SEPTEMBER 2023 / £3.95
The Littlehampton baker cooks up a storm at Borde Hill
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THE SUSSEX PEASANT
The mobile farm shop beloved by locals and beyond
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Heritage Open Days returns to Sussex
News and views from the county's best schools
HOW SUZY D AT DOODIE STARK WILL SET THE RIGHT TONE THIS AUTUMN
WHY DR NYLA : Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021. With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.
: Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP. Dr Nyla is a winner of Best Cosmetic Clinic 2019 to 2020 and a nomination for Best Cosmetic Doctor 2021. With the largest Exilis Elite skin tightening in the UK, alongside the 2nd largest CoolSculpting clinic in Europe. Dr Nyla is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry. Over her 20 years in medical aesthetics, she has transcended across the years to personally understand how to manage the menopause.
The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns –from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.
The Transformation FaceliftTM is a bespoke treatment, which Dr Nyla has designed to treat many of the ageing affects the menopause can cause. Unique to the medispa group, this treatment, combines a variety of incredible anti ageing treatments to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns –from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity.
During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.
During menopause, lower levels of estrogen have a big impact on your skin. Less estrogen makes you prone to thinning, sagging, and wrinkling. Skin looses elasticity making open pores much more visible. Skin is also much less hydrated. Fortunately, you can relieve some of the skin-related effects of aging by taking care of your specific skin care needs using the Dr Nyla skincare collection.
EDITOR
MARK KEBBLE
ART DIRECTOR
PAWEL KUBA
SENIOR DESIGNERS
MIKE ROBERTS
SUZETTE SCOBLE
MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER
CARMEN GRAHAM
JUNIOR DESIGNER
JOE MUNSEY
PRODUCTION MANAGER
DANICA BRODIE
GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH
ABIGAIL GARDNER
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
For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com
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ABSOLUTELY’S September issue highlights
Iam not a very good cook. Actually, to be more precise, I am not really a cook at all. I literally can make two things, both involve pasta, although I used to do a mean chilli, but for some reason my taste buds can no longer hack it.
In actual fact, my cooking exploits have often lead to ridicule. My best man's speech for some unfathomable reason decided to bring up my penchant for eating quiche and beans when I flat shared with him (it got a big laugh, I wasn't too sure why), and at university I was laughed out of the house when I changed my shirt whilst eating spag bol (and I totally deserved that one, but my argument was I didn't want extra washing by spilling sauce down my front, which always happened).
Despite this abject life failure, I still love cookery shows. I can't get enough of Masterchef (especially Gregg Wallace's fantastic facial expressions), and even though I never baked, I love a bit of Great British Bake Off. Which meant it was rather exciting to get fan favourite, and Sussex local, Lottie Bedlow into this issue as she prepares to show off her stuff at Borde Hill this month. I will be in attendance and, hopefully, I may just pick up some valuable tips.
Interiors Products
Homes are pretty in pink (p63)
Celebrating strong prints, colours and hand-sewn embroideries, Raff ya offers contemporary clothes and accessories in modern, romantic design forms. Arabella embroidered dress, £195. ra ya.com
A coral hue that suits all skin tones, Empreinte Cassiopée Papaya enhances the fi gure with the unique fit of Empreinte’s seamless lingerie. ameliesfollies.co.uk
July's fabulous, nimble suitcases come in all shades and lots of sizes, with practical features galore. july.com
The Shell Scallop Platter is part of the Le Sol collection, cra ed with care in South Africa using three types of locally sourced stoneware clay with a handpainted motif. conranshop.co.uk
The Norwegian Lucky Troll is Crystal Haze's signature pendant. The colourful jewellery collection has a playful, 1980s feel that we love. crystalhazejewelry.com
The cream glaze, scalloped edge and practical handles makes this roasting dish deliciously different. Made from fi ne china it's a natural oven to table beauty. habitat.co.uk
Christian Lacroix Maison has teamed up with Schmidt to launch this fi gurative feather-swirled motif for walls and upholstery. christian-lacroix.com
Allday Goods have partnered with one of Sheffi eld's last remaining knife makers to create these knives with handles made from local plastic waste in a variety of bold marbled colourways. alldaygoods.co.uk
British jewellery brand Rachel Jackson's Ride or Die collection is a fun, nostalgic array of smiley faces, rainbows and peace signs, perfect for summer. racheljacksonlondon.com
Eighth Day's gamechanging serum is built around the notion that aged skin is wounded skin – and, given the right tools, it can be healed. Give it just two weeks to work, £270. harrods.com
7 SEPTEMBER, BRIGHTON CENTRE
Impossible though it may seem, it’s been 20 years since Busted bounced into the charts with the irrepressible pop-punk energy of their debut single ‘What I Go To School For’.
