26 minute read
EMILY EDWARDS
PHOTO: ADAM LUSZNIAK
Get to know… EMILY EDWARDS
LEWES-BASED AUTHOR
Q The Herd describes the devastating fallout between friends after a white lie about childhood vaccination proves catastrophic. As a new parent yourself, how di cult was it to write the very challenging scenes in The Herd a ecting small children?
A I go into a bit of a weird space when I’m in an intense writing zone and I was also writing The Herd during the first lockdown while I was pregnant with our second son. I often find it emotional and can be quite di cult to be around. I feel a lot of emotion for the characters, but I’m also aware that there’s another chapter coming so there’s a very practical mindset as well that needs to make sure the pace of the book is maintained and that my characters are going where I need them to go in order for the story to develop.
Q You started writing The Herd before the pandemic and finished writing it in lockdown; how much did talk of Covid vaccines and herd immunity influence its progress?
A Originally, I set the book in 2020, but I realised I couldn’t set my book then and not mention Covid so my agent suggested I set it in 2019, which I did. It ends just before Christmas in 2019 and I remember having this sense of doom for my characters thinking ‘they’ve got Covid just round the corner!’ I remember whilst I was writing it we were all so desperate for a Covid vaccine and because I didn’t have a publishing contract
SHE LOVES LIVING IN LEWES
in place – I was writing it speculatively – I was very much wondering ‘who is going to want to read about vaccination whilst we’re all going through all of this?’ It was either going to be on point or a bit like ‘let’s talk about something else now’ so I’m glad now that it’s about childhood vaccination rather than Covid.
Q Your books tackle big ethical issues – how important is it that you promote discussion in your books?
A This is definitely a niche that I’m going to continue writing in; I recently signed to write two further books with my publisher Transworld and I’m going to continue in this vein. If I’m going to spend however many years writing a book, I want to make sure I’m interested in the subject and that I’m going to learn something from it. I’m sure all
THE SOUTH DOWNS IS GREAT FOR EXERCISE writers learn from their subjects in di erent ways, but it’s also the stu we find hardest to talk about that we find so fascinating. Vaccination is one of those subjects, so what I’m trying to do with my writing is have those conversations with myself and my characters, but also with the reader.
Q Did writing the book help you work through your own thoughts and feelings about vaccination?
A We did have a big question mark when we had our first son about whether or not to vaccinate. My husband was clearer on it than me, but he knew it was important for me to make that decision for myself so yes, it helped to do the research. We decided very early on to vaccinate and will continue to do so for both our sons.
Q Where do you like to go as a family in Sussex?
A We take the boys to Drusilla’s and Washbrooks Farm and recently we got a battery-operated cargo bike so we can put both the boys on the back and go up into the Downs for picnics. It’s a gamechanger as the boys are too big at two and four to be carried long distances, but they’re too small to go for a long walk so this way we can go as far as we like. When James and I do get to go out we like a trip to The Depot every now and then to see a film. I like to sea swim on my own whenever I can and I run on the Downs, which is often where I find I have good ideas
RAINBOW LORIKEETS AT DRUSILLA'S
THE DEPOT'S FOOD IS A WINNER
for writing; I’ll often go specifically to work through a problem I have with a scene.
Q Why did Lewes appeal to you when you were looking to move out of London?
A I was actually born in Rodmell, but we moved away when I was five due to my parents’ work. They’ve always had a great fondness for Sussex and some of my earliest memories are of things like the feel of a flint wall and the malty smell from the Harveys brewery and that came back to me really strongly when we visited Lewes again 30 years later! It was just supposed to be for a year, but it’s nearly six years now.
The Herd is out in paperback now and is a Richard and Judy pick. See more at emilyelgaredwards.co.uk
ABSOLUTELY ATTENDS
GOODWOOD REVIVAL
The Goodwood Revival went ahead on 16-18 September with special moments across the event to honour Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. A book of condolence was available for guests to sign and there were daily moments of silence which followed a special film, featuring unseen footage of The Queen at Goodwood over the years.
