Absolutely Sussex January 2024

SUSSEX

Sussex JANUARY 2024 / £3.95

PLU S QUESTION OF ETHICS

The Brighton jewellery brand putting others first •

HEALTH & BEAUTY SPECIAL 20 pages of fitness tips and wellbeing advice

DINNER DATE

JANUARY 2024

Eating out at The White Horse in Graffam •

PILLOW TALK

17 years of success at Haywards Heath's French Bedroom

ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES.COM

Knees UP

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WHY 2024 LOOKS LIKE A BANGER FOR MUSIC'S NEXT BIG THING, BRIGHTON'S CAITY BASER ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS SUZETTE SCOBLE MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER JOE MUNSEY

Exhibits thoughtful, well-executed design and luxury

PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents JANUARY 2024

34 26

41 14

C U LT U R E AGENDA

41

CAITY BASER

INTERIORS 62 GEORGIA METCALFE

Cult classics heading our way in 2024

16

Why the Brighton singer is this year's big star

21

The founder of French Bedroom on 17 years of pushing boundaries

LEBRUSAN STUDIO

The story of the ethical Brighton jewellery brand

FOOD & DRINK 26 THE WHITE HORSE

Inside the Graffham revamped local

28 RECIPES

HEALTH SPECIAL

20 pages of top fitness tips and advice for your general wellbeing

67

REAL HOME

Behind the closed doors of a stunning Georgian home

71

TREND

To boldly go... into 2024

Seasonal dishes to warm you up in January

E D U C AT I O N TALKING HEAD

FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 34 THE SHOOT

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39 JEWELLERY

79 HURST COLLEGE

Bright colours from Oliver Bonas

Nine of the best engagement rings

A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M

The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

Spending time with Joff Powis of Vinehall School

The best in equestrian education

O N T H E C OV E R Caity Baser

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Editor’s

LETTER 5

C aity Baser

ABSOLUTELY’S January issue highlights

1

Georgia Metcalfe

Meeting the woman behind French Bedroom (p62)

2

Eastbourne College Why they have won a wellbeing award (p49)

H

Meet this year's hottest music star (p16)

appy new year? It seems like there is only bad news going on in the world, so much so that Russia's invasion of Ukraine barely makes the newspapers these days. The recent Covid response inquiry did, also, just dredge up bad memories. So is everything really that bad?

Given the nature of Absolutely Sussex, we say no. We are all about spreading a little positivity, adding some cheer to those bleak January days.

I have to say, even though I am biased, that we have started 2024 with one of my favourite ever covers. Caity Baser is a name to watch in music, and what's more the Brighton singer is rather outspoken (apologies now to anyone from Southampton who reads her interview), so she just had to be our first cover star of the year. I will keep this one as I just know she will hit the big time.

Rather than espouse the old 'new year, new you' journalistic saying, our health special this month doesn't look to tell you what you have to do, more give you a nudge in a different direction. It's amazing how much a simple smile can change your mood. Happy new year!

4 Trend

How to brighten up your home for 2024 (p71)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

3

Wellies & Windbreaks Offering some of the best UK staycations (p59)

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Wish LIST

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love

M AT E R I A L GIRL Ahluwalia's Rosie ruffle top showcases the brand ’s innovative approach to reusing surplus material, £470. ahluwalia.world

SHINE ON Mach & Mach’s new collection is an ode to the undersea world, inhabited by mermaids and tritons, a romantic fairytale against the backdrop of breathtaking panoramas, filled with pearl-making oysters, striking corals and iridescent sunlight. brownsfashion.com

GRAPE NEWS These pink wine glasses from Maison Balzac are adorned with bunches of grapes, just as a reminder, £150. koibird.com

ALL THE TRIMMINGS With their detachable ostrich feather trim, these handcrafted party pyjamas are super versatile, £245. libertylondon.com

COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ON THE NAIL Palette has launched four brand new vegan, strengthening nail paints in dusky hues that strengthen your nails as you wear, supercharged with botanical ingredients, and are also free from 21 common, harmful nail polish ingredients. palettelondon.com

D AT E N I G H T What's more stylish than a Smythson desk diary? A Smythson desk diary in peony pink, of course.

We're choosing the large format Portobello version, £240. smythson.com

ROSE TINT Bold and square, Monc’s limited edition Chiltern specs will have you seeing clearly in 2024, £280. monclondon.com

PINK PA R T Y

P I N K L A DY The Prima Donna twist balcony bra has allover lace in a floral pattern and comes in the brightest pink you could dream of. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Grind has teamed up with Our Place to launch the ultimate breakfast combo: a signature pink tin of coffee and a pink mini Always Pan, £115. grind.co.uk

IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk

B E A R COSY Love pink? Love polar bears?

You need Aspiga's stylish jumper made from sustainable merino wool, £155. aspiga.com

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C U LT U R E

TURNER PRIZE 2023 UNTIL 14 APRIL, TOWNER EASTBOURNE

Towner Eastbourne is hosting the Turner Prize 2023, the world’s leading prize for contemporary art. One of the best-known prizes for the visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. This year’s winner was announced just as we were going to print: Jesse Darling, pictured, who works in sculpture, installation, video, drawing, sound, text and performance. townereastbourne.org.uk

Agenda 14 • Caity Baser 16 • Lebrusan Studio 21 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda THE BEST EVENTS IN SUSSEX

MU S I C

Bombay Bicycle Club 3 February B R I G H TO N C E N T R E Bombay Bicycle Club are thrilled to share ‘Tekken 2’, a surprise collaboration with the queen of funk and R&B, Chaka Khan. This is the final track to be lifted from the band’s new album, My Big Day. The band head out on a headline tour across the UK and Ireland, as well as a huge summer show at London’s Alexandra Palace Park next July. brightoncentre.co.uk

T H E AT R E

Noises Off 9- 13 JA NUA RY, C HI C HE STE R F E STIVAL THEATRE

Direct from the West End, one of the greatest British comedies ever written embarks on a major UK tour, including these five nights at Chichester. Michael Frayn’s celebrated play serves up a riotous double bill, a play within a play, directed by Lindsay Posner. Hurtling along at breakneck speed, Noises Off follows the on and off stage antics of a touring theatre company as they stumble their way through the fictional farce, ‘Nothing On’. cft.org.uk

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F I L M

Withnail and I 20 January SLINDON CINEMA Originally released in 1987, Bruce Robinson’s famous cult classic Withnail and I follows two unemployed actors, Withnail (played by Richard E Grant) and Marwood (Paul McGann), as they go on holiday by mistake. Slindon Cinema will be screening this dark comedy classic presented on a very rare 35mm film print, so a great time to revisit one of the UK's finest films. slindoncinema.com

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CULTURE • DIARY

Th o ug ht CO M E DY

Kieran Hodgson

PHOTO: MIHAELA BODLOVIC

21 January B R I G H T O N KO M E D I A BBC One Two Doors Down star Kieran Hodgson has extended the tour of his Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominated show, Big In Scotland. This is the story of being a not-quite immigrant in a not-quite different country. It's a journey of discovery and belonging, as Kieran's Anglo-centric view of the UK is challenged and destroyed by a cast of Scottish characters, and as Kieran himself builds a new life for himself that he could have never imagined. komedia.co.uk

EV E N T

EASTBOURNE WEDDING SPECTACULAR

This Month’s Must See

6-7 January EASTBOURNE CONFERENCE CENTRE Established in 2010, the Eastbourne Wedding Spectacular is the largest twoday wedding show on the South Coast.

Always free entry for visitors, the event will showcase the best local and regional suppliers in a relaxed and unhurried setting at Eastbourne's Conference Centre. Proposed over Christmas? Then this event is just what you need to take your next romantic steps. eastbourneweddingspectacular.co.uk

SAR A POPE

S

U NTI L 3 0 JAN UARY, GROVE GALLERY, LON DON

ussex-based artist Sara Pope is now presenting her collection ‘RED’ at Grove Gallery, Fitzrovia. Sara holds the distinction of being the first British female artist in over seven decades to have her artwork accepted into the Vatican collection, and her work has been shown in numerous exhibitions and art fairs. Sara’s brushes, studio, painting clothes are consistently splattered red. At one point she wanted to know: why? And so began an investigation into the colour red. sarapopeart.com

P R O C E S S

How Sussex’s Charleston will play a key role at the London Art Fair this month

VANESSA BELL, VIRGINIA WOOLF, 1934. COURTESY OF CHARLESTON TRUST

T

he London Art Fair returns from 17-21 January 2024, highlighting a selection of the best galleries from the UK and beyond. The Fair will offer both seasoned and aspiring collectors a diverse presentation of modern and contemporary art, alongside curated displays, and an inspiring programme of talks, tours and performances.

This year, London Art Fair has partnered with Charleston for its annual Museum Partnership. Situated in the South Downs National Park, Charleston was the modernist home and studio of painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and the regular meeting place of some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers, known collectively as the Bloomsbury Group. It is where they came together to imagine society differently and has always been a place where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of everyday life.

At the Fair, Charleston will present select works by Bloomsbury group artists, including Vanessa Bell’s portrait of Virginia Woolf, Duncan Grant’s fireplace screen and painting of the farmhouses at Charleston, as well as Omega ceramics from a private collection.