It kickstarted a succession of hits for the trio, including the #1 smashes ‘Crashed The Wedding’, ‘Who’s David’, ‘Thunderbirds Are Go’, and ‘You Said No’. Now Busted celebrate their 20th anniversary by announcing details of a major UK arena tour, alongside a series of new versions of 15 of their classic hits to be released in the build-up, with some very special guests. brightoncentre.co.uk
8-10 SEPTEMBER, GOODWOOD
The only historic motor race meeting to be staged entirely in a period theme, Goodwood Revival is an immersive celebration of iconic cars and fashion. Revive & Thrive is the modern community that drives Revival forward, inspiring us all with creative ways to rethink, repair and re-wear. Get up close to one-of-a-kind tributes dedicated to historical cars and racing legends, and enjoy a celebration of the 40s, 50s and 60s.
goodwood.com
10 September
LITTLEHAMPTON PROMENADE
End your summer on a high by joining hundreds of other runners to raise funds for children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House. Whether it’s your first time or you’re aiming for your personal best, this 10k coastal run is perfect for you. Starting and finishing on the seafront, you’ll take in colourful beach huts, award-winning architecture – and Britain’s longest bench! – as you challenge yourself to achieve more than ever before. chestnut.org.uk/littlehampton10k
1-30 September
MINERVA THEATRE
Jacq and Kas’s boutique restaurant has gone bust, and telling their oldest friends Adaego and her rich husband Tobin that his investment is toast is only the start of the evening. Cash, class, identity and infidelity are all on the menu. As the last of the expensive wine flows, a dangerous drinking game reveals long-hidden truths and provokes an unspeakable dare. cft.org.uk
EVENT
16-17 September
SUSSEX PRAIRIES
Beautiful & Useful is returning to Sussex Prairies, just north of Brighton, this September after a fabulous show in 2022. Sussex makers are well represented, with characterful pots from Ken Eardley, contemporary acrylic jewellery by Brighton-based maker Sarah Packington, and prints inspired by Sussex and the South Downs from designer Julie Ingham. beautiful-useful.co.uk
23-24 September
SOUTH OF ENGLAND SHOWGROUND
The Autumn Show & Game Fair and the South of England International Horse Trials are again joining forces this year. At this celebration of rural life, the harvest, and canine and equestrian interests, attendees will be treated to a captivating line-up of countryside pursuits, displays, and interactive activities throughout the weekend. seas.org.uk
Worthing Theatres and Museum's OPEN23 will celebrate local amateur and professional artists
Worthing Theatres and Museum have announced that submissions are now open for their biennial WTM OPEN Exhibition, which will run at Worthing Museum this winter. The OPEN23 will offer artists from across Sussex the exciting opportunity to exhibit their work within a distinguished gallery space. Submissions are open now and close on Friday 27 October 2023 at 5pm. Submitting work to this exhibition is open to anyone who lives or works in East or West Sussex, and
10 SEPTEMBER, BRIGHTON KOMEDIA
Markus Birdman’s quick quips and dark humour have delighted audiences for the last 20 years and recently impressed Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli on the latest series of Britain’s Got Talent. Markus’ skill lies in taking a unique experience about a topic that might often be sniggered over, and making you laugh whilst also raising a little awareness, such as the time he su ered from a stroke. komedia.co.uk
amateur or professional artists of all ages are welcome to submit up to three pieces. The final exhibition will then be formed of work selected by a panel of external guest judges. Emma Walder, WTM Fine Art Curator, says: “I love working on the open exhibitions – it’s an opportunity to meet local artists and participants, as well connect with artists and communities from neighbouring towns.”
Work can be submitted online at wtm.uk/open23
“I started baking to make people's lives feel a little less stressful”PHOTO: TOM REGESTER
There couldn’t be a better gig for no-nonsense baker, Lottie Bedlow, than The Great British Food Festival. The 35-year-old, who was one of the stars of The Great British Bake O in 2020, is on the line-up for the festival at Borde Hill in Haywards Heath this month – and, she says, it’s one of her favourites.
“I’m a real country bumpkin and these festivals are always in the loveliest countryside locations, plus I’m not big on travel, I'm such a home bird, I just love being in the UK,” admits Lottie, who when we speak just happens to be on a family holiday in France during one of the worst heatwaves to hit Europe in decades. “It’s a bit of a shock to my very pale English skin, so I’m sitting in a dark room with the air-con on full blast!”
Lottie, who lives in Littlehampton with her auntie, uncle and teenage cousins, was a firm favourite during series 11 of the popular TV baking competition, but like many other GBBO contestants, her route into baking wasn’t the most conventional one.
“It's bizarre really because I was brought up on ready meals,” she jokes. “When I was younger we moved like once a year and because there was always work being done on the houses we lived in, there was never access to an oven, and so my mum would always kind of do her best with a ready meal and an apple.” Her curiosity when it comes to flavours came from watching cooking programmes on TV as a child. “I remember watching Rick Stein from a really early age and being obsessed with the way that he would go and catch fish and then cook it,” she remembers. “I just found it so interesting and exciting and I'd never handled any of these ingredients before, but I felt like I was starting to grow this quite significant knowledge base, for a person of that age, about food without actually ever having the opportunity to cook it much.”
