Sussex Style Magazine March 2014

S U S S EStyleX FULL CIRCLE WITH

JULIE GRAHAM CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

WIN TICKETS!

EXPLORING Littlehampton & Battle

BRIGHT SPARKS How to get a school scholarship

MOTHER’S DAY SPA TREATS

PETER ANDRE

FATHERHOOD & KID

Be Inspired / March 2014

PROUD PAST EXCITING FUTURE To find out more please contact our Admissions Team for an invitation to attend our forthcoming Open Morning or to arrange a personal tour.

T 01403 246555 E fjd@christs-hospital.org.uk W christs-hospital.org.uk Christ’s Hospital, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 0LJ Registered Charity No. 1120090

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S U S S EStyleX March 2014

CONTENTS

22 REGULARS

FOOD & DRINK

08 Editor’s letter

54 Recipe – Banana &

32 Mum on the Run

Chocolate Cake

88 Comment

55 Food News – a Taste of Sussex

90 Last word

58 Chocolate! All you need to know

FEATURES

BEAUTY

14 Profile – JULIE GRAHAM

44 Mother’s Day spa treats

18 Event highlight – End Of 48 Spotlight on Battle 52 DANIEL RAVEN on the hell of clichés 60 Spotlight on Littlehampton FASHION 36 Gresham Blake’s new shoes 38 LFW – behind the scenes FAMILY 22 School scholarships explained 30 PETER ANDRE on fatherhood 34 Family gardening 6 | W WW. S U S SE X ST Y L E.CO M | M ARCH 2014

14

HOTEL & TRAVEL 84 Travel – cruising the canals of France HOMES AND PROPERTY 10 Cool Stuff – unique designs 66 SOFIE ALLSOPP – transform

58

your home for £1,000 72 Pendant lights 74 Fifty shades of grey fabric 76 Property renovation – Bacon’s Farm

76

EDITOR’S STYLE

Editor-in-Chief Sam Harrington-Lowe Deputy Editor Katie Wyartt

Get in touch

Food & Drink Editor Sam Bilton

We’d love to hear your comments, views and suggestions for Sussex Style so please email me: samhl@ sandrpublishing.co.uk

Contributors Sofie Allsopp, Danielle Collier, Jess Denny, Cameron Fry, Michael Howorth, Laura Jandac, Kath Oliver, Emma Piper, Daniel Raven Creative Director Lucy Newton Head of Finance Richard Judd Managing Director Seán Kane Published by S and R Publishing Ltd

Welcome to the March issue of

S U S S EStyleX So what exactly is Sussex

all its glory. From inspirational interviews

style? My first month as

to diverse news and views. From fabulous

editor at Sussex Style

fashion to opinions and must-haves. And

and, taking up the reins,

I want to hear from you.

it’s the first question I

Yes you, out there peering at this page.

Sussex Style™ Copyright 2014-03 ISSN 2049-6044 Summerhill House Hythe Road, Kent TN24 0NE 01273 358850 www.sussexstyle.co.uk Sussex Style Magazine www.facebook.com/ SussexStyleMagazine SussexStyleMag www.twitter.com/SussexStyleMag Cover image: Christ’s Hospital School, Horsham Photograpy by Toby Phillips www.tobyphillipsphotography.co.uk

S U S S EStyleX FULL CIRCLE WITH

Sussex Style is about Sussex, and the

a title for the magazine, it’s got to be the

people in it. We have great changes coming

first thing you think about when picking

but the magazine only exists because of its

it up, surely. Sussex Style. We have a

readers. So please, we’d love to hear from

responsibility. We reprazent.

you – my email address is below.

It’s a big space, Sussex, broken down

And as for April, well, buckle up for the

into sections a bit like Yorkshire’s Ridings.

Food issue. We’ve got Julie Burchill coming

East, West and Mid, and within all those

on board as our resident Hotel Inspector,

areas, straddling the South Downs, is the

coverage of the Food & Drink Festival,

most spectacular miscellany, incorporating

Norman Cook on his food interests (and

cosmopolitan hotspots and country

interest in food) as well as cover-to-cover

retreats, elegant chunks still privately

foodie fabulousness. It’s going to be a

owned by titled bods, or salty seaside

bon viveur’s delight.

towns struggling to make their mark on

I’m excited to be starting here and hope

the world. It’s a glorious patchwork of

I can bring you a real taste of Sussex style

diversity and it’s all Sussex style.

every month.

Sussex Style is a magazine that aims to

Sam

reflect that diversity. Smart and sassy, I

Editor, Sussex Style,

want it to celebrate and signify Sussex in

samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk

8 | W WW. S U S SE X ST Y L E.CO M | M ARCH 2014

JULIE GRAHAM CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

WIN TICKETS!

EXPLORING Littlehampton & Battle

BRIGHT SPARKS How to get a school scholarship

MOTHER’S DAY SPA TREATS

PETER ANDRE

FATHERHOOD & KID

Be Inspired / March 2014

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. EXCEPT FOR NORMAL REVIEW PURPOSES, NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. NO ARTWORK OR EDITORIAL CONNTENT MAY BE USED IN ANY OTHER FORM OR PUBLICATION WITHOUT THE PUBLISHER’S CONSENT. EVERY CARE IS TAKEN IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS MAGAZINE, BUT THE CONTENTS ARE ONLY MEANT AS A GUIDE TO THE READERS. THE PROPRIETORS OF THIS PUBLICATION ARE PUBLISHERS , NOT AGENTS OR SUB AGENTS OF THOSE WHO ADVERTISE THEREIN. THEY CANNOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY LOSS SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF INFORMATION GAINED FROM THE PUBLICATION. COPYRIGHT 2014 S AND R PUBLISHING LTD - SUSSEX STYLE TM

PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIA CLAXTON

asked myself. With such

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Shutters

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Curtains and Roman Blinds

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DESIGN STYLE

Jess Denny, owner of family-run Steyning boutique, Spotted, picks her favourite unique design finds for March

Billy the Cat This luxurious animal cut-out silk cushion is made in the UK from 100% silk, with black velvet backing. It measures 35cm x 78cm. £125, www.silkenfavours.com

Baroque mirror This striking and distinctive mirror has a broad regal frame, which makes it not only a functional item but a work of art at the same time. It will add an opulent feel to any room, and is available in a range of sumptuous colours (pictured here in Cardinal Red). £285, The Arts Works, East Horsley

Animal On lamp This beautiful LED lamp comes in a range of shades and feature animals from the Antarctic and Arctic regions. New to the UK, these intricate designs are made of recyclable material with an environmentally friendly LED base. £145, Spotted, Steyning

Lumière lamp This prestigious lamp by Lampe Berger is a symbol of great craftsmanship. Made from pewter and brass wire and plated in white bronze, each wire is soldered to the framework and then adorned with 48 glass pearls. A layer of clear crystal is covered with a second layer of coloured crystal, with a hand-cut decoration revealing the inner crystal. £495, La Source, Horsham; Mint Ideas, Rye; The Old Apiary, Alfriston; Papillon, Brighton

10 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Leti bird light Leti is a monochrome pendant light with a 3D-printed woodpecker clipped around its textile-covered cable. This is a fantastic use of 3D-printing, which transforms a basic pendant light into an iconic poetic object.

The lights are available in black, white and red. £100, Royal Horticultural Society, Woking

DESIGN STYLE

Pero bookmark Pero is a functional and decorative 3D-printed bookmark in the form of a dove. While the bird perches poetically on top of the book its long string marks the page. The sculptural doves are designed in three different positions – standing, pecking and flying – and are available in a variety of colours. £12.50, Starling Store, Brighton

The O bag Designed by Emanuele Magenta and made in Italy, the O bag is a beautifully simple and modern design, as well as being lightweight, practical, tactile and waterproof. With a wide choice of bright, dark and pastel colours to mix and match, you can customise your bag to suit your taste.

From £35 (pictured bag £150), Borsa, Hove

DOG scratchpost DOG is a new scratchpost for cats with a good dose of humour. Not only does DOG protect your furniture from cat scratching, it is also the way for cats to release their frustration on their ‘natural enemy’! £495, Spotted, Steyning

Foal rug These beautiful rugs are lovingly made by hand from start to finish, with no two rugs being exactly alike. All the rugs are made with comfort and safety in mind using quality faux fur, wadding and thermal backing. £120, www.ginalillycropdesigns.com 12 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Product Design

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email: info@liquidesign.co.uk

web: www.liquidesign.co.uk

GIRL POWER PHOTOGRAPHY | IVAN JONES

14 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

PROFILE STYLE

Fresh from the success of The Bletchley Circle and pioneering co-founder of the End Of event for domestic violence charity Rise in Brighton, Sam Harrington-Lowe meets up with actress Julie Graham

W

hen I arrive at the Hotel du Vin in Brighton,

a producer I knew put me forward for the part. It was quite

Julie Graham is already there. Dressed with

refreshing because normally you’re going up for parts of

simple elegance in black, she is sending an

your own age or younger but the part in Bletchley was for

email, saying hello to me and managing

a 55-year-old woman. So it was one of those situations

three busy children – two of her own and one god-daughter –

where you were being cast because they thought you could

all under the age of 11, all jostling for a hug or a hot chocolate.

do the job, regardless of your age. They put me through

She’s applying make-up and dealing with the children’s

the mill though. They made me audition three times and the

demands, not unlike Joyce Grenfell in full flow.

producer kept sending me notes like “less make-up”, then

Like many stars, in the flesh she’s much smaller than she appears on screen. In fact she’s tiny; light and slight with that trademark cloud of dark hair – the simplicity of the clothes suit her, and there’s definitely mischief in her eyes.

She’s immediately likeable, and people react to her, positively and spontaneously.

In terms of respected British

❝

“no make-up” then finally “look, go out drinking the night before and look as rough as you can”.’

It’s unusual advice for an actress. By Graham’s own admission, the call is usually for

Everyone thinks that as an actor you have this career trajectory, that there’s this big plan, but actually it’s a series of happy accidents

actresses with a really good career, she’s right up there. A familiar face on TV and film, her long CV reads like a What’s What of British telly – The Bletchley

younger women. ‘Since I hit 40 the parts have tailed off, there’s no doubt about it. But that’s the lovely thing about Bletchley, because we’re all female lead characters and it debunks this myth that

people only want to see male characters in lead roles.’

A large proportion of Graham’s repertoire includes

Circle of course, William and Mary, Doc Martin, Death in

intelligent, strong women and this was a big draw for her.

Paradise, Midsomer Murders, Dirty Tricks – it’s an awesome

‘Bletchley has got these four strong female characters and

list, but what’s interesting is the diversity in the characters

at any point in my career I would have played any one of

she’s played, and actually in the real world, she’s a bit of all

those parts,’ she muses, ‘but it’s also interesting because

of these. She’s bright and funny, intelligent and articulate;

of the time in which it was set, you know, post-war. Women

but there’s both vulnerability and a little darkness there too.

just fell under the radar, so they could poke about in other

We talk over lunch, and I’m interested to know about Bletchley, as it’s been her most recent hit. It’s also something

people’s business and play detective.

‘Everyone thinks that as an actor you have this career

she’s been challenged by, to a degree. ‘The Bletchley Circle

trajectory, that there’s this big plan,’ she continues, ‘but

came about because I’d worked for ITV extensively and

actually it’s a series of happy accidents because all you ›› MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 1 5

Clockwise from right: Julie in The Bletchley Circle; with Martin Clunes in William & Mary; Graham and Clunes in Doc Martin

â??

If you think of any rise of fascism or of right wing dictatorships in the world, the first thing they suppress is art

16 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

PROFILE STYLE

want to do is work. And the only control you have is saying no. When I was younger I was more picky about roles – I didn’t have any dependents, didn’t have a mortgage, so life was much easier. Now it’s harder to pick and choose.’

It’s clear that Graham’s interest in her art goes beyond the need to feed her kids though. This is something she feels passionate about. ‘A lot of actors say it’s 50% showing off, but actually I really do believe that through acting and being involved with great writers and directors and people who are creating great pieces that are reflecting society, it can make us decent. And this is why we should invest in the arts, because it makes us decent human beings. Because it shows the depths to which we can plunge in terms of hatred, or war, and I think the more you reflect on society, the more decent you can make it. I really do believe that. And if you

I’ve lived in Brighton for 15 years and this is the first time I’ve

think of any rise of fascism or of right wing dictatorships

been offered work here. I didn’t even read the script! It’s

in the world, the first thing they suppress is art, because

a kind of gothic horror made for about fifteen quid, which

it’s freedom of expression.’

is due out soon. And then there’s a series called Shetland for

She chooses her roles with some care and cites William

ITV PHOTOGRAPHY: ITV/REX FEATURES

and Mary as her favourite job. ‘This was written by an actor

the BBC, which comes out in April.’

Finally, we talk briefly about End Of, a fundraising event

called Mick Ford who’s got a complicated family. He wanted

taking place in April for which she is one of the co-founders.

to write something that represented modern families in the

As someone who has personal experience of domestic

age that we live in, and the complications of two adults who

violence herself, this is something Graham has thrown her

have their own families and then meet again and fall in love.

weight behind with passion. ‘I hate the phrase domestic

And it captured the public’s imagination, you know; she

violence, I wish there was another word. Of course it’s in the

was working class, he was middle class, she had mixed-race

house so it IS domestic, but it’s not just about violence; it’s

kids. It ticked a lot of complicated family boxes and I think

emotional violence, it’s emotional bullying. I had a personal

that’s why people loved it so much. And Martin and I had

experience with Rise (the charity for which the event is

a great chemistry because we’re great friends. And I loved

raising funds) who were amazing, but actually I didn’t really

doing Doc Martin but I only did that so I could hang out with

think about it until Julie Burchill got in touch and said,

Clunes again, because he’s my favourite person on the planet,

I’ve been hearing about all my feisty strong friends getting

probably. Well, my favourite man anyway.’

involved in all this stuff and she was like, let’s get together

So what’s on the horizon for her after Bletchley? ‘I just

and raise money and raise awareness. And it’s been brilliant.’

want to do good stuff really. Actually, we’ve just done a low-

Shot on location at Hotel du Vin, Brighton, www.hotelduvin.com

budget film called The Sleeping Room, shot in Brighton.

End Of – www.endof.org.uk MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 1 7

CHARITY STYLE

TO THE END.

A

nyone who has been

want to keep the peace. Everyone

through the

has their own reasons for not

destructive cycle of

walking away, but it’s not always

domestic violence will

that straightforward.

know only too well how complex

Facts about Domestic Abuse

Rise is a charity based in

and damaging it can be. The

Brighton set up to help women

obvious fear associated with

and children and the LGBT

experience domestic

physical attack and abuse is clear

community to survive and escape

abuse in their lifetime

to even the most casual observer,

situations like this. Offering hope

but the more profound issues of

to people who cannot see a way

reduced self-confidence and

out, Rise offers a lifeline and an

self-respect, along with living

opportuntiy to escape from the

with constant fear and increased

hell of domestic violence. Every

sexuality and gender are

anxiety, run far deeper. Throw in

year the charity helps over 800

not relevant – anyone

a handful of shame, a smattering

women and their families to

can experience an abusive

of self-loathing and you can end

recover and reclaim their lives.

relationship

up with an unsurmountable issue

●

●

One in four women

E very week, two women are killed by their male partner or former partner

●

The services offered by the

●

Age, class, ethnicity,

Domestic abuse is a

that can happen over and over

charity include resettlement,

gendered crime and

again, with no seeming end or

refuge accommodation, crisis

the majority of victims

escape. And the worst thing is,

appointments, helpline,

are women

it’s insidious and it’s secretive.

counselling, housing, legal

Abusers bank on their victims

appointments, play therapy,

to protect their children, or

support groups, training and

keeping mum simply because

preventative education.