There are plenty of other reasons to take a trip into the capital, including: Photo50 - The exhibition, Grafting: The Land and the Artist will

explore the subject of labour and its diverse representation within the context of the land.

Platform - The exhibition A Million

Candles, Illuminating Queer Love and Life, is inspired by London Art Fair’s partnership with Charleston. londonartfair.co.uk

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

New

Sounds Caity Baser is our star of 2024. Here she talks to Absolutely Sussex about her Still Learning era and life in Brighton

L

ast year was a big one for Brighton’s Caity Baser. In March, she released Feels This Good with leading artists Sigala, Mae Muller and Stefflon Don. The same month, her track Pretty Boys reached number 26 on the Official Singles Chart. Not long afterwards, in May, she released Dance Around It, this time with celebrated musician Joel Corry.

However, 2024 looks set to be a similarly exciting year for the singer-songwriter, who was discovered via TikTok in August 2020. Her new mixtape, Still Learning, will be released in March, with its 14 tracks (all of which she has co-written) constituting her largest release of material thus far. A 13-date tour will begin the same month, encompassing venues including the Eventim Apollo. It will be the 21-year-old’s biggest tour to date.

“It’s going to be a complete level up to what it was last year,” she says. “I always put everything into a performance, but this

B y K AT E J O N E S

time I’m really going to send it and just go crazy and blow people’s minds. I want to be the person whereby if you’re afraid to say it, I will say it for you, and then you can come to my show and you can scream it at me and we’ll get through it together.”

The pace at which Caity has risen to success has been nothing short of phenomenal. When she played her first festival, at Reading in 2022, she sung to a crowd of 3,000 people. At the same event in 2023, the audience for her performance numbered 20,000.

“I think that solidified the progress that I’d made in a year,” she reflects. “I went from the BBC Music Introducing Stage to the Radio 1 Dance Stage for one, which is crazy, but to then fill out the whole dance tent and have all these people screaming every single word to every single song was nuts. I think about it quite a lot.”

And, of course, there have been the collabs. Asked to name the person who’s been her favourite to collaborate with so far, Caity quickly names Joel Corry.

“Everyone that I’ve worked with has been amazing, but I feel like I’ve worked the most with Joel,” she says. “I did loads of promo with him – he took me to Ibiza a few times and we went out partying together. He’s a proper mate now.”

Caity grew up in Southampton, an experience she describes as “sh*t”. “I got asked in an interview: ‘What’s your favourite thing about Southampton?’, and I said: ‘The train station so I can leave,’” she says. As for school, the singer confesses that she hated it.

“I’ve always been quite loud, but in school I didn’t have much confidence and I sort of was just like everybody else – I just wanted to fit in with people,” she says. “I would do anything and say anything to be with the cool kids. I always knew who I wanted to be, but I didn’t have the confidence to be it.”

Despite this, Caity says that she was aware she was going to be a singer. “I don’t know how to say this without sounding really up myself, but I wanted to do more,” she reflects. “I didn’t just want to stay in A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

“My favourite thing to do in Brighton is just go and look at the sea” my hometown and get a job and work. I knew I wanted to be a singer, and I was going to do that one way or another.”

Interestingly, the period in which Caity was discovered coincided with her move to Brighton and Hove. “I moved here in the August/September of 2020,” she explains.

“I turned 18 in lockdown and it was not fun, and all my friends were at university with their mates. I was like: ‘I just want to go and be an 18-year-old for a minute.’

“My dad lives in Brighton as well,” she adds, “so I would go and be with my mates in their uni flat – get drunk, play cards, have fun – and then I’d go and see my dad. When my friends moved out of their uni flat, I moved in with him.

“My favourite thing to do is go for a bike ride or just go and look at the sea, and I could do both of those things in Brighton. The chalk cliffs are right by where I live, and whenever I have any sort

of problem – good or bad, whatever I’m feeling – I go and I look at the sea and the cliffs and the sky. I love the outdoors.”

The origins of Caity’s Still Learning mixtape are linked to her EP Thanks for Nothing, See You Never, which was released in February last year. “After I released my EP, I was busy every single day doing festivals and stuff, and then it got to September and it was like: ‘Right. What’s the message? What’s the concept? What are we doing?’” she says. “I was like: ‘I actually have no idea.’ It was the first time that I’ve never had any sort of direction.

I remember just sitting there thinking: ‘I have all of these songs, but I don’t really know what they mean.’ Then I was like: ‘I don’t have the answers and I have no idea what I’m doing – I’m still learning.’

“I feel like a lot of people might assume that I have it all figured out and that I know what I’m doing, but genuinely, I

SHE LIVES CLOSE TO THE CHALK CLIFFS

have no f***ing clue what I’m doing still,” she admits. “I think a lot of people are afraid to admit that they don’t have all the answers and they don’t know what direction they’re going in. The mixtape is about the mistakes I’ve made, things I could have done better and things that have hurt me, but in the end, I’ve learnt from all of it. It’s about sending it and being cool with not knowing what you’re doing and being cool with making mistakes, because that’s how you grow.”

And with the Still Learning tour due to begin soon after the release of the mixtape, it’s clear that those who enjoy Caity’s music have a lot to look forward to this year. Excitingly, however, there’s more good news. “After the tour, I will be hopefully working on an album,” the singer-songwriter notes. With this debut potentially on the cards in the near future, there’s no doubt that Caity Baser is one to watch.

Caity Baser’s Still Learning mixtape is available to stream and download from 12 March, with vinyl and a limited number of CD copies also available to buy. The Still Learning tour begins on 26 March. For more information, visit caitybaser.com

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CULTURE • PROFILE

BESPOKE BOMBE RING

Q What inspired you to launch

Lebrusan Studio over a decade ago?

PHOTO: EMMA HARE PHOTOGRAPHY

A Many moons ago, my first foray into the

GET TO KNOW…

ARABEL LEBRUSAN F O U N D E R O F L E B R U SA N ST U D I O, A N E T H I CA L J E W E L L E RY B U S I N E S S , A N D B R I G H TO N LO CA L

jewellery industry was as a fashion jewellery designer in the Far East, travelling often for research and sourcing purposes. I still recall my trips to Hong Kong; a spectrum of coloured gemstones surrounding me and pearls available to buy by the kilogram. I felt like a kid in a sweet shop. At the same time, those trips offered me a first-hand insight into the dark side of the jewellery trade; the cheap prices, child labour, abuse of natural resources and appalling mining conditions. I felt compelled to act upon the things I’d seen, so returned to Europe to study for a Masters in Jewellery Design at London’s Central Saint Martins, with a deep investigative focus on ethics.

Whilst researching, I was told bluntly by a London diamond dealer: “When you work in this trade, you sell your soul to the devil.”

Observing a desperate need for change and a gap in the fine jewellery market for sustainable luxury, I took matters into my own hands in 2006 by co-founding Leblas, the first ever ethical jewellery boutique on London’s prestigious Sloane Street. I spent five years there as Creative Director, establishing new conversations about traceability and sustainability with my filigree collections and one-off designs. When Leblas closed its doors in 2011, I could not shake the feeling that I must continue what I’d started, shaking up the jewellery industry from the inside out. Before long, the entity we now know as Lebrusan Studio was born.

Q From day one, what did you want to offer?

A Timeless, detailed, ornate designs inspired

by the stars in the sky, Mother Nature’s gifts of flora and fauna, and the visual symbols of my Spanish roots. I want these jewels

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CULTURE • PROFILE

BRIGHTON BEACH

ARTISAN FILIGREE COLLECTION

BESPOKE EARRINGS

to preserve cultural heritage and ensure knowledge may continue to be passed down from one generation to the next, fashioned by skilled artisans in family-run workshops using traditional craft techniques. I want them to alchemise high-quality fine materials that are either minimal in environmental impact or an active force for socioeconomic good. I want them to become heirloom jewels, standing the tests of time for generations to come.

Q How do you look to be sustainable?

A As an ethical jewellery brand, Lebrusan

Studio’s offering evolves to reflect everchanging environmental, social and political landscapes. The lens through which we currently choose to view the world is the Doughnut Economics framework, which concerns itself with the simultaneous demands of people and planet. Humanity’s challenge in the 21st century is to ensure that nobody falls short on life’s essentials (food, water, shelter, education, political voice, etc.) at the same time as reducing our collective strain on our planet’s vital life-supporting ecosystems (a stable climate, fertile soils, clean oceans, a protective ozone layer, etc.) In an ideal world, we exist comfortably within the social foundation and ecological ceiling – within the Doughnut. And so, as an ethical business,

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“Our offering evolves to reflect ever-changing environmental landscapes” every decision we make is centred on two fundamental questions. Are we investing in human beings and distributing wealth more fairly down the supply chain? Are we exceeding the scope of our environmental ceiling? Dealing in both socioeconomic reparations and environmental efforts means offering traceable artisanal metals like Fairmined Ecological Gold alongside recycled gold and platinum. It means offering artisanal Ocean Diamonds alongside reclaimed diamonds and gemstones. It means donating a fixed quarterly sum to The Water Project’s work in Sierra Leone alongside planting 10 new trees for every piece of jewellery sold.