It wasn’t until she went to university in Exeter that she was able to put some of her armchair education into use in the kitchen. “Let's be honest, I wasn't cooking what I wanted to cook, as I couldn't a ord it as a student, but I was finding ways of experimenting with flavours,” she says. “And then after uni, when I moved to
London, that’s when I started baking because it was an opportunity for me to give people things at work, to make their life feel a little less stressful and now that’s become my love language.”
Work for Lottie at the time was as a receptionist for West End producer Bill Kenwright – a job she initially took as a stop gap just so she could get her foot in the door to explore the Big Smoke. But, after moving to the corporate world and working for an oil firm for a couple of years, she soon realised theatre was her true love.
“I managed to land a job at the prestigious Hampstead Theatre, but after a couple of years, I was done with London and moved back out to the Sussex coast to live with family and help a friend I’d met through the theatre set up a pantomime production company,” she explains.
The pair were a year in and the business was starting to flourish when Covid hit. “I remember reading about Covid being in other countries and thinking that it could be quite monumental and if it came to the UK, we’d be in real trouble,” she says. “I was sitting on the loo, scrolling on my phone,
thinking ‘what am I going to do with my life’ and that’s when an advert for Bake O applications came up and I thought, why not?”
The lengthy application, which involved sending pictures of examples of bakes she had cooked, gave Lottie something to take her mind o work worries and then, she says, “it just spiralled”.
“I didn't even consider it for a second that I was going to get called in because the process is extensive,” she adds. “I was just treating the whole audition process as a fun experience and loving the ride.”
Lottie received a call from the producers that she’d made it onto the show on the morning of 24 March, 2020. At 6pm that same day, Boris Johnson announced the
UK was going into lockdown. “I had the morning of this absolutely mad elation, but then the news came and I thought, ‘that’s it, that’s game over’,” she says.
However, Channel 4 producers decided to plough ahead and GBBO was one of the first TV shows to use the bubble concept so filming could continue despite the pandemic.
“Because it was a closed bubble, we weren't allowed in or out, but I only took two outfits with me because I thought, ‘surely there’s going to be someone worse than me in week one so I’ll have an outfit in case I scrape through to week two’,” she laughs.
“I genuinely thought I’d be going home in Biscuit Week so I had to go to the producers and explain I only had jogging bottoms and pyjamas left. I ended up having to borrow clothes because we couldn’t go out.”
Lottie made it to week six, when she was awarded Star Baker status, but was eliminated the following week after her showstopper didn’t quite go to plan. The episode, which saw bakers attempt to make an ice cream cake on one of the hottest days of 2020, set the scene for her humble approach to baking. She now entertains fans on social media with her humour,
baking tips and recipes, and last year published her first book, Baking Imperfect. “The Instagram world means that we're blasted with these pictures of perfection all the time and when it comes to food, it's no di erent. No-one ever shows their mistakes,” she says. “I wanted it to feel really approachable and not feel like a book that would judge you if your baking doesn’t turn out right or if you don’t get it done in the time that it says it should take you. I wanted it to be a book that showed you that if it all goes to pot, and sometimes it will, don’t panic. I wanted it to show all the things I’ve learned from making my own mistakes.”
And Lottie admits that, even when you have got experience on your side, those mistakes still happen. “I’ve made brownies hundreds, probably thousands of times, but when I started doing these food festival live cooking demonstrations, there was one instance when I forgot to put the flour in the mix, in front of 200 people,” she says. “I was mortified, but I was truthful about it and everyone found it hilarious. It made me realise, I can be myself and that’s okay – that was a revolutionary moment for me.”
Lottie’s debut bookBaking Imperfect(published by Octopus)is available now. She will be appearing at The Great British Food Festival at Borde Hill on 9-10 September. For tickets visit greatbritishfoodfestival.com
ONE OF THE GLADWIN BROTHERS, WHO RUN FIVE LONDON RESTAURANTS, ON THE FAMILY’S VINEYARD IN NUTBOURNE AND A NEW VENTURE
Q How long has the family been involved with Nutbourne Vineyards?
A As a family we moved to Nutbourne in 1991. I was just seven, but remember the first harvest clearly.
Q What happens there on a day to day basis?
A An awful lot all year round. Gina and Diandra, our vineyard team who are a mother and daughter, are out in the vines pruning through the winter and nurturing the canopy over the summer, there’s always a job to do to look after the crop. My dad [Peter Gladwin] and my brother Gregory repair all sorts of things in the cold months, and tractor driving or strimming through the summer. The winery has a steady flow of disgorging our sparkling wine, whilst The Cellar Door is open April through to October with the team there welcoming visitors. The best days are when the wood fired oven is lit and we do a supper club or burger evening for our friends and guests.
Q What special events do you hold there?