Like all charities, Rise relies ››

18 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

750,000 children witness domestic violence a year

and financial advice, solicitors’

feeling ashamed, keeping quiet

they can’t afford to leave and

●

Above, from top: Julie Burchill, Sam Harrington-Lowe, Julie Graham, Astrid Edwards

●

In 75-90% of incidents of domestic violence, children are in the same or next room

JULIE BURCHILL PHOTOGRAPHY: EAMONN McCABE. JULIE GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY: DEL LA GRACE VOLCANO. ALL OTHER PHOTOGRAPHY JULIA CLAXTON

Led by Julie Burchill, a group of strong and talented women is putting on an event next month, to highlight the issue of domestic abuse, an issue which can no longer be ignored. End Of.

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CHARITY STYLE

on donations and support, so

waded in to show their support.

when Julie Burchill (who lives

Caitlin Moran and Suzanne

in Brighton) wanted to put on

Moore are flying the flag for the

a charity event, choosing the

writers, alongside an amazing

charity was simple. Burchill

array of actors including Julie

might seem an unlikely target

Graham, Ann Mitchell, Tracy-Ann

for domestic abuse but like many

Oberman, Tamzin Outhwaite,

women she has been there and

Sarah Solemani and Zawe

back, recovered and is now

Ashton. There will also be live

raging. In her latest book,

performances from the brilliant

Unchosen, she writes about her

Dominique Olliver, Jackie Clune

experience and, inspired by this,

and Dora Dale, with more names

she came up with an idea: ‘Let’s

being added to the bill all the

have a big night, raise some

time, so keep an eye on the

funds, and tackle this issue

website for updates.

head on. We’re not putting up

Above, left-right: Some of the team – Naomi Bos and Linsay McCulloch from Rise, Dominique LeVack from The FeelGood Choir, Julie Burchill, Sam Harrington-Lowe, Astrid Edwards, Caraline Brown from Midnight PR, Richard Chamberlain, Gail Gray (Rise CEO)

night,’ explains Burchill. ‘We’ve

Burchill, along with co-

got some amazing performers

founders Julie Graham, Sam

and the show part will start off

Harrington-Lowe, Astrid Edwards

on a serious note and then build

and Naomi Stanley, planned (over

to an uplifting crescendo. Then

a very satisfactory lunch) the

we’ve got a brilliant disco for at

general outline of the ‘End Of’

least two hours afterwards!’

event, and within a few hours,

End Of takes place on 29th April

a heady collection of literary,

at the Hove Centre. Tickets are

acting and musical talents had

available at www.endof.org.uk

20 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

●

Confused, scared or isolated by a partner, ex-partner or family member?

●

T hink you may be in an abusive relationship and need to talk?

●

A re you a young person worried or confused about a relationship?

‘We wanted it to be a joyful

with this any more. End of!’

Do you need help?

●

A re you worried about someone you think may be being abused?

❝

Let’s have a big night and tackle this issue head on.

We’re not putting up with this any more. End of!

●

w ww.riseuk.org.uk; 01273 622822

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MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 2 1

22 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

HELP IS AT HAND

FAMILY STYLE

Independent education isn’t just for the super rich.

Sam Bilton investigates what financial support is available to those on more modest incomes

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 2 3

O

f the half a million or so children who attend

At Christ’s Hospital, 80 per cent of pupils receive a bursary

ISC (Independent Schools Council)-affiliated schools, the ISC 2013 Census found that almost 34 per cent receive help with their fees. This

equates to £620m in assistance annually, with the value of mean-tested bursaries increasing by 6.7 per cent from 2012.

‘Independent schools have always tried to offer bursaries and scholarships to widen access to our schools and to encourage social mobility,’ says Barnaby Lenon, Chairman

of the ISC. So what form does this financial assistance actually take? There are two broad means of financial assistance offered to pupils at independent schools – scholarships and means-tested bursaries.

Scholarships are usually talent-based, but just under 10 per cent of pupils attending ISC schools received this type of award last year. Nowadays, the 50 per cent scholarship, awarded for academic, sporting or musical merit is rare. Most scholarships are worth around 10 per cent of the annual fees, with an average value of £3,000.

The funding for scholarships has instead been redirected to the provision of bursaries. Scholarships are rewarded for academic, music or sporting excellence or achievement and usually (but not always) last for as long as the child is at the school. Their goal is to give honour rather than financial assistance to the pupils.

‘These days, with schools being required to offer more bursaries, scholarships generally have less financial worth than they used to,’ explains Richard Morgan, headmaster

means tested, which means a rigorous overview of your

at Great Ballard prep school in Eartham. ‘They remain

personal finances as well as your child’s academic potential.

of enormous benefit to the individual child in terms of

There are no guidelines for what is considered to be the

sense of achievement, personal challenge and kudos.’

minimum parental salary to qualify for a bursary. These

Bursaries, on the other hand, are worth £7,619 on average, although fewer of them are awarded. Bursaries are also

awards can also differ from school to school. It is possible for the same child to be offered bursaries with differing depend on the school’s own financial situation.

Bursaries in particular are funded by the development of foundations, which raise money from donations (sometimes from former alumnae). Independent schools

❝

Bursaries will be granted to bright children whose financial circumstances would otherwise have meant that they were unable to go to an independent school

are set to raise an estimated £115m this year, according to the latest Independent Schools Financial Benchmarking Survey, released in May 2013. This means that bursaries will be granted to bright children whose financial circumstances would otherwise have meant that they were unable to go to an independent school.

OPEN MORNING 3 MAY 24 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

CHRISTS HOSPITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: TOBY PHILLIPS

values at two schools, and the value of the award will often

FAMILY STYLE

How to find out more Many independent schools offer scholarships and bursaries, so it’s a good idea to think about the criteria you are looking for in a school. Ideally you should look for a school that puts focus on the characteristics your child excels in.

‘Find the right school for

Windlesham School in Brighton believes that all children should have access to a private education

Applying for a bursary

your child first,’ advises Mike

Bursaries differ from scholarships because it will be you (and more

Lower, general secretary

importantly your finances) under the spotlight rather than your child’s

of the Independent School

abilities. If you want to apply for a bursary you should raise this with

Bursars Association (ISBA).

the school when you register your interest and visit the school during

‘Then ask about bursaries.’

the decision-making process.

The Independent School

The ISBA provides schools with a model questionnaire to help them

Search website (www.isbi.

gather the information they need to make their decision. The parents

com) is a good place to begin.

will have to undergo a comprehensive financial assessment, which

Using its advanced search

will take into account earnings, assets and liabilities such as

you can narrow down your

mortgages. This will need to be backed up by evidence such as P45s

choice of school by the

or company accounts if one of the parents is self-employed. They

subject your son or daughter

will also want to know if you have any other children at independent

excels in as well as its

schools and whether or not you are paying their fees or they have

location. If your child is

been awarded bursaries.

already in the independent

Once the school has gathered the necessary information they will

education system it’s also

review all the applications before deciding who should be awarded

worth asking their school

the bursary. It is not uncommon for schools to reassess the financial

if they offer internal

situation of bursary beneficiaries on an annual basis to see whether

scholarships.

they still meet the requirements of the award, but many awards will

There are also a number of charitable trusts in the UK

be maintained throughout the child’s time at that school.

Although the total value of means-tested bursaries provided by

that offer educational grants,

schools has increased by almost £50m since 2010, the competition for

such as the Royal National

them remains fierce. As the leading charitable school in the country,

Children’s Foundation (www.

Christ’s Hospital is able to offer an unrivalled number of means-tested

rncf.org.uk). The Educational

bursaries for families in need but it receives over 500 applications for

Trusts’ Forum also lists

120 places each year. Over 80 per cent of the pupils at Christ’s Hospital

a number of charitable

have been awarded a bursary, ranging from five to 100 per cent

foundations that can provide

remission of fees. Just 14 per cent of pupils pay no fees at all.

assistance to families who

It is a child’s ability and potential to benefit from a Christ’s Hospital

cannot afford independent

education that determines their selection. ‘This results in a social and

day or boarding fees

cultural diversity that enriches our school community and offers our

(www.educational-grants.org).

pupils unique opportunities as we prepare them to take their place in the modern world,’ says a spokesperson. ››

OPEN MORNING 3 MAY MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 2 5

FAMILY STYLE

Applying for a scholarship Once you have established which schools or charities offer financial assistance and have decided which school best suits the needs of your child you can set Windlesham School was founded in 1948 as a charitable trust

about applying for a scholarship.

The first port of call should be your child’s current head teacher. The senior school can send them a timetable of their scholarship dates and the prep or primary school can ensure the child is suitably prepared in good time. The Head will be able to talk you through the process and manage your expectations. Both parties will liaise with the prospective school, with the parent making the application and the existing school supporting this with assessment data and references.

If your child is applying for a scholarship they will be expected to demonstrate their academic or creative flair. For academic awards your child will be required to sit a full day of tests across a range of subjects as well as attending an interview. For musical scholarships they may have to prepare a couple of pieces of music suited to their chosen instrument. In short, the

Great Ballard School is situated in the South Downs National Park

onus will be on your child to demonstrate they deserve the award.

‘We knew there would be tests and an interview with the headmaster,’ explains Lisa, whose son was awarded an academic and music scholarship.

‘However, there was no reference to the pass mark, selection criteria or how many children would be competing for the scholarship. Also, there were no sample papers given so it was impossible to prepare or revise.’

You also need to consider whether the scholarship and the financial and ego-boosting benefits it brings are worth the additional pressure your child will be put under in order to get it. Pippa’s nine-year old son found the process very stressful and in the end he did not receive the scholarship.

‘It was all very daunting,’ she says. ‘The atmosphere was supposed to be relaxed and fun but it was far from it. There were more tests than stated on the letter sent out to the children. Being unprepared for this, my child

❝

You need to consider whether the scholarship and the benefits it brings are worth the additional pressure your child will be put under in order to get it

became extremely anxious.’

‘Think very hard about your child’s personality and character before entering,’ she warns. ‘My son’s anxiety stopped him performing to his true potential.’

Prep schools by their nature are designed to offer a well-rounded education.

They should identify early on if a child has scholarship potential in a particular subject and then help them prepare for the scholarship process by pushing and challenging them in that area. Additional tuition and coaching can benefit pupils of all abilities, including potential scholars. But Richard Morgan adds a caveat.

‘Scholarship requires a certain degree of natural talent and ability that no amount of extra coaching can make up for if it is missing,’ he says. ‘This is why it’s important for schools to select potential scholars carefully and to manage parental expectations.’

OPEN MORNING 3 MAY 26 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

WINDLESHAM Inspiring Excellence Scholarships available for Year 6 entry this September Academic . All-Rounder . Art . Drama . DT . ICT . Music . Sport

Application closing date 14th March 2014 To find out more email whsadmissions.com, call 01903 874700 or visit windlesham.com

Windlesham House School, Washington, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 4AY

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Kids

Rock

Andre ssex resident Peter Su to e ok sp s vie Da Camilla to be a father again, about what it means d’ and his new single, ‘Ki

30 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

FAMILY STYLE

H

aving become a father for the third time in January, reality

TV star and Sussex resident Peter Andre knows a thing or two about parenting. On top of having a newborn to adore and

a wedding to plan, the Aussie pop

From top: Peter Andre with his fiancée Emily Macdonagh; with two of his children, Princess and Junior; Mr Peabody and Sherman

star also has an upcoming single, ‘Kid’, released in connection with Dreamworks’ latest release, Mr Peabody & Sherman.

Andre performs ‘Kid’ in the blockbuster animated film. It’s a movie that, when the characters aren’t racing through the past, or fixing the threat of a space-time

to a T. All the bad jokes, the puns

continuum with the help of

– that’s me through and through!’

Albert Einstein and Leonardo da

Peter isn’t doing too badly

Vinci, addresses the complicated

at the whole ‘Dad’ thing: he’s

role of being a parent. Andre’s

already won three ‘Dad of the

upbeat tune reflects positively

Year’ awards for a start, and he’s clearly excited about the new

on the relationships he has forged within his own family.

and watch it!”

addition – and her mother! Andre

And Amelia’s birth ended up

And I was like,

has gushed that the new baby

being very close to the film’s

“Son, I told you!”’

takes after his fiancée, beautiful

release date. ‘The timing was

‘Kid’ will now

24-year-old medical student

be linked in a special way to

Emily MacDonagh – though

all of Andre’s children. He was

he says she’s inherited her dad’s

reacted with glee to their dad

especially pleased at being able

nose. The couple are looking

featuring in an animated film,

to incorporate a rock ‘n’ roll

into the idea of hosting two

though he explains that the kids

element into the song, something

separate weddings, to celebrate

were rather slow to respond at

the ‘Mysterious Girl’ singer

his Greek heritage alongside

first. ‘It was really weird because

hasn’t previously had the chance

a traditional English wedding.

I told Junior and Princess, “Dad’s

to do. Asked if he thinks his

unbelievable,’ he admits, happily.

Peter’s older children have

But the plans don’t stop there

done a song for this film Mr

children will follow him into

for Andre. ‘Hair care products,

Peabody & Sherman,” and they

the limelight, he says, ‘I think

my calendars, a new summer

just played it so cool.

Junior could but I somehow feel

fragrance, and I’ve got my

They walked off and

my daughter would want to do

column in New magazine every

I was like, “Oh, thanks!”

something completely different.’

week too. Then there’s my

But flash forward two

He ponders, before considering

programme Peter Andre’s

weeks later and Junior

the relationship between the

60 Minute Makeover and I’m in

comes up to me and

film’s titular characters. ‘Their

talks with ITV at the moment.’

says, “Hey Dad! There’s

relationship very much mirrors

We’re sure he’ll find time

this film, Mr Peabody &

mine and Junior’s. Mr Peabody

to change a few nappies too…

Sherman, we gotta go

and Sherman are me and Junior

‘Mr. Peabody & Sherman’ is out now

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 1

MUM ON THE RUN Worried that your children have too much screen time and that gadgets are taking over their lives?

Why not turn their expertise in technology to your advantage, says Laura Jandac

I

t’s broken! Those are the two terrifying words I hear as my four-year-old son thrusts my mother’s Kindle into her hand. I go pale and start to sweat as I mentally try to work out how much a replacement is going to cost

me. What could he have done to it? I nervously take it from my mother to survey the damage. There’s nothing wrong with it that I can see so I ask my son. ‘It’s broken mummy, I try and move the pages but they won’t slide. It’s broken.’ At that moment I realise that the Kindle is not actually broken, but as my son can’t use his little index finger to slide pages as he does on our iPad at home he’s assuming that it’s bust. OMG. Following the realisation that my son was as computer literate as me, if not more, I thought I would keep an eye Only yesterday I was asked, ‘What do flamingos eat?’