Q What have been your recent launches?

A Most recently, we’ve lifted the lid on our

Perfectus mini-collection of outfit-completing stud earrings and necklaces. Delicate and understated, these jewels are designed to be worn with ease from morning ‘til night, making every day a special occasion. Handcrafted in the UK, they combine Fairtrade Gold with reclaimed vintage diamonds. Prior to that, we launched our Amare collection of delicate ‘love rings’ – wedding bands and commitment rings, in other words. These highly detailed designs showcase the best of traditional British craftsmanship.

Q Have you always been based in Brighton?

A Originally, Lebrusan Studio was a

Bedford-based venture. Having made the leap to the south coast six years ago, we feel at home here in this bustling city of diverse and creative people.

Q If you had to pick your three favourite

spots in Brighton, where would you choose?

A Riddle & Finn’s little restaurant in The

Lanes. Amazing starters and always beautiful fish. The beach: maybe a little cliché, but for me it’s a no-brainer. And the top of Hollingbury Hillfort, just a stone’s throw from my house.

Every time I need to feel my cobwebs blown away, I walk up there for a good view.

lebrusanstudio.com RIDDLE & FINN'S

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THOUGHTFUL CRAFTSMANSHIP

KK44860 | Kaare Klint

CARLHANSEN.COM

Retail prices incl. VAT.

RF1903 | Rikke Frost

The Sideways Sofa from Rikke Frost combines classic materials – wood, paper cord, and highquality upholstery textile – with a modern asymmetric shape.

With a focus on ergonomics and functionality, the KK44860 Side Table is a simple design, displaying traditional craft techniques and highlighting the unique qualities and the beauty of wood.

RF1903 Sideways Sofa, walnut, oil, Hallingdal 0200, £7,445 | KK44860 Side Table, walnut, oil, £1,128 | MO300 Wall Lamp, Powder-Coated Steel, black, £228

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FOOD & DRINK

AHEAD OF THE PACK THE WHITE HORSE

Absolutely Sussex is excited about the launch of an exciting new destination restaurant amid the rolling hills and ancient woodland of the South Downs National Park. The White Horse in Graffham, which was formerly a small country pub, has been completely refurbished and extended to create a new opening that’s sure to entice discerning travellers and gourmands to the county. Find out more over the page.

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Romantic

MEAL Looking at why The White Horse in Graffham is a love affair made in Sussex

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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE

GRANT JONES (AND FRIENDS)

THE ROOMS ARE BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED

T

he White Horse in Graffham is owned by tech entrepreneur, Glen Manchester, and his wife Asta. The pair, who live locally, were captivated by the tranquillity of the location and the beauty of the surrounding area and needed no extra persuasion when the opportunity to create a restaurant with rooms presented itself in April 2023. Work to realise their vision began immediately, starting with the creation of a large dining space, beautiful gardens, and six bedrooms which overlook the beautiful downland landscape. As we head into 2024, the fruits of their labour are now there for all to see and it is Absolutely Sussex’s one to watch this year.

The beautiful location boasts 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and sits within striking distance of Cowdray, Goodwood and the arty hub of Petworth.

The restaurant now comprises an inviting bar and 38 cover dining area, as well as a

ten-seater private dining room. Guests will also find six beautifully appointed bedrooms located separately to the restaurant, whilst the extensive garden which wraps around the building has plenty of seating.

The team in the kitchen is led by Chef de Cuisine, Grant Jones, who trained at Le Gavroche in Mayfair before becoming a sought-after international private chef for high profile clients. Grant brings his experience and passion for classical French cookery to the kitchen, with menus centred on contemporary and seasonal fare, capitalising on the abundance of great produce in the immediate area. All the venison, for example, is sourced through the Sussex Woods Deer Management Scheme, with the ethos around reducing the number of fallow deer on the South Downs to allow for accelerated regeneration of the woodland. The restaurant is proud of the great relationships it maintains with local gamekeepers, cheese makers, farmers and even a small fishing boat (run by father and son) at Chichester Harbour.

The restaurant offers guests the choice of either an a la carte or tasting menu. Typical dishes from the a la carte might include: Sussex pork terrine with caramelised apple purée & hazelnut salad (£12); Green Egg roasted crispy sweet potato fondant, sweet potato crisp, wild mushroom cream sauce & new season rainbow chard (£21); Wild sea bass, Jerusalem artichoke, lobster beignet & rouille (£32); Rack of South Downs lamb, braised shepherd’s pie & squash purée (£34); Sussex Pear charlotte, caramel sauce, homemade pear sorbet (£9); and Chocolate brownie, chocolate crisp, passionfruit purée & salted caramel ice cream (£9.50). An example from the daily specials menu is ‘Tourte de Chevreuil’, roasted & braised shoulder of South Harting fallow deer pie with parsnip purée, parasol Graffham mushrooms, glazed heirloom carrots, & venison jus.

Alternatively, the Tasting Menu comprises eight courses and is priced at £120 with an optional wine flight priced at an additional £90. The wine list has been curated by Tim Killen and features a fantastic array of global wines, including drops closer to home from Roebuck Estates Vineyard in Petworth; there are of course local ales and beers from the likes of Langham Brewery, as well as seasonally inspired cocktails.

The beautiful interiors have been designed by Sussex-based interior designer, Anna Hewitson, and each room is named after local wildflowers. The six en-suite bedrooms are the perfect bolthole for a countryside escape, with three of the rooms enjoying decked areas overlooking the fields and woodland beyond, and a fourth garden terrace being added in the new year. Botanical fabrics and a palate of soft hues are inspired by the surrounding landscape alongside sumptuous blankets, cushions, and fresh flowers. Guests will find a well-stocked mini bar; Nespresso coffee machine and in-room drinks list (for those wishing to enjoy an aperitivo in their room whilst taking in the views). The bathrooms are stocked with Bramley toiletries, fluffy robes and Dyson hairdryers. Of course, there will also be home-made treats from the kitchen and every room benefits from a Samsung smart TV should one wish to pop on an afternoon film. Rooms are available from £175 per night B&B – so cheer yourself up this January with a visit to one of Sussex’s hottest destinations. whitehorsegraffham.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FARM toTABLE Simple, seasonal recipes to warm you up this January Wo r d s J U L I U S R O B E R T S P h o t o g r a p h y E L E N A H E AT H E R W I C K

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Beetroot soup & three toppings Makes 8 proper bowlfuls

This is one of those recipes my family just live off, a dish we return to again and again, at its heart deeply simple and uplifting. Velvety and voluptuous, this soup bubbles away like a cauldron of lava and is wonderfully nourishing.

Seasoned with a little cider vinegar to brighten the earthy richness, it’s a dinner party classic I often serve as a starter because of its striking colour, but it’s equally at home eaten on your knees. I’ve given you three toppings that will bring this soup to life, so you can vary how you eat it depending on what you have to hand.

INGREDIENTS • 1.5kg beetroots • 100ml cider vinegar • 200ml creme fraiche or double cream Your choice of topping • A few slices of smoked eel and a dollop of fiery horseradish sauce • Crumbly goat’s cheese and dill • Natural yoghurt and toasted cumin seeds

METHOD 1 Start by giving the beets a good scrub in the sink to remove any grit. Don’t peel or trim the tops; you want them intact, to preserve the vivid colour.

2 Place in a large pan and cover with water, then pour in the vinegar and season with a proper handful of salt. Bring to the boil, then set to a simmer with the lid on for about 1 hour, until completely tender. You should be able to easily pierce them to the core with a knife.

3 Take the beets out and leave them to cool in a bowl, but keep all the cooking liquor. When cool enough to handle, peel off the skins: they should come away easily with a squeeze from your thumb – I think it’s one of the most satisfying jobs in the kitchen, but wear a pair of Marigolds or your hands will be pink for days.

4 Chop the beetroots into quarters and place in a high-speed blender, then top up with a little of the cooking water and blitz into a thick pourable soup. You might need to do this in two or three batches.

Taste as you go, as you don’t want to overdo it with the vinegary water, though the vinegar is a key part of the seasoning and cuts through excessive earthiness.

5 Add the creme fraiche while blitzing in the blender and it will lighten and aerate the soup into a lovely velvety texture. It should taste divine and be the most incredible colour, but make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to get the balance right.

6 Warm back up in a pan, and finish with your chosen toppings. This keeps in the fridge for up to a week, and you can freeze any leftovers for a rainy day.

Epic tarragon roast chicken Serves 5

This is a great roast chicken, the heart of home cooking and one of life’s great pleasures. I relish the ritual, my family’s fight over the wings, the secret chef ’s treats of the oysters, the leftover sandwiches and bubbling stocks. There is no meal that makes me feel more at home. In my mind, there are three keys to a good roast chicken: juicy meat, brown salty skin and, most importantly, a ton of sauce. And it’s the sauce of this chicken that really sets it apart: handfuls of tarragon, lashings of cream and a proper dollop of mustard, which when combined with the cooking juices, garlic and wine, creates a truly epic mouthful.