A Supper clubs are the best. Peter and Emma have been cooking together for 30+ years, but also my brother Oliver comes down and gets involved. Gregory does burger evenings from his own cows, which is a great sustainable way to get through the majority of a beef cow whilst selling the prime cuts into our London restaurants.
Q What are your most popular creations from the vineyards?
A Sussex Reserve has been our estate’s “field
blend” ever since we came to Nutbourne in 1991. We are now getting to the stage where we can taste older vintages, which is pretty special. Also our sparkling Nutty Vintage, which we started making in 2005 following replanting in 2000.
Q What do you use in the London restaurants from Nutbourne Vineyards?
A Almost all our wines are served in the restaurants – Sussex Reserve, the taste of our terroir, is our best seller; our single varietal, Bacchus, is wonderful; and the two sparklings Nutty Vintage and Nutty Wild
are also on by the glass. Sometimes we do specials with our limited editions – recently we did our Nutty Blush Pinot Noir 2013 by the glass, which was a huge hit and very exciting for the guests to taste a vintage wine that had had nine years on lees.
Q What’s new in the restaurants this year?
A This year has been all about the launch of our farm shop in Richmond, it’s the perfect addition to our concept and I have been really enjoying learning the skills of retail.
Q Is it nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of London back to the vineyards?
A Yes! I come down with my three small girls and hand them over to granny, then my wife and I walk the vines and find dad somewhere working hard. The dream!
Q Generally, what do you love about the area they are located in?
A Neighbourhood restaurants have always been my thing, I want to walk somewhere really good, not schlep across town. Our Local and Wild concept brings another community into the neighbourhood and we can all share a laugh whilst doing it.
Q Where else do you love in Sussex?
A Climping beach for its wild windy walks over the dunes, a huge expanse of space. The Sportsman in Amberley for a beer after Easter or Christmas church, but even better after a run. And, of course, Nutbourne Vineyards – our home with the best view in Sussex across the South Downs.
gladwinbrothers.com
“The best days are when the wood fire oven is lit and we do a supper club”NUTBORNE VINEYARDS THE BLACK LAMB RICHARD ENJOYING ONE OF THEIR CREATIONS INSIDE SUSSEX BAR & RESTAURANT
After a weekend of amazing action and anniversaries, the 30th edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard came to a memorable close.
On Sunday 16 July, the event resumed after the Festival of Speed was – for the first time in 30 years – cancelled due to a severe wind warning in the Goodwood area. Although the weather paused the festivities for the day, the event was back in full swing on Sunday with a trio of thrilling balcony moments for Ferrari Le Mans winners James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Miguel Molina, MotoGP™ teams and riders, and F1 Champion Sebastian Vettel.
The event celebrated more milestones than ever before, as it marked two major anniversaries for Goodwood: 75 years of motorsport at Goodwood and 30 years of the Festival of Speed itself. To celebrate and honour the Festival of Speed’s 30th anniversary, The Duke of Richmond opened the 2023 event in his Jaguar D-Type, the very car in which he opened the first edition of the event back in 1993.
Porsche also celebrated its 75-year anniversary, as it became the first manufacturer to create the Central Feature for the fourth time in the event’s history. Showcasing some of the most iconic models, the muchanticipated sculpture featured the Porsche 804, 963, 962 356 and the variation on the 911, the 992 and 997. Elsewhere around the event, Porsche Art of Dreams “Dream Big’’ also made an impact. The stunning piece of artwork, created by Chris Labrroy, made its debut at the Festival of Speed as a giant racing driver emerged from the Cricket Pitch.
As ever, the Festival of Speed welcomed legends from across the world of motorsport. From current and former Formula 1 drivers, to MotoGP™ riders and Ferrari Le Mans winners, there was something for every racing fan. Fourtime Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel joined on the Sunday in a sustainable fuel exclusive. Vettel took to the Hill in a number of cars from his personal collection, including his ex-Nigel Mansell 1992 Williams FW14B and ex-Ayrton Senna 1993 McLaren MP4/8. Having launched his sustainable fuel campaign in 2022 – “Race Without Trace” – Vettel encouraged the adoption of sustainable fuel by both the motorsport industry and wider world.
Goodwood was delighted to welcome several current Formula 1 teams including McLaren Formula 1 Team, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team, Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 Team and Williams Racing.