The television was a breeze. Flicking between CBeebies and

I replied very honestly and said that I had absolutely no idea,

Channel 5 in the morning was almost too easy, spread out on

to which I was instantly told: ‘Ask Google’.

the sofa as he sipped his cup of milk and tucked into his toast

A friend who has a child of the same age bought her son an

cut into the shapes of animals. He knew exactly what number

iPod for Christmas as she felt he was more than ready for one

the channels were and even paused to turn the volume up

and loved downloading (with her help) his favourite songs.

when the bin lorry rudely interrupted from outside.

He brings it with him when he comes for tea so that they can

The iPad was fascinating. I put him on YouTube so that he could watch repeats of programmes he had seen a

have a disco in the living room with him acting as DJ. Is my son too young? Probably. Should I insist that he plays

thousand times, then I went to the kitchen to make a cup

with only wooden toys and never watches another television

of tea. By the time I returned he had navigated his way

programme? Probably, but the reality is he would be left

through all sorts and was singing along to a cartoon theme

behind by his peers. My son isn’t unique, it’s a generation gap

tune in Korean. ‘It’s my favourite,’ he tells me.

of huge proportions and it’s only going to get worse – or is it?

32 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

ICONOGRAPHY: LUIS PRADO

on his day-to-day routine to see just how clued-up he was.

FAMILY STYLE

❝

I put him on YouTube then went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, By the time I returned he was singing along to a cartoon theme tune in Korean

I think there could be advantages. There will be a day in

typing in Russian and it took me over a week to work out

the not-too-distant future when all the updates on my phone

what I had done. He will probably attend a virtual university

will be done in two minutes by my son, rather than six hours

and honeymoon on Mars and laugh at silly old mum with

via the Vodafone help desk. He will be able to stream movies

her ancient museum-worthy laptop.

on to our television via the internet, which is something

For now though, I am grateful that minor miracles are

I am longing to do but haven’t got the foggiest. He could set

already happening. I haven’t been well recently and I asked

the iPad up as 24-hour security in our shop (something our

my husband to put a load of washing on as we were running

insurance company thinks we have already done) and, most

dangerously low on clothes (almost to the point of having

importantly, get me off level 162 on Candy Crush because

to go out in swimwear as that was all that remained at the

I guarantee I will still be on it when he hits puberty.

back of the cupboard.) He looked at me blankly and, despite

The world is changing and the best I can hope is that

us having had the washing machine for pushing five years

my son can keep up because I will be of no help whatsoever.

he admitted that he had no idea how to work it. ‘Don’t worry

I managed to hit a button on my keyboard that meant I was

Mummy, I’ll show him,’ said my son, and promptly did.

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 3

d o o g life

The

Growing your own vegetables could well be the answer to getting kids to try new foods – and it will keep them amused for hours, says Kath Oliver

I

started gardening when I was 26 and loved growing flowers, but vegetables didn’t really feature. It was only

a healthy relationship with food

fairly experimental and of course

while they grow up. Teaching

we had successes and failures.

Green fingers: Kath in her Sussex garden, left, while kids about where food comes daughter Chloe from by growing your own plants potatoes, vegetables is obviously a great below, and Chloe and her sister way to do this. It also gets them Martha enjoy out in the fresh air (we are in sampling the the country after all), and, most fruits of their importantly, it keeps them active. labour (opposite)

Six years ago, we took the

I was able to pureé pounds of fresh garden vegetables for baby – pea and potato, pea and carrot, potato and carrot – but I didn’t net my kale plants so the pigeons ate them all. Undeterred, I planted more, and as Chloe began eating solids I realised that

decision to dig up a fairly large

we also needed to plant some

in my thirties that I developed

patch of our back garden to start

fruit. We planted a strawberry

a keen interest in growing my

growing our own veg. Digging

patch and transformed the front

own food, and vegetables and

and clearing the cold, sticky clay

garden into a mini-orchard,

fruit now take up a large part of

soil was back-breakingly difficult,

with apple, pear, plum and

my ¾ acre Sussex garden.

especially with a baby in tow!

cherry trees. We also planted

I’ve always been a reasonably

We had decided that

a redcurrant bush and about

healthy eater but having my

as a family, we would try

half a dozen raspberry canes.

daughters Chloe and Martha

and grow as much of our

(now 6 and 4) made me really

own food as we could and

walk unaided, the children

consider the nutritional content

what we couldn’t grow

would follow me up to

of packaged foods. Like many

we would buy ‘in season’

the vegetable garden and

parents, I fear childhood obesity

from the supermarket.

graze. Everybody knows that

and want my children to have

In that first year, it was all

34 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

From the moment they could

homegrown vegetables taste

FAMILY STYLE

a child, and from September,

eaters will appreciate this –

gardening is set to become part

I soon found that the vegetable

of the national curriculum,

plot was instrumental in getting

giving all children across Sussex

or fork the ground over, level and rake to a ‘fine

them to try new foods. While

the opportunity to learn about

tilth’, ensuring no lumps or clods remain prior

I still haven’t managed to get

and grow their own food at

to sowing seed or planting out.

Chloe to eat a tomato, and both

school. Last summer we gave

girls obviously love to raid the

our daughter Chloe her own

strawberry patch, it has definitely

patch of ground and some

make good quality spades and forks in adult and

extended the range of foods that

seeds. She sowed broad beans,

children’s sizes.

they will eat. I love to see them

peas, radishes, parsley and some

munching raw peas, runner

Calendula and Nasturtium

beans or broad beans straight

flowers. It was wonderful to

from the pods – all their daily vitamins in one hit and no cooking required!

It also turns

❝

All their daily vitamins in one hit and no cooking required!

out that vegetable

ICONOGRAPHY: GEMMA GARNER & JENNIFER GAMBOA

Top Tips

better but – parents of fussy

1

2

3

Good soil preparation is key. Always dig

Invest in some decent tools – Spear & Jackson

Grow what you enjoy eating but also try some

of the novelty fruit and vegetables that will appeal

watch her

to kids, such as purple carrots, Tigerella tomatoes

plant the

or patty pan squash.

seeds herself and tend

4

Larger seeds are easier for little hands to

to them so

sow, for example beans, peas, courgettes, squash

carefully.

or pumpkins. Why not try planting Nasturtium seeds for some edible flowers.

gardening holds their interest

By mid-June, both girls were

for a surprisingly long period

picking from Chloe’s patch and

of time. These days my girls are

soon discovered their love of

happy to while away an hour

Nasturtium flower salad. As they

gardening. Choose John Innes rather than peat-based

or so in our plot. And of course

get older I hope that our girls will

compost and sow mixed leaf lettuce, baby carrots,

I’m more than happy if it takes

continue to tend their own patch

Tumbling Tom tomatoes or potatoes in a bag.

them away from the television/

of ground and that it will always

laptop/iPad/games console for

entice them away from the latest

5

6

If you’re short on space, try container-

Preserve some of what you grow to take you

a while. They help me plant seeds

gadget for a few hours. Most

through the winter. Last year I made plum, fig and

in the spring, will happily dig

importantly, I hope that I have

strawberry jam with the children. We also blanched

and even weed alongside me and

instilled in them a love of growing

and froze bags of French and runner beans, as well

enjoy sharing the all-important

their own food that they will

as plums and redcurrants.

harvest with their friends.

cherish for years to come.

Learning to grow your own food is an invaluable skill for

Kath Oliver is a landscape gardener based near Rye, East Sussex

7

Plant a row of sunflowers to help attract

bees and keep the birds happy in the autumn.

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 5

From left: Gresham Blake (right) has made suits for stars such as Eddie Izzard and Kelly Adams Far right: The U-Design app

SUITS YOU, SIR Brighton’s favourite avant-garde fashion designer is letting you unleash your own creativity, with a new augmented reality shoe designer app

F

amous for his bespoke

attention for his maverick

Oxfords, Chelsea boots, slippers

tailoring with a quirky

approach to suit making, using

and trainers, in a wide range of

twist, Sussex resident

the best cloths from British mills

materials such as suede, leather

Gresham Blake has

and weaving his own in-house

or patent. Soles and trimmings

been combining traditional

fabrics. He often includes an

come in a range of colours and,

techniques with technology for

interesting detail, such as the

for the ultimate personalisation,

over 13 years. Gresham grew up

commission from comedian Matt

you can even have your initials

in Tunbridge Wells, inheriting

Lucas to design a unique tie,

embroidered onto your shoes.

his needlework skills from his

featuring a ‘stain’, so it looked as

The entire process takes

seamstress mother, and after

if he’d dropped his dinner on it.

just three quick weeks from

studying fashion at Brighton

Gresham has undoubtedly

concept to completion, making

University, he set up his fashion

embraced modern design

it an appealing option for those

label with wife Fal in 2000, at the

technology and is now about to

who have little time to attend

height of ‘Cool Britannia’. He now

take shoe design technology to

fittings and for whom a sense of

has an army of loyal high-profile

the next level, with an augmented

individual style is very important.

clients including Ray Winstone,

reality shoe design app. The first

Steve Coogan, Rizzle Kicks,

of its kind in the UK, the U-Design

audience, and it is no surprise

Jimmy Page and Norman Cook.

app allows you to customise shoes

that his clients come back to

And it’s not just the men, either

and boots and then visualise the

him again and again. As well

– Gresham has also dressed the

completed shoe by hovering your

as bespoke tailoring, there is

likes of Denise van Outen, Davina

device over your foot.

also a ready-to-wear collection

McCall and Kelly Adams.

He has attracted international

Customers can choose from a range of styles including loafers,

36 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Gresham clearly knows his

of clothes and accessories, and for those looking for a bit

FASHION STYLE

❝

Soles and trimmings come in a range of colours and you can even have your initials embroidered onto your shoes

of guidance on their sartorial choices, there are a number of typically quirky guides to read and download on the Gresham Blake website. From instructions on how to tie a bow tie or fold a pocket square to advice on dressing for a job interview or day at the races, as well a guide to ‘sartorial quirks’, it offers a wealth of information.

The U-Design app will be available to download from April, or alternatively you can experience the app in one of the Gresham Blake stores, in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine or in London’s contemporary fashion hub, Commercial Street.

A pair of bespoke shoes costs from £385. www.greshamblake.com; London 020 7375 0365; Brighton 01273 609587 MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 3 7

Model

BEHAVIOUR Fresh from London Fashion Week, Sussex Stylist Danielle Collier gives us an exclusive insight into life back stage

appears to The fashion industry from the outside affair, with ted istica soph and s orou glam y be a highl els, who mod tiful beau ning expensive clothing ador and grace. The nce elega with alk catw a down walk s tell a different atmosphere backstage can sometime behind the story, but luckily, my experience from It has been sful. stres or ic hect too been ’t scenes hasn time. same the at able busy and manic but enjoy

When I arrive at the venue I can tell that it is the calm before the storm, with rows of seats prepped for the models to have their hair and make-up done, as previously rehearsed. There are also rails of clothing waiting to be fitted, and everyone is so aware that they need to be organised and ready to work at a fast pace.

-Oaj Pairam and this I am a pattern cutter for Ong ing patterns based elop dev of son sea nd is my seco Week I also help hon Fas don on his designs. For Lon sing models and as dres , ngs fitti with ge ksta bac the day. a general assistant to Ong on

38 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

FASHION STYLE

the models start to arrive As the day progresses and the atmosphere builds. and ws the excitement gro ed in a certain outfit or set Each model has to be fitt . walk line-up and rehearsal cat the for of outfits ready

As a lot of the pieces in Ong’s collection are extravagant gowns and elegant dresses, the chosen model needs to fill the clothes perfectly and give them some character. For all this to be done in four hours it is incredibly tight, but with everyone working together effectively, it runs smoothly.

Ong’s second show at London Fashion Week took place on 14th February (day one of LFW) at the Freemasons’ Hall in Covent Garden through Fashion Scout, which showcases off-schedule designers. Ong commissioned Thomas Murphy to make the shoes to complement his collection.

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 3 9

MODERN WOMAN

Arundel’s Squibbly Biskit boutique is home to stylish-yet-wearable womenswear for every occasion

Lula Dress £69.95 Charmwood Engine Red Gilet £79.95 Harbour Navy Stripe Top £24.95

Southcote Coat £129

COAST TO COAST

Alexi Tunic Top £49.95

The Joules collection combines nautical trends with rural style

Fiona Blouse £59.95

Squibbly Biskit

1 Tarrant Square, Arundel www.squibblybiskit.com 01903 884427 Evette Pyjama Playsuit £39.95

40 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Sylvie Blouse £49.95

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Mohair Knit Pullover in Basil £69.00

Broderais Anglais Blouse in Chalk £59.00

Sleeveless Linen Dress in Dark Twilight £99.00 Long Sleeved Pullover in Eventide £69.00

Skirt in Dark Twilight £85.00

COOL NORDIC STYLE Trousers in Dark Geranium £59.00

The Noa Noa collection celebrates femininity, with a Danish twist

Skimpy Length Trousers in Crockery £85.00 Lace Panelled Blouse in White £69.00

Long Sleeved Top in Orange Fizz £45.00

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 1

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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Cheryl Dress £125, Sydney Bag £65

Carryn Dress, £110, Wellington Bag £45

Tanya Dress £99, Dubbo Bag £45

ENVY

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42 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Catherine Dress £135, Boston Bag £45

Stylist Independent Ladies Boutique. Designer Clothing Labels from Italy, Paris & the UK Tel: 01903 882 642 Envy-Arundel

Make

Mother’s Day Make the most of mum on 30th March.

Treat her to some indulgent time at these amazing spas, which have the option for sharing treatments together

THE SPREAD EAGLE, MIDHURST

T

he Spread Eagle Hotel is

like staying at a Premier Inn,

for the ‘Drift Away’ full-body

one of the oldest coaching

that’s for sure. We had a fabulous

massage (and I bet you’re

inns in the UK, dating back to

Deluxe room but there are a

thinking longingly about that

1430. But don’t worry, there’s

whole range of rooms and suites,

right now...) which was, well,

not a horse in sight. Today it’s a

all decorated differently.

enough to make you drift away.

quintessentially genteel, English

The spa brings a distinctly

‘This is our really relaxing

hotel offering comfort in relaxed

contemporary touch to the hotel,

top-to-toe massage, formulated

surroundings, from the luxurious

with blissful facilities beneath

with a dreamy blend of essential

spa to the wood-panelled

a vaulted wooden ceiling; a bit

oils, guaranteed to have you

bedrooms. It’s like stepping

like having your own massive

drifting away. It will soothe nerve

back in time, and revelling in

Scandinavian luxury sauna.

endings, relaxing the muscles

traditional English-style luxury.

Who wouldn’t love the indoor

and the mind,’ they say.

The Spread Eagle’s 39 bedrooms

heated pool, jacuzzi spa pool,

and suites are all individually

sauna and steam room? We

designed and many are furnished

certainly did – what a blissful

with antiques, reflecting the

way for tired mums to relax.

history of the hotel – it’s not

For our treatment we opted

44 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Above: Relax and unwind at the quintessentially English and luxurious Spread Eagle Hotel

I woke myself up snoring.

Apparently it happens a lot.

