MAY 2023 / £3.95
The best coronation celebrations in Sussex
• HOLLYWOOD ACTION
Meet the Chichester personal trainer to the stars
• FITS THE BILL
Exploring Brighton Festival's best line-up yet
Inspiration and ideas for your big day
THE BEST IN SUMMER STYLE COMING TO STORES ACROSS SUSSEX THIS MONTH
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ABSOLUTELY’S May issue highlights
In my 44 years on this planet, Queen Elizabeth II was one of the few constants. Of course, there was my family, but then there was also the Queen. In no way would I call myself a Royalist, but there was always something rather comforting about seeing HM The Queen going about her state duties.
The football club I am now the chairman of also had an encounter with Her Majesty. Alan Woodiwiss, the man who founded my club 70 years ago, was the recipient of a well deserved MBE for services to the grassroots sporting community, and the picture of him receiving his medal always takes centre stage at every event we hold. Apparently, he told us, The Queen had great insight into grassroots football.
That is what makes this month monumental for so many. With the coronation of King Charles III upon us, it's the dawn of a new era that we probably never wanted to accept was coming. The whole of Sussex looks like it will be coming together over the bank holiday weekend, and inside we have a sneak peek at what to expect across the county.
Elsewhere, we meet the personal trainer to Hollywood stars, go searching for small architectural gems, and enjoy the best of Sussex's gardens. May, it seems, is going to be quite the month.
Agenda
The best events this month, including a war renactment (p16)
Open Gardens
Weddings
Hellessy's fabulous Beatrix denim dress features an asymmetric metallic fringe hem and a square neckline with adjustable straps, £857. hellessy.com
Orchard Moon's luxury kimono robes are as so as silk but completely cruelty free, made from sustainably managed woodland. They are designed in London and made in Europe, £260. orchardmoon.com
Terry De Havilland is a legend on the shoe scene and he's back with a collection of Icons. Expect his trademark platform sandal in a variety of shades and fi nishes. terrydehavilland.com
New colours from Nailkind for spring include the delightful Out of The Blue, a pastel lavender blue that's vegan too. nailkind.com
Daylesford's gorgeous gardening bunny is a lovely decoration for any kind of celebration. daylesford.com
Nitt studio is a unisex highend knitwear brand, taking its inspiration from the love of animals and nature. Each piece is made with high attention and technology and unique details which makes it timeless and iconic. nittstudio.com
Jo Malone London's Waterlily cologne has a dewy freshness that is enhanced with a fl ourish of jasmine sambac and neroli, £115. jomalone.co.uk
We're loving the Conran Shop's new cobalt blue iPhone accessories, which include a case, wireless charger and an airpod case. conranshop.co.uk
Blue is the new summer shade for Rosessence from Aubade, which also comes in black, cream, pale pink and red. Bra £105, tanga £49. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Bergs Potter's petrol-blue glaze makes a beautiful fi nish to the Copenhagen-based brand's lovely pots of all sizes. bergspotter.com
20-21 MAY, GOODWOOD
The ultimate dog’s day out with their family at The Kennels. You’ll find world-class competitions from top canine athletes; wellness workshops; talks from key behavioural and veterinary experts; free-of-charge activities that you can take part in with your dog; Field & Trail demonstrations, plus treats and plenty of play. goodwood.com
COMEDY
18 MAY, KOMEDIA
Twitter sensation and BBC Radio 4 regular, Sooz Kempner takes to the road in her debut UK comedy tour. In 1998, Sooz got a PlayStation, a console for the first generation of adult gamers, and finally felt grown-up. But is she a grown up, even now? Audiences will find out in ‘Playstation’, a standup show exploring memories of growing up in the 90s.
komedia.co.uk
13 May
HERSTMONCEUX CASTLE
This is a magical 10km night-time charity trek through the fields and forests of the stunning Herstmonceux Castle, with lights to guide your way. Whether you’re a trekking titan or rambling rookie, Castle Night Trek has something for you. So, grab your head torch, pull on your walking boots, and trek the night away, and be a beacon in the darkness for children’s hospice care. chestnut.org.uk/castlenighttrek
From 19 May
GLYNDEBOURNE
For Glyndebourne’s first new Don Giovanni in over a decade, director Mariame Clément (pictured) will use her incisive, probing approach and humour to interrogate the mythical figure of Don Juan. Rising-star Evan Rogister makes his Glyndebourne Festival debut conducting a score of singular power that seduces its listeners with serenades and love songs, richly layered ensembles and intricate finales. glyndebourne.com
27-29 May
ARUNDEL CASTLE
Experience history depicted like never before at Arundel Castle's 15th-century Wars of the Roses family event. King Edward IV, Duke of York, faces rebellion from the supporters of the former King, Henry VI, Duke of Lancaster. For one weekend only, Arundel Castle serves as the backdrop for an imaginary Lancastrian raiding party engaging with Yorkist forces. arundelcastle.org
2 May OLLY MURS
COMEDY 5 May
THE HAWTH STUDIO CRAWLEY
Emmanuel Sonubi has only been on the comedy circuit for what feels like five minutes and he’s already garnering himself a reputation as the one to watch. This show covers his time as a doorman in some of the scariest clubs in London, his career in musical theatre and life as a parent to two young children, all told through his hilarious storytelling. parkwoodtheatres.co.uk
Don’t believe everything you see on TV: Olly Murs has been away. After recently signing to EMI Records, the chart-topping star returned with the release of Marry Me, his first new studio album in over four years. Olly is sure to have people dancing – if not proposing – in the aisles this year when he gets back on tour.
12 MAY-6 AUGUST, BRIGHTON DOME
Brighton Dome has announced that the much-anticipated opening event for its refurbished Grade I and II listed Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre will be the ground-breaking immersive experience Van Gogh Alive. This unique multi-sensory experience explores the life and work of the seminal Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh. More than 3,000 images will be spectacularly presented in stunning detail, including iconic works such as Sunflowers. brightondome.org
19 May
MICHAEL STARRING BEN
The UK’s ultimate Michael Jackson tribute show Michael Starring Ben is coming to the Brighton Centre. Now bigger and better than ever before, Michael Starring Ben will delight the audience with a full night honouring Michael Jackson, including hits such as Bad, Beat It, Billie Jean, Man In The Mirror, Smooth Criminal and Thriller.
27-28 May
A spectacular line-up of not just one, not two, but 10 of the world’s best professional dancers will be hitting the road next year for the 2023 o cial Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals UK Tour. This show will showcase the exceptional talent of TV’s hugely popular professional dancers.
See more at brightoncentre.co.uk
Life starts in your mid50s? Perhaps as we all get older, that age is pushed further and further back, but Monique Eastwood certainly appears to be in the prime of her life. Not only does she look fantastic, her unique business – The Eastwood Movement Method – continues to wow fitness enthusiasts and has evolved with the world of tech (more on that later). She has trained A-listers like Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Anne Hathaway, Hayley Atwell and more, and has built up a wealth of knowledge and understanding of our bodies and how they work. And it all started during her childhood.
“I grew up in sunny South Africa, so my life was centred around being outdoors,” says the now Chichester local. “As a kid, I was doing well as a young gymnast until I lost my nerve and decided ballet was going to be a better option. I loved the discipline of the class structure and the way we would work on perfecting a movement, the pure athleticism of fine-tuning your body’s
muscles. The music was also a very important element of why I danced, as my body responded to how the music made me feel.”
How does she look back on her ballerina career? “That’s an interesting question,” she says after a momentary pause.
“It is a mixture of pure love and then moments of anxiety – you know, having that fear of not being good enough or the sadness when you missed a chance to do a particular role you really wanted.
“There were of course joyful moments when you were o ered a particular role, then you were living the dream,” she adds. “These were the best times, hours spent training for a part and then performing it well – it was all consuming, but in the best way. I just loved that feeling. It was this that gave me the incredible discipline and commitment that I still have in my life and has ultimately enabled me to forge the career I have today.”
It all feels like her evolution into the fitness world was a natural one, but Monique says that couldn’t be further from the truth. “I became pregnant with my first child at 26 and moved to the UK with my husband and during this time, my career paused,” she explains. “I
did try to get back into the dance world, but with a young baby to take care of it was very di cult. I did teach dance for many years though and decided to do a fitness course so I could teach that too. I dabbled in both worlds for many years and it was during this time that I really started to explore what would become my unique movement method.”