INGREDIENTS • 1 organic chicken • 3 tbsp olive oil • 1 whole head of garlic • 250ml quality double cream • A 20g bunch of fresh tarragon, stalks removed, roughly chopped • 1 large heaped tbsp Dijon mustard • A glass of dry white wine

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 220C fan and start by spatchcocking the

chicken. To do this, turn it over and cut along one side of the spine from the tail to the neck. Then turn it over, open out the two sides and press down hard to flatten it. Your butcher will gladly do this for you.

2 Lay the chicken in a large, highsided roasting tray, season generously with salt on both sides and leave for an hour at room temperature so it loses the chill of the fridge.

3 When ready, generously drizzle the skin with olive oil and work it into all the nooks and crannies. Smash the head of garlic and hide the cloves underneath the chicken, then roast in the oven for 20–30 minutes, until the skin begins to turn golden brown.

4 Meanwhile, mix the cream, tarragon and mustard in a bowl and season well. After 20–30 minutes, turn the oven down to 140C fan, take out the chicken and pour a generous glass of white wine into the tray. Then pour the tarragon cream all over the chicken and place back in the oven for 30–40 minutes until it’s ready.

5 To judge when it’s cooked, I check the deepest part of the thigh with a temperature probe, looking for 65– 70C. If you don’t have one, prod this point with a skewer and ensure the juices run clear. At this point, remove from the oven and leave to rest for 15 minutes, covered loosely with a bit of foil. Carve straight into the tray and serve as you like, with lots of the sauce, garlic and a zingy green salad.

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

“The ideal is to end up with a beautiful sauce and plums that still hold their shape” INGREDIENTS

Stewed plums, whipped yoghurt, mint & granola Serves 6 In September the plum tree by the veg patch hangs heavy with fruit, its branches laden like a strained washing line on the brink of collapse. How this small tree produces such bountiful abundance each year bemuses me; often a branch or two fracture under the weight of fruit. We pick them by the basket, teetering on a rickety ladder and battling the wasps, to make jams, gins, chutneys and all sorts.

This recipe is a particular favourite that is just as good for breakfast as it is after a sunny September lunch. I got the idea for the yoghurt folded with whipped cream and honey from the pastry chef Nicola Lamb – it’s a wonderful twist that gives it a lighter and more elegant touch, but I often use labneh instead.

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• 80g quality granola or pistachios • 30g butter • 6–10 plums, depending on size, halved and destoned • 20g golden caster sugar • 60ml Madeira, brandy or sweet sherry • 280ml double cream • 1–2 tbsp runny honey • 350ml natural yoghurt • A couple of sprigs of fresh mint

METHOD 1 Preheat your oven to 160C fan.

If using pistachios, pour them into a tray or ovenproof pan and cook for about 10–15 minutes max, until they are toasted and crunchy but not burnt. Set a timer – I always forget!

2 Put a wide frying pan on a mediumhigh heat and add the butter. When it begins to foam, swirl it around, then add the plums, cut side down. Ideally, they should fill the pan. Sprinkle over the sugar and let it gently sizzle so that the plums release their juice, then pour in the Madeira. A lovely thick and unctuous sauce should slowly be created.

3 Before the plums get too soft, turn them over to cook the other side.

The ideal is to end up with a beautiful sauce and plums that still hold their shape, but are soft and delicious. So don’t cook them for too long, and add a splash of water if the sauce gets too thick. You need enough for each person to get a spoonful.

4 While the plums are cooking, pour the cream into a large bowl. Whip it until it is light and voluptuous, but still has a nice movement to it. Whipping cream perfectly is an art, taking it far enough to create that luxurious feel, but not so far that it begins to solidify.

When ready, drizzle in a tablespoon of honey and add the yoghurt. Gently fold together and taste; you can add a touch more honey, but don’t overdo it.

5 Finally, crush the toasted pistachios, if using, and roughly chop the mint leaves. Spoon a generous dollop of the cream into a bowl and make a crater in the middle. Add two or three warm plum halves and a spoon of the sauce, then top with the granola or pistachios and mint. You can make a lot of this ahead; just slightly underdo the plums so that you can warm them up again without overcooking them. But the active ingredients in the yoghurt will begin to work on the cream if left too long, so I would recommend making that more or less in the moment.

Extracted from The Farm Table by Julius Roberts (Ebury Press, £27)

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & TRAVEL • FEATURE

Not to be

S N E E Z E D

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Top tips from Ceres Health Store in Worthing on how to tackle the common cold this winter

T

he common cold is quite possibly the UK’s most common illness, with statistics showing that most adults experience on average two to four colds a year, and children more still. Colds and flu are caused by viruses and since there are over 200 of these in existence, it’s easy to see why we get so many. They are also very easily spread, as we know only too well.

Many spread from person to person through nasal droplets secreted during coughing and sneezing. You have to be standing less than one metre away from someone to be infected by a sneeze.

The virus attacks the lining of the nose, throat and sinuses, which swell and produce increased amounts of mucus and fluids. Typically, symptoms tend to include blocked sinuses, a runny nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing, as well as a general feeling of being unwell.

If you’re looking to support your immune health this winter, there are several remedies that can help to keep your average cold and flu at bay as we head into a new year.

Perhaps one of the most effective and well-researched is Echinacea. A powerful immune-supportive herb, it works by improving the way the immune system responds to bugs, especially the common cold. In one report researchers found that Echinacea purpurea can more than halve the risk of catching a cold and, if you’ve already caught a cold, reduce its duration by a day and a half.

When using Echinacea, it is important to make sure both parts of the plant are used. The root of the plant has been found to be strongly anti-inflammatory, whilst the aerial part demonstrates antiviral activity. Also check for one that is made with fresh extracts of Echinacea purpurea (as opposed to dried), which means its activity is greater than that found in dried extracts.

ECHINACEA

Specific vitamins and minerals can also lend support. Vitamin C is of course widely documented for its immune system potential; viruses find it hard to survive in a vitamin C-rich environment. Food sources include peppers, watercress, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, lemons, kiwi fruit, melon and tomatoes. Vitamin C supplements can also be effective, although the body cannot actually absorb much more than around 60mg at one time, so lower doses several times a day are often more effective.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & TRAVEL • FEATURE

“VITAMIN D IS IMPORTANT FOR IMMUNE HEALTH, AS IS THE MINERAL ZINC” CASHEW NUTS GIVE YOU A HIT OF ZINC

Vitamin D is also important for immune health, as is the mineral zinc. Egg yolks, soy milk and cereals are good sources of vitamin D and pumpkin seeds, cashews and chickpeas are great for getting your fix of zinc. Alternatively, Immune Support from A.Vogel combines all three, including a vegan source of vitamin D, and the edible flower Nasturtium, in itself a source of vitamin C. For nasal congestion and catarrh, you could try Po-Ho Oil. A combination of natural essential oils, including Po-Ho (Mandarin for Peppermint), Eucalyptus, Juniper, Caraway and Fennel, Po-Ho Oil can be inhaled as a vapour when diluted in a bowl of hot water. Use very sparingly, one drop is plenty, or put one or two drops

onto a hankie and place under your pillow at night. Wash hands thoroughly after use.

In addition to herbal remedies, you’ll want to make sure your diet is as healthy as possible. Good immunesupportive foods include garlic, onions, olives, beetroot, peppers, apples, nuts, seeds, tofu, miso, lemon, lime, honey, blueberries... you know the drill, but generally lots of colourful ingredients.

Friendly bacteria and good intestinal health are also important. When you are first exposed to a virus, your immune system uses antibodies to bind to the virus in the respiratory and digestive tracts. These antibodies work to prevent the virus from entering the body further, and also identify it to be destroyed.

LIVE, NATURAL YOGHURT IS GOOD FOR GUT HEALTH

46

ADD COLOUR TO YOUR DIET

Roughly 70% of your active immune cells are found in your gut, and they don’t work very well without the ‘good bacteria’ that live there. Think of them as your very own internal defence force. Live, natural yoghurt is a good food source, and if you’re supplementing with a probiotic aim for 5-25 billion friendly bacteria daily. Try Molkosan Fruit Digestion for some extra digestive benefit.

Finally, practice good hygiene. The single most important precaution you can take to prevent the spread of colds and flu is to wash your hands. Rub your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, which is the length of time it takes to recite the alphabet or to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice.

For further advice pop in to see the team at Ceres Health Food Store, 29 Goring Road, Worthing BN12 4AR or call 01903 242023

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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HEALTH & TRAVEL • WELLNESS

School of THOUGHT Absolutely Sussex finds out why Eastbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep have been awarded a top wellbeing award

E

astbourne College and St Andrew’s Prep have been honoured with a national award for their range of unique initiatives to boost overall wellbeing.

Both schools now hold the Wellbeing Award for Schools, which recognises outstanding work to promote mental health and wellbeing within school communities in England, granted

by Optimus Education in partnership with the National Children’s Bureau.

Eastbourne College was applauded for its flexible and tailored support for pupils and their families, as well as the various programmes introduced in addition to the school counselling service, with older pupils taking on the role of mentor for younger ones.

These include Whizz Kids, where Year 11 pupils offer support to younger pupils in their house, Year 13 pupils who take responsibility as peer listeners, and the Listening Service, where trained staff and pupils provide an ear to those who need to talk. The online Teen Tips hub was also recognised as a valuable service for pupils and parents, aiding understanding on issues linked to mental health and wellbeing.

