORY

NATURE

THE WONDER OF YEW

THE WILD SIDE

AN EXCLUSIVE CHAT WITH RAY MEARS

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Inside...

Cover Stories 11

25

The Alternative Gift Guide

65

On The Wild Side With Ray Mears Sara Whatley has been chatting to the man who popularised the word ‘bushcraft’

All That Glitters

41 Arden Grange Win £25,000 & tickets to Crufts with Arden Grange

65 All That Glitters The orgins of some modern festive adornments

91 Here’s Looking At Yew A living history from a yew-nique perspective

113 A Cocktail Cornucopia Avert any seasonal misery with these crackers!

121 Wellbeing Chilling out and relaxing with Lisa de Silva

Features

21 A Christmas Miscellany Peter d’Aguilar with explains some festive traditions

25 The Alternative Gift Guide To Christmas A few tips for giving presents with a difference

37 Get In Style With Sedici The Seaford boutique with a passion for fashion

43 The Ditchling Carol The Sussex village with a unique Christmas carol

44 Doorstep Carols A 2020 social initiative that’s gathering momentum

47 A Grand Residence

11

A Worthing care home with caring at the core

48 To The Manor Adorned A West Sussex manor with a modern sparkle

On The Wild Side With Ray Mears

Editor’s Comment

113

Ho-Ho-Ho! Or is it No-No-No? Whatever your view, there is no denying that Christmas is creeping up on us, and after last year we decided at Sussex Living it’s time to celebrate. So, no apologies for this December’s issue being ‘full on’ Christmas. Deck the halls! Well, there’s loads of inspiration with two fabulously festive homes and if you are entertaining family and friends have a look at our food and drink section for plenty of ideas. With local and alternative gift guides Sussex Living has got Christmas sorted. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Christmas.

A Cocktail Cornucopia

Adele

MANAGING EDITOR

If you miss the latest issue of Sussex Living you can read it all online at www.sussexliving.com and sign up for our newsletter

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December 21 Contents.indd 8

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72 Cosy Cottage The vibrant restoration of Four Wells Cottage

97 The More Radio Toy Appeal Lou Nash chats about the joy of the toy appeal

48 On The Home Front

98 A Letter To Santa The NSPCC are delivering letters across the county

101 A Crafty Christmas Hanna Prince has some clever family friendly ideas for a handmade creative Christmas

105 Tree-cycling For A Very Good Cause Helping Chestnut Tree House Children’s Hospice

106 Spotlight Events Some of the best events in Sussex this season

137 Secret Stories A time-travelling app from the Ordnance Survey

Regulars 88 Blooming Times

Flo Whitaker’s boxing clever with Hellebores

117 A Plethora Of Party Pieces Adele Trathan’s easy to make fantastic festive food

119 Filo Pastry Mince Pies A teenage seasonal spin on a traditional recipe

127 Beauty SOS! Stay party fresh throughout December

119

Filo Pastry Mince Pies

129 The Keep A well-heeled Victorian fancy dress in Catsfield

131 Willingdon Walk An end of year downland seasonal stunner

Beauty SOS!

140 Puzzle Page 142 It’s A Dog’s Life

127

Teddy’s unique and inimitable Christmas thoughts

145 Money Matters The role and support offered by Citizens Advice

148 If You Ask Me In defence of the North Pole crew by Flo Whitaker

158 Puzzle Page Solutions

Classifieds

131

150 Love Local Directory 158 Contributors List

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INTERVIEW

H

ighly-respected naturalist, Ray Mears lives and breathes the wild. His passionate career in woodsman, bushcraft and the exploration and teaching of nature has seen him become survival expert, Mears is a household name with a bushcraft and survival legend, loved and respected by many his many television series, books and worldwide. He generously spoke to Sara Whatley from his appearances behind him. He founded Woodlore, The School of Wilderness home in Sussex Bushcraft over thirtyfive years ago, but his Your new show We Are Nature interest in nature has I feel blessed that one written and covers the subject people find most is touring the UK in the spring, been a lifelong one, day I can be walking life changing when they including two Sussex dates in from the age of five on the South Downs understand it. The focus Worthing and Horsham. What when he saw his first of the book is on our can audiences expect of the show? rhinoceros at Longleat and the next I can human connection with This is a show about rediscovering Wildlife Safari Park. be exploring the nature and how best to nature and exploring the true depths Aged eight he started marshes of a fresh use our innate senses to of our sensory capacity. It’s all about tracking foxes on the tune into it and explore thinking and feeling the depth of our North Downs, near his water river; I love it it more deeply. “I feel ability and amplifying the volume of home in Kenley, which like I’ve had my blinkers the senses that we normally suppress. was on the edge of the taken off,” is what people tell Mears Effectively ‘tuning in and turning on’ North Downs Way. “It was before it after he has shown them how to use their to nature. had been subsumed into the morass of senses with acuity.

With today’s fast-paced life and Croydon.” He said of the experience, The We Are Nature Tour is to follow the rise of technology, everything is “I wanted to stay out at night with next spring and when I spoke with made very easy. When you go to the them, and that really opened the door Mears from his home in Sussex, supermarket for example, you drive to everything I’ve done ever since.” where he lives with his wife, Ruth and there, and you know to look for the Of his latest book, We Are Nature, stepson, I was keen to know more about road signs. When you go inside looking written during lockdown, Mears says it his life, work and the tour. is the most important book he has ever December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 11

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for a special offer, there’s a bright dayglow star telling you ‘This is a special offer’. But in nature, everything is far more subtle – more cryptic and camouflaged. To see things in nature you must learn to use your senses to find the wildlife that is hiding. Once you start to do this you discover that the whole process is incredibly rewarding because you are scratching an itch you didn’t know you had.

Together with the audience we will go on a voyage of discovery of our senses. But it won’t be limited to just that – we will be talking about a lot more – how we can read a landscape, the kind of equipment that we can use to ‘supercharge’ our senses, and how we can use these skills, not only for our own enjoyment and benefit, but also to protect wildlife which is such an

integral part of the British countryside.

There is a very good chance that people coming to this show will find their lives forever changed.

Did you have your own naturalist hero when you were growing up?

Of the naturalists that I grew up with my favourite was Gerald Durrell.

When I was in my teens he made a series called The Amateur Naturalist, which I absolutely loved and it was the only programme I would go indoors to watch rather than being outdoors.

He was a very good presenter, very knowledgeable and down to earth. That had a big influence on me I think.

Have you always gone out on your own? Were you never scared as a child?

No, I’ve never been scared. I don’t feel fear of being on my own. I love travelling with my wife, Ruth, that’s the best thing in the world, but equally I do like being alone – I’m very comfortable in my own company. The more remote it is the more I like it!

As you realised that immersing yourself in nature was what you wanted to do with your life, who taught you about it and how did you learn your bushcraft?

Most of it is self-taught by research, and going out and doing experimentation.

And, of course, learning from native and indigenous peoples. I spent nearly a year studying in the library at the Royal Anthropological Institute and The Museum of Mankind when that still existed.

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mysteries and you have to learn to notice the small details to differentiate between things. It’s one of the reasons I like the Weald so much.

I was thinking about the seasons and how you travel round the world; do you make sure you visit the same places in different seasons?

Yes I do. The difference between the wet and dry seasons in the tropics can be quite dramatic in terms of the plant life – there are some plants and wildlife you will never see in flower or leaf unless you are there at certain times of year – and that’s very revealing.

That’s true here in the UK too, but in a slightly less dramatic way.

And does that have a big impact on things like tracking?

Yes, all seasons are all different.

Tracking in snow can be really difficult, not as easy as people imagine. Here in Sussex, it is one of the hardest places of all to learn to track; the Weald in the summer can be baked as hard as an anvil. I’ve always found that very beneficial when I travel anywhere else; learning to track here makes you better at tracking elsewhere.

A lot of people don’t understand what tracking is, they think it’s following footprints, but we’re looking for the tiniest marks and disturbances – breaks in twigs, bruises on leaves, light displacement of leaf mould or gravel – tiny things that are very significant to the trained eye, but to the casual observer would be invisible.

Many of the things that people take for granted today in the world of bushcraft, I worked out. So, it was a pioneering experience and I’m still learning now, still making new discoveries.

Being a Sussex man yourself, do you have a favourite part of the county?

We’re very lucky, we have a wideranging diversity of habitat – the thick biodiverse woodland of the Weald, fresh water rivers, lots of ponds which are good for insect life, the Downs with wonderful chalk downland and steep slopes of wild flowers, right down to the coastline. I feel blessed that one day I can be walking on the South Downs and the next I can be exploring the marshes of a fresh water river; I love it. There is no reason to be bored in Sussex!

Cover your hands with gloves so they don’t flash when you’re putting your binoculars up, and have a hat with a peak to cast shade onto your face Looking further out into the world from Sussex, do you have a particular habitat that you enjoy?

Woodland. Big forests are my favourite.

That’s not to say I don’t enjoy desert and mountains, I do, but I really connect with forests.

Is that because of the wildlife you find there or…?

It’s so diverse and such a complex eco-system, the wildlife can be difficult to see so it’s challenging. It’s full of

Is that learnt through practice?

There are three things that make a good tracker. Firstly, it’s good to have some tuition. Secondly, it’s really good if you have been out with real trackers, so you can see what’s possible. And thirdly, you have to do it, and do it, and do it, and confront your weaknesses.

Your failures are what teach you to track. I track every day, it’s a perishable skill; if you don’t use it you lose it.

You detail your experience of locating a putrefying elephant carcass by following its smell through the bush; do you take into account your own personal scent when you’re out observing nature?

Yes, that’s really important. When I do a guided walk and someone turns up with a strong-smelling perfume, deodorant or aftershave my heart sinks.

I wash, but I don’t use deodorant – they’re not good for us anyway – and I use natural soaps that are unscented or pine scented. The clothing I wear generally smells of the outdoors and wood smoke, but the most important thing is where you position yourself in relationship to the flow of the wind.

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Rush PC Xmas 21 DPS S'sex living .qxp_Layout 1 09/11/2021 13:05 Page 1

Chris Take a look at our Christmas trees at Rushfields!

We’re famous for our Christmas Trees and this year we have more than ever! We have trees in a range of sizes and varieties, including lush Nordmann and elegant Noble Fir. Add to this beautiful, locally-grown Poinsettia, Holly wreaths, Mistletoe and a stunning collection of gifts and cards and you’ll agree that Rushfields has all you need for Christmas under one roof!

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Henfield Road Poynings, Brighton BN45 7AY

Phone: 01273 857445 E-mail: enquiries@rushfields.com Website: www.rushfields.com

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s tmas

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Festive food, beer and wine in our Christmas Farm Shop

Crammed with Christmas goodies, our Farm Shop hosts a festive feast for the eyes, with favourites, such as: sparkling wine, craft ales, Panettone and Stollen cake. Or why not make up your own personalised Rushfields hamper?

And don’t forget to order your Turkey from our butcher in plenty of time.

While you’re there, stock up on Christmas treats, such as Gammon, Pork and our famous pies, pastries and sausages.

Visit our cosy Café...

We serve hearty breakfasts, hot lunches, warming drinks, tasty soups and delicious home-made cakes and mince pies.

Christmas opening Open Tuesday – Sunday: Closed Monday Café open Tuesday – Sunday: Closed Monday Christmas Eve:

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Christmas Day: Boxing Day: December 27th and 28th December 29th – 31st January 1st – 3rd

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Plant Centre and Farm Shop will close at 2pm and Café will close from 1pm on 24th

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In the book you talk about the amazing camouflage of the octopus, what camo gear do you favour?

You don’t have to wear full camo gear, but dull, drab colours, and the key thing is to not move around too much.

Cover your hands with gloves so they don’t flash when you’re putting your binoculars up, and have a hat with a peak to cast shade across your face. It depends how close you want to get… you can become invisible so you can be accepted without causing a disturbance.

You say in the book you believe we can reverse the tide of the climate crises. What do you think of the news that has just come out of COP26 that the Climate Action

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Tracker Group has warned of a global temperature rise of 2.4C instead of the 1.5C which needs to be maintained by 2100?

I’m quite encouraged by COP26 to be honest. I’m a realist, not an idealist.

I know it’s going to take time to get the world together to solve the issue, but 120 nations were represented by their leaders and heads of state, which means that 120 nations thought it was important enough to attend.

But the most heartening thing was to hear the Chinese and Americans

say this is the next existential threat.

Hooray! At last someone’s saying the right thing. I’m sick to death of politicians telling me they want to ‘save the planet’, that’s nonsense. The planet is not at threat; life on earth is at threat.

We are raising the temperature on earth, polluting the air, the oceans and fresh water and reducing biodiversity, so if you add these things up, we are making earth toxic to life as we know it.

This is the greatest threat we have ever faced as a species, and failure is not an

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option. The sooner we get to that point in the debate the sooner we will roll our sleeves up and do something.

The resurgence of people using green spaces and appreciating nature for exercise, relaxation and maintaining balanced mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic is heartening. What do you think about the connection between nature and mental health?

There is a definite link. In 1982, the Japanese coined the term ‘shinrin yoku’, or forest bathing. They realised there was a rise in autoimmune deficiency, and suicide where people were struggling with their work lives, so they looked to Shinto and Buddhist traditions and came up with the concept of ‘shinrin yoku’.

Having labelled it, it gave scientists an opportunity to evaluate it. I’ve recently looked at the research that’s being done – it’s staggering, the benefits are huge: the physiological benefit from being in woodland, where the ambience is good reduces your anxiety levels.

The secret is to wander aimlessly in

I’m sick to death of politicians telling me they want to ‘save the planet’, that’s nonsense.

The planet is not at threat; life on earth is at threat woodland and let things in nature grab your attention as you pass by, so you’re using your consciousness in a less organised, focused way, helping to redress the balance of overusing this part of our psyche.

And phytochemicals that are given off by trees are beneficial to us too, can boost our immune system and increase the speed we recover from operations. But it shouldn’t come as a surprise; for 2.5 million years we lived in nature, and we need that connection.

And that is what Mears is trying to achieve and pass on through his

teachings; a reconnection to the wild, to use our own senses to appreciate and understand it more keenly and to protect it for the survival of the human species. Mears writes, “When I observe nature, I feel more than simply awe at her diversity and astonishing beauty. I feel a deep intrinsic lifeforce connection.

Travelling and guiding groups in wild places has taught me that in wilderness there is hope – hope that wildlife will continue in all its biodiverse glory, and hope that humanity will once again be moved by the rhythm of nature’s song.”

That’s something we can all live by. l Ray Mears We Are Nature An Invitation To Reconnect With The Natural World will be at the Worthing Assembly Hall on 17th March 2022 www.wtam.uk 01903 206206 and at Horsham Capitol Theatre on 31st March 2022 www.thecapitolhorsham.com 01403 750220. For further information on Ray Mears visit www.raymears.com

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Our shop in the heart of Steyning, maybe small, but is bursting with items for healthy living including Xmas foods and eco gifts for all tastes.

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CHRISTMAS

A Christmas Miscellany If you’ve ever wondered how some seasonal things came to be and how some traditions started out then let our rosy-cheeked, sherry quaffing, man in the sleigh, Peter d’Aguilar, guide you through a few festive did you know’s…

T

he word Christmas is a contraction of ‘Christ’s Mass’, derived from the Middle English Cristemasse – which in turn comes from the Old English Cristesmæsse. The first Christmas celebrated in Britain is believed to have been in York in 521 AD. Many theologians reckon that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, but sometime in September – somewhere between 6 BC and 30 AD. Boxing Day doesn’t have anything to do with the noble art of self-defence – it takes its name from the tradition amongst rich people of boxing up gifts to give to the poor.

Notorious spoilsport Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas pudding

It also derives from the money collected in church alms-boxes and distributed around Christmas time.

Many people like to start their Christmas celebrations by attending a midnight mass church service on Christmas Eve. It is believed that this tradition started in the 5th century AD under Pope Sixtus III. By the twelfth century it had become widely popular. Today, the flagship midnight mass for Catholics is celebrated at the Vatican, with around 15,000 people gathering at St Peter’s Basilica to hear the Pope’s Christmas message. Amongst the most famous settings for midnight mass in London are the services at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey.

Notre Dame in Paris also traditionally hosts a midnight mass service, with bells pealing out to mark the occasion.

Perhaps the most apt location is the one in Manger Square, Bethlehem – the birthplace of Jesus.

The arrival of the three wise men at the birth of Jesus is another essential element in the Christmas story.

Curiously, though, only the gospel according to St Matthew refers to magi, kings or wise men coming from afar – and he never mentions specifically that there were three of them, only that they brought three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Even their names – Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar – were added as an afterthought by later scholars.

English civil servant and innovator Sir Henry Cole has forever left his stamp on Christmas. In 1843, while working on postal reform in London, he commissioned artist John Calcott Horsley to design the world’s first commercial Christmas card – as

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part of a campaign to popularise the new Uniform Penny Post. The first illustration featured a festive family Christmas gathering, but robins soon became a popular feature on Christmas cards because Victorian postmen were known as ‘robins’ due to their red tunics. Early examples are highly collectible – in 2001 one sold at auction for over £22,000.

Father Christmas hasn’t always dressed in red. Prior to the 1930s he was pictured sporting a variety of different-coloured outfits, ranging from large to small in stature and girth. A red-suited Santa Claus became popular in North America during the 19th century, as a result of cartoonist Thomas Nast’s illustrations. Coca-Cola adopted this popular depiction of a rubicund Santa in 1931. Tracing his origins back to St Nicholas, an early Christian bishop of Greek descent, Father Christmas or Santa Claus is known by many different names around the world. In Germany he is Kriss Kringle, Père Noël in France, La Befana in Italy, and

Dedushka Moroz (Grandfather Frost) in Russia.

Rudolph, Santa’s red-nosed lead reindeer, made his first appearance in 1938 – starring in an American department store’s Christmas promotion. His role as leader of the reindeer team pulling Father Christmas’ sleigh on Christmas Eve has become a popular part of Christmas folk law. Donner, Blitzen, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet and Cupid are his antler wielding companions in the sleigh team.

For a Christmas to be officially classified as ‘white’, a single snowflake needs to be spotted falling on the rooftop of the Met Office in London on 25th December. This only happened seven times during the 20th century.

Bookmakers estimate a 17% chance of a white Christmas in London this year.

Bing Crosby’s White Christmas is the bestselling Christmas single

In Germany he is Kriss Kringle, Père Noël in France, La Befana in Italy, and Dedushka Moroz in Russia ever, shifting over 50 million copies worldwide since 1942.

According to tradition, it is good luck to eat a mince pie on each of the 12 days of Christmas. However, it is still technically illegal in England to eat mince pies on Christmas Day. In the 17th century, notorious spoilsport Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas pudding, mince pies and anything to do with gluttony. The law has never been officially rescinded.

On Stir-up Sunday, the last Sunday before Advent, families traditionally gather together to mix and steam the Christmas pudding. Everyone takes a turn to stir the pudding

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mix and make a special wish for the year ahead.

The Yule Log was originally an entire tree, burnt over the 12 days of Christmas. A Chocolate Yule Log consisting of a chocolate sponge roll layered with cream is now a popular Christmas dessert. The outside is covered with dark chocolate and decorated to look like a barkcovered log.

Around 8 million natural Christmas trees are bought each year in Britain – with natural trees outselling artificial trees by a ratio of 3 to 1. Many parts of the Christmas tree are edible – the needles are a good source of Vitamin C. Christmas trees usually grow for about 15 years before they’re sold and, on average, three Christmas trees are planted to replace each one harvested. The most expensively-dressed Christmas tree, valued at just under £7 million, was

displayed at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi in 2010.

Hanging out stockings stems from the Dutch custom of leaving shoes packed with food for St Nicholas’s donkeys. He would leave small gifts in return. The largest ever Christmas stocking measured 32.5m long and nearly 15m wide.

Mistletoe is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word misteltan, literally meaning ‘little dung twig’ – as the plant seeds can be spread through bird droppings.

London confectioner Tom Smith created the first Christmas crackers in 1847, based on the design of a sweet wrapper. By 1900, he was selling 13 million a year. The largest Christmas cracker – 45m long by 3m wide – was pulled in 1991 in Australia.

And if the commercial side of the season becomes a little overbearing, spare a thought for the words of Mother Teresa. “It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” l

© National Trust 2020. Registered Charity no. 205846.

Photography © National Trust Images/John Millar

Celebrate the festive season

at Scotney Castle Edwardian Christmas experience, family trail, seasonal shopping, and weekday Christmas lunches

Visit nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle for details Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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PENNY FARTHING JEWELLERS The tinsel is up, the new collections are in – what will your partner find in their Penny Farthing box on Christmas morning?

We stock an array of precious jewellery, including our one-off Legacy Collection in platinum and gold, set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies and unusual gemstones as well as international designer collections and unusual giftware. Start Christmas Day with a big smile.

Jewellery made around the world, bought with passion, sold with pride

28 HIGH STREET, EAST GRINSTEAD 01342 323331 – pfjvintage@gmail.com

www.pennyfarthingjewellers.net @pennyfarthingjewellers pennyfarthing_jewellers Dec21 Alternative Gift Guide.indd 24

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CHRISTMAS

The

You wouldn’t find these gifts in a stocking – but they’re sure to brighten up Christmas day. Ethical, fun and brimming with Yuletide spirit, here’s Hanna Prince’s pick of the best alternative presents

F

inding the perfect item for everybody on your gift list can turn the run-up to Christmas into a festive stress-fest.

Don’t panic – we’ve got the answer.

From delectable handmade goodies to gifts that help someone in need, these alternative presents will put a smile on everyone’s face this Christmas.

SPONSOR AN ANIMAL Adoption gift packs make great gifts for animal lovers. From exotic sloth bears and slow lorises to rescued donkeys, horses and dogs, you can ‘adopt’ almost any type of animal.

Adoption packs often contain certificates, calendars, information books and newsletters, along with kid-friendly pressies such as colouring pencils and soft toys. The best bit, of course, is that your money will go

towards helping animal and wildlifecentric charities, whether that’s buying food and medicine for rescue cases or preserving threatened wildlife habitats.

GIVE THE GIFT OF TIME If you’re keen to help somebody who really needs it this Christmas, you can make a huge difference by volunteering in the local community. Whether it’s serving at a Christmas lunch for older people who would otherwise spend the

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festive season alone, working with a homeless charity, visiting someone in hospital or helping out at a food bank, there’s no better way to channel the real Christmas spirit. If you’re short on time but still keen to help, consider funding a festive dinner for somebody who can’t afford one, donating a gift to a child in need or putting together a Christmas shoebox for a refugee.

PROMISE VOUCHERS For kids with limited pocket money funds, promise vouchers make perfect gifts. Cooking up breakfast in bed, tidying the house, hoovering, helping out in the garden, cleaning the car or serving at a grown-up dinner party – there are plenty of low-cost ways to give parents, grandparents or other family members a festive treat. Making your own creative vouchers is all part of the fun.

HOMEMADE GEMS You don’t have to be a crafting genius to whip up your own delectable homemade gifts. Handy in the kitchen?

Mix up a batch of infused olive oils, marmalade, cookies or scrumptious chocolates (it’s not as hard as you might think!). Better still, combine them in a hamper for the ultimate festive snack box. Beauty products such as lip balm, bath bombs and body scrub are also fun and reasonably easy to make at home.

CHARITY SHOP TREASURES Gone are the days when Christmas gifts had to be box-fresh and swathed

Bumblebee and bug homes made from recycled timber, or a tree dedication

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from salvaged ocean plastic – possibly the prettiest way to save the world.

in plastic packaging. A combination of financial and environmental restraints has encouraged a growing culture of second-hand present buying – last year, a survey by a mobile phone recycling company revealed that half of us gave pre-owned gifts to family and friends.

Buying presents from charity shops is better for the environment and easier on your wallet – plus all the proceeds go to a good cause.

GREEN GIFTS Looking for a Christmas present that doesn’t cost the Earth? There are plenty of eco gifts out there, but few have a net positive impact on the environment. If you’re keen for your money to have a genuine green influence then consider sustainably sourced wildlife seeds, bumblebee and bug homes made from recycled timber, or a tree dedication.

Some charities also sell jewellery crafted

GIVE FROM A ‘NEED’ LIST Finally, try asking your friends and family what would genuinely make their lives better this Christmas.

Perhaps it’s a few hours of babysitting so that they can enjoy a little ‘me’ time.

Maybe it’s a night out with a shoulder to cry on, a train ticket so that they can spend the festive season with family, or a cleaner to give their house a complete overhaul in the run-up to Christmas dinner. Sometimes it’s the things you’d never find in a letter to Santa that really make Christmas special. l

m t a i r 20 2 1 Ch COMPLETED: Bexhill 1940 Winter Wartime Model Railway With Eddie Izzard’s finishing touches

CHRISTMAS QUIZ Santa’s Shopping Spree Children’s trail helping Santa find presents in the museum

SPECIAL EXHIBITION: Common Threads Folk Costume & National Dress from around the World

SPECIAL EXHIBITION: Augusta Victoria College Bexhill’s School for Nazi Girls

Egerton Road, Bexhill TN39 3HL Tel: 01424 222058 Open 11:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays) Museum closed 20-25 Dec. Open Boxing Day until 3 Jan, 11:00am to 4:00pm

www.bexhillmuseum.org.uk

BexhillMuseum

@bexhillmuseum

info@bexhillmuseum.org.uk

Bexhill Museum is an accredited museum and a registered charity no 1102638 Dec21 Bexhill Museum 1-2.indd 1

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For kids with limited pocket money funds, promise vouchers make perfect gifts.