That is the Eastwood Movement Method, which is now synonymous with Monique. “It happened in quite an organic way,” she says. “I started to teach the method, which is essentially a combination of all the disciplines I had done in dance and fitness and the moves that inspired me. I wanted to flow more like a dancer and activate muscles as we did when we danced. This developed over time into signature moves – where I could see results from my combinations and my multidirectional movements.
“At first, people would be a bit daunted by it as my method requires not only your body, but also your brain – both needed to interact simultaneously. Usually you know you have 10 squats with bicep curls and that’s a familiar move – but I wanted my clients to flow from one move to the next, doing 10 reps
Monique Eastwood has become known as a personal trainer to the stars, and here the Chichester local explains how it all started, her brushes with Hollywood and evolving with the times
“My method requires not only your body, but also your brain”
of one move then straight into 10 reps of another move and so on. It’s a di erent way of thinking and feeling during a workout. But after the initial reaction and once they get the hang of it, my clients could feel the benefits and loved how the movement made their bodies change and how positive they felt afterwards. Many of my clients have been with me for many years, so they know most of the moves and now, we work on adding challenges for the brain and the body – for example with weights or more complex movements. It’s why they stay with me.”
And that list of existing clients includes Hollywood stars, too. “I had a fantastic opportunity to hand in my CV when Emily Blunt was filming a movie with Tom Cruise called Edge of Tomorrow,” she says. “With my background in dance and how the body moves, it was the perfect opportunity for me to assist as a trainer, as Emily had some gruelling stunts and routines to perform.
“This of course is never a guarantee that you will remain the trainer for that person once the film is over. Everyone returns to their normal life after a shoot of that scale, but luckily Emily and I struck up a bond and I’ve remained her trainer for over 12 years now. Emily then introduced me to her sister, Felicity, and her husband Stanley Tucci, whom I’ve trained for over 10 years too. The other celebrity clients were all from recommendations from my wonderful clients that have been with me for years.”
All businesses need to evolve, regardless of big names endorsing it, and last year saw Monique launch Eastwood Fit. “The app has been an amazing addition to my training as clients can access my method of training anywhere,” she explains. “Many of my existing or past clients are able to use it regularly if they can’t access private one to one sessions, which means it’s a really convenient and a ordable option for clients around the globe. I give lots of ‘bossy’ teaching tips throughout the sessions and technique adjustments to watch out for, as I have seen so many bodies over the last 30 years! My training style is very much no-nonsense and that’s one of the reasons people stay with me for so long – because they know I’m with them to help them long-term and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
“On my app, there is a mixture of sessions for all abilities – from high energy HIIT sessions to slower more controlled technique sessions, and of course some lovely stretch sessions too. I run weekly live sessions, where we virtually all do a session together – so there is always fresh content going up on the app. I always recommend that
anyone new to my style of training starts with my introduction sessions, as they build up their confidence in the moves I use.”
It doesn’t sound like Monique has the time to enjoy her surroundings, but she says Chichester is very much a part of the work she does. “I’ve lived in Chichester for over 30 years and I’ve taught locally for a large part of that time in village halls and people’s homes too. It was always about inspiring clients to achieve more from themselves so it didn’t matter where my sessions were held, village hall to film studio was a typical day for me! I also taught dance in the early years for a local dance school and helped put on musicals at my girls’ school as they got older.
“I love Chichester,” she adds. “The beach is nearby, and it has beautiful countryside to walk and cycle in. The town has gone through many changes over the years, we lost so many independent shops, but now things seem to be looking better finally for our incredible city.There is a beautiful nature reserve nearby that I love to go for my power walks. It’s very hilly so it’s a great workout. Then of course we have a lovely sandy beach where we often ride bikes to get to via a little ferry from Bosham to Itchnor.”
Is there anything left for her to achieve?
“I honestly would like to continue to do what I’m doing. I’m in my mid-50s so it’s important to me to continue to inspire and help motivate people to stay fit, strong and agile as they age.” And if anyone knows their stu , it’s Monique Eastwood.
eastwoodfit.com
“Village hall to film studio was a typical day for me”MONIQUE TRAINED EMILY BLUNT FOR EDGE OF TOMORROW
THE BOSHAM ARTIST ON BEING CHOSEN TO ILLUSTRATE MRS HINCH’S FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK
Interview by REBECCA PITCAIRN
Q You’re a born and bred West Sussex girl, what was it like growing up in the county?
A I grew up in Bosham and Chichester. A lot of it was spent in Bosham, running around wild with my cousins in the oak woods where my family have a home. It was magical, and pretty bonkers at the same time. I went to Northgate House School in Chichester (which has since closed) and remember all the mums and dads were terrified of the Headmistress as she was not dissimilarto Miss Trunchbull from Matilda. I have vivid, happy memories of soggy cabbage served with every meal and the sloped classroom floor – if I dropped my pencil it would roll all the way to the other side of the room. I then went to Bishop Lu a School, Brighton College to do my art foundation, then Falmouth University to study illustration. I now live back in my family home, in Bosham, with my husband Alan (a tree surgeon, so very handy for living in a woodland), my two amazing children – Rory, 2, and Sunny, 5 – and our Cocker Spaniel called Ruben. I’m so lucky to have come full circle and to live in the place I love more than anywhere.
Q Did you always want to be an illustrator?
A I definitely knew I always wanted to do something creative (my mother tells me I was drawing constantly from the age of two), but I guess it wasn’t until I got to art foundation that I realised illustration was for me, I just loved working with a narrative. I have worked predominantly with watercolour throughoutmy career, I love the challenge of the medium. I have had to diversify though to be able to make a living out of being a full-time illustrator. So, I use watercolour for food, portrait and lifestyle illustrations for magazines and packaging clients, and then for
children'sbooks I use a combination of handdrawn and digital processes.I'm working more and more digitally now(with my Ipad Pro) and really enjoy learning how to create the lively looseness that I love about watercolour, in a digital way. Most of all I strive to create a sense of energy, joy and humour in my illustrations.
Q What’s your studio space like?
A I work in my brother’s old bedroom at my parent’s house just five minutes from home. Not very glamorous, but it’s perfect for me, andbrilliant to be able to leave the chaos of home life behind and go out to work.
Ruben comes with me and faithfully sleeps by my feet untilwe go for a lunch-time walk. I treasure my walks with 'Roobs' as I call him. If I'm having a tricky day, just getting out with him never fails to bring a smile to my face and re-set my brain.
Q How did the commission to illustrate Mrs Hinch’s first children’s book, Welcome to Hinch Farm, published in February, come about?
A My lovely agent, Claire Meiklejohn, put me forward for the job almost two years ago now. It was quite a lengthy process of creating samples and going back and forth with the publishers, Pu n, to develop and refine the characters, but eventually I got down to the final few illustrators and I feel very happy to say they chose me! I haven't met Sophie Hinchcli e (aka Mrs Hinch), but we have exchanged messages and she was a delight to work with, alongside Pu n who were fabulous too. They were particularly kind when I got the flu halfway through doing the final artworks and had to miss almost two weeks of work!
Q What are you working on now?
A Two more picture books and a young fiction book, which are all super fun. I recently illustrated the first in a seriesof books for the equestrian Instagram hit, Esme Higgs. It's called the Starlight Stables Gang and is a great read for any horse-loving young person.
Q Where do you find inspiration?
A All the books I read with my children and I guessmy chaotic family home life is a pretty constant inspiration for me. Little things that happen every dayinvolving the kids and the animals – for example, we recently caught our last standingchicken on the kitchen table, pecking at some hotsausages! Ruben was waiting under the table, joyfully sco ng the sausages one by one as they fell and was promptly sick 10 minutes later. I keep thinking I must illustrate the scene as it was so silly. Instagram is inspirational too, although overwhelming at times.
Q What do you love about living in Sussex and where are your favourite places to hang out?
A The sea because every day it’s di erent; some days brown, murky, choppy and cold, and other days calm and crystal clear. Those days are just heaven.I like going to the Crown & Anchor, in Dell Quay, because it serves fabulous seafood, has such a lovely cosy atmosphere and glorious views over Chichester Harbour. West Wittering beach is also high on the list of my favourite places in Sussex – it’s perfect for walking the dog and the children adore it too.