Gwen Taylor Hall, deputy head (pastoral) at Eastbourne College, says: “This award is the culmination of a huge team effort involving pupils, staff and parents raising the profile of wellbeing by acknowledging what wellbeing looks like for themselves and for those around them. Key to this is offering the right support for our pupils and encouraging them to talk.

“Staff want to support pupils’ development and recognise that learning is only possible

when everyone is comfortable and cared for,” she adds. “We’re proud to have several trained Mental Health First Aiders on our team.”

St Andrew’s Prep was praised for its peer support groups, including maths buddies, reading buddies and a Play Leaders scheme, where older pupils buddy up with younger ones at playtime, the Snug for pupils to drop in and more formal listening appointments with a member of staff, plus its coffee and cake parenting course.

Tom Lawson, headmaster of Eastbourne College, says: “Wellbeing is built into our founding ethos – our school motto is ‘Ex Oriente Salus’, meaning ‘safety’ or ‘health from the east’, so we’re delighted to receive the Wellbeing Award for Schools.

“Alongside our support services, we hold wellbeing sessions and assemblies to help remove stigma around mental health. We’re also proud to call ourselves a ‘Blue Health’ school, providing opportunities for every pupil to get a healthy balance every day and lots of time in the great outdoors.”

Tom Gregory, headmaster at St Andrew’s Prep, adds: “It’s wonderful to be recognised for our dedication to wellbeing, which sits at the forefront of our educational programme.”

For more information, visit eastbourne-college.co.uk and standrewsprep.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BUILD THE HOME GYM YOU’VE ALWAYS JANUARY OFFERS WANTED Make 2024 your strongest year yet with Fitness Superstore’s January offers on leading home gym equipment! Discover some of the industry’s biggest brands at the best possible prices, get some top home gym advice from our expert team and get to grips with any of our cardio and strength products in-store before you buy.

As used by

Multi-Functional Trainer

Zack George

Two 90kg weight stacks Range of cable attachments included

UK’s Fittest Man 2020

List Price £2,299.99 | Our Price £1,599

Come and see us at our Tunbridge Wells store today!

Pro Round Rubber Dumbbell Set

Quote ABSOSUS0124 for exclusive in-store deals

Includes 5kg, 10kg, 12.5kg, 15kg, 17.5kg, 20kg, 22.5kg and 25kg dumbbells plus the Body Power 40” Dumbbell Rack

List Price £1,832.91 | Our Price £949.99

DISCOVER OUR RANGE OF TREADMILLS, BIKES, CROSS TRAINERS, RACKS, WEIGHTS & BARBELLS Try Before You Buy

Expert In-Store Advice

Never Beaten on Price

Visit us at 30-34 Grosvenor Rd, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 2AP or call 01892 883747

0% Finance Available †

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Prices may vary, see website for current prices. † Subject to age and status.

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HEALTH & TRAVEL • FITNESS

FITNESS

TOP

PICKS

NOTES

THREE HIKING STAPLES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

WARM UP This half-zip top is designed to keep the chills out, making the perfect layer for hiking. Soft and warm, the fabric is treated with a plant seed-based finish to help wick sweat as you climb to your destination, £88. lululemon.co.uk

S U P E R

TR AINER

ALL DAY EXPLORING This waterproof hiking boot is designed for all trails, and to withstand all weather conditions.

With excellent heel stability and Missiongrip™ technology, you'll feel secure on the most uneven terrain, £190. on-running.com

STAY WARM Filled with responsibly-sourced down for unbeatable warmth, this jacket is ideal for cold, wet days on the trail. It also has clever FlashDry™ technology, which wicks away moisture to keep you dry and comfortable if you start to sweat, £315. thenorthface.co.uk

Carly Glendinning meets celebrity personal trainer and founder of LDM Louisa Drake

I

’s Friday and I’m sitting in the waiting area at UNTIL, home to some of the UK’s top health and wellness professionals. I’m here to meet Louisa Drake, founder of the Louisa Drake Method, and known for training celebrities from Gwynth Paltrow to Rooney Mara. Louisa bounds around the corner, with a huge smile and I warm to her immediately. She puts me through my paces on the reformer Pilates machine and takes me through exercises with free weights, Pilates resistance bands, and a ball.

As I perform each movement, Louisa assesses my strengths and weaknesses, checking which side feels more comfortable.

We discuss my fitness goals and areas I want to improve (I

have a toddler, so it’s my core and pelvic floor). “I’m already making a mental note of which LDM videos will be great for you,” she says as I get ready to leave. The following week, an incredibly detailed fitness plan with nutritional guidelines, as well as notes about my weaker areas and how to improve them, lands in my inbox. Armed with my LDM Total Workout Kit, I’m all set to log onto the LDM platform and start training. With a background as a professional dancer, choreographer, and movement coach, Louisa’s programme is fusion of Pilates, yoga, barre, and HIIT. She’s recommended I aim for three full-body strength and resistance based sessions and two-three HIIT/

cardio sessions per week.

Before meeting Louisa, I think I might have found this a bit daunting, but I’m so fired up after our session that I stick to it and find myself really enjoying it. The videos are led by different LDM instructors and I try a combination of 'Barre', 'Sculpt', 'Refine, Core' and Louisa’s signature 'Shape Changer' classes. I’ve noticed a huge difference in a few short weeks and I'd highly recommend a one-to-one with Louisa to supercharge your routine.

Access to the LDM Virtual Studio starts from £20 a month. One-to-one session pricing on request; louisadrake.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Waiting for Cataract Surgery See clearly again with rapid access to cataract surgery You can be treated within a couple of weeks at Centre for Sight, one of the most advanced eye hospitals in the UK by world renowned surgeons using some of the most advanced technology available worldwide. This might be your opportunity to also be free of glasses using high performance lens implants.

Call for more information FREEPHONE 0808 304 4357 enquiries@centreforsight.com www.centreforsight.com

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HEALTH & TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

Skin Rejuvenators: Obagi Peel and LED Therapy

FRESH START How you can rejuvenate your skin this January

A

s we usher in the new year, it’s the perfect moment to indulge in a revitalising journey for your skin. We review five exquisite ways the doctor-led team at No.109 the Wellness Clinic can rejuvenate your skin this January and beyond.

Start a new skincare routine Power your new year skin transformation with an advanced skin consultation. The stateof-the-art face scanner at No.109 accurately assesses the age and condition of your skin enabling the clinic’s experts to come up with a premium skincare routine tailored to your skin (£65 for report and plan).

Medical-Grade Facials: The Essence of Advanced Skin Care Known for their advanced techniques and superior results. Among the top choices include the Hydrafacial. This multi-step process seamlessly integrates cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, and hydration, leaving your skin luminous and rejuvenated (£110).

For those craving an even more advanced treatment, AquaGold is micro-

infusion device that delivers a bespoke cocktail of ingredients directly into the skin combined with LED light therapy, addressing specific concerns such as fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone (£200).

Complementing this is the Skin Pen Microneedling treatment, a precise solution to stimulate collagen production and kickstart your skin’s natural rejuvenation process (£250).

Skin Boosters – Vivid Vitality Unleashed

Embark on a transformative experience with the Obagi Peel, a medical-grade chemical peel designed to address a myriad of skin concerns, from sun damage to acne scars.

The Obagi Peel exfoliates the skin, revealing a fresh layer underneath, and promotes collagen production for lasting results (£120).

Complementing this is LED Therapy, a non-invasive technique harnessing the power of light to stimulate cellular activity. This treatment accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and promotes collagen production (£45).

Nutritional & Gut Health: The Foundation of Radiance Beauty begins from within, and what better way to boost your skin rejuvenation journey than by addressing nutritional and gut health, with nutritional therapy? Introduce your skin to a 2, 6 or 12-week course designed to nourish from the inside out. A bespoke plan, tailored to your needs, will ensure your skin receives the nutrients it craves for a healthy, radiant glow (from £169).

Book at consultation and invest in your skin's health at 109wellnessclinic.com, call 01903 350109 or visit at 109 Sea Road East Preston, West Sussex BN16 1NX NO. 109 THE WELLNESS CLINIC OFFER MICRONEEDLING

Elevate your skin’s hydration and firmness with the next level of skincare innovation – skin boosters. Volite, a cutting-edge injectable treatment, replenishes and revitalizes your skin from within. Its unique formulation provides long-lasting hydration and a natural plumpness, ensuring your skin exudes a youthful glow (£250).

Profhilo, hailed as the 'liquid facelift', redefines anti-aging solutions. This injectable hyaluronic acid treatment stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved skin elasticity and a remarkably smoother complexion.

Bid farewell to fine lines and welcome a renewed, lifted appearance (£250).

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family.

3,750 2 , 4,720 3 5,180 4 7

Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM

The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.

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HEALTH & TRAVEL • PARTNERSHIP

scenic trails of the South Downs National Park, perfect for hiking and cycling. For thrill-seekers, the nearby Goodwood Estate, home to the world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed, boasts a range of activities, including go-karting, horse riding, and even hot air balloon rides.

CULTURAL KICKS

BREAK FROM THE NORM Discover the charm of West Wittering and West Sussex: a perfect destination for the whole family

W

est Wittering beach has been a family favourite for generations.

