Absolutely Sussex October 2022

Vindö

Fabric: Designer´s Guild Glenville Oyster I Carpet: Light Beige

Bed Linen: Havsbris White I Bedside table: Holme

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS MIKE ROBERTS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER CARMEN GRAHAM JUNIOR DESIGNER KAI NICHOLLS

PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANTS

GEMMA GRAY, KATIE WOOD

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS

CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

LETTER Editor’s

K-9 Angels

Chatting to the cofounder of the dog rescue charity (p18)

Iam writing this letter the day after the funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth II. What a momentous 10 days it has been, from all the pomp and ceremony, to the astonishing outpouring of grief and stoicism from those who queued up for over 10 hours to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty lying in state. I have heard from several readers in Sussex who did just that, describing it as one of the most powerful moments in their lives.

In my 43 years, Queen Elizabeth II was all I knew. I never had any personal dealings with Her Majesty, but there are some connections – the amateur football club I am now chairman of saw its founder awarded an MBE from her two decades ago. The response to that from those in the club and outside was monumental, showing just what it meant to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II. It also made me chuckle when he told me he chatted to Her Majesty about football tactics and she seemed to be interested in his thoughts on the beautiful game. It seemed Her Majesty had time for everyone.

The Queen had many different connections to Sussex, far too many for me to list here, but it's clear she will never be forgotten. A new era awaits and it's one I am sure we will all look upon with interest. Rest in peace Your Majesty. God save the King.

Interiors Trend

Why you should be feeling blue

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1MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Spitfire Academy

Your chance for an experience like no other (p34)

The Shoot Autumnal looks thanks to Joe Browns (p52)

Wish

10 things we Absolutely love

BY PENDLE HARTE

MAGENTA MANIA

Molly Goddard's AW22 collection is full of bright colours and voluminous shapes for maximum autumn impact. mollygoddard.com

CANDY CRUSH

Jonathan Adler's Mustique collection pairs juicy, dimensional colour with bold, Memphis-y geometrics. Featuring swirling poppy tones, each Mustique vase brings one-of-a-kind shine to any modern tablescape. jonathanadler.com

ROSE TINT

Henry Holland's new collection of artisinal hand-blown glass includes this beautiful pink swirly concoction. henryhollandstudio.com

FACE UP

With a gentle nod to Scandinavian folk art, Bjørn Wiinblad's romantic, imaginative art is now reinterpreted in this modern, functional range of ceramics fit for a new generation. scandinavianshop.co.uk

LOCK UP

Mustard Made's brightly coloured lockers come in a variety of shapes and sizes to bring locker room chic to any space. Pink is our favourite, naturally. mustardmade.com

SHINE ON

These gold vermeil hoop earrings feature a pink opal gemstone at their centre – and the stones are interchangeable for a truly versatile look. lilyblanche.com

MARBLE MELT

Pink and red is an excellent colour combination and this marbley candle promises an interesting melt. £15 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

PINK PALETTE

Bold colours characterise Margo in Margate's eyecatching and characterful artworks. margomcdaid.com

BALL PARK

Caran D'Ache's new collection takes the iconic 849 Ballpoint Pen and injects a range of pastel and bright block colours, creating a collection of bold and trend-led pens ideal for the stationary afi cionado. carandache.com

trend-led carandache.com

PINK FRILL

Paolita's Zephyr Bianca One Piece is a beautiful statement swimsuit that has an off -the-shoulder ruffl e with a delicate trim edging. harveynichols.com

CLASSICAL BALLET

7-9 OCTOBER

CONGRESS THEATRE, EASTBOURNE

Eastbourne Theatres welcome Classical Ballet and Opera House to the Congress Theatre over three days with a programme of timeless performances. Featuring live orchestras with over 30 musicians, enjoy performances of The Nutcracker (7 October), Swan Lake (8 October) and Sleeping Beauty (9 October, pictured). eastbournetheatres.co.uk

BEST EVENTS IN

The Agenda National Garden Scheme

29 October

DENMANS GARDEN, FONTWELL

Created by Joyce Robinson, a brilliant pioneer in gravel gardening, and former home of influential landscape designer, John Brookes MBE, Denmans is a Grade II listed post-war garden renowned for its curvilinear layout and complex plantings.

Enjoy year-round colour, unusual plants, structure and fragrance in the gravel gardens and intimate walled garden. ngs.org.uk

Dinosaur World Live

OCTOBER THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY

Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, Dinosaur World Live presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Gira atitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Triceratops. The show introduces Miranda, daughter of palaeontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a far-away island o the coast of South America. She has brought her pre-historic pals to our shores and would love you to meet them.

Pearls & Unicorns

27 October BRIGHTON & HOVE MUSEUMS

This is a dark talk planned to coincide with the advent of Halloween when “the veil between the two worlds is at its thinnest”. Geo rey Munn will explain the importance of superstition and magic to our ancestors and will be showing all manner of charm stones used to ward o poison, disease, and the evil eye. This is a disquieting presentation, not suitable for the faint hearted… brightonmuseums.org.uk

DENHAMS GARDEN, PHOTO BY JUDI LION

DANCE

SWAN LAKE

11 October

THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY

With its instantly recognizable music and a timeless story of good versus evil, Swan Lake is the greatest of romantic ballets, featuring an evocative score from the prolific composer Tchaikovsky. Replete with haunting music and exquisite dance, this classic ballet has captured the imagination of many generations. Swan Lake is a tale of two young women, Odette and Odile, who resemble each other so closely one can easily be mistaken for the other. It is the compelling legend of a tragic romance in which a princess, Odette, is turned into a swan by an evil curse. parkwoodtheatres.co.uk

Richard E Grant

16 October BRIGHTON DOME

Since his breakout role in cult classic film Withnail and I in 1987, Richard E Grant has become a much-loved fixture on our screens, starring in everything from Doctor Who to Downton Abbey via Game of Thrones, Star Wars and Spice World, and was Oscar-nominated for his 2018 role in Can You Ever Forgive Me? Now, join him as he tells stories from his life, entwining tales from his extraordinary time in showbiz with uplifting reflections on love and loss, to mark new book, A Pocketful of Happiness. brightondome.org

This

Towner International is a biennial exhibition of contemporary art that takes place at Towner Eastbourne, sponsored by Brewers Decorator Centre. The second edition will feature a range of artists, local, national and international, coming together to share work which addresses the theme of ‘Sanctuary’. townereastbourne.org.uk

Sussex SHOWCASE

Ahead the launch of The Sussex Contemporary, Joanne Myles looks at what's on in the county

October brings an exciting bevy of art exhibitions opening in Sussex. Chichester’s Pallant House Gallery is showing a mesmerising collection of new works by wood engraver and artist, Anne Desmet R.A. Titled Kaleidoscope, the exhibition shows Anne using print to depict the evolution of urban landscapes, exploring themes of transformation with her dramatic use of light and shade. It opens on 22 October.

Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft marks master potter Shoji Hamada’s first visit to Ditchling with a timely exhibition of pottery by Shoji, Bernard Leach, William Staite Murrey, the Martin Brothers, and many more, which opens 22 October.

Hastings Contemporary celebrates its 10th anniversary since first opening its doors in 2012 with a special exhibition, Making Waves, opening on 8 October. The hang includes works by artists that have previously shown in the gallery such as Chantel Jo e, Rose Wylie, Maggi Hambling and Sir Quentin Blake.

My favourite Lewes art space, Star Brewery Gallery, have a busy month with several week-long exhibitions to see, my top tip for the month is Jenny Arran’s show Forever Now, 22-30 October. A former artist in residence at The Towner Eastbourne, Jenny studied at Brighton University before completing an MA at the Slade School of art. This latest body of work finds her departure from sculpture and foray into painting in an intuitive and expansive manner.

And, of course, there’s The Sussex Contemporary – read more about it on page 16!

CHRISTOPHE LENNOX, THE BEEKEEPER, 2021, OIL ON CANVAS, PHOTO BY GUILLEM CHEUNG

ART

The Great Gig in the Sky

4 October

BRIGHTON & HOVE MUSEUMS

In many of Constable’s paintings, including the newly displayed Colliers unloading on Hove Beach (1824), the sky takes up much of the composition, and even his rough small sketches of clouds are now highly-prized and much discussed works of art. Curator Alexandra Loske will take a closer look at Constable’s skies, why he declared that he was ‘a man of clouds’, and provide the scientific and conceptual context to Romanticism’s fascination with the sky. brightonmuseums.org.uk

The Famous Five

21 October-12 November CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

George isn’t happy at the idea of being lumbered with three unknown cousins for the summer. Her cousins aren’t keen on the prospect either. Julian’s struggling to live up to the responsibility of being the eldest; Anne is working out how to make her voice heard; while Dick would like everyone to focus on more important things. Like sandwiches. But out in the bay lies Kirrin Island, with a ruined castle rumoured to harbour secrets. And it becomes clear that five heads are better than one when solving mysteries… cft.org.uk

Seke Chimutengwende

DANCE 11-12 OCTOBER ACCA, BRIGHTON

Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA), the Brighton-based arts centre at the University of Sussex, has announced a refreshingly multi-disciplinary programme of top-quality events for autumn. An early highlight falls on 11–12 October, when choreographer, performer, movement director and teacher Seke Chimutengwende presents It Begins in Darkness, a new group dance performance looking at ghosts and haunted houses as metaphors for how histories of slavery and colonialism haunt the present.

attenboroughcentre.com

ROOM ON THE BROOM

October-30 October WAKEHURST

The autumnal tale Room on the Broom, based on the awardwinning book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Sche er, arrives at Wakehurst in Sussex this autumn. The trail, developed in partnership with Magic Light Pictures, presents a new interactive adventure for October half term. Welcoming the Halloween season, the trail will recreate Witch’s windswept adventure through 3D installations and family-friendly activities. kew.org/wakehurst

Sherlock Holmes

6-8 October DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE, EASTBOURNE

The highly acclaimed Blackeyed Theatre return to the Devonshire Park Theatre with a new adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic, Sherlock Holmes: The Valley of Fear. This thrilling final Sherlock Holmes novel has been inspiringly adapted to the stage. A gripping world premiere packed full of mystery and adventure, combining original music, stylish theatricality and magical storytelling which fans of Blackeyed Theatre (The Sign Of Four, Frankenstein and Teechers) have come to expect.

Caragh Thuring

October-12 March,

HASTINGS CONTEMPORARY

Contemporary will present a major survey show of the work of Caragh Thuring, her first UK exhibition in six years. The show of more than 20 works will include paintings, drawings and monotypes created over the last 15 years. Caragh’s unique compositions oscillate between the humorous and the quotidian, juxtaposing signs and imagery from her recurring iconography of volcanoes,

submarines, tartan, human silhouettes,

and exploring where natural and manufactured worlds collide.

Black History Month in Brighton

Giants Of Soul

2 October

BRIGHTON CENTRE

Giants of Soul will feature some of the most successful and iconic, original soul performers from the late 70s through to the modern day. Collectively these artists boast over five million followers on Spotify, with 18 UK top ten hits and 47 top 40 hits. Award winning Angie Greaves from Smooth Radio is the host for the show. brightoncentre.co.uk

Ladysmith Black Mambazo

16 October

THEATRE ROYAL BRIGHTON Ladysmith Black Mambazo is a South African male choral group that sings in the vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube. They rose to worldwide prominence as a result of singing with Paul Simon on his 1986 album Graceland, and have won multiple awards, including four Grammy Awards. They were formed by Joseph Shabalala in 1960 and later became one of South Africa’s most prolific recording artists. atgtickets.com

The Original Harlem Globetrotters

16 October

BRIGHTON CENTRE

The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game tour to Brighton. Expect basketball wizardry night after night and demonstrated through years of commitment to unsurpassed entertainment. For over 95 years, the Harlem Globetrotters have been committed to spreading joy through their artful athleticism and unparalleled basketball skills. brightoncentre.co.uk

ROOM ON THE BROOM, PHOTO BY JIM HOLDEN

BEST OF THE BEST

Sussex is well-renowned for its art, so how does a major new exhibition for the county decide on who to feature?

By JASON EDGE

SHADES OF STONE MOON JAR BY LORRAINE SINGER FROM ROBERTSBRIDGE

A DREAM OF THE DOWNS BY KATE MONTGOMERY FROM BRIGHTON

Remember the date: 8 October sees the opening of a two-week major art exhibition in Brighton. The Sussex Contemporary will be a showcase of the very best art by artists that were either born in Sussex, educated here or currently live in the county.

But how do you choose what is the very best? The exhibition organisers first put out an open call to artists and asked them to submit a piece of work in a media of their choosing, based on the theme of ‘food and drink’.

The Sussex art community rose to the challenge and by the time the deadline for submissions had closed at the end of August, they had received almost 640

entries with a further 143 that missed the deadline. The submissions were of an exceptional standard so a panel of esteemed judges were assembled to perform the di cult task of picking which art would make it into the final exhibition.

The judges were led by Dinah Casson, designer and founder of Casson Mann, and included Chris Kendall –collector and founder of Hidden Gallery group, Alex Leith – art journalist and editor of ROSA magazine, and Julian Bell – internationally renowned painter, author, critic and lecturer.

The judging process started with a scoring round where each judge independently decided on whether they felt a piece should be included. This was done on the merit of the artwork alone as they did not know who the artist was at that stage.

Submissions that had two or more votes from the judges went through to the next round – the Judges’ Meeting.

The Sussex Contemporary’s headline sponsors, law firm Mayo Wynne Baxter, hosted at their Lewes o ce and the judges hunkered down for an afternoon of carefully reviewing each piece with organiser Joanna Myles mediating the process. After much deliberation, the judges managed to agree on 150 exceptional artworks to make up the final exhibition.

The judging didn’t stop there as they had to then decide on a shortlist for the three awards: The Creative Pod Prize, The Seawhite Prize and The MPB Photography Prize. The final judgement of these prizes will take place the day before the exhibition opens to the public, so you will have to visit to find out who won.

“The standard of art was exceptional, and we were blown away by the sheer volume of entries. The judges really had their work cut out for them,” says Joanna, co-founder of the exhibition and a Sussex artist, who appeared on Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year in 2021.