To view Hannah’s work, visit hannahgeorge.co.uk or follow @hannahgeorge_draws on Instagram
“I strive to create a sense of energy, joy and humour in my illustrations”BOSHAM AN ILLUSTRATION FROM WELCOME TO HINCH FARM FOOD AT THE CROWN & ANCHOR WEST WITTERING BEACH
Chichester BID and Chichester Cathedral are joining forces to spearhead the city centre’s celebration of the Coronation of King Charles III on Saturday 6 May, supported by Chichester District Council. Following the success of Chichester's Platinum Jubilee Picnic on the Cathedral Green, they will be creating another opportunity this year for families and friends to come together to mark this historic occasion.
The picturesque Chichester Cathedral Green will be the location for the celebrations where a large outdoor screen will broadcast the Coronation Parade and Ceremony live. Deckchairs will be set out for people to gather
for picnics whilst watching the proceedings and there will be themed arts, crafts, games and face painting for children to enjoy.
The main streets of the city centre will be adorned with a mixture of Union flags and specially designed coronation flags created by local schoolchildren, while the side streets will be decorated with colourful bunting.
Helen Marshall, CEO and Chair of Chichester BID, says: "I’d like to thank Chichester Cathedral for agreeing to host our coronation celebrations. We’re also very grateful to Chichester Cinema at New Park for their support and expertise in organising this special event. It will be a wonderful occasion and we hope to welcome families from across the generations to come together to watch this piece of history. We are now looking at ways we can work with shops and businesses within the city centre to be part of the celebrations, from creating special o ers and putting on in-store events and entertainment."
While an exact time of the coronation has not yet been given, it has been announced that it will take place in the morning.
To find out more visit chichesterBID.co.uk/events
More events in Sussex marking the ascension to the throne of King Charles III
Storrington & Sullington Parish Council is hosting a Family Fun A ernoon at the Storrington Recreation Ground (Cricket Pitch) on Sunday 7 May from 2–5pm. Expect childrens’ attractions and entertainment, arts and cra s stalls, food and refreshments, fun activities and musical entertainment.
Raise a glass while you watch the Coronation of King Charles III on the big screen at Crowborough Community Centre. Your ticket will include a sandwich buffet, so drinks and a glass of bubbles to raise a toast to the King.
A big screen will be put up in Brighton to allow people to gather together and watch King Charles III's Coronation live. Brighton and Hove City Council announced the news, with the screen confirmed to be set up in Jubilee Square on 6 May.
How Chichester BID and Chichester Cathedral are spearheading coronation celebrations in SussexCHICHESTER LOCALS WILL COME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE CORONATION
A relaxed yet refined restaurant by Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge, serving a seasonal menu of elevated British classics.
Championing locally sourced cuts from the rotisserie on a Sunday, along with a Menu du Jour offering two courses for £39.50 and three courses for £47.50. A pre and post theatre menu is also available alongside a range of bar snacks.
A Champagne trolley called ‘Georgie’ is on hand to ensure all occasions are suitably celebrated.
Corinthia
CHALK RESTAURANT
Wiston Estate has announced that critically acclaimed chef Tom Kemble has joined the team at Chalk Restaurant as Executive Chef, bringing more than 15 years of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants to the West Sussex restaurant.
Formerly head chef at Bonhams Restaurant, Tom brings his precise cooking style, ingredient-led approach and dedication to celebrating local produce to Chalk. wistonestate.com/restaurant
By MARK KEBBLE
A sparkling wine with a clean, bright, pale yellow colour and gold rim. The nose is warm and fruity, with hints of white fruit, honey, apple and floral notes. Pairs well with salted fish, seafood dishes and caviar, along with baked potatoes and mushrooms.
The nose is complex and intense, with red fruit aromas of raspberry and strawberry. The palate is elegant, crisp and fresh with well-integrated acidity and a medium fruity finish. Matches perfectly with cold meat, sausages, pork or chicken, as well as grilled meat and mushrooms, with rice and pasta.
The nose is complex and balsamic with notes of stewed fruit, sweet warm hints of oak and spicy cinnamon. The palate is elegant and structured, with good acidity and a nice long finish of ripe fruit, vanilla and roasted notes.
BODEGAS FAUSTINO
BeFaustino I is the most sold DOCa Rioja Gran Reserva in the world, with nearly 40% of wine sales in its category. Bodegas Faustino is a family of winemakers with a long tradition spanning over 150 years bodegasfaustino.com
ETCH.
MasterChef: The Professionals winner Steven Edwards’ first permanent restaurant etch. celebrates six years in business this month. The award-winning Hove restaurant underwent an extension and refurbishment at the end of 2021, creating a new reception space, wine room and subterranean speakeasy bar, and celebrates local produce using weekly changing tasting menus. etchfood.co.uk
Three Sussex venues serving up a Coronation
Afternoon Tea
THE BELL IN TICEHURST
TUTTO
Dreaming of an Italian escape? Look no further than Tutto, the newest restaurant from acclaimed restaurateur Razak Helalat, bringing a menu of hearty Italian-inspired dishes to Brighton’s Marlborough Place this summer. Tutto - meaning all - is inspired by the traditional Italian dining culture that focuses on simple and well-sourced ingredients, with friends and family coming together over quality food.
tutto-restaurant.co.uk
HOTEL DU VIN
Tuck into a royally good a ernoon tea at Hotel du Vin Brighton. Pick from a sandwich selection fit for a King, and satisfy your sweet tooth with fruit scones covered in jam and clotted cream, or indulge in mini roulades, cake pops and marmalade tea loaf. hotelduvin.com
The Bell in Ticehurst and its finedining restaurant, The Stables by Mark Charker, has been awarded 5 stars and 2 AA Rosettes, respectively, from AA Hospitality. Being awarded 5 stars is the best possible rating from the AA and given only to establishments o ering the highest standard of accommodation and hospitality. The Stables by Mark Charker has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for exemplary gastronomy. thebellinticehurst.com
RATHFINNY WINE ESTATE
Once a working farm, the Rathfinny Wine Estate planted their first vines in 2012. Over 10 years later the vineyard now encompasses more than 230 acres of primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier grape varieties, all of which are situated in the tranquil landscape of the South Downs National Park. They will be hosting a Summer Kitchen from 31 May, which will allow guests to experience seasonal lunches from a deli counter. rathfinnyestate.com
ALBOURNE ESTATE
Mark an historic occasion in the beautiful surroundings of the South Downs while sipping on Sussex wine and indulging in a delicious a ernoon tea platter fit for a King. Enjoy homemade sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and generous slices of cake. albourneestate.co.uk
THE PASS
THE BOLNEY ESTATE
Expect a royal celebration like no other, with everything from delicious Earl Grey and blackberry cake, coronation chicken sandwiches, gold-leaf macaroons and of course the classic scones with cream and jam. bolneywineestate.com
We have featured The Pass at South Lodge, West Sussex, on a couple of occasions – but we just had to cover the fact that they are celebrating being awarded their first Michelin Star. The Pass is an intimate 28-cover restaurant led by Head Chef Ben Wilkinson. Ben says: “Since joining The Pass last year, we’ve been delivering a Michelin starred dining experience to all of our guests, so we are delighted to have been awarded with such a prestigious achievement.” exclusive.co.uk
The Union is set in a beautiful 15th century building in the heart of Rye, with a menu made from seasonal, local produce. We meet the owner, Rajh Siva, to tuck into more
By MARK KEBBLE
Q When did you first develop a love for hospitality?
A It certainly wasn’t an instant attraction and I can’t tell you that it started from growing up around excellent food at home. I completed my university degree and I passed a lengthy process of interviews and assessment to join The Royal Navy as an O cer. However, while I was in the recruitment process I took on a front of house job at a pub near where I lived and stayed on longer than I had planned to. I dropped my plans to join the Royal Navy and that’s how I committed to hospitality as my full-time career.
Q What would you say you learnt from that first experience in hospitality?
A It taught me that hospitality, whilst well known for not providing a great quality of life in many instances, can have a hold on you if you are given the right environment to grow and prosper. This is an approach I have taken with me throughout my career.
Q What’s been your influence on the food style at your restaurant?
A The food at The Union is unpretentious,
simple, and restrained believing the ingredients should speak for themselves. We focus hugely on the service and proudly guiding you through our daily changing menu and our produce-led cooking. We work with brilliant suppliers and producers for vegetables, meat, fish, and dairy, which is predominantly British and local to Rye and the south east region. I’m very proud that the kitchen team makes everything in house fresh every day, from butter and ricotta to black pudding, crackers, and ice creams. Our small menu changes daily depending on what ingredients are best and what is available each day.