goodwood.com
Wednesday & Thursday: 18:30 - 23:00
Friday & Saturday: 12:30 - 16:00 | 18:30 - 23:00
01273 031 594 | bookings@furnarestaurant.co.uk
CHALK RESTAURANT
With their sun soaked al fresco terrace and seasonally-led food offering, West Sussex’s Chalk is an idyllic spot to enjoy what’s promised to be an Indian Summer in the UK. Located on the award-winning wineproducing Wiston Estate, Chalk champions a sustainable approach to farming and food, with a considered yet approachable menu from chef Tom Kemble that highlights the best seasonal and hyperlocal produce from both the estate and its neighbouring suppliers. wistonestate.com/chalk-restaurant
In the five years since it started, The Sussex Peasant, a fleet of five mobile farm shops in converted horse boxes and a fish van, has become a firm favourite across the county. Fresh, seasonal produce –often in the ground the night before – is driven a few miles from the farms and suppliers straight to their customers, many of whom are now committed regulars. And it’s not just Sussex locals who are fans. Founder Ed Johnstone applied for and was awarded a grant from the Prince’s Trust to help him establish the business back in 2018 and was astounded to receive a letter from (then) Prince Charles himself. “We had to keep in touch to let them know how we were doing and he wrote personally to say that he’d heard we were doing incredible work. It was amazing,” Ed smiles. “We were working on arranging a visit, but then the pandemic happened and he’s been a bit busy since then.”
The Sussex Peasant’s mobile farm shops have taken the county by storm, where even a pandemic couldn’t bring down a truly local good food storyED JOHNSTONE, LEFT, IS THE FOUNDER OF THE SUSSEX PEASANT
Launching a business that depends on direct contact with customers a year before a pandemic could have seen it su er or even close completely – but, in fact, the opposite happened. “The pandemic brought a lot more people to us; we were outdoors so there was an element of safety. There was a lot more distancing going on then at supermarkets and other shops. And people had time; they weren’t commuting, couldn’t go on a holiday, couldn’t go to restaurants, couldn’t go to pubs. We had massive queues, but because we were outdoors and the weather was good at that time, people didn’t mind, some just read a book. But also we had produce, we weren’t running out of things like supermarkets because we weren’t so reliant on convoluted long international supply chains.”
It’s largely down to Ed’s belief in and passion for local foods by local growers that the business has grown as quickly as it has. He started with just one truck in 2018 that he had to get roadworthy himself with the help of the retired farmer he bought it from.
“The farmer thought I was mad, but he got what I was trying to do,” Ed laughs. “He helped me get the first truck on the road himself and he’s gone on to become a friend. His son now does the mechanics on all our trucks. Once people get what we’re doing, they really get behind us.”
Ed’s plan was simple: to bring locally grown, seasonal produce straight from the growers and producers to towns and villages across Sussex. “I’d left university and gone to London to work because that was what you did. I had fun, but I got to a point when I thought ‘is this actually what I want to be doing?’ And the answer to that was no.” It was while he was staying in Argentina in his late 20s that he began to think about food. “They had a better connection to food in Argentina; it was a really central part of everyone’s life. I felt that back in England we were getting further and further away from that.”
At first it was a struggle to get people on board. Ed was travelling around the county talking to farmers and potential suppliers
who were sceptical about the idea. They had tried farmers’ markets and delivery boxes, which while successful, weren’t as successful as they’d hoped. Now, suppliers are coming to him and asking about joining the business.
“That side of it has completely flipped now. But it’s still very important that we work with the right farms and suppliers that fit in with our missions and goals. But sometimes there’s just too much of one particular product or not enough of another, which happens as we’re seasonal, so it’s a constant balancing act.”
Anything unsold that’s still in good condition goes to two food banks in Storrington and Brighton. What they can’t take gets divided among the Sussex Peasant team, and anything left over after that is composted or taken to be fed to pigs. “We take food to the food banks that is probably still fresher than most supermarkets as it’s only about four days old. It’s not just about connecting farms to communities, our work goes on beyond that.”
As well as the mobile farm shops, Sussex Peasant has also been expanding into events where people can come and sample the food sold on the trucks for themselves and meet the suppliers in person. Feast at the Farm is one such event that was held in July. It featured a mixture of BBQ’d local organic and free range meat (lamb and chicken), sustainably sourced smoked trout, and vegetarian and vegan options using local vegetables alongside a selection of fresh salads, Mamoosh bakery dips, Highweald organic cheese and fresh heritage Nutbourne tomatoes, as well as a variety of fresh seasonal berries and The Dessert Kitchen desserts and cakes.
“We wanted to do events and things like that from the beginning, but obviously we weren’t able to because of the pandemic. We’ve done a few of those things now and also added the fish van, but we’re going to do more. It’s all about helping people to know where the food is coming from. We’ve found that people like to know about the impact they are having in buying from us, not just on the environment, but also the local economy. People like to know that they’re doing something good.”
thesussexpeasant.co.uk
Dave Mothersill, chef-patron at Furna Brighton, on how to make the most out of Herdwick lamb
Herdwick lamb is one of the oldest and hardiest breeds of lamb in the UK. It is by far my favourite breed of lamb, owing to its well developed flavour, which is due to its diet of solely foraged foods and resulting slow growth.
At Furna we receive all of our protein whole and all butchery happens in house. We have two himalayan salt dry-ageing fridges, which allow us to mature the cuts and produces a better flavour. I recommend asking your butcher for cuts that have been aged for at least 28 days. Whole animal butchery does tend to produce a lot of ‘waste’ and therefore we make sure to utilise as much of the animal as possible.