THE THE BIRCH BIRCH HOTEL HOTEL (THE (THE SUSSEX SUSSEX ROOM) ROOM) LEWES LEWES ROAD, ROAD, HAYWARDS HAYWARDS HEATH HEATH RH17 RH17 7SF 7SF FRIDAY FRIDAY 21st 21st & & SATURDAY SATURDAY 22nd 22nd JANUARY JANUARY & & FRIDAY FRIDAY 18th 18th & & SATURDAY SATURDAY 19th 19th MARCH MARCH

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Scan to book online

1st December 2021 – 5th January 2022 Enterprise Shopping Centre

BOOK NOW!

visiteastbournetickets.co.uk/icerink

30 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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Company Promotion

A NEW KIND OF LUXURY Goldsmiths has unveiled its brandnew showroom design in Churchill Square, Brighton

A

fter months of anticipation, the hoardings are finally down, to reveal the smart monochrome exterior of the new Goldsmiths showroom, at Churchill Square. The showroom reveals a whole new luxury shopping experience – from its dynamic new design, through to the service, hospitality, and the exceptional new line up of luxury timepieces and finejewellery brands it offers.

Goldsmiths has created a luxury retail environment for the future – one that embraces a modern and relaxed way to browse. It perfectly combines the best names in Swiss watchmaking alongside world-renowned jewellery brands, expert service, and a bright, modern luxury showroom interior.

With it’s white-washed oak timber, which is contrasted with white terrazzo and blackened steel to create a light, uncluttered space that feels luxurious but not intimidating; a place where you can spend time deciding on that perfect timepiece or ideal engagement ring, while enjoying the showroom’s hospitality.

The beautiful showroom houses a gorgeous collection of leading Swiss timepiece

brands, including exclusive timepieces from a number of world-famous brands. You’ll have the chance to try on, or even buy such amazing models as the OMEGA De Ville Prestige Co-Axial 32.7mm, that exudes elegance, with it’s impressive two-tone, mother-of pearl dial with gold fashioned Roman numerals – or the iconic Breitling Chronomat 42mm, in red

gold with an anthracite dial, and perfectly matched to a black rubber strap.

It’s not just the stunning watch collection that will draw the crowds, with their gorgeous collection of diamond jewellery, Brightest Diamonds, which is exclusive to Goldsmiths and features its very own proprietary stone cut. This Goldsmiths’ stone has 88 facets – 30 more than a standard stone, which it has used in three wonderfully romantic engagement ring collections as well as eternity rings, earrings, and necklaces. Thanks to the additional facets, cut into an innovative pattern unique to Goldsmiths, brilliance, fire, and scintillation are all amped up in these stones, which means they have superior sparkle; and each piece comes with its own certificate.

The new opening is a great addition to Churchill Square, and perfectly timed for those looking for a special Christmas gift for loved ones, or a treat for themselves!

The showroom features dedicated areas for brands such as Breitling and Tudor, as well as gorgeous jewellery from the likes of FOPE and Roberto Coin. All carefully curated, and creatively displayed, to maximise temptation.

“This is a significant milestone for Goldsmiths,” says Craig Bolton, executive director of the Watches of Switzerland Group. “Luxury today has become far more relaxed, inclusive, and experiential, so while we are elevating the Goldsmiths brand position, our goal is to make everyone feel valued and at home when visiting our showrooms. Our ambition is for everyone to have a memorable luxury experience long after they’ve made their purchase. We believe the repositioning and new showroom concept will transform not just the Goldsmiths profile and experience, but also bring some fresh life to our high streets.” l Goldsmiths Upper Mall, Churchill Square, Brighton 01273 738080 goldsmiths.co.uk December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 31

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Rhymes for our Times

by Fran Your Christmas What does Christmas mean to you?

All gifts and goodies and too much to do?

We rush to plan and wait till it’s here, then it’s all over for another year.

But in the multi-cultural world today others do not plan this way.

They have their own festivals to enjoy perhaps not the birth of a baby boy, but other things for which to rejoice: all are entitled to have a voice in their beliefs.

So let’s join together in our Christmas time and extend our love to all of mankind.

Heathfield Ironmongers Ltd

108 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8JD Tel: 01435 862626

(Est. 1919)

CHRISTMAS PROMOTION

Stanley Classic Vacuum Flask 1 ltr ..........................Special Price .... £35.99 Irwin Marples 8 piece Chisel Set ..............................Special Price .... £69.99 Combi Drill with Twin Batteries.................................Special Price .... £59.99 Abus Key Safe ..............................................................Special Price .... £14.99 Lighthouse 350 lumens LED Torch ..........................Special Price .... £9.99 Faithfull 10m Semi Enclosed Cable Reel .................Special Price .... £14.99 24 hr Segment Timer ..................................................Special Price .... £5.99 Eddingtons 12 cup Mince Pie Pan ............................Special Price .... £7.99 Judge Spiked Carving Tray ........................................Special Price .... £14.99 Briers Triple Pack Cotton Gloves ..............................Special Price .... £5.99 Wilkinson Gift Box Bypass and Anvil Pruner Set .....Special Price .... £16.99 We also stock a selection of fireside items

For that special

Christmas Gift A wide range of contemporary and traditional jewellery plus a fine selection of gift items including glassware, bronzeware, silverware, watches and clocks.

Gale & Woolgar Free gift-wrapping service 47 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex T: 01825 762831

Joyously Delicious!

The perfect stocking filler for those who remember “the good old days”

If you like this, you will find more like it in “Rhymes for our Times” - a collection of inspired poetry written

by Fran, a no-nonsense 90-something. Some are wicked observations on modern life, others are more profound and poignant: all will make you smile.

Price £5, all monies go to St Peter & St James Hospice.

Find the book in the Hospice shops or call Jude on:

01444 459 433 or 07597 020 512

Perfect to share or to give ✳ 8 Wines to choose from ✳ Free delivery (UK Mainland) ✳ Free gift wrapping & Christmas card with your message

www.foxandfox.wine

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This year, more than ever, our local high streets need your support, so get inspired with our great gift guide for presents for all the family, friends or even treat yourself this Christmas

★ Perfect for any watch enthusiast! A range of the most affordable & stylish Swiss and British watch brands. Pictured: Hamilton Intramatic auto (£865) and Duckworth Prestex chronograph (£495).

★ Enjoy ‘It’s a Dog’s Life’ every month in Sussex Living? Get books, ‘The Last Rolo’ and ‘Sit, Stay, Roll Over,’ by the same writer. They make great presents especially for dog lovers! www.helenstockton.co.uk

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✶ David Carpenter Watches

It’s A Dog’s Life - Books

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16 High Street, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1UX Tel: 01892 481060 sales@david-carpenter.co.uk www.davidcarpenterwatches.com

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✶ Millbrook Garden Centre ★ Treat a gardener to a gift featuring Hannah of Wrendale Designs' stunning artwork, stocked at Millbrook!

Find tools, herb pots, kneelers, beauty accessories, stationery and more!

Plants4Presents ★ Choose from over 100 beautiful fruiting, flowering and festive gifts all delivered gift wrapped and boxed with a handwritten card.

01825 721162 www.plants4presents.co.uk

Smiffy Bears

Millbrook Garden Centre, Tubwell Lane, Crowborough, TN6 3RJ 01892 663822 www.millbrookgc.co.uk

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★ This is a specialist bear shop, stocking Charlie Bears, Merrythought, Hermann, Clemens, Steiff, DEB Canham, Smiffy Bears and many others.

Jackie Smith has been restoring bears for over thirty years, with a bear hospital in the shop. Please call in for a coffee, bear chat or hug!

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Cobblestone Walk, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3RD 07885 075890 Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.30 to 5pm

Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop ★ A genuine Sussex Trug is the perfect gift for gardeners, experienced or just starting out. Look at our website for our extensive range of Trugs.

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Rushfields Plant Centre ★ Christmas just won’t be the same without the right decorations. Whether you are decking out your home or your roof or front yard, you need the right decorations.

Henfield Road, Poynings, Sussex, BN45 7AY 01273 857445 adrian@rushfields.com

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Thomas Smith’s Trug Shop 01323 871640 sales@sussextrugs.com www.sussextrugs.com

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Something Else

★ Visit for an extensive range of handbags, unique costume jewellery, scarves, jumpers, and a beautiful range of Italian clothes.

Something Else, 4 Middle Row, East Grinstead RH19 3AX 07913 911030

Shankland & Stow

Enhance Aesthetics & Beauty

★ Shankland & Stow create bespoke, handmade, faux floral wreaths for any occasion or event along with a collection of individually crafted stunning ‘Decomesh’ wreaths to add to your Christmas decor inside or out!

Sustainable as they’re re-useable!

★ Stuck for gift ideas? Pop in, we can help. Gift vouchers for treatments and packages. ESPA luxury gift sets. Book in for couples or group treatments.

Visit etsy.com/uk/shop/shanklandandstow Follow on Instagram @shanklandandstow to be inspired!

Woods Travel

★ Treat your loved one to a new adventure this Christmas with a gift voucher. Available in any denomination, vouchers can be redeemed against anything booked with the Woods Travel Group.

Park Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex PO21 2PX Tel: 01243 868080 www.woodstravel.co.uk

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Enhance Aesthetics & Beauty 1 Whitehall Parade, London Rd, East Grinstead RH19 1AP 01342 301544 www.enhanceyou.co.uk

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✶ Shuna’s Vintage Clothes The Tasting Rooms

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★ Our luxury wine hampers make the perfect gift. This Prima Mano hamper includes charcoal cheddar cheese, Briscoe's artisan chilli jelly, and our Sussexmade chocolate truffle selection box.

14 High St, East Grinstead RH19 3AW www.thetastingroomseg.co.uk

★ Want to find something special for Christmas? Look no further than Shuna’s Vintage Clothes. Shuna is an ex costume designer and sells beautiful vintage clothes, hats and bags at Heathfield market on Tuesday mornings or by appointment.

01435 883 436 or 07831 258582 Heathfield Market, Burwash Rd, Heathfield TN21 8RA

The Butterfly Gardens Forest Rose Flowers ★ It’s All About The Wreaths!

Wreath making kits to create at home, pre-done bases and you can choose your decoration from the shop to finish yourself or handmade bespoke wreaths for collection.

Find us on Hartfield Road, Forest Row www.forestroseflowers.co.uk

★ Book online via our website to visit or view our enchanting extensive range of butterfly gifts, which make ideal Christmas gifts. www.sussexbutterflygardens.co.uk The Butterfly Gardens, Middleton Common Farm, Ditchling Common BN6 8SF 01273 054996 Facebook: @middletonButterflyGardens

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Balcombe Estate ★ Our sawmill is open 7 days a week from 1st December, 9am4pm, for the sale of Christmas trees, logs, oak and softwood beams, planks, fencing stakes, woodchips and other woodland products.

Haywards Heath Road, Balcombe, West Sussex RH17 6NJ sawmill@balcombeestate.co.uk Sawmill 01444 811446 www.balcombesawmill.co.uk

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✶ Broadleys

★ Make Christmas feel special with a Secrid wallet. Made in the Netherlands with the utmost care for the environment and people. Available in a wide range of styles.

Carr Taylor Vineyard ★ Carr Taylor Vineyard are celebrating 50 years this year, so why not celebrate Christmas with our East Sussex sparkling wines?

Makes a lovely gift for friends and families. www.carr-taylor.co.uk 01424 752501

Find out more: www.broadleys.co.uk Visit us in store: 34-40 High Street, East Grinstead, RH19 3AT

✶ Heyland & Whittle

★ Our new retro-style Eco Gift Boxes contain two of our fragrant eco palm-free soaps and a hand-rolled bath melt gentle on the skin and good for the planet.

Wessex Distillery ★ Distilling as a family since 2012. Wessex is your local award-winning craft gin inspired by the British countryside using all natural ingredients. Get a FREE gin glass with any bottle to create the ultimate Wessex Gin gift this Christmas. Personalise your bottle for an extra surprise, using the discount code GLASS21 www.wessexdistillery.com 01428 684545 @wessexgin Unit 1, Towergate Business Park, Combe Lane, Wormley, Surrey, GU8 5SY

✶ ✶

www.heylandandwhittle.co.uk

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The Bluebell Railway ★ The Bluebell Railway wishes all our visitors a very merry Christmas! See you in 2022 for an exciting and busy year full of events, entertainment, fine dining, and fun! www.bluebell-railway.com

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Kell & Collins The Flower Shop, Uckfield

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★ Orders for Christmas wreaths and table decorations now being taken, floral arrangements and planted baskets also available. Plus a range of Christmas gifts and decorations in store.

The Flower Shop, 184 High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AU 01825 765903

★ The interiors and lifestyle store offers a fabulous range of vintage and contemporary homewares, soft furnishings, candles, Christmas decorations, chocolate, and jewellery, with Alex Monroe’s much-loved British-made brand, including his iconic bee design, taking centre stage. Find the perfect gift for you or someone you love.

6 Denmans Lane, Lindfield, RH16 2HE www.kellandcollins.com Instagram: @kell_andcollins December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 35

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Bags of Books, Lewes Children’s Bookshop ★ Books, Games & Toys – visit us in store where our specialist staff will be able to help you find the perfect Christmas gift or online at: www.bags-of-books.co.uk 1 South Street, Lewes, BN7 2BT 01273 479320

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Kilnwood Studio Pottery Painting ★ Situated in the heart of Uckfield, a great day out and a fun creative time for all the family. A perfect opportunity to make unique Christmas gifts that will be treasured and adored by all.

01825 749627 Book online at www.kilnwoodstudio.co.uk

Derek Martin Photography and Art ★ Commissioned painted portraits by artist and photographer, of animals and people from your reference photos or mine. Taking bookings now for Christmas. Vouchers available.

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Facebook: Derek Martin Photography and Art www.derekmartinphotographyandart.co.uk 07547 673207

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Aurelie & Rose ★ Shop for beautiful vintage inspired gifts, homeware, clothing and cards at our shop in Eastbourne or via our website. A huge range of different present ideas!

Units 65-66 Enterprise Shopping Centre, Station Parade, Eastbourne BN21 1BD 01323 640013 www.aurelieandrose.co.uk Follow us on Facebook: @aurelieandrosevintage Follow us on Instagram/Twitter: @aurelieandrose

Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning

Muffins Café & Boutique

★ At Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning we have a range of beautiful Gisela Graham Christmas decorations and gifts to choose from.

★ Muffins in East Hoathly provides a unique mix of splendid food and drink and a fabulous boutique shopping experience. Enjoy browsing an eclectic mix of fashion, jewellery, gorgeous gifts and home accessories.

27 South Street, East Hoathly BN8 6DS 01825 840087 www.muffinscafe.co.uk Find us on Facebook: @Muffins-Coffee-Shop-and-Boutique

1 College Road, Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1QN 01444 416644 www.sarahlacey-drycleaning.co.uk

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✶ SmellySaurus

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★ SmellySaurus create unique and luxury wax melts that promote well-being and give people a moment of calm and happiness.

Handmade in East Sussex for the perfect gift.

Facebook: @smellysaurus Instagram: @smellysaurus Twitter: @smellysaurus sales@smellysaurus.co.uk

M2B in Heathfield ★ So many pretty little things that make perfect Christmas gifts for family, friends and you will probably want to treat yourself too!

Heathfield High Street Find us on Facebook: @M2BHeathfield www.M2BHeathfield.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Sedici

STYLE A haven of style for the sophisticated woman with a passion for fashion, Sara Whatley pays a visit to Sedici

T

ucked into a cosy side street in Seaford you will find a Mecca for style and elegance; Sedici.

There has been a boutique on this site for more than 40 years and wearing the current mantle of ownership is Clare Ireland. She fell into the job after years working in the music industry, but says she just loves it, especially the buying trips and the social aspect.

“We have a really loyal clientele who shop here,” Clare told me, who greets many customers by name.

“They love to come in and

feel the fabrics, try on the beautiful clothes and invest in stylish pieces – we’re not fast fashion – we’re affordable and lovely!”

Looking round the colourful rails so many vibrant colours pop out, as well as tactile natural fabrics one wants to just snuggle up to. “We’re all about relaxed, smart casual styles, colours and natural fibres,” said Clare. “Some labels just fly

Come in and feel the fabrics, try on the beautiful clothes and invest in stylish pieces

off the shelves, like Mama b, an Italian quality label which is entirely made in Italy; Sahara; Adini; and Thought, which is an ethical, sustainable and organic brand – even their stock arrives in biodegradable packaging!”

Sedici also stocks super soft leather handbags by Sticks and Stones, and brightly coloured cool backpacks by Roka. “Our hats are really popular too,” Clare told me as she showed me a rainbow of Kopka woollen roll up berets, which are 100% pure Merino wool and can be styled in a number of flattering ways. “These are incredibly popular, and look great too,” smiled Clare.

Jewellery and beauty are not forgotten either at Sedici, with the current display of Ortigia home and beauty products shining tantalisingly on the shelves with their brightly coloured and ornate designs. “These are brilliant Christmas gifts,” Clare suggested of the Italian brand. The glittering necklaces and statement bracelet’s would be lovely

gifts too, or just a special treat for yourself to complete your seasonal sparkle.

In fact, with the new winter season in stock, which includes loads of snugly long cardigans, coats, cosy hats and striking scarves, Sedici is the ideal place to pop into for a spot of seasonal shopping. You may even find your perfect Christmas outfit here too!

“We now have an online store, started during lockdown as a way of reaching our loyal clientele who were so supportive! Gift vouchers are available both in the shop and online,” said Clare.

This little haven of a shop is a destination for many who know they will find a look they love and a fun shopping experience too. Email to join their mailing list to receive news and promotions. l Sedici 16 Church St, Seaford BN25 1HG 01323 894522 sedici.seaford@gmail.com www.sedicishop.co.uk December2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 37

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SECTION SUBJECT

Blue Thorn Gin

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★ Premium smooth citrus London Dry gin in 5cl or 70cl bottles, the perfect gift - use SussexLiving10 for 10% off. 25% of profits to Cancer Research.

Order online at www.bluethorngin.co.uk 07809 516701 calum@bluethorngin.co.uk Instagram @bluethorngin

Gift Membership to Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust ★ Give the gift that gives back to nature this Christmas – a glitter-free, sustainable gift that supports conservation work of the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust. Membership includes unlimited entry to 10 wetlands centres across the UK, a membership pack, subscription to Waterlife Magazine and discount admission vouchers for family and friends.

Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning

✶

★ At Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning we have a range of beautiful Gisela Graham Christmas decorations and gifts to choose from.

1 College Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1QN 01444 416644 www.sarahlacey-drycleaning.co.uk

WWT Arundel Wetland Centre, Mill Road, Arundel BN18 9PB 01453 891198 www.wwt.org.uk

Painting the Present

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★ Topical and affordable, land and seascapes by Lindfield artist Irene Burns. View recent work at the Green Tree Gallery, The Stand Up and The Sloop Inn. A Perfect Xmas Gift! Commissions Welcome 07968 851396 Instagram: ireneburns_artworks

✶ QLeisure

★ We all know how hard it is to find the perfect gift for that special person.

For something a little bit different that’s fresh and exciting, look no further!

Karting & Activity Gift Vouchers available.

Flicker-Rose ★ Bath salts, reed diffusers, candles, candela, room sprays and much more, all locally made by PARKMINSTER makes a great gift with prices starting at just £5 for their gorgeous soaps.

74 High Street, Steyning BN44 3RD Find us on Facebook: @flickerrose 01903 814264

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01273 834403 info@qleisure.co.uk www.qleisure.co.uk

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Rushfields Farm Shop

Oh Flick ★ Natural wax candles hand-poured in Sussex using rapeseed and coconut wax – a great range of scents in both a ‘Luxury Classic Candle’ range, and a collection of supportive, edgy and fun ‘Message Candles’ for any occasion.

★ Our farm shop offers fresh, home-made, local and seasonal foods to inspire you. You will find a huge variety of delicious goods, from fresh vegetables and award-winning homemade pies to cheeses, artisan breads, gluten-free and organic ranges, and speciality groceries.

Henfield Road, Poynings BN45 7AY 01273 857445 www.rushfields.com enquiries@rushfields.com

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38 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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Advertising feature

Arden Grange Celebrates 25 Years Arden Grange, the Sussex-based producer of super-premium dog and cat food, is celebrating 25 years in business and would like to invite Sussex Living readers to join the festivities!

Arden Grange is now available in over 20 countries and remains true to its roots as an independent British company.

Its award-winning range features diets suitable for all breeds and life stages, with each recipe providing optimum nutrition. The most common dietary allergens are excluded, making Arden Grange products a popular choice among owners of pets with sensitivities.

Arden Grange is giving one Sussex Living reader the chance to win an Arden Grange goody bag worth £85, plus a pair of tickets to Crufts. The must-attend dog event of the year, Crufts, is taking place at the NEC in Birmingham on 10-13 March 2022.

Arden Grange will be there and would love to share the experience with you!

25 Years of Trusted Pet Nutrition With trusted nutritional standards and pet health at the core of the brand, Arden Grange has enjoyed an unwavering reputation within the pet food industry since its launch in 1996.

Arden Grange was born from a love of dogs. Founders Wendy Stephens and her late husband Graham wanted a nutritious diet for their highly acclaimed Ardenburg German Shepherds, without compromising on quality, ingredients, or health benefits. As renowned dog breeders and show dog enthusiasts, the couple harnessed their extensive knowledge and understanding of canine dietary requirements and combined it with the desire to provide first-rate pet nutrition. This was the foundation on which the naturally hypoallergenic Arden Grange range was built.

“This anniversary marks 25 years of love, knowledge and respect and we have been celebrating this milestone with many activities including a rescue centre pet food giveaway, a very special prize draw where one lucky entrant will win £25,000 on our website and a social media pet party. We would also like to take the opportunity to thank our customers for their support through the years”, says Wendy Stephens, Director, Arden Grange.

Exclusive Competition

To enter simply answer the following question: How many years has Arden Grange been in business?

Wendy continues: “The secret to our 25 years in business is a genuine passion for pet wellbeing. We work with nutrition specialists, who over the years, have helped us to introduce some highly beneficial, ingredients into our pet foods, including krill which is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and prebiotics to help support the digestion and immune system. Every ingredient is selected for its health benefits, and we never compromise on quality.”

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SECTION CHRISTMAS SUBJECT

The Ditchling CAROL Carols originated in France, beginning a tradition of singing and dancing in a circle, passing songs of celebration down through the generations. Eventually they became solely associated with Christmas, utilising popular tunes and language popular with everyday folk. One such carol has links to the village of Ditchling as Robert Veitch discovered

T

he composer of the lyric for The Ditchling Carol was William Robert Spencer who was born in 1769.

As grandson of the 3rd Duke of Marlborough he was educated at Harrow and Oxford. After a brief stint in Parliament he realised he preferred to write verse and poetry.

William Robert Spencer spent his final years in Paris and died there in 1834.

Peter Parsons was a Ditchling shoemaker born in 1825. During a healthy period of folk singing within

Sussex, he led the local Glee Club who enjoyed singing and performing in the round. His contribution to The Ditchling Carol was to compose the tune. Ironically, Peter Parsons died on Christmas Eve in 1901. The carol remains popular within the village, and an annual rendition usually takes place during Boxing Day, during an open-air performance of the local Mummers play. www.ditchlinghistoryproject.org/ a-winters-tale.html Listen to a recording of the carol at www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0YE1Zr5rww

Be merry all, be merry all With holly dress the festive all Prepare the song, the feast, the ball To welcome merry Christmas

When you, with velvets mantled o’er Defy December’s tempest’s roar Oh, spare one garment from your store To clothe the poor at Christmas

When generous wine your care controls And gives new joy to happiest souls Oh, spare one goblet from your bowls To cheer the poor at Christmas

Chorus (after each verse) And, oh! remember, gentles gay To you who bask in fortune’s ray The year is all a holiday The poor have only Christmas

When you the costly banquet deal To guests, who never famine feel Oh, spare one morsel from your meal To feed the poor at Christmas

So shall each note of mirth appear More sweet to heaven than praise or prayer And angels, in their carols there Shall bless the poor at Christmas

December Month 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 43

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CHRISTMAS

Doorstep CAROLS Last Christmas a new initiative helped bring people together after a tough 2020 and this year, on the 15th December, it’s hoped the event will spread nationwide as Robert Veitch found out

L

thanks to the fact that the carols are broadcast on local BBC radio stations from 6-7pm. Tune in, join in and have fun.

Local groups have sprung up across the country and one such group, Hurst Doorstep Community Carols, as part of Hurst Rethink, have set up a Facebook group in Hurstpierpoint. They’ve even arranged for the church bells to be rung

at the end of the hour. To get involved, visit www.doorstepcarols.co.uk and issue invites to create a local group.

Carols can be downloaded, as can the sheet music for those that want to play along. Then sing your heart out, serve mince pies, pour mulled wine, be joyous and return home with a warm heart. l www.doorstepcarols.co.uk

ast Christmas, Doorstep Carols involved around 125,000 people and helped raise over £10,000 for the charity, MIND UK. It’s hoped the 2021 iteration of Doorstep Carols will be a supercharged event, reaching out across the country, in partnership with a multitude of charities.

Doorstep Carols unites communities to celebrate Christmas and raise funds.

The clever part is that it’s a nationwide event, taking place in synchronicity,

MONTE’S FIRST CHRISTMAS DEAN MUNRO

About Monte’s Stories In June 2021 I lost my beautiful son, Monte, at 10 weeks old.

Each day I would sit in the hospital that he never left reading him children’s books. It was my way of communicating with him and it built a really special bond.

A few days after Monte died I picked up a pen and began to write. The words that ran through my head were amazing and I was able to put pen to paper. Having never written more than my name I know these words came directly from my heart.