Spread Eagle Hotel, South St, Midhurst, West Sussex GU29 9NH www.hshotels.co.uk; 01730 816911

BEAUTY STYLE

THE TREATMENT ROOMS, BRIGHTON

I

t’s not always easy to find

The Treatment Rooms with two

urban spas or salons that

couches, so you can have your

give you the same sense of being

treatment side by side. And yes,

in an oasis of wonder and calm

boys can take their mums too!

that country retreats offer, but

There’s a really good deal on in

The Treatment Rooms somehow

March for the new Essential Rose

manages this, right in the middle

Facial, which is far more than

of busy Brighton.

just a facial. As well as

Surrounded

the things you’d

by bustling

expect, such

restaurants

as a cleanse,

and bars,

exfoliate,

with

mask etc,

theatres

it also

and

includes

shops

a facial

left, right

massage,

and centre,

neck and

it’s a perfect

scalp massage

place to build in a

and even an arm

little pampering if you’re

Special Treats We recommend you treat yourself and your mum to an overnight stay at the hotel, and the ‘Drift Away’ massage is utter heaven for taking the aches and pains of everyday stresses gently away. The hotel always has some deals running so check their website for details but we found these for you: The Spread Eagle’s Sunday Special (applicable for Mother’s Day) Includes a stay in a standard double room, with breakfast, dinner and a £30 spa voucher (per room).

From £79.50 per person per night. Alternatively, rooms start from £199 per night for bed and breakfast, based on mother/daughter sharing Treatments recommended for mother/daughter ● Drift Away full-body massage by Temple Spa – 55 minutes, £65 ● Spa manicure or pedicure, including a bottle of your chosen colour to take home – 55 minutes, £45 (Express 25-minute manicure or pedicure available for £25) Enjoy dinner in the hotel’s historic restaurant The average cost is around £36pp for three courses

and hand massage,

planning a day out with Mama.

Personally I like to do the

allowing you to float away on a sea of rose-scented Aromatherapy

spa bit first, before hitting the

Associates products. Shopping

shops. It’s amazing how much

after that will be a breeze!

less stressful it is to go shopping

The Treatment Rooms

after a wind down in the capable

21 New Rd, Brighton BN1 1UF

hands of the therapists here.

www.treatmentrooms.co.uk;

The Treatment Rooms has an air of quiet confidence; the therapists are clearly highly trained and enjoy their work, and the treatments they offer there are always top notch.

There’s a fabulous room at

01273 818444

❝

It’s amazing how much less stressful it is to go shopping after a wind down in the capable hands of the therapists here

Kiss from a Rose The Aromatherapy Associates Rose Infinity Facial costs £110 for 85 minutes. To celebrate this fabulous new facial The Treatment Rooms is delighted to offer a sample of Rose Infinity moisturiser, serum and Aromatherapy Associates face oil, together with a Treatment Rooms pure silk eye mask, all worth £25, to take away with you.

Quote ‘March Offer’ when booking, offer available while stocks last

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 5

Nail

TECHNOLOGY Bruzz is creating a buzz within the beauty world…

T

he nailbrush is a

the impregnated vanilla extract

bathroom essential,

keeps it – and your nails

yet although it

– smelling gorgeous too.

comes in many

Grubby nails (and fingers)

by containing all liquid within Above and opposite: Bruzz is available in hot pink, blue and white and retails at £11.95

the brush. It can be used on natural nails as well as acrylics, gels, gel polish, fiberglass and all

different sizes and materials,

will be a thing of the past with a

its design remains relatively

simple squeeze of liquid soap into

unchanged. That is, until now.

the centre of the Bruzz, making

Bruzz is a unique design, which

them really sparkle, and it can

The woman behind the brand

is registered and patented, and

also be used dry as a dusting

Bruzz was born when Emma

cleans the top, underside and tip

brush. The removable soft-touch

Myers, a nail and beauty

of the nail in one simple action.

bristles make it easy to clean –

therapist, couldn’t find anything

It nurtures nails with its multi-directional cleaning while the antibacterial bristles ensure

even dishwasher safe – for long lasting results.

Unlike a standard

upmost hygiene as well as

nailbrush, the ergonomic

maintaining beautiful, healthy

Bruzz prevents excess

nails. Its gentle action gives a nail

water and soap spray

massage at the same time and

splashing the bathroom

46 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

kinds of nail art (including 3D) and even on toes.

better than a standard nailbrush. She worked with a design team, applied for the patent, design protection and trademark and after months of intensive testing, Bruzz is

ADVERTISING FEATURE

creating a buzz. She says: ‘Many nail technicians won’t use a standard nailbrush on a client as they cannot be sanitised properly and are hard on the nails. Bruzz is so easy to use – as a nail cleaning brush, a finger cleaner and a dusting brush.

Clients will love them because

❝

Bruzz prevents excess water and soap spray splashing the bathroom by containing all liquid within the brush

there’s nothing more frustrating than your nails being dirty only a couple of days after having your nails done, and the only way to get the dirt out is to use the end of a cuticle pusher. It still amazes me that I have invented this product that actually works and does the job brilliantly.’

CONTACT US www.bruzz.com www.bruzz.com t: t: 0208 0208 677 677 7777 7777 e: Hello@bruzz.com e: Hello@bruzz.com MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 7

SOMEWHERE

ONLY WE KNOW Battle is referenced in the lyrics of many Keane songs, so Emma Piper went to discover if it really is as idyllic as the home-grown band suggests

I

❝

With a decent commute time and eminently reasonable property prices it is not surprising that Battle is seeing an influx from London

experience a little thrill

altar on the spot where Harold

driving past the 1066 sign

famously fell (one in the eye

into Battle. Whatever

for him, supposedly).

else we recall from our

schooldays we all remember

historians have put forward

that date. 1066 and the Battle

alternatives; even Channel 4’s

of Hastings changed the history,

Time Team has got in on the act,

culture, structure and dynamics

recently suggesting a more likely

of our country forever.

spot is a mini-roundabout on the

So here I am in Battle (not Hastings, which is actually some six miles or so to the south)

town’s outskirts. It doesn’t have quite the same romance, does it?

Does it matter? Well only in

where it all happened; although

so much as Battle is a tourist

currently there is a bit of a

destination. Its heritage is

battle in Battle over where

its raison d’être, so maybe it’s

the actual battle took place.

a bit daft that the annual re-

It is said that picturesque

48 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

However a number of

enactment of the Battle is not

Battle Abbey, which dominates

actually held in the right place.

the high street of this photogenic

However that mini-roundabout

old market town, was built on

is only a couple of hundred

the battleground, with its high

metres away from the Abbey.

BATTLE STYLE

such as a library and sports centre, and some unexpected resources, including Yesterday’s World, which looks like a shop but is actually a great take on

For Sale

a museum experience with five floors of rose-tinted nostalgia.

? Why With a mainline station, Battle is on the exodus route out of London. ‘Typical buyers are families attracted by quality

North Trade Road, £499,950

schools, good value properties

Individual, newly built five-bedroom house.

and the lifestyle,’ says James Henley of Rush, Witt & Wilson.

With a decent commute time of around an hour and a half into London’s Charing Cross, and eminently reasonable property prices, it is not surprising that Battle is seeing an influx from

? What As market towns go, Battle is the real thing. It is positioned high on a ridge just into the Sussex Weald; a quaint old market town surrounded by heavily wooded slopes and with streets of timberframed and weather-boarded town houses (making use of the

Above: The independent shops on the high street offer a vibrant shopping experience, while the weatherboarded and timber-framed houses add to the town’s charm

London. With little in the way of

Caldbec Hill, £465,000

business and industry in the local

Well-presented three bedroom

area, most do commute – if not to

detached house in an elevated

London, then to destinations on

position on sought-after road.

the line, such as Tunbridge Wells.

The local schools impress, too. Battle and Langton Primary School is rated Good by Ofsted, with Claverham Community College achieving the accolade of Outstanding. Meanwhile,

abundant local material). Battle

Battle Abbey School is a co-

Abbey overlooks a delightful

educational independent day and

square, bordered on one side

boarding school for pupils from

II-listed cottage with

by a terrace of mostly Tudor

two to 18 and is acclaimed for its

inglenook fireplace.

properties where markets are

family ethos and good results.

All Rush, Witt & Wilson,

held regularly. It has useful stuff

‘Battle is a small town,’

››

Lower Lake, £220,000 Three-bedroom Grade

01424 774440 MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 4 9

BATTLE STYLE

continues James. ‘It’s

to be the oldest pub in

effectively a large village.

Battle. Otherwise Battle

Battle is big enough to

is traditional tea room

have plenty going on

territory, with the likes

to keep you occupied

of Pilgrims’ Rest – in one

and busy, but it is also

of the oldest buildings

small enough to feel

in Battle – Mrs Burton’s,

safe and friendly.’

Jempson’s café and Truffle Pig Café. We

Where

stopped for lunch at

Leafy Caldbec Hill and

the bustling Battle Deli

Whatlington Road, with

and Coffee Shop, which

an attractive mix of big,

had counters piled with

individual houses, are

cheeses, pies and olives,

among the most sought-

and a good selection of

after roads. But Battle has

tasty bites presented

something for everyone,

on angular plates and

from farmhouses and

bowls. My meatballs in

converted oast houses to

tomato sauce were let

small period cottages and

down by a side order

modern family homes.

of sliced bread... I’d been

Small developments

hoping for a chunk of

have been reasonably

something rustic.

sympathetic; there is the 1066 Art Academy – and you have a really interesting, Where to shop

vibrant shopping experience.

Independents have won the battle

And I reckon only in Battle

for Battle’s high street. There’s

could the old-fashioned petrol

a bevy of boutiques to browse,

station also sell bikes.

Above: The picturesque Battle Abbey emphasises the town’s historical significance

with every style from country to urban, smart to eclectic. Look

The buzz That Battle is celebrated every year on the weekend nearest to 14th October (11th–12th October this year) with a cast of hundreds, including archers, foot soldiers and cavalrymen, a backdrop

Where to eat

of a living history village and

out for Shire Country Clothing,

The place to eat is award-winning,

an opportunity to enjoy

Dapper, Farrago, Raggs, White

Michelin-recommended Nobles

refreshments and buy a few

Sails, Barbarosa and more,

Restaurant, with artwork on

mementoes from craft stalls.

such as Lily & Jack for cute

the walls and delicious British

children’s wear. There’s also

contemporary dishes with lots

sees the inaugural Battle Arts

a good mix of interiors stores,

of fresh, local produce on the

& Music Festival, with classical

including glam Woodcocks,

simply-dressed tables. There are

performances and art exhibitions

shabby and stylish Barnaby’s,

a couple of old coaching inns,

augmented by fringe offerings

and British Design British Made,

such as The George Hotel, which

of folk, jazz and rock in Battle’s

as well as collectables from

houses a Simply Italian – while

bars and restaurants.

Battle Emporium and Conquest

cosy Ye Olde Kings Head claims

Architectural Ironmongery (I love specialist finds like this). Sprinkle over a handful of galleries – including Saffron art gallery and

❝

Battle is big enough to have plenty going on to keep you occupied and busy, but small enough to feel safe and friendly

50 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

This October (24th–26th) also

It’s a rather pleasing nod to the success of Keane – and could turn Battle into somewhere that isn’t just familiar to battle re-enactors and Keane.

PHOTOGRAPHY (this page): ENGLISH HERITAGE

little that jars.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

NOBLES RESTAURANT

I

With its focus on fresh, seasonal produce and contemporary menu and decor, Nobles is a beacon of modernity in the Sussex market town of Battle

n the historic town of Battle, Nobles Restaurant stands

inviting. You can sample a lunch main course at the cleverly

out within the high street as modern, contemporary

priced cost of £10.66 or alternatively go for their set menu

and fresh. Owners Paul and Debbie Noble have created

which is available for lunch & dinner – £14.50 for one course,

a restaurant that offers diners of today exactly what

£19.50 for two courses and £24.50 for three courses.

they are looking for: fresh, seasonal, local and unpretentious food that is, above all, very good value for money.

Noble’s food is homemade on the premises and the menu

On the set menu, expect to start with the likes of chicken liver and foie gras parfait with homemade chutney or a Wealdway Ash goats cheese and sunblushed tomato risotto.

changes regularly to suit their local trade. They genuinely

Main course options could be one of its famous fish dishes or

care about their produce and its origin and try to support as

Romney Marsh saddle of lamb with wild mushrooms, beans

many local suppliers, farmers and fishmongers as possible.

and a fondant potato with a rich sauce (Nobles prides itself

The restaurant also prides itself on looking after their

on sourcing local fish and meat). They also specialise

vegetarian/vegan customers and those with allergies, so they

in fabulous ‘Sussex’ steaks, so you can enjoy sirloin, fillet

always ensure there are choices on the menu.

or even chateaubriand! Finish off with a homemade dessert,

Owner Paul Noble certainly knows what he’s doing. A chef for over 30 years, he has worked at a number of fine dining restaurants, clubs and hotels, including The Goring (London’s

most of which have a mini version for something a little sweet at the end of the meal.

As if this wasn’t enough, Nobles has also grown a popular

only privately owned 5* hotel), The 5* Landmark Hotel in

business by creating Nobles Catering, making sure the great

London (famous for its Middle Eastern cuisine) and the

food can come to you! They can cater for every function or

highly acclaimed Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath.

event, whether large or small, with the ethos still being fresh,

In the past three years Nobles has been awarded two knives and forks in the 2014 Michelin Guide, Winner of ‘The Best Eatery’ in the 1066 Business Awards 2012 and Winner of ‘The

seasonal and local.

Planning to eat in the restaurant? Our advice is to book – Nobles is very popular with both locals and tourists alike!

Best Restaurant’ in the Arrow FM Awards 2011. They were

17 High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 OAE;

also a finalist in the 2013/2014 Sussex Food & Drinks Awards!

01424 774422. Closed Sunday and Monday

And aside from the exquisite food, the contemporary decor is

www.noblesrestaurant.co.uk

clean and modern, and the atmosphere elegant, relaxed and

paul@noblesrestaurant.co.uk

FREE COCKTAIL when you mention Sussex Style!

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 5 1

Thinks

TO COME...

When it comes to the crunch, Daniel Raven gets hot under the collar talking clichés…

another thin|k coming another think coming another thing coming another thing another thin man

C

lichés: where would we be

It doesn’t always work, though. For

without them? When we find

instance, I’d be willing to bet that a fair

ourselves lost for words in

few of you just read that first paragraph

uncharted waters, a well-

and thought, ‘What a clown – everyone

chosen cliché can be just the ticket for

knows it’s “all mouth and no trousers”!’

making us look like we still have a handle on the situation

Well, you’re wrong (and incidentally, how dare you?) The

and keeping our peers from thinking we’re all mouth and

phrase ‘All mouth and trousers’ almost certainly came first,

trousers. We return to the same figures of speech again and

and it’s a corker; a genuinely witty dig at the kind of man

again, for the simple reason that it’s much easier and more

who deploys empty boasts in his efforts to impress women.

fun than trying to describe things in our own words.