Q How have you approached the menu?
A The menu is designed to be shared, with lots of small plates and several larger plates. It is something we have developed and built on and it works very well for us. We always have oysters on the menu and at the moment they are served with our jalapeño relish. Our house made warm ricotta with Jerusalem artichoke, rosemary and honey is perfect to scoop up with freshly made caraway crackers. Dishes that are ideal for sharing might include roast celeriac with oyster and shiitake mushrooms, tarragon and hazelnut, or mackerel with chocolate and chilli. Our larger plates include bavette steak with bone marrow butter or a tranche of stunningly fresh wild halibut with brown crab bisque. For pudding there might be dark chocolate pudding and blood orange or buttermilk pudding, rhubarb, and ginger sponge.
Q How much Sussex produce do you use?
A With local and seasonal being key factors for our menu approach, we work to have only
local provenance at the forefront. Our meat comes from Jamie Wickens in Winchelsea and with Frank Langrish, whose sheep and cows graze our surrounding areas, supplying much of what we get from him. Paul Hodges in Hastings brings us fish, which is dependent on what is landed that day. Shrub Provisions supply our fruit and vegetables; they only work with local farmers and growers, so our produce is always seasonal and doesn’t travel very far to get to us. That’s where we start with our ethos on our food. We also carried this forward to our drinks menu with the likes of Tillingham, Ham Street, Westwell, Charles Palmer, Gusbourne and many more East Sussex and Kent vineyards taking their place on our wine lists.
Q Is there one dish you love right now?
A Seared scallops with nduja butter on our house made crumpet. It’s got everything: fresh seafood, spicy sausage, and buttery bread. It’s the perfect time of year for scallops in Rye and the nduja we make the butter with is made in Sussex.
Q What’s to come at The Union?
A We’ve rebuilt the entire floor above the restaurant, which used to be a manager’s flat, into a bar. It’s going to give us another arm to the business and could be somewhere to come before you eat with us. Most importantly it’ll be a great place to just enjoy drinking and gathering without feeling like you are an extra or afterthought in a busy restaurant, which is something Rye has been missing for quite some time.
theunionrye.co.uk
(Photography by Key & Quill)
“We work to have only local provenance at the forefront”
BALMAIN X BEYONCE
This bustier in hammered metal by the sculptor Elie Hirsch comes with matching spiked bracelets and is worn here with a pareo skirt and gloves in black nappa lamb leather. It's all part of Balmain's new Renaissance Couture Collection, with each look inspired by one distinct strand of the overall genius that sets apart Beyonce’s seventh solo album. balmain.com
By CARLY GLENDINNING
CRYSTAL HAZE JEWELRY
THELMA WEST
18k Rose Gold and Brown Ceramic Asscher 8 Earrings with Diamonds, £POA thelmawest.com
ROBINSON PELHAM
Orb Midi and Third Eye 14k Gold Diamond Single Hoop Earring, £1,020 net-a-porter.com
YSSO
The Coral Earrings, £340 theysso.com
NAK ARMSTRONG
18k White Gold Earrings with White Diamonds, Aquamarine, Labradorite, and Andalusite, £41,200 nakarmstrong.com
REZA
18k Yellow Gold and Diamond Longue Earrings, £48,000 worldofreza.com
ELLA STERN
Sero Earrings, £230 ellastern.com
EMILY P. WHEELER
18k Yellow Gold and Enamel Cheshire Earrings with Morganite, £38,300 emilypwheeler.com
MIPHOLOGIA
Pearl Earrings in Gold, £122 miphologiajewelry.com
Little Mistress, available at Next stores across Sussex, have a range of gorgeous dresses and jumpsuits perfect for weddings, holidays and the races
Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 155 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.
Celebrate life’s milestones in our opulent Grade II Listed Grand Ballroom, rose-filled Courtyard Garden, or elegant private dining rooms. With menus overseen by two Michelin-starred chef Michel Roux Jr, and a dedicated event specialist to guide you every step of the way, we shall ensure your celebrations are managed to perfection.
1c Portland Place, Regent Street, London W1B 1JA
T (44) 020 7636 1000 | tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com langhamhotels.com/london
La Maison Couture x Tomasz Donocik's beautiful Busia Collection will raise funds for the Earthbeat Foundation. lamaisoncouture.com
Merve Bayindir's new millinery collection breaks bridal boundaries and caters for a new age of brides. All pieces are handmade. mervebayindir.com
Dried flowers remain the uber stylish choice and Shida Preserved Flowers' wedding collections are exquisitely curated to work with all colour themes and styles. These beautiful natural flowers last up to a year and will make a strong statement on the big day. shida.florist
Our recommendation for wedding fizz? Historic French producer Champagne De Saint-Gall has arrived in the UK and the Premier Cru Rosé is delicious. de-saint-gall.com
Elizabeth Scarlett's wedding pouches have either ‘bride’ or ‘bridesmaid’ embroidered onto the luxurious velvet base in beautiful script lettering. A great gift for a bride or her bridesmaids. elizabethscarlett.com
Eres' Oisive range offers a delicate and refined silhouette. Made of silk satin and Leavers lace, the pieces come in a soft, sunny colour palette: Calcaire, a rosy beige; Canisse, a fresh sand yellow; and Muscade, a chestnut brown. eresparis.com
Authentically handcrafted in Spain, these romantic, satin, striped and embroidered espadrilles have high and mid-height rustic, jute wedges that are comfortable and sure-footed for sandy beaches and lush lawns everywhere. penelopechilvers.com
Aspiga’s first bridesmaid collection features chic, pretty and understated dresses in this season’s on-trend lilac and navy. They are simple tea dresses designed to be worn beyond the wedding, perfect for all summer occasions. aspiga.com
Rich in texture, Ella Stern's Molten Sow Ring is set with aqua, pink sapphire, yellow sapphire, citrine and star set diamond sides in 9ct recycled gold. ellastern.com
Everybody knows that the coolest brides wear Terry de Havilland. The classic platform sandal comes in all shades and metallics. terrydehavilland.com
Opened in 1865 as Europe’s first ‘Grand Hotel’, The Langham, London has an unrivalled location at the top of Regent Street. With a history of hosting royals and aristocrats, more than 150 years later, The Langham remains a London icon where the finest events and grandest celebrations take place.
At the hotel they have several unique private dining rooms that can host intimate weddings ranging from five guests to 26 guests. Enjoy that countryside feeling in the heart of London in their Conservatory, which boasts of an elegant yet rustic feel.
The Grand Ballroom is the perfect setting for a dinner and dance celebration of up to 200 guests. This luxurious and elegant space has been the cornerstone of The Langham since its opening and boasts hand-blown Murano
Glass chandeliers and dramatic renaissance pillars. From spring to autumn it is possible to take advantage of the Courtyard Garden in conjunction with a Grand Ballroom wedding.
As every wedding is unique, The Langham, London benefits from other luxurious facilities, such as the Chuan Spa, their renowned cocktail bar Artesian, restaurants, cooking school Sauce and a glorious pub that can all be privatised. Whether you seek an intimate candlelit dinner with family or a large a air, they would be delighted to play a part in your celebrations with your nearest and dearest. All menus have been carefully crafted in collaboration with renowned chef Michel Roux Jr.
The Langham, London's wedding menus are sure to delight any palate. Menus can be adjusted to cater for specific dietary requirements, including Kosher and Halal, either in-house or by one of their trusted catering partners.
With 380 stylishly appointed bedrooms and suites that cleverly combine Victorian charm with discreet modern amenities you can enjoy the day to the fullest, from pre-ceremony pampering to a rejuvenating night’s sleep after the big day.
To coordinate, support and guide, their wedding specialists will be on hand to help you as little or as much as you wish. From the first show-round, to the creative direction, menu tastings, right until the last guest turns in, they will ensure it’s a flawless and spectacular occasion.
For appointments and enquiries call 020 7636 1000 or email tllon.weddings@langhamhotels.com
Why The Langham, London will make your big day one to remember
For a day like no other. Choose a setting like no other. Castle Goring
Your fairy tale wedding from only £2340 inc VAT.