Monte’s First Christmas. It’s the time of the year to be filled with joy. This book is about Monte, a beautiful little boy

The books have been based on events that Monte would have experienced and stories of his imagination running wild – I can’t wait to share them with you all…

Available from www.authorhouse.com & Amazon

STUDIO PROOF

44 SUSSEX LIVING |PROOF December 2021 DATE/TIME: 18 November 2021 9:25 am OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 Dean Munro 1-2 Dec21 Doorstep Carols.indd 44

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

A GRAND

Residence

The dilemmas that come with an ageing relative may be many, but a safe and caring place to live is paramount, as Robert Veitch discovered on a recent visit to The Victoria Grand in Worthing

C

hoosing a place to live can present its own set of conundrums for those in their prime, but it’s all the harder for those entering later life.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing a loved one is in a comfortable, secure, sanctuary, can be found at The Victoria Grand in West Worthing.

“The staff are the best, they’re the real stars,” said Raechel Davies-Jones, who has owned The Victoria Grand since 2012. Raechel listed some of the changes during her tenure. A brand new lift and care-bell system have been installed.

The wet room and bathrooms have been replaced. New electrically powered beds with airflow mattresses have been introduced. “We’ve replaced the boiler, upgraded the electrical network and enhanced the fire safety system too.”

The search for continual improvement is something the manager, Vikky Polinag, is keen to extend. With

There’s fulfillment, there’s a quality of life and there is choice 18 years of care sector experience and a Registered Manager since 2013, she aims to achieve an outstanding CQC rating. She told me, “There’s a very positive atmosphere here, my staff are always smiling, and when a new resident arrives, we follow their existing daily routine to help them settle in.”

With a large lounge, smart dining room and extensive gardens, there is plenty of space for the maximum capacity of 23 residents to be able to

find a friend, or find some privacy.

Raechel proudly stated, “Our team are excellent, very supportive, and they do their very best to ensure the residents get what they want with our resident centred care policy.” Members of the care team must complete the Care Certificate, and each of its mandatory 15 standards, which are reassessed frequently.

The friendly nature of the staff is evident. The Victoria Grand is a sociable environment with a wide range of activities each week. There’s dignity for everyone, there’s fulfillment, there’s a quality of life and there is choice.

The Victoria Grand is close to the sea, the town centre, and the station.

“The bus stop is just a few steps away and our carriage drive provides an easy dropping off point, plus parking for several vehicles,” remarked Raechel. “Whether its residential care or short term respite, we are ready to accept new arrivals. With Christmas approaching, family carers might need a care holiday in the New Year, and we’re here to help make it possible, whatever the time of year.”

It’s reassuring to have peace of mind, to know that special person in your family can maintain their independence and be well looked after 24-hours a day. Vikky stated proudly, “We’re a residential care home with caring at our core.”

The sign on the wall in the hallway reads, ‘Our residents do not live in our workplace, we work in their house.’ Go and see for yourself. l The Victoria Grand Address: 22 Mill Road, Worthing BN11 4LF

Telephone: 01903 248048 Email: manager@thevictoriagrand.co.uk Website: www.carehomeworthing.co.uk Facebook: TheVictoriaGrand

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 47

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HOME FRONT

48 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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TO THE

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Alison Moss lives in a Tudor manor house and has a creative spirit that embraces and incorporates everything from baronial through rustic via smart contemporary to modern day sparkle – just right for a fresh look at Christmas December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 49

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50 SUSSEX LIVING |PROOF December 2021 DATE/TIME: 20 May 2021 4:09 pm OUR FILENAME: June 21 Silverdale Flooring 1-2

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HOME TRUTHS LOCATION: West Sussex THE OWNERS: Michael and Alison Moss, their three children, twins Hugo and Wills, and Millie and two retrievers, Dottie and Digby THE PROPERTY: Period: Tudor Grade II listing, conservatory added by present owners Size: Seven bedrooms, four baths, five receptions and four acres

Outdoor fairy lights are threaded through the greenery and the enormous pine cones found in Vail, Colorado add a dramatic touch

“F

or me, Christmas is not just about a family gathering, it’s also an opportunity for creativity and a chance to immerse myself in wonderful scented winter foliage,” said Alison Moss. “I absolutely love the textures, colours and smells and all the seasonal expectations they bring each year. And I enjoy the way memories of past Christmases with all our family gathered flood back as I open up the boxes stored in the

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STYLE TIP Change and regroup things and add something new – even if it’s small – to the mix to spice it up and keep it fresh. Your decor needs to be refreshed and renewed in the same way as your clothes and accessories.

attic. My mother, brother and sister and her family come every year and it wouldn’t be the same without them – so I try to do my decorations in a different way every year and enjoy experimenting. My home is like a scrapbook, an accumulation of our family memories, interests and personalities.

Christmas is a time when my creative juices flow and I love to mix great artificial pieces with fresh foliage from the woods or local flower market. As I pack away in January, I make a ‘note to self’ I need never buy another thing… but then I invariably find something charming as shops re-stock in October and November which inspires a new look.”

For our family Christmas brings a real sense of occasion; memories of happy times are interwoven into the atmosphere of the house

52 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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STYLE TIP Develop your gut instinct for what works. I’ve been doing this for so long that I now have an instinctive feel and know what I like and can see instantly if something will work. Also, try things out from stores with a full refund policy and you can then experiment and avoid expensive mistakes.

I love the texture and smell of Christmas trees, and the expectations they bring. I have a ritual with close friends of exchanging one special tree decoration every year so my tree is adorned with the memories of friends

54 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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And Alison really does have a flair for new looks. During the festivities the whole house is turned into a winter themed modern-day fantasy in a manor house setting. These are traditional Christmas decorations with a twist; fresh greenery is mixed with realistic artificial garlands, glass baubles, fairy lights, sprayed cones, twigs, citrus fruits, cinnamon sticks and fabric.

Tree decorations are used in set piece ‘landscapes’ on mantelpieces, cupboard tops, doors, banisters and tables; and

During the festivities the whole house is turned into a winter themed modern-day fantasy in a manor house setting

faux pheasants and ice skates, storm lanterns and carved deer, glass domes and fresh flowers are added for a memorable twist each year.

In the same way the decoration of the house is an eclectic mix brought together by the sure design eye of Alison. The period hallway is baronial with carved wood and tapestries; the kitchen is warm and welcoming with an Aga and rustic painted wood. There’s a sophisticated feel and contemporary glass in the drawing room. The dining Two huge armchairs flank a Chinese altar table and mirror, complemented by the Chinese ginger jars Alison collected over the years on her travels

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STUDIO PROOF

58 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021 PROOF DATE/TIME: 11 August 2021 4:11 pm OUR FILENAME: Sept 21 LJB Botting 1-2 Dec 21 Alison Moss.indd 58

19/11/2021 10:18

The kitchen provides an atmospheric colourful background on any given day and not just at Christmas. A large red tin star sits above the mantle piece over the Aga and is flagged either side by large painted tin hurricane lamps

STYLE TIP With Christmas decorations, do vary it but keep the colour scheme simple or it will look cluttered. I work with the decor in every room and enhance, not detract, for a luxurious seasonal feel.

room – once part of the old baronial hall – is imposing but cosied with plaid covered chairs and a glowing fire.

The master bedroom is formal with elaborate drapes and elegant French antique furniture, and the conservatory is modern with exposed brick and flagstones.

Many would be daunted by taking on a manor house, but Alison has taken what’s been handed down in terms of scale; period features like Tudor doorways, huge mantels and flagstones; and reinforced the feel of heritage with big pieces of antique furniture such as armoires and chests, tables, pews and so on, but she’s imposed on it what’s needed to make it a comfortable home. And she’s done this by using her strong design style and creative flair. The décor, which is individualistic, quirky and sure-footed, makes it a place where a family can really live, not a museum or shrine to the past.

Alison and her husband Michael have three children: twins Hugo and Wills, and Millie, plus two Flatcoat Retrievers Dottie and Digby.

They moved to West Sussex from London when Alison was pregnant with the twins

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and spent 22 months looking at houses until they found this one, a manor house built in the reign of Henry VII. “I fell in love with it the moment I saw the heavy oak door with its iron studs and ancient old padlock, it’s survived over five hundred years, protected from the elements by the ancient entrance porch.”

It took quite a long time, however, for her to get to the point where she could really style her own house. It had been a clean and well-loved family home, but the whole carcass of the house had to be fixed first, for the previous owners had put most of their energies into the lovely gardens and enjoyed only the parts of the house where they lived. Consequently, it needed work: pipes ran along the corridors, the boiler system was outdated, walls had to be repaired and so on.

The Moss’s put in a whole new heating and plumbing system, rewired throughout, floors were dug

YELLOW GUEST ROOM The wallpaper is a traditional Toile de Jouy and is complimented with hand painted chests and beside tables. The bed is surrounded above the headboard with a yellow and white ticking fabric adapted from an old pair of curtains found at auction

BATHROOM TO MASTER BEDROOM Hand painted fitted cupboards hide all the clutter while the mirrored cupboards are flanked either side with huge shell decorations that Alison made herself, inspired by a collection of shells she collected on her honeymoon, then added to over the years

hallmark

GLAZED EXTENSIONS

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They lived for a while with scaffolding and a cement mixer in the hall and for years with a constant stream of builders

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And with that great structure given the firm underpinnings it deserved, Alison was able to make it the home for her family she wanted; a mix of traditional and fabulous, baronial meets fantasy. It impresses with its history and size while always feeling like a cosseted home where you can express yourself.

And, like its history, it changes and renews itself over time: “I was drawn to the rustic look originally, but it doesn’t work everywhere, and I changed tastes as I went along. I knew the drawing room had to be more contemporary and reflect my changing tastes. But the whole process has become easier over the years because I’ve gone further afield and discovered more contacts.”

Alison mixes her own paint colours in addition to using established brands, gets her curtains from auctions or has them made to her own design and

I fell in love with it the moment I saw the heavy oak door with its iron studs and ancient old padlock up, the damp fixed, and the plaster and lathe walls made good and re-plastered.

They lived for a while with scaffolding and a cement mixer in the hall and for years with a constant stream of builders, “I found it exciting to see the builder’s van – another day of transformation!”

It was done piecemeal as the children grew up; good bathrooms for them were the first real priority, and the money was saved for each new project, including a new kitchen installed and conservatory added in later years. It took seven or eight years until the bones of the big house were right.

keeps the freshness by moving things around. “Michael gets used to coming back and finding his favourite chair has been moved.”

Alison’s creativity shines out in her home, her career and family gatherings.

Alison’s love of adornment is something her family have appreciated for centuries because it celebrates life and its rituals shared with family and friends, so is truly timeless. “For our family Christmas brings a real sense of occasion; memories of happy times are interwoven into the atmosphere of the house. With the decorations magical, the fire roaring, the candles glowing in the crystal hurricane lamps and the seasonal scents in the air, I feel truly content,” said Alison. l Photographs by GAP Interiors/Nick Carter Feature by GAP Interiors/ Linda Franklin

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HOMES EXTRA

Did you know that tinsel was originally a status symbol? Or that tree baubles were first popularised by Queen Victoria? In the second part of our series on Christmas decorations, Hanna Prince explores the origins of modern festive ornaments

ALL THAT D

ecorating houses and public buildings with greenery has been a midwinter tradition for thousands of years – but it wasn’t until Christmas trees were introduced in 16th century Germany that ornaments, lights and other custom-made decorations began to become popular.

From tinsel and baubles to crackers and stockings, the history of our favourite decorations is full of festive fascination.

TINSEL Whether you hang it around the Christmas tree, twist it around the banisters or use it to give gift-wrapped presents a bit of extra sparkle, tinsel is a part of almost every festive tradition.

That wasn’t always the case – until the 20th century, this glittery Christmas garland was a luxury that only the most well-heeled families were able to afford.

Tinsel was invented in the early 17th century and originally it was made from extruded strands of silver. Early tinsel was used

to adorn sculptures, but by the 19th century upper class families were adding it to their Christmas trees and using it to represent starry skies over model Nativity scenes. Attempts to manufacture a cheaper version from tin and copper were curtailed by the demands of the First World War. It wasn’t until the 1950s that

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aluminium tinsel (nowadays replaced by coated PVC) became synonymous with Christmas in many European households.

BAUBLES The first Christmas trees were decorated with dried fruit, nuts and other edibles. Glass baubles were originally introduced in 16th century

Germany by Hans Greiner, whose intricate creations were such a hit that other glassblowers in his hometown of Lauscha soon began producing their own variations. Lauscha became the centre of Christmas bauble production, selling its’ decorations across the whole of Germany.

It was Queen Victoria who took the trend international. A photo taken in the 1840s showed the Queen and her family gathered around an ornament-hung tree topped by a winged angel. Soon Lauscha was exporting its products across Europe

Crackers were popularised by the Victorians

and beyond – by the mid-1930s, the town was exporting over 250,000 ornaments into the United States of America through the efforts of F.W. Woolworth. Glass baubles are still produced in Lauscha and elsewhere, but nowadays most are made from plastic.

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS Legend has it that the tradition of putting lights on Christmas trees was started by 16th century Protestant reformer Martin Luther. He’s said to have been so moved by the sight of the stars shining above an evergreen wood one winter evening that he decided to cut down a fir tree and decorate it with lighted candles.

The electric ‘fairylights’ that most of us hang on our trees today were the brainchild of another famous historical figure, Thomas Edison. The American inventor wrapped a string of lights around his Californian laboratory in 1880. Mass-produced versions were available by the 1890s, although they were still too pricey for most people

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to afford. Families got around this by renting string of lights over Christmas – and, by the 1930s, electric lights had largely replaced candles as the tree decoration of choice.

Lauscha became the centre of Christmas bauble production a famous giver of gifts. One legend has it that he tried to help a destitute family by throwing three bags of gold through their open window. One bag landed in a stocking, which was drying by the fireplace, leading to the custom of children hanging stockings on St Nicholas’ Day to attract gifts from the generous saint. The tradition moved to Christmas Eve in the 1800s and continues to be popular around the world today. l

CRACKERS & CANDY CANES Like so many of our modern Christmas traditions, crackers were popularised by the Victorians. In the late 1800s, inspired by the crackling of a festive fire, confectioner Tom Smith began adding strips of chemical-laden paper to his twisted sweet packages. Later cracker manufacturers replaced the sweets inside with jokes and small gifts – a tradition that quickly spread around the world.

Candy canes became popular in Britain and the US at around the same time, although they probably originated in 17th century Germany.

At the turn of the 20th century, red stripes replaced white as the colour of choice and peppermint became the preferred flavour.

STOCKINGS Of all our modern Christmas traditions, the hanging of stockings probably has the most ancient origins. It began with St Nicholas – the inspiration for Father Christmas – who was born in third-century Greece. St Nicholas was 68 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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© National Trust 2021. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography ©National Trust Images/John Millar

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hen John and Carole Price moved home two years ago, they didn’t have far to go. “Our new home is all of 150 yards up the hill from the cottage where we used to live,” explained Carole Price.

“Although it had been on the market for eighteen months, we hadn’t even considered viewing it until one day walking back from the pub, we had a Eureka moment and thought it might suit us very well. The owner, who had long since moved out, arranged for us to be given the keys and within minutes we knew we’d found our new home.” Although the house was in need of updating, the Prices could see the potential. “We

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love old houses and part of the property dates from 1654. It was one of five coaching inns in the village. Later on, during the 1920s it became the village post office.”

John and Carole married some ten years ago and the cottage, their first home together, although idyllic they found to be on the small side. “Once John retired and was home all day, we realised that more living space was required, as well as another bedroom or even two, for friends and family to stay.

Living here makes us very popular!”

As soon as they had completion on the house purchase, John and Carol moved into their new home. “The day we moved in we found the vendors had left us a bottle of champagne as well as two letters from previous owners saying how happy they’d been living there. It was a lovely touch.”

The couple lived on site whilst the builders got on with the renovation work and camped in whatever room wasn’t being pulled to pieces. “We got used to shuffling our things around from one part of the house to another,” said Carole, laughing.

As the daughter of a carpenter and joiner, Carole has a sanguine attitude to sharing her

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As the daughter of a carpenter and joiner, Carole has a sanguine attitude to sharing her space with sawdust and pots of paint

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DINING ROOM A wood burning stove provides a warm background glow for festive winter dining. The limestone floor is complimented by the wall colour. The antlers were bought second hand from Scotland which are decorated at Christmas with ribbons and pine cones

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Identical wood burning stoves were chosen for the inglenook fireplaces in the dining room and sitting room space with sawdust and pots of paint. “I learnt a lot from my father; he was meticulous about workmanship and not one to cut corners. One of his pet hates was to see pine and other poor quality wood the Victorians used for doors and furniture, stripped of paint. That opened my eyes to the magic of paint, and I’ve been painting ever since. I like to keep up with changing taste so some of my favourite pieces of furniture have been repainted over and over again, transformed each time by a new colour.” Although she had no wish to pursue a career in interior design, as Carole grew up, she developed a keen interest in building and decorating.

When it came to project managing the refurbishment with John, Carole’s early grounding in practical matters stood her in good stead.

“We knew there was a problem with damp so that needed resolving and then the ground floor was dug out so that we could install underfloor heating. All the services were ripped out and replaced and we had the walls re-plastered in order to cover the existing Artex.” Some of the interior walls were of exposed stone but Carole

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KITCHEN The island unit, fitted with a solid oak worktop, was built to John and Carole’s design by a local company. Above it hang three pendant lights which highlight this central kitchen feature

had those skimmed with plaster and painted over. “I find exposed stone oppressive and dark – it makes me feel as though I’m living in a cave,” she said, adding, “I find rooms that are full of reflected light much more comfortable.”

Carole decided on a colour scheme of pale creams and off whites which she used throughout the house, maximising the sense of space and establishing a feeling of continuity. “Even painting the window frames a lighter colour makes a huge difference to a room,” she said.

Another feature is the limestone floor which extends from the hall to the dining room and kitchen at the rear of the house; it looks appropriate in the period setting whilst the pale colour and smooth finish give the house the lighter, more contemporary look which Carole wanted. In the sitting room, the couple opted for a new wooden floor adding to the feeling of mellow warmth.

The light and airy kitchen was the result of careful planning by John and Carole. “Our previous kitchen was on the small side so the prospect of having one with plenty of workspace was irresistible,” noted Carole. Made by a local company, the design centres on the sizeable island unit, which incorporates open and closed storage beneath a solid oak worktop. “We decided against wall cupboards as we

82 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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thought they’d make the room feel smaller.” In order to emphasise the visual link between the kitchen and adjoining dining room, both rooms were painted the same shade and the limestone floor extends throughout.

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ATTIC BEDROOM The attic bedroom is simply furnished with antiques and junk shop finds

Some of my favourite pieces of furniture have been repainted over and over again, transformed each time by a new colour

the seating area in the sitting room around the fireplace, choosing a top quality comfortable sofa and a pair of armchairs. “Worth every penny,” she maintained. “They’re remarkably good value as the quality is excellent and the design is timeless, they just go on and on.” She used a selection of different cushions and throws to change the look according to the seasons. “It’s easy when the scheme is neutral. During the winter I use warm colours in wool, and in the summer I’ll opt for pale stripes or checks in linen.”

For the curtains Carole wanted “a creamy white self-stripe cotton weave but had no idea where to start looking so I handed the problem over to an interior design service. Within about ten minutes they produced exactly the right fabric – it probably would have taken me weeks of trawling through different suppliers.”

Even during the festive season Carole maintains the ‘less is more’ approach to decoration. “I prefer the simple look – especially where space is at a premium. Candlelight is attractive at any time of the year and so I’ll group a selection of candles in all shapes and sizes on the sideboard and the dining table and add to the effect by placing them on mirrored surfaces. The Christmas tree is the finishing touch of course – it goes without saying that it’s decorated in whites and silver with lights to match!” l Photos: GAP Interiors/Nick Carter Text: GAP Interiors/Amanda Harling

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BLOOMING TIMES

Stuck for a last-minute gift for a gardening friend? A potted hellebore or sarcococca, nicely presented in a terracotta pot is sure to find favour, says Flo Whitaker

Boxing Clever

H

ellebore flowers come in endless shades of cream and white, pink and purple or green-ish tones.

Annoyingly, they seldom flower in time for Christmas, despite their common name of ‘Christmas Rose.’ Helleborus niger is the dainty, pure white flower that adorns our Christmas cards. Sadly, it’s not for the novice grower as it’s fussy about drainage and is prone to rotting off, particularly in heavy clay.

Hellebore fanciers, (yes, they do exist – I’ve met a few) grow them in pots of gritty compost in unheated greenhouses to protect the blooms from rain and wind damage. Better suited for the average border are varieties of Helleborus orientalis; often sold as ‘Orientals’. These robust characters cross-pollinate like mad and produce a wide assortment of flower types and colours. Orientals are the sort of plant you want to buy in bloom so you can see exactly what you’re getting.

Given moist, humus-rich soil in light shade, hellebores will persist for donkey’s years. If happy, they’ll self-seed – it’s fun to grow the little plantlets to maturity and see what types of flowers they produce. Leaf spot, (a fungal disease similar to rose blackspot), can trouble them and is best treated by the removal of old or damaged leaves in autumn – reducing

the risk of lingering disease spores infecting new foliage in spring.

Unlike hellebores, you can almost set your watch by sarcococca, which reliably lives up to its common name of ‘Christmas Box’. It’s a modestsized family of plants, with about a dozen varieties to choose from. Some varieties are mostly confined to specialist plant fairs and nurseries, but a few types can easily be found in any

well-stocked garden centre.

Sarcococca confusa produces tiny sweet-scented white flowers and makes a dense, multi-stemmed shrub 1 - 2 metres high. The neat, glossy foliage appears similar to buxus, (box), making it suitable for hedging purposes, although it has a less formal habit than buxus. Don’t attempt to “clip it into shape” as you’ll probably remove the developing flowering shoots - learn to live with its more relaxed style.

Helleborus niger is the dainty, pure white flower that adorns our Christmas cards Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis has a horrid name but bears highly scented white flowers with pink-tinged tips. It takes its time to attain 60cms in height, so is perfect for growing under trees, tall shrubs or in containers.

Planted now, (so long as the ground isn’t frozen) hellebores and sarcococcas will add instant interest to the winter garden and provide nectar-rich flowers for wildlife. Sarcococcas must also be contenders for the title of world’s most undemanding plants. Long-lived; they prefer semi-shade, cope with dry soil and require no feeding or pruning.

Slugs and snails hate them. Deer and rabbits ignore them as they pass by, enroute to eat your favourite roses. Ah, well… you can’t have everything. l

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NATURE

PHOTO: TIM KENDELL

HERE’S LOOKING AT YEW

I

t is 1,000 BC. You have just germinated from a seed that was probably deposited by a scavenging bird. A tiny 2 cm high emerald green shoot is the only sign of your presence above ground, but you are busily developing anchoring and feeding roots, threading through the damp soil of the forest floor.

A good root system cannot be rushed and you’re in no hurry. Your teenage years are spent looking gangly and awkward, but something changes as you reach your 30’s. You start developing a characterful, rugged appearance. The weather is bending and shaping you – it will continue to do so for the rest of your life.

Truly ‘yew-nique’; the yew is unlike any other tree. It’s a conifer, yet produces no cones or needles – and it can, potentially, live forever.

Some of the world’s oldest yews grow in the British Isles. Flo Whitaker visits an old friend and imagines its life story – so far…

By your 100th birthday, you are becoming a feature in the landscape. Future archaeologists will name this period Late Bronze Age, but, of course, a passing Bronze Age hunter doesn’t know his time is almost up. He’s just grateful to take shelter from a sudden downpour under your evergreen canopy. As he waits for the rain to pass, perhaps he selects a branch

to carve into something useful. Yew wood is hard and close-grained – perfect material for tools and weapons, but he’s unlikely to choose your timber for cooking utensils. Although your red fleshy berries are fruity and succulent – beware! The black seeds within are extremely toxic and every other part of you is poisonous. A handful

of ingested leaves can kill a person, yet, come the modern 21st century era, your foliage will be used to develop life-saving, cancer medication. Such is your character; yews are contrary, perverse and reject all rules.

As our Bronze Age acquaintance departs, to be replaced by hi-tech Iron Age yuppies, you flourish; extending your limbs, which have the curious ability to take root wherever they touch the ground.

This allows you to make identically cloned copies of yourself and, potentially, live forever. By this method, a single tree can ‘walk’; eventually making a grove of yews with fused and

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tangled trunks. That’s one reason why it’s impossible to precisely calculate your age. Where does one tree end and another begin? You remain silent on the matter; like an old Hollywood star, ignoring intrusive, agerelated questions. However, one personal detail soon becomes a matter for concern – your weight.

Around the time of your 800th birthday, you settle into comfy middle age and your girth spreads. In stormy conditions, young. flexi-limbed trees bend in the wind, but mature trees, with their rigidity and wind-resisting bulk, may topple. So, with the help of beneficial fungi, you start dieting. Bizarrely, the life-giving outer layers of your timber remain perfectly healthy, while, simultaneously, fungi work

themes, are particularly revered in Druidic worship.

Pre-Christian shrines, wells and cemeteries were centred around old yews

and it’s reasonable to assume that yews were deliberately planted when new sites were developed. Nowadays, most ancient yews are

St. Martin’s Church

St. Peter’s Church – Ardingly

hn the Baptist Ch

urch – Wivelsfield

– Westmeston PHOTOS: TIM KENDELL

St Peter and St Jo

Yews have the curious ability to take root wherever they touch the ground

found within churchyards.

Many grow on elevated areas of ground, begging the question, “What’s the tree sitting on?” Ancient graves, or foundations of preChristian temples, perhaps?

The next few hundred years are a busy time. You notice a change in people; their clothing, accents and customs. Farming practises enter a new era; the notion of a permanent homestead emerges as the old huntergather ways decline. Strange people from a far-flung place called Italy arrive – then mostly leave again after a few hundred years. But aspects of their culture remain because they incorporate yew into their rituals. Yew boughs replace Italian cypress for funeral wreaths and temple decorations. You’re in demand – and you keep growing.

away, rotting out your interior. This drastically reduces your weight and wind resistance. Most hollow yews are healthy and stable.