Choosing what makes the artistic cut, and what doesn’t, is a serious business.

Inclusion in a major exhibition like this can be a boost to a new or emerging artist’s career and will put their art in front of serious art collectors.

The Sussex Contemporary will give visitors to the exhibition the opportunity to be a judge themselves and choose who wins the People’s Choice Award, which is sponsored by creative agency Whitespace. Each artwork has a unique QR code, and visitors are encouraged to cast their own critical eye and scan the code of the piece that they think should win this highly contested prize.

All the art is available for sale and a percentage of the proceeds will go to a local charity, Table Talk Foundation, who provide food education to Sussex primary school children and are helping to tackle childhood obesity in the county.

The Sussex Contemporary 2022 exhibition is free to visit and is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors. It will run from 8–22 October at the British Airways i360 and access is from the beach level. So, if you fancy being an art judge, then come down to Brighton and cast your vote.

“THE STANDARD OF THE ART WAS EXCEPTIONAL AND WE WERE BLOWN AWAY BY THE VOLUME OF ENTRIES”

thesussexcontemporary.co.uk

TABLE KNIFE BY JANINE SHUTE FROM UCKFIELD

THE

CONFER

PUPPY

LOVE

Victoria Featherstone Pearce has had an eclectic career that has taken in modelling to starring in Stanley Kubrick’s last film – but her latest venture is her most important yet, she tells Absolutely Sussex

By MARK KEBBLE

Victoria Featherstone Pearce has just returned to the South Downs from a dog rescue trip to Romania and is absolutely shattered. “We recently purchased an animal ambulance and we can’t wait to get on the road and visit all the small villages in Romania that simply do not have the resources to sterilise their pets,” she says. “That’s where the real problems are, overpopulation of puppies, with many dying in the most horrific way. Just one unspayed bitch and her pups can have up to 67,000 puppies within a seven-year period if left unsterilised. This is why our sterilisation program is so vital and prevents mass su ering.”

‘Our’ is K-9 Angels, the charity Victoria co-founded a decade ago alongside singer Pola Pospieszalska and TV presenter Anneka Svenska. “It all started from us

seeing a plea for help on Facebook,” she explains. “The plea was from a rescuer asking for funds to help remove a tiny dog from a remote forest. I sent the funds to the rescuer and we rehomed the little dog we later named Angel. We were so elated to have rehomed this little stray so easily that we decided to start K-9 Angels.”

Despite a successful modelling and acting career, which included a key role in Stanley Kubrick’s last film Eyes Wide Shut, her recent focus in life has been her charity. However, it was before any of this happened that the seeds were sowed for what was to come later in her life. “When I was seven, my dad brought home two ducklings,” she grins at the memory. “That was a key moment in my life, bringing them up and seeing them grow. I then refused to eat meat ever again. I had no idea what a vegetarian was – in the late 1970s it was unusual for a child to be vegetarian. Let’s just say I ate a lot of spinach back then!”

She became vegan too around 20 years ago – and has gone on to be named Europe’s Sexiest Vegan by PETA supporters no less – so Victoria certainly practices what she preaches, and the last decade has been a whirlwind for K-9 Angels. “Our charity in the last ten years has achieved so much, especially considering it’s solely run by a small team of dedicated volunteers who each bring to the charity their unique skills and heaps of passion,” Victoria says. “We have rehomed over 1,000 dogs and some cats too. Funded a shelter build. Sterilised over 2,000 dogs, keeping the population of strays down. We send regular food and medical supplies to our network of trusted rescuers and we’ve raised over £600,000 to date.

“Apart from being the co-founder and director at K-9 Angels, I’ve actually taken on many roles, all on a volunteer basis,” she adds. “Fundraising events and challenges that include cycling hundreds of miles,

"The most rescue dogs I have had is eight"

PHOTO:

climbing Kilimanjaro (twice) and wingwalking. I foster dogs and help prepare them (which is an absolute lifeline for them), before they go into their forever home. I handle most of the media for the charity including TV, radio and magazine and newspaper interviews. Front line work in Romania helping with our sterilisation program and finding many dumped pups is part of this hands-on work. And now with our new angel, Jo O’Meara, onboard that’s just the cherry on the cake.”

How many rescue dogs does she currently have? “Seven at the moment,” she smiles. “The most I’ve had is eight. There’s Coco, Mica and Suzy from Romania, Harry and Dandy from UK, Koda from Wales and Hero from Bahrain. I don’t like odd numbers so I may have to adopt another, just don’t tell my hubby!”

The work never stops. Ever since Simon Cowell gave the charity a shout out on Britain’s Got Talent back in 2014 – “The website broke under the strain,” Victoria recalls – the demand on what they o er

has continued to grow. “I feel at the time [of launch] we o ered something di erent because there was a face to the charity and complete transparency,” Victoria says.

“We were very hands on, doing everything from frontline dog rescue to raising funds and campaigning in Parliament.

“But as we are solely a team of volunteers with very little overheads, we always desperately need funds,” she adds.

“It’s easy to set up a regular donation or one-o , if you wish. We’ve been left two legacies in the past and they have been such vital help for us to continue our work. Building a solid team of volunteers can be a challenge too, so we are always grateful when people donate their time and skills. Buying our merchandise helps as well, as 100% of the sales goes directly to help dogs in need.” What can you do to help our best friend?

See more about the charity at k-9angels.co.uk, and for more on Victoria visit victoriapearceo cial.com

THE SOUTH DOWNS

Angel’s delights

Victoria Pearce Featherstone picks out her favourite Sussex spots

Where do you live?

I live on the South Downs in the Pulborough area. For me this has to be the most beautiful part of Britain. I feel blessed to live here.

Where are your favourite places to visit?

Amberley Castle is absolutely stunning and steeped in history. Their gardens are just breath-taking and they o er a yummy vegan afternoon tea.Arundel is another favourite of mine. Again, so many places to go for a vegan lunch or tea, antique shops and a lovely walk by the river.Petworth is on our doorstep and we always love a little walk on its cobbled streets, visiting the antiques market and co ee and Cocos cafe. However, the list could go on and on, as there are so many wonderful places in West Sussex to visit.

WITH FELLOW K-9 ANGELS POLA POSPIESZALSKA AND JO O'MEARA

ARUNDEL CASTLE

PETWORTH

PHOTO: MAURICE SPARROW

PHOTO:

MARK BROWN

Inspiring Your Design

Get to know…

PETER JAMES

ACCLAIMED AUTHOR, BASED IN BOTH WORTHING AND JERSEY

Q In Picture You Dead you quote author Graham Greene as saying, ‘Every writer has to have a chip in their heart.’ Given everything you’ve put DI Roy Grace through in your books, you must believe this as well?

A Yes, I do, though I know a lot of writers who are nervous of o ending people they know and think ‘maybe I’d better not write that because someone might recognise themselves’. I think you get your best material from people you know so I’ve always held to that old adage of publish and be damned. You don’t ever want to set out to hurt anyone and nobody who writes is unaccountable, but I try to get people to think about real issues.

Q You have immersed yourself in the seedier side of the art world for Picture You Dead. Was it di cult to find real examples of the kind of crimes that DI Grace deals with in the book?

A An art dealer friend of mine told me that the major London auction houses say that 80% of the pictures they get o ered are fakes. Some people genuinely don’t realise their painting is fake and some are just trying to pass them o . In Sussex we have two of the world’s most famous forgers, David Henty and Billy Mumford, known as Billy the Brush, both of whom I got to know for Picture You Dead. Years ago I bought a painting on the Portabello Road by a Spanish artist which I really liked; I paid about £150 for it. Then I found out it was a fake and when I met Billy 18 months ago he told me he’d painted it! He used to supply the stall on Portabello Road with a di erent painting every week.

Q Your home video on Peter James TV shows a daily routine involvingInterview by DENISE TYLER

PHOTO: SUKI DHANDA

dogs, hens, alpacas, goats, cats, fish, ducks, geese and gerbils and you strongly support RSPCA Brighton. Animals clearly mean a lot to you…

A You wake up in the morning to terrible news about the invasion of Ukraine or the Manchester bombing, then you go out and hand feed the pygmy goats or the alpacas with their apple or carrot and they just give you a sense of unconditional love. They don’t know what’s going on in the world; all they want is a nice bit of shade or a bit of sun to lie in and live their days out. I spend a lot of my time researching and writing about really dark stu , so I find it really grounding to be around them.

Q You won a prize for poetry at school and you reference John Keats’ Ode to a Grecian Urn in Picture You Dead. Do you still write poetry yourself?

A I don’t write it any more, but I read poetry quite a lot, particularly when I’m in the middle of writing a novel because it gives me ideas for imagery and metaphors and I get general inspiration from it. I try to avoid reading fiction at that time because it’s so easy to pick up somebody else’s prose style.

Q If you could interview any author in history, who would it be and why?

A There would be two. Graham Greene, because he inspired me to become a writer. He was brilliant at describing a character without ever really describing them at all and I love Brighton Rock of course; that was the one that inspired me. I also love Oscar Wilde; in terms of his prose I think he is one of the most underrated writers ever. When he was in prison he had three plays running simultaneously in the West End, all smash hits, and they just covered his name up on the credits. Appalling hypocrisy.

Q You were born and raised in Brighton and have lived in Sussex pretty much ever since. What is it that keeps you here?

A What I love about Sussex is that you’ve got every possible contrast in one county; it’s incredibly close to both London and the sea with beautiful countryside between. Brighton was one of the first seaside towns to be taken by the scru of its neck and brought into the 21st century. It’s always been very atmospheric.

Q Where are your favourite places to eat in Sussex?

A I love food, I love wine and I like to cook but not regularly! I used to live at Beddingham and The Ram at Firle was my local. Probably the first half dozen Roy Grace books were conceived in The Ram. I would sit there with my real-life Roy Grace, [former]

detective chief superintendent Dave Gaylor, planning the stories. Then, when I moved to Woodmancote, the Ginger Fox became where we would have our annual lunch.

Q Where’s your favourite place to go in Sussex to switch o and why?

A My favourite place to walk, which goes back to my childhood, is the undercli walk at Rottingdean. I just love it there, especially on a winter’s day when the tide’s right in and the waves are crashing over the wall. The other place I love is Firle Beacon. I used to go up there on a Sunday morning with the dogs when we lived there. On a beautiful summer’s day there isn’t a more peaceful place in the world.

ROTTINGDEAN

THE RAM AT FIRLE

FIRLE BEACON

PHOTO: JAMES CLARKE

PHOTO: PETER FLUDE

Spark of INSPIRATION

Chichester – much-loved for its stunning Cathedral, picturesque villages and charming coastline - has also been celebrating a momentous year of arts and culture

By ABBY SMITH

FIRST SPARK AT MEDMERRY, SELSEY

DENMAN GARDENS

This year has seen some significant anniversaries of the area’s most cherished attractions including 60 years of Chichester Festival Theatre, 40 years of Pallant House Gallery, 30 years of Chichester Cinema at New Park’s International Film Festival, ten years of The Novium Museum and the Festival of Chichester, and impressively, 200 years of the Chichester Canal Trust.

Inspired by these anniversaries, Culture Spark 2022 was launched to bring together artists, musicians, community groups and organisations from across the Chichester district to create a season that showcases work by local creatives and gives everyone a chance to enjoy wonderful cultural festivities.

The Culture Spark season kicked o in early spring at a series of First

Spark events held at iconic venues in Chichester, Midhurst and Selsey. Curated by Culture Spark’s creative co-ordinator, Caroline SharmanMendoza, the events gave audiences a taste of what to expect for the rest of the year, from large-scale celebrations to intimate community activities.

“Culture Spark 2022 has been a true celebration of the incredible array of local talent and community spirit in our corner of West Sussex,” says Caroline. “Visitors and residents alike have enjoyed an extraordinary summer of amazing art, colourful parades, parties, picnics and live performances as part of our season of culture. Local school children and community groups have been integral to our celebrations, participating in events such as our artist-led lantern making workshops to create wonderful willow lanterns, which all featured in the magnificent Carnival

of Lights in June. Some 1,500 people took part in this event, carrying a sea of lanterns through the city of Chichester. The beautiful lanterns have since gone on to appear in trails and events across the district.”

WE THE PEOPLE

As well as showcasing Chichester’sworldclass cultural o ering,Culture Spark has created an opportunity to thank the army of volunteers who support the area’s heritage and arts communities and local charities. In May, a photographic exhibition entitled We The People launched at Petworth House before touring the district at other venues including Chichester Festival Theatre.

“This unique exhibition gave visitors the chance to see large scale photographic portraits of local volunteers and discover their stories through audio clips,” Caroline explains. “Without these volunteers, many of the organisations we are celebrating this year would be unable to remain open, so I am absolutely delighted we were able to recognise the important role they play as part of Culture Spark.”

As this spectacular season of culture draws to a close, there are still a number of events planned over the next month including a special exhibition at The Novium Museum, literary talks and displays.

LILA DANCE FIRST SPARK

CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS

PETWORTH HOUSE

“Culture Spark 2022 has been a true celebration of the incredible array of local talent”

IMAGES/JAMES DOBSON

THE ART OF CHICHESTER: 60 YEARS OF CREATIVITY

Forming a key part of Culture Spark 2022, this free exhibition at The Novium Museum in Chichester explores the arts, culture and heritage of Chichester city centre and the surrounding area. Spanning 60 years, from when Chichester Festival Theatre first opened in 1962 to the present day, the exhibition includes professional and amateur work across all art forms. The exhibition runs until 25 February 2023.

DENMANS GARDEN, ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a breath-taking exhibition of works at Denmans Garden in Fontwell by

their inaugural artist in residence, Sue England. Featuring a range of pieces in various media, this free exhibition reveals the artist’s creative process and interpretation of the changing seasons of this unique garden. The exhibition runs until 20 October 2022.