Arundel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 3UN
T: 07791 673070 • E: lisa@carmelmedia.co.uk • castlegoring.com
Take a virtual tour of the Castle at www.castlegoring.com/the-setting/
Smiling Rocks cultivates labgrown diamonds that have all the properties of a mined stone, but are much kinder to the earth. smilingrocks.com
This platinum ring features two pear shaped diamonds on either side of a vibrant 1.04-carat teal sapphire that takes its place on centre stage, £2,900. joulberry.com
The Dorian Floating Teardrop-Shaped Engagement ring features a brilliant-cut pear-shaped royal blue natural sapphire designed to mirror a water droplet delicately held in suspension, £POA. mareinewyork.com
Renowned for their timeless designs and impeccable craftsmanship, Hatton Garden jewellers Budrevich bring a little bit of Bond Street to London’s historic jewellery quarter. budrevich.co.uk
To celebrate a decade in business, Rachel designed a collection of ten one-off rings. The unique diamond cuts and antique stones, are set in designs inspired by her trademark modern Art Deco aesthetic. rachelboston.co.uk
This vintage-inspired bespoke engagement ring boasts a bold, symmetrical structure and a large, emerald-cut centrepiece, £POA. lebrusanstudio.com
This designer specialises in using natural gemstones to create unique alternative engagement and wedding rings for modern lovers. michelle-oh.com
SHAHLA
Set low and flush to the finger, this stunning three-stone marquise engagement ring has been designed with comfort in mind, £POA. shahlakarimi.com
The Dahlia ring features a round brilliant stone surrounded by a halo of diamonds and encircled with petals, set with more diamonds, £3,846. meadowlarkjewellery.co.uk
This emerald and diamond ring is a treasured heirloom piece with an emerald centre stone elevated by the surrounding diamonds, £7,450. londonde.com
From the traditional to the unconventional, we’ve found a ring to suit every love story
CHANEL
Ultra hydrating and comfortable to wear, Chanel's Rouge Allure Velvet Lipstick delivers a concentrated pigment for a matte and luminous finish. The formula contains vitamin E for long wear and colour protection and is available in 20 intense shades. chanel.com
By PENDLE HARTE
I’m not a gym person. Never in my life have I spent more than 15 minutes in a gym, and when friends talk about the gym, I zone out. Gym-going is one of the things that I just don’t do, like owning a dog, or watching football. It’s for other people. But, I used to think that having children and caring about your garden was something other people did, until I did them too. Also: baking cakes, mountain biking, unblocking the sink. I do all of those things now. Obviously, things change. And in middle age, the gym begins to beckon. The combination of lockdown, working from home, a sedentary job and my advancing years is an unfortunate one, leaving me wondering what was happening to my clothes. They just didn’t feel quite right. Maybe they had shrunk in the cupboard. I must have known, subconsciously, what was going on because somehow I found myself in the gym standing on a scanning machine in my bare feet. The F45 phenomenon is wellknown – everyone I have talked to has heard of it, but I hadn’t (it’s for other people). F45 is
a global phenomenon originating in Australia, and the popular signature 45-day challenge is designed to deliver tangible results in just six weeks. Could I become that person?
The journey starts with a body scan that delivers alarming results: my body fat percentage (high), muscle mass (low), visceral fat level (also high – and this is the bad one, an indicator of future stroke, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other nasties). Plus, of course, weight (almost 10kg more than I was used to). The scanner delivers me an overall score: 64 out of 100, which is worse than it might sound, because the best scores are in fact over 100. The message is clear: I am a candidate for the challenge.
My first class at the Brighton studio is eye-opening. The instructors give us a brief demonstration, in a very upbeat way, of each movement to come, and they all look harmless enough. There are nine di erent stations, and the idea is to do 40 seconds of work, then 20 seconds of rest; three sets in each station, then move on to the next one. Equipment includes kettlebells, dumbells, barbells, ybells, resistance bands, sandbags.
Sta are so friendly and encouraging that the whole thing seems like it’s about having fun. But once we start, it’s a di erent story. Each of these harmless-seeming exercises is not harmless at all. To start there are jumps and burpees, which make 40 seconds into an eternity. One exercise involves running sideways across the room – again, looks fine, but feels torturous. And then there are the weights. Even the lightest weights defeat me. I’m easily the worst in the class. But because each exercise is relatively brief, with small breaks in between – and because the whole thing lasts just 45 minutes including the intro and warm-up – I manage to get to the end. Simona, the lovely instructor, texts me after I leave to check if I’m ok. She admits it was a hard class, because "the cardio ones are the worst".
F45’s winning formula is all down to psychology. Everything is geared towards pushing you hard, but not so hard that you give up. So I’m back the next day, for a resistance workout that focuses on the upper body. It takes me a while to get the hang of the circuit – it’s faster than yesterday’s and
seems to be over quite quickly, but then I see we have to do it again. Almost instantly I’m experiencing extreme arm fatigue, even though I am lifting much lighter weights than everyone else. Still, I’m not humiliated, though I’m grateful for the lack of mirrors in the room. There’s another congratulatory text when I get home, and I’ve been added to a Whatsapp group where people share ba ing screenshots showing their progress graphs. Each class has an aspirational name that makes it sound more glamorous than the reality. Miami Nights, for instance, might
imply a pool party on Ocean Drive, but in fact it’s sweating in a basement in Brighton. Foxtrot is not a dance. Mont Blanc is not downhill. But it’s all part of the winning F45 psychology, which clearly works. There are no clocks, but screens show a live countdown of how much of the session is left. With class content changing on a monthly basis, there’s enough variety so that it’s never boring– and the idea is that if you’re doing the Angry Birds class, say, then so is everyone else in the F45 world. Classes are the same everywhere, so if you want to continue training as you travel, you could visit the nearest F45 franchise, as if it were an AA meeting.
The challenge also includes a nutrition plan, which is much better than it sounds, and there’s an idiotproof app that gives you a menu for each day (three meals plus two snacks) including recipes and even a shopping list that you can add straight to your supermarket order. Obviously there’s no
sugar – and no alcohol – and the focus is on protein, but the recipes are in fact pretty good and you’re even allowed (some) carbohydrates and sweet treats, most of them featuring oats, peanut butter and protein powder.
After about five classes, it’s getting easier and I’m choosing heavier weights. Two weeks in I’m no longer in pain the next day, At class 21, I realise that I’m finding it quite manageable (though the class after that wipes me out). The progress is clear: my posture is better, my shoulders feel freer and my clothes feel more normal. After six weeks, it’s time for another scan and results are impressive. My body fat percentage is down, my muscle mass is up. I have lost several kilos of fat and gained significant muscle. And mentally? Having completed four sessions a week for six weeks, I’m not ready to stop. I’m now o cially a gym person.
F45training.co.uk
“F45’S WINNING FORMULA IS ALL DOWN TO PSYCHOLOGY ”
Q How did you come to launch Lab Tonica?
A Prior to launching Lab Tonica I worked in the advertising industry. There was one particular day when I was working late on a pitch and drinking my fifth cup of chamomile tea, when I became struck by how old fashioned and dated most herbal tea packs look. In that moment it became clear to me that there was a gap in the market for a modern herbal brand aimed at a younger, more style conscious audience. With my second baby on the way, it felt like the perfect time to embark on a new direction. My journey also reginited childhood memories of the stories my mum would tell me about her maternal grandmother, Louisa. She was locally renowned in her village as a healer, and she would
“create things in the garden” to help people with their ailments. I like to think that some of her magic and passion has perhaps been passed down to me.
Q What makes herbs so powerful for wellness?
A As humans we are at our most balanced and in tune with the ebb and flow of life, when we work in unison with plants and nature. Living in urban towns and cities removes us from this natural state of being and so I am on a mission to bring back the simple healing power of plants.
Q How are your products developed?
A I wanted Lab Tonica to have the kudos and feel of a boutique perfume brand, but with a more joyful colour palette and down
to earth tone of voice. In terms of product collections, knowing what barriers people struggle with and need natural support with felt very clear to me. We have a huge endemic of stress and sleep problems in the UK, so it was vital I created a collection formulated to support this.
Q How important is sustainability to the brand?