Rump is my favourite cut as it has a fantastic fat to meat ratio, it is protected by a generous layer of fat which renders beautifully during cooking and acts to baste the meat. I much prefer cooking over binchotan charcoal, although my sous chef would say that cooking over wood is best. Both methods lend a wonderful smokey flavour to the meat, and it is the oldest and most primitive way of cooking. Season well with salt and pepper and keep it turning on the BBQ, brushing with its rendering fat, until the centre reaches 62c. Rest the meat in a warm place for at least the amount of time it took to cook.
This dish showcases the incredible produce that comes available when spring begins. It has a few different components that allow us to use as much of the animal as possible. We serve it with some beautiful asparagus from the Wye Valley, which produces some of the best asparagus in the UK.
Every chef differs when it comes to making stock, but the best method I’ve found is rooted in classical French cookery. It uses a classic mire poix, which refers to the base vegetables in the stock. It is best not to use potatoes or green vegetables such as broccoli as the starch and the chlorophyl can make the stock bitter.
STOCK INGREDIENTS
• 2 white onions
• 2 sticks celery
• 2 carrots
• 1 head garlic
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• 2 bay leaves
• Generous sprig of thyme
• 4kg lamb bones
METHOD
1 Roast the lamb bones and the mire poix in the oven till golden brown.
2 Deglaze the tray with a small amount of white wine or water, and tip the whole thing into a big pot and cover with cold water. You can add basic aromatics here; black peppercorns, star anise, bay leaves, garlic, thyme, but any other additions should wait until the end of the process to keep the flavour fresh.
3 Bring the stock to the boil, then turn it down to an extremely gentle simmer. Regularly skim the surface to remove any fat or impurities.
4 Once the stock has had 4-5 hours on the heat, pass it through a sieve and reserve the liquid. Here you can reduce the stock to a demi glace and use it as is, or you can add more favour before reducing.
SAUCE INGREDIENTS
• 1 banana shallot
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 stick celery
• A few sprigs of thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 bottle of good quality dry white wine
• Lamb stock - see previous
METHOD
1 If you desire you can brown o some more mire poix before adding a whole bottle of good quality white wine and
reduce until fully evaporated, add your stock and reduce until it reaches a sauce consistency. The best way to test this is if the sauce coats the back of a spoonit’s ready. I use white wine for lamb as it results in a much lighter sauce than red. Here is where you can infuse any flavours you fancy. Whilst the sauce is still warm you can add anything from lavender, black tea, lemon thyme etc, letting it infuse o the heat for about an hour before passing it through a muslin cloth. This will make more than you need, but I recommend freezing your finished sauce in ice cube trays for easy portioning for future meals.
An excellent way of using offal – kidneys, livers, sweetbreads, hearts etc – is to make a farce. A farce is essentially a meat mousse, using egg whites and cream to stabilise. Here we use the sweetbreads, which we heavily caramelise before adding to a chicken mousseline, and stuffing inside some of the finest morel mushrooms we can get our hands on.
Morels are a fantastic ingredient, with an incredibly unique texture and flavour. We are l ucky enough to work with an amazing local forager, but cultivated ones are much more readily available, safer than picking your own wild mushrooms, and tend to be much more consistent. This recipe will make more than enough for 6but it makes an excellent tortellini filling, and it freezes well.
FARCE INGREDIENTS
• 200g chicken breast
• 100g egg whites
• 200ml double cream
• 200g lamb sweetbreads
• Salt
METHOD
1 The key here is to keep everything as cold as possible. I would recommend using a high powered blender and putting the blender jug in the freezer for half an hour before starting.
2 Dice the chicken breast and put it in the freezer for 20 mins, before blending with your egg whites and salt. Do this in small batches, making sure to keep everything cold and even putting the blender jug back into the freezer between batches.
3 Pass this mixture through a fine sieve (using the back of a spatula will help, this is not easy), and fold in your double cream.
4 Soak the sweetbreads in milk overnight to draw out any bitterness, and after patting them dry, caramelise them in foaming butter. Chop them up into small cubes and, once cold, fold them through your chicken mousse. You can add other flavours here, we use pickled wild garlic stems for a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the mousse.
5 Stu the morels just before you plan on cooking them, and poach them gently in lamb stock until the mousse is cooked. We always finish our morels on the BBQ, but you can serve them as is or colour them in some foaming butter.
The shoulder is one of the best cuts to braise, but you can also use the leg or shin.
BRAISE INGREDIENTS
• 2 white onions
• 2 sticks celery
• 2 carrots
• 1 bulb garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Vegetable oil
• Lamb stock to cover
• 1 tbsp tomato puree
METHOD
1 Start the braise in a similar way to the stock. Season the meat and fry in a hot pan for a nice golden crust.
2 Instead of water, cover your roasted veg and meat with lamb stock, season with salt and pepper and a touch of tomato puree (the best you can get your hands on) before covering and braising either on the stove top on a very gentle simmer, in the oven or in a slow cooker until the meat is tender and falling o the bone.