KATE MOSSE AT CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL

Literary lovers can look forward to hearing from best-selling local author, Kate Mosse, as she discusses the story behind her new non-fiction project Warrior Queens and Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World. Featuring thousands of trailblazing women throughout history, the book tells the moving story of the author’s

great-grandmother, Lily Watson, a famous and successful novelist in her day who has all but disappeared from the record. The talk will take place in the stunning setting of Chichester Cathedral on 13 October 2022, tickets cost £10 per person.

Caroline adds: “It really has been a very special season to be a part of with a plethora of events across the district. Culture Spark has not only brought together our many cultural and community organisations, but has also shone a spotlight on the wonderful o ering of arts and culture we have here. Many of the events have been free to attend, giving everyone an opportunity to take part in activities and hopefully inspiring new passions and sparking new conversations. I’d like to say a very big thank you to everyone that has participated in Culture Spark 2022 including our wonderful sponsors Stagecoach and Rathbones.”

To discover more about Culture Spark and related events visit thegreatsussexway.org/ culture-spark-2022/

CARNIVAL OF LIGHT

FIRST SPARK AT CHICHESTER CATHEDRAL

PALLANT HOUSE GALLERY

EMILY BARDEN & VALLEY VOICES AT COWDRAY FIRST SPARK

“It has hopefully inspired new passions and conversations”

WHY WE LOVE...

BRIGHTON

There’s nowhere quite like this cosmopolitan seaside town, with its easy charm, fascinating history and eclectic nightlife

By JENNY MARK-BELL

Brighton has the air of atown that is perpetually helping the police with their inquiries.” So said novelist and newspaper columnist Keith Waterhouse, and the rather ra sh glamour of the place makes it a popular destination for weekend breaks and a beloved home to locals and students.

Little more than an hour’s train journey from London, Brighton has the cosmopolitan air of a place many times its size. Indeed, it only became a city (as

BRIGHTON PALACE PIER

THE FAMOUS LEGS AT THE PICTUREHOUSE

a unitary authority with neighbouring Hove) in 2001, but its cultural capital allows it to rank alongside our largest urban centres, thanks to a roster of nationally renowned events such as Brighton Festival and Brighton Pride. And with two universities, the BIMM music college and hometown heroes such as Fatboy Slim, Rizzle Kicks and Nick Cave, the place thrums with creative energy.

For a long time, Brighton has attracted Londoners disenchanted with soaring house prices and big city living. The dynamic food and bar scene, coupled with coastal living and stunning countryside right on the doorstep, make it irresistible to residents including comedian Jen Brister, director Ben Wheatley and John Simms – who plays detective Roy Grace in ITV’s adaptation of Peter James’ Brighton crime novels.

HISTORY

Brighton’s bohemian reputation dates from Regency days, when the future King George IV used it as his seaside retreat. He collaborated with architect John Nash to develop the outrageously opulent Royal Pavilion as his royal residence. The resulting building, with its onion domes and minarets, is at once idiosyncratic and iconic. It is an absolute must-see for any visitor to Brighton.

While the Prince Regent made Brighton fashionable, it was during the Victorian era that the new railways and an enthusiasm for salt-water cures converged to make Brighton one of England’s first and most popular holiday resorts. Intrigued by the history? The self-guided audio tours at the Royal Pavilion are an engaging way to learn more about the story of the Prince Regent's pleasure palace. There is a permanent

exhibit in Brighton Museum telling the story of the modern city, including its development as the uno cial gay capital of the UK and the clashes between Mods and Rockers here in the 1960s.

SEAFRONT

A quintessential Brighton scene is the winter starling murmurations, when thousands of birds wheel in formation over the sea – often above the ruins of the West Pier, which was designed by the noted seaside architect Victorian Eugenius Birch. The Palace Pier is the only one that remains – it was the third to be built in Brighton, opening in 1899. Now it mainly o ers theme park attractions, with a ghost train, rides and rollercoaster. There’s also a fortune teller, arcade machines and – if you fancy your chances against the seagulls who will snatch them, given the chance – fresh doughnuts.

“Aboremp et labor solo volorehenda eiunt, maximinci tem quam volut et moluptaquodi”

FATBOY SLIM

“The Royal Pavilion is at once iconic and idiosyncratic”

Nearby is the Brighton Fishing Museum, which is free to enter. It tells the story of the evolution of a village called Brighthelmstone into a fashionable seaside resort, and how it a ected the fishing community.

Further west are newer attractions. The headline-grabbing British Airways i360, a 162m observation tower, opened in 2016 and o ers panoramic views over the city, sea and neighbouring countryside. The Upside Down House allows visitors to walk on the ceiling, look up at the floor and pose for plenty of pics. Nearby is a playground and paddling pool (open seasonally), great for running o excess energy.

The seafront is thronged with bars and restaurants, including local fish and seafood institution Riddle and Finn’s, Due South and Murmur. If you fancy something more casual, or you’re catering for lots of di erent tastes, the Shelter Hall is hard to beat. It’s a vibrant food hall with seven di erent kitchens – some pop-up residencies, and some stalwarts, such as pizza from Amalfi and exquisite pastries from Tart, an outpost of local bakery Sugar Dough.

CULTURE

With an abundance of creatives living in the city, an internationally renowned arts festival and some excellent venues, Brighton has a huge amount to o er culturally. Brighton Dome hosts music, comedy, dance and circus, while the Theatre Royal, a Grade II-listed Victorian venue, stages plays, musicals, opera and ballet. The architecturally unlovely Brighton Centre on the seafront is home to the city’s biggest gigs.

During May and November/December the Artists’ Open Houses event o ers the opportunity to chat to creators about their work while viewing it in domestic settings. Year-round, you’ll find regular exhibitions at galleries including ONCA Gallery, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, Phoenix Art Space and Two Kats & a Cow.

The Duke of York’s Picturehouse is the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinema. The striped legs kicking from its roof are instantly recognisable to Brighton residents, and it’s a local institution.

Brighton is famed for its nightlife and there truly is a pub to suit every mood, from the tiny Heart and Hand with its vinyl jukebox to the sprawling, warrenlike Lion and Lobster. If live music is your jam, The Great Escape Festival in May o ers the opportunity to catch the next big thing. Year-round, touring artists and local bands play at venues including The Hope & Ruin, Latest Music Bar, Green Door Store and Concorde 2.

My Policeman

In cinemas from 21 October 2022

Local author Bethan Roberts’ novel is a moving love story set in 1950s Brighton.

Adapted for Amazon into a major feature film starring singer Harry Styles and The Crown’s Emma Corrin, it details the menage a trois between policeman Tom, his wife Marion and Tom’s lover Patrick, at a time when homosexuality was a crime.

Director Michael Grandage is a former artistic director of the Donmar Warehouse and screenwriter Ron Nyswaner was Oscarnominated for his work on Philadelphia.

Shortly a er the cinematic release, the film will be available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video on 3 November.

BRIGHTON PRIDE

SHELTER

THE

FLYING HIGH

In April of 2009, an opportunity arose to buy a two seat Spitfire. Bonhams was presenting to the market, a Vickers-Supermarine Spitfire TR-9, tail number SM520, at the annual event held at the Royal Air Force Museum in Colindale, north London. The auction was usually reserved for classic cars, but on this occasion the star of the show was an aircraft, a Spitfire TR-9. Bidding was started at £850,000 and an anonymous telephone bidder was leading the o ers with a bid of £1,550,000. The auctioneer coaxed Steve BoultbeeBrooks with a suggestion of £1.58m, which finally sealed the deal. With the premium of £200,000, the historic aircraft was Steve’s for a grand total of £1.78m.

Manufactured at Castle Bromwich in November of 1944, SM520 and more recently registered on the civilian database as G-ILDA, the aircraft had been brought into service with 103 other Mk IXs. As the

war steadily moved east, SM520 proved to be surplus to requirements and she wasn’t destined for a life of service with the Royal Air Force. Having been originally built as a single seat Spitfire, she was converted to the TR-9, two seat variant to accommodate a passenger for the purpose of flight training. After the war, the aircraft was scrapped. It was discovered, in a very sorry state in a scrapyard in South Africa. She then passed through many hands before she was eventually certified as airworthy.

Fast-forward to 2012. Steve BoultbeeBrooks and Matt Jones’ plans were really coming together. Having invested significantly in the purchase of the Spitfire, Matt started the setup of the then called ‘Boultbee Flight Academy’. The academy began at Oxford Airport and so did the long approval process working extensively with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) to gain the permissions to train licensed pilots to fly this pinnacle of historic aviation. It

would be another two years and a change of location to the idyllic surroundings of the Goodwood Aerodrome in West Sussex before the academy was granted the Safety Standards and Consent (SSA&C) approval to take members of the public flying in a Spitfire. Once the approvals had been granted, not only was the academy the only o cial provider of Spitfire flight training, it was also the only place in the world o ering a number of Spitfire flights for passengers.

The academy has also worked extensively with Prince Harry’s Endeavour Fund, o ering members of the Armed Forces flying scholarships for wounded servicemen. Alan Robinson, one recipient of the scholarship, had lost his leg from injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident and it was Matt Jones’ vision to sponsor him through his Spitfire conversion course. Alan successfully solo’d the aircraft and was the first amputee to do so since Douglas Bader, the double-amputee.

In 2019 Steve finally realised his dream of

solo flying a Spitfire. Along with a number of sponsors and with the support of the Swiss watch manufacturer IWC, Steve, Matt and a team of experts circumnavigated the globe in the most original and airworthy Spitfire Mk IX, aptly named the ‘Silver Spitfire’. Polished to a high luster aluminium finish, G-IRTY, MJ271 flew from Goodwood Aerodrome on the 5 August in a westerly direction: 74 locations across 30 countries, 22,138 nautical miles and four months later, the team successfully returned to Goodwood on 5 December, setting a Guinness World Record for the achievement.

In 2020, Boultbee Flight Academy was bought out by co-founder Matt Jones and the business changed its name to Spitfires. com – The Spitfire Academy. With seven di erent durations of flight experiences in two Spitfire TR-9s (from 30 minutes to 75 minutes), two locations on the South Coast (Goodwood Aerodrome and Solent Airport Daedalus), fly alongside experiences (with

another two-seater Spitfire TR-9 for your friend or family member or a single seat Spitfire Mk IX to fly in formation with you), a North American Texan T-6G (for flight training and fly alongside operations), a De Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk (for flight training and tailwheel conversion courses) and the world’s only ultra-realistic Spitfire Mk IX flight simulator, which has been painstakingly constructed from over 90% real Spitfire parts (used for flight training and flight experiences). Spitfires.com continues to go from strength to strength and this summer, due to demand for these incredible flights and machines, a newly restored Spitfire TR-9 joined their fleet. Built to commemorate the Polish pilot, Piotr Kuryllowicz, G-TCHI (BS410) now flies passengers and adds an additional airframe for passenger flying, formation flights and flight training. One of Spitfires. com’s main aims is to be custodians, keeping these extraordinary machines

working, busy and in airworthy condition. Spitfires.com is headquartered at Goodwood Aerodrome on the Goodwood Estate. The company operates six to seven passenger flights seven days a week from April to late November/mid-December and o ers flights over some of the UK’s prettiest landmarks from the impressive cli s of Dover and Beachy Head to the east and the white cli s of The Needles on the picturesque Isle of Wight to the west. There really couldn’t be a more historic or beautiful location to fly Spitfires from, in the world. As long as you are above the age of 18, are below 6’4”, under 17st and have no medical conditions that would preclude a flight on a commercial airliner, you too can fly in R.J. Mitchell’s masterpiece, the Supermarine Spitfire!

For further information or to book an experience of a lifetime, visit spitfires.com or call 01243 531147

G-TCHI (BS410) AND G-ILDA (SM520) OVER WEST SUSSEX, PHOTO BY LIAM YOUNG

“There really couldn't be a more historic or beautiful location to fly Spitfires from”

TENDER MOMENTS

TOTTINGTON MANOR, EDBURTON

As Tottington Manor’s autumn menu evolves, the new Sussex Lamb Shank comes from their Executive Head Chef Chris Hilton, inspired by his love of Harvey’s Ale. This local lamb has been slow cooked in Harvey's and the tender meat just falls straight off the bone. Adding redcurrants and fresh rosemary to the cooking jus brings that touch of sweetness commonly enjoyed with any good lamb dish creating the perfect sauce. tottingtonmanor.co.uk

Tinwood Estate - Blanc de Blancs, ABV 12%

Pale gold in colour with silvery highlights and a persistent stream of fine bubbles. Zesty lemon peel with a hint of elderflower delivers immediate gratification on the nose. The minerality of this wine is distinctive and genuinely refreshing. Green apple and crisp stone fruit bring a clean finish.

Tinwood Estate – Brut, ABV 12%

A beautiful golden hue with a lively mousse. Aromas of citrus and melon fruits with hints of brioche and honey. Fresh fruit flavours continue on the palate with depth and refinement added by the Pinots giving a mouthwatering gentle cream finish.

Tinwood Estate – Rosé, ABV 12%

An elegant pink hue with an abundance of bubbles giving a silky finish. The Pinots o er an aromatic expression dominated by small berry fruits, including raspberry and red currant. On the pallet, strawberries and cream carry on to a delightfully fruit-driven explosion.

TASTING

By MARK KEBBLE

Time for harvest

RATHFINNY ESTATE

The Flint Barns Harvest pop-up restaurant returns from 4-30

The menu, curated and cooked by Estate Head Chef Chris Bailey and his team, uses ingredients guided by the season, Sussex region and inspired by the vineyard.

year

serving a mix of lunchtime small plates and

you can tuck into a choice of

HOT STUFF

Three to savour during National Curry Week

AUTUMNAL FLAVOURS

HIGGIDY

One to share

RIDGEVIEW WINE ESTATE

Ridgeview has o cially opened The Rows & Vine, the new al fresco, all year-round restaurant overlooking the stunning Chardonnay vineyards on site, at the award-winning Ridgeview Wine Estate in Ditchling. The all-weather, outdoor venue with glorious views overlooking the South Downs o ers visitors a total wine experience from vine to glass. Serving seasonal tapas-style sharing plates, they bring the best local flavours to life with sustainably-sourced produce taking centre-stage. ridgeview.co.uk

THE GURKHA

This East Grinstead restaurant brings the taste of the Himalaya from the mountainous kingdom of Nepal, bordering Tibet in the north and India on its southern foothills. Nepal has many geographical regions and this is reflected in the preparation of food, which varies from region to region. thegurkharestaurant.co.uk

Higgidy, the veg-led everyday food brand based in Shoreham, have added two new mouth-watering products to their tasty autumn line-up. The brandnew indulgent Porcini & Chestnut Mushroom Pie and winter warmer Cauliflower Cheese Quiche are brimming with full on flavours. higgidy.co.uk

Stir the pot

BIRD & BLEND TEA CO.