A As a small business it is hard to be the best at everything, but we strive to continuously improve, innovate and evolve. That is why we have zero plastic in our tea packaging, and everything in the box is made from plants. Even the tea bag, inner bag and ‘glue’ that seals the tea bags –everything is compostable. labtonica.co.uk
Sussex and Yorkshire showroom by appointment only
Enhance your outdoor dining area with a beautiful parasol. The East London Parasol Company's stylish creations were inspired by Keralan temple umbrellas, and founder Lucy Ferguson works with local artisans to design a range for exporting. eastlondonparasols.com
William Hardie is a man of many talents. Before making a name for himself as George Clarke’s sidekick on Channel 4’s Amazing Spaces, the Lewes architectural designer had a varied career journey, which has seen him study spiritual psychology in California and bookbinding in Barcelona.
However, the 44-year-old father-of-two is a Sussex boy through and through. Growing up in Westbourne, on the outskirts of Chichester, when he wasn’t exploring the surrounding countryside, he was busy making things from an early age. “I was obsessed with making plastic kit models. I’d sit at my desk for hours and hours but, quite quickly, evolved into wanting to build these dioramas,” he remembers.
Being creative came naturally to William, who studied art, design and theatre at A-level (he attended the prestigious Bedales School across the border in Petersfield, where his mum was a house mistress), followed by an art foundation in Wimbledon. However, an ‘existential crisis’ in his early 20s led him to America to study spiritual psychology.
“I wanted to change the world through psychology and ecology and start revolutions,” explains William, adding that the need to make and create three-dimensional things wouldn’t leave him. “I needed to reconnect
with designing so ended up in Barcelona studying bookbinding. I think books are really precious, they’re almost spiritual, and I was interested in the engineering of them.”
It was here that he met his wife, Miriam, whom he has now been married to for 20 years, and enticed her back to Sussex, where he began work as an assistant to celebrated Trotton wood sculptor and furniture maker, Alison Crowther. “I have Alison to thank for my introduction to green oak,” says William who went on to become an oak timber framer and got his ‘big break’ working alongside Somerset-based Arne Maynard Garden Design, creating a bespoke garden playground for the royal family of Jordan.
“It was a fusion between art, design, sculpture, engineering, fun, playfulness, exploration and a little bit of history,” he says of the groundbreaking 2004 project. “It was where I forged my work in practice and drew together all these disparate parts. Up until then I was walking a narrative that didn’t make all that sense, but that’s when it started to all come together.”
It was after William had set up his own design practice in Lewes, now called Studio Hardie, that a chance meeting and recommendation from a local business led him to make his TV presenting debut on George Clarke’sAmazing Spaces
“The idea for Amazing Spaces was influenced by a book called My Cool Treehouse – somebody high up at Channel 4 received the book for Christmas and thought going around looking at interesting micro-builds would make an incredible series,” William explains. “They happened to be
“Somebody thought looking at interesting micro-builds would make an incredible series”WILLIAM HARDIE
in Lewes, in The Vintage Shirt Company [now Darcy Clothing], when the new show came up in conversation and they asked, with Lewes being full of eccentric, creative people, if the owner knew of anyone who made weird, o -beat unique structures and she told them to come and speak to me.”
Amazing Spaces, which started in 2012 and is now in its 11th series, explores the extraordinary world of small builds, where people turn tiny spaces into the most incredible places to live, work and play, and William was drafted in to create a project to break up the show. And while he and George hadn’t previously met, they instantly hit it o .
“The first time I met George was on set for that first show, in Maidenhead, just before the camera rolled. George gave me a few tips and o we went,” explains William, who has delivered a number of Sussex-based projects for the programme including The Treehouse at Blackberry Wood near Ditchling, Cabin in the Woods at Dernwood Farm in Heathfield and the ARH Mk1 rotating home, which was built in Lewes before being transported to Pinewood Studios for its unveiling in 2016.
Since then the pair have become the best of friends and, from The Alps to Texas and from Iceland to Italy, have travelled the globe together in search of some of the quirkiest architectural spaces.
It’s a partnership that has seen them work on other projects together including George Clarke’s Alaskan Adventure, broadcast at the end of 2022, and Shed of the Year. “Shed of the Year was so bonkers. It was quite a low budget programme, but gained this cult following,” William recalls. “What people created in their back gardens was just astonishing – you might find the entire interior of the Titanic in someone’s garage or a ski chalet on a council estate in Bolton. It just celebrated that incredible British eccentricity and ingenuity. It was really fun to film.
“Both Amazing Spaces and Shed of the Year are about people doing the most wonderful creative and inventive projects on really low budgets – it’s blood, sweat, tears and passion and that’s why I think it captures the hearts of people,” adds William, who for the first time in its 11-year history bowed out of this year’s series of Amazing Spaces to focus on delivering work for Studio Hardie.
Over the years that work has included designing playgrounds for trust and heritage sites across the country, including Arundel Wild Wetland and Battle Abbey in Sussex. “Play has always been our mainstay. It’s usually for the heritage sector and they have a duty to tell a story and have really strict planning consideration, it has to add and not take away from the sites, so it gives you the opportunity to go a bit deeper and get philosophical about the play,” says William, who is father to two boys, Pau, 13 and Sergi, 11, and believes all children should get the freedom he did as a child to explore their creativity.
“I grew up in an age where you did woodwork at school and were given access to tools from quite an early age, but now the budgets and emphasis and time given to art, design and creative arts has been greatly reduced,” he laments.
While play and exploration are of huge influence to the ‘wacky and adventurous’ projects William likes to get involved with, the craftsman, who sits on the South Downs Design View panel, says the surrounding landscape is also a constant source of inspiration.
“Nature knows how to do beauty really well. Even if it’s not obvious, it’s the source that I go to,” he explains. “If I’m trying to find the right shape for something, the inspiration will always come from a leaf or something from nature. And what’s so special about our landscape here is that it’s so micro – you can go 200 metres in one direction and you’re in a completely di erent environment.”
studiohardie.com
The National Garden Scheme opens over 3,500 private gardens to the public each year. Here's what Sussex o ers
Most visitors are familiar with the gardens that open their gates to everyone on set days, many also open By Arrangement and some open only By Arrangement. These wonderful, often hidden gems are really worth exploring especially if you are keen to return to a garden you love, perhaps missed a public open day or simply want to explore somewhere completely unchartered. By Arrangement gardens cater for di erent group sizes from as few as one to 20+, it all depends on the size and accessibility of the garden, some have fixed prices for entry others are agreed in discussion with the garden owner.
A garden open By Arrangement accepts visitors to their garden for a more personalised visit, on a pre-agreed date. Usually, the garden will advertise a range of dates available that they are willing to open so that visitors can decide on the most suitable option for them. This can often be a wide date range, for example March-October, so there are plenty of opportunities to find a date to suit you and your group or family and friends.
Booking a By Arrangement garden gives you direct contact with the garden owner, allowing you to liaise on everything from convenient times and dates, to what you’ll see and do once you’re there.
West Sussex gardens opening in 2023 are available to view at ngs.org.uk. From the garden information page you will find the garden owner’s contact details. They are waiting to hear from you and will be delighted to help you create the perfect visit. The garden owner will confirm all the details and whether they require a deposit/full payment ahead of the visit.
Eastfield Cottage, Bosham, West Sussex
Eastfield Cottage is a year-round garden featuring a tulip display, wisteria and spring colour. Twenty rose varieties flower in June, and there are many other interesting shrubs and plants. The design includes a number of zones such as rose pergola, gravel garden, and well planted herbaceous borders. It’s restful and tranquil, with views to the South Downs, and it is within walking distance to Bosham waterfront. Eastfield Cottage opens, By Arrangement, between 16 April and 25 June for groups of up to 10. Admission is £4.50, children free, and you can enjoy home-made teas.
If you would like to arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit to Eastfield Cottage please contact Jenifer Fox 01243 572479 or jenifox@waitrose.com
Oaklands Farm, Shipley, West Sussex
This is a country garden designed by Nigel Philips in 2010. The oak lined drive leads to the house and farm and opens out to an enclosed courtyard with pleached hornbeam and yew. The herbaceous borders are colourful throughout the year. There is a well-stocked vegetable garden with raised beds and greenhouse with white peach and vine. A wild meadow leads to an orchard and views across the fields, full of sheep and poultry.
Oaklands Farm By Arrangement is from April 2023 to September 2023 for groups of between one and 25. Admission £6, children free. Home-made teas. If you would like to arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit, please contact Zsa and Stephen Roggendor on 01403 741270 or email zedrog@roggendor .co.uk
Butlers Farmhouse, Herstmonceux, East Sussex
This is a lovely rural setting for this one acre garden surrounding a C16 farmhouse with views of the South Downs. It’s pretty in spring with da odils, hellebores and primroses. In June the meadow is a feature and wild orchids can sometimes be spotted.