But evidently someone, somewhere (perhaps a trouser

It’s less risky, too – ‘The advocates have been romping all

salesman?) heard this and thought, ‘Hang on, that can’t be

over it!’ might seem like an amusing thing to say, but it is

right. They must mean no trousers – because trousers are

far more likely to elicit the response, ‘Mmm... sorry, what?’

great, trousers are the thing’. And this confused individual

than the more prosaic but universally recognised ‘The

went on to spread their version of the phrase among all their

lawyers are having a field day’.

friends and associates, who all then did the same among

52 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

OPINION STYLE

❝

You might as well say that you’d never ‘smell nose’ or ‘sit bum’ somewhere, for all the sense it makes – and you do want to make sense, don’t you...?

they know what they’ve been saying all these years tends to make a few surprising discoveries. Logically speaking, this shouldn’t be surprising at all – the two competing versions sound almost identical to the naked ear, to the extent where it would be perfectly possible for someone to have never actually heard anyone say the version they believed themselves to have been hearing all their lives. But we all feel such a weirdly intense loyalty to the first version we heard (or thought we heard) that something in our minds just sort of buckles at any suggestion that it might be incorrect. Just look at this guy (in a comment on a grammar forum website): ‘Having been a language teacher for nearly 30 years, I can, without ANY doubt, unequivocably (sic), and absolutely certainly assure you that the correct term is “you’ve got another THINK coming,” NOT “thing!” In fact, I will even be bold enough to say

theirs, until the bad photocopy threatened to completely

that anyone who argues for the “thing” version being correct is,

displace the original in the public consciousness.

simply put, rather ignorant!’

Of course, this sort of thing is happening all the time, and

Given how much we all need to trust our own internal

it isn’t always annoying: I recently heard someone say, ‘He

cliché libraries during almost any act of communication,

wouldn’t say boo to a ghost’, which seems so much more apt

I suppose it’s only inevitable that we’ll sometimes get a little

and charming than the ‘correct’ version that I wouldn’t mind

over-aggressive in our defence of them. But still... sheesh!

if we all just quietly decided to drop the goose in future. But

If things are going to get all heated then we’d probably be

most of the changes we’ve seen in recent years have been for

better off just dropping the phrase in question altogether

the worst, like the stealthy displacement of the thoroughly

and looking for a less ambiguous alternative; not only

reasonable ‘set foot’ (as in ‘I wouldn’t set foot in that place’) by

would this save us a lot of time in the short term, it’d give

the inexcusably bizarre ‘step foot’. There’s just no contest here:

us something much more substantial to argue about a few

the first version makes sense as part of a proper sentence

years down the line (‘But “trousermouth” was my idea!’ etc.)

(you’re literally saying that you wouldn’t even set your foot

And who knows – if we all took a fresh look at the world

down onto the floor of that place, so unsavoury do you find it),

without our cliché-tinted glasses on, we might just find

while the second sounds like an angry robot teaching English

ourselves seeing things we’d never noticed before.

as a foreign language. You might as well say that you’d never ‘smell nose’ or ‘sit bum’ somewhere, for all the sense it makes

Oh, and in case you were wondering, the correct answer is ‘another think coming’... Because of course it bloody is!

– and you do want to make sense, don’t you...?

Sorry, got a bit overexcited there. But people do, when it comes to this stuff – just type ‘another think coming or another thing coming’ into Google and you’ll find one of the bitterest, bloodiest feuds the world of etymology has ever seen. If you’ve never had cause to raise this point with anyone before, you’ll probably be amazed that such a controversy even exists. ‘But of course it’s (think/thing),’ you’ll splutter incredulously. ‘Whoever heard of “another (thing/think) coming”?’ Well, it turns out that roughly half the Englishspeaking population of the world did – and they’re all just as astounded by your idiocy as you are by theirs.

Just ask around if you don’t believe me. Most people tend to assume that everyone they know says the same ‘you’ve got

“we’re all mouth and trousers”

another...’ as they do, but anyone who actually asks everyone MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 5 3

TASTE STYLE

Banana & chocolate cake with coffee syrup

Sussex Style’s gourmande Sam Bilton shares her recipe in celebration of Fairtrade Fortnight…

F

airtrade Fortnight is back (24th February – 9th March) and this year the focus is on bananas.

We eat over 5 billion of them every year in the UK, and while the shelf price in our supermarkets has fallen, the cost of producing them has doubled. The Fairtrade Foundation is campaigning to ensure that every banana farmer and worker earns enough to have a decent standard of living, works in conditions that are safe, and has rights and benefits. So take a step towards Fairtrade and make this deliciously moist cake. www.fairtrade.org.uk

Method

• • 150g dark brown sugar* • 3-4 large, very ripe bananas*

1) P re-heat the oven to

1 00ml vegetable or sunflower oil

(300g peeled weight), mashed to a smooth purée

• • 2 medium eggs, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 150g self raising flour • 2 5g cocoa powder* • ¼ tsp salt • 100g 70% dark chocolate*, roughly chopped • 30g banana chips (optional) • 1 40ml fresh, strong coffee* (not instant) • 75g golden caster sugar* 3 tbsp (45ml) natural yoghurt

* Fairtrade products

❝

One in three bananas sold in the UK is Fairtrade

54 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M ARCH 2014

cake is done insert a skewer,

170˚C/325˚F/Gas 3. Grease and

and it should come out clean.

line a 900g loaf tin.

Allow to cool in the tin.

2) Beat the brown sugar and

5) To make the coffee syrup,

oil together using an electric

place the caster sugar and

mixer. Mix in the mashed

coffee in a small saucepan.

banana, natural yoghurt,

Heat until the sugar has

eggs and vanilla extract.

completely dissolved and then

3) Sift the flour, cocoa powder

bring to the boil. Continue to

and salt together then

boil until reduced by half and

gradually add these into

the mixture is syrupy (it will

the banana mix.

thicken further as it cools).

4) Fold in the chopped chocolate. Spoon into a prepared tin and sprinkle

It is best served at room temperature.

6) When the cake is cold serve

with banana chips (if using).

with some crème fraîche and

Bake in the centre of the oven

a little coffee syrup spooned

for one hour. To see if the

over each slice.

PHOTOGRAPHY: TERI VINCENT

Ingredients

TASTE STYLE

food news

A FLAVOUR OF SUSSEX Sussex Style’s bon viveur Sam Bilton on this month’s tastes and treats

Foodie dates for the diary Brighton & Hove Food and Drink Festival – Spring Harvest 17th-27th April Various venues across Brighton www.brightonfoodfestival.com

IN SEASON:

PURPLE SPROUTING BROCCOLI

0

riginally from Italy, purple sprouting broccoli first made

its appearance on our shores in the 18th century. While other brassicas such as cabbage and cauliflower are tarred with the ‘yuk’ brush, their cousin broccoli has remained

eak Coffee Br nth of the Mo

an acceptable guest on the dinner plate. With a much milder flavour than cauliflower it is a great foil

MISTER MAGNOLIA

for a myriad of flavours.

1 HIGH STREET, DITCHLING, EAST

As well as being packed with is thought to have cancer-

I was crying out for a place like

preventative properties and

Mister Magnolia when my children

may provide resistance against

were little. Cannily opened by Sophie

diabetes, heart disease and

Boulderstone (a mother of four

osteoporosis. Buy young shoots

herself), families with young children take priority. There are toys for the children to

that still have a bit of vitality about

play with, colouring books for them to scribble in and dinky chairs for them to sit on.

them (reject any limp specimens).

Upstairs there is even a pop-up cinema so you can enjoy your latte in peace while they

Its tender nature means it requires

watch Mickey et al frolic on the screen. In addition to the tempting array of cakes on offer

very little cooking. Simply steam it

they also serve a decent flat white. So if you fancy a cuppa with your little ones, in or out

or stir fry with chilli, garlic and soy.

of the school holidays, you’re sure to get a warm welcome here. www.mistermagnolia.co.uk

FOOD NEWS, IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

NOBLES RESTAURANT

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYLE .C O M | 5 5

WWW.NOBLESRESTAURANT.CO.UK

BROCCOLI PHOTOGRAPHY: TERI VINCENT

SUSSEX 01273 846638

vitamins and minerals, broccoli

TASTE STYLE

&

Accolades wedding bells FAIRTRADE WINES

T

he champagne was flowing for some of the county’s top food businesses at the recent

Sussex Food and Drink Awards for 2013/14.

Winners this year included Jeremy’s

Say goodbye to the old bag

Restaurant in Haywards Heath for Best Sussex Eating Experience, Hepworth & Co Brewers in Horsham for Sussex Drink Producer of the Year

Apparently, we drink 60 billion

and Archers of Westfield in Hastings for Sussex

cups of tea every year. That’s a lot

Butcher of the Year. ‘I am thrilled to see

of spent teabags languishing in the

a wonderful range of small, young companies

kitchen sink, so some clever people

and larger, established businesses coming

in Germany have thought of

forward to win these awards,’ said awards patron

a solution to this soggy problem.

Sally Gunnell OBE D. ‘They are innovative,

Enter TeaPods, which are moisture-

imaginative, sustainable and – very importantly

proof, tear-resistant envelopes

– make us delicious food and drink to enjoy.’

containing organic, Fairtrade teas.

But for Sarah Butler in particular this was a

They are available from Bistrotea

night she will never forget. Her boyfriend, Charlie

of Burgess Hill in 11 different blends,

Hughes, finished his winning speech for Sussex

from classic English Breakfast to

Farmer of the Year by getting down on one knee

funky caffeine-free Herbs ’n’ Honey.

and proposing. Her acceptance filled the Amex

Bistrotea is offering Sussex Style readers a 15% discount on any

Stadium with cheers. A full list of the winners is available at www.sussexfoodawards.biz.

orders placed online. Just visit www.bistro-tea.co.uk/purchaseteapods and enter SussexStyle in the discount box. Don’t forget to check out the competition to win a year’s supply of TeaPods while you are there!

BANANAMAN’S FLYING VISIT

24th February-9th March ‘Stick with Foncho to Make Bananas Fair’ is the message from this banana farmer from Cienaga in Colombia. This Fairtrade Fortnight, he’s coming to the UK and he’s on a mission to make bananas fair. www.fairtrade.org.uk 56 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M ARCH 2014

Fairtrade extends way beyond bananas. Here are some of the best Fairtrade wine buys The Co-operative Fairtrade Sparkling Rosé, South Africa A lively, fruit-driven rosé with abundant sweet strawberry and rose petal aromas. The palate continues with red fruit flavours and hints of raspberry. £7.99

Fairhills Fairtrade Colombard/Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Western Cape Fairhills was one of the first Fairtrade-accredited cooperatives in South Africa.

It’s a subtle blend of two grape varieties, showcasing the tropical fruits and guava notes of Colombard along with the backbone and light, zippy freshness of Sauvignon Blanc.

Waitrose, £6.99 The Co-operative Fairtrade Malbec, Argentine One of Argentina’s most respected winemakers, Rodolfo Griguol, produced this 100% Malbec. Purplered, almost black in colour, and bursting with plum, cherry and jam aromas, this full-bodied wine has sweet but firm tannins, with bursts of chocolate, tobacco and vanilla. £8.49

Read Sam’s blog at www.comfortablyhungry. com or follow her on Twitter @sjfbilton

Designing the future for our clients creating intelligent, beautiful and sometimes amazing interior design and branding for all sorts of clients.

Brighton college, Brighton, east susex.

British Airways, galleries lounge, heathrow terminal 5.

for more information please contact us on tel: +44 (0) 20 7014 3666 or email: hello@ddsbdesign.com url: www.ddsbdesign.com

I should

cocoa Sam Bilton discovers how to develop a finer appreciation of chocolate

D

o you remember

similarities between chocolate

the advert for

tasting and wine tasting. There’s

Rowntree’s Fruit

far more than flavour at stake. We

Pastilles where

are taught to use all our senses in

Above: Fine, dark chocolate is very different from commerical chocolate, and is rich in antioxidants

chocolate-y but soon other aromas became prominent, such as cinnamon, treacle and an underlying sourness that

children were dared not to chew

assessing the quality of chocolate.

the sweet once they had put it

How dark is the chocolate? If it’s

in their mouths? Most couldn’t

almost black then it means the

some chocolate – but again we

resist chomping away at these

cocoa beans have been highly

are told not to eat it straight away.

fruity treats. The same appears

roasted, even burnt. Does it have

Instead we place the chocolate on

to be true of chocolate. It’s a

a pleasing snap when broken,

our tongues and let it gradually

natural reaction to eat it as soon

an indication that it has been

melt. The ‘melt don’t munch’

as we put it in our mouths. But

tempered correctly? How does

approach allows the full flavour

it seems we are missing the point.

it feel in the mouth? Is it smooth

of the chocolate to develop. It is

or gritty, creamy or waxy?

truly remarkable how the flavour

‘You wouldn’t chug down a £15 glass of wine, so why would

We soon learn that the most

is typical of fermented cacao.

Finally, we are allowed to taste

changes as the cocoa butter

you do it with good chocolate?’

important aspect of the tasting

slowly melts. Our first sample

asks Martin Christy, founder

is our sense of smell. We are

begins with fruit, followed by

of Seventy%, an organisation

given a spoonful of melted

a hint of spice and coffee notes

passionate about the provenance

chocolate and told to smell it but

with a touch of honey towards

and quality of chocolate.

on no uncertain terms are we

I meet Martin on a chocolate

to eat it. Now I know how those

tasting course in London. It

kids felt in the Rowntree’s advert.

seems there are quite a lot of

The smells are tantalisingly

58 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

❝

You wouldn’t chug down a £15 glass of wine, so why would you do it with good chocolate?

TASTE STYLE

WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR IN FINE CHOCOLATE? • Over 60% cocoa solids for dark and over 30% for milk

- Extra cocoa butter - Sugar

• No artificial flavourings or preservatives

- Real vanilla (not vanillin or vanilla flavour)

• Fine cacao, ideally directly sourced

- Soy lecithin (which facilitates

• No added ingredients other than:

the processing of chocolate)

the end. Tasting it this way also means the flavour lingers long after you’ve swallowed the last of the chocolate. ‘Even good chocolate tastes different if you eat it too quickly,’ Martin tells us. ‘The cocoa butter doesn’t have time to melt and it has no flavour.’

This is apparently why we can munch our way through an entire bar of commercially produced chocolate, which actually contains comparatively little ‘real’ cocoa butter and is largely made from sugar and vegetable

Win Tickets for the Brighton Chocolate Festival We have five pairs of tickets for the Brighton Chocolate Festival to give away. Simply email samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk to be in with a chance

fat. Basically, it’s bland compared

of winning

to ‘fine’ chocolate (although at lunch a few of us confess that we still like commercial chocolate). Martin does concede that the definition of fine

CAN CHOCOLATE BE GOOD FOR YOU?

F

at and sugar have been tagged as the

is rich in antioxidants. Raw chocolate

Bonnie and Clyde of the food world.

undergoes minimal processing and never

chocolate is subjective and

They are a dangerous pairing who stand

experiences temperatures above 42°C,

ultimately must be based on taste.

accused of facilitating the western world’s

which helps to preserve the goodness.

‘You can’t fake good chocolate

obesity crisis. Both are featured heavily in

Most commercial chocolate is highly

and good cacao,’ explains Martin.

mass-produced chocolate confectionary as

processed and heated to over 130°C,

‘If it’s clean, complex and not

they are cheaper than cacao and can prolong

destroying a lot of the beneficial nutrients.

bitter, often with fruity or spicy

the shelf life of the product. So does this

notes and a clean finish, then

mean that chocolate should be off the menu?

it’s the real thing.’