On 6 October, Bird & Blend Tea Co. in Brighton will remain open after hours for any wizards and witches keen on learning the mastery of potion making whilst tea tasting. As a VIP guest, wannabe potion makers will be treated to one of the Bird & Blend Tea Co. famous Tea Cocktails including Wobbly Unicorn or Butter Brew on arrival, before embarking on seasonal tea tasting. birdandblendtea.com

TARANA

A wonderful stylish interior sets the scene for the award-winning exotic cuisine at this Crawley favourite, made from the finest, freshest ingredients. A truly inspired taste of regional and traditional Indian dishes at their best. thetarana.co.uk

AKASH

The fact this restaurant has been a part of the Horsham scene for four decades shows how popular their menus have been. A wonderful atmosphere, great service and a fabulous choice of Indian dishes makes this a winner. akashrestaurant.co.uk

LIME SQUEEZY

Chichester’s much-loved Southeast Asian kitchen concept Lime Squeezy has launched a new menu. With ingredients seared, sautéed and flash-fried in hot woks to seal in both flavour and goodness, guests can expect a selection of fresh-tasting and flavourful dishes. Sharers and sides burst with colour and flavour, including Nori Squid with Wasabi Dip, and heartier bigger dishes include delicious variations on classic Southeast Asian favourites such as curries, laksas, Pad Thai and Nasi Goreng. limesqueezy.co.uk

QUESTION TIME

Paul Jarvest, Executive Chef of Revere Pub Company, tells us more about The Curious Pig in the Parlour in Copthorne

By MARK KEBBLE

Q I have to start with the name: where did that come from?

A The name was born as many of our pubs follow a quirky animal theme, which has become our signature. The Curious Pig in the Parlour was one of the first pubs to open following a refurbishment into the Country Pub brand and we injected little pig-themed touches to match the name through the décor. It is a theme that has continued to our other countryside pubs, including the most recent addition to the family, The Curious Cow of Harrogate.

Q Why is where you are located perfect? What kind of ambience are you looking to o er?

A At The Curious Pig in the Parlour, we are ideally located just seven miles from Gatwick Airport, which is ideal for travellers and those looking for homely comforts before or after their holidays, while we also have a wonderful local community on our doorstop. We are a country pub at heart, near a few local towns, from

Felbridge and Crawley Downs to Lingfield and the racecourse not too far away. With the backdrop of the Sussex countryside, the pub aims to be a relaxed retreat for our diners, where they can expect homely dishes and cracking Sunday roasts, a great selection of craft ales and cocktails, plus an outdoor pub garden for the summer and rustic interiors for the winter. Also, for those travelling or escaping London to the country, we have nine boutique bedrooms, all equipped with everything our guests might need for their stay.

Q How have you approached the menus?

A Across our menus is a range of contemporary dishes that aim to showcase the best in seasonal produce. Over this last year, I’ve worked alongside our chef teams to elevate our dishes to go beyond pub classics and o er our guests a delicious range of plates from land, sea and garden. Our firm favourites still remain, such as prime British and Irish aged steaks, aged for 21 days, along with our hand-stretched

signature pizzas – a popular choice at the pub! Also, we can’t forget the staple of any pub menu, a Sunday roast.

Q What dishes do you think makes you stand out?

A We have recently relaunched the pub’s o ering with a new menu of contemporary dishes to showcase the best of British, seasonal produce. On the current menu, some favourites include our seared wild caught scallops, served with minty mushy peas and chorizo jam, and beef ragù and mozzarella arancini, which we serve with tru e and Madeira mayonnaise. Other stand outs that we’ve seen great feedback from include a maple-glazed pork belly with chorizo jam, paprika roasted butternut squash and lime salsa, which is a great twist on a classic, and as we look to winter, the black tru e pappardelle topped with mascarpone cheese and white wine sauce.

Q Why have you created a special pizza menu?

A From first opening, pizza was always going to be a signature at The Curious Pig in the Parlour. When it comes to pizzas, ours are very special. Made to order, we use our very own secret dough recipe and a marinated bu alo and grated mozzarella base, which we top with the freshest ingredients before we cook our pizzas in our wood-fired oven.

Q What can we expect with your Sunday roasts?

A Expect hearty plates with all the trimmings, crispy roasties and plenty of gravy! We use only premium cuts to ensure a rich flavour in every bite, o ering our customers a choice of sirloin beef, rack of pork with a sage and onion stu ng, or a lemon and thyme roasted half chicken served with honey glazed chipolata. All roasts come with crispy beef-dripping roasted potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, honey roasted parsnips and seasonal vegetables, all topped with lashings of our signature gravy. And no one will miss out as we also have some flavoursome,

“We injected little pig-themed touches to match the name through the decor”

THE DINING ROOM

meat-free options like our mushroom and camembert Wellington with garlicroast potatoes and vegetarian gravy.

Q Where do you look to source your produce from?

A Across our menus, we ensure to source the highest quality ingredients from across the UK. As much as we can, we will use produce sourced and grown in the country, from our dairy products and vegetables to our poultry.

Q What kind of special things can we expect with the bar/drinks menu?

A Our bar has an expertly crafted list of classic cocktails and a range of gin twists, alongside rows of boutique spirits and a range of world beers, available on tap and bottled. We also supply a range of local ales with non-alcoholic options too, while we are currently working on expanding our wine list and introducing some tasting experiences for our guests – stay tuned!

Q How would you describe your hotel rooms?

A The best way to describe our rooms

is a home away from home. We want to be welcoming and o er a cosy stay for our guests, from family breaks to couple getaways. Whether you’re looking for a cosy break away from the hustle and bustle of city life or an adventurous staycation to explore the countryside, we’ve got you covered.

Q What’s to come over the next couple of months?

A We have a few exciting changes on the horizon. As we head to the colder months, there will be some changes to our menus with new seasonal specials which I’m excited to launch, plus some new tipples at the bar. It won’t be long until we start to focus on Christmas too, not only with festive menus launching from mid-November, but also we are hoping to host a few local events. Keep your eyes peeled on our socials for more details.

thecuriouspigintheparlour.com

OUTDOOR TERRACE

“We want to be welcoming and o er a cosy stay”

NOVEMBER

to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

DRINKS Behind the bar

ONE DROP

ONE GIN

One Gin's brand new butterfly bottle has a unique twist – remove the labels and the bottle transforms into an elegant carafe, simply engraved with the word ‘WATER’ helping to reduce the number of bottles that never get recycled. Also, 10% of their profits go towards sustainable water programmes in the world’s poorest communities, via The One Foundation – and it's a delicious gin too, with a delicate hint of sage. thespiritofone.com

Aperol on a London rooftop

By EVE HERBERT

ROSÉ

DOMAINE BOUSQUET

Argentina’s organic winery Domaine Bousquet has released the 2022 vintage of its Premium Rosé, one of the world's most sustainably produced rosés. A blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Viognier, the wine is unoaked to allow the fruit to shine through.

RUM BLEND

EQUIANO RUM CO

Aperol was created in 1919 in Paduaby the Barbieri brothers, specialists in liqueur production since 1880. They had the revolutionary idea of creating the lightest of liqueurs, an aperitif with an alcohol content of only 11%. Aperol is an infusion of precious herbs and roots in a perfectly balanced combination, its unique bitter-sweet taste deriving from a secret recipe that has remained unchanged over the course of time. One of the secrets for success is freshness: liqueur manufacturing is completed in one day and the day after the trucks are ready for shipment. Aperol Spritz is one of the most appreciated aperitifs in Italy and is the best-selling branded cocktail in the UK, in addition to being enjoyed as the sixth most popular cocktail globally. The serve is made by mixing Aperol with Prosecco and a splash of soda in a wine glass full of ice and a slice of orange. Light, sparkling and refreshing, it’s the ideal drink for starting the evening and for any social occasion.

Overlooking St Paul's Cathedral, Madison's rooftop has transformed into an Ibiza-themed paradise with an influx of plants, palms, and touches of boho chic furnishing, along with a dedicated Aperol bar. Choices range from the classic bittersweet Aperol Spritz, through to limited-edition inspired creations from Madison. A cold Aperol Spritz is the perfect accompaniment while relaxing in the autumn sunshine on the iconic Madison rooftop.

BAGS OF STYLE

DIAMOND DAYS

How Wakefields Jewellers are welcoming a new season of style

The friendly team at Wakefields Jewellers, based in West Sussex, work year-round helping customers find the perfect piece of fine jewellery or luxury timepiece that will last them a lifetime. And though you might think that the change of seasons brings along with it a lull on Horsham town’s high street, Wakefields are excitedly journeying towards their busiest time of year yet.

Expert in gemmology and fourthgeneration co-owner of Wakefields, Melanie Wakefield, says: “The autumn season is a really popular time for diamond jewellery, with many of our customers choosing to propose during the autumn and winter months.”

From romantic city breaks to candlelight dinners, Melanie and the team are lucky enough to share in the excitement of all of their customer’s proposal plans. But it isn’t just engagements in the spotlight this month too. “We’ve also noticed a pattern in customers booking weddings around this time of year,” Melanie continues, “with many couples asking us for personalised engraving on their wedding bands and fine jewellery gifts to be ready in time for their special day.”

Specialising in bespoke design, Melanie is particularly proud of Wakefields’ on-

site workshop. “Our talented goldsmiths are forever working on new projects at their workbenches,” she says. “From simple repairs like fixing broken chains or clasps on necklaces, to upcycling a vintage piece of jewellery into something new, they are always impressing us with their incredible talent and ability to breathe life into the most intricate designs.”

Sharing details about some of the beautiful pieces of fine jewellery she has created for her customers over this year so far, Melanie says: “Our advice is if you’ve always wanted to create a special piece of jewellery, then we’d love for you to pop in and book a design consultation where we can explore your options and create some initial concept designs. We’ll help you shape your idea into an achievable design over a friendly chat and a cup of co ee, or glass of bubbles if you’d prefer!”

Commenting on Wakefields’ success since the shop underwent a fully-transformative refit last year, Melanie reflects: “We still find some of our customers are shocked when they realise that we o er such a wide range of jewellery to suit all budgets, as well as 0% finance options to help spread the cost too. All of our customers experience the same level of service, whether they’re purchasing a new watch battery or commissioning a bespoke piece of jewellery. It’s really important to us that we deliver a luxury

experience to everyone who walks through our door and that they leave happy, having found exactly what they were searching for.”

Each season brings new jewellery styles and trends to embrace. “This month we have some beautiful new coloured gemstone designs arriving,” Melanie says.

“This season we’re going to be o ering everything from exquisite shades of green tourmaline to citrine designs in golden, honey hues. We always try to stay in tune with what’s trending in the world of fashion and we’ve got some really special pieces that’ll be worth seeing on display in store.

“As much as we don’t want to start talking about Christmas yet, it’s something we have to plan well in advance for every year,” she adds. “We take the opportunity to inspire our customers early on so that we can help them source the perfect gifts for family members and loved ones, particularly when it comes to bespoke jewellery designs. Designing and creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery is something that takes time and definitely shouldn’t be rushed. So from our point of view, it’s never too early to start thinking about your wishlist!”

WAKEFIELDS JEWELLERS

11 West Street, Horsham, RH12 1PF 01403 264001

“The autumn season is a really popular time for diamond jewellery”

Statement hoops

When it comes to earrings, we say go big or go home

By RACHEL HOGG

ANNOUSHKA

Bamboo Gold Hoop Earrings, £2,500 annoushka.com

GOLD & HONEY

Bamboo Hoops in Translucent Blue, £104 wolfandbadger.com

MONICA VINADER

Deia Chunky Medium Hoop Earrings, £150 monicavinader.com

WAKEFIELDS JEWELLERS

Shaun Leane Yellow Gold Vermeil Small Hoop Talon Earrings, £250, wakefieldsjewellers.co.uk

MUSA BY BOBBIE

Emerald, Ruby & Gold-Filled Hoop Earrings, £545 matchesfashion.com

RACHEL JACKSON

Electric Goddess Blue Topaz Large Gold Hoops, £195 racheljacksonlondon.com

LYLIE

The Wicklow Celtic Hoops, £1,850 lylies.com

CHLOÉ

Jemma Gold-Tone Sodalite Earrings, £430 net-a-porter.com

MISSOMA

Savi Dome Medium Gemstone Hoop Earrings, £135 uk.missoma.com

Say

Autumn is well and truly here, if Joe Browns’ latest collection – found at Next Horsham and Haywards Heath – is anything to go by

&

SEASONAL SKIN DIOR

The creative director for Dior makeup, Peter Philips, created this stunning look for the brand’s autumn/winter Haute Couture Collection. Peter describes it as “a look where light and a pure complexion dominate” and used “nude tones that blended subtly with the skin, giving the face a natural glow”. dior.com

HIIT

SEEKER

Jane Roche, founder of Brighton’s F45 Training studio, on energy burn, burpees and body fat

By MARK KEBBLE

Q What is the story behind F45 Training?

A F45 Training was founded in Australia and has expanded globally to become the world’s fastest growing fitness franchise. The concept merges three separate leading-edge fitness training styles into one 45-minute class, with workouts combining elements of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training. We opened F45 Brighton Central in 2018, making it the third franchise to open in the UK.

Q Why team training?

A Creating a sense of community is the cornerstone of F45 Training. The motivation and encouragement in a group training facility creates a pulsing, upbeat environment where goals are met and exceeded. Communities promoting fitness, good health and growth are forged in F45 studios around the world and are the main selling point of the brand.