Butlers Farmhouse opens By Arrangement between March 2023 and October 2023 for groups between one and 99. Admission is £6, children free. If you would like to arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit, please contact Irene Eltringham-Wilson via email on irene. willson@btinternet.com or call 01323 833770
Legsheath Farm, Forest Row, East Sussex Legsheath was first mentioned in Duchy of Lancaster records in 1545. It was associated with the role of Master of the Ashdown Forest. Set high in the Weald with far-reaching views of East Grinstead and Weirwood Reservoir, the garden covers 11 acres with a spring fed stream feeding ponds. There is a magnificent davidia, rare shrubs, embothrium and many di erent varieties of meconopsis and abutilons.
Legsheath Farm opens By Arrangement between April and September 2023 for groups between one and 99. Admission is £5, children free. Home-made teas. If you would like to arrange a date for a group or bespoke visit, please contact Mr & Mrs Neal at legsheath@btinternet.com. Legsheath Farm also opens on Saturday 20 May
Borde Hill is celebrating a special anniversary this year and opens up its House to welcome all the family to enjoy its stunning horticulture
Borde Hill Garden is a Grade II* listed garden set within 383 acres of heritage parkland near Haywards Heath and renowned as a plant hunter’s paradise. The award-winning destination garden has an abundance of horticultural interest as well as a rich calendar of curated events to inspire plant lovers and entertain families throughout the season.
There have already been some colourful highlights. Throughout February and March, the garden's renowned collection of magnolias and camellias reached their peak, and visitors were able to enjoy their colour on a self-guided walk. Other
vibrant, emerging signs of spring included snowdrops, hellebores, crocuses, da odils, and some early-flowering rhododendrons.
Also in February, we were able to step inside the Victorian Glasshouse to view a selection of beautiful Cymbidium orchids at the height of their flowering.
The Borde Hill Heritage Orchid Collection is in collaboration with McBean’s, the oldest orchid nursery in the UK, with many varieties linked to the garden's historic collection. In addition to the wonderful specimens, visitors were able to learn why orchids became so popular in Victorian England by viewing documents from both the Borde Hill and McBean's historic archives.
As ever, there are plenty of activities for
the whole family to enjoy at Borde Hill. The Coronation trail will be opening at the end of April. Archive material relating to the 1937 and 1953 Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which were attended by the Garden’s founder, Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke and Sir Ralph Stephenson Clarke respectively, will be on display in the Africa Glasshouse alongside. Younger visitors can feel like a King or Queen for the day, wearing a paper crown as they enjoy a very royal children’s trail to spot hidden crowns dotted around the Garden.
This year sees Borde Hill celebrate 130 years since visionary plantsman and owner Colonel Stephenson Robert Clarke first created the magnificent collection of rare
trees and flowering shrubs across the Estate. Collected from explorations around the world, the nationally important collection of exotic plants and champion trees continue to represent the very best in British gardening.
To celebrate, ‘130 Years of Planting Excellence’ will be held in June, when visitors can pre-book access to the Elizabethan Mansion House and view the significant horticultural archive which unlocks the exciting history of the notable rare and unusual plants at Borde Hill. Each group will hear first-hand from the Borde Hill Archive team how Col. Stephenson R Clarke was a visionary Sussex plantsman who influenced the way we garden today. Groups will then take a guided walk led by Head of Horticulture Harry Baldwin to discover trees and shrubs which have been carefully planted to celebrate the past, present and future of horticultural planting excellence.
Director Jay Goddard (née Stephenson Clarke), 5th generation family custodian of the Estate, says: “2023 heralds the start of an exciting new chapter at Borde Hill. We are delighted to unveil a bold new rebrand for visitors, both digitally via our new website, and when they next visit the garden. Our new brand identity celebrates a new season and new plantings in the garden, inviting all our visitors to experience ‘joyous balance’ through the beauty and tranquillity of all that Borde Hill has to o er.”
Borde Hill events to enjoy in 2023
7 May
Specialist Spring Plant Fair
A wide range of garden worthy and unusual plants as part of the Plant Fairs Roadshow.
12-18 June
130th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating 130 years since Colonel Stephenson Clarke began to curate a plant collection from around the world.
12-23 June
Roses in Bloom
Join Borde Hill to celebrate the beauty of the Rose Garden. Rose gi s and plants for sale.
24-25 June
The Sussex Guild Contemporary Cra Show
A spectacular variety of welldesigned, inspirational and beautifully made arts and cra s for sale.
1 July-30 September
The Artist's Garden
A summer exhibition of artwork and sculpture inspired by the beauty of nature and the countryside.
16 July, 30 July, 13 August & 27
August: Music in the Garden
Bring a picnic and relax to live music between 1-3pm. Free with garden entry.
8 July: Sussex Gin Fest
Enjoy artisan Sussex, British and worldwide gins at this unique festival in the parkland, including live music.
21-22 July: Open Air Opera
Britain’s leading outdoor touring company present La Bohème in the magical setting of Borde Hill Garden on 21 July. Then, on 22 July, La Traviata will feature lavish costumes and period sets.
9-10 September: Great British Food Festival
A fun day out for all the family with fabulous food, drink, live entertainment and demonstrations.
The Garden at Borde Hill will be open 10am5pm until 31 October 2023, bordehill.co.uk
“The horticultural archive unlocks the exciting history of the notable rare plants at Borde Hill”JAY STEPHENSON CLARKE, WITH HER FAMILY, IS 5TH GENERATION CUSTODIAN OF BORDE HILL PARADISE WALK THE ITALIAN GARDEN
Following a showstopping year in 2022, the Houseplant Studios area is returning to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this May
Malvern Garden Buildings have supplied the garden studios for the plateau in Ranelagh Gardens at RHS Chelsea Flower Show for almost a decade. Last year, they became home to six houseplant specialists, who showed visitors to RHS Chelsea how they too could bring the splendour of growing to interior spaces. Malvern Garden Buildings’ Planet Studio, designed by James Whiting of @Plantsbythere, won Gold and the accolade of Best Houseplant Studio.
With the trend for houseplants showing no signs of slowing down, this year five new houseplant enthusiasts will use the garden studios to showcase their designs and give visitors the inspiration to create plant-filled rooms of their own.
Beards & Daisies, founded by Jo Lambell, will create Plant School. The design will showcase Planting the Future, inspired by the work of two of the greatest environmental campaigners of our timeDavid Attenborough and Greta Thunberg. Jo’s garden will be a nostalgic nod to 80s and 90s primary schools, whilst taking a look at how schools might operate in the future.
Also on show will be Geb & Green with their laundry room family home design: Steam. Clean. Plant. Repeat. Their garden will raise awareness of how the UK houseplant industry can be more environmentally friendly than it is at present.
Will Clayton, of Geb & Green, says: “Many people simply don’t know that houseplants are contributing to climate change by using peat as a growing medium. The studio provided by Malvern Garden Buildings is the ideal space for us to demonstrate to visitors how to grow their houseplants sustainably.”
London-based Botanical Boys, along with Leeds-based GrowTropicals and Lincolnshire-based Tropical Plants UK will also be exhibiting their designs.
Andrew Peck, Managing Director at Malvern Garden Buildings, is excited to see how the buildings will be utilised by the designers this year. “The Houseplant Studios area was an amazing spectacle last year and we’re looking forward to seeing the wonderful spaces that the designers will create this year.
“By providing our practical and usable buildings for the area, the houseplant designers can demonstrate to visitors that they too can bring their homes to life, quite literally, with plants. We hope that visitors are inspired to create their own place to relax, entertain, work or simply get closer to nature.”
To find out more about the RHS Chelsea 2023 Houseplant Studios and the designers, head to: malverngardenbuildings.co.uk/chelsea
MALVERN GARDEN BUILDINGS
Horsham: Old Barn Garden Centre, A24 Worthing Road, Dial Post, Horsham, RH13 8NR horsham@malverngb.co.uk, 01403 907377
Hassocks: South Downs Nurseries, Brighton Road, Hassocks, BN6 9LY hassocks@malverngb.co.uk, 01273 847714 malverngardenbuildings.co.uk
“Houseplant designers can demonstrate to visitors that they too can bring their homes to life”
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Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, has announced a host of new family activities to mark the Coronation of King Charles III. Forming the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend celebrations, the new trails and children’s play areas are designed to inspire a passion for the environment, a cause longsupported by His Royal Majesty.