Elsewhere, the Revive & Thrive Village made its debut this year, championing the sustainable ‘Make Do and Mend’ approaches of post-war Britain through a modern lens. With sewing workshops, live demonstrations and a line-up that included Black Girl Knit Club, Dominic Chinea, Charlotte Jacklin, Nerrisa Pratt, Micaela Sharp and Juliet Uzor, visitors flocked to the new area to soak up all the ways in which we can breathe new life into second-hand belongings.
Goodwood has long brought together competitors from across the spectrum of motorsport and this year was no exception, with almost 30 di erent racing championships represented at the Revival. The 24 Hours of Le Mans, World Endurance Championship, Formula 1, Formula E, Isle of Man TT, World Superbike Championship, IndyCar, NASCAR and British, European and World Touring Car Championships were just some of the disciplines represented. Drivers included Rowan Atkinson, Jenson Button, Karun Chandhok, Max Chilton, Scott Dixon, Dario Franchitti, Damon Hill, Jimmie Johnson, Tom Kristensen, John McGuinness, Sir Jackie Stewart, Jean-Éric Vergne and Sto el
Famous faces around the site included Francis Bourgeois, Martin Brundle, Dominic Chinea, Elizabeth Day, Chris Evans, Dermot O’Leary, Andy Serkis, Michaela Sharp, Paul Smith, Stanley Tucci, Twiggy, Juliet Uzor, Dandy Wellington and Dominic West.
ABSOLUTELY ATTENDS
At the end of September, over 17,000 people turned out to support the South of England Agricultural Society’s Autumn Show & International Horse Trials at the South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex. It was the first time that the always popular Autumn Show & Game Fair had joined forces with the International Horse Trials to create one spectacular event, and it was a huge success for visitors and competitors alike.
In addition to the show’s existing programme of activities – such as gundog scurries, fly fishing, archery, axe throwing, ferret racing, and birds of prey displays – the event saw more than 500 horses competing in dressage, showjumping and cross-country phases.
Away from the main ring, in addition to masses of shopping opportunities, there were plenty of stalls from local and independent food producers for guests to enjoy. The Pumpkin Trail around the showground, and the Society’s Countryside Hub were a big hit with younger visitors.
Local farmers and smallholders supported the Animal Barn by bringing along their animals, which helped educate the public about their way of life and the di erent breeds, uses and care. The show was a true celebration of the countryside, showcasing country pursuits and traditional country skills.
The Society held a ceremony of thanksgiving in memory of its late Patron, Queen Elizabeth II, and had displays at the show recalling her visits in 1974, 1984 and 2002. These displays also pictured the trees the Society has planted at the showground as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, which was set up to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee.
Christmas
S P E C I A L
In this section
FESTIVE EVENTS 26 GOODWOOD 30 SILENT POOL GIN 33
All that
GLITTERS
SOUTH OF ENGLAND WINTER FAIR The countdown starts now... Running from 19-20 November, the Winter Fair provides an early opportunity for some Christmas fun. Read more over the page.
THE ALADDIN CAST TAKE TO THE EASTBOURNE SEAFRONT
The gift of SUSSEX
A host of events across the county kick-start the Christmas season in November, so here Absolutely Sussex picks out some of the highlights
By MARK KEBBLE
Christmas, it seems, comes earlier and earlier every year, but we at Absolutely Sussex are more than happy with that. As we warm up for the impending festive season, here we pick out some early seasonal highlights...
SANTA’S COMING TO BRIGHTON
There’s plenty of festive fun in Brighton this Christmas and start on a high, with a Breakfast & Santa Flight at BA i360 on 10 December. Enjoy a magical morning as a family with a festive breakfast in the sea view restaurant, West Beach, before boarding the BA i360 pod to meet Santa and his cheeky Elf Experience hosts at 450ft in the sky.
Brighton production company E3 is bringing family panto back to its home city with a stunning new production of Aladdin. Running at the Brighton Centre from Thursday 22 to Tuesday 27 December (excluding Christmas Day), Christmas panto favourite Aladdin incorporates plenty of spectacular elements including jaw-dropping sets, dazzling costumes and magical special e ects.