‘Not at all,’ says Suzanne Brannan of

‘Many people are aware that raw vegetables contain more enzymes and vitamins than boiled ones,’ explains Carlos

Martin will be running some fun

Rainbow Organic Chocolates. ‘You just need

Mendez of Worthing-based Raw Goodies,

games and tasting experiments in

to switch to good quality chocolate.’

which specialises in raw chocolate products.

the Tasting Lounge at the Brighton

In their natural state cocoa beans are

‘The same is true for chocolate.’

Chocolate Festival, 30th-31st March

a rich source of flavonols, an antioxidant

2014, www.festivalchocolate.co.uk

which is believed to offer some protection

motto,’ concludes Suzanne. ‘And ensure the

For details of the Level 1 Chocolate

against the risk of coronary heart disease.

chocolate you do eat is of the highest quality.’

Tasting Course, visit www.seventypercent.com

Dark chocolate contains the most health benefits, particularly raw chocolate, which

‘Everything in moderation is the healthiest

Rainbow Organic Chocolates will be exhibiting at the Brighton Chocolate Festival.

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 5 9

BEACH

CAFÉ CULTURE Emma Piper visits Littlehampton, and finds an old-fashioned resort with new-fangled architecture

I

t is a few years since Vogue bizarrely labelled Littlehampton the coolest resort on the South Coast.

Since then, two ultra-chic pieces of architecture masquerading as beach cafés have appeared: one by the river mouth (West Beach Cafe, designed by ‘architect to watch’ Asif Khan) and one on the promenade (East Beach Cafe, designed by the outstandingly creative Thomas Heatherwick).

But two trendy beach cafés does not a cool resort make: even if one of them looks like

beach huts, the old-fashioned

a rusting piece of shore-strewn

gardens with tennis courts and

ship detritus or a fossil the colour

bowling green, and beachfront

of dried seaweed (inside, it’s like a

green, edged with an elegant

contemporary cave dwelling, all

row of bow-windowed Georgian

knobbly surfaces combined with

townhouses the colour of vanilla

Nordic furniture); while the other

ice cream. Even so, it is still hard

is basically an open-fronted box.

to believe Littlehampton attracted

Littlehampton is also home to

the big-name poets and painters,

Above from left: The River Arun runs through Littlehampton; East Beach Cafe

? What This is where the canny are investing. It’s a location on the up for landlords and homeowners.

Property is almost indecently

the longest seaside bench in the

from Byron to Constable, back

priced, with streets of gorgeous

country, made of driftwood and

in its seaside resort heyday.

Georgian townhouses and

rollicking along the promenade

We visited on a blustery sunny

Victorian and Edwardian villas

like a belly laugh. But, still,

Sunday in late winter. Families

there for the gentrifying. Up the

Littlehampton is not top of the

on the beach were intent on

road in Arundel they would be

South Coast’s cool rankings.

gathering shells and flying

fetching twice the price.

Its charm lies in its retro

kites. A young girl roller-bladed

I’m tempted: affordable period

seaside resort credentials:

in whirling circles down the

property always makes my palms

the chippies and the tang of

promenade, and a few intrepid

itch and my heart flutter. There

vinegar and salt in the air, the

kite-surfers caught the raw

are garden squares of privet and

promenade, the paintbox-bright

wind and a decent swell.

pampas grass and it is oh so quiet.

60 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

LITTLEHAMPTON STYLE

For Sale

£450,000 Surrey Street, Littlehampton Grade II listed period townhouse with three/four bedrooms and sea and river views.

£425,000 River Road, Littlehampton Littlehampton is a little

and being the birthplace (and

Stunningly presented Grade

ramshackle in parts, but stylish

head office) of The Body Shop.

II listed Georgian townhouse

in others – particularly the

Otherwise the shopping mix

renovated harbour, with steep-

is an odd assortment of fishing

roofed New England-style glass

tackle stores and cycle shops.

and weatherboarded apartments

But old-fashioned favourites

painted shades of coastal blue

include a regular Friday market

and overlooking a waterway busy

(a feature that was reinstated just

with the activity of swans, yacht

four years ago) as well as a wet

clubs and fishing boats.

fish stall on the front.

Shopping

Eating

with four bedrooms and four reception rooms.

£350,000

If only Littlehampton wasn’t

What Littlehampton lacks in

Arundel Road, Littlehampton

a town in search of a decent

shopping outlets it makes up

Four-bedroom family home

high street – despite having that

for in eateries – mostly with

with log-burning stove.

middle class essential, Waitrose,

a seafood and fish bias. The ››

All Clarkes, 01903 884820 MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 6 1

LITTLEHAMPTON STYLE

❝

Littlehampton is home to the longest seaside bench in the country, rollicking along the promenade like a big belly laugh

School report

aforementioned West Beach

Above: Littlehampton Harbour makes an attractive backdrop for many of the town’s bars and cafes

by train, and Brighton is a

Cafe serves up decent beach food

School provision confuses. There

such as whitebait and crab cakes,

was a major restructuring of

all presented in waxy brown

junior and infant schools a few

cardboard boxes, while East

years ago, followed even more

Beach Cafe pulls in the plaudits

recently by a number of schools

for its tempting bistro fare

converting to Academy status.

memories of Littlehampton,

(including Littlehampton

Most of the local primaries have

spending summers on the beach

day boat fish soup).

achieved a Good rating from

thanks to relatives who lived on

Ofsted, including White Meadows

The Green. He admits, however,

of established fish and chip cafés

and Lyminster Primary, while

that Littlehampton has come

overspilling with families and

both River Beach Primary and

a long way in the intervening

seafood restaurants such as 47

Rustington Community Primary

years. Today it attracts retirees

Mussel Row, plus Harbour Lights,

were rated Good, prior to their

from London and Surrey –

a harbourside café that is part of

conversion to Academy status.

because the market offers good

the Look & Sea Centre (a heritage

In comparison secondary level

value for money – as well as

centre that’s worth a visit for the

Littlehampton Academy School

families in search of a bit of

viewing platform alone). Other

is considered Satisfactory.

space. It also offers opportunities

The harbourside has a parade

Local view Caleb Boddy of Clarkes estate agents has happy childhood

for first-time buyers.

finds include The Boathouse in

➜

Littlehampton Marina.

40-50 minute train journey.

The downside

Not enough high-end shops.

The buzz

In terms of areas, people like to be beside the river, and it is certainly very picturesque

The commute

A promising events calender

by the River Arun. Otherwise

includes an emerging arts scene

The mainline station takes an

Rustington, to the east of

with a burgeoning arts festival,

hour and 40 minutes or so to

Littlehampton and a little pricier

(19th-26th July), as well as a

London Victoria, which is too

– and with a generous smattering

waterfront festival, carnival and

long for most. But Chichester

of bungalows – is popular with

sandcastle competition.

is less than 20 minutes away

those retiring.

62 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

KITCHENSBESPOKE

With 20 years experience in high quality design, service and project management Rachael Workman set up Kitchens Bespoke to provide quality kitchens with thoughtful functional design at great value.

Rachael will work with you to create a totally unique design and guide you through the often daunting array of options available, making practical and inspiring suggestions about the best use of space and materials. Most importantly she will listen to what you want, and what you must have, helping you to achieve your prefect kitchen. “Kitchens Bespoke offers a premium service for all our clients without the cost, assuring your investment through attention to detail and turnkey solutions� - Rachael Workman Nov 2012 To find out more call Rachael Workman our resident designer on 01342 313133 or visit our new showroom for a chat Kitchens Bespoke, 88 London Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1EP www.kitchensbespoke.co.uk

HOME STYLE

B

Home Sweet Home luebird Care

Q: Do you have to commit

can provide

to a long-term contract?

quality care

A: The short answer

and support

is no. Both live-in care

in the comfort of your

services and residential

own home and offers

care homes should offer

a bespoke service with

a four-week trial. While

care visits that can range

live-in care is not such

from 30 minutes to full

a shock to the system, it’s

live-in support. Bluebird

still important that you

Care now has 180 offices

trial it to make sure this

in the UK and Republic

works for the customer

of Ireland, providing over

and their family.

4.5 million home care

Q: Can live-in care

visits every year. Here, Bluebird Care talks about the live-in

keeps options open, as the customer’s

services manage the home as well?

care part of its service and answers the

house won’t need to be sold. The

A: Yes they can. Families lead busy lives

all-important questions to help you

care worker stays in the home with

and often find it difficult to keep on top

decide on the best care for you.

the customer and provides care seven

of things. Whether it’s fixing a leaking

days a week.

tap or getting someone in to clear the

Q: What are the choices available

garden, live-in care services can help –

for help at home?

Q: Should I consider residential care

although the customer and their family

A: There are different forms of

or live-in care?

should always have the final say on

dedicated support for when, often as

A: If the customer’s main need is

what’s done and how much to spend.

a result of ageing, we need more help

accommodation then residential care

to enable us to remain in our own

may be the answer. If personalised care

Q: Won’t I need to sell my house to

home. This can often be provided by

and support is more important, then

fund residential care?

visiting for a couple of hours a day,

live-in care is probably the best option.

A: While some families sell their homes

something Bluebird Care are specialists

Live-in care will enable and support

to fund residential care, this is a final

in, but there is a point at which

continued independence and enhance

step. For those who wish to stay in

residential care may be considered

current lifestyles such as shopping

their own home, a better first step may

because a higher amount of care and

in the local community, visiting the

be to use live-in care. If funds are not

focus is required. The Bluebird Care

hairdressers, and attending social

available to support this, the home can

live-in service is a direct alternative to

events. Residential care can diminish

be used to raise finance to fund live-in

this. Many customers prefer it because

independence and reduce somebody’s

care. Bluebird Care has found ethical

it retains a sense of independence and

current lifestyle.

finance partners that can help with this.

64 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

LIVE IN CARE Caring for your lifestyle

LIVE-IN CARE

TO FIND OUT MORE CALL

Live-in care with Bluebird Care provides our customers with full-time live-in support.

This provides a realistic alternative to residential care when full-time support is needed, and is completely flexible so that you, or your loved ones, can continue to enjoy an independent lifestyle in the comfort of your own home.

Chichester Eastbourne Haywards Heath Lewes

01243 839859 01323 727 903 01444 891135 01273 616494

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 6 5

A

GRAND design The latest competition series from the BBC, The Great Interior Design Challenge, has got Sofie Allsopp thinking. How would she transform a room for £1,000?

I

f someone told me three

Marie Antoinette was a lady

years ago that more people

who enjoyed the finer things in

would tune into a baking

life. Her day started with a cup

competition than The X

of coffee or chocolate, then a bath

Factor I wouldn’t have believed

was wheeled into her chamber,

them, but that was before Mary

she bathed while her bed was

Berry came back – the blonde,

rewarmed and then hopped back

surprisingly trendy, 78-year-old

in and read a book until noon.

cooking legend of Eighties AGA

Many things have changed over

fame, who now presents The

the centuries but one of life’s

Great British Bake Off. What has

pleasures is still a hot bath and

this got to do with interiors I hear

a good book. In 1782 the ill-fated

you cry? Well GBBO has been so

Queen of France had a bathroom

successful that BBC executives

built, with dove grey walls

have obviously been running

adorned with beautiful carvings

around desperately trying to

by the Rousseau brothers and

recreate this winning formula

a sloping black and white tiled

and so The Great Interior Design

floor so the water could drain

Challenge was spawned. In case

away. I love bathrooms that feel

you missed it, budding designers

almost like sitting rooms, because

were given three days and a

there is something wonderfully

£1,000 budget to transform

indulgent about being able to

a room, with varying degrees of

spend time in the bathroom; I am

success. And this got me thinking,

not a wet room girl. So I would

how would I spend a grand?

buy a beautiful roll-top bath.

66 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

INTERIOR STYLE

❝

One of life’s pleasures is still a hot bath and a good book Fired Earth has a great selection; I love the Versailles slipper bath in enamelled cast iron, primed and ready to paint. I would go for a blue/ grey colour, such as Glass Samphire or Blue Moon. Note to the wise: I recommend having the taps at the feet end rather than in the middle of the bath. If you are anything like me, you like to top up the bath while you are in it, and if the taps are in the middle it is very easy to scald your thighs with hot water!

The price tag for this bath – £1,575 – is way over my £1,000 budget, so what do you do if you want a roll top bath but don’t have a regal budget? eBay. There are hundreds of roll top baths – from expensive copper baths to reclaimed beauties – that you can buy for a song.

I love to cook and entertain. My favourite way to spend a Saturday or Sunday is to have a big, slightly ›› M A R C H 2 0 1 4 | W W W. S U S S E X ST Y L E . C O M | 6 7

INTERIOR STYLE

rowdy lunch,

which is Elvis

lots of people

burnt onto

round the

a piece of

table eating,

toast. So if

laughing and

I had £1,000

enjoying the

I would trot

weekend. I

off to London

love big old

Taxidermy in

dining tables

Wandsworth

with character,

(www.london

which look

taxidermy.com)

like they have

and buy cases

seen thousands

of Victorian

of suppers

beetles or

and their fair

butterflies.

share of family

I love their

dramas. John

wonderful

Lewis has

iridescent

a beautiful

colours and

Frank Hudson

fantastical

Refectory dining table in oak,

is both environmentally friendly

which seats ten. The wood is a

and the wood itself is stronger

lovely soft honey colour, it is

because it has had decades – if

sturdy and strong looking yet the

not centuries – to become fully

legs are delicately carved. It is a

seasoned. I love the Metro steel

quality piece and unfortunately

and reclaimed wood table, £830,

priced accordingly, at £1,850. So

which has a solid raw top and

it’s back to the drawing board for

steel legs and quite a New York

a dining table for under £1,000

feel – I can imagine it in a Soho

– easy! Vintage & Reclaimed is

loft or an uber-trendy restaurant

an Edinburgh-based company

in the Meatpacking District.

that makes furniture out of

To me there is nothing more

Above, left to right: Glendale dining table £999, John Lewis; London Taxidermy in Wandsworth Previous page: Babylon brushed copper bath £4,845, Fired Earth

shapes; it is like having a bit of the Natural History Museum on your wall. If your taste doesn’t run to taxidermy then I highly recommend www.degreeart.com, where you can buy affordable original art from degree students.

It has everything from traditional still life painting to abstract and installation art, and you can have pieces commissioned or choose from the thousands of artworks

reclaimed salvaged wood, in both

depressing than bare walls. I love

on the website. Start your

contemporary and traditional

collecting art, photography and

contemporary collection today

styles. The wood is sourced from

taxidermy on a budget of next

and you never know… in 10 years’

old warehouses, factories, barns,

to nothing. One of my favourite

time, you could have an early

coal mines and railway tracks; it

pieces was a wedding present,

work by the next Damien Hirst.

68 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Live-in care & companionship in the comfort of your own home.

with sustainable, cost effective heating systems

Your Home.

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Your Choice.

If now’s the time to talk, we’re always happy to listen.