3 Once cooled enough to handle, pass the liquid and reduce until glossy and thick, blend this with the cooked veg and mix this back into the shredded meat. This will make your braise more flavourful, juicier and absolutely delicious.
PANCAKE INGREDIENTS
• 35g sorghum flour
• 1.5g salt
• 2g sugar
• 50g plain flour
• 1 egg
• 200g milk
• 25g melted lamb fat
• 15g melted butter
METHOD
1 We use this lamb braise as a filling for a lamb fat sorghum pancake, along with a vintage cheddar and IPA fondue. Sorghum is a fantastically versatile ancient grain. Used in baking and as a natural syrup sweetener - it is full of nutrients, low in fat, and has a beautiful nutty flavour. We make and cook it like a crepe before stu ng it with the braise and fondue, and brushing it with local honey. Blend all of your pancake ingredients together and pass through a fine sieve. Leave to rest in the fridge for a couple of hours before cooking like a normal crepe in a greased non-stick pan.
SAUCE INGREDIENTS
• 300g good quality aged cheddar
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 150ml IPA
• 1 tsp lemon juice
METHOD
1 Grate the cheese and mix with the cornflour. Bring the beer to a boil and whisk in the cheese slowly and o the heat. Season with lemon juice to taste.
2 To assemble, spread the braise over half the pancake, top with the warm cheese sauce and fold over. Brush the top with honey and serve.
3 You will have braise and fondue left over - I highly recommend making a baked ragu pasta with the cheese fondue in place of bechamel. This is one of our favourite family meals here at Furna.
furnarestaurant.co.uk
BERRY'S JEWELLERS
“Free the diamond” is Valérie Messika’s mantra. In her vision, the diamond should be a living companion to the wearer. Unlike traditional jewellery, in her pieces the diamond moves, twists, plays and lives. The seamless ergonomic harmony of Messika jewellery makes their pieces easy to wear, perfect for casual days or elegant nights. The diamond’s role is to subtly enhance the look of its owner, rather than standing in her way. Discover the Messika range at berrysjewellers.co.uk
Dior by Raf Simons 34 • The Shoot
Words EVE HERBERT
Dior by Raf Simons is the sixth in a series of publications dedicated to each of Dior’s illustrious artistic directors. It reveals the creative vision of the Belgian couturier, at the convergence of heritage and reinvention, the essence of Dior and an infinitely contemporary purity. The pages highlight the shared passions and precious a nities that unite Raf Simons and Christian Dior – architecture, art and gardens – through dress portraits by photographer Laziz Hamani and texts from fashion journalist Tim Blanks. An object of desire and history, inviting readers to discover the many facets of Raf Simons' style during his Dior years.
“I’m not romantic about the past, I’m romantic about the future,” said Raf Simons, artistic director of Dior’s women’s lines from 2012 to 2015, of his conception of fashion and couture. A reflection embodied by the wardrobe he dreamed up, fusing heritage and reinvention, the essence of Dior and an infinitely contemporary sense of purity. Through each of his collections, the models implicitly tell the story of his fascination for Christian Dior, with whom he discovered precious a nities.
In his fi rst haute couture show, for autumn-winter 2012-2013, he chose to reinterpret the iconic New Look silhouette, transformed into a sculptural pants suit. An architectural manifesto, resonating as a tribute to Christian Dior’s original vocation. Every season, Raf Simons multiplied the references to the passions he shared with the founding-couturier –including those for nature and gardens, design and art – infusing his creations with many di erent inspirations. With Monsieur Dior, he also cultivated a taste for modernity and the desire to celebrate legacy through the prism of a constantly forward-looking perspective. “We must not forget the past, we must go beyond it,” declared Raf Simons. His Dior years thus foreshadowed a form of renewal for the House, marked by a poetic avant-gardist spirit. This is an exceptional book exploring the many facets of Raf Simons’ style during his Dior years.