A tree’s age can be estimated by counting growth rings, but, of course, this method is useless if areas of trunk have rotted away.

Perhaps the inscrutable yew deliberately become hollow, just to annoy us? I wouldn’t be in the least surprised. You choose not to elaborate – but keep on growing.

Evergreen plants, with their eternal life-giving 92 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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Silent and enigmatic; you see everything from your vantage point by the cemetery gate. You’re a huge tree now; noted throughout the region. Then, the landscape changes again.

Roman-style temples fall into disuse; their materials repurposed for new religious buildings. There’s a new kid in town – they call him Jesus. Centuries pass. Viking raiders come by, but don’t linger. They have their minds on bigger prizes.

Medieval people recognise your importance, but also view you with suspicion.

They call you, ‘The Devil’s Tree’, on account of your distinct reddish heartwood and St. George’s Church – Cro that, when whurst, Sussex wounded, your angry sap can with immense heat and bleed red. They note how ferocity – like the flames your bark and roots make of hell. The invention of grotesque swirling patterns the longbow, the Medieval that resemble demonic faces, Exocet missile, changed and how your wood burns

longbows are later used against the Spanish Armada.

Somehow you escape the yew cull – and keep on growing.

Fasten your seatbelt as we go hurtling through time.

It’s 31st October AD 2021.

Halloween, All Saints’ Night, All Souls’ Eve, All Hallows – it has so many names. You’re truly ancient now, but are still a forceful presence to be

Yew wood is hard and close-grained – perfect material for tools and weapons warfare utterly. Vast yew forests are felled for longbow timber, but more is required, so yew wood is imported from Spain. Ironically, these

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reckoned with. You thought you spied a witch earlier, but it was just a young girl in fancy-dress. Her father was carrying a pumpkin; a peculiar, modern vegetable.

Pumpkins only arrived here about 400 years ago – you wonder if they’ll catch on?

A woman approaches.

“Hello”, she says, as she studies you intently, scribbles in a notebook, then produces a camera. You shake the dust from your branches and stand proud – you’re having your photograph taken and want to look your best. The

woman says, “Cheerio.

I’ll come again next year.”

That’ll be nice, you think.

A visitor. Something to look forward to. After all, what’s a year to a yew tree – it’s just the blinking of an eye. Dusk is falling. Another day ends.

You keep on growing… l

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

GIVE A GIFT The More Radio Toy Appeal is working to make sure every child in Sussex has a Christmas present to open this year. Lou Nash from the More Radio Breakfast show told Sara Whatley how they do it

How are they doing this? With a little magic help from Santa, of course, and the generous donations of the wonderful people in Sussex and beyond. “We collect new and unwrapped toys at numerous donation points all across Sussex.

There’s about 25 locations, including several supermarkets, which makes it really easy,” said Lou. “And we are working with 45 different charities who distribute the toys to the children who need them.”

Charities all across Sussex are taking part, from foster care charities, to refugee charities, hospices and food banks. “Toys for all ages are

C

hristmas is a time for children, a time for excitement and making special memories with our loved ones. “Every child deserves to unwrap a new toy at Christmas,” said Lou Nash from More Radio Breakfast.

Sadly, many children across the county still live in poverty, but the More Radio Toy Appeal are working hard to make sure that Christmas is still a special time for them, with toys under the tree on Christmas morning.

Older children like things like gift cards, books, football paraphernalia, makeup, art stuff and stationery

needed, from babies to teenagers,” Lou informed me, and said often goodies for teenagers are most needed.

“People donate loads of amazing toys, such as Lego, dolls and board games, but the older children like things like gift cards, books, football paraphernalia, makeup, art stuff and stationery. We also get requests for sensory toys from charities who help children with disabilities.”

Last year the appeal gathered 6,500 toys, and this year they are hoping to beat that! “The charities who collect the toys are so grateful,” Lou told me. She said last year one particular lady told her a harrowing story of a desperate mother who wrapped up a bottle of squash and a box of cereal just so her children would have something to open on Christmas Day. “The difference these toys make is huge, it is the difference between a Christmas with just the bare essentials, and a special Christmas, which every child deserves.”

The More Radio Toy Appeal has been going for more than 10 years collecting and distributing toys across Sussex. “Every year it gets bigger,” said Lou. “This year Tom Evans and I are hoping to get our breakfast show colleague, Jack The Lad, dressed as Santa and out on a sleigh, so look out for him around Sussex!”

If you or your business can help to make a difference this year, drop some new or unwrapped toys into one of the many donation boxes to help make Christmas special for everyone. l Please note: Toys need to be new or unwrapped, we can’t recycle second-hand, used or pre-loved toys, thank you.

See www.moreradio.online for a full list of donation points December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 97

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CHARITY

After a challenging year due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, we could all do with a touch of Christmas magic this year. Gemma Graves from the NSPCC explains how we can bring some Christmas cheer to the letterboxes of Sussex

S

anta’s workshop is now open!

Santa and his elves are busy writing, sealing and posting letters that will put smiles on the faces of children across the county!

With an NSPCC Letter from Santa, you’ll bring magical tales from the North Pole right to your doorstep, be it in Brighton, Hastings, Haywards Heath or Crawley.

There are eight fantastically festive designs, from traditional Christmas to a North Pole safari – so there really is something for every child, or even the family pet!

Whichever letter you choose, each one is more personalised than ever this year. You can add your child’s name, age, hobbies, what they want

CHRISTMAS MAGIC

for Christmas and your very own P.S. message. Plus, it will be addressed and posted directly to your child via sleigh mail – so they’ll feel like they’re at the very top of Santa’s nice list!

It’s easy to create your extra special Letter from Santa, just chose a theme, personalise, and make a donation!

After sending a massive 170,000 letters last year, the NSPCC are looking forward to reaching even more children this year, and with your donation you could help Childline be there for children who need someone to listen this Christmas.

Whichever letter you choose, each one is more personalised than ever this year The Childline service is available to children every day – even on Christmas Day, it is open 24 hours a day, staffed by volunteer counsellors in bases from London to Aberdeen. It delivered just over 6,000 counselling sessions over Christmas last year, and

the top concern for children was mental and emotional health.

When a child feels like they have nowhere else to turn to, it’s vital that Childline is ready to listen and support children across the UK. Gemma Graves, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Sussex, said, “Letter from Santa is a really fun way of treating your child this December and also helping us to support children in Sussex and across the country when they need us. We get 90% of our funding from the general public, so every penny makes a difference.

“If you would like to get more involved with the NSPCC this Christmas, you can also take part in the 5K Walk For Children on 21st December.

A number of landmarks across the UK including Sussex are supporting the NSPCC by lighting up with our trademark green. Why not base your walk around a landmark near you?”

Visit the NSPCC website to order your personalised Letter from Santa by 14th December to make sure yours arrives before Christmas day l nspcc.org.uk/santa

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Make a difference with Guild Care • We are currently recruiting for carers • Competitive rates of pay • Full training

Share our passion for care visit guildcare.org

Let our family take care of yours

STUDIO PROOF

• 40 Single rooms 28 en-suite bedrooms

PROOF DATE/TIME: 18 October 2021 10:57 am OUR FILENAME: Nov 21 Gulld Care recruitment 1-8

• 5 Communal areas • Free parking • Large Garden

JOHN FERDINANDO CHARTERED SURVEYOR AND VALUER Specialising in survey reports on residential property before you buy.

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• Friendly and homely atmosphere

www.acornlodge.org 24 hour nursing care Trained and caring staff Excellent activities team

• Unrestricted visiting hours • Established 1995 • Dedicated GP, Dentist, physiotherapist and more • Dementia Care Award West Sussex

Turners Hill Road, East Grinstead RH19 4LX

01342 323 207 | info@acornlodge.org

STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 22 September 2021 1:25 pm OUR FILENAME: Oct 21 Acorn Nursing Home 1-4

National care provider Shaw healthcare offer a variety of care services across West Sussex

We are welcoming New Admissions GREAT N E WS!

No need to isolate*

Care and the individual are at the very heart of each of our services, where wellness, happiness and kindness are the core values embellished by our staff each day.

We are Open for Admissions

Burleys Wood Crawley Croft Meadow Steyning The Martlets East Preston Our care fees are dependent on care requirements so please call to discuss on:

0800 902 0092 Or visit

*Admissions are now faster & safer. Testing applies.

www.shaw.co.uk www.shaw.co.uk

shawhealthcare

@shawhealthcare

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RYE ART GALLERY Christmas offers include fine art paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery

Fine Art & Limited Edition Prints

Diane Hutt Art Gallery

View West from Dungeness

by Fred Cuming RA (oil on board) POA Rye Art Gallery

MONOCHROME – Cadmium 11 November 2021 – 9 January 2022

Rye Art Gallery 107 High St, Rye East Sussex. TN31 7JE

MON MON –– SAT SAT 11–5 11-5 SUN 11–4 SUN 11-4

Closed dayday Tuesday Closedallall Tuesday

BESPOKE PICTURE FRAMING

01797 222 433 01797 222 433 ryeartgallery@gmail.com ryeartgallery@gmail.com ryeartgallery.co.uk ryeartgallery.co.uk

An arts and crafts gallery with fine art for sale — hosting contemporary art exhibitions with its own remarkable permanent collection

Top left, Cadmium Yellow Deep — All these silent moments 2021 by Paula MacArthur Rye Art Gallery Top right, Cadmium Red — Until the very end 2021 by Paula MacArthur Cadmium Yellow Light — Take me where you’re going 2021 by Paula MacArthur 95a High Street, Uckfield TN22 1RL 01825 766440 107 HighBottom St,left, Rye Bottom right, Cadmium Orange — The first time in a long time 2021 by Paula MacArthur www.dianehuttgallery.co.uk East Sussex TN31 7JE

 STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 11 November 2021 11:45 am OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 Diane Hutt

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CRAFTING

CHRISTMAS From tree decorations to handmade gifts, it’s amazing what you can make with a glue stick and a spot of eco glitter, Hanna Prince rounds up the best family Christmas craft projects

L

ooking for creative ways to get the festive spirit flowing?

Clear some table space, round up your little helpers and get stuck into one of these familyfriendly Christmas crafting ideas.

TREE DECORATIONS Handmade ornaments are surprisingly easy to make. Paint your own snow scene on an old bauble, try crafting candy canes using red and white beads threaded onto pipe cleaners, or make festive shapes out of salt dough and bake them in the oven. No need to invest in special materials – from toilets roll reindeer to cottonthreaded popcorn garlands, fancy decorations can often be based on items you already have around the house.

Paint your own snow scene on an old bauble CHRISTMAS WREATHS Making a festive family door wreath can be as simple as sticking screwedup green tissue paper onto a ring of card. If your kids are older and you want to try something more sophisticated, secure conifer and holly

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sprigs gathered from the garden to a wreath ring using florist wire (an adult will need to do the wire cutting). Wire-threaded cinnamon sticks, dried orange slices and gold-sprayed pine cones can all be added for extra decoration.

SNOW GLOBES Wondering what to do with all those old jam jars hanging around

Roz Nathan

Art Courses/Workshops

01435 864241 078 078 3334 2020by Sussex Artist 3334 2020

www.christinemastersart.wordpress.com christinemastersart@gmail.com Capture the essence of your house, garden, interior, wedding venue or possession for yourself or as a fabulous gift.

Fine pen and ink drawings.

Black and white or colour-washed. £150, with giftvouchers vouchers Prices start at £120, but gift available for lesser amounts.

Weekly relaxed, enjoyable live Zoom courses from January on a range of topics, with sessions recorded and available exclusively to student course groups. Demos, discussions, live group project working with supportive, encouraging feedback.

See website for future face-to-face course plans Painting / techniques live streaming demos, mentoring, 1-1 sessions, personal project guidance and more available from Feb. Painting Holidays and Art society demos / workshops availability tbc.

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING Weekly Classes and Monthly Saturday Workshops at Framfield, near Uckfield with professional artist JO HUDSON

For details and testimonials: roznathanart.com roz.nathan@hotmail.com • 07913 080061

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01435 867982

johudsonpaint@gmail.com

www.johudson.com

Painted pebbles make excellent paperweights

the kitchen? Make a snow globe, of course! Get the kids to scour their bedrooms for toys tiny enough to fit in a jar (bottle brush trees, Lego and other plastic figurines are all ideal). Glue the toys to the inside lid of the jar with waterproof glue (mum and dad’s job), add water and eco glitter to the jar, then replace the lid firmly and shake to your heart’s content. Snow globes also make excellent presents for teachers, friends and doting grandparents.

tree card by using painty handprints as branch shapes – or add a red nose and eyes to turn handprints into a cute reindeer. Fingerprints can be used to create the baubles on a Christmas tree, a string of fairy-lights or the snowflakes on a wintery scene. And even the tiniest members of the family can add their footprints to an adorable ‘mistletoes’ card. l

EASY GIFT IDEAS There’s nothing better than a handmade gift. Stop off at the beach first to gather materials – painted pebbles make excellent paperweights and shells can be pressed into salt dough to create pretty pendants.

Alternatively, scour your cupboards for yet more jam jars and block paint them with acrylic craft paint and a foam brush. Hey presto – an instant vase! Older kids can also try their hand at candle carving.

Get creative with a wax castle, animal or Christmas scene.

PRINT ART Using handprints and fingerprints to create keepsakes is a great way to get younger kids involved in a festive craft project. Make the perfect Christmas

The Art

ORCHARD FRAMING BESPOKE FRAMERS

NEW LOCATION

LARGE SHOWROOM AND GALLERY OFFERING • Bespoke and Ready-made Framing • Hundreds of Mounts and Mouldings We moved • Local Artists' Gallery andhave Mirrors • Textile,to: Tapestry and 3D Framing

Of Framing

Unit 4, Merrydown Business Park, Discovery Way, Horam TN21 0GE

• Bespoke framing and a large selection of mounts and ready-made frames • Mirrors made to order • Textile, Tapestry and 3D Framing Canvases, prints & original artwork for sale

Discovery TN21 0GE . tel: 01435 812075 Vines CrossWay, Road,Horam Horam TN21 0HB . tel: 01435 812075 info@orchardframing.co.uk info@pictureframes.plus.com. .www.orchardframing.co.uk www.orchardframing.co.uk Open:Tuesday Tuesday--Friday Friday9am-5pm, 9am-5pm,Saturday Saturday9am-1pm 9am-4pm(Closed (ClosedMonday) Monday). .Easy EasyParking Parking Open:

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Registered charity number 1149068

LET US COLLECT AND RECYCLE YOUR REAL CHRISTMAS TREE in aid of

and other local charities*

We would welcome a donation for the collection of your tree.

We will collect between the 8th and 12th January 2022 from: Brighton & Hove, Shoreham, Southwick, Bognor Regis and Crawley Registration closes at 23.59 on Wed 5th Jan 2022

To arrange a collection please book in at:

www.charityxmastreecollection.com *After costs, at least 90% of the monies raised will go to the hospice with up to 10% donated to other local charities.

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CHARITY

RECYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

for Chestnut Tree

C

hristmas is a busy time for everyone, and this recycling initiative is a great way to dispose of your Christmas tree in a hassle-free and environmentally friendly way, whilst also supporting your local community.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A TEAM-BUILDING OPPORTUNITY? Chestnut Tree House are also seeking individuals and businesses with vans, lorries, and everything in between to give their time to the Christmas Tree recycling scheme. If you’re looking for a team-building opportunity, this is perfect for you. If you would like to get involved, please email volunteers@stbh.org.uk MAKE A DIFFERENCE Whatever way you get involved with the recycling scheme you can be sure you’re making a difference to the hospice. It costs over £4 million each year to provide all the care services offered by Chestnut Tree House.

Families are never charged for their care and only a small proportion of the hospice’s care costs are funded by central government, so they rely heavily on the generosity, help and support of people like you.

JACOB’S STORY Just like many eight-year-old boys, Jacob is a big film fanatic, loves spending time outdoors and splashing around in the swimming pool. “Jacob is a sociable little boy. Everyone knows him in our local community, he loves

This year, businesses and residents in Sussex can get their Christmas trees collected and recycled in return for a donation to Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, who support children with life-shortening conditions and their families, writes Charlotte Waring it when people come up to us and have a chat,” said his Mum, Elaine. “He is an absolute joy, has a wicked sense of humour and does great big belly laughs!”

Jacob has Global Development Delay, meaning that he is significantly delayed in his cognitive and physical development. He also has the highest

grade of cerebral palsy, severe breathing issues, and uncontrollable seizures. “He has no independent movement so he can’t do anything by himself,” said Elaine.

When Jacob was two years old, the family became aware of Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice near Arundel, thanks to a member of the hospital outreach team. The family booked their first overnight stay at the hospice as Elaine recalled. “I don’t know what I was expecting, but the moment we walked through the doors we were amazed. We could not believe how much care and love was there. It was fantastic. It was a huge eye-opener; we could see all the opportunities there for Jacob. And for us, it was the first time we could sit down and relax for a very long time.”

“I don’t know what life would be like without Chestnut. It would feel like something had been cut out of us.

In many ways, they are our lifeline. It would be unbelievably sad for Jacob; he would miss out on so much. He is really happy when he comes back from his visits. He loves it.”

To get your tree collected, check your postcode and register via Just Helping, a charity who are working with Chestnut Tree House to fundraise this Christmas. Volunteers will collect Christmas trees between 8-11th January 2022.

Visit www.just-helping.org.uk/ register-tree to sign up. Registration closes midnight Wednesday 5th January 2022. l To find out more about Chestnut Tree House, visit www.chestnut.org.uk December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 105

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EVENT PROMOTIONS

SPOTLIGHT EVENTS Remember Mindfulness - Transform How You Feel for The Better 8 Week Courses and Free Taster Sessions Do things not feel quite ‘right’? Mindfulness is a perfect way to bring balance into your life and there is no better time to do this than now especially if you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed!

Mindfulness courses run over 8 weeks.

You’ll learn mindful meditation and mindful movement. Topics include mindful - eating, communication, and relationships, which are typical triggers that affect mental and emotional health.

Debbie is a fully qualified MindfulnessBased Stress Reduction and MindfulnessBased Cognitive Therapy teacher and is a member of the British Association of Mindfulness- Based Approached (BAMBA).

Free mindfulness taster sessions and courses start again on 17th, 18th & 19th Jan

Christmas Magic at 450ft with BA i360 Saturday 4th to Friday 24th December This December, escape to the skies above Brighton with Santa and his Elves on a BA i360 Santa Flight. For that extra bit of festive magic, book a Breakfast & Fly with Santa ticket. This unforgettable experience includes a hot breakfast with craft activity, followed by a Santa Flight in the BA i360 Pod and early Christmas gift for every child.

If you’re looking for a unique way to kick off your Christmas Sat 4 festivities, book the Winter to Fri 24 Solstice Sunrise Flight. An Dec extraordinary opportunity to capture the sunrise on the shortest day of the year, from 138 metres high in the sky.

Book Online at: https://britishairwaysi360.com/events/

Various dates

17 Nov to 12 Dec

in Isfeld, Ansty and Hassocks.

10% off if booked by January 10th with code: MBSR22 To contact Debbie: Email: debbie@remembermindfulness.co.uk Website: www.remembermindfulness.co.uk

8 week courses

Award Winning Artist at The Fittleworth Gallery 17th November to 12th December Acclaimed artist Paul Smith is exhibiting his haunting and memorable paintings. He explores lost places and capturing the essence of abandonment.

He seeks out once busy places which are now returning to wilderness but still with some of the detritus that once defined its purpose.

15th to 31st December The last exhibition in our Autumn series featuring some of our Gallery artists such as Michael Jevon, Piers Ottey, Nicole Philips and Karin Moorhouse.

The Fittleworth Gallery, Lower Street, Fittleworth RH20 1EJ 01798 865437 info@fittleworthgallery.co.uk www.fittleworthgallery.co.uk

Chichester Cathedral Chichester Cathedral is thrilled to present a festive programme of services, music, visual arts and digital experiences, celebrating Advent and Christmas. Central to these celebrations are two very special exhibitions: Field of Blooms is an immersive light installation, which will be on display from 29th November 2021- 30th January 2022. Presented within the Cathedral’s 600-year-old Cloisters, the artwork comprises 1000 stems of light that

gradually change and morph in colour.

From 16th December The Chichester Nativity will return. This immersive photographic installation shares the story of the Nativity in the style of a renaissance tableau. Characters within the artwork were drawn from charities and medical services, paired symbolically to the roles within the Nativity.

Entry to the Cathedral is free, donations are welcome: chichestercathedral.org.uk

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EVENT PROMOTIONS

West Dean Advent Market Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December, 10am to 4pm Advent Indoor Market at Dovecote Garden is home to over 20 artisan makers and artists.

Succulent foods and imaginative gifts for the Christmas season.

Local grown Christmas trees, wreaths and plants in the Ox Yard with the great Christmas tree and log fired brazier.

Refreshments in the Farrowing Barn with home-made cakes, soup, tea and fresh coffee and beers and ales from the Long Man Brewery in Litlington. Free parking opposite the Church and Free entrance.

Supporting All Saints Church and Raystede Animal Welfare.

Dovecote Garden, West Dean, Alfriston BN25 4AL www.dovecotegarden.co.uk

Tue 18 & Wed 19 Jan

Ardingly Antiques Fair Tuesday 18th January, 9am to 5pm & Wednesday 19th January, 8am to 4pm Ardingly Antiques Fair is the largest Antiques Fair in the South of England, hosting up to 1,700 stalls housing thousands of goods at the South of England Showground.

This famous antiques, vintage and collectors fair will provide visitors the opportunity to shop from independent businesses and professional antiques dealers. Enjoy browsing stands that trade in everything from antique furniture to antique silver, antique artwork to vintage clothing, antique ceramics to antique textiles and so much more.

Get your tickets online today for the largest Antiques Fair in the South of England. www.iacf.co.uk

Seasonal Celebrations at Scotney Castle Saturday 27th November to Monday 3rd January Embrace the glamour of an Edwardian Christmas in the mansion house at Scotney Castle, book a 3-course Christmas lunch (weekdays 29th November – 22nd December), and get into the festive spirit with outdoor carol singing (5th, 11th and 18th December at 11.30am and 2.00pm). Join Percy the Park Keeper and his friends on a fantastic family winter activity trail, tuck into some festive treats in the tea-room, or just enjoy some stress-free seasonal shopping and a winter walk. Dogs on leads welcome in the grounds.

For full programme and prices: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scotney-castle

Sat 27 Nov to Mon 3 Jan

Christmas Events at Arundel Wetland and Wildlife Centre Various Dates in November and December Once again families can board an elfpowered boat for a gentle ride through the reedbeds to visit Father Christmas on the Sail to Santa days on 11th, 12th, 18th and 19th December. Try the ‘Naughty or Nice-0-Metre’ before you board, then experience the magic of a festive visit with Father Christmas inside his ‘frosty’ grotto and receive a WWT present bag.

Pop in and see the Dalmatian pelicans

Sat 11 and Sun 12 Dec

and visit the diving ducks in the Coastal Creek aviary! Take in the fresh air at our play areas and hand feed the ducks and geese in the Lakes and Forest exhibit.

Adults will enjoy Christmas Craft Workshop on Saturday 27th November or the Wreath Making Workshops on Saturday 4th December.

Bookings are online only and require a centre admission ticket available online at wwt.org.uk/Arundel or in centre on the day.

Now to Jan

Steamlights at The Bluebell Railway Now through to January Following the success of last year, the Bluebell Railway is running the hugely popular ‘Steamlights’ experience again.

Tickets are available from now through to January, but they are disappearing fast! Visitors who book this magical journey can expect a truly elevated winter lights experience suitable for the whole family. The evening begins with a theatrical lighting up ceremony, then an atmospheric steam train journey in private compartments on carriages covered with thousands of lights which shine out creating different effects on the passing countryside. Narration, music and sparkling fairy-tale tableaus on the line-side complete the experience. www.bluebell-railway.com

Various dates

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THE FOX

Eating and Drinking House

Where “all is good” is definitely here!

A family run restaurant and bar, cosy atmosphere and excellent food

2 Courses £22.50 3 Courses £28.50 BANGLADESHI CUISINE

www.mahaan.co.uk

Takeaway and delivery service available

Call: 01903 205449

177-181 Montague Street, Worthing BN11 3DA

Christmas party bookings now being taken

t: 01342 810644 Highbrook Lane, West Hoathly, East Grinstead RH19 4PJ Open Wednesday - Sunday for Lunch and Dinner

Open Christmas Day & Boxing Day

For more information on events follow us on Facebook and Twitter

The Sportsman Pub Goddards Green, West Sussex, BN6 9LQ

Open Wednesday to Sunday Wednesday, Thursday, Friday Food served 10am – 3pm, 6pm – 8.30pm Bar 10am – 9pm Saturday Food served 10am - 830pm Bar 10am – 9pm Sunday Food served 10am – 6pm Bar 10am – 7pm

Looking for somewhere special for your Christmas get together?

Then look no further than one our fantastic, cosy pods! We will be serving our winter menu throughout December with daily seasonal specials. Our festive opening times can be found on our website and you can book a table or a pod online as well. For larger festive parties, please email eat@thesportsmanpub.com

email: eat@thesportsmanpub.com Call: 01444 233460

Check out our website for our daily menus www.thesportsmanpub.com

For regular updates on what is happening with The Sportsman Pub, follow us on Facebook & Instagram

STUDIO PROOF

DATE/TIME: 12 November 2021 3:24 pm 108 SUSSEX LIVING |PROOF December 2021 OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 The Sportsman 1-2

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FOOD & DRINK

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY THE GOURMET FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

Lewes Farmers Christmas Market

Horsham Gingerbread Bakehouse

Christmas with Bolney Wine Estate

The Sussex Ox

Trinity of Battle

The New Inn, Winchelsea

For a sumptuous selection of the best of fresh, local Sussex produce. Seasonal organic vegetables, handcrafted goat, sheep and cow cheeses, sparkling wine, gin, and craft beers, homemade cakes, pies, artisan breads, free range meats, eggs, jams, pickles, chutneys, kimchi, organic milk, yoghurt and crème fraiche, wild game, pork pies, sausage rolls, vegan and gluten free cakes and savouries, wool for knitting and healthy dog treats!