Our vision when we opened F45 Brighton Central was to make sure that every person who entered the studio felt part of our community. The energy from the other members in the room makes sessions fun and inspiring. The F45 community will help you achieve the results you desire, with a team of trainers who will support and guide you in every class, coaching your technique or pushing you to get those extra burpees in!

Q How long are sessions and what kind of things do these involve?

A Our studio runs classes which alternate between HIIT cardio-based training or lean muscle building strength sessions. Every single workout is di erent, and members will never complete the same workout twice. We have over 40 di erent classes, led by two experienced F45 trainers. At our studio, we motivate you based on your ability, as well as checking and coaching your technique.

Each session lasts 45 minutes, apart from our Saturday Hybrid session that mixes strength and cardio training. This session has a great mix of heart racing cardio interspersed with strength movements.

“CREATING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF F45 TRAINING”

Monday, Wednesday and Friday sessions are High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) sessions, designed to increase your aerobic capacity and help your fitness levels soar. On these days the equipment will involve rowers, ski ergs, battle ropes, bike ergs and lots of body weight movements – and, of course, the F45 standard: burpees! Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday sessions are strengthbased resistance workouts designed to help you gain strength and build lean muscle giving you a lean muscular physique. These focused strength workouts will involve lots of compound moves that target the whole body.

Q Why does the F45 Training approach work?

A The mix of cardiovascular HIIT training combined with strength training means that members get incredible results and see visible changes in their body composition. They look di erent by building lean muscle and shredding body fat. Whilst many members begin their F45 journey to change how they look aesthetically, most members love how much our classes benefit their mental health and wellbeing.

Q What are the popular classes?

A This depends on who you speak to! We have such a great variety of training sessions you will literally never get bored. Abacus is a popular tough HIIT session with a pyramid format, and Romans is always a firm favourite on the strength session, which follows principles of progressive overload to build lean muscle. The class schedule changes regularly so you continually adapt and change with di erent stresses placed on your body.

Q Deuces launches later in the month – what does that cover?

A The first workout of its kind to hit the F45 timetable, Deuces is a split-resistance workout where you will get to choose which muscle groups you work between upper or lower body. Comprised of seven stations with two sets per station, the workout consists of two laps in your chosen section. Pushing you to your limits, lap one will involve 40 seconds work, followed by 20 seconds rest, and lap two will challenge you even further with 30 seconds work, 15 seconds rest. Choose wisely – the workout you choose will ignite a fire in you that you didn’t know you had!

Q For someone who hasn’t tried F45 Training before, how would you sell it to them?

A In short, F45 o ers results-based training in a positive supportive environment. Our classes are for everyone, whatever your level or ability, whether you’re new to exercise or a seasoned professional. No matter what your goals are, we are here to support you on your fitness journey. Training with us will allow you to lose body fat, gain lean muscle or you provide you with your daily endorphin buzz.

If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, please get in touch.

f45training.co.uk

UNVEIL A NEW

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DESIGN VISIONS

CARL HANSEN & SON

The CH07 Shell Chair was created in 1963, but the design was ahead of its time. Today, it is considered one of Hans J. Wegner’s most groundbreaking works. Read more about Carl Hansen & Son’s iconic designs on p98

NOTES INTERIORS

Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

NIGHT WATCH

SECRET LINEN STORE

The new Elsie bed linen collection is made from 70% cotton mixed with linen yarns, resulting in a fabric that has to be felt to be believed. Laundered to perfection, it has the relaxed look of linen, but the softness of cotton. The delicate, stunning embroidered border is embroidered and handattached. The set looks beautiful and feels incredible.

WALL STORY

SURFACE VIEW

A new collection of wallpaper murals features warm tones and calming scenes from collections including the Royal Horticultural Society, Ashmolean Museum, and the V&A Pictured is 'Flowering Shrub and Mauflies' Wallpaper Mural from the V&A Collection. surfaceview.co.uk

TAKE FIVE

Bowls

MICUCCI INTERIORS

SOUND SYSTEM

KEF

KEF's New LSX II Wireless HiFi System adds a touch of contemporary style to any room with its minimal, elegant design whilst also delivering high-fi delity audio. The Carbon Black and Cobalt Blue models are clad in a specially designed fabric from Danish textile designer Kvadrat. uk.kef.com

ROCKETT ST GEORGE

IN A SWIRL

HENRY HOLLAND

Fashion designer-turnedceramicist Henry Holland has launched his first collection of artisinal glassware, all hand-blown in the UK with inspiration taken from Henry's own interpretation of the nerikomi pottery technique. henryhollandstudio.co.uk

OKA

MIN & MICH

ROSE & GREY

JOHN LEWIS HOME

Modern Country

and rituals

honest

utilitarian materials

a focus

SUBSTANCE AND STYLE

Words MARK KEBBLE

Based in Petworth, Absolutely Sussex has often been struck by the work of multi-disciplinary designer, Giovanna Ticciati. When designing an object, Giovanna first considers absence. Something missing from a room: a deficiency of ease, an omission of flow. Her concern is the elegance of function. She tests the perfect height for a table to smoothly place a drink, the depth of a sofa to perfectly hold a body, the height of a chair to invite you to sit down.

As well as her own work, Giovanna is also the founder of The Artisan Collab, which launched online at the start of September. We decided to sit down with her to discuss her own background a little more and why she felt the need to bring together some of the finest artisans in the business.

Q Can you tell us a little bit about your background…

A I have worked in a variety of creative industries. I began in art departments for film and video, then worked as a gilder and later with plaster. It was through a plaster commission I was asked to assist on the interior design of a project and enjoyed the variety of disciplines involved. My family background is in the arts and it is a world I love.

Q What originally inspired you to set up The Artisan Collab?

A A friend was starting a business making furniture. He needed to display and position it with limited funds and I realised pooling resources would achieve infinitely more for anyone involved. Once the idea began all sorts of possibilities presented themselves. The Artisan Collab offers a shop front and PR to artisans, giving them more exposure than they could achieve alone and allowing them to focus on making.

The Artisan Collab is a membership model. The artisans pay a monthly or annual fee which, after only a few sales, leaves them substantially better off than if they were selling through a shop or gallery.

We meet Giovanna Ticciati, founder and creative director of The Artisan Collab, on why such a venture was needed

GIOVANNA TICCIATI WITH BRONZE SEA TABLE AND BIBOU SOFA (BOTH GT DESIGNS)

Q What is the ethos behind it?

A The Artisan Collab’s tagline is ‘Beautiful Things’. This not only refers to the pieces themselves, but also to the light tread way they are made, the direct connection between patron and artist, and the enjoyment of the results.

Q What do you hope The Artisan Collab will show about the craftmanship behind designers?

A The Artisan Collab tells the stories of the artisans and the pieces they make. Members are masters of their craft and passionate about what they do. They do not only design a piece and develop a process, they continually perfect both. Many are beginning with natural materials in a raw state, which can behave differently depending on how they have evolved or the conditions on the day. This deep understanding of the material is fundamental to the success and stability of the finished piece.

Q How have you sourced the artisans to be a part of this?

A As a designer I have sought out and worked with artisans throughout my career. Some members I have bought or

THE ARTISAN COLLAB: CANVAS BY GENNARO AVALLONE, CHAIRS BY OCHRE, TABLE BY GIOVANNA TICCIATI

PALAZZO SONNELLINO SOFA BY GIOVANNA TICCIATI

C18TH ITALIAN CONSOLE

commissioned pieces from for projects and some are artisans whose work I show in the shop. There are others whose work I have admired but, because my shop is focused on interiors, I have not had the opportunity to work with until now. Others are newly found or introduced.

Q Could you pick out three who offer something different?

A Sia Taylor is a jeweller, Jeremy Pitts makes tree houses and wooden cabins, and Kate Boxer is an artist and printmaker.

Q What’s the newest products you have on offer?

A The latest arrival in the shop is the Bibou Sofa, which is one of my designs.

Q What is the Young Creator Fellowship?

A The Artisan Collab Young Creator Fellowship provides support and opportunity to an emerging talent. The Fellowship offers one year’s free membership to The Artisan Collab, providing a shop front, audience, selling platform and PR. The Artisan Collab members have a wealth of experience between them and can offer business advice, mentoring, opportunity for collaboration and studio visits. This is an annual award with entries welcomed between 1 January and the end of February.

Q Tell us about your shop in Petworth Giovanna…

A The shop shows the in-house collection of furniture and lighting alongside a selection of art and antiques. It will also begin to show pieces from The Artisan Collab members. The studio is at the back of the shop, which is where I spend most of my time.

Q How do you tend to work/ create new pieces?

A I usually design a piece because I cannot find the right thing for

SONNELLINO SOFA & SMALL BRONZE SEA TABLE BOTH BY GIOVANNA TICCIATI, COLLAGE BY CHARLOTTE JONERHEIM

my house or a project. I begin with the function; I am interested in the elegance of movement so metrics play a large part at this stage and I will often make a full-scale model to try things out. Once I am happy with the dimensions I work on the design. My focus will be on the piece working well in the room I am designing it for, I am still not commercially minded so it is always nice to realise it might work in other spaces too! It is hard to say what influences me, it is probably a little bit of everything I see.

Q What do you love about being based in Petworth?

A Petworth is an extraordinarily beautiful town with the House and Park, the Downs, vineyards and villages surrounding it. There are an incredible number of interesting, dynamic, wonderful people in and around Petworth and a great sense of community. I am quite a private person, but slowly it has woven its magic and I feel very honoured to be part of it.

Q What are your ambitions for The Artisan Collab?

A I would like to harness the collective creativity of The Artisan Collab members to support young makers and artisan disciplines. The natural world is a fundamental part of The Artisan Collab, not only as a source of inspiration, but also as a raw material source and I am very interested in starting, or getting involved in, an environmental project related to some of the materials used.

THE ARTISAN COLLAB: TABLE BY OCHRE, TERRACOTTA SCULPTURE AND BRONZE OBJECT BY GENNARO AVALLONE, LAMP BY GIOVANNA TICCIATI

PETWORTH INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT BY GIOVANNA TICCIATI

MATCH

When it comes to inspiring room designs, look to mix it up

By EMMA VANS AGNEW

Mixing patterns within an interior scheme helps create dynamic spaces, filled with energy and textural interest. It is an interior style that many aspire to achieve, but often don’t know how to begin. There are some simple rules you can follow – start with your desired colour palette. Keeping one colour in mind, but varying the scale and intensity of it will create depth while at the same time lots of interest. Don’t be shy of piling floral on floral, as long as there is a single relating factor.

Collect samples of any fabrics that appeal to you, as many as you like, you will be sur prised what you can make work together

and don’t forget any existing patterns and textures that you are going to keep in the room. Play with the fabrics in the room you are redecorating, the light will have an effect on the impact of the fabrics so place them around the room and work out how they will make the best impact.

Combining patterns with different scales will help to create balance across your interiors. A good rule of thumb is to focus on one large-scale pattern, so that the focus of the room is clear. You may also want to consider a patterned rug, this can often dictate the overall feel of the room and is a great basis for layering on the pattern.

Next build smaller patterns into the room through cushions and throws that sit in areas of space to fill in the gaps. It is also important to break up your patterns with neutral varia tions or blocks of colour to give the eye a rest. Combine weaves, prints and embroideries, and add some interesting trimmings.

If you’re worried about your room becom ing too cluttered or want to keep things feeling lightweight and fresh, start with plain painted walls to lift the room. Mix a small amount of patterns together across the space, using different designs more than once on different pieces. This repetition will still inject that active feeling that patterns bring to an interior, but will also help to create a feeling of order that will stop it feeling overwhelmed.

Picking a theme to keep in mind as you add patterns will provide a framework to

work within. As you build in confidence, you may wish to mix themes to add interest to your space and create something truly unique. Florals and stripes work together, as do coastal themes and busy jungle pat terns. Geometrics tend to work well with everything and can be slotted in here and there to add different shapes and scales across your room.

Adding pattern doesn’t automatically mean your space is going to be bright and overwhelming. By choosing more muted colourways and selecting soft lighting for your room, you can tone down patterns to create a cosy and comfortable vibe.

Mixing patterns is a voyage of discovery that will evolve over time, and taking risks is a big part of the journey. Staying open minded to new designs and being brave to experiment with un-obvious options is key to finding the patterns that work to achieve the look you desire.

Emma Vans Agnew is the Design Director at Sussex-based F&P Interiors. Find out more at fabricsandpapers.com

DECADES DESIGN

BoConcept, the Danish brand, celebrates 70 years of Ekstraordinær with an exclusive collection, featuring timeless shapes and neutral colours, and multi-functional pieces that respond to consumer needs.

The furniture and interior design brand have announced the launch of its new AW22 collection. Marking their 70th anniversary with the launch, it’s a really extraordinary achievement that testifies the brand’s excellence and deeply rooted Danish heri tage, celebrated by BoConcept with the campaign Ekstraordinær since 1952.

The New Kollektion, which will be officially presented

in September 2022, encapsulates the best of Danish style with its expertly crafted designs and timeless shapes. In a world that is rapidly changing, with consumers often forced to redefine their lifestyles, the collection was developed to respond to new needs and desires expressed by consumers themselves.

The Kollektion includes brand new designs and new versions of beloved existing pieces, created to meet new consumer needs and habits, such as working from home and spending more time in multi-functional spaces at home.

All the pieces reflect BoConcept’s values and heritage: expert craftsmanship, quality without compro-

We head to BoConcept Chichester to marvel at their New Kollektion for AW22

OF

mise, uniquely Danish design. Among the highlights of the collection are the Berne sofa, the Princeton Lounge chair and the Kingston desk.

BERNE SOFA by Henrik Petersen

With its modern, minimal design, Berne offers great support thanks to a higher, more upright back, bigger seat depth and firmer cushions.

The tubular-shaped matt black metal legs create a floating expression. There are no sharp corners, and the arms, seats and back are softly rounded, giving this sofa a welcoming look from every angle.

PRINCETON LOUNGE CHAIR by Morten Georgsen

A beautiful accent chair, which stands out from the crowd. The light base embraces the organic-shaped back and seat, completed by light and feminine expres sion. The soft comfort and the cocooning effect make this well-proportioned chair very cosy and welcoming.