Soft golden sands, a balmy microclimate and ideal conditions for watersports put it firmly on the map of Great Britain’s best beaches.

It’s not just the beach though that has those in the know returning year after year.

Picture chocolate-box countryside dotted with historic towns and villages; a wine region renowned for its exquisite sparkling, often compared to the finest Champagne; rolling hills, endless hiking trails and breathtaking views; and culture in abundance. This idyllic region is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

BEACH DAYS The crown jewel is six and a half miles of beach to explore. Stretching from the National Trust’s East Head, a haven for bird watchers

and dog walkers; through the powder soft sands of West Wittering where families picnic and play beach cricket; and down to the shingle beaches of East Wittering and Bracklesham Bay where kids boogie board in the shallow surf at low tide, and adrenaline seeking kite and wind surfers power through the waves whatever the weather.

ADVENTURE AWAITS Beyond the beach, West Sussex boasts an array of outdoor activities. Explore the

West Sussex is steeped in history and culture, providing endless opportunities for family-friendly outings. Adventure through Britain’s naval past at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard; delight in some jousting at an Arundel Castle medieval festival; battle with the Gladiators at Fishbourne Roman Palace; journey through time at the Weald & Downland Living Museum; be awe-inspired by the architecture of Chichester Cathedral or enjoy some drama at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS Sussex boasts over 50 vineyards, more than any other region in the UK. Each offer visitors a unique experience from wine tasting and fine dining to vineyard tours and learning experiences. The topography, which rivals the champagne producing regions of France combined with the climate, creates perfect growing conditions, hence the huge number of quality vineyards to explore. If you love food with your wine the area boasts a wealth of fabulous pubs and restaurants, serving quality local produce.

LUXURY STAYS To find the best holiday properties to rent in the area, check out Wellies & Windbreaks.

Beach-front, hot tub, large occupancy, pet friendly, couples’ retreats... whatever you are looking for they have something for every occasion. Wellies & Windbreaks are specialists in the area and know each and every property they manage inside out. Amanda and her small team value a personal approach and love to share their local knowledge so you can enjoy an unforgettable family holiday in this enchanting corner of England.

Facebook: @welliesandwindbreaks Instagram: wellies_and_windbreaks welliesandwindbreaks.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS

L I N E UP B E N JA M I N M O O R E

For 2024, Benjamin Moore is suggesting that we use masking tape to play with angles and introduce unexpected geometry to coving in a fearless, eyecatching colour such as this Outrageous Orange. Furniture and accessories in the same shade lock the scheme together. benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk

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INTERIORS • PROFILE PAVILLION GARDEN STRIPE

GEORGIA METCALFE

We meet Georgia Metcalfe, the founder of French Bedroom, to discuss Haywards Heath and Hannah Waddingham

F

rench Bedroom was founded in 2006 by Georgia Metcalfe.

After spotting a gap in the market for feminine, Frenchstyle beds, a style that Georgia loved for its romantic and feminine look, there seemed to be nothing equivalent in the UK so she decided to go into business for herself. Georgia fuses creativity and design to produce authentic and thoughtful furniture, described by fans as ‘antiques of the future’.

As founder and creative director, Georgia is the visionary heartbeat of the brand, which is based in Haywards Heath. She is hands-on throughout the design process, from sourcing fabrics to designing patterns and constructing shapes. Absolutely Sussex sat down with her to find out more.

Q What was it about French-style beds that first caught your eye?

A I adore antiques and love the romantic and feminine look of French-style beds. I even asked my parents for one for my 30th birthday. I’d bought my first flat in London and wanted a beautiful bed that was not only functional, but acted as a piece of art, forming the centrepiece of my bedroom.

Q How did this evolve into launching your own business?

A It was a challenge to find a French-style bed in the UK, nothing seemed to be the visual equivalent.

I saw a gap in the market and began my new venture. From visiting trade shows to building relationships with suppliers, I noticed that the bed manufacturing industry was typically maledominated due to it often being associated with factories and heavy machinery. Women, however, typically spend more time in their bedrooms and often are the decision-makers when it comes to bedroom purchases, so I noticed not only a gap in the product market, but within the industry too.

Q Was it a challenge to get off the ground?

A Sometimes a momentary daydream

becomes so strong that you can’t help thinking ‘What if…’. And then ‘Why not?’, and before you know it you’re designing a logo, buying sample products, booking a photographer and buying flowers for the photoshoot.

But before launching the business I had to source beds. I could either buy them ready-made from UK suppliers, or design and manufacture them via factories. Supplier sourcing was expensive, and factories wanted bulk orders, so it was very difficult to navigate at the beginning. I was buying beds in ones and twos at the start.

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The launch coincided with the birth of our daughter Layla – and when my husband Ben joined the company, money was tight. We used our London flat as a showroom and good friends helped us build the website and take pictures for the catalogue.

Q How different does French Bedroom look today?

A Now we celebrate over 17 years of creativity, craftsmanship and love. Today French Bedroom has its own in-house, all female, design, sourcing and manufacturing teams.

We research and develop each product with meticulous love and care, treating it with the importance as if it were for our own bedrooms and homes – we love what we sell, we always have, and we hope it shows.

Q How do you go about creating new products, from design to completion?

A Inspiration always starts with travel.

Most recently I visited Granville, an historic walled town with old townhouses, cobbled streets and historic fortifications – the town is irresistibly dramatic and whimsical, adorned with timeless, weathered architectural beauty to influence new designs. My highlight was a trip to Villa "Les Rhumbs", Christian Dior’s childhood home, a Belle Epoque style 19th century clifftop villa overlooking the sea filled with haute couture garments and inspiration aplenty! This visit inspired

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three beds – before I’d even left the building!

Surrounding myself in new places and immersing myself in anything and everything feminine always sends me into a creative zone that I can’t quite emulate at home.

Once I have the new designs in my head, I share the vision with my team using photographs, sketches, fabric samples, descriptions, cuttings and mood boards. I do have a reputation for bringing back a suitcase full of treasure from French brocantes or sourced from nature – olive branches, dried leaves, flowers – I have become quite adept at packing branches of olive or ginko trees to feature in our photoshoots much to my team (and children’s) amusement!

From there, my incredibly talented design team begins to map out the detail of the product working closely with our extended factory teams to ensure that the beauty will match the quality; our making methods and choice of material are key. Our furniture requires longevity so they can become treasured pieces, passed down through generations.

It is a very collaborative manufacturing process to ensure the vision is accurately translated into the final product. It can be tempting on the factory floor to lose some of the thoughtful design elements, to reduce the time or cost per unit, but I refuse to compromise, ‘there is always a way’. From fabric to delicate details such as hinges, feet

or handle choices, I’m always finding new design techniques to refine prototypes.

Q What are your most recent launches?

A We recently launched the Gustavian, a

collection consisting of seven new designs fusing together the stunning union of linear Swedish design with luxurious French neoclassicism. The Gustavian collection pays tribute to the kinship that exists between French and Swedish furniture designs and is the perfect blend of clean-lined architectural Gustavian form and geometric profiles, defined by a simple silhouette.

Each piece is expertly handcrafted with enduring beauty; over time the ash wood will season to develop a warm patina that only the authenticity of time can evoke.

Q Tell us about championing women…

A I am always inspired by other women.

Women can do so much more than the media and society give them credit for. My girl crush is Hannah Waddingham, who exudes femininity. I particularly related to her character in Ted Lasso – that’s how it’s often felt for me in this industry. Within the walls of French Bedroom, the environment is the antidote to that, we have a 70% female workforce, our Managing Director is a woman, our design team is all female, our key partners (including web development team) are led by women, and collectively

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we serve a 90% female audience.

We’re constantly looking for ways to offer women with female-founded businesses the opportunity to collaborate with us. We have several female-run factories within our supply chain, and one of my favourites is a family-run factory in Pakistan, led by a remarkable woman, who is not just successfully running the factory, exporting globally, but also has a young family, within a society that has everything against her.

We have female independent seamstresses in the UK hand-making our cushions and bags.

Our fabric designers are women. Our lighting is handmade by a fabulous woman in London.

Our upholstered headboards are hand-sewn and upholstered by a family of women with over 75 years’ experience, all based in the UK, which we’re incredibly proud of.

Authenticity is a core brand value and with women at our core, it’s important they’re represented and feel understood – at every touchpoint.

Q How long have you been based in Haywards Heath?

A Haywards Heath is an excellent base for the business, we’ve been here for over 15 years CHATEAUNEUF RUSTIC RATTAN BED

now. The train journey helps us reach London in 45 minutes and Brighton in 20 minutes, this gives a great balance for creative trips as well as commercially-focused meetings. Attracting great staff to work at our head office in Haywards Heath is also made easier due to the picturesque commute. A peaceful, semi-rural setting, it makes a great base for family life too and the kids enjoy the annual autumnal visit to Sheffield Park. It’s such a joy to be based so close to the office as the business has grown.

Q How has 2023 been for French Bedroom?

A We’re feeling very fortunate to have had

such a good year, the team has grown and in all departments we’ve found ways to try new things. Customers continue to trust us for those all important pieces in their homes and sales are up on last year, which we know has been tough for the retail sector. The team expansion has also led to a new office that we’re looking forward to redecorating in 2024.