9am to 1pm - Saturday 18th December Friars Walk Car Park, Court Rd, Lewes BN7 2SA www.comoncause.org.uk/lewes-farmers-market

An independently owned country pub, which focuses on sustainable and locally sourced produce for its kitchen. With much of the ingredients, including beef, lamb, and potatoes coming straight from its own organic farm in nearby Jevington. The drinks are hand-selected and include many award-winning local beers, plus organic and natural wines from a rich and diverse list. Bookings are now being taken for December and Christmas parties. Please see The Sussex Ox website for more details. www.thesussexox.co.uk The Sussex Ox, Milton Street BN26 5RL 01323 870840 mail@thesussexox.co.uk

Home of distinctively delicious gingerbreads and gluten free biscuits, which were inspired by a 200 year old recipe from the family of the celebrated poet Shelley. The gingerbreads and biscuits are all made with the finest natural and locally sourced ingredients to ensure the perfect flavour and texture, which are baked in small batches at a family bakery near Chichester in West Sussex.

Free UK delivery on all orders so why not treat yourself or friends and order your Christmas gift packs today. www.horshamgingerbread.co.uk

Ellie and her team offer a warm welcome when you dine at Trinity of Battle. Located in the historic Battle High Street and set in a beautiful and sympathetically converted Victorian Chapel. We aim to delight the taste buds and excite the senses with highquality food in a family friendly restaurant with a wine bar atmosphere.We aren’t just serving food, we are providing a dining experience!

Easily accessible local public parking within a very short walking distance (Mount Street Car Park TN33 0AR) The Chapel, 55 High Street, Battle TN33 0EN www.trinityofbattle.co.uk 01424 772357

Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas at Bolney Wine Estate, located in the beautiful Sussex countryside.

Join us in December for our fabulous Festive Fridays - an evening of live music and delicious dining. Or you can enjoy our seasonal winter menu - the perfect way to celebrate with family and friends.

Why not browse our collection of curated gifts and hampers, fantastic wines and more at our cellar door? www.bolneywineestate.com Foxhole Lane, Bolney RH17 5NB 01444 881575

A family owned and run pub with exceptional customer service, great food and 4 superb en-suite rooms. We are committed to delivering the very best dining experience and strive to deliver everything that our guests are looking for.

The menus contain a wide variety of dishes prepared from the finest produce, which is sourced locally where possible. Whatever the occasion, dinner for two or celebrating with friends and family, you can be assured of a warm welcome. www.newinnpubwinchelsea.co.uk German Street, Winchelsea, East Sussex TN36 4EN 01797 226252 December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 109

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FOOD & DRINK

EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY THE GOURMET FOOD & DRINK GUIDE

Classic Cuvee Multi Vintage by Bluebell Vineyard

Celebrate Christmas with Fish

The Tasting Rooms

We would like to introduce our new Classic Cuvee Multi Vintage! It has a light touch of oak aging giving it fragrant, floral notes of elderflower, orange blossom, and a hint of spice on the nose which lead enticingly to zesty notes of mandarin, pink grapefruit, and pear on the palate, creating a juicy lingering finish. Making it perfect to serve as an aperitif or in the morning on Christmas Day! www.bluebellvineyard.org Glenmore Farm, Slider’s Ln, Furner’s Green TN22 3RU 01825 791561

Brighton and Newhaven Fish offers an unsurpassed in-person shopping experience and a fantastic home delivery service.

Our fish is locally caught by our inshore fleet of fishing boats and sourced from the best producers around the UK and beyond.

Offering a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish: Salmon, Lobster, Monk fish, Prawns, Scallops, Smoked Salmon plus much, much more…!

Proudly Supporting Our Local Fishermen Since 1975 www.brighton-fish-sales.co.uk Basin Rd South, Portslade BN41 1WF

Festive Award-Winning Ales

Slake Spirits

Pollyanna’s Kitchen

A very merry festive season from Langham Brewery. Choose local award-winning beer for your festive celebrations and brewery gifts for loved ones – brewery merchandise and a tour/gift voucher.

Stop at the brewery shop and Taproom - open 6 days a week until Christmas Eve. Home orders are delivered until Wednesday 22nd December. Become a member of the Langham ‘Gulp’ for special offers and benefits. It’s free to join the membership club: https://bit.ly/TheGulp (over 18’s please). www.langhambrewery.co.uk @langhambrewery The Granary, Langham Lane, Lodsworth, Near Petworth GU28 9BU

Wild inspired spirits, meticulously made in Sussex by the Sea. Our Sussex Dry Gin was awarded 3-stars at the Great Taste awards before being recalled and judged again by the most discerning palates, winning a prestigious Golden Fork for the best of the South East. We are moving to new premises in Worthing where we will be offering tasting experiences and distillery tours in the New Year. Gift vouchers and tickets will soon be available on our website, the perfect gift for gin lovers this Christmas! www.slakespirits.com Follow @slakespirits info@slakespirits.com 01273 457765

The Tasting Rooms is your local wine bar and shop providing a relaxed drinking and tasting experience in the heart of the historic East Grinstead high street. We specialise in offering wines from alternative regions around the world as well as expertly crafted cocktails made using locally sourced spirits. We host themed wine tasting events, private wine tasting sessions, wine school classes and even local vineyard tours.

14 High St, East Grinstead RH19 3AW 01342 457 099 www.thetastingroomseg.co.uk @thetastingroomseg

The rich kick of the chilli in Chillish® is available in three strengths; Original, Mellow and Super-Hot. Teaming with flavorsome goodness, this ideal stocking filler is complimented by Just the Gubbins® and the sweet mixture of garlic, caramelised shallots, and subtle spices in Garlish® and Just the Crush®. Add Chillish® and Garlish® whole, or use Gubbins, Crush and Oil independently as condiments, marinades, stir-ins, drizzlers or mixers. Beautiful gift box available with ideas and recipes. And, look out for the ‘My Repertoire’ Cookbook too! www.pollyannaskitchen.co.uk 01798 669273

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S h a r E le J oy e u x de Noël

Join us from 23rd November for our Menu de Noël, three festive courses for

£29.95 ‘Tis the season!

Scan to book now. or visit: cote.co.uk/christmas 5 9 - 61 T H E BROA DWAY, H AYWA RDS H E AT H , RH 1 6 3A S Dec21 Food and Drink.indd 111

19/11/2021 11:22

The Dorset Arms Withyham East Sussex TN7 4BL 01892 770278 enquiries@dorset-arms.co.uk www.dorset-arms.co.uk

The Cross Inn

Pub • Restaurant

Open 7 days a week serving food all day including breakfast 08.00-11.30am, Wed-Sat Friday Pizza Night 05.00-09.00pm every week from our wood fired pizza oven Cripps Corner Road, Staplecross, Robertsbridge, East Sussex TN32 5QA

www.thecrossinn.com Tel: 01580 830217 info@thecrossinn.com

The Earl De La Warr and family welcomes you to The Dorset Arms, part of the Buckhurst Estate. A village pub offering an excellent dining experience with locally-sourced produce and a warm welcome Taking bookings for December & Christmas Book now to avoid disappointment at www.dorset-arms.co.uk or on 01892 770278

Book your place

Need to shout out to customers old & new? l Let them know your New Year plans & menus! l

Our design service is included in the price of your booking, Don’t miss out! Call us now on 01273 835355

THE GREEN MAN Horsted Keynes, West Sussex, RH17 7AS Old fashioned village pub sitting on the green SPECIAL

Christmas MENU

FRIDAY SATURDAY FRIDAYOFFER September SATURDAY FESTIVE CARVERY £18.50 September NIGHT LUNCH NIGHT LUNCH Monday-Friday Lunch & Monday-Thursday Dinner Offer Offer DINNER 2 COURSES DINNER MAIN COURSE Throughout December. Three courses £25 2 COURSES MAIN COURSE

22 COURSES COURSES £16.95 with this voucher

£15.95

£15.95 £7.95 Now taking bookings for£16.95 all Christmas events including £7.95 with with this this voucher voucher with this voucher

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY £45

Serving great beers – Timothy Taylors Landlord, Abbot Ale & St Austell Brewery Tribute Ale

per person PLEASE PLEASE BRING BRING THIS THIS VOUCHER VOUCHER WITH WITH YOU YOU AND AND PRESENT PRESENT AT AT THE THE BAR BAR ON ON ARRIVAL ARRIVAL

4-course meal, party atmosphere with

Fantastic centuries old fireplace

Separate restaurant area Serving good home cooked food with a truly sincere attitude.

Menus available on our website or by post – free parking front & back

www.greenmanhorstedkeynes.co.uk

112 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

Dec 21 Recipe Cocktails.indd 112

01825 790656

TERMS TERMS & & CONDITIONS: CONDITIONS: live entertainment including a Highland Piper.

Main Main course course offer offer is is valid valid Monday Monday to to Friday Friday for for lunch lunch and and Monday Monday to to Thursday Thursday for dinner between 2nd September and September o’clock until late. for dinner between72nd September and 30th 30th September 2019 2019 inc. inc.

Friday Dinner and Saturday Lunch offers valid all month.

Friday Dinner and Saturday Lunch offers valid all month.

Pre-booked tables -- quoting time Overnight packages alsoat Pre-booked tables only only quoting voucher voucher atavailable time of of booking. booking.

Only Only one one voucher voucher required required per per table. table. Additional Additional courses courses £6.75 £6.75 per per course. course.

Only one visit to the carvery per person per course is included Only one visit to the carvery per person per course is included in in this this offer. offer.

This This offer offer is is not not valid valid in in conjunction conjunction with with any any other other offer offer and and is is subject subject to to availability. availability.

Please call us to discuss or book more details

The The Street, Street, Bramber, Bramber, Steyning Steyning BN44 BN44 3WE 3WE || T. T. 01903 01903 879 879 494 494

 STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 16 September 2021 4:07 pm OUR FILENAME: Oct 21 The Old Tollgate 1-4

19/11/2021 11:23

A COCKTAIL

FOOD & DRINK

Cornucopia ‘Tis the season to be jolly! What better way to get in the mood than indulging in a cocktail or two for some festive frivolity? Adele Trathan and Stephen King offer their twist on some classic cocktail recipes and some tasty alcohol free options so everyone can partake ULTIMATE EGGNOG

This variation of a traditional Christmas drink is deliciously indulgent and a real winter warmer, pure luxuriant comfort in a glass INGREDIENTS 700ml (24fl oz) whole milk 240ml (8fl oz) heavy (double) cream 130g (4½ oz) sugar 5 large eggs, yolks and whites separated 3 cinnamon sticks 1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg, plus some for garnishing 1½ tsp vanilla extract 75ml (2½fl oz) brandy or bourbon 75ml (2½fl oz) dark rum METHOD In a saucepan, combine the milk, cream, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and vanilla extract over a medium heat and warm to just about boiling point, then immediately remove from the heat and allow to steep.

1

NEGRONI SPAGLIATO

In this recipe the gin is replaced with Prosecco which softens the bitterness and creates a lighter version for those that find the classic Italian Negroni a bit too much!

INGREDIENTS 25ml (1fl oz) Campari 25ml (1fl oz) Sweet Vermouth 25ml (1fl oz) Prosecco Slices of orange, to serve

In a separate bowl, 2 whisk the egg yolks and sugar together until thick

and creamy. Remove the cinnamon sticks from the milk mixture and gradually whisk it into the egg mixture, until a smooth consistency materialises.

Return the mixture to the 3 saucepan and heat over a medium heat until it thickens

slightly, but not to boiling point. Remove from the heat and stir in the brandy and rum – you can opt for just one spirit or none if preferred.

To serve, beat the egg 4 whites in a large bowl until soft peaks form. Gently

fold into the warm eggnog mixture until combined.

Pour into glasses and sprinkle with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg and serve.

NOTE: Please drink alcohol responsibly and note this recipe may =not be suitable for anyone concerned about eating raw eggs, particularly if allergic or pregnant.

Top up with extra 3 ice and the Prosecco, gently stir to mix.

Garnish with 4 orange slices and serve immediately.

METHOD Chill a glass in the freezer.

Once cold, half fill the glass with ice.

1

Add the Campari and 2 Vermouth into the glass and stir to mix.

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 113

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PASSION FRUIT MARTINI MOCKTAIL

Create this marvellous mocktail which has plenty of tropical flavours and is just so tasty – it’s sure to impress your guests and they will leave with a perfectly clear head INGREDIENTS 1 passion fruit, plus an extra half for garnish 50ml (2fl oz) sparkling or cloudy apple juice 15ml (½fl oz) passion fruit syrup 15ml (½fl oz) lime juice A few drops of vanilla extract

METHOD Chill the glass(es) in the freezer – ideally use a martini or coupe glass.

1

Cut the passion fruit in 2 half and scoop all of the seeds into a cocktail shaker.

Add plenty of ice.

Add the remaining 3 ingredients, secure the lid and give it a jolly good shake.

Fine strain into the glass 4 and garnish with the passion fruit half – sup away!

VIRGIN MOJITO

Mix up this refreshing mocktail for a burst of Cuban flavour but without the hangover, as it contains zero-alcohol – The rum is replaced with apple juice and a dash of almond extract. Deliciosa!

INGREDIENTS 1 lime, halved and cut into wedges 1 tsp caster sugar 6 mint leaves, plus extra to garnish 75ml (2½fl oz) apple juice Dash of almond extract Sparkling water for topping up

METHOD Chill the glass(es) in the freezer – ideally use a highball glass.

1

Put the lime wedges and 2 sugar into the chilled glass and using a cocktail

muddler or the end of a rolling pin, muddle together.

the mint leaves and 3Add gently muddle again.

Fill the glass with ice 4 and pour over the apple juice and then add a dash of almond extract.

Stir, top up with 5 sparkling water and garnish with extra mint

leaves, then get refreshed!

114 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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ARLINGTON

BOOK NOW FOR XMAS

FREE GLASS OF WINE PER PERSON WITH XMAS MENU BOOKINGS MONDAY TO THURSDAY

The Eight Bells BOLNEY

2 COURSES £19.95 | 3 COURSES £24.95

Festive Menu until 24th December.

Closed on Christmas Day

The Eight bells Bolney

Christmas Menu Starters

•

Spiced parsnip soup With warm ciabatta and butter

Deep fried brie

•

With cranberry and orange jam

• Honey mustard pigs in blankets With dressed salad leaves

Smoked salmon

• With roasted beetroot and horseradish crème fresh

Mains

01323 870590 www.yewtree-inn.co.uk

•

Turkey Ballantine With all the trimmings

Roast sirloin of beef

•

With all the trimmings

The Jolly Tanners

Cranberry and chestnut loaf

•

Honey glazed sprouts roast potatoes and garlic buttered hispi cabbage

Pan fried salmon

•

Crushed and herbed new potatoes, roasted hispi cabbage and parsley butter

Desserts

Staplefield RH17 6EF

•

Christmas pudding Brandy butter and cream •

LIVE MUSIC

Pecan pie With vanilla ice-cream

Cinnamon and apple crumble

•

With ice cream or cream

Saturday 4th December 8.30pm Pete Bradbury Band

•

Black forest chocolate pot

•

Cheese board

Chocolate ice cream

£4.50 supplement

Sunday 5th December 4 - 6pm The Jazz Kings

Complimentary tea or coffee with homemade sweet

Thursday 9th December 8pm

Two courses £24.95 Three courses £28.95

(players must book)

Willie’s Bingo Quiz in aid of St Catherine’s Hospice Saturday 18th December 8.30pm ‘Back in the Room’ – Soft Rock

Pre-order required with a £10 deposit per person

Sunday 19th December 4 - 7pm Nigel Bagge with Mike Piggott

Independent family-run pub with a wide selection of real ales and tasty food made using local ingredients wherever possible, all to be enjoyed in a traditional pub environment. Large gardens, child and dog friendly.

Tel: 01444 400335 • www.jollytanners.com  STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: November 18, 2021 3:34 PM OUR FILENAME: Dec21 Jolly Tanners 1-4

Dec 21 Recipe Cocktails.indd 115

A discretionary service charge of 15% will be added to the bill

The Eight Bells,The Street, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5QW

01444 881396 ◆ info@sasdavltd.co.uk www.theeightbellsatbolney.co.uk.

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 115

19/11/2021 11:25

An English Wine Experience for Two

ENJOY ENGLISH WINE BRONZE PLUS AT ITS BEST Carr Taylor GOLD Bronze plus gift voucher

GOLD VOUCHER

Vineyard tour voucher now £30 The rich, crisp andfor juicy Cannonball Half Price Tickets Vineyard Tour, Was £79 now £49 £40 Reduced from £49 still white wine is available in cases of Wine Tasting & Lunch NO in the Beautiful NO EXPIRY DATE EXPIRY DATE

12 bottles fortour, just £89.00 “A guided group vineyard Sussex Countryside “This isincluding for a guided tour, tutored wine tasting tutored wine tasting FREE shipping. and ploughmans’s lunch and cream tea for 2” for 2 guests” Normally £75 For 2 People

with Hidden County Guided Tours, Gift Membership Vouchers and Free Just £39 for 2 People Wine Tasting at the Join via sussexliving.com award winning Carr DON’T MISS OUT � Taylor Vineyards.

LIMITED AVAILABILTY Carr Taylor Taylor Vineyards Carr Vineyards Hastings Westfield, TN354SG 4SG Westfield, Hastings TN35 01424 752501 www.carr-taylor.co.uk Tel: 01424 752501 OPEN DAILY 10am-5pm www.carr-taylor.co.uk

Local, organic, seasonal fruit & veg – from our farm to your door ■ 100% Organic, fresh seasonal fruit & veg boxes ■ Weekly, Fortnightly or try a one-off order – there’s no commitment

■ Plastic-free fruit & veg deliveries

■ Zero emission deliveries in central Brighton ■ We deliver to & Hove (certain Brighton & Hove, postcodes apply) Lewes and other areas of Sussex

Visit www.barcombenurseries.co.uk to find out more

01273 400011

Christmas Meat Hamper 2021 Come and support your local butcher this Christmas

Simply ring us on: 01444 400622/400396, pop in the shop or go online and order

£79.99 www.handcrossbutchers.co.uk

Delivered to your door

Tuesday 21st, Wednesday 22nd or Thursday 23rd December

Or collect from our shop up to midday Christmas Eve

16lb Fresh Turkey, 3lb Topside of Beef, 3lb Gammon Joint, 3lb Pork Joint, 1lb Pork Sausage Meat, 1lb Back Bacon, 12 Pigs in Blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon), Simply ring us on: 01444 400622/400396, pop in the shop or go online and orderFriday 21st/ packet of sage and onion stuffing & 6 Mince Pies Saturday 22nd or Sunday 23rd December

Don’t delay contact us today!

STUDIO PROOF

116 SUSSEX LIVING |PROOF December 2021 DATE/TIME: 19 October 2021 10:29 am OUR FILENAME: November 21 Handcross butcher

Dec21 Party Food.indd 116

19/11/2021 11:26

FOOD & DRINK

PARTY PIECES Entertaining can be stressful but there are plenty of ways to make it easy on yourself with some prior preparation as Adele Trathan explains

For an informal gathering the best thing to do is to keep it simple with finger food that guests can help themselves to. These easy to make party recipes can be prepared a few hours ahead of the event, ready be laid out to great acclaim, allowing you as host to relax and enjoy the festivities with your friends and family. It also makes it easy to cater for all diets with vegetarian and vegan options

Bruschetta Makes 12 1 loaf of ciabatta or sourdough bread, thickly sliced 1 garlic clove, peeled 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Simply lightly toast the bread on both sides, then rub with the garlic clove.

Brush one side with the oil and toast again until the bread is crisp and crunchy. This is the bruschetta base, to which you add your chosen toppings, and season.

TOP TOPPING IDEAS: Ripe chopped tomatoes, clove of garlic, fresh basil (or pesto) and a drizzle of quality olive oil Goats cheese, caramelised onions and fig chutney or sliced ripe figs Prosciutto, melon and balsamic vinegar Sautéed mixed mushrooms, spring onions, thyme and balsamic vinegar Finely chopped black olives, crumbled feta cheese, oregano and a dash of quality olive oil

Party Vol-au-Vents Makes approximately 30 500g (1lb 10oz) pack puff pastry Plain flour, for dusting 1 egg yolk mixed with a tbsp milk to glaze Pre-heat oven to 200C (390F, Gas 6), line a baking tray with baking paper. Roll out the pastry on lightly floured surface. Carefully cut out approximately 30 squares measuring 6cm x 6cm, trimming off any edges.

With a sharp knife score a smaller square inside each one approximately 7.5mm (¼ inch) from outer edge, taking care not to cut the pastry all the way

through. Put the cases on the baking tray, brush with the egg glaze and bake for 15 minutes until puffed up and golden. Cool on a wire rack. Once cooled, carefully remove the central section of pastry from each square.

These cut-outs can be used to top the vol-au-vent once filled. To serve simply fill with your favourite fillings.

TOP FILLING IDEAS: Flaked smoked trout or mackerel, creme fraiche, horseradish and a squeeze of lemon Finely chopped onions, garlic and chestnut mushrooms sautéed together and mixed with mascarpone and grated parmesan (or vegan substitutes) Egg mayonnaise mixed with spring onions, mild curry powder, fresh coriander and topped with mango chutney Prawns with Marie Rose sauce, mixed with finely chopped cucumber and a squeeze of lemon Finely chopped sundried tomatoes, sliced olives and pesto Add a smorgasbord of mixed olives, raw vegetables, pickles and dips, cured and cold meats, cheese and chutneys, bread and crackers.

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 117

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Cottage Bakery

Established 1976

BOOK NOW FOR CHRISTMAS! Special menu for Christmas parties available.

Open Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Years Eve & New Years Day. We are Closed Christmas Day.

A selection from our new menu:

• Chicken Laziz • Chingrhi -Jhul • Lamb Rann Special Sunday Menu £12.95 per person

BOOK ONLINE NOW nizamindian@aol.com

•MAKE A BOOKING AND ORDER TAKEAWAY ONLINE•

BRANCHES AT:

Nizam

Indian Restaurant

Tel: 01444 457527/ 01444 412794

Tel: 01273 833156/ 01273 834016

Car Park at rear of restaurant

Tel: 01825 722206

10 The Green, Newick, East Sussex BN8 4LB

B I S H O P S B U TC H E R S t the top end of Uckfeld – loca nal butchers a l delivery A traditio n high quality, local, seasona i s t s i l a i c e p S . e l b a l produce. l i a v a o s al

Nupur

Indian Restaurant

139 South Road, Haywards Heath

Speciality breads Variety of Christmas goods Cakes Mince pies Yule logs Gluten Free Bread

122 High Street, Hurstpierpoint

www.nizamindian.co.uk

214 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1RE

TEL: 01825 762820

S S A G N M IN KE ST K A RI O T H O G C Y B IN E RT B PA W O N

Sunday Special Four courses only £11.95pp Eat in only

Shearer’s is an independent delicatessen in Forest Row offering an exciting range of artisan foods and drinks, free local deliveries and gift hampers to suit all budgets (with free packing and wrapping) all provided by a welcoming, friendly, and informed team.

Order your Christmas and New Years Eve cheese by 4th December to enjoy 10% OFF Please visit our website for more information:

www.shearersfinefoods.co.uk

(01342) 822752 or enquiry@shearersfinefoods.co.uk

Christmas Day Lunch £34.95pp includes a papadum starter, curry style roast chicken, vegetables & rice 11.30am-2pm & 2-4.15pm We are open for lunch and cater for parties of 10 or more 1 Ockenden Lane, Cuckfield, West Sussex RH17 5LD 01444 441373 – 01444 451123 www.spicevillagecuckfield.co.uk Open 5.30 -10.30pm every day incl. Bank Holidays Takeaway service available • Fully licensed

118 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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FOOD & DRINK

Filo Pastry MINCE PIES

Sixteen year-old Imogen Palmer has putting her seasonal spin on a traditional recipe.

For the less adventurous and for those not tempted to make their own mincemeat… grab a 600g jar of ready made instead. Let’s bake!

INGREDIENTS Mincemeat 2 Bramley apples, finely diced 115g (4oz) raisins 85g (3oz) dried cranberries 100ml (3½fl oz) apple juice 2 tsp ground ginger 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground nutmeg zest of 1 orange finely grated 1cm fresh ginger finely grated 2 tbsp brandy (optional) Casings 6 sheets of filo pastry 115g (4oz) melted butter icing sugar for dusting

METHOD Place all mincemeat ingredients into a pan and cook gently on a medium heat for 10 minutes.

Remove from the heat and allow the mincemeat to infuse and cool.

Pre-heat the oven to 180C (350F, Gas 4) Grease a 12-portion muffin tin generously with melted butter.

Lay the filo pastry sheets on a flat surface. With a sharp knife or scissors cut each sheet into 6 equally sized squares. Keep the off-cuts for decorating later.

Pile the squares on top of each other and cover with a damp cloth to stop them from drying out.

Take three squares from the pile and brush both sides with melted butter,

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

then lay them in the muffin tin, offset from each other at an angle, creating a star effect.

Repeat this process 12 times to make 12 cases.

Divide the mincemeat mixture equally and fill the 12 cases.

Finely shred and randomly sprinkle the off-cuts of pastry over each pie, then brush with a little melted butter.