Contact us on

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sf3734 OE Consumer Ads-Sussex style HP-90x279.indd 1

30/01/2014 11:57

Personal

SERVICE The Upholsterer prides itself on its friendly, quality-focused service, which is why it has become a haven for those looking for furnishings with a personal touch

T

he success of The Upholsterer would, according to Mary Portas, appear to

go against the commonly held perception of what is happening on Britain’s high streets.

This personalised, qualityfocused, and independent supplier of upholstery services, individually tailored curtains, fabrics and bespoke furniture,

abilities enable her to help clients

as well as interior design services

find exciting solutions to their

has not only survived the

design and fabric needs.

recession but has moved from

Above: Upholsterer Milos Jandac at work

A full upholstery service is

consultancy service, which includes design advice, measurement, finish and trimmings guidance so as to

offered, including advice and

match the customer’s budget

consultancy on a range of

and style requirements. Similarly

in October 2009 by the husband

options such as piping finish,

with blinds, where the sheer

and wife team of Laura and Milos

deep buttoning, padding, and

volume of blind types and

Jandac. Milos is the upholsterer

replacement springs. A choice

operating mechanisms can

and brings more than 20 years’

of more than 2,500 fabrics is

be difficult to fathom, tailored

experience to the craft he cares so

designed to meet the needs of

consultancy and guidance is

much about. Laura is a graduate

most clients and their varied

offered with The Upholsterer’s

of Leeds University having

demands and budgets from

compliments.

studied Textile Design, which she

conservative to more eclectic

supplemented with a diploma

or contemporary tastes.

strength to strength.

The Upholsterer was opened

in Interior Design at the world-

In line with The Upholsterer’s

renowned KLC School of Design

philosophy of tailoring their

in Chelsea Harbour. Fabrics are

services to meet customer’s

Laura’s passion, which when

specific needs, all curtains

combined with her creative

are handmade locally. A free

70 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

The space in which we live has a vital influence on our state

❝

of being. The Upholsterer is

The Upholsterer has become a haven for anyone wishing to steer away from commercially produced furnishings

ADVERTISING FEATURE

happy to offer decoration advice

that is based totally around

on transforming a blank canvas

the customer and their needs.

into a finished living area. Its

Their shop is run with a relaxed

samples service ensures that you

ambience and style that enables

are able to colour match and

the best choice for the customer

compliment existing features,

to come to the fore.

shades and fabrics.

The Upholsterer has become

For those who cannot find

a haven for anyone wishing to

the exact design or shape they

steer away from commercially

really want Milos has years of

produced standard furnishings

experience in designing and

so as to create their own personal

creating bespoke furniture

touch. The workshop is on

that meets a customer’s exact

site and potential and existing

requirements. From sofas

customers are encouraged to

and chairs to upscale

view the high quality of

children’s furniture, Milos offers

workmanship for which the

a personalised approach to

business has become known.

meeting a customer’s needs.

At The Upholsterer, Laura and Milos have created an approach

Above and right: furniture restoration and re-upholstery can have a stunning impact on your interior space

The Upholsterer, 15 North

FOR GUIDANCE OR A FREE CONSULTATION

Call Laura on 01730 810284 or email her at laura@theupholsterermidhurst.co.uk.

Alternatively pop in to the shop anytime between Tuesday and Saturday.

Street, Midhurst, GU29 9DH MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 7 1

1

CAGE LAMP

BY SEAN DARE Designed by Sussex-based designer Sean Dare, these pendant lights create a striking architectural look, combining high quality materials with an industrial aesthetic.

From £205, available at www.darestudio.co.uk

2

GRAYPANTS DISC PENDANT This amazing pendant light is right up our street. Handmade and constructed entirely from recycled cardboard boxes, it provides smooth, decorative lighting. £309, John Lewis

HIVE PENDANT LIGHT BY MADE This pendant light will add a unique and stylish touch to your home with its geometric styling – a modern addition to any living space.

From £99, available at www.made.com

72 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Nine of the best…

4

PENDANT LIGHTS

ltancy UNFOLD design consu d PENDANT LAMP se a -b m a h Shore ts BY MUUTO h g g in li n t n in a d -w n rd e a p Aw stylish ed on by these Muuto has taken a Liqui gets turn

3

classic industry lamp design and approached it from a new angle, giving the lamp a modern and warm appearance. The soft silicone rubber results in a lamp that has a modern and warm personality. £135, available at Paper Rooms, Burgess Hill

DESIGN STYLE

7

BEAT LIGHT COLLECTION

BY TOM DIXON

6

We love this pendant light. It is spun and hand-beaten by skilled craftsmen and inspired by the sculptural simplicity of brass cooking pots and traditional water vessels from the subcontinent.

From £275, Caz Systems, Brighton

JOSIAH PENDANT LIGHT BY SCP

5

This forward-thinking design, notable for its simplicity, elegance and grace is formed from bone china. It is as versatile as it is beautiful and can be fitted with the latest innovative light sources, making it suitable for both commercial and residential environments.

From £115, available at Heals, Brighton

NAUTICA BIRCH PLY BY KAIGAMI Made from beautiful Birch ply this sculptural pendant light from Sussex-based designer KaiGami will brighten up any room with its cascading patterns of light. The design takes its inspiration from the classic shapes of marine life.

From £90, available at www.kaigami.com

8

DROP CAP PENDANT SET BY PLUMEN We are big fans of this tailormade complementary accessory for the Plumen low-energy light bulb, a re-imagining of the traditional energy-saving light bulb. The drop cap covers the upper part of the light bulb, framing the glass tubes perfectly. £40, available at Habitat, Horsham

9

KNOT PENDANT LAMP BY VITAMIN

These versatile lamps are constructed from hand-blown glass and supported by a monkey fist knot. They can be displayed in an illuminating cluster or line – or alone, creating a single ambient glow. Whichever way you choose to display them, the Knot Lamps will subtly draw attention with their enigmatic aura.

From £130, available at www.hiddenartshop.co.uk

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 7 3

INTERIOR STYLE

A GREY AREA The Fabric Lady, Laura Jandac, discovers that 50 Shades of Grey has even reached the realms of interior design

A

friend of mine visited me a few

a different grey colour and the more

weeks ago and while in my

I looked the more I saw the influence of

bedroom helping me choose

this book in day-to-day styling and design.

an outfit for that evening,

Black is almost everywhere. People are

commented on the two books on my

embracing grey as a real design choice and

bedside table. I realised I had 50 Shades

it is readily available on the high street

of Grey (who hasn’t?) and in stark contrast

and online. The grey metal industrial look

I had Make your own Jam, Jelly and Relish.

is very current and not at all hard to find.

She laughed uncontrollably and asked

eBay has some wonderful original pieces

me which one I had enjoyed the most.

and companies such as John Lewis have

More than slightly embarrassed, I replied that I had only read the one about the jam and hadn’t even broken the spine

ranges of industrial-styled pieces that incorporate the metal look and feel.

The rug featured here is from Rockett

of 50 Shades...! My friend informed me that

St George and is even called Mr Grey.

I was the only person left on the planet

It is a patchwork of cowhide in varying

who hadn’t read the book and although

shades of grey and prices start from

I had abandoned the city for the country

£1,000. You can accessorise any space

it was still unacceptable to know how to

with black and grey, and make a real

make my own relish and yet not know

statement without committing to too

the inner psyche of Mr Christian Grey.

much strong colour, and the sheepskin

I vowed from that moment that I would

and star featured here would look great

re-introduce myself back into modern

in a modern or traditional interior.

culture and read the damn thing.

Having finally embraced all that is hip

So Mr Grey, thank you for not only influencing our conversations with

and current I have realised that the

partners and girlfriends, but our homes.

influence of this book goes far beyond

I am not even halfway through this

giggles on girly nights out and fodder for

infamous read but already I’m thinking

newspaper columns; it has even reached

that the spare room could do with a bit

the realm of interior design. In a local

of a re-decorate. Not sure I quite need

shop they even have a paint chart called

a dungeon but it will be dark and it will

‘50 sheds of grey’ with each shed painted

be a bit moody. He would have to approve.

74 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M ARCH 2014

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Bringing home the Bacon

Sussex Style discovers how a damp and draughty bungalow was replaced by a stylish and contemporary farmhouse

S

ometimes it pays

was stunning and the house had

to take a gamble in

beautiful views. We crossed our

life. When Liz and

fingers and hoped we could build

Jonathan Toomer found

our dream home here.’

Bacon’s Farm in 2005 they were

It’s easy to see why the Toomers

Room with a view: The kitchen is clearly the heart of the home and leads to a large patio. The whole house has a modern-yetcomfortable vibe

along with all the benefits of living in a rural location. ‘The defining moment was a delicious pub lunch at the Coach and Horses in Danehill,’ says Liz.

bowled over by the beauty of the

fell in love with the location.

surrounding countryside.

From their patio the landscaped

The same could not be said,

garden gently gives way to

however, for the crumbling

undisturbed views of tree-lined

to sit at outside, which is unheard

house that was a former working

fields. Although both originally

of in pubs in London!’

farm, which came complete with

from Sussex they had lived in

equally decrepit outbuildings.

Hammersmith up until the birth

the impetus to go ahead and

‘The original bungalow didn’t

‘It was a beautiful sunny spring day, the lambs had just been born and we were able to find a table

This was enough to give them

of their first son. The Haywards

buy Bacon’s Farm. At this point

appeal at all,’ explains Liz. ‘It was

Heath area was a logical place

Liz and Jonathan had no way of

painted pink and was in a state

to relocate to as it offers great

knowing whether they would

of disrepair. However the setting

commuting links to London,

get planning permission to build

76 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

PROPERTY STYLE

their dream house. Fortunately the agricultural licence on the outbuildings had been removed so they knew it could be possible to demolish them, along with the bungalow that had originally been the cowshed. After much discussion with the architects they finally agreed on a design, received planning permission and began the build in 2009.

‘We wanted a modern take on a traditional Sussex farmhouse,’ says Liz. ‘Our aim was to combine locally sourced building materials and mix them with modern materials to create a very efficient working house.’

Part of the brief was to make the kitchen the heart of the home. It’s a spacious room in a traditional Shaker style, designed

by John Hollis and painted in a soft cream with an AGA taking centre stage. A solid-oak table and wood burner add a touch of traditional farmhouse kitchen but combine well with the more modish features like the Anna ›› MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 7 7

PROPERTY STYLE

Casa light above the island.

The overall vibe is modern yet

❝

78 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

With three energetic boys

comfortable. Floor-to-ceiling

ranging from nine to 13, space

folding doors that lead out onto

was clearly an important

a large patio allow this room to be

consideration. Most of the garden

filled with light. ‘It was important

is laid to grass, which is ideal for

to make the most of the beautiful

football or rugby practice. Inside

views and where possible to bring

the boys each have their own

the outside in,’ explains Liz.

bedroom as well as a dedicated

The garden has been

Our aim was to combine locally sourced building materials with modern materials to create a very efficient working house

business, Al Fresco Fitness.

snug/playroom. When the house

thoughtfully landscaped, and is

was designed the Toomers wanted

low-maintenance but brimming

to create a room that would grow

with colour and includes a

with the boys as they progressed

vegetable patch. The main

from children to young adults.

patio leads to a swimming pool

It gives them a place to hang

surrounded by bay standards

out with their friends, leaving

and lavender. During the summer

their parents and friends free

months the patio is a perfect

to enjoy the sitting room.

suntrap, making it ideal for

What strikes you about this

summer entertaining. Liz also

room is not the Bath Stone

uses this area for the exercise

fireplace (although it is very

classes she runs as part of her

impressive) but the sheer height

››

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PROPERTY STYLE

The Toomers’ tips for a successful build •S pend time with your architects to ensure they

with your builders goes a long

understand what you want

way, because you are likely to be

to achieve from your project.

spending a lot of time with them.

•A sk friends or colleagues who

• I f you are doing a big project

have taken on similar projects

a quantity surveyor is a must

to recommend a builder.

to keep an eye on costs.

of the ceilings, which are more

light, made possible by windows

akin to a Victorian house than

wrapped around two of the

a modern dwelling. Whereas

room’s walls. The bathrooms

the elevated ceilings in 19th-

echo the contemporary style

century buildings can feel a little

found in the rest of the house

formal and austere, the plush

and have a sleek finish.

furnishings and walnut-coloured

After five long years of

floor give this room the warmth

planning, living in a dilapidated

required in a family home.

bungalow with some dubious

The Toomers have used clean,

Seventies decor and wading

neutral shades on the walls

through a very muddy

throughout most of the house

construction site on a daily

although frequent splashes of

basis, the Toomers were able

colour can be found, from the

to move into their new home.

Zoffany wallpaper in the guest

So was it worth the wait?

bedroom suite to the striped

‘Absolutely,’ smiles Liz. ‘It’s

Crucial Trading carpet on the

a dream house, with everything

stairs. The master bedroom is

you could wish for – but it still

positioned at the back of the

feels really homely.’ It looks

house to take full advantage of

as if their gamble paid off.

the beautiful views and sunsets

Bacon’s Farm is now up for

over the fields. Like the kitchen

sale with Strutt & Parker

below, it is a room filled with

www.struttandparker.com

80 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

• A good working relationship

KEY SUPPLIERS ARCHITECTS WCEC Architects 01273 491444 www.wcecuk.com BUILDERS Chalmers & Co 01323 811004 www.chalmersandco.co.uk KITCHEN DESIGN John Hollis 01444 487888 www.johnhollis.co.uk FLOORING Walking on Wood 020 7352 7311 www.walkingonwood.com Boniti 07976 687099 (local rep Kate May) www.boniti.com FEATURE LIGHTING Anna Casa www.annacasa.net

❝

It was important to make the most of the beautiful views and to bring the outside in

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All Aboard Cruising the canals of France on a self-catering holiday offers flexibility, freedom and fun for all the family, say Frances and Michael Howorth

H

olidaying on the

making it a safe option. Canals

waterways and

are not wide, there are seldom

canals of the

areas with strong currents, and

South of France

navigation is a simple question

Scene stealing As well as canalside wineries, you can visit beautiful French cathedrals, chateaux and even Roman settlements on the Canal du Midi

through the vineyards that cling to its banks. With three generations of our family on board we have an age span

aboard a self-drive motor boat

of going this way or that, giving

is a cross between caravanning

little opportunity to get lost. Put

and walking in the countryside,

any fear of sinking to the back of

but with the added fun of being

your mind, because the average

on board a yacht which, to our

canal is no more than six feet

Estival Octo model from its

minds at least, is the only way to

deep, meaning if the unthinkable

newest range of cruisers. She is

travel when on vacation.

happened and the boat went

an 8-berth, well-equipped motor

down, all you’d need to do would

yacht with air conditioning, two

face when it comes to considering

be to climb up a deck and sit and

steering positions and a useful

such an adventure is their lack of

wait for rescue. You won’t even

bow thruster. Her spacious sun

boating experience and a worry

have to get your feet wet.

deck is great for catching the rays

The problem many families

about taking small children

of some 60+ years.