By MARK DUNCAN
Golf is becoming more and more popular in schools today. Far from being just another ‘tick box’ co-curricular activity, the sport is gaining greater traction and recognition within PE departments and is attracting pupils from a much younger age too. Many schools including prep schools are building partnerships with local clubs, and some are even making the most of their expansive grounds by launching their own academies and investing in onsite golf courses. Being a low-injury activity, golf has traditionally
been referred to as a sport of leisure, but there are many physical and mental benefits to children playing from a young age. Even though golf has been historically more popular with adults and is perhaps not quite as widespread as football or rugby in independent school sports, those schools that have decided to invest in golf are seeing excellent learning and development benefits, as a result. With our younger society often driven by the prevalence of screens and devices, golf is an excellent outdoor activity that not only sharpens the mind, with a long list of health benefits, it helps to get children active and out into nature. Strength and balance are just two of the core physical skills that regular exposure
to sports like golf can nurture, but another key area is hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Experts often describe golf as the most technically di cult ball sport with extremely high demand for coordination and concentration; as such, the value of nurturing children to focus and to hit the ball naturally from an early age while carefree, fearless and of course lower to the ground, is immeasurable. On top of this, the endurance garnered by numerous swings and many miles on the feet is also an important test of resilience.
As well as having numerous physical benefits, golf also supports children’s mental health and wellbeing. The simple act of walking around a golf course amongst the trees and open greenery has proven benefits and is a great way of combining both sport and nature in the great outdoors. The fact that golf can be played as a group or enjoyed as a solitary experience is also what makes it quite special and di erent to other sports. Likewise, golf can be a very competitive experience and, on
“WalkingMARK DUNCAN THE PERFECT SETTING FOR A SPOT OF GOLF
the flipside, a totally relaxing one so it allows players to tailor the experience to their own personal needs at that time.
The tactics of the game itself also help to promote patience, calmness, concentration, determination and above all resilience. The overriding essence of the game is about letting go of what has just happened, ignoring what might happen and focusing on the here and now –mindfulness in a nutshell, some might say.
Golf is also becoming more popular with younger children; in part because it is far more accessible than it used to be. Golf courses used to be far more exclusive, and the game was traditionally seen as the preserve of a fatter wallet and a more mature mind. These past
stigmas and barriers are being broken down today, encouraging more of a ‘give it a go’ approach and making the sport more welcoming to more people.
As a sport in school, golf is also having a positive impact on self-confidence. Being a game where you can measure your progress and improve over time by playing the same course over and again is perhaps part of that. On the same token, anyone can compete against any other player utilising the handicap system, which makes for some unique competitive experiences where a nominally ‘lesser’ player can experience victory over someone who is technically superior or more experienced. Being a ‘non-contact’ sport, which can be practised solo, anytime, anywhere (even by putting a ball into a cup in the kitchen) can also make it an appealing sporting option that can suit children who may not love the hurly burly and physical aspects of some more traditional team sports.
At our school we have certainly noticed a surge in children playing golf over the last five years and with the school increasingly able to supply children with equipment and the first tee right on the school front doorstep, this is only likely to increase over time. Like other independent schools that have invested in the sport, our nine-hole course provides enough of a challenge for experienced golfers, while remaining accessible to those just starting out. All of our pupils will develop their own levels of success, which should keep them coming back for more – so long as they aren’t put o by the elusive second and ninth greens that is…
“It is mindfulness in a nutshell, some might say”THE SCHOOL IS SUCCESS IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM
The South of England Agricultural Society's Education Committee has announced that their Loan a Lamb scheme will reach nearly 4,000 schoolchildren across Sussex and Surrey this year, significantly impacting students' understanding of agriculture and its contribution to our lives.
Five primary schools have participated so far: Milton Mount Primary School in Crawley, The Mill Primary Academy in Crawley, St Lawrence Primary School in Hurstpierpoint, Plumpton Primary School, and Herons Dale School in Shoreham – a primary school for children with a wide range of learning di culties. In addition, six
other schools, including a specialist school for children with autism, will participate after Easter.
The Loan a Lamb scheme –held in partnership with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) education, and financially supported by the East Sussex Proficiency Test Committee – involves school sta and children caring for a ewe and her lamb for a week, providing hands-on experience with livestock and agriculture. The schools were loaned a hutch and supplied with all the tools and information needed to care for the animals, made possible through the cooperation of five local sheep farmers.
“It is crucial to get children involved in agriculture at a young age,” says Alan Smith from the South of England Agricultural
Society’s Education Committee and Trustee of the charity. “The Loan a Lamb scheme is an exciting and educational opportunity for schoolchildren. It provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about the importance of farming in producing our food and other products we use in day-to-day life. We are proud of this initiative and to be making a positive impact within our local communities.”
A teacher briefing was held with representatives from all 11 participating schools to provide further information and training, including details on sheep care, biosecurity and health and safety, and emergency procedures.
Joanne Hatton from LEAF also attended to answer any questions and provide support, together with the farmers supplying the sheep, as well as teachers from last year’s programme to share their experience of the project.
Yvonne Swinson, a teacher at Milton Mount Primary, one of the schools that participated, says:
“The Loan a Lamb initiative was a wonderful opportunity for everyone at our school. Many of our children live in flats and don’t have gardens, and lots of them don’t have pets, so they’ve never had the responsibility of getting up, coming out and feeding an animal. They absolutely loved it! We also built the project into almost every aspect of what we were doing in class, from learning about the life cycle of sheep, poetry writing and problem-solving in maths to the chance to wear a woollen jumper, hat or scarf for our ‘wear wool Friday’ event. This is something we would love to be involved in again, and we are grateful to Loan a Lamb and to our farmer Anne.”
seas.org.uk/loan-a-lamb
“It is crucial to get children involved in agriculture at a young age”
The multi-arts festival returns this month with an eclectic and sprawling line-up of the best in the business
Brighton Festival, the largest annual curated multi-arts festival in England, has revealed its programme for 2023. With critically acclaimed musician, producer, DJ and broadcaster Nabihah Iqbal as Guest Director, this year’s Festival invites everyone to an ambitious celebration of community, collaboration and the joy of shared experiences.
The Festival takes place from 6-28 May and will stage a host of music, theatre, dance, art, film, literature, debate, outdoor and community events in venues and locations across Brighton, Hove and Sussex.
Nabihah will present her latest experimental musical project SUROOR, with artists Raheel Khan, Paul Purgas and Imran Peretta; and champions UK bass culture with DJs Aba Shanti-I and Dennis Bovell. Nabihah will also be in conversation with inspiring artists and thinkers across the programme, including exploring the history of Brighton and East Sussex with historian David Olusoga.
Brighton Festival commissions include the world premiere of a new genre-defying production of John Lyly’s Galatea – first performed over 400 years ago and the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s As You Like It and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Award-winning theatre maker Emma Frankland, in collaboration with Cornwall’s outdoor theatre specialists Wildworks and Brighton’s own Marlborough Productions, will stage this inclusive tale of love, joy and the importance of welcoming outsiders in Shoreham-by-Sea.
In a Brighton Festival exclusive, the world premiere of The Sleeping Tree, from awardwinning interactive arts collective Invisible Flock, will use an immersive soundscape to transport audiences from Brighton Dome’s
Concert Hall to the distant and fragile ecosystem of the Sumatran rainforest. Other highlights include the UK premiere of Groundswell – a large-scale immersive installation for all ages by award-winning Australian artist Matthias Schack-Arnott, who fuses sound and movement into evocative, atmospheric experiences. Actor Russell Tovey, writer and performance artist Travis Alabanza and poet Joelle Taylor appear in Blue Now, a special mixedmedia performance of Derek Jarman’s last film, Blue. And don’t miss the everpopular children’s parade, sure to o er a burst of colour around Brighton’s streets. This is merely a brief glimpse at what to expect this month – visit the website for full listings.
brightonfestival.org
why everyone is talking about…NABIHAH IQBAL, BRIGHTON FESTIVAL GUEST DIRECTOR, PHOTO BY SHAHIR IQBAL THERE ARE PLENTY OF CHILDREN'S EVENTS TOO GROUNDSWELL, PHOTO BY KEITH TUCKER RUSSELL TOVEY