Place in the oven and cook for 1214 minutes before removing and allowing the mince pies to cool a little.

Dust with icing sugar and serve while warm.

8 9 10 11 12

Top Tip: Serve with your favourite topping; vanilla ice cream, clotted cream, crème fraîche or custard

MAKES

12

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 119

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Do you need help sorting something out?

Wishing all our customers a very Happy Christmas & Healthy New Year Our most ‘in demand’ gift is a Tamarind Gift Voucher – beautifully gift boxed – perfect for that special someone – available for a specific treatment or monetary amount 43 Silverdale Road Burgess Hill

www.tamarindtreatmentrooms.co.uk www.sussexbeautytraining.co.uk

Tel: 01444 233060

Relationships, challenges at work/school, coping with death or life transitions Talk to Michelle Thornton MBACP Psychotherapy tailored to fit your unique needs • Cognitive Behavioural Therapist • Clinical Psychology graduate • Video/Phone sessions available • Solution Focused • Strength-based Therapy

Winter Timetable MONDAY & WEDNESDAYS 6.30pm Zumba/Fitsteps Mix Birchwood Grove School, Burgess Hill THURSDAYS 9.30am BodyBarre Kings Centre, Burgess Hill FRIDAYS 9am Fitness Pilates 10am Zumba/Fitsteps Mix

Call Michelle today on 07493 873293

or email her: michelle@michellebeulahthornton.com

Kings Centre, Burgess Hill Get in touch to BOOK YOUR PLACE

£6 per class

Live Zoom classes also running as well as pay-as-you-go classes accessed via the website

t: 07971 866787

www.bodywithanita.co.uk

bodywithanita

Michelle operates from The Clinic at Borde Hill – Naldred Farm Offices, Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1XR www.clinicatbordehill.com

STUDIO PROOF

STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 21 October 2020 1:44 pm OUR FILENAME: Nov 20 Michelle Thornton 1-4

PROOF DATE/TIME: 18 November 2021 9:37 am OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 Tamarind 1-4

Battle . Bexhill . Eastbourne . Polegate . Seaford . St. Leonards . Uckfield www.barracloughs.uk 120 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

Dec21 Wellbeing-Relaxation.indd 120

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WELLBEING

A global pandemic, climate change, job insecurity and rising prices are just some of the issues contributing to our unprecedented levels of anxiety and stress, but as Lisa de Silva discovered, there are some easy to learn techniques that aid relaxation and create a sense of calm

O

n both a global and a personal level, there are endless problems fighting for space on our

worry lists. Living amid so much doom and gloom is challenging but one way to cope is to develop a practice of relaxation.

When we are anxious and stressed, the body releases stress hormones, our heart rate rises and breathing becomes fast and shallow. Over time this can lead to health issues such as insomnia, depression and hypertension. By contrast, if we can access our relaxation response, it will slow the heart rate and deepen the breath, creating a feeling of peace and calm.

Engage your senses as if you are there, feel the warm sand running through your toes

and from work. Smartphone apps and audio downloads can also be useful for specific techniques, such as guided meditation and visualisation.

Experiment with some of the following techniques until you find something that suits you and your lifestyle.

DEVELOPING A RELAXATION PRACTICE Set aside 10-20 minutes each day for your relaxation practice. It might be useful to combine it with dog walking, exercise, or travelling to December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 121

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Deep breathing

Can be done anytime and anywhere – inhale through the nose, gently hold the breath, before exhaling through the mouth. Ensure you breathe from your diaphragm – place one hand on your chest and one on your stomach. Only the hand on your stomach should move in and out with your breath.

Mindful meditation

Similar to deep breathing, but you focus on your breath, counting your inhalations and exhalations, until you feel a sense of calm.

Visualisation

Sit quietly and imagine a scene such as laying on a warm beach where you can feel at peace – engage your senses as if you are there – feel the warm sand running

Ensure you breathe from your diaphragm through your toes, listen to the gentle lapping of the water and feel the warm rays of sunshine melt any tension away.

Progressive muscle relaxation

Massage

Massage stimulates the body’s production of dopamine, creating feelings of joy – try self-massage kneading and soothing any tension spots.

This is a two-step process where you work your way up from your toes to your head tensing and relaxing all the major muscle groups – tense as you inhale and relax as you exhale.

Nature

It is now well-documented that spending time in nature can lower our heart rate and blood pressure – even just listening to the sounds of nature (raindrops, crashing waves, birdsong) can have a restorative effect on our minds. l

Yoga, tai chi, qigong & rhythmic exercise

Any activity that combines postures, flowing or repetitive movement with rhythmic breathing, is a great way to calm a busy mind.

How to Choose A Dentist Do you feel comfortable with the dentist?

This may be a gut-instinct but do you feel they are listening to you and giving you bespoke advice related to your mouth and habits. You only have one set of teeth so be careful who you entrust them to. Remember this should be a relationship for life; if you do not feel comfortable, find someone else.

1

Choosing a Dentist can be confusing and a bit daunting, so having the right dentist can help calm any fears you have about an impending dental visit

Is the practice well established?

Experience and continuity of care can be very valuable. Will the dentist or hygienist be there next time you have your check-up? It takes time to build a relationship on both sides. They will get to know your mouth, what materials work best in your mouth and how often to review you. Changing dentists regularly can mean you end up with more restorative work undertaken.

3

5

It is best if you can get referrals from as many sources as possible Ask some of your relatives, colleagues or friends if they can recommend reliable dentists.

6

2

Do they have a dental hygienist?

Healthy gums are as important as healthy teeth.

Does the hygienist clean your mouth thoroughly?

Ask questions The most important thing to remember is to ask questions! Make a list of questions to ask before your appointment as you may forget.

Call Oakmead Dental on 01342 325363 and see how we at Oakmead in East Grinstead are changing Dentistry.

Do they guide you in what are the best oral hygiene aids for your mouth?

4

Training and further education Look for award winning practices and those committed to continuing education.

“I wanted to finally express my appreciation for everything the staff at Oakmead have done for me over the past 20 years. Yes, I was surprised it had been that long”

www.oakmeaddentalcare.co.uk

01342 325363 STUDIO PROOF

122 SUSSEX LIVING |PROOF December 2021 DATE/TIME: 18 September 2020 4:39 pm OUR FILENAME: Oct 20 Excellence/Oakmead (gums)1-2

Dec21 Wellbeing-Relaxation.indd 122

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A brand you can trust, staffed by Optometrists with passion and skill

EYE TESTS

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Wishing all our customers a Happy Christmas & a healthy New Year December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 123

Dec21 Wellbeing-Relaxation.indd 123

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Company Promotion

Can you cope with Christmas?

According to a new study*, 20% of people are concerned about finances, relationships and wellbeing in the run-up to Christmas. So we look at some of the best coping strategies for this year’s Yuletide.

With rising energy costs and other bills, winter is looking tough for many households.

Add existing family tensions to an already trying situation, and the festive season may well be a challenge for many.

If you think you may encounter some friction this Christmas then here’s some simple coping strategies to help get you through.

Stay calm this Christmas Staying calm and keeping a clear head can help you if tensions begin to build, so give yourself the best chance possible to maintain that mental space. Avoid topics of conversation that are known to provoke a reaction and if you find yourself in the firing line then try to deflect tricky questions or leave the room if necessary.

Limit your alcohol intake - drinking moderately will help you stay in control of your behaviour and can help keep things in perspective. Remember professional help is available if you think you’ll struggle to do this on your own. Sometimes misunderstandings or communication issues can build up over time if left unresolved.

Reach out to your loved ones first, a friendly phone call can do wonders to build bridges ahead of the big day.

Empathise with others You might not be alone in finding the festive season a challenge. Family members may also be struggling and their problems can have a ripple effect, destabilising everyone.

As the season of celebration and excess, those suffering with addiction tend to struggle more. Families often try to cope with addiction by attempting to control the addict’s behaviour which can lead to power struggles and further friction. If you find yourself in a difficult situation with a family member, try to give them space without reacting. Empathy and compassion may not

solve another person’s problems but they’ll help de-escalate situations.

Be open about money worries The festive season can also cause significant financial pressure for families but there are ways to manage the run-up to Christmas without overspending. Avoiding last-minute gift shopping, planning Christmas menus ahead of time and not overloading yourself with preparations, are all excellent ways to help you manage the Yuletide demands.

But if Christmas giving is actually beyond your means this year and you’d be more comfortable with a low-key event, then don’t bottle up your concerns. Speak with your loved ones about your financial situation and you may be surprised at how supportive they are. Christmas is the season of goodwill rather than expensive gifts.

Being together without feeling pressured is much more enjoyable for everyone.

Finding ways to cope Sometimes Christmas worries, especially if they recur year on year, can seem too big to manage on our own.

So that’s why professionals are available to help, to listen and discuss the challenges that you are facing. A trained therapist can support you to find strategies to avoid triggers and to help manage your situation.

If you find yourself facing any of the issues covered in this article and need someone to talk to, then get in touch and we can help you cope this Christmas.

www.elysiumhealthcare.co.uk/private/

Dec21 Beauty SOS.indd 124

Here are some of our top tips to help you get through the festive season: n Limit your alcohol intake Keeping a clear head by only drinking moderately can help you remain calm if tensions are running high. Remember help is available if you think you’ll struggle to do this on your own. n Be open about money worries - Finances can put unnecessary pressure on families over Christmas. If a low key Christmas without excess gift giving would be easier, let your loved ones know, you might be surprised how supportive they are. n Address the elephant in the room - Tensions can grow over the year if family issues have been left to fester.

Don’t leave it until Christmas Day, reach out and build bridges ahead of time. n It’s ok not to go - There’s no hard and fast rule you have to spend Christmas with your family. Arranging smaller visits before and after the festive period can be just as good. n Get expert support If you feel that festive tension is too big of a challenge to tackle alone, seek help from a professional who can talk through your problems and introduce ways to help you cope. *Report published by LV=’s quarterly wellbeing monitor (October 2021)

19/11/2021 11:32

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Dec21 Beauty SOS.indd 126

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BEAUTY

Y T U A BE nd skin a , ome r i a H d of s e e ng n n looki y eyes i a t S long TLC? ason e s l extra l a fresh ’s party a Whatley r a with S OS ty S beau

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ecember is here and it is party time! Go all out this year with lashings of luscious make up, sparkly clothes and beautiful jewels. After all, I think we all deserve a jolly good knees up and to look amazing while we’re at it. But a word of warning: over party and you may no longer be the belle of the ball, you may look and feel beastly instead.

Tired eyes and skin? Dull complexion?

Frizzy, over-styled hair? Let’s overcome these beauty disasters and carry on popping that fizz all season long!

BAGS UNDER EYES There is nothing more telling of a late night than bags under the eyes. Get them cooled down pronto with a cold compress, the back of a refrigerated spoon or a cooling caffeine-laced eye gel. Consider reducing salt in your diet, cut out any smoking, catch up on your sleep after a late night, sleep with your

It’s a bore but make sure makeup is thoroughly removed and give skin time to naturally restore

head slightly raised.

If all else fails, use makeup.

First, de-puff your eyes with a your chosen treatment, then moisturise to fully hydrate the delicate eye area. Follow this with a cream concealer and finally add brightness with a highlighting wand, not too sparkly or overly reflective though.

keep skin well-watered.

Help combat dull skin with frequent exfoliation; remove dead skin cells, smooth texture and stimulate the allimportant renewal process.

A build up of dirt, grime and pollutants can also contribute to dull, dry skin. It’s a bore but make sure makeup is thoroughly removed before bed and give skin time to naturally restore itself while you sleep. Give your skin some extra protection by using a daily facial sunscreen with added pollutant protection; and an antioxidant serum will help protect against free radical damage too.

DULL, DRY SKIN The colder weather winter brings often plays havoc with skin. Low humidity outside and dry heating inside all contribute to drying and dulling our complexions. Add a few parties and late nights on top of this and skin can be screaming out for a rescue mission.

First and foremost, make sure your skin in hydrated. Drink plenty of water, use a richer moisturising cream and specific under eye cream or serum, a hydrating serum and a hydrating face mask to

OVER STYLED HAIR Have you styled your hair into submission? Give it a drink. Using a weekly moisturising hair mask can be the first port of call to rescue dry, over styled hair. Find one with added argan oil, which has been used for centuries as a health and beauty remedy and can do wonders for hair in need of some TLC. Another inexpensive at home treatment to try is coconut oil; slather on your dry ends overnight and wash off in the morning to reveal smooth and well hydrated locks. Just remember to pop an old towel over your pillow before you go to sleep.

And finally, try to give hair a break from hot styling tools every few days to give it time to recover naturally. Now you can party all season long, looking and feeling truly beautiful. l December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 127

Dec21 Beauty SOS.indd 127

19/11/2021 11:34

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For information & support contact 01903 221450 info.wellbeing@adur-worthing.gov.uk 128 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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HISTORY

A LESSON IN

Fancy dress Lindsey Tydeman of The Keep in Falmer has delved into history and discovered that for well-heeled Victorians, dressing up and having fun was a serious endeavour

ruff. But perhaps Mr Ward as a Tartar Chief in a layered full-length red gown bordered with blue and gold over an undertunic of blue, and a matching headdress and fan, outdid the others.

We know about these wonderful flights of fancy because Anna Brassey took photographs of her guests during the party. She hand-coloured some and put them all inside a studded and clasped album embossed on the cover with her intertwined initials.

She decorated each page with delicate pen sketches and surrounded the photographic mounts with botanical motifs. The album demonstrates what a serious business it was to have fun.

For the male guests, this was a chance to go completely over the top

T

his is Mr Toke. Mr Toke is on his way to a fancy-dress ball at Normanhurst Court in Catsfield in January 1872.

He’s dressed as the allegorical character of Folly and sits on his hobby horse, presumably ready to be carried away by ridiculous ideas. His costume was positively restrained compared to his fellow partygoers. Their host, Thomas Brassey, had only recently finished his manor house and the many-pillared hall and wide central staircase were designed for parties. His guests were asked to come as figures from literature or history, and they didn’t let him down.

Wealthy Victorian women lived in long gowns and petticoats so for them the party was a matter of exchanging one role for another. Thomas Brassey’s wife Anna came as Anne, wife of James II of England while her friend Gertrude Robinson was Fatima.

For the male guests, this was a chance to go completely over the top.

Mr Gustave Hill came as a Knight Templar and wore an embroidered tunic, cloak and headdress, with a long sword stuck into his sash. Colonel Tubbs played Philip II of Spain and wore black velvet trimmed with gold, a red ostrich-plumed hat and large white

One photograph, inscribed CAB, shows a three-year old child dressed as an aristocratic lady, with court dress, fan and wig. CAB was Constance Alberta Brassey, Anna’s daughter, nicknamed Sunbeam she was to die of scarlet fever in January 1873. That event, just a year after the party may have changed everything for the Brasseys. Soon afterwards the family set off on a round-the-world trip on their yacht, named Sunbeam in memory of their daughter. Anna embarked on a new life as photographer and travel writer. She died at sea of malaria, on the way to Mauritius in 1887 and was buried at sea.

Anna Brassey’s album (ref ACC 5634/3/2) can be ordered and viewed at The Keep. l For more information visit www.thekeep/info

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 129

Jan 20 The Keep.indd 129

19/11/2021 11:35

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Burgess Hill Town Council-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm Burgess Burgess Hill Hill Town Town Council-Wednesday Council-Wednesday 19th 19th January: January: 7pm-8.30pm 7pm-8.30pm Burgess Hill Town Council-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm East Grinstead Jubilee Centre-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm East Grinstead Jubilee Centre-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm East Grinstead Jubilee Centre-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm East Grinstead Jubilee Centre-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm Haywards Heath Town CouncilTuesday 18th January: 12.30pm-2pm Haywards Heath Town CouncilTuesday 18th January: 12.30pm-2pm Haywards Heath Town CouncilTuesday 18th January: 12.30pm-2pm Haywards Heath Town Council- Tuesday 18th January: 12.30pm-2pm Haywards Heath Town CouncilThursday 20th: 7pm-8.30pm Haywards Heath Town CouncilThursday 20th: 7pm-8.30pm Haywards Heath Town CouncilThursday 20th: 7pm-8.30pm Haywards Heath Town Council- Thursday 20th: 7pm-8.30pm Virtual Zoom-Thursday 20th January: 6pm-6.45pm ViaVia Zoom-Thursday 20th January: 6pm-6.45pm Virtual Via Zoom-Thursday 20th January: 6pm-6.45pm Virtual Virtual Via Zoom-Thursday 20th January: 6pm-6.45pm

130

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Dec 21 Last of the Summer Whine Walk.indd 130

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19/11/2021 11:41

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WILLINGDON WALK

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With Christmas fast approaching, we sent Robert Veitch to the South Downs high above Willingdon with his friends Stephen and Callum, and Callum’s leading lady, Scout, to find a seasonal stunner to round off a year of wonderful Sussex Living walks

ARE YOU FED UP WITH THE WORDS The Church of St Peter ad Vicula, Folkington

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"I'M ON A DIET"

et out from the route follows the contours, kissing gate by the around to the left, easing pay and display further downhill, offering machine and the northerly incorporating The 12 week workshop isviews £20 and includes a 45 minute lifestyle talk 4-way fingerpost pointing the old of Polegate Windmill towards Combe Hill.

Head and the newan of Shepham followed by optional exercise session towards the scrub on the Wind Farm. brow of Cold Crouch, At the solitary fingerpost, passing it on the right, then turn sharpLright, E A alongside RN HOW TO B veer R Earound A K to Dthe O left W on N the the scrub, FIND YOUR beneath the ash trees, and continue M A KtoEtheS I M P L E , Bother A Dside.H A B I T S MOTIVATION TO “A great spot for kissing gate. Once through it LEA URABLE Asledging,” N D Cnoted R ECallum A T E with and down aPcouple ACHIEVE YOUR of S steps, a chuckle as he looked at the keep to the left of the field C H AtoNanother G E S T Almost H A T as N Edrop W down O Ninto E STas GOALS AND steep and trot downhill rewarding Combe below. kissing gate by a 4-way W I L L R E S U L TasI the N A WITH THE HELP LEARN HOW TO Follow the fence line on fingerpost. full the right, downhill, TurnHleft E and A Lcontinue T H Y W E360 I G degree HT FR OM O U passing R HANDLE hawthorn on the way to a along the bottom of the Y OisUmostly C A Ncinematic T 5-bar EAM SETBACKS wooden gate, adjacent adjacent field, which to the rambler’s gate. The level walking. There are six spectacle

MAINTAIN FOR steps L I F E sleeper up to the next

kissing gate, after which the route bears slightly left and Burgess Hill Town Council-Wednesday 19thacross January: diagonally Paragon 7pm-8.30pm Field to another solitary Continue to the pair of East Grinstead Jubilee Centre-Wednesday 19th January: 7pm-8.30pm fingerpost. Beyond this is a metal 6-bar gates and stile, telegraph poleJanuary: and kissing 12.30pm-2pm then veer left across the Haywards Heath Town Council- Tuesday 18th gate, after which it is a short field, as the vista opens up. distance to the20th: junction 7pm-8.30pm with Continue to the opening in Haywards Heath Town Council- Thursday Jevington Road. the far left corner of the field.

Turn left and walk along When through this, keep 6pm-6.45pm Virtual Via Zoom-Thursday 20th January: the road for 120m, then right and once over the stile, turn right by the ford and follow the path alongside Midsussexwellbeing the fence, past the scrub footbridge over the stream, dip down into Mid Sussex at 28m feet) is the e n dFolkington u s a m e s s g a e t o b o o k which you r s(92 pa ce o r soncthe an WalkingStowards Cranedown Bottom. Wellbeing lowest point of the day.

the QR code to send us an interest request @MSDCwellbeing W e l l b e i n g @ m i d s u s s e x . g o v . u k 0 1 4 4 4 4 7 7 1 9 1December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 131

Dec 21 Last of the Summer Whine Walk.indd 131

19/11/2021 11:41

Looking south-west from Willingdon Hill towards Friston Forest

St Andrew’s Church, Jevington

The birthplace of banoffee pie,” said Stephen with a famished glint in his eye Ascend the slope on the other side, past the metal gate and bench to the fingerpost.

Climb carefully down the 15 steps, then through the trees to the open field beyond. Bear left, across the field, in the general direction of the church, then through the gap in the hedge to join Folkington Road.

Turn left and stroll along the tarmac, into the hamlet of Folkington, turning left at the red Victorian post box and continuing to the Church of St Peter ad Vincula.

A few dozen steps past the church, turn left onto

the byway. The route eases downhill on solid ground, past a barrier. The byway stretches for 1¼ miles through rolling landscape, sweeping left and right, sometimes up, sometimes down. It’s a good time to sort out the troubles of the world with your walking buddy, although on this occasion it was more like ‘last of the summer whine’ according to Callum.

At the next barrier, turn right, past another barrier, and walk uphill for a short distance before turning

Stephen and Callum at the crossroads of life

It’s a good time to sort out the troubles of the world with your walking buddy 132 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

left alongside the training fences in Holt Bottom.

Continue gently uphill between the ivy cloaked tree trunks and through the last of the autumnal leaf fall. Veer left where the path splits and soon after there is a 4-way fingerpost.

Turn left and walk downhill between the equine paddocks to St Andrew’s Church in Jevington.

Continue along the tarmac of Church Lane to the junction with Jevington Road, “and the birthplace of banoffee pie,” said Stephen with a famished glint in his eye. “Didn’t they invent Terry Misu here as well?” questioned Callum with all the insight and enlightenment of Derek Trotter at his Only Fools And Horses peak!

Turn right and walk along the road for 50m before turning left into

Eastbourne Lane and beginning the mile long climb to the summit of Willingdon Hill.

The climb is not as bad as it might seem, but glistening foreheads and the odd bead of perspiration are worth the sacrifice for the panorama that begins to unfold on the long drag to the summit.

The first 4-way fingerpost is not quite the summit so continue for a few more metres to the second 4-way fingerpost. Turn left and the trig point is almost as rewarding as the 360° degree cinematic spectacle.

The plethora of landmarks on offer will only be realised with generous and obliging weather.

At 201m (659 feet) it is, quite clearly, the high

Help us to help all unpaid carers

STAY WELL THIS WINTER

Be protected Consider boosting your immunity with the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.

Be Healthy Contact your local Carers Organisation for support and ideas on how to make time for yourself and stay connected.

Be Prepared Plan for events which may affect your caring role and find out if you can get financial support to keep you well and warm.

If you look after a relative, friend or neighbour, we would like to encourage you to focus on your wellbeing, improve your physical health and maintain social connections.

This winter there is more need than ever for you to look after yourself and the person you care for.

Colds, flu and being able to stay warm at home can all affect your ability to stay well.

Contact your local carer organisation to register yourself or get information for someone you know.

Carers Support West Sussex The Orchard, 1-2 Gleneagles Court, Brighton Road, Crawley RH10 6AD

Care for the Carers East Sussex Highlight House, 8 St. Leonards Road Eastbourne BN21 3UH

The Carers Centre for Brighton & Hove 18 Bedford Place, Brighton BN1 2PT

Amaze Supporting Parent Carers Community Base 113 Queens Road Brighton BN1 3XG

0300 028 8888 info@carerssupport.org.uk www.carerssupport.org.uk

01323 738 390 info@cftc.org.uk www.cftc.org.uk

01273 977 000 info@thecarerscentre.org www.thecarerscentre.org

01273 772289 registration@amazesussex.org.uk www.amazesussex.org.uk

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Dec 21 Last of the Summer Whine Walk.indd 133

19/11/2021 11:43

Leading lady Scout, on Willingdon Hill

point of the day. “It’s so lovely to be out in such clement weather,” noted Stephen, “it’s been an utterly gorgeous walk.” From the trig point, all routes lead back to the car park, and after that the rest of the day is yours to treat yourself as you wish.

Merry Christmas to everyone who did one of our walks this year – keep up the feedback; we enjoy hearing how you get on. l Robert has tested the route personally, making sure it is suitable for walking. However, even he cannot guarantee the effects of the weather, or roadworks, or any other factors outside of his control. If you would like to send your feedback about a local walk, please email editorial@sussexliving.com

Distance: 6¾ miles Walk Time: 2¾ - 3 hours Stiles: 2 Kissing Gates: 5 Footwear: Stout footwear is recommended, in line with winter weather

Elevation Gain: 280m (910 feet) Calorie Burn: Approximately 630kcal Map: Explorer 125 Parking: Parking available at Butts Brow car park on the summit of Butts Lane

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IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE

PROOF DATE/TIME: October am it to us together with this clearly on 8the copy2020 and9:59 return form within next Autocare 5 working days Thank you GENERAL REPAIRS OUR FILENAME: Nov 20the Hastings services 1-8 MOTs &

GT

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE

SIGNED DRAFT 1

GT

DATE

NOTES

Call: 01424 461 309

01892 852286 | www.kennedybros.co.uk RJK11

DRAFT 1

APPROVED FOR PRESS

STUDIO PROOF

www.hastingsmotorcare.co.uk Should you Care) require any amendments, please indicate them An Independent Family Run Business REF RCCM03-027 (Hastings Motor SIZE 1/4 DATE 03/08/2020

FOR OUTSTANDING VALUE

North Street, Rotherfield TN6 3LY enquiries@kennedybros.co.uk

Please quote RJK11 when responding

TRUST HASTINGS MOTOR CARE An Independent Family Run Business

REF RCCM03-027 (Hastings Motor Care)

An Independent Family Run Business GENERAL REPAIRS

NEW & USED CAR SALES

FOR OUTSTANDING VALUE AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE

ici

MOTs & An Independent Family Run Business GENERAL REPAIRS

‘Cheaper than a Main Dealer’

MOTs & GENERAL REPAIRS

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FOR OUTSTANDING VALUE

Service, MOTs & Repairs on ALL Vehicle Makes & Models

on

LOCAL COMPANY ESTABLISHED OVER 30 YEARS

APPROVED FOR PRESS

regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you within 5 working days of receipt of your artwork,

AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE we Motor will assume for press.