KINGSTON HOME OFFIC E by Morten Georgsen

Combining workspace and storage in a perfect home office solution, this features a thin metal frame with a subtly integrated drawer for storage of pens, tablets or paper.

The organic shape radiates softness, while the slightly tapered and inclined legs ensure a light, Nordic expression.

“Our New Kollektion is truly timeless, with contem porary Danish designs and colours that won’t go out of style,” says Claus Ditlev Jensen, BoConcept Collections and Visuals Director. “Each piece is expertly crafted using only high-quality, durable materials – because we want our consumers to enjoy BoConcept furniture for many years to come, and to live Ekstraordinær every day!”

“It

THE BOOT

FITS

Conquest Fine Bespoke Furniture on how to create your very own Bootility room

Acombination of a boot room and a utility room, a bootility room can be a fabulous addition to your homeand just because they are practical rooms doesn’t mean they have to be boring.

Adding floor-to-ceiling fitted cabinetry not only maximises your storage, but gives your utility room the advantage of conceal ing all the practical items you need to store, from laundry detergents and shoe polish through to loo rolls and pet food.

Painting the cabinetry in great colours, adding artwork and other nice touches means that when you have chores to do like the laundry, you can still be in a lovely space, making your chore time more pleasant.

Practical chores like laundry need doing no matter what, so making it as easy and as pleasant as possible makes a lot of sense. In tegrating your washing machine and dryer into bespoke cabinetry conceals them and provides for a more streamlined look. Stacking washing machines and dryers can help to save floor space and perhaps

leave room for a sink to hand wash smaller delicate items. A bootility room helps to provide that transition space where dirty items are dealt with.

If you need an airing cupboard in your home, the bootility room is the place to put it. A bespoke airing cupboard gives you the space to dry your laundry out of the way of the rest of the home. If you don’t have an airing cupboard, then a heated drying rack can be installed. These tend to be more energy efficient than tumble dryers. An even more energy-efficient method is to include a Victorian kitchen maid pulley system to keep drying laundry up high and out of the way of muddy shoes and dogs!

A bootility room with bespoke cabi netry, drawers and shelving can provide the perfect place to store bed and table linen. This means that making beds and setting tables become easier as everything you need is in one place. Storing your bed linen in sets can make changing beds a smoother experience.

Your pets can also benefit from space in a bootility room, with dog beds, pet

food supplies and a water bowl for your pet pooch. This space is also ideal to towel dry wet dogs or wipe muddy paws before they enter the rest of the house. Having the washing machine on hand is a definite plus here for your muddy towels.

A combination of pegs for frequently used coats and jackets, dog leads, umbrel las and bags combined with a storage bench to sit on when changing out of your muddy boots with overhead shelving or cubbies is ideal. A built-in space with shoe caddies to stash boots and shoes is also an excellent choice keeping them and their dirty soles out of the rest of your clean home.

If space is no object, you can add storage to store reserve pantry items such as tinned foods and drinks. Expand this further by adding wine storage and space for extra crockery for guests. Conquest’s experienced fitted furniture designers can help you create a bootility room that is both practical and stylish.

To book a free design consultation, call 0800 975 1199 or visit conquest-uk.com

“Just because they are practical rooms doesn’t mean they have to be boring”

TURN UP THE HEAT

By RACHEL WEBB

S

toves are a great way of adding a cosy focal point to living spaces, and the right design can lift a room scheme – especially as you can choose from bold colours, and streamlined modern or elegant traditional models. There's a stove to suit just about any space and you don't even need a fireplace for many designs, just a suitable outside wall or roof space to accommodate the flue system.

But there's another good reason to consider investing in a new stove this autumn – bills. Unless you're planning an extended trip to the sun, staying warm this winter is a very real concern. It's something the Stove Industry Alliance (SIA) is certainly hot on, also reminding us of the benefits of reducing reliance on central heating.

Stoves are never a recommended alternative to central heating, but an efficient, modern design will ramp up the cosiness and potentially offer a way of saving on other energy costs. This is something that SIA is emphasising, pointing to recent research about the "zonal heating" approach. This suggests that using a wood-burning stove while turning down your gas central heating to 18°C for three hours five times a week could save almost 8.5% on average

heating bills – potentially more if fuel bills continue to rise. Not only that, but you have the reassurance of staying cosy during a power cut (outages do happen) bringing peace of mind that can justify the outlay.

If you're warming to the idea of snuggling around the fire while saving money, here are five tips for choosing and running a stove.

1. GO ECO-FRIENDLY AND EFFICIENT

If you're sitting in front of an open fire or running an older stove (10 years plus) it's almost certainly worth considering an upgrade to an Ecodesign-compliant model (for example clearSkies certified). The latest compliant stoves generate 80% fewer emissions than the older stoves, and 90% less than an open fire.

With the autumn chill on its way, here's our buyer's guide to choosing the right stove

CHARLTON & JENRICK GO ECO WIDE MULTIFUEL STOVE, £649

“An efficient modern stove will ramp up the cosiness and potentially offer a way of saving on energy costs”

2. CHECK LOCAL REGULATIONS

If you're in a Smoke Control Area, as most of London and many surrounding areas are, you'll need to choose a stove that is Defra exempt. The penalties for breaching Smoke Control regulations can be hefty – so upgrading makes financial as well as ecological sense. Get advice from your stove retailer but, as a guide, look for clearSkies Level 3 and above stoves.

3. CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE

While the idea of a toasty room can be enticing, overheating (or underheating) will be a serious problem if you buy the wrong size. This is why it's important to

get a proper survey of the room you'll be heating. An authorised stove dealer and installer (HETAC or OFTEC registered) can advise on the right wattage, as well as undertaking a survey to ensure your chimney or other flue point is safely prepared. Also, look for a stove with responsive controls – you want a design you can adjust quickly and easily.

4. BURN THE RIGHT FUEL

The right fuel is essential for safe and efficient stove operation. If you buy logs from a local dealer, they should be at or below 20% moisture content – this is for safety as well as smoke control compliance. If you buy logs from a variety of sources, look for the 'Ready to Burn' logo. Never burn wood that has been chemically treated or use the stove to incinerate paper and other rubbish. Also ensure you store logs safely – avoid stacking them too close to the heat of the fire.

5. SERVICE YOUR STOVE

Your stove chimney should be swept at least once a year by a registered chimney sweep (visit the Federation of Chimney Sweeps' page for local members). This is the best way to ensure safe and efficient running – and many insurers also insist chimneys are swept regularly. Sweeps are also a wonderful source of practical expertise on all things fireside.

For more advice, visit the SIA website at stoveindustryalliance.com

CHARNWOOD

COLOUR POP

ARADA STOVES

The Solution 5 (S4) has traditional styling but is available in a variety of contemporary colourways, including this rich Miami blue. All of Arada's stoves meet the latest eco-ready credentials. From £849; aradastoves.com

PURPLE HAZE

CHARNWOOD STOVES

Designed and made on the Isle of Wight, this Regency-inspired Cranmore 5 comes in matte black or coloured finishes and has a large picture window for cosy evenings fireside. From £1,864 in purple; charnwood.com

CLEAN LINES

ROWANDALE

The ACR Rowandale is a handsome multifuel design with an air wash feature to make sure the glass stays clean. This stove is suitable for wood burning in smokeless zones. From £1,799 in cream; directstoves.com

HOT SPOT HUNTER STOVES

With easy-to-control settings that can turn up the heat in moments, this efficient stove is suitable for fireplace or freestanding installation and would be a classic addition to any living space. From £1,129; hunterstoves.co.uk

COSY CORNER MORSØ

The Morsø 4043 cast iron stove can generate plenty of heat even in the tightest space, thanks to its ergonomic design and sleek chimney, plus it has a handle that always stays cold. From £1,999; morsoe.com

Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles

Gleneagles experience is one of a kind

you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. With prices starting from £3,500 for a 2 bed, £4,410 for a 3 bed and £4,840 for a 4 bed for 7 nights.

By PENDLE HARTE

ROSE

ZAHA

MICUCCI

GARDEN SHOFFICE

THE LATEST GARDEN MUST-HAVE

Malvern Garden Buildings are offering the next generation of shoffice – introducing the Shoffice Plus.

This high end, multi-tasking garden building offers a shed, office and opensided deck combo for outdoor dining and relaxing or even the ideal space for a hot tub.

With unlimited options available – having three separate-but-connected living areas allows imaginations to go wild and customisation to become truly bespoke.

MAKE WORK ‘WORK’ FOR YOU

WHEN DID THE SHOFFICE BECOME A THING?

One of the first uses of the term was in the Wall Street Journal in late August 2014, reporting the trend for Londoners desperate for more living space installing shoffices in their “backyards”. The article goes on to say that having maximised every spare inch of space in attics and basements, these city dwellers had invested in a garden building as a more cost-effective way to expand their property’s footprint, rather than relocating.

The popularity of the shoffice has almost certainly been fuelled by the growing number of homeworkers looking for an office completely separate from the house with pleasant views of the garden.

ALL THE MOD CONS

These modern super-sheds are a far cry from the moss-covered, rusty tool stores of the past. Shoffices are designed and

fitted with every modern convenience, from insulated walls and underfloor heating to high speed wifi and luxury bathrooms.

They are favoured by people who have decorated their homes beautifully and now want a bespoke space in their gardens. Or owners of traditional houses who crave a more contemporary space.

DO SHOFFICES NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?

Homeowners considering a shoffice will find most garden offices do not need planning permission if the building is a maximum height of 2.5 metres and if it is within two metres of the house boundary.

A structure is allowed if it does not take up more than 50% of the outside space and is not going to be used as a sleeping area.

If you live in a National Park, listed building or conservation area you need to seek permission from the local planning authority.

Download a copy of Malvern's free ‘Work from Home Forever’ guide for inspiration and to start to explore the options.

There are 11 Malvern Garden Buildings showsites across the UK displaying an extensive range of premium British-made garden rooms curated by a friendly team of garden building experts.

“Modern supersheds are a far cry from the mosscovered, rusty tool stores of the past”

STYLE DUTCH

How your home and lives can be brightened up by De Jong Interieur

De Jong Interieur is a company based in the Netherlands who specialise in rural interiors.

With more than 35 years of experience, they can adapt perfectly to customers.

For over more than three decades, they have decorated and styled the most beauti ful chalets and country homes all across the UK and Europe, especially in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. Whether it is a new cabinet,

or a perfect set of lamps with matching lampshade, right up to a breath-taking chandelier made of antlers, with De Jong Interieur nothing is impossible.

Creating a unique, cosy and warm atmo sphere to your interior is what they strive for every day. Starting to get curious? Don’t hesitate and bring that extra spice to your home. You can find all the extraordinary and unique items they have created on their website.

Want to know what their items look like in real life? Meet their team seven times a year at the International Antique and Collectors Fair (IACF) at Ardingly Showground, and let them amaze you with their products and endless service.

Their products are all handmade with great passion and care. From the factory to your home, everything is handled by professionals who love what they do. Your interior is what makes your house a home. And that is exactly what they stand for. They strive for happiness every day, and what makes you happier than a nice and warm place to feel like home?

The possibilities are endless. Dressers and cabinets come in all sizes and colours, with drawers and doors, for storage or just for design. Whether you need furniture for your dining area, TV room or office, they have the right pieces that will upgrade your room to a whole new level.

Tables can be made in every size that you like or prefer, with different kinds of wood. Even the base of the table can be made exactly to your wishes, with steel or wood. Chairs or sofas come in every possible model that you can think of, in every fabric that you like. Fabrics as velvet or cowhide is no problem at all.

And now comes the good part of it all. Whilst they are on show seven times a year at Ardingly Antique Fair, you can shop on their website and tell them what to bring to the next fair. In that way you are assured that you will take the furniture of your dreams back to your home. They would love to meet you at the next Fair on Tuesday 1 November. For the complete calendar for the 2023 fairs, head to the official website of the IACF.

PLOT

HEART OF THE HOME

A Worthing-based couple explain why they are “absolutely delighted” by their dark dramatic kitchen, and the design process that got them there

Designing your dream kitchen can be a minefield of ideas, but it is key to remember whether you prefer a contemporary and fresh aesthetic, or traditional and classic, good kitchen design should always be enduring. Kitchen projects take time and considerable budgets, and so it’s important to love your space and know it will continue to work practically for your evolving family for years to come.

DESIGN CREATION

When designing the kitchen for their new rear and side extension, Samantha and Dean wanted a company that could help distil the perfect multiuse design from the noise of ideas; one that would work perfectly and individually for their needs. They found Ashley Jay Kitchens’ design and customer focus enabled them to do just that.

“When we first approached Ashley Jay it was a completely different discussion to other kitchen suppliers we had met before,” they say. “The first question was: ‘What’s important to you and what has brought you here today’?

“The importance for us was that we didn’t want a kitchen where we’d have regrets, where we’d wished we did something else or had something we didn’t want. That is the real trick with kitchens, you can actually want too much and it becomes a mess and what you want in your mind doesn’t always translate.

“We wanted a hosting space to entertain, somewhere easy enough to set up breakfast, yet quickly packed away to transform into a bar or dine with friends without too much hassle.”

ZONAL LAYOUT

As Ashley Jay explains: “For this kitchen, like many of our clients, the key was creating a zonal design that allowed the room to serve different needs through out the day, week and year. We focused the main cooking and family food prep into the back wall and island. A bridging layout allowed us to encompass all tall appliances and storage hidden either side of a central sink area with the cooking and prep focussed around the island. A separate wall then provided all the additional storage and hosting capabilities with a bar, wine fridges, and utility storage.”

A Bora hob with built-in extraction keeps the island free from clutter whilst providing a practical solution to cooking in the centre of the room without smoke smells, or an intrusive ceiling-hung extractor getting in the way of entertaining. Ashley Jay recommends placing your hob instead of a sink on the island as a great way to keep the cook involved with guests or family when preparing the food, whilst keeping the dirty dishes hidden out of view!