The real highlight of 2023 has been launching five new own-brand furniture collections, from upholstered beds to hand carved wood. Plus, two new exclusive fabrics in toile and a vintage floral, which even made their way onto tote bags! This is the most we’ve ever launched in a calendar year and the feedback we receive from customers has never been better.

BOODLES & BLUES CHEST OF DRAWERS

Find out more by visiting frenchbedroom.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

GEORGIAN GRANDEUR

H

Stepping behind closed doors of an elegant property with far reaching South Downs views

orton Hall is an elegant and beautifully proportioned classic Georgian country house, situated in a semi-rural yet accessible position, nestled at the foot of Truleigh Hill just outside the bounds of the South Downs National Park.

Believed to date from c1812, the house is typically neo-classical in design, externally characterised by rendered elevations with elegant sash windows under a hipped slate roof and a particularly graceful double-fronted southern elevation, its symmetry in keeping with principles of Georgian architecture.

Internally, the accommodation boasts a number of fine original features, with high ceilings, magnificent sash windows with large folding window shutters, period fireplaces, stone and oak flooring, and a beautiful turned staircase rising to a horseshoe gallery on the first floor. During their ownership, the current owners have redecorated and partially refurbished the house with careful consideration for its period character, resulting in a well-presented and comfortable family home; there is planning permission to significantly extend and further enhance the house by creating additional reception space and bedroom suites.

To the south of the house is a beautiful York stone terrace, edged by lavender and A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • REAL HOME

“The 'Little House' is a former stable in the style of the main house” box, with two avenues of young ginkgo trees and a brick-built pizza oven. From here an original front door, flanked by Doric columns, opens to a small porch and on to the reception hall, a beautiful vaulted space with double-height arched window.

Two formal reception rooms, the drawing room and the dining room lie either side of the hall, both dual-aspect and featuring original open fireplaces, the drawing room fireplace with an ornate carved timber surround and inset woodburner (new in 2022). Beyond the drawing room is a bookshelf-lined playroom (or study).

The kitchen, breakfast and family room clearly forms the hub of the home for day to day family life, with plenty of space for a central breakfast table and for sofas around a gas log-effect fire in one corner.

The kitchen area is fitted with a range of hand painted bespoke cabinetry with wood block worktops and a marble-topped island, together with a two-oven Aga and various appliances, and has a door opening to the terrace to the east of the house.

A door opens from the reception hall to a split level rear hall at the back of the house, in turn leading to a cloakroom with WC and a utility room with space for the usual appliances. Steps descend to the lower ground floor, which has a flagstone floor and leads on to the leisure suite, comprising a wine store, heated indoor pool and a changing room with shower, basin, separate WC and timber HELO Sauna. The boiler/ plantroom offers useful cellar storage.

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There are six bedrooms on the first floor, all recently redecorated in beautiful muted tones in keeping with the elegant character of the house. The principal suite is particularly impressive, comprising a dual-aspect bedroom with wonderful southerly views and a range of bespoke wardrobes with walnut and silk detailing, a walk-in dressing room with walnut fittings, and a large re-fitted en-suite bathroom with a stylish suite including a roll top bath, large walk-in rain shower, twin basins and a separate WC. The guest bedroom has an equally stylish en-suite shower room; the remaining bedrooms are served by two further bathrooms.

Hidden from the road, Horton Hall is approached via a private lane which leads to a gated driveway and turning circle, with central fountain, to the north of the house; just off the turning circle is a substantial timber garage and workshop.

There are two principal areas of formal grounds: to the east of the house is a part-walled garden with a central weeping willow, encircled by a charming pond lined with irises; in the corner of the garden is a glass house and adjoining studio with power and water connected.

The recently installed south-facing York stone terrace is positioned to take advantage of the wonderful views of the Downs, and there is an expanse of lawn lying to the south. To the far southeastern corner is a wrought iron fence enclosed wildflower meadow planted with fruit trees, and at the far end of the lawn the 'Little House' – a former stable in the style of the main house.

Horton Hall has a guide price of £2,750,000.

Find out more by contacting Savills Haywards Heath on 01444 446 008 savills.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

12/12/2023 11:51

Hand Crafting beds for over 35 years Established since 1967 Friendly, knowledgeable Service Fast, Free Delivery | Award Winning Independent | Family Business

01273 777888 | 01273 888777 262-266 Portland Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 5QU | info@brighton-beds.co.uk | www.brighton-beds.co.uk

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Showroom: 27 Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5DY

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INTERIORS • TREND MINIFORMS Illo Coffee Table, £520 gomodern.co.uk

BOBBI BECK GINGER RAY

Brown Geometric Zen Garden Pattern Wallpaper Mural, £32 bobbibeck.com

Merry and Bright Dinner Candles, £7.95 gingerray.co.uk

SAZY

ROSE & GREY Braided Tulip Basket, £35 roseandgrey.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

EBB & FLOW Horizon Surface Wall Lamp, £279 limelace.co.uk

Rosta Stackable Aluminium Chair, £99 sazy.com

MERRY& & BRIGHT Bold colours for a bit of new year cheer

By P E N D L E H A R T E

PALAVA Napkin Set Red Cave, £14.50 palava.co

BODE LIVING Duo Red Photo Frame, £22.50 bode-living.com

LIGNE ROSET Coupole Table Lamp, £184 ariashop.co.uk

VARIER Ekstrem Chair in Knitted Velvet, £2,699 backinaction.co.uk

HAY Neon Tube LED Light, £65 skandium.com

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SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998

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Verandas • Glass Rooms • Awnings • Pergolas Carports • Solar Garage Doors & Shutters • Parasols • Conservatory Sail Blinds Glass Wind Screens for patios, awnings, verandas and parasols !

We provide comprehensive awning services, f rom cleaning and repairs to seasonal maintenance.

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Carbon Neutral | Inspired by Nature | 100% Recyclable | hypnosbeds.com *Offer available for a limited time – please ask in-store for details. Terms and conditions apply.

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INTERIORS • CALENDARS EDITOR’S PICK

NOBLE MACMILLAN Leather Diaries, £59 noblemacmillan.com

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AIM STUDIO Personalised Diary Planner, £26 aimstudio.co

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SMYTHSON MAKING MEADOWS Floral Tiger Weekly Planner Desk Pad, £11.50 makingmeadows.co.uk

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Portobello Diary, £250 smythson.com

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E D U C AT I O N

NATURAL LEARNING VINEHALL SCHOOL

Vinehall is a leading co-educational day, boarding school and nursery for children between the ages of 2 and 13. They foster a love of learning for its own sake by encouraging children to think for themselves. One way they do this is by making full use of their East Sussex setting, embracing the principles of Forest School to develop children with a love for nature. Find out more over the page.

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PICTURE Joff Powis, Head of Vinehall School in East Sussex, on how they encourage their pupils to love the natural world and how this helps develop their all round character

Q Can you give us a brief overview of the history of Vinehall School?

A In 1902, the Ashton family bought Vinehall and enlarged the house to create the building we recognise today. It is believed that the great Joseph Paxton designed the grounds. In 1938, the house was sold to Mary Jacoby, who was headmistress of nearby Battle Abbey School for Girls, and she saw the opportunity to set up her son with a neighbouring boys’ school.

Vinehall became a school in the late summer of 1938 with six pupils on roll. The school has thrived and evolved ever since, becoming co-educational and a charitable trust, growing a pre-prep and a nursery, and recently welcoming a partnership with the Repton Family of Schools.

Q How long have you been Head and what originally attracted you to the school?

A Over six years now. Originally attracted by the promise of a headship at one of the bestequipped prep schools in the country, my wife Liz and I immediately fell in love with the incredible East Sussex setting on our first visit. We also knew our four boys would have the very best of rural prep school education.

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Q Can you describe the school’s setting?

A We are located in 50 acres of picturesque

East Sussex Wealden countryside, providing a unique learning experience that allows our children to thrive in an expansive and nurturing family environment. I hope to give every child the opportunity to succeed both academically and personally while ensuring they are allowed to remain children for as long as possible.

Our wonderful site means our pupils have a freedom rarely found these days, providing opportunities to explore, learn and play outside, including climbing trees, building dens, and learning so very naturally within our Forest School.

to help grow children’s confidence, independence, and decision-making skills, whilst encouraging connection and exploration… always with a little bit of magic. I believe the outdoors is a wonderful antidote to the demands of our modern life and helps to connect our generation of children with the pleasures of the natural world. By stepping outside the confines of traditional classrooms, children can breathe in fresh air, soak up vitamin D from sunlight, and experience the therapeutic benefits of nature. Used well, outdoor learning can

Q Do you encourage your pupils to develop a love for the natural world?

A From the youngest children in our nursery to the oldest in Year 8, the school grounds provide a natural environment to be explored and a lush playground with infinite possibilities. Outdoor learning has long been an important part of Vinehall School life and this year we have expanded this area of the curriculum to introduce Forest School to all year groups.

Forest School is about creating classes

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engage children in a different way and provide a safe way of exploring the ‘wild’.