Company No: SIGNED TRUST HASTINGS MOTOR CARE(Hastings www.hastingsmotorcare.co.uk REF RCCM03-027 Care) all is correct and approved SIZE 1/4 DATE 03/08/2020 DRAFT 1 GT 7404427 • VAT No: 990360412 All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any MOTs & NOTES will remain the intellectual property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any format or used in any other publications without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

An Independent Family Run Business DATE GENERAL REPAIRS

Call: 01424 461 309

FOR OUTSTANDING VALUE

AND EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE TRUST HASTINGS MOTOR CARE

Should you require any amendments, please indicate them clearly on the copy and return it to us together with this form within the next 5 working days Thank you

IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE

APPROVED FOR PRESS

regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you within 5 working days of receipt of your artwork,

SIGNED we you will assume all isany correct and approved for press. indicate them Company No: 7404427 • VAT No: 990360412 Should require amendments, please All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any clearly on the copy and returnSIZE it to us together with this DRAFT 1 DATE REF RCCM03-027 Motor 1/4Web Ltd and may notDATE 03/08/2020 GT without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

An Independent Family (Hastings Run Business willCare) remain the intellectual property of Community Ad be reproduced in any format or used in any other publications form within the next 5 working days Thank you NOTES

regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you within 5 working days of receipt of your artwork, Company No: 7404427 • VAT No: 990360412

we will assume all is correct and approvedNOTE for press.

IMPORTANT PLEASE

APPROVED FOR PRESS

All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any

Should you require any amendments, please indicate them clearly on the copy and return it to us together with this form within the next 5 working days Thank you

SIGNED willCare) remain the intellectual property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any format or 1used in any other publications REF RCCM03-027 (Hastings Motor SIZE 1/4 DATE 03/08/2020 DRAFT GT without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

NOTES

DATE

Established in 1995 and locally based in Bolney, Frontline APPROVED FOR PRESS IMPORTANT PLEASE NOTE regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you within 5 working days of receipt of your artwork, Automation specialise in the design,Companymanufacture, weyou will assume all any is correct and approved for press. indicate them No: 7404427 • VAT No: 990360412 Should require amendments, please clearlyinstallation, on the copy and return it to us together and with this maintenance repair of Automated Gates for form within the next 5 working days Thank you the residential and commercial sector, offering free site regarding any artwork, either by email, telephone or post. In the event we do not hear from you within 5 working days of receipt of your artwork, we will assume all is correct and approved for press. surveys and no obligation quotations Company No: 7404427 • VAT No: 990360412 SIGNED

All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any

will remain the intellectual property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any format or usedDATE in any other publications without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

All advertisements, artwork and associated images, unless supplied by the advertiser or their representatives, are the property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any

will remain the intellectual property of Community Ad Web Ltd and may not be reproduced in any format or used in any other publications without the prior written consent of the Publisher.

01444 248292

www.frontline-auto.com

• Largest Mercedes fleet in Sussex • Quality vehicles at competitive prices • Comprehensive 25 item safety inspection carried out before each hire • 24 hour 365 day Mercedes breakdown cover

• No mileage charge • FREE evening collection (subject to availability) • Ample free parking

Also available are sack trolleys & ratchet straps for hire

RECRIUITING NOW! ENGINEER AND FABRICATOR REQUIRED - FOR MORE INFO CALL 01444 248292

Newhouse Farm, Cuckfield Road, Hurstpierpoint, Sussex BN6 9LL

www.vht-rentals.co.uk December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 135

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Domus Live-In Care

Bespoke live-in care solutions Bespoke live-in care solutions

Having a Personal Assistant living with you in the comfort, safety and familiarity of your own home, is a realistic, affordable alternative to residential care and allows you to continue to live your life, your way. At Domus Live-In Care we provide experienced careHaving staff who assist you with the activities of daily living. a Personal Assistant living with you in the comfort, safety and familiarity of your own home, is a The services we provide include: care and realistic, affordable alternative to residential allows you to continue to live your life, your way.

At Personal Care Domestic Support Domus Live-In Care we provide experienced care staff Companionship & Social Support Long-term or Respite who assist you with the activities of daily living.

For a free consultation and assessment of your care needs please contact us: 01892 512961 TheTelephone: services we provide include: Email: info@domus-live-in.co.uk www.domus-live-in.co.uk Personal Care Companionship Social Support Domestic Support Long-term or Respite

Tel 01892 611811

(24 hours)

For a free consultation and assessment of your care needs please contact us: Telephone: 01892 512961 Email: info@domus-live-in.co.uk www.domus-live-in.co.uk

“You were such a comfort to us when we needed it.”

When someone dies there must be time to grieve and reflect on the life we’ve lost - yet there are people to inform, forms to sign and a funeral to arrange. It’s comforting to know that a local, independent and personal funeral service is available at the end of a phone - 24 hours a day.  Memorial Masons  24 hour service  Pre-paid funeral plans  Bereavement Support Group  Member of The National Society of Allied & Independent Funeral Directors

London Road, Crowborough East Sussex, TN6 2TT E - information@testerandjones.co.uk W - www.testerandjones.co.uk

136 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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HISTORY

UNCOVER SECRET STORIES

with Ordnance Survey

W

ith the colder months fast approaching, it’s important for everyone’s mental and physical health to remain active and get out and about as much as possible. The next idea from Ordnance Survey to help keep the family going outdoors this winter is the new Secret Stories app, which is currently available across Sussex.

Many walkers in Sussex will be familiar with Ordnance Survey’s iconic orange OS Explorer paper maps, long trusted as an essential tool for exploring local areas or venturing off the beaten track. Yet increasingly over the last few years, more and more outdoor enthusiasts have turned to their phone or laptop to plot their routes.

In 2015, OS launched its OS Maps App. It gives users the opportunity to plot routes using a 3D viewer and download every OS Explorer (1:25,000 scale) and OS Landranger (1:50,000 scale) map across the whole of Great Britain. That’s access to over 600 maps in the palm of your hand.

The Secret Stories app is free to download and brings Sussex to life, with each

Want to know where to find the mysterious skeleton of a Tudor house with a dark and fiery past? Or the devil’s grave in the longest ‘dry valley’ in the UK? If you do, then you need the Secret Stories app writes David Jones and Camilla Dowson from the Ordnance Survey self-guided tour revealing a diverse and interesting mixture of folklore, celebrity, history and myth as you follow the route around.

Every Secret Stories tour varies, but can contain a mixture of audio clips, images, challenges, puzzles, teasers and directions to help you immerse yourself in each location as you move from story to story.

On Sussex’s Most Haunted Tour, families will discover breath-taking panoramic views and rare wildlife on one of the most notorious hills of the South Downs, while hearing ghost stories and learning about rare UFO sightings. You’ll certainly get your daily steps in by climbing up Chanctonbury Hill and marvelling at the intriguing ‘ring’ of trees which stands atop an ancient Bronze Age defence outpost.

In the heart of the Ashdown Forest, there’s the Old Lodge Loop Walking Tour to follow. Discover the beautiful surroundings of heather, grassland and clumps of gorse, along with birch and oak trees. There are also areas of Scots Pine where Coal Tit and Goldcrest sing their thin, tinkling calls, and there’s also a good chance of

spotting a Crossbill.

On the Choo-Choo, ChinChin, Chiffchaff Walking Tour, near East Grinstead, take a scenic stroll through the Kingscote Valley. Walkers can experience this peaceful and picturesque corner of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which was once the busy, noisy, smoky heart of Britain’s iron-making industry. With rocks to climb and trains to spot while

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searching for clues to the area’s hidden stories, this walk has something for everyone.

Nick Giles, Managing Director for OS Leisure, said, “The Secret Stories app is proving to be a brilliant new way of getting outside and making walks fun. Pick the place you are visiting, find the relevant story on the app, and then a tour reveals the fascinating people and places from past and present you never knew about. It’s an entertaining way to spend a day in your hometown, or outdoors when visiting a new location for the first time.”

Secret Stories is user-friendly for all ages with simple maps to follow and allows for complete flexibility as it does not require you to book onto a guided tour.

The app allows users to save tours and enjoy them as many times as they like.

Users can add their own secret stories by using the app’s Community Stories option. The Secret Stories app is available to download for free in both the Google Play and iTunes

store and offers a range of free and paid-for tours starting from £2.99.

Ordnance Survey is looking for content specialists interested in contributing tours for their local areas.

For more information get in touch via feedback@secretstories.co.uk Ordnance Survey is the national

mapping service for Great Britain, making it easier to enjoy an active outdoor life. Though the paper map remains a valuable asset for many, for others it is the digital map that helps them find the way, and the Secret Stories app adds another dimension to that. l www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk

MAIS HOUSE A Royal British Legion Care Home, providing residential and nursing care, exclusive to the Armed Forces and their spouses Mais House is a large care home located near the sea in Bexhill-On-Sea, with a capacity to house 54 residents inclusive of 3 double rooms for adults over the age of 65.

Mais House is one of six care homes across the country dedicated to care for our veterans and operated by The Royal British Legion, providing a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, delivering 24-hour care from a team of nurses and care assistants. We also offer respite care.

18 Hastings Rd, Bexhill-On-Sea TN40 2HH If you would like further information or to arrange a virtual tour contact us on 01424 215871 www.britishlegion.org.uk 138 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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Let’s Get Together The highest quality care starts with a connection Every member of our team gets to know your loved one as an individual when they move in, so we can support them to live a life they love.

We call it relationship-centred care.

If you’re looking for the highest quality care for your loved one, let’s get together and talk.

01273 080 111 Brighton, Brighton and Hove hallmarkcarehomes.co.uk Residential Care I Nursing Care I Dementia Care I Respite Care

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PUZZLES

PUZZLE PAGE

This month’s solutions can be found on page 158 or at www.sussexliving.com

SUDOKU

A simple process of logic is all that it takes to solve each puzzle in this game. Put the numbers 1 to 9 in each vertical column and each horizontal line. Each number must appear only once in each column and line and in each of the 3x3 boxes in the grid.

2. Actor’s part (4) 3. Cosily (6) 4. Self-conceit (6) 5. Male deer (4) 6. Spanish dance (6) 7. Large prawns (6) 11. Experiment (5) 12. Diving apparatus (5) 13. Mayhem (5) 14. Wildebeest (3) 15. Assumed name (5) 16. Harbour (5) 19. Burnt remains (3) 21. Safe (6) 22. Bodyguard (6) 23. Irony (6) 24. Choose (6) 27. Developing insect (4) 28. Soviet Union (init.) (4)

CROSS CODE Each number in the grid represents a different letter of the alphabet.

You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

CLUES DOWN

1. Capital of Belgium (8) 6. Finest (4) 8. Pair (3) 9. Eye disease (8) 10. Portion of bread (4) 12. Cut drastically (5) 14. Symbolic diagram (5) 17. Slightly indecent (4) 18. Flowering tree (8) 20. Insulating material (8) 24. Behalf (4) 25. Lead (5) 26. Enclosures (5) 29. Unarmed combat sport (4) 30. Cosmos (8) 31. Knock (3) 32. Dexterous (4) 33. Opening (8)

CLUES ACROSS

QUICK CROSSWORD

Place a different arithmetical sign (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in each circle so that the total of each line across and down is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

EQUALISER

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

/

6

:

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Nursing and residential care homes helping people live well, enjoy life and love every day We offer a range of services to suit your needs: • Large, comfortable furnished en-suite rooms • Loving staff providing individualised care • Dedicated dementia and respite care • Free physiotherapy to regain confidence and promote independence

Call our friendly customer service team on 01903 327327 to discuss how we can help you and your loved one now or in the future or visit our website guildcare.org to find out more and take a virtual tour of our homes Haviland House, Caer Gwent and Linfield House Guild Care registered charity number 1044658. A company limited by guarantee registered in England under number 3021390. Registered office: Methold House, North Street, Worthing, BN11 1DU

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PETS

With ‘you know what’ fast approaching Teddy shares his thoughts on last Christmas, Christmas coming, beds and seasonal knitwear; as transcribed from canine hieroglyphic paw prints by his pen friend, Helen Stockton, into something mere humans can understand

I

t’s tricky to make a prediction about how Christmas might look this year, with Covid-19 rates rising and falling, on a monthly basis, in a manner that makes your average yo-yo look positively pedestrian. ‘Her Indoors’ is planning for success, however. You’d think she would have learnt after last year, when, like for so many, there were no visitors on Christmas Day. I have to say I enjoyed it and, I suspect, if people are honest, I’m probably not the only one...

Even though they downgraded the fowl to a chicken, there were plenty of leftovers, and the entertainment for the day was a long and bracing Christmas walk. Perfect! I missed the ‘Juniors’ of course, but I had the woodburner and the attention of ‘Them Indoors’ all to myself as compensation.

This year, however, having acquired my apprentice, Bear, last April, I will definitely be sharing Christmas. There are some advantages to this situation.

Santa Paws will be leaving extra gifts and I’m sure Bear will share her new toys with me and that, in all the confusion, she might accidentally share her treats too. I do wonder however, if the government have considered the implications of an overweight man, in the ‘at risk’ age group, traveling across regional and national boundaries, visiting every home and leaving his used crockery on the hearth. I hope he’s had his booster. I don’t know about you, but we’ll be putting a poop bag for Rudolph, some hand sanitiser and a face mask next to the mince pie, sherry, and carrot again this year. You can’t be too careful.

I’m hoping the old fella might leave Bear a new bed as she keeps pinching mine. I can just about accept this when it is vacant, but she has uncanny ways of evicting me when I’m comfortably settled. She knows better than to try and do this by force, but sometimes she just piles in and squeezes herself next to me, which is a bit too companionable. Other times she stands as close as she can and barks her high-pitched, shrill, little bark, until I’m nagged into vacating. And the worst is when she comes close and releases a squeaky, prolonged toot, and then stands back to admire her handiwork as I rapidly vacate. Hardly lady like behaviour. Doesn’t she know that Santa only visits good dogs?

Bear is learning one of the downsides of Christmas, however; seasonal outfits. Still, if it’s any consolation, some of the Christmas jumpers ‘Him Indoors’ is subject to are pretty lively, so we can all stand together in the festive ‘looking a numpty’ department. It’s just as well Christmas only comes once a year, I can tell you! l

Santa Paws will be leaving extra gifts and I’m sure Bear will share her new toys with me

142 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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❄

Catastrophes C AT R E S C U E

MUM

BOY 1

BOY 2

GIRL 2

GIRL 4

❄ Donate:

Why not pop in and help the cats Facebook: celebrate Christmas Catastrophes Cat Rescue and enjoy a mince And helpcoffee? the cats pie and Every cat deserves the chance of a have a Happy Please call ahead good home. We do not believe in Christmas first. putting animals to sleep unnecessarily.

We help cats and kittens in distress by taking them into our care and finding good homes for them.

www.catastrophescats.org

❄

Where homes cannot be found the cats live a happy life in our sanctuary home within the Sussex countryside.

Contact: Liz Varney, Catastrophes Cat Rescue Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 9JS

| Mobile: 07912 113392 Mobile: 07912 113392 Tel: 01435 830212 Please leave a message

Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org

www.catastrophescats.org

Please remember us in your will.

Your donation or legacy will help save cats’ lives.

Registered Charity Number: 1017304

❄

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The Old Saddlery Crockstead Farm Eastbourne Road Halland BN8 6PT

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Christmas Event h Saturday 4t December, from 10am

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chrismas

ogden solicitors

Are you thinking of moving house in 2022? Making a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney?

If so, we would be happy to discuss your plans with you - please give us a call...

With best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at Chrismas Ogden Solicitors Property – Wills- Lasting Powers of Attorney – Estate Administration

Chrismas Ogden Solicitors Limited, Suite 1, 23 East Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LTJ Web www.chrismasogden.co.uk Telephone 01273 474159 Fax 01273 477 693 Email enquiries@chrismasogden.co.uk Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

KEYMER HASLAM & CO

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVISERS Keymer Haslam & Co is a local accountancy practice with offices in Burgess Hill and Lewes We provide the high value service you would expect from a professional, qualified practice at a low cost, which you would not expect. ●

ACCOUNTANCY ● TAXATION ● INVESTMENT SERVICES ●

Call us for a friendly, personal and efficient service for all your business needs 4/6 Church Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9AE

01444 247871

Email: alec@keymerhaslam.co.uk, ian@keymerhaslam.co.uk, daniel@keymerhaslam.co.uk

Website: www.keymerhaslam.co.uk 144 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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MONEY MATTERS

Sometimes you need advice, but don’t know where to find the correct and relevant guidance, which is where Citizens Advice comes in, as Peter d’Aguilar discovered

S

ometimes you need advice, but just don’t know where or who to turn to. A friend? A family member? A professional?

A stranger in the pub, or at the bus stop? Often, these options are just too delicate, too personally involved, or just lacking in the right levels of expertise or experience.

This is where Citizens Advice can help. Its team of well-qualified independent volunteers offer confidential and impartial advice free of charge on a wide range of issues – such as state benefits, consumer rights, legal matters, debt and money, housing, family, employment, health and immigration. They also support witnesses in court through the Witness Service and give pension guidance to anyone over 50 years of age.

There are currently over 300 Citizens Advice offices spread across the United Kingdom dispensing advice, support and wisdom in person or over the phone. However, as with most aspects of modern life, much of their work is now done through the Internet – their website receives well over 30 million visits each year. Citizens Advice volunteers now number over twenty thousand, backed up by eight thousand support staff. Together, they help more than a million people face-to-face, and another million through their telephone service. Half a million people use their consumer helpline and a similar

CITIZENS ADVICE There are currently over 300 Citizens Advice offices spread across the United Kingdom

number contact them by email or webchat. They help to solve around 80 to 90% of the problems they tackle.

The twin aims of the Citizens Advice service are to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and to improve the policies and principles that affect people’s lives.

The fact that they see so many people with such a wide range of different problems gives them a valuable insight into the challenges people are facing today. They are therefore well placed to talk to big organisations, from commercial businesses to local and national government, about ways in which they can make life better for the people of Britain. Citizens Advice saves the tax-payer millions of pounds each year – roughly £2 for every £1 spent on the service. It also acts as the statutory consumer watchdog for December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 145

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industries such as energy and the postal service. In recent years, Citizens Advice has lobbied successfully for changes in government legislation on areas such as housing, universal credit, energy bills, letting agent fees and broadband

Citizens Advice saves the taxpayer millions of pounds each year – roughly £2 for every £1 spent on the service charges. Unsurprisingly, much of its energy and expertise is currently devoted to combatting the challenges arising from Brexit and Covid-19.

The first Citizens Advice organisations emerged in the 1930s,

supported by public funding and charitable donations. The first 200 bureaux formally opened in 1939, to help meet the wartime needs of the civilian population. In 1973, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) received a development grant from the Government to extend its network.

In 2003, The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux changed its name to the less cumbersome Citizens Advice. Its network of charities has grown to become the largest independent advice provider in the UK, and similar organisations have sprung up in other parts of the Commonwealth

– including Australia, New Zealand and Gibraltar.

In an independently-commissioned review of the service, the Office for Public Management states that ‘the Citizens Advice service provides excellent value in return for the public funding it receives.

It makes a significant contribution to individuals and communities, as well as to the process of policy-making and service delivery. Its holistic approach, national coverage and independence are to be cherished.’

Citizens Advice is always on the lookout for new volunteers. If you have something to offer, why not contact them? l citizensadvice.org.uk

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU IS IMPORTANT TO US At NFU Mutual we can look after you, your family and your business.

Our insurance products and financial services include: • Home • Farm • Life Assurance • Car • Equine • Critical Illness • Business • Travel • Income Protection NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. When you get in touch we’ll explain the advice services offered and the charges. Financial advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited.

For a real conversation about your insurance call or email us.

NFU Mutual, Bysshopps, High Street, Henfield, BN5 9HP T: 01273 025 176 E: Henfield_agency@nfumutual.co.uk NFU Mutual, 1 North Pallant, Chichester, PO19 1TJ T: 01243 887 713 E: Chichester_agency@nfumutual.co.uk

C A Modi is an appointed representative of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited (No. 111982).

And an introducer to NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited, a member of the NFU Mutual group of companies.

146 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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Dixon & Company CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Local independent firm specialising in small businesses and personal taxation • • • •

Accounts – Tax Returns Management Advice Payroll Service Debt Management

Phone 01825 891034 for free consultation roger@languedoc.co.uk Unit C3, Bird in Eye Farm, Uckfield

Books Wanted

Antiquarian & secondhand books purchased on all subjects including academic, sporting, military, literature, scientific, natural history, travel, polar regions and maps, documents, ephemera etc.

Sexton’s, booksellers since 1910.

Tel: 01323 870991

Why is a will important?

Making a will means you can be sure that your property will be properly taken care of when you die. The executors and trustees will be chosen by you.

If you don’t prepare a will – if you leave it to chance – this may result in unsuitable people dealing You may want to set up a trust with your estate after your death. in your will (e.g for a disabled Do you want to make sure your beneficiary). We are able to children and dependants are advise on all aspects of trusts provided for – or to appoint legal and setting up a trust in your will. guardians for your children?

Don’t leave it to chance. Speak What about if you are an to a professional while you can. unmarried couple? We are able If you would like further advise you so that you are able to information, please do not hesitate make provision for your partner to contact Aileen Francis at Percy on your death.

Walker. Aileen is a solicitor and Do you want advice on specialist in this area of law and inheritance tax or making a gift a full member of the Society of to charity? Again, we can help.

Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Percy Walker & Co LLP Robertson Chambers, The Memorial, Hastings TN34 1JB T: 01424 721234 F: 01424 721376 enquiries@percywalker.co.uk www.percywalker.co.uk

• • • • •

Wills & trusts Probate & estates Power of attorney Conveyancing Court of protection

This firm is authorised and regulated by The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA Number 662900).

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 147

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OPINION

IF YOU .

me.. k s a hidden THIS MONTH, FLO WHITAKER CONSIDERS THE HAZARDS OF CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AND ASKS YOU TO SPARE A THOUGHT FOR THE HARDWORKING NORTH POLE CREW

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island making the MOST of our island

I’m worried about Father Christmas. He’s ancient, yet

from his workload is increasing as folk expect ever more

lavish gifts. And what about Mrs Christmas; heroically slaving away in the background and organising Covid-safe work rotas for the elves. Those parcels don’t pack themselves, y’know.

Having conscientiously served as International Goodwill Ambassadors for so long, Mr and Mrs Christmas surely deserve some rest and relaxation.

Perhaps they could reduce their working hours by merging with the Easter Bunny Corporation?

We’d scarcely notice if they did. The retail year used to be punctuated with distinct seasonal events – nowadays it’s a total mash-up. From mid-August, popping into a supermarket for a pint of milk involves a bewildering trek through ‘Bak to Skool’ merchandise, Halloween tat, fireworks and Christmas decorations. You eventually arrive at the checkout, only to discover you’ve somehow acquired a glow-inmaking the magic MOST of our island the-dark wand and novelty penguin slippers – but have forgotten the milk.

For those wishing to avoid in-store mayhem, the thrill of internet shopping awaits – you’re potentially just a mouse click away from disaster. Remember the story of the man who managed to order one sprout?

Or the woman who accidently found herself with 200 satsumas? Or the garden urns sent to Prince Charles that, instead of being delivered to his Highgrove home, were dumped in the car park of the local Prince of Wales pub. Maybe the delivery driver had a dodgy sat-nav, (or republican sympathies), but it goes to show that no-one, however high born, is safe from the perils of Christmas shopping.

hidden

island from

148 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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Trusted to care Award winning care homes Our highly trained care home teams are specialists in residential, nursing, dementia and respite care, so whatever your needs and personal preferences, we’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, call 01342 888511 or search careuk.com

Our care homes in Sussex Francis Court, Copthorne Heather View, Crowborough Mill View, East Grinstead Martlet Manor, Haywards Heath - Now open

Dec21 If you ask me.indd 149

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LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY

❤ LOVE LOCAL

DIRECTORY

EAST

Why not promote your business in our new online directory at www.sussexliving.com

01273 835355 | sales@sussexliving.com |

/sussexliving |

@sussexliving

LOOKING FOR ADVERTISING WITH STAYING POWER?

LOOK NO FURTHER To be included and to promote your business call us now on 01273 835355 or email sales@sussexliving.com

MAKE IRONING EASIER! A friendly and professionally run garage, with over 40 years experience in all aspects of vehicle repairs, old, new, classic, sports & prestige All Makes & Models • MOTs & Servicing • Repairs Diagnostic Specialists • Wheel Alignment • Tyres & Exhausts Clutches • Cambelts • ECU Remapping • Air Conditioning • Brakes Brake Disc Skimming • Welding & Fabrication • Vapour Blasting Petrol Injector Testing & Servicing • Performance engineering Diesel Specialists • Carbon Cleaning • Courtesy Cars Available

www.rwmotorengineeringltd.co.uk Unit 1, The Old Brickworks, Station Road, Plumpton Green, East Sussex BN7 3DF

Tel: 01273

891393

Email: info@rwgarage.co.uk

Domena & MAC5 Steam Generator Ironing Presses & Accessories Cut down your ironing time by up to 70% with our Steam Generator Ironing Presses

01825 768899 www.domena.uk

STUDIO PROOF

| December PROOF DATE/TIME: 262021 July 2021 11:36 am 150 SUSSEX LIVING OUR FILENAME: August 21 Rw Motor Engineering 1-4

Dec21 Classified.indd 150

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Over 16 years’ experience RHS qualified designer BSC hons landscaper Fully insured.