RICH COLOUR PALETTE

This kitchen is dark, dramatic and sleek. The graphite handle-less units create a bold statement without being cluttered, and the near-black Dekton Bromo worktop adds further depth and texture.

Ashley Jay explains that this dark-on-dark palette works so well as it is balanced by the two walls of glass in the extension and the light this provides. This light is then reflected further through the use of off-white walls and an antique mirror splash back. The dark cabinets are also broken up by the added texture of vintage oak panels.

Ashley Jay’s advice is to be brave with colour: richer, darker colours do not need to bring doom or gloom, provided the lighting and balance of the space is done correctly. In fact dark worktops are having a real resurgence in both modern-industrial kitchens and even traditional designs, but Ashley Jay suggests sticking to a matt or textured finish. “Polished black worktops were always a nightmare to keep clean, banish those watermarks and ramp up the tactile enjoyment of your worktop with matt and textured options if you are looking to go to the dark side.”

PERSONALISED DESIGN

This kitchen works so well for Samantha and Dean because it not only answers practical needs, but it was designed to work perfectly with their lifestyle. As Samantha testifies: “Our designer listened, advised and steered us to a place where we felt comfortable in price, unit feel, the look and functionality. Nothing was a problem and we are absolutely delighted with the outcome and proud of our kitchen.” This demonstrates that the only way to create truly enduring design is to ensure it reflects the people that will use the space. That it draws on current trends and technologies without being a slave to fashions; but rather listens to the people who will use it, reflects their style and brings them joy.

“The key was creating a zonal design to serve different needs”

BRUSH STROKES

Paint guru Annie Sloan has launched an online course to help bring more colour into our homes

Words PENDLE HARTE

I’m Annie and I’m here to help you make your house really lovely.” So begins Annie Sloan’s new online course, designed to instill confidence in all of us to add colour to our homes. Annie is known for her own range of chalk paints that are versatile and easy to use, and throughout the course she uses her own colours, painting everything from floors and walls to ceramics, furniture and even textiles. Her philosophy is clear: there’s nothing that can’t be improved with a bit of colour.

Even post-Covid, online courses are a winner. This one belongs to Create Academy, where it sits alongside a world of practical knowledge. There are gardening courses, cooking courses and lots of explo ration into decorative arts and interiors, all led by industry experts. You can cook with Thomasina Miers, arrange flowers with Willow Crossley, and redesign your house with Kate Watson-Smyth, all from the comfort of your own desk. Complete each course in your own time, and return to it as often as you like – the idea is simple, and requiring little upfront commitment, we can all imagine ourselves as thriving amateur chefs/florists/upholsterers.

Or, in this case, painters. As Annie says from the start, it’s all about confidence. Painting your floor takes a bit of courage, while deciding on which colour to paint

an old chest of drawers is something you might need support with. Annie’s tone is gentle and encouraging. “Some people think they’re not creative and they need help – well, we all need help. This is about gaining confidence… People often don’t know what they want, so I want to help people bring what they want out.” So the course takes in a host of practical applications, including painting kitchen cup boards as well as more complicated tasks such as decoupage and stencilling, plus different finishes and advice on painting everything from lampshades to metal ornaments, and makes them all seem easy.

It all starts with her paint, which is designed to be accessible, easy to work with and quick to dry – and to stick to all surfaces without a primer. She developed it when her children were small and she was painting in a rush, hoping for her work to be dry before their little fingers smudged it. “I wanted to make tools for people to be creative. I’m not prescribing – these are colours to mix. There’s no black in them;

“The first thing to do if you’re starting to think about colour, is to visit Charleston”

normal paints have lots of black pigment in them, but these don’t, so that you can mix them yourself and see how they work together, with tones and shadow.”

What Annie calls her ‘global perspective’ derives from having grandparents all born in different countries. When she went to art school she developed an interest in art from all over the world, and particularly in artists who do more than one thing. “Ben Nicholson, for instance, not only painted but also printed linocuts onto cloth. Salvador Dali made films and jewellery. So I’ve always taken inspiration from that,” she says.

We watch her wander around Sunbury Antiques Market, inspecting pieces with an eye on what she could paint. Damaged pieces are particularly good, she says. She’s interested in painted furniture and folk pieces, farm pieces and grand pieces, and is on the lookout for ways to add vitality and ‘little pops of colour’ to a room. The first thing to do, she believes, if you’re starting to think about colour, is to visit Charles ton. You’ll come home wanting to paint everything, she believes. “I look around and think, what can I paint?”

The aim of this new course is “to give you joy and happiness in your own home. It’s about changing your whole way of looking at things. Painting is a way to express your individuality,” she says. And you can’t go wrong, because you can always repaint. Pretty much everything looks better painted, she maintains. “Even ugly ceram ics covered in, say, fat cherubs. Just half close your eyes and imagine what it would look like painted.” We’ll start with that.

How to Fill Your Home With Colour, 22 lessons, costs £127 at createacademy.com

“I look around and think, what can I paint?”

By EVE HERBERT

Bvery Carl Hansen & Søn design comes with a unique and meaningful story. Whether it originated in the golden age of Danish design, or it's a recent creation by a contemporary talent, each piece of furniture tells the tale of a visionary designer’s determination to unite craftmanship and innovation in one timeless piece.

And, of course, once a piece of furniture leaves the factory and finds its way into someone’s home, an entirely new story begins.

“Timeless beauty, comfort, craftsmanship, and sustainability are so deeply ingrained in all our furniture works that only sight and touch are required to understand and fall in love with them,” says Knud Erik Hansen, CEO and owner of Carl Hansen & Søn.

The team crafts each piece with the hope that it will improve the lives of those it encounters. Made from locally and internationally sourced woods, the collection of evocative handcrafted

wooden furniture adds warmth and welcome to an interior with its unique ability to transform an empty space into an inviting sanctuary simply by its presence.

Wood has always been a much loved building material, but its benefits to our wellbeing add even more value to it as a material in our homes. Unlike man-made materials, wood has been demonstrated to have a calming effect on our emotional and physiological state. Simply touching wooden furniture has an instant impact, evoking feelings of safety with its tactility.

Carl Hansen’s handcrafted wooden furniture is cherished not only for its iconic design, but for the restorative environment it helps create. These designs live and breathe, continuing to change as they age into something even more beautiful, creating a sense of calm, comfort and clarity, through meaningful design, uncompromising craftsmanship and respect for natural materials.

“Simply touching wooden furniture has an instant impact”

XXXXXX IMAGE CAPTION XXXXXX

BM0555 BED, 210X90 (2 BEDS) END TO WALL, FSC™-CERTIFIED OAK, OIL, MOSS 0006 DESIGNED BY BØRGE MOGENSEN AND MADE IN COLLABORATION WITH LUXURY BEDMAKER DUX

OW149 COLONIAL CHAIR, OAK SOAP, HALLINGDAL 100 OLE WANSCHER’S OW149 COLONIAL CHAIR COMBINES CONTRASTING FORMS AND MATERIALS TO CREATE A REFINED AND LUXURIOUS WHOLE

BM1160 | HUNTING TABLE | 210X82, WALNUT, OIL, OAK OIL, BRASS, 210X82 CM, H72 CM

MOGENSEN DESIGNED THE BM1160

TABLE FOR THE COPENHAGEN CABINETMAKERS’ GUILD FURNITURE EXHIBITION IN 1950.

WALNUT OIL, LEATHER SIF

WANSCHER’S DEEP RESPECT FOR MATERIALS, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND FUNCTION

THE FORCE ON THE OW58 T-CHAIR

KK41181 | SOFA WITH HIGH SIDES, WALNUT, OIL, LEATHER SIF 90 KAARE KLINT DESIGNED THE KK41181 SOFA FOR THE DANISH PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE IN 1930

THE HAWTH, CRAWLEY

CODE BREAKER

Dyslexia Awareness Week, from 3-9 October, is an important reminder of issues some children face – and why the outlook is in no way negative

By SUE LAIDLAW

Did you know that about 10% of the UK population are dyslexic? You may, indeed, be dyslexic yourself or have a child who has dyslexic tendencies.

Dyslexia, derived from Greek, literally means “di culty with words” but, with specific teaching, strategies can help overcome these di culties. We are all di erent, dyslexic or not, but some of the positives of being dyslexic can include excellence in spatial awareness, problem solving, inventing and creativity, to name but a few.

Within our teaching centre, we house Laidlaw Hall, our specialist centre for the teaching of children and young people with dyslexia. We are a registered body with CReSTeD (Council for the Registration of Schools Teaching Dyslexic Pupils), the kitemark of excellence in this area of teaching. We are proud and humbled to work with schools, children and young people for whom dyslexia is part of their lives; we are not dismissive of how this can a ect each student, or how it can dent confidence, but we celebrate the hard work, tenacity and also the talents that can all

be part of having dyslexia as part of your profile. We have taught elite tennis players who have exceptional spatial awareness and have known students who have become architects, fashion designers and surgeons.

There are many preconceived ideas about dyslexia. Indeed, even now in some quarters, dyslexia is dismissed as something that does not exist. So here is some myth busting…

• Dyslexia has nothing to do with intelligence. There are plenty of dyslexic students who gain excellent GCSEs, A-levels and degrees, including those from Oxbridge.

• If your young child is finding it di cult to grasp the basics of reading and spelling, it does not mean that they are dyslexic. In fact, most educational psychologists do not want to make a formal diagnosis of dyslexia until a child is at least seven years of age. There are, of course, exceptions. If you have a family history of dyslexia, then this may be diagnosed earlier.

• It is not true that nothing can be done about dyslexia. Professional, targeted intervention can work wonders and, in turn, build self-esteem and a more positive approach to learning.

If you have a child who is struggling and you are concerned, do seek specialist teaching support. We try to explain it to the children as teaching them a di erent way of “cracking the code”.

Dyslexia Awareness Week is in October. The theme this year is ‘breaking through barriers’ and will allow us all to reflect on the barriers that those living with dyslexia often face. Let’s celebrate how the world needs us all to think in

di erent ways, with di erent strengths (and weaknesses). Let’s help each child to find their individual strengths and support them in their challenges.

And let’s hold on to the fact that dyslexia can come with unexpected bonuses. Just look at the work of designer Paul Smith, or enjoy Jamie Oliver’s culinary talents or the dramatic work of Keira Knightley and Tom Cruise. Thank you all for your wonderful creative brains.

SUE LAIDLAW

is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP.

For 30 years, Sue and her team have offered educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall, a specialist centre for children with dyslexia and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy.

Find out more at laidlaweducation.co.uk or call 020 8487 9517

“Let’s help each child to find their individual strengths and support them”

Keep calm and CARRY ON

We visit the ‘blue health school’ Eastbourne College and talk to Head Tom Lawson about how they put their pupils’ wellbeing up front and centre

Q Could you o er us a potted history of Eastbourne College…

A Eastbourne College was founded in 1867 to provide ‘a classical, mathematical, and general education of the highest class’ for the people of the then new resort town and attract boarders ‘owing to the remarkable healthiness of Eastbourne’. One hundred and fifty years of continuous innovation saw the school being one of the first public schools to admit girls and integrate them fully and equally as well as the development of hightech facilities and infrastructure. The school now has a roughly even split of boarders and day pupils with 660 pupils in total.

Q Today, what does the College o er?

A Eastbourne College o ers a full boardingtype lifestyle for day and boarders alike. As well as excellent teaching in small class sizes for GCSE, IGCSE, and A-level, there is an enormous variety of well-resourced sport, a £5m music centre, four theatre spaces and, crucially, dedicated house buildings for day and boarding pupils.

Q Can you explain what being a ‘blue health school’ is?

A Think of ‘blue health’ as a fusion of modern mindfulness and traditional ‘fresh air in your lungs’. We hold that being

on the seaside – the air, the views, the sounds, the lifestyle – promote mental wellbeing. Come down and look at the endless horizons and you too will feel your stresses easing! It sounds glib, but there is a massive issue with adolescent mental wellbeing across the developed world, and we harness our natural environment as part of our strategy to tackle that. We are lucky to be involved in the local community and environmental projects, protecting the downland tree line, keeping the beach clean, and developing sustainable, local solutions.

Q What do you love most about your job?

A The pupils. They make me laugh, smile, and they are (almost always) very kind to me – and to each other, which is far more important.

Q Can you describe a typical classroom scene?

A Unless it is one of my lessons, which are naturally dry and fuddy-duddy, the typical classroom is buzzing with collaborative energy. As early adopters of technology in teaching and learning, you will see pupils e ortlessly switching between iPad, paper, and oral engagement in every lesson, maintaining variety and using the right tool for each job. The teachers are fun, inspiring and wise, which is the secret to every good school.

Q What opportunities do you o er outside of the classroom?

A We are big on the traditional stu : choir, orchestra; rugby, hockey, tennis, cricket, netball; painting, ceramics; plays,

musicals… Also there are some particularly strong and perhaps unexpected subjects and activities: singer-songwriter, jazz; basketball, equestrian; product design, textiles; paddle boarding and triathlons.

Q How would you sum up the boarding experience at the College?

A Light-hearted comradeship, family feel and judicious care.

Q What do you hope your students leave the College prepared for?

A Living the good life. ‘Good’ has multiple meanings: good people, good fun, making a di erence, understanding how to be happy.

Q What were last year’s highlights?

A Everyone will view the school’s highlights di erently. Personally, I am delighted that our pupils have been inspired and stimulated in the classroom, on the sports field and on the creative and performing stages, and that their hard work has given them a sense of pleasure, pride and joy. But here are just a few of the school’s highlights this year, which has seen us pick up the Tatler Schools Eco Warrior Award. In academics, and hot o the press, one in three Eastbourne College pupils achieved A*-A across all subjects in their A-levels this year, while our GCSE cohort achieved a record number of grade 9

results, with almost one in four grades awarded at grade 9. In addition, the school has 30 pupils aspiring to study medicine and 100 sixth form pupils undertaking Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) on top of their A-level subjects. Our pupils have won a plethora of awards including essay competition scholarships to attend summer courses at Cambridge and Oxford and the highly regarded Queen’s College Oxford Anthea Bell Young Translators Competition. In addition, 15 sixth formers successfully sat their Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments Level 2 qualification, while 39 Year 9 pupils’ work was published in the Young Writers Twisted Tales and Empowered poetry anthology. Another of our highly talented pupils was placed in the top 100 pupils in the country for his year group in the Maclaurin Mathematical Olympiad.