Featuring a hugely talented West End cast including Anita Dobson, Mark Inscoe, alongside BBC Radio Sussex presenter Allison Ferns, the audience will be whisked away on the magical tale of Aladdin and Princess Jasmine as they embark on their love story. In true panto tradition, this one is packed full of hilarious comedy capers from Aladdin's brother, Wishee Washee, and their eccentric but
SOUTH OF ENGLAND WINTER FAIR THE BA I360 – AND SANTA
much-loved mother, Widow Twankey – possibly the funniest Dame in the land!
This year’s Christmas celebrations at Brighton Dome include a dazzling programme of breakdancing Moroccan circus, stars from the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing and even a festive Spice Girl. From incredible acrobatics to an enchanting ballet, Brighton Dome is the perfect place for all the family to enjoy the holiday season in style.
Headlining the season are the phenomenal acrobats of Groupe Acrobatique de Tanger, who bring their colourful and energetic show FIQ! to town from 18-27 December. Strictly favourites Aljaz and Janette star in A Christmas To Remember on 29 November – a classy, sparkly Christmas celebration packed with dance, festive tunes and Christmas stories from their childhoods. Spice Girls superstar Emma Bunton returns to Brighton on 13 December with some very special guests for a fabulous festive show packed with her favourite Christmas classics and some iconic Spice Girls sing-along tunes.
PLENTY OF GIFTS IN CHICHESTER
We don’t need much persuading to cover Chichester Festival Theatre in these pages, but their Christmas line-up really does stand out. Begin the season in traditional style, with the exhilarating ensemble of The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines once again joining the rousing voices of the Cathedral Choir to present a beautifully wrapped musical celebration from 5-10 December. Customary carols sit alongside some classics and new arrangements in a programme guaranteed to leave audiences full of Christmas cheer.
From the author of the well-loved children’s book Dear Zoo, Rod Campbell, comes Dear Santa Live: an ideal introduction to theatre for those aged 2+,
FROM THE BRIDGE IN WINTER, AVAILABLE AT THE LITTLE ART GALLERY
opening on 10 December. The Christmas cheer continues with the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto after the show, where every child will receive a special gift.
IT’S BEHIND YOU
As well as Brighton Dome’s o ering outlined above, the county comes up trumps with its choice of panto this festive season. A selection of Eastbourne’s pantomime cast members assembled recently to launch this year’s show Aladdin at the Devonshire Park Theatre.
The cast included Martyn Knight, returning for his 19th outing in the fanciest frocks around as Widow Twankey, and Eastbourne’s favourite comic Tucker as Wishee Washee, plus Katherine Glover back as the hero in high boots, Aladdin, following her last outing in Jack and the Beanstalk in 2020, and Rebecca Lisewski who made casting wishes come true as Genie of the Ring. Plus, a new name for Eastbourne audiences, Miles Western as Abanazaar who will be expecting lots of hisses and boos as resident ‘baddie’ for the festive season.
There was also a photocall for the All New Adventures of Peter Pan cast, who flew into The Hawth to launch this year’s pantomime. On hand to get the festive fun going were
FISHBOURNE ROMAN PALACE
EastEnders’ Rita Simons as Captain Hook and CBBC and Strictly star Karim Zeroual in the title role of Peter Pan. They were joined, for his tenth year, by Crawley’s favourite Dame, Michael J Batchelor as Mrs Smee, the hilarious Richard Franks (Starkey), Kira MacCarter (Elizabeth Darling) and Rosanna Harris (Tinkerbell).
Award-winning comedian and West End actor Katie Pritchard is bringing her bubbly personality to Jack and the Beanstalk, at Worthing’s Pavilion Theatre. Katie is a
EXPLORING AT THE WEALD & DOWNLAND MUSEUM FUN AT THE WINTER FAIR
woman of many talents. From her awardwinning comedy to her all-girl rock ‘n’ roll band The Daisy Chains, Katie has done it all. She’s been in both West End productions and on the television, she’s a writer and artist, and has created podcasts while appearing on others. In her own words, Katie is “a stupid idiot who likes to prance around, often with props, costumes, and musical instruments for fun. I have also run four marathons and one triathlon”.
ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR
The South of England Showground in Ardingly, West Sussex will once again play host to its annual Winter Fair this November. Running on 19-20 November, the Winter Fair provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to get the Christmas preparations started whilst enjoying some festive family fun.
With hundreds of shopping stalls from local, independent traders, the two-day event is truly a shopper’s paradise. For food and drink lovers, there’s mouthwatering gin liqueurs, homemade jams and chutneys, gourmet pies, cheeses, wines, and handmade Christmas puddings and chocolates. Or, for those looking for unique gifts and stocking fillers, there’s everything from wooden toys, artwork, jewellery, lovingly produced leather and cashmere fashion, to natural soap, grooming gift sets, stunning home accessories, Christmas decorations and more.
PETER PAN AT THE HAWTH
The Winter Fair is not just about shopping opportunities though, it can be a handson experience for every generation with wreath making workshops from My Little Flower Boutique and chocolate decoration workshops from Chocolate Genie.
Younger visitors can enjoy the funfair with vintage carousel, a giant snow globe where they can climb in and have a photo taken, various Christmas craft activities thanks to The Creation Station, meet Mistletoe the Elf, and of course Santa’s Grotto.
NOW FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT…
We don’t like covering the same old thing here at Absolutely Sussex, so to wrap up our Christmas special here’s a couple of alternative things. First up are Christmas crafts at Fishbourne Roman Palace. This November the largest Roman home in Britain is opening its doors to the public for free for one day only as Fishbourne Roman Palace hosts its first Festive Craft Fayre.
On Saturday 19 November, visitors to the West Sussex heritage site, near Chichester, will be able to soak up 2,000 years of history free of charge while getting into the festive spirit and browsing dozens of stalls selling unique handmade gifts at the Palace’s first ever Christmas market.
A variety of local Sussex artists and craftspeople will be showing o their wares across the site, including in the Palace garden. There will be a range of food and drink stands providing delicious winter warmers, as well as fun Roman-themed activities for children.
Inside the Palace, visitors can marvel at the incredible display of stunning mosaics – the largest collection in situ in the UK – and explore the museum’s diverse range of artefacts, which tell the story of the Roman Empire’s conquest of Britain.
The Little Art Gallery in West Wittering is always happy to o er a wide range of artists work for that special memory or occasion, perfect for a Christmas gift with real meaning. They have over 60 artists with large and small paintings, seascapes, landscapes and abstracts, oils and acrylics, printmaking and textiles, glass artists, Pewter, ceramics, enamels and silver jewellery. They like to think they have something for all tastes and budgets from £3 to £5,000.
What’s more, the gallery can be opened especially for you. If you give them an idea of what you are interested in they can bring in extra works that are held o site. They are only a small space so opening for your own private view gives you plenty of time to look around and make your decision. If you cannot decide which to choose and you live within a 30-mile radius of the gallery, they are happy to bring a selection to your home to help you make your choice.
Last, but not least, join the Weald & Downland Living Museum in Chichester for Advent 26-27 November, a two-day event which includes an array of festive and family-friendly experiences exploring Christmas traditions from the past with live demonstrations and displays. There will also be a boutique Christmas market which will bring together over 100 handselected stall holders, showcasing a range of high-quality products all sourced from the local region, from arts and crafts to artisanal gifts. An early Merry Christmas!
GOODWOOD MOTOR CIRCUIT
GRAVITY JET SUITS
Full Speed AHEAD
Unwrapping the Goodwood Motor Circuit and Goodwood Aerodrome Christmas gift guide
PIPER CUB LESSON
Treat that special person in your life to an exhilarating, fun-fuelled experience at Goodwood Motor Circuit or Goodwood Aerodrome. From high performance driving to learning to fly, their exciting experiences and gifts are certain to make unforgettable memories.