We had chartered our craft through Nicols and our boat, named Bages, is a 42-foot long

Our cruise along part of the

or enjoying the shade offered

on a boat. Although there is no

Canal du Midi, the historic 17th-

by the sun umbrella and she

requirement to have a licence

century waterway that links the

comes with all the equipment

to drive a boat, companies that

Atlantic with the Mediterranean,

you might need – including the

rent out these canal crafts offer

offers spectacular scenery and

all-important corkscrew and

instruction to novice navigators,

experiences as we meander

wine glasses! For our two young

84 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

TR AVEL STYLE

children we opt to tow a splash

to select a suitable quiet spot

pool behind us. With the cover on

along the tow path to stop and

it offers a great deal of extra deck

moor up. Say what you like, it is

space, and when the kids want to

a very pleasant way of spending

take a dip the covers slide back

an hour or so sitting under the

to offer hours of splashing in

sun umbrella on the upper deck,

water warmed by the boats

devouring a fresh, still warm

engine. In the evening, with the

baguette with a rustic goats cheese

covers back on, it is the perfect

or delicious pâté, washed down

place to set up the dining table

with a chilled local rosé wine.

and eat supper al fresco.

We begin our cruise in Marseillan, at the southern entrance to the Canal du Midi. Within minutes of entering the canal the scenery

❝

Agde was originally a prosperous Greek trading port and is one of the oldest towns in France. The

The Canal du Midi offers spectacular scenery as we meander through the vineyards that cling to its banks

changes and

river Libron crosses the canal shortly after leaving Agde in an intriguing way. The

the sun shines through the

surrounding countryside here

branches of huge leafy trees

is too low for an aquaduct, so

that line the towpaths, creating

in order to avoid damage to the

everyone’s idea of the picture-

canal when the river floods, in

perfect rural canal scene.

1857 the engineer Urbain Maguès

After 30 minutes we reach

built large gates at each end of the

the first lock and half an hour

crossing, which are raised in time

later there is another one, and

of flood to stop mud and debris

so the pattern begins. The lock

being deposited into the canal

at Agde is like all locks on this

by the flooding river.

section of the canal, manned by

That evening we lock into

lock keepers and like all locks it

Port Nuef, the large wide basin

closes for lunch. In fact it seems

offering ample free dockage

that he whole canal system shuts

spaces inside the city of Béziers

down for lunch because in typical

– the wine trading capital of

French fashion everyone seems

the region. It’s a hike into ››

Charter Costs

Our trip took place in May when the cost of this boat was €3,028 for a week. It rises to €3,882 per week at the height of the season.

Nicols has a fleet to suit all budgets and crew sizes, with boats ideal for couples right up to larger five cabin boats.

The only boat-based extra is the cost of the fuel and this is charged at €8.95 per hour of engine time used and deducted from the fuel deposit paid at the time of taking the boat. In seven days we clocked up 32 hours of use. Oneway supplements are charged for, as are base car parking, use of towed swimming pool and bicycle hire. Marinas charge very little – seldom more than €25 per night and generally include water and electricity but in fact many ports are free as is the towpath. There is a guidebook on board each boat.

We used the much-lauded multilingual

Midi- amargue Waterway Guide, published in France by Éditions du Breil and available online and in good nautical bookshops. Our advice is to buy it early as it is a perfect planning tool and invaluable if you want to get the most out of the holiday trip.

Nicols, 02392 401320, www.boat-renting-nicols.co.uk

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 8 5

has been uncovered in recent

worth doing so in order to view

excavations and motor across

the Poets’ Gardens and take in the

an aquaduct of the same name

stunning views from the plaza

just before we enter the Malpas

beside the 13th-century cathedral

tunnel, the most impressive of all

of Saint-Nazaire.

engineering feats of the canal.

Just yards after clearing the

Instead of skirting around

Water baby: Cruising the historic waterways of the Canal du Midi is an enthralling experience for passengers of all ages

medieval churches and small castle topped with a distinctive tower, before heading towards Le Somail. Just before reaching our final destination we arrive at the junction of the Canal de la Robine, which leads to Narbonne.

lock out of the city, the Aqueduc

the high ground, Pierre-Paul

de l’Orb is a seven-arched bridge

Riquet cut a 580ft channel

the wonderful market town of

topped by a series of smaller

through the sandstone, right

Narbonne on the way down and

arches that carries the canal

under the hill of Ensérune, on

again on the way back, turning

over the waters of the river

the crest of which there are the

around at the Ile de Saint-Lucie,

Orb below it. This splendid and

remains of a Roman settlement

where we go ashore and wander

exciting piece of engineering

dating from the 6th century.

through the ruins of a château

was completed in 1854 and as

Motoring through the

We choose to spend a night in

and winemaking cellars.

you pass along its 633ft length

vineyards, with vines growing

driving a boat it is impossible

down to the water’s edge it is hard

Somail, one of the original staging

not to marvel at the fact that

not to think about how busy these

ports when the canal was a major

way below you flows a river on

fields will be come September,

passenger thoroughfare. In those

which boats are sailing.

when the harvest is in full flow.

days the trip cost around £6 and

There are ample opportunities

took four days for the voyage

beside the towpath that evening,

to stop and taste and buy the

from Agde to Toulouse, but we

in complete contrast to the

wines and the wineries are very

should point out that at each

previous evening, and enjoy

welcoming. Passing canal trade

the tranquility that the quiet

customers account for 18 per

countryside can provide. A quick

cent of wine sales, if you take

trip into the nearest village

into account those who re-order

the following morning for the

year after year.

We motor on and moor

baguette is all that is required

We then enter the canal’s most

to restore normality. We pass

picturesque stretch, snaking

through Colombiers, where

around the old hilltop town of

a section of an old Roman road

Capestang with its stunning

❝

We moor beside the towpath that evening, and enjoy the tranquility. A quick trip into the nearest village for the baguette is all that is required to restore normality 86 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Our final destination is Le PHOTOGRAPHY: FRANCES HOWORTH

the town centre from here but

TR AVEL STYLE

of the 25 double or triple locks, passengers had to disembark, change boats and carry their own luggage up or down the steep

How to get there Nicols bases throughout the canals of France are conveniently located at a reasonable

steps to their next craft.

As we approach Le Somail we pass many pretty houseboats

distance from an airport. For Canal du Midi, Toulouse, Nimes Montpellier and Perpignan are

permanently moored to the canal side, proof that the canal certainly does have a lasting

all served by budget airlines operating out of the UK. Marseilles is served by Air France

effect on those who travel her waters, and we feel similar pangs of regret that our destination port has crept up so quickly upon us.

and British Airways. There are smaller airports at BĂŠziers and Carcassonne.

MAR C H 2014 | WWW.SUSSEXSTYL E .C O M | 8 7

READERS STYLE

Get in touch

samhl@sandrpublishing.co.uk twitter: @SussexStyleMag facebook: www.facebook.com/

COMMENT

SussexStyleMagazine

Whether you want your say on something you’ve read in Sussex Style, or on a local issue, let us know your views Dear Sussex Style

Dear Sussex Style

I picked up a

You recently recommended

copy of your

Wakehurst Place as a destination

magazine in

for a great family day out. I

TEA HUGGERS COMPETITION WINNER

Sainsbury’s, and I was horrified to see the cover shot of very young, beautiful little girls, plastered in make-up. As a mum of five children, I am deeply offended by this.

wholeheartedly agree, but wanted to let your readers know that it soon won’t be such an appealing

Congratulations to Janet Tavinor from Chichester who is the winner of last month’s Tea Huggers competition. The answer to the question is that there are seven teas in the launch range, three packs of which are currently winging their way to her as we speak. Well done Janet!

Children (particularly of this age) are naturally full of life and

LAST WOR

vitality. They ooze energy and

Dear Sussex Style

excitement. Make-up doesn’t and

I always like Daniel

couldn’t enhance any of those

Raven’s column

qualities. If the clothes designers

(Last Word) and felt

want their product to be seen in

compelled to write

the best light, they should allow

after the last one,

the children to shine with the

where he’s talking

excitement of the event.

about New Year

option for young families, following a ludicrous decision made recently by owners Kew. From April, they will be charging visitors – including National Trust members – to use the car park, at a rate of £5 for two hours, or £10 for a day. In the

D

summer months we, like many

POINT{

H

DANIEL

RAVEN

TALKS

NEW YE

young families in this part of

LESS}

AR’S RES

OLUTION

ow are S you getti ng on with resolutio your new n(s) then year’s ? I didn course, ’t make because ferocity), any myse I’m litera and by lf, of that these lly perfe next Chri still quite will once annual ct, but stmas the fits of self-r popular again be I gather temple among ever y bit ecriminati itself is that is Wouldn’t those of as dilap not puni your body on are it make you for idated shment more sens whom already as it is drink in enough.

Christma right now. have aban an aver e to look Chances s age doned at how are you week, aim than you small perc them, and much you will did last to redu entage, done so year; resea ce that do the of Brito repeating a little by a fairl same again rch sugg ns gave sooner the proc y ests that up on their next year ess until this year the Quee three-qua and then resolutio you, I don’ , compare n or some rters keep ns after t d know thing to I see this of brag two or just nine , get a lette ? You wou ging right three week as a posit days r from ldn’t get s (‘I dran ive thing s in prev where of Janu much in k six fewe , and one ious year the creep ary than the way r units of thos s. ing incu I did last social med be a runa in the seco e rare insta rsion of year!’ does way likeia into nd week nces n’t exac ever y aspe magnet lives has would tly soun on Face ct of our be impr actually d like it’d book) but oving your been bene society. you genu Top of the health, ficial to It turn inely and in s out that list a way that in term make our when we ruin your is the ‘dry s of poin doesn’t resolutio social life January tlessness frien ns in full of all our or bore Janopau ’ resoluti view ds sens peers, with your eless. se’ or even on (aka mechanism in place ‘the All you – ugh – that allow s can actu ‘dryathl us to enlis the day ally achi on’) giving anyt t their or nigh eve by support t, we are hing up into virtu at any for a mon far less to prov time of e than likely to e that you th is we are coach each say, ‘Wel can give of prov to simp a month. ing that l sod it it up for other ly thro It’s almo – I mea w up our you coul repe st n, wha Top of the oppo d give it hands atedly t’s the poin the list and up altog thinking, site in term t?’ ether, beca resolutio ‘I can’t for a mon s of poin wait till n (aka use th tless is ness a ‘the Jano I start very diffe is the ‘dry The idea the hell drinking pause’ rent expe am I goin is to lay January’ or even again!’ rience off the – ugh – g to do your chol to think drinking booze for ‘dryathlon with my ing, ‘Wha esterol, ?’ for the a month, life now ’). restoring t equivalen improvin that I’ve are in retre thereby your natu t perio stopped lowering g your at from d of time ral sleep liver heal adulthoo straight some now . The ‘drya patterns th – but d: they back onto -invisible thletes’ and then, of just wan the booz course, authority wait for t to prov e (with you get , that they their pres e, to , if anyt 90 | WWW ents. If can be hing, rene real, lasti good and we’re goin .SUS SEXS wed ng chan TYLE .COM g to affec ge in acce our | FEBR t any kind pting that lives, we’r UARY of 2014 we’re the e going to have grown-up to start s now.

■

❝

Sussex, spend a large part of the day at Wakehurst, at least once a week if the weather is good.

We pay an annual NT membership fee of almost £100, and we often pay extra for school

Our children are all headed

resolutions. He’s

into a world of media and peer

absolutely right –

ice creams, teas and cakes in their

group pressure to perform in a

giving up drinking for periods of time

tea room. To ask for £10 on top

way that isn’t always comfortable

is a pointless exercise and, like dieting, probably

of this to park, when there are

for them. Allow them the dignity

means you just go back to drinking even more

no other nearby parking options

to be children while they still can.

afterwards. I work in A&E and I see the effect of

available, is simply unacceptable.

Tammy C, via e-mail

binge drinking every Friday and Saturday night.

I understand that they need to

holiday activities, as well as the

People need to wise up and get a grip; here in the

make money in order to maintain

Dear Sussex Style

UK we have a serious problem with over excess.

the gardens but surely there has

Thanks for publishing a juicing

Diana R, Brighton

to be an alternative option for

diet guide in February’s issue.

After working my way round the restaurants in the Valentine’s Day round-up I needed it!

Mark M, by email

❝

Daniel Raven is absolutely right – giving up drinking for periods of time is a pointless exercise

88 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

raising funds. It is a great shame, but I’m afraid I will be forced to go elsewhere for days out with my children this summer.

Sarah T, via email

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LAST WORD

SUGARRUSH DANIEL RAVEN TALKS SWEET NOTHINGS…

T

here’s a killer in your house – and it’s someone

prominent food scientists believe this stuff, but they’re by

you’ve known for years. Someone you may even

no means the majority. The World Health Organisation is

have considered a friend. You thought you could

still carrying out research to establish whether it needs to

trust them, but no – they were just biding their

change its advice on sugar, but the most reliable recent

time until your guard was down. Now they’re crouching,

study found that eating 1,000 calories of sugar doesn’t

stilly and silently, in a corner of your kitchen, waiting for

actually make you any fatter than eating 1,000 calories

the sound of your hand on the doorknob; waiting calmly

of anything else. And as for the ageing thing... please! Even

and oh-so-patiently for the moment when they’ll finally get

if it were true – which it really probably isn’t – how would

their chance... to make things taste nice.

anyone ever be able to prove it?

I’m talking, of course, about sugar. For decades this seemingly harmless, Poppins-endorsed substance was the poor cousin to fat and salt in terms of the controversy generation, and as such may have seemed like the cousin it was still OK to fancy – but recent months have seen it branded public health enemy

❝

The only concrete evidence we have at this stage comes from our mouths, and they seem to be very much on sugar’s side. We like sweetness more than

Recent months have seen sugar blamed for everything from the obesity epidemic to the ageing process

bitterness in the same way we like fun more than boredom, light more than darkness, TV more than talking to each other – it’s a fundamental feature of the way the human

number one and blamed for everything from the obesity

system is wired and, as such, any complaints should probably

epidemic to the ageing process.

be addressed to the manufacturer rather than Cadbury.

Hysterical headlines like ‘WE’RE ALL SUGAR JUNKIES

The sugar haters (and how strange that looks, when

NOW’ (© Daily Mail) have fanned the flames of public panic

you see it written down!) want sugar content in food to be

to such a degree that people everywhere are now doing sugar

lowered across the board, but I can’t help thinking that that

detox, going sugar cold turkey and climbing the walls as they

would be counter-productive. Most people who overeat do

jones for the sweet stuff in sugar rehab clinics (probably).

so because they feel their lives need a bit of cheering up;

Well, speaking as someone who’s just read a really

if you make their food less tasty, won’t they need more

interesting article in the New Scientist, I have to say I don’t

cheering up than ever? We don’t need to make food worse

think there’s that much cause for alarm; it’s true that a few

– we just need to make life better!

90 | W W W. SU SS E X ST Y L E.CO M | M A RCH 2014

Treat her this Mother’s Day Sunday 30th March

w.bruford - Inspired, Jewellery & Watch Collection.pdf 1 10/12/2012 13:39:20

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Arndale Centre Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 3NW, 01323 410264 www.inspiredbybrufords.com Name: w.bruford

Contact: Karen

Date: 5th December 2012

Scale: NA

Be inspired at pandora.net

All Artwork is the property of PKW Sign Studio Ltd. unless otherwise stated.

Revision Number: 1

t. 01323 639073 e. pkwsignstudio@btconnect.com

www.pkwsignstudio.com