Accomplishments in the creative and performing arts this year have also been wide and varied with College representatives winning the Royal Opera House National Competition for designing costumes for Carmen, another pupil winning the national Great British Dance O , and a College team finishing runners-up in the British International Education Association Competition to eliminate plastic waste.

Our sport continues to go from strength to strength with our 1st XI girls hockey team winning the England Hockey T3 final and our boys 1st XV finishing runners up in the RFU U18 bowl final. In the pool, our senior boys finished on the podium in the National Schools Relay competition and the boys and girls tennis teams finished runners-up in the LTA Winter League National Finals and retained U16 and U18 county titles.

On the cricket pitch, our 1st XI team beat Eton College to get through to the semifinals of the ECB U17 National Plate.

Q What are you looking forward to as we start a new school year?

A The new pupils – the biggest ever Year 9 entry for the College. Also, the resumption of school tours and trips are now fully underway, so I look forward to hearing the stories from them.

Q Finally, what’s the story behind Roy the Boxer dog?

A Boxers have an excellent personality and we have had them for over 15 years now. They are excellent dogs for a boarding school because they love people and family, which is how the school feels. So Roy has become a bit of mascot for the school. He loves to welcome people and almost always gives every prospective new family a sni – it is an unusual entry test, but it does seem to find us the very best pupils!

Find out more by visiting eastbourne-college.co.uk

ROY MEETS CLARE BALDING

Changing OUTLOOK

A shifting landscape prompts reshaped structure and leadership changes at Hurst College, as we discover

H

urst College has grown and developed significantly over the last 15 years. It has doubled in size, maximised cocurricular engagement and become one of the leading independent schools in the south east. There has also been a shift away from full boarding to weekly and flexi boarding (which it pioneered many years ago) as well as a move to an almost equal split between boys and girls. In short, the college is a very di erent school and very di erent community to what it was at the turn of the century. Over the last three years, Head Tim Manly and the governors have been considering the best structure for the college as well as the leadership team. As a result, the decision was taken a year ago for the college structure to be reshaped. Instead of the traditional PrePrep (Reception to Year 2), Prep School (Year 3 to Year 8) and Senior School (Year 9 to Upper Sixth) model, it was felt that a new structure was required to reflect the shift towards an 11 to 16 educational curriculum, as well as the way in which children grow up faster than in the past. Hurst has introduced a Junior Prep structure (Reception to Year 6), which echoes that of the maintained sector, followed by a separate Senior Prep (Year 7 and Year 8) that focuses on these interesting developmental years. The college recognises that 11-year-olds are too young to go to a large secondary school and that much can be gained by having Year 7 and 8 pupils at the top of their prep school. By the time they leave, they are prepared for a senior school

environment. As a result, the appointments of separate heads for the Junior Prep and Senior Prep have been made, with dedicated teams of sta in both sections.

The school has also been developing a local Multi Academy Trust. A pioneering initiative, known as the Hurst Education Trust (HET), will ultimately include a small number of local primary schools and a secondary school. It has long been felt that schools such as Hurst are in danger of becoming too inward looking, and somewhat removed from the world around them –this is not healthy for pupils or sta . It is early days, but there are already three primary schools in the Hurst Education Trust and the hope is that this will grow in a considered and intelligent manner.

Given these changes, it should come as no surprise that the leadership structure has also evolved. Tim Manly has become

“Hurst is a very di erent school to what it was back in 2000”

principal of the college with a clear line of responsibility for its strategic direction, culture, sta ng, finances and operations. In addition, he has become CEO of the Hurst Education Trust with responsibility for leading the initiative, supported by a small team from within the college.

Dominic Mott, previously Head of the Senior School, has now stepped up to become Head of College and taken on many of Tim’sprevious day-to-day responsibilities with pupils, parents and sta . His profile will be much greater both internally and externally with a clear remit for the successful operation of the college across all year groups and all aspects. His previous role as Head of the Senior School will now be taken on by Lloyd Dannatt, who was Deputy Head Academic. Lloyd was, and has been, key in developing the very successful linearisation of academic programmes across the entire college, raising standards of teaching and learning as well as driving the broader academic culture. This role will now be taken on by Michelle Zeidler, who also acts as the Director of Education for the Hurst Education Trust. The result of all these changes will enable the college to cater very clearly for the particular needs and ambitions of each school section; with a shared and coherent set of values and ethos, underwriting all of them.

Although many changes have been introduced, and came fully into play in September, the transition to this new world has been carefully and intelligently planned. Above all, it is key to everyone involved in Hurst – from governors through to sta , parents and pupils – that the school continues to develop strongly, stays close to its vision and values, and does not experience any sort of turbulence that can so often arise from significant change. The ethos of the college will remain the same even though, at times, it will need to adapt and change in the face of challenges – Covid, economic or otherwise. The college will continue to provide an experience to pupils, both at the college and in the broader Hurst Education Trust, which enables them to achieve the best they can according to their ability – and to develop into successful, well-grounded independent adults who make the right things happen not just for themselves, but also others.

An exciting new chapter is beginning at Hurst College, one which is not so dislocated from the recent past, but rather an evolution of it.

“They provide an experience that enables pupils to achieve the best they can”

Wizard PLAY

A once fictional game is finding a loyal following among students. We catch up with QuidditchUK to find out the state of play

By LIBBY NORMAN

Quidditch – that game in Harry Potter that required wizard powers and real broomsticks – has, by some strange magic, become a sport. Not only that, but it's played in some 40 countries and with a set of rules and grassroots approach that make it fast-paced, fun and with a great sense of community. In fact, if you are looking for a case study that ticks boxes for 21stcentury sporting ideals around inclusivity, quidditch would be a good place to start.

It emerged when a couple of Vermont college students set out to take the rules from the Harry Potter books and codify them to create a game Muggles could play. This was back in 2005, and since then it has developed structures, nationally and internationally. QuidditchUK (QUK) started out playing to those Vermont rules, but it is now a full member of the International Quidditch Association. Other active nations include Canada, Chile, Australia, Argentina, Turkey and several European countries. There are emerging and associate members spanning the globe, from Japan and Pakistan to Uganda and Vietnam.

As a full member, QUK participates in rule making and changing – ensuring the game works as it continues to grow.

Beck Throup, QUK Media Director, began playing the sport while she was at University of Bristol and believes the secret of its growth is the community spirit involved. "It's a well-loved sport – a small community of a few hundred players in the UK, but it's such a tight community," she says. It may be diminutive but it's gathering momentum and QUK recently hosted its national championships involving a community league for the first time, alongside the university league.

When you consider that a full team complement is 21 players (due to the number of substitutions), you get the sense of what an inclusive activity this can be. Also, and this is vital, it's mixed sex and with scope for every body type. "There's no stereotypical quidditch player. I'm five foot two and then you've got six-foot rugby lads – you've got so many di erent ways of playing the game and so many tactics involved that it always ends up fairly evenly matched. The only thing that tends to a ect the outcome is if one team doesn't have its full roster of 21 players."

Beck was drawn in, like a lot of people, by the idea of playing a game she'd read about. "I did love the Harry Potter books and I met the captain of the quidditch team at a party and I promised I'd come to training – and about a year later I showed up!" She enjoys the fact that this is a game of equals. "That's important to us to a degree where it's actually in the international rule book. We have a Gender Rule, where you can only have four people

of any one gender on the pitch at any one time. Referees and o cials are made aware of all the players on each team's gender for when they are subbing on and o ." This ensures a balance of weight and strength or, as Beck puts it: "You don't have a team of seven rugby lads on the pitch at any time."

QUK is building a youth outreach programme to work with younger players – including through schools who want to organise games or taster sessions. There are also, curiously, a fair few enquiries from stag and hen parties who want something di erent. "There's a lot of goodwill," says Beck. "Even when people retire from play a lot of them stick around in the community and volunteer, as well as coming to tournaments. These volunteers are essential to running the sport."

Watch a game in play, and you can see why people stick around – there's a lot happening on the pitch. "It's essentially a cross between rugby, dodgeball and wrestling," says Beck. "It's great fun to watch." There's enough complexity in quidditch to keep those who love rules in clover, while those who don't will still find it thrilling, if mystifying.

With seven players on each team in play at any time, the aim is to outscore opponents by getting the qua e (a volleyball) through

one of three opposition hoops. Each team defends their own hoops with tackles and bludgers (dodgeballs). The game ends when the winning team has a legal catch on the snitch (a neutral player, who enters play 15 minutes in wearing what is e ectively a tennis ball in a sock attached to the back of their shorts) or when one team has a 30-point lead. You can understand why students love it: fast, fun and a bit wacky – you play while holding what is e ectively a broom handle between your legs in homage to the fictional game.

While quidditch is, at 17 years of age, a newcomer, it's looking ahead. One current discussion centres on whether the name should be changed. "As we're moving away from 'oh there's that sport in the Harry Potter books', it will be interesting to see where we go," says Beck. A two-year goal for QUK is to get quidditch recognised here as a sport. So, next stop the Olympics?

Beck believes there's a fair way to go yet. But then again, 30 years ago no one would have bet on skateboarding or BMX earning Olympic stripes. For quidditch fans everywhere, there's everything to play for –and they're also having a wizard time.

“There's a lot happening on the pitch in quidditch – it's essentially a cross between rugby, dodgeball and wrestling”

WARWICK VS OXFORD AT THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER FIGHT IT OUT AT THE HOOP

THE ULTIMATE RACEDAY

QIPCO British Champions Day is the Ultimate Raceday and the finale of the British Flat racing season. Whether you’re a racing guru or you are just after the ultimate day out with friends and family, Champions Day has something for everyone. Worldclass racing, the fanzone, music after racing – don’t miss racing’s biggest celebration.

EDUCATION NEWS

The latest from schools across Sussex

Key appointment

An Eastbourne College deputy headteacher has been selected as the new Head of Youth and Cadets in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the rank of Brigadier, shaping the future of the nation’s cadet forces. Anthony Lamb MBE, who is Deputy Head of Co-curricular at the co-educational independent school, will oversee the strategic direction of the five MOD-sponsored cadet forces – the Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Sea Cadet Corps, Combined Cadet Force and Volunteer Cadet Corps –consisting of around 150,000 cadets and nearly 30,000 adult volunteers. Anthony will undertake the three-year post alongside his position at Eastbourne College, where he delivers the co-curriculum. Anthony says: “These five organisations offer the full cadet experience: a second-to-none, 21st century youth development programme aimed at preparing young people for success and providing new opportunities and experiences to enrich their lives.”

eastbourne-college.co.uk

SOUND OF MUSIC

With a new school year here, learners across Sussex can develop skills and try something new this autumn, thanks to Create Music, the region’s leading provider of high-quality, inclusive music education. With locations in Brighton, Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings and Heathfield offering everything from strings to samba, the programme makes music accessible to all.

Create Music aims to inspire young people of all backgrounds to develop a passion for music, with many ways for children and young people to get involved. From lessons at school to online music groups, classes are open to all. For those keen to develop their skills and meet new friends, Create Music has nearly 50 youth bands, orchestras and ensembles at different locations.

Stage is set

Mayfield, the leading Catholic independent day and boarding school for girls, is celebrating an impressive set of GCSE results. In the year that saw students return to sitting public examinations for the first time in three years, Mayfield’s girls excelled in creative subjects, including drama, music and ceramics, alongside traditional STEM subjects, languages and humanities. Almost all of Mayfield’s Year 11 students who took Drama achieved a grade 8 or 9, including Yaa (le ), a London boarder, who was awarded the top grade, having earlier this year been invited to join the National Youth Theatre. Yaa says: “I am especially proud of my grade 9 in drama. With thanks to my inspiring drama teacher Mrs Gerstmeyer. I cannot wait to continue my Mayfield journey.”

mayfieldgirls.org

As one of the largest providers of music education in the UK, Create Music reaches over 18,500 children and young people across 262 participating schools and music centres, from Hove to Hastings. The service is managed by Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival, to remove barriers to cultural experiences.

createmusic.org.uk

why everyone is talking about…

TIM PEAKE

The British astronaut’s visit to Sussex has caused such a stir it’s a sell out – and it’s little wonder why

British astronaut Tim Peake is keeping his feet firmly on the ground as he continues with his one-man show, My Journey To Space. Tim made history in 2015 as the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station. And now fans across the country can take orbit with Tim as he shares the secrets and science of how and why humans journey into space.

My Journey To Space gives audiences a fascinating insight into life as an astronaut, complete with breath-taking photographs and never-before-seen footage.

Tim joined the European Space Agency in 2009, after an 18-year career in the Army. He is a former Apache pilot, flight instructor, test pilot and current European Space Agency astronaut. Tim attended Chichester High School for Boys, and during this time he was also a member of the combined cadet force, before joining the Army as an Air Cops O cer. A veteran of 18 years’ military service, Tim has flown more than 3,000 hours in 30 di erent types of helicopter and fixedwing aircraft in operations worldwide.

In December 2015, Tim became the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station and conduct a spacewalk during his six-month mission. He also ran the London Marathon in space.

Tim’s mission engaged more than two million students through outreach activities. He is an ambassador for STEM education, The Prince’s Trust and The Scout Association.

“One thing I never anticipated in being selected for the ESA programme, was just how much my own experiences would inspire and fascinate others,” says Tim. “I will always be mesmerised by

space and space travel, but I am just as honoured to be able to travel the country sharing my story and experiences.”

My Journey To Space is an epic and thrilling journey to the International Space Station, o ering unprecedented access, from training to launch, spacewalk to re-entry.

His date in November at Chichester Festival Theatre is sold out, but he will be returning next March at the same venue. Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an awe-inspiring ride. This is an event not to be missed.

For more information and to purchase tickets go to fane.co.uk/timpeake

TIM PEAKE'S SOYUZ SPACECRAFT

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