PERFORMANCE TRACK
Get behind the wheel and follow in the tracks of racing heroes such as Jim Clark and Sir Jackie Stewart. Get the chance to drive the full-range of high-performance BMW M Models and MINI John Cooper Works at the historic two-and-a-half-mile circuit, with its famously demanding high speed corners and tight chicanes. Priced at £399 per person.
PERFORMANCE HOT LAPS
Buckle up for this ultimate thrill-seeking experience as one of the Goodwood Racing
TRENCHES AND TRAPS
OFF-ROAD EXPERIENCE
Instructors drives you around the historic circuit in a high-performance BMW M4 from the Ultimate Driving fl eet. Feel the power of performance driving like never before. Priced at £49 per person.
GOODWOOD OFF-ROAD DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Step back in time and enjoy the quirks and charm of classic Land Rovers with Goodwood’s O -Road Driving Experience. Feel every bump and drop as you adventure through the rutted o -road tracks at Goodwood Motor Circuit in their fl eet of classic Land Rovers from the 1960s. You will get the opportunity to explore the narrow and tricky trenches, steep descents, challenging inclines and mud traps in a classic Land Rover with up to three friends or family. For an enhanced experience, Trenches & Traps includes a delicious lunch and clay shooting. Priced at £220 for the Goodwood O -Road Driving Experience, or £750 for Trenches & Traps, for up to four people.
GOODWOOD REVIVAL RACING EXPERIENCE
The Goodwood Revival Racing Experience is a brilliantly authentic, exhilarating and memorable experience where the true craft of driving a classic car can be mastered. Get the opportunity to drive a selection of beautiful 1950s and 1960s classic saloons and GTs that have been lovingly restored back to their original racing state at the iconic Motor Circuit. Priced at £595 per person.
GRAVITY JET SUIT FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
Experience the thrill of human fl ight and join Gravity Industries for an unforgettable venture of learning to fl y a Jet Suit. Whatever your background, join them and take to the skies for the fl ight of a lifetime. Priced at £2,640 per person.
PIPER CUB TRIAL LESSON
Give the gift of fl ight this Christmas with a fl ying lesson in the Piper Super Cub at Goodwood Aerodrome. This beautiful aircraft started life with the Dutch air force as an L21B. It has been lovingly restored and is used for teaching the all-important tailwheel stick-and-rudder skills that this type of aircraft is renowned for worldwide. Prices start from £165 per person.
SPITFIRE FLIGHT EXPERIENCES
This once in a lifetime experience will see you fl ying the TR9 Spitfi re around the beautiful South Coast and over the English Channel. En-route, you'll enjoy the sight of the Spitfi re's famous elliptical wing passing over England's green and pleasant land, and if you elected to try some aerobatics, you'll marvel at the power, manoeuvrability and grace of this 70-year-old aircraft. You’ll even be given the opportunity to touch the controls and fl y the aircraft yourself. Prices start from £2975 per person.