Design & Landscaping

www.limelandscapes.co.uk

For a free estimate, call Sue:

hard and soft landscaping - garden design - turfing - fencing / decking tree / hedge work - patios / driveways - general garden works Please call now for a FREE quotation

01323 897873 / 07752 553939 jonny@limelandscapes.co.uk

A natural growth accelerator for plants and vegetables

Puckamuck is a completely natural and organically sourced well-rotted horse manure.

EST 25 YEARS

BEN THAIN

PUCKAMUCK

CARPENTRY LTD

TIMBER & FENCING

For all carpentry and building works including: Handmade solid wood kitchens, libraries, shelving, wardrobes 6 6 3 0 7 1 and other built-in furniture made to your specifications.

T Espread.

L-01892 • Shred on site so easy to handle and Fully aged by us so ready to use -straight away. online shopping at topwoodtimber.co.uk Email: sales@topwoodtimber.co.uk •Secure manure - no green waste, peat-free and no odour!

•W100% INTER FUELS - LOGS - KINDLING - COAL

Also sheds, wooden greenhouses, decking, doors,painting and repairs/refurbishing of existing woodwork etc.

Good quality work, honest and reliable service.

www.puckamuck.co.uk or call Harriet 07899676166

FREE LOCAL / REGIONAL & NATIONWIDE DELIVERY OPTIONS - ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF VAT

10 LOG NETS ( ANY )

www.benthaincarpentry.co.uk 15 LOG NETSis(a Registered ANY ) Trademark. KILN DRIED KINDLING ben.thain.carpentry@gmail.com 07773 040260 - 01435 863677 Puckamuck

3 KINDLING

5 KINDLING

2 FIRELIGHTERS

2 COAL ( ANY )

TIMBER & FENCING

3 FIRELIGHTERS TEL-01892

Net 6 6 3510 7 1= £3.50 Nets = £15.00

Secure online shopping at topwoodtimber.co.uk - Email: sales@topwoodtimber.co.uk

ONLY £60

ONLY £110

30 Nets = £80.00

Pallet W I N T E R F U E L S - L O G S - K I N D L I N G - C O1 A L x 192 Nets = £500

BUILDING CONTRACTORS

FREE LOCAL / REGIONAL & NATIONWIDE DELIVERY OPTIONS - ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF VAT

FUEL BUNDLE A

10 LOG NETS ( ANY )

FUEL BUNDLE B

15 LOG NETS ( ANY )

3 KINDLING

5 KINDLING

2 FIRELIGHTERS

2 COAL ( ANY ) 3 FIRELIGHTERS

ONLY £60 FUEL BUNDLE A

£15.00

ONLY £110 FUEL BUNDLE B

£14.00

PREMIUM SMOKELESS HOUSECOAL 25kg Bags

£15.00 SEASONED LOGS PREMIUM SMOKELESS HOUSECOAL 25kg Bags

SEASONED LOGS

1 Net = £6.50 5 Nets = £25.00 30 Nets = £150.00 1 Pallet x 104 Nets1 Net = £520 = £6.50

5 Nets = £25.00 30 Nets = £150.00 1 Pallet x 104 Nets = £520

7 - 8 KG NETS

7 - 8 KG NETS

PREMIUM RESTAURANT CHARCOAL 12kg Bags

£14.00 KILN DRIED BIRCH LOGS PREMIUM RESTAURANT CHARCOAL 12kg Bags

KILN DRIED BIRCH LOGS

1 Net = £6.50 5 Nets = £25.00 30 Nets = £150.00 1 Pallet1xNet 104 Nets = £520 = £6.50

2.5 - 2.7 KG NETS

1 Net = £3.50 5 Nets = £15.00 30 Nets = £80.00 1 Pallet x 192 Nets = £500

2.5 - 2.7 KG NETS

• Conversions • Extensions • New Builds • Refurbishments • Improvements Telephone: 01323 841532

Website: www.jhpayne.co.uk Email: enquiries@jhpayne.co.uk Bolneys Units, South Road, Hailsham BN27 3NU

5 for £10 ORGANIC FIRELIGHTERS 32 cubes in a packet

V COTTINGHAM

5 for £10 KILN DRIED OAK LOGS ORGANIC FIRELIGHTERS 32 cubes in a packet

KILN DRIED OAK LOGS

1 Net = £6.50 5 Nets = £25.00 30 Nets = £150.00 1 Net1=Pallet £6.50 x 93 Nets = £450

5 Nets = £25.00 30 Nets = £150.00 1 Pallet x 104 Nets = £520

5 Nets = £25.00 30 Nets = £150.00 1 Pallet x 93 Nets = £450

30L NETS

25L NETS

30L NETS

With over 40 years of building experience

KILN DRIED KINDLING

25L NETS

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

We provide a complete service to care for all of your garden needs * * * * * *

Regular maintenance One off visits Hedge cutting * Pruning Mowing * Lawn Care Garden Clearance Experienced & reliable

GARDEN SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WE STOCK: DECKING SLEEPERS TGV T&G SHIPLAP & MORE Contact Vince on 07467 959128 WE STOCK: DECKING - SLEEPERS - TGV - T&G SHIPLAP & MORE E-mail: vince@vcottingham.co.uk Unit 1 - House Pentagon-House - Wealden Farningham Rd Rd - Crowborough - East Sussex - TN6Sussex 2JR Unit 1 - Pentagon Wealden Ind.Ind. EstEst- - Farningham - Crowborough - East - TN6 2JR

To find out more please call 01273 835355 or email: sales@sussexliving.com Dec21 Classified.indd 151

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LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY

Heathfield Hire

SPECIALISTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HEAT RETAINING LINER POOLS

01435 864 144 (Heathfield) 01580 753 183 (Hawkhurst) • Swimming Pool Installation • Repairs • Renovations • Maintenance

SMALL PLANT & TOOL HIRE SALES & REPAIRS

Plant Hire

Tool Hire

Garden Machinery

New Liners, Heating, Filtration

From diggers to dumper trucks

From screwdrivers to wireless drills

From lawn mowers to shovels

Comprehensive Experience Fully Insured and Guaranteed

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE Unit 1, Browning Rd. Station Road Industrial Estate, HEATHFIELD Highgate Hill, HAWKHURST - www.heathfieldhire.co.uk

Bespoke Hardwood Gates and Automation

A friendly professional service Satisfaction Guaranteed

www.principools.com Telephone Neil Pearson : 01892 664004 Mobile : 07870 667932

TRADITIONAL HOUSE COAL 10, 20 & 25 kg bags

Available for “Cash & &Carry” ordelivery delivered locally* Available for “Cash Carry” or locally* TRADITIONAL H OUSE C OAL fuel TRADITIONAL HOUSE COAL Long lasting smokeless allfires fires & appliances Long lasting smokeless fuel for for all & appliances 10,Bulk 20 & 25(0.8m³) kg(0.8m3) bags Bags & Barrow (0.3m³) Seasoned 10,ofOf 20 & 25 bags Bulk Bags & BarrowBags Bags (0.3m3) Seasoned LogskgLogs Available for “Cash & Carry” or delivered locally* Available for “Cash & Carry” or delivered locally* Compost, Mulch & Soil Conditioner (40ltr) Compost, Restaurant Grade Charcoal (12kg) Long lasting smokelessMulch fuel for & allSoil fires Conditioner & appliances (40ltr) Long lasting smokeless fuel for all fires & appliances Bulk Bags (0.8m³) & Barrow Bags (0.3m³) Of SeasonedGrade Logs Restaurant Charcoal (12kg) Bulk Bags (0.8m³) & Barrow Bags (0.3m³) Of Seasoned Logs

•

R.A. BLACKFORD est.

1936 Mulch & Soil Conditioner (40ltr) Compost, Restaurant Grade Charcoal (12kg) Approved Solid Fuel & Coal Merchant

Compost, Mulch & Soil Conditioner (40ltr) Restaurant Grade Charcoal (12kg)

Spalding Enterprises Ltd, Hailsham BN27 3JL T: 01323 847744 l M: 07761 961545 l www.woodbees.co.uk

The Coal Depot, Cobdown Lane, Five Ash Down, Uckfield TN22 3AT. Just off the A26 to Crowborough 01825 732183 www.rablackford.com R.A. BLACKFORD

R.A.amount BLACKFORD est. 1936 Family run business for 85 years * Minimum delivery dependant on area Approved Solid Fuel &R.A. Coal Merchant Approved BLACKFORD est.Solid 1936 Fuel & Coal Merchant est. 1936

The Coal Depot, Cobdown Lane, Five Ash Down.

The Coal Depot, Cobdown Lane, Five Ash Down.

Uckfield. TN22 3AR. Just off the A26 to Crowborough Uckfield. TN22 3AR. Just off the A26 to Crowborough 01825 732183 www.rablackford.com 01825 732183 www.rablackford.com Family run business 85 years Cobdown Lane, Five Family runDown. business for 85 years The CoalforDepot, Ash

Approved Solid Fuel & Coal Merchant

* Minimum delivery amount dependant on area

Spring Into Action

* Minimum delivery amount dependant on area

Uckfield. TN22 3AR. Just off the A26 to Crowborough 01825 732183 www.rablackford.com Family run business for 85 years * Minimum delivery amount dependant on area

DO YOU WANT TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS ACROSS SUSSEX?

LOOK NO FURTHER

VERANDAS, AWNINGS AND CARPORTS Supplied and installed. Call for a free quote today!

SBI Ltd est. 1998 – Most installations completed in a day!

Awning servicing, repairs, cleaning and replacement parts.

For details of offers including print and digital call: 01273 835355 sales@sussexliving.com

CALL NOW 0800 0742 721 sbiproducts.co.uk

152 SUSSEX LIVING | December 2021

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OLD HAND TOOLS OF RURAL CRAFTS You could be advertising in this space for as little as

£24 + VAT

per month for regular bookings This price also includes a free graphic design service to produce an eye catching advert to promote your business. For more info:

Call 01273 835355 or email sales@sussexliving.com

Bought & Sold

Excavations Ponds / Impact Moleing

Foundations Landscaping Drainage Clearance

Tinkers Lane Hadlow Down

MICHAEL STILLER

07717 280358 Blackboys Service Station is a family-run business established for 50 years

all makes & models ...

• TYRES • MOTS CLASS 4 & 7 • EXHAUSTS • SERVICING • AIR CONDITIONING • REPAIRS • WELDING • DIAGNOSTICS • COURTESY CARS 01825 890317 www.blackboysservicestation.co.uk WE NOW DO rupert@blackboysservicestation.co.uk CLASS 7 MOTS Lancelot Unit, Squires Farm Industrial Estate, Palehouse Common, Nr Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5RB

MUSIC MEMORABILIA of Alfriston Village

Music gifts for all the Family Children’s classic games Ladies & gents accessories

Also architectural ironmongery, including brass, locks, hinges, knobs, and handles

Pre-owned CDs & records Fine china & vintage housewares Greetings cards

Peter Hanman (Tools)

07966 176015

hanmanpete@gmail.com www.hanman-tools.co.uk

Open from 10.30am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays

T: 01323 870434 T: 01323 892487 Situated next door to The Star Inn

Sussex Ponds & Gardens For all ponds, terraces and associated landscaping Portfolio available Personal and efficient service

Telephone: Stephan Hurst 01825 872180 www.sussexpondsandgardens.co.uk

k

WANTED All types of farm and estate gates also railings and gateposts even if they are broken or buckled Good prices paid. Payment on collection

Call: 07831 104419

To find out more please call 01273 835355 or email: sales@sussexliving.com Dec21 Classified.indd 153

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 153

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LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY

❤ LOVE LOCAL

DIRECTORY

WEST

Why not promote your business in our new online directory at www.sussexliving.com

01273 835355 | sales@sussexliving.com |

/sussexliving |

@sussexliving

Hurst & Hassocks Cars Long and Short distances

Christopher Jones Architectural Designer & Planning Consultant

01444 250374

07736 589002

enquiries@jones-projects.com www.architectural.jones-projects.com

Hurstpierpoint

Hassocks

•

Burgess Hill

Tel: 01444 25 33 28

Email: hursttaxis@live.co.uk

Preparation of Planning/Building Regulations Drawings • New Build • Extensions • • Loft Conversions • • Basements •

S.J.Cook

Landscaping Garden Care • All aspects of landscaping & design • Walls • Paving • Fencing • Ponds • Turfing • Hedges cut • Mowing • Garden clearance • General maintenance • Block paving & patio surface renovations • Royal Botanic Gardens trained • 25 Years experience • Fully insured Tel Steve on

Burgess Hill Glazing Limited For All Your Glass & Glazing Requirements From Green House Glass & Balustrade Glass Replacement Misty Double Glazed Units to both Timber & UPVC All UPVC & Door Replacements Servicing the Whole of Sussex & Surrey No Job Too Small Call or Email Us Today For Your Free, No Obligation Quotation enquiries@burgesshillglazing.co.uk

Tel: 01444 682268

07493 100151 01444 245168

www.sjcooklandscaping.co.uk

I WOULD LIKE TO BUY YOUR RECORD COLLECTION ● If you are looking to sell your record collection, then please give me a call . ● No collection too large. ● All types of music considered and I will come to you at a convenient time.

BEST PRICES PAID FOR TOP QUALITY VINYLS Give me a call on 01243 870375 or 07966 519247 and ask for Garry Or email me at gazwoz@aol.com (and include some pictures of your records)

STUDIO PROOF

| December 2021 154 SUSSEX LIVINGPROOF DATE/TIME: 12 November 2021 4:21 pm OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 BHG 2

 STUDIO PROOF

Dec21 Classified.indd PROOF DATE/TIME: 31 October 154 2019 12:53 pm

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LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY 50 th A N N I V E R S A R Y Y E A

chilli pepper tv

VIDEO TRANSFERS

THE SOUTH’S LEADING

OVEN CLEANING SPECIALISTS

Email: mark@chillipeppertv.com Call:

07718 368508

Landscape Landscape Gardeners

Local, Experienced, Professional Chauffeur Service

All types of videos transferred to DVD or MP4 file VHS VHS-C MINI DV DVCAM Hi8 Digital Hi8

Business travel, corporate travel, airport transfers, holiday transfers to trains, cruise liners, ferries and coaches. Adult and child student travel, or just a fun day out. Reasonable, competitive prices

01444 882899

www.tlcovencleaning.co.uk

 STUDIO PROOF

Please call/email for further info or a quote

John 07881 292669

Gardeners

• Garden design & waterscapes • Hard & soft landscapesCreators of beautiful gardens Garden design & waterscapes • Paving & driveways Hard & soft landscapes Planting & tree work • Decking & fencing Paving & driveways • Pond maintenance Decking & fencing Pond maintenance • Planting & tree work For friendly advice and a free quote, please contact:

01273 843283

For friendly advice & a free quote c

01273 84

standens.ltd@btop

of Ditchling Ltd C re a t o r s oEst.1960 f beautiful water and landscape gardens

Web: www.standens.net Email: info@standens.net

Est.1960

belljohn@btinternet.com

BURGESS HILL ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC

PROOF DATE/TIME: 16 August 2021 12:18 pm OUR FILENAME: Sept 21 Chilli Pepper TV 2

Suite 4, 1 Teknol House, Victoria Road, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 9LH

Southdown Bodyshop • Accident Repairs

• MOT Welding • Valeting

• Trade / Retail / Dents / Scratches / Stains

• ICI Mixing Scheme – Low Bake Oven

• Loan Cars Available

• Local Pick Up Service

Unit 27, Mid Sussex Business Park, Ditchling Common, Ditchling, West Sussex BN6 8SE Email: SDBS@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 01444 254910 / 07788 580024

20% Local TV Aerials DISCOUNT

& Satellites

With over 25 years experience, Dr Alice Zhao offers treatments for: •Pain relief •Sciatica •Slipped disc •Facial Aesthetics

•Back pain •Neuralgia •Infertility •Nerve pain •Depression •Tennis Elbow •Insomnia •Skin disorders

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday, 9.30am-5.30pm

07735 083316 zhaoh29@yahoo.com • www.acupunctureinwestsussex.co.uk

 STUDIO PROOF PROOF DATE/TIME: 19 May 2021 4:35 pm OUR FILENAME: June 19 Tricodent 4unit

with this advert for all customers

Installation, Repair & Realignment of all types of Aerials and Sky Dishes Fault Finding • Phone Points • Freeview HD • Freesat • HD TV Wall Mounting • 30 Years Experience • Fully Insured

Freephone: 0800 8021791 Brighton: 01273 917736 We accept card payments too (Visa, Mastercard etc)

Email: enquiries@localtvaerialsandsatellites.co.uk www.localtvaerialsandsatellites.co.uk

MOT Repairs Welding Engine Diagnostics

Servicing Brakes Air Con Tyres

Does your car need a Holiday check?

Contact us for a no-nonsense quote:

Tel: 01444 480606

www.ellismotors.co.uk Available 6 days a week

UNIT 12 & 13 SHEDDINGDEAN BUSINESS CENTRE, BURGESS HILL

MOTS ONLY £40

STUDIO PROOF December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING To find out more please call 01273 835355 or email: sales@sussexliving.com PROOF DATE/TIME: May 25, 2021 1:13 PM

155

OUR FILENAME: June 21 Ellis Motors Dec21 Classified.indd 155

19/11/2021 12:16

LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY

Expert Legal Compliance Advisers

LEWIS DECORATIONS

QUALITY DECORATING SERVICES Established 25 years.

City and Guilds Qualified.

01444 233073 07446 951109

www.ilisi.co.uk Tel: 01444 811 434

To sue.young@forestrow.gov.uk bFacebook: ook a stall please call @Frowmarket

PROOF DATE/TIME: April 7, 2017 10:35 AM OUR FILENAME: May17 Lewis decoration 2 unit

Local!

Gutters Cleared

Remove leaves - moss - debris

HOURS OF OPERATION

Photos

Before & After

Mon-Fri: 8-5.30pm Sat: 8-12pm

MOT SERVICING AND REPAIRS

07809 369563 01444 233351

Sue Young, Market Manager Tel:01342 778062  STUDIO PROOF PROOF DATE/TIME: 22 March 2021 3:35 pm OUR FILENAME: April 21 illisi 2 Keeping No Problem sue.young@forestrow.gov.uk No Call Out Charge Business Facebook: @Frowmarket

STUDIO PROOF

CLASS 4, 5 & 7

House Signs

Forest ow Market Market ForestRRow • Handcarved house names Fire Risk Assessments First Saturday First Saturday Monthly Monthly • House numbers are mandatory for all 10am – 3pm • Restoration carving 10am –

3 pm commercial properties Community Centre, Hartfield Road [including garden offices] Community Centre Winners: NABMA, Britain’s Best Data Protection/GDPR – Data Protection Officer Role – Employment Law – Health Small Community Market Hartfield Road 2017

& Safety – Fire Risk Assessments – Construction Health & Safety – CDM Regs.

To book ain stall please call Grand Finalist the Sussex Food Audits – Policies – Procedures woodcutz.co.uk Sue Young, Market Manager – Record Keeping & Drink Awards Tel:01342 7780622017 housesignsatwoodcutz.co.uk

Tel.01444 233073

Unit 18, SM Tidy’s Industrial Estate, Ditchling Common, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8SG Tel: 01444 241455 enquiries@ditchlingmots.co.uk www.ditchlingmots.co.uk

Conservatories & up to 4 Storeys Tall buildings, schools,nursing homes and industrial units.

£5million insurance & a Receipt Peace of mind that we’re a proper business.

Timed Appointment You can track our arrival online

Get an instant price

01273 929 914

5000+ Reviews 4.96

Excellent

or online gutterpro.co.uk

We specialise in: • New Roofs • Flat Roofs 10% OFF NEW ROOFS

Quality roofing services you can rely on After

Before

50% OFF MOSS REMOVAL

• Re-pointing • Chimney Stacks

20% OFF FLAT ROOFS GUTTERS CLEANED From £39

• Leadwork

Moss Removal

By hand – no jet washing

From £275

• All Roof Repairs • Valleys Repaired • New PVC Facias & Gutters • External Painting

Office: 01273 044015 Mobile: 07308 056487 Email: rrsltd06@gmail.com www.rawlingsroofingsolutions.co.uk HORSHAM 01403 613019 | HORLEY 01293 988021 | HAYWARDS HEATH 01444 500108

STUDIO PROOF

156 SUSSEX LIVING |PROOF December 2021 DATE/TIME: 9 November 2021 12:00 pm OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 Rawlings Roofing 1-2 Dec21 Classified.indd 156

19/11/2021 12:18

LOVE LOCAL DIRECTORY

Anita Ashby-Dumbrell CURTAIN DESIGN

Bespoke

established 1980

01342 311550

SEEDS of CHANGE GARDEN SUCCESS

We are fully insured and happy to help you in rejuvenating your garden. From one-off garden clearance to year-round management.

> Installation of Up & Over, Roller and Sectional garage doors

> Repair and maintenance > Professional tradesman > Trustworthy & reliable > Free quotations > Family run business

T 01825 7919891 M 07581 255125

www.gm-garage-doors.co.uk info@gmgaragedoors.co.uk

LOCAL PEST CONTROL for

Sussex 07900 980 194

Unit 7 Town Place Farm Sloop Lane, Scaynes Hill RH17 7NP

E curtaindesignaad@gmail.com

THE PEST MAN & WASP MAN

All green waste can be taken away

CURTAINS, BLINDS, SOFT FURNISHINGS & UPHOLSTERY

For a FREE Quotation

Phone Roger on 07854 641 942

STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: March 21, 2018 1:04 PM OUR FILENAME: April18 GM Garage doors 2 1

CEDAR PLUMBING & HEATING

ALL PLUMBING & HEATING WORK UNDERTAKEN GUARANTEED & FULLY INSURED

07702590211

Forge Works, Sparks Lane, Cuckfield, Haywards Heath RH17 5JP

MOT • Servicing & Repairs • Tyres • Aircon • Brakes • Clutches • Batteries • Diagnostics • Exhausts • Engine Carbon Clean • 4 Wheel Alignment • Free Local Collections & Deliveries

Car Repairs & Servicing

MOT Testing

01444 452510 brookstreetgarage@btconnect.com www.brookstreetgarageservices.co.uk

Vehicle Diagnostics & other Services

STUDIO PROOF

FARRELL’S PAVING

PROOF DATE/TIME: 28 July 2021 1:06 pm OUR FILENAME: March 21 Brook Street Garage 1-8 Your local decorating professionals

Fully insured Fully qualified Published by Dulux Master Decorators (Est.1989)

Driveways | Paving | Patios | Brickwork

5 Year Guarantee Fully Insured

Paving & Brickwork specialist with 35 years experience Transform your home Call now for a free quote

075 1211 3893 01444 455 441 Member of

solutionsbyidl@gmail.com www.idlaidlowdecoratingservices.c om

A natural growth accelerator for plants and vegetables

Puckamuck is a completely natural and organically sourced well-rotted horse manure.

We are a friendly company who care for our work. Call for a free quote

01444 450 103 • 07713 062 617

• • •

PUCKAMUCK

Shred on site so easy to handle and spread.

Fully aged by us so ready to use straight away.

100% manure - no green waste, peat-free and no odour!

www.farrellspaving.co.uk farrellspaving@tiscali.co.uk 15 Fieldway, Lindfield, West Sussex, RH16 2DD

STUDIO PROOF To find out more please call 01273 835355 or email: sales@sussexliving.com PROOF DATE/TIME: 15 November 2021 12:09 pm

www.puckamuck.co.uk or call Harriet 07899676166 Puckamuck is a Registered Trademark.

December 2021 | SUSSEX LIVING 157

OUR FILENAME: Dec 21 Farrell's Paving 8 .smbdeleteAAA888dd00 157

19/11/2021 12:19

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PUZZLE Solutions CROSSWORD

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Clinical Foot Consultant

Qualified Chiropodist • • • • •

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SUSSEX LIVING MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY:

Corns – Callus Nail Problems Heel Problems Athlete’s Foot Fallen Arches

Foot Treatments

With Manipulation and Laser Therapy

• Strained Ligaments and Tendons • Skin Problems • Heel Spurs • Enlarged Joints • Morton’s Neuroma

Dorothy Dickson

D.S.Ch., M.Inst. Ch.P., Dip.I.I.H.H.M. 87 Dunstall Avenue, Burgess Hill Tel. 01444 870429 Laser Therapy for Foot – Knee – Hip – Back Shoulder – Neck – Elbow

ADVERTISING Tanis Faulks, Gill Evaroa, Anne Snelling, Christine Rosser sales@sussexliving.com PROOFREADING Adele Trathan, Robert Veitch DISTRIBUTION Paul Lewery FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Ian Kirwan accounts@sussexliving.com CONTRIBUTORS Adele Trathan, Camilla Dowson, Charlotte Waring, David Jones, Flo Whitaker, GAP Interiors, Gemma Graves, Hanna Prince, Helen Stockton, Imogen Palmer, Lindsey Tydeman, Lisa de Silva, Peter d’Aguilar, Robert Veitch, Sara Whatley, Stephen King PRINTED BY www.magprint.co.uk Part of The Total Sense Media group

INCORPORATING MAGNET MAGAZINE Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all materials submitted to Sussex Living we cannot accept r­ esponsibility for loss or d­ amage to such ­ aterials. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. m This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Sussex Living can take no r­ esponsibility for omissions or errors. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited submissions or the return of submitted items.

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MOT SERVICING AND REPAIRS CLASS 4, 5 & 7

Keeping Business Local!

HOURS OF OPERATION

Mon-Fri: 8-5.30pm Sat: 8-12pm Unit 18, SM Tidy’s Industrial Estate, Ditchling Common Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 8SG

01444 241455 enquiries@ditchlingmots.co.uk www.ditchlingmots.co.uk Thanks to all our customers, past and present for supporting us through the Covid situation, we really appreciate it and hope to see you again in 2022!

Merry Christmas and a very Jolly New Year

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