Staff are encouraged to be creative when delivering learning opportunities; they weave in activities to cover set objectives while engaging the children’s interest and developing important life-skills and knowledge. If we can nurture a sense of wonder and encourage our children to appreciate the natural world around them, as future leaders at any level, they will have a heightened awareness and empathy for our special, yet vulnerable planet.

Our children respect and enjoy the natural world. They are all involved in growing fruit and vegetables in the school garden, which is irrigated through rainwater harvesting.

The school’s horticulturalist also fosters the development of their understanding of biodiversity and conservation. Our Eco Committee, led by the children, promotes energy efficiency and recycling as well as encouraging everyone in the school community to minimise waste and reduce their carbon footprint.

Q How do you look to promote responsible social action?

A Pro Aliis Optimum Agere has long been

the school motto, inspiring generations of children to put others before themselves.

Led by the Year 8 House Captains, we expect our children to engage with a variety of communities through voluntary service projects and activities.

We aim to promote responsible social action, informed by an understanding of the challenges faced by communities near to the school, but also across the world.

By engaging with different groups and working to support others, we hope the children will develop self-confidence and a sense of purpose that will remain with them long after they have left Vinehall.

Q When pupils leave you, what are they prepared for?

A At Vinehall, our staff and parents create a warm and thriving community, where Kindness, Respect, Confidence and Ambition are our values.

It is our aim that Vinehall children will possess not only a love for learning, but also the resilience to overcome any challenges that lie ahead. In this ever-changing world, our warm family environment allows children to remain children for as long as possible.

At the heart of all our learning, whether

it be in the science laboratory, on the stage or sports fields, are also our five learning habits that we encourage all pupils to develop and demonstrate. These habits are the fundamental skills that we believe will enable our pupils to become creative and critical thinkers able to excel in the modern world.

We strive to protect and celebrate childhood, whilst also ensuring that children are ready for the next stage in their lives. When our children leave at the end of Year 8, they depart as confident young people, equipped with the personal values, the learning habits and the knowledge that will enable them to flourish in the world that awaits them. vinehallschool.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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GREAT BALLARD NURSERY

PRE-PREP

PREP

SENIOR

Set in the stunning South Downs National Park, Great Ballard is a co-educational day school for pupils aged 2 1/2 to 16. We offer a hands-on, engaging and innovative approach to education, in an environment where the great outdoors is matched by a warm, caring and nurturing environment inside.

We welcome families to join us for a personalised tour, which can be booked throughout the year. Meet with our Head, Matt King, explore the grounds, chat with staff and pupils and experience the school in action.

Alternatively, why not book onto one of our Open Mornings? The next events are scheduled for:

Saturday 27th January Saturday 18th May Get in touch with our admissions team today: 01243 814236 office@greatballard.co.uk

Discover what makes us great...

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

Riding HIGH Hurst College has a superb location in Sussex horse country, and it is expanding its riding and training opportunities for pupils

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onies and children can be a sparkling mix, and Hurst College is well aware of the value of riding in building confidence and skills – alongside sporting prowess. Hurst has a huge advantage here – it is just down the road from Hickstead, home of the All England Jumping Course. Indeed, the school relationship with this worldfamous centre began many years ago – it held the first annual Hurst College National Schools Jumping Championship in 1964.

There have always been good and very good riders at the school, but the arrival of Head of Equestrian Tracey Pargeter some 18 months ago has seen opportunities step up. With vast experience and a

background in The Pony Club, plus a strong commitment to growing all levels of riding, she is developing equestrian opportunities through the school – and the numbers are growing. “We’ve got all abilities,” she says. “Starting off with grassroots with the children in the Prep right up to the older children – and some competing and even representing Great Britain.”

The number of riders competing is particularly good news. The school fielded over 20 in the National Schools Equestrian Association (NSEA) championships last October, where previously there had been eight competitors. Recent school achievements have incorporated CCF (a strong element at Hurst). The school was invited to nominate one pupil to go to the Cadet Forces Military Equitation A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

“IT’S NOT ALL ABOUT RIDING, IT’S THE WHOLE PACKAGE WE ARE GETTING ACROSS. IT’S LEARNING HOW TO LOOK AFTER HORSES” Competition at Windsor last year. “At this competition they were shown how to ride a military horse if they were on parade. They then had to ride one of the military horses and be judged,” says Tracey. “Harriet Birkby won this for Hurst out of 20 pupils!” She was equally thrilled when a school military service team competed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May. It not only won its section but also came second overall – and with awards presented by both the Duke of Edinburgh and the King of Bahrain.

Training takes place at the school every Thursday afternoon, with a focus not just on

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jumping, but elements such as dressage and flatwork. Also included are talks and training sessions by elite riders to explain more about the hard work involved in competing and getting to the top. The children have had the opportunity to visit Shane Breen’s stud, both to see the foals and to find out about artificial insemination of horses. “It’s not all about riding – it’s the whole package I’m trying to get across to them,” adds Tracey.

“It’s learning how to look after horses.”

There’s been a fascinating visit from an equine vet and – during a pony camp held over four days in April – insights into the ‘hard graft’ of stable management and other important aspects of being a responsible rider and owner. At the moment, children have their own pony or horse – a few pupils stable at nearby liveries, but a lot more ponies turn up on a Thursday afternoon. This means that pupils effectively enjoy their own in-school pony club training sessions with their friends and fellow pupils. And pony mad boarders get to see their much-loved steeds.

Equestrian is something the UK does really well, so it’s heartening to see hard work to develop the next generation of potential eventers, Olympians, racehorse and stud owners. But for every level, Tracey sees a huge value in equestrianism.

“I’ve noticed this over many years. For

children who aren’t doing as well as they could at school, for whatever reason, it definitely helps them. You can praise them, and they can feel good at something.”

Self-confidence in one area tends to build confidence across the board. She’s seen this among some of her youngest pupils already. “I’ve seen huge improvement from a little girl last year with a new pony – she was terrified to come off a lead rein. Well, she’s jumping round the course now, a year on, and the improvement is amazing.

“Riding is a sport children can do well and achieve in. I don’t mean by winning or getting to the Europeans, but by achieving their personal best,” she adds. “We do quite a lot of team competitions. Sometimes you have a good show and sometimes you might be the one in your team who knocks poles down or doesn’t get the best dressage score.” Children become team players through this process, and that’s a great lesson for life. “As a team they all encourage each other, and they know sometimes they won’t do well and sometimes they will – it’s what happens in life.” hppc.co.uk

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Home

Away

There’s more to a Hurst education than academic excellence. Here, self-expression is positively encouraged.

Children are inspired to explore. Invaluable years in our nurturing, enriching environment in which all children thrive, blossom and grow. Prepared. For life.

Hurstpierpoint College

www.hppc.co.uk

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LAST WORD • VENUE

why everyone is talking about…

Brighton

DOME

Uncovering the history and crafts behind the iconic venue’s refurbishment

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istoric carvings, long lost memories and a Prince’s favourite horses are just some of the secrets revealed as part of Brighton Dome’s major Grade I and Grade II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre refurbishment.

Award-winning architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios (FCBS) have worked with many skilled contractors to painstakingly uncover and conserve vital heritage features, ensuring the legacy and beauty of the buildings is preserved for future generations.

The main Concert Hall and Corn Exchange were originally commissioned as a stable block and riding house in 1803 by the Prince Regent, to accompany his exotic seaside palace, the Royal Pavilion. Brighton Dome has been at the heart of the city since 1850, when the entire Royal Pavilion Estate came into public ownership for the benefit of local residents.

The Concert Hall first opened as a theatre in 1867, with the Corn Exchange following as an exhibition space a year later. During the First World War, both were repurposed as a military hospital for Indian soldiers injured during battle and later for British amputees. Early in the refurbishment, a fascinating collection of letters from British soldiers was found in the Corn Exchange, with their location suggesting the letters belonged to patients who had chosen to read news from friends and family in the relative peace of the building’s quieter spaces.

The redevelopment process also revealed an even earlier use of the site when a Quaker burial site was uncovered in 2017.

Works were halted by the discovery of 18 skeletons, thought to be called Quakers Croft, beneath the Corn Exchange. Archaeologists carefully excavated the remains and they were later reburied in the Quaker plot in Woodingdean Cemetery, Brighton.

Brighton Dome’s compelling history is echoed throughout the new areas of the buildings. In the Gallery Bar, architectural design studio Drinkall Dean have used the Corn Exchange’s original purpose as a riding house as the inspiration for decoration. The space features Regency colours and motifs plus name carvings remembering each of the Prince Regent’s horses. A spectacular sculpture by West Sussex-based artist Graham Heeley is suspended in the atrium, inspired by a painting of one of the Prince’s favourite horses, Nonpareil. On the wall, more historic images recall the venue’s time as a riding house and an interactive digital timeline, from digital designers SquintOpera, allows visitors to explore Brighton Dome’s heritage from the 1800s to the present day.

For more details visit brightondome.org

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BEFORE AFTER

REPURPOSING EXISTING BUILDINGS Repurposing is a way of bringing barns and stable buildings back to life for either commercial or residential use.

At Sited we review the planning potential of outbuildings as the first step to understanding whether these buildings can be saved and converted for development.

PLEASE CONTACT US

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07 739 514 35 0

steve@sited.land

01892 579 937

sited.land

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