Share the joy of the season with the mark of a truly delicious gift
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LE CREUSET FULHAM ROAD, 156 FULHAM ROAD, LONDON. SW10 9PR. TEL: 0207 3707509 • E-MAIL: FULHAMROAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET HAMPSTEAD, 31 HEATH STREET, LONDON. NW3 6TR. TEL: 0207 4356109 • E-MAIL: HAMPSTEAD.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ISLINGTON, 137 UPPER STREET, LONDON. N1 1QP. TEL: 0207 2261595 • E-MAIL: ISLINGTON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET MARYLEBONE, 6 NEW CAVENDISH STREET, LONDON. W1G 8UH. TEL: 0207 4865404 • E-MAIL: MARYLEBONE.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET MUSWELL HILL, 74 MUSWELL HILL BROADWAY, LONDON. N10 3RT. TEL: 0208 8834394 • E-MAIL: MUSWELLHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET NOTTING HILL, 54 LEDBURY RD., NOTTING HILL, LONDON. W11 2AJ. TEL: 0203 2200017 • E-MAIL: NOTTINGHILL.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET ST. ALBANS, 27 MARKET PLACE, ST. ALBANS, HERTFORDSHIRE. AL3 5DL. TEL: 01727 850453 • E-MAIL: STALBANS.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM LE CREUSET WIMBLEDON, 4 CHURCH RD., WIMBLEDON VILLAGE, LONDON. SW19 5DL. TEL: 0208 9440624 • E-MAIL: WIMBLEDON.STORE.UK@LECREUSET.COM
Timefor CHEER
Silent Pool are well-known for their gin, but it’s their Christmas range that is getting us talking
CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL? DON'T MIND IF WE DO
With the festive months soon upon us, Silent Pool has a range of gifts for all budgets. Whether it is Silent Pool’s Gin Copa Glass Gift Box for the one you love, serving a pre-dinner drink using their Luxury Gift Tin or gifting the ultimate secret Santa gift, the Citrus Gin G&T Pack – there’s something to suit all occasions. We take a closer look at the options…
G&T / RARE CITRUS G&T PACK
The perfect stocking filler. This gift pack contains a Silent Pool Gin/Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin Copa Glass, a miniature Silent Pool Gin/Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin and a Fever Tree Indian Tonic Can to serve up the perfect double Silent Pool Gin & Tonic.
Silent Pool Gin G&T Pack / Silent Pool Rare Citrus Gin G&T Pack is available for RRP £15.
THE CHRISTMAS CANDLES SET SILENT POOL'S CHRISTMAS GIFT SET
UPCYCLED BOTANICAL CANDLES
Scented candles each inspired by botanicals found in Silent Pool’s gin. Housed in used Silent Pool Gin bottles as a part of their upcycling scheme, which gives the gorgeous bottles a second time to shine. Filled with 100% natural essential oils and environmentally friendly soy wax. The best way to decorate your Christmas dinner table.
Available in four scents: Rose, Elderflower & Honey; Bergamot & LavenderJuniper & Cassia Bark; Orange, Mandarin & Bergamot. Silent Pool Gin Upcycled Botanical Candles are available for RRP £24 from Silent Pool Distillers.
SILENT POOL GIN LUXURY GIFT TIN
Luxury handcrafted gin made from 24 botanicals with the aim of capturing the essence of the Surrey Hills. A contemporary London Dry gin with floral top notes, perfectly served in a G&T with Indian tonic, garnished with an orange slice.
Silent Pool Gin Luxury Gift Tin is available for RRP £40 from Silent Pool Distillers.
GIN & COPA GLASS GIFT BOX
A remarkable gift box that includes a bottle of Silent Pool Gin with a pair of premium Silent Pool Gin Copa Glasses. A great gift for your G&T fan.
Available in the classic Silent Pool taste or citrus-infused. Silent Pool Gin & Copa Glass Gift Box is available for RRP £68 through Silent Pool Distillers.
DARTINGTON CRYSTAL 8 LITRE WITH 8 CRYSTAL GLASSES IN LEATHER DISPLAY CASE
Silent Pool Gin and Dartington Crystal have collaborated to create an eight-litre one-of-a-kind Dartington Crystal bottle of gin and glassware. It is the world’s most exclusive gin in a crystal bottle and glass set.
The hand-blown, bespoke Dartington Crystal bottle and the eight glasses that go with it took master craftsmen more than 80 hours to etch by hand. The leather case for the bottle and glasses was designed and built by luxury trunk makers Franck Tressens of Ephtee. Available for RRP £25,000 at Silent Pool Distillers.
Find out more about all at silentpooldistillers.com
DRINK & FOOD
UNIQUE TASTE
RARE CHAMPAGNE
Newly released Rare Rosé Millésime 2012 expertly balances three distinct families of sensations: floral, fruity, and spiced. Combining aromas and freshness, this third vintage rosé from Rare Champagne adds a new dimension to the Maison’s style. Inside we have some recipe pairings to make the most of this launch. rare-champagne.com