1. Look 44, evening dress in black organza embellished with multicolour feathers, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2013. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani
2. Detail of Look 14, ensemble consisting of a top in embroidered pale blue façonné taffeta and trousers in pale blue taffeta, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2014. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani
3. Model Élise Crombez wearing Look 33, couture Autumn-Winter 2013, Dior magazine, Winter 2013. © Willy Vanderperre/Art + Commerce
4. Look 36, ensemble consisting of a coat in pale pink faille embroidered with metallic thread, a top in black cashmere and trousers in black wool, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2014. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani
5. Detail of Look 4, ensemble consisting of a jacket in celadon silk satin and a skirt in navy blue wool and crepe over embroidered ecru tulle, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2013. Dior Héritage collection, Paris. © Laziz Hamani
6. Model Nicole Pollard wearing Look 32, haute couture Autumn-Winter 2012, Dior magazine, Fall 2012. © Willy Vanderperre
go beyond it,” declared Raf Simons. His Dior years thus foreshadowed a form of
Dior by Raf Simons by Tim Blanks is published by Assouline, £150
Balanced and considered, the new Suzy D collection – available at Doodie Stark in Haywards Heath – is designed to serve every side of your personality
CHANTECAILLE
Chantecaille's new limited edition Wild Mustangs of North America make-up collection supports the American Wild Horse Campaign and their work protecting a recently discovered isolated herd of wild horses in Utah’s Cedar Mountains. chantecaille.co.uk
MIRROR WATER
Formulated with 99.9% natural ingredients including refining salts and shea nut shell, this weekly body exfoliator sloughs away dead skin cells, without stripping the skin, £47. mirrorwater.earth
EDITOR’S PICK
CORDINA HAIR
This clever heatless hair curler can be worn in the day (as well as at night). Easy to set and even easier to remove, it creates beautiful natural curls without causing any heat damage to your hair. From £35. counterculturestore.co.uk
GROWN ALCHEMIST
This lightweight, gel-based serum strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier and protects against environmental aggressors by increasing the skin’s natural ability to self-defend overnight, £58. grownalchemist.com
It’s a sunny evening when I arrive at the Waterhouse Young Clinic, just o London’s famous Harley Street. Waterhouse Young is renowned as one of the UK’s leading skin clinics and I’m booked in with Senior Aesthetic Practitioner, Rosie Waters, for a 3-in-1 super booster treatment that includes a HydraFacial, Pressotherapy, and LED Celluma treatment. After a mad dash across town to make it on time, I’m a bit flustered, but Rosie immediately puts me at ease. We have a chat about my skin concerns, and she walks me through the treatment. Lying down on the bed, she zips me into the mechanical massage suit – which is kind of like a big pair of trousers. The Pressotherapy aims to drain the lymph nodes, increase circulation, remove toxins, and reduce cellulite. As the trousers inflate, my limbs are rhythmically compressed. The feeling is not uncomfortable and, if anything, I find it strangely comforting. Rosie turns her attention to my face. A celebrity favourite, the medical-grade HydraFacial combines deep cleansing, with exfoliation, extraction, hydration, and antioxidant protection. Rosie targets my problem areas, gives me a chemical peel, and pushes lots of hydrating hyaluronic acid into my skin. The facial ends with the LED Celluma treatment –where an array of LED lights work on smoothing my fine lines, help to prevent breakouts, and brighten my skin. It’s so relaxing, I nearly fall asleep. I leave fresh-faced and feeling detoxified, with super glowy skin that lasts for days afterwards
WATERHOUSE YOUNG CLINIC 21 Devonshire Street, £350 waterhouseyoung.com
EDITOR’S
Sun Drops SPF 30, £115 drsturm.com
ULTRA VIOLETTE ™
Fave Fluid SPF 50+ Ultralight Skinscreen™, £37 ultraviolette.co.uk
DERMALOGICA
Porescreen SPF 40, £55 sephora.co.uk
CHA VØHTZ Daily SPF 30 Moisturiser, £42 greenpeople.co.uk
CHANTECAILLE
Ultra Sun Protection SPF 45 Primer, £45 chantecaille.co.uk
UPCIRCLE
Upcircle SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen, £27.49 counterculturestore.co.uk
INSTITUT ESTHEDERM
Hydra-Protective Sun Water, £50 spacenk.com
KRI
Kri Skincare SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen, £22 counterculturestore.co.uk
With late summer sun expected, we've got you covered
By CARLY GLENDINNINGGREEN PEOPLE
Scent Free Sun Cream SFP 30, £29 greenpeople.co.uk
SUPERGOOP!
Unsen Sunscreen SPF 40, £34 heliocare.co.uk
HELIOCARE 360° Oil-Free Gel SPF 50, £31 heliocare.co.uk
Anew annual awareness campaign, Myopia Action Month, launched in September. Myopia, also known as shortsightedness, is a common eye condition that a ects people of all ages. However, the prevalence of myopia in children is on the rise, and this is unfortunately a cause for concern. There are a number of factors that contribute to the increasing problem of myopia in children, one factor being genetics. If a parent is short-sighted, the child’s risk of developing myopia is increased. The risk increases to 35%-60% if both parents are short-sighted. However, genetics is not the only factor at play...
Increased screen time: As children spend more time using tablets and smartphones, they are also spending more time looking at close-up objects. This can increase the risk of myopia because when children focus on close-up objects, their eyes must work harder to see. This can cause the eyes to grow too long, which leads to myopia. Lack of outdoor activity: Spending time outdoors helps to reduce the risk of myopia. Being outdoors in natural light and focusing on objects in the distance gives your eye muscles a chance to relax – especially following hours of staring at the screen or learning in the classroom. With the increase in children using digital devices these days, less and less children spend enough time outdoors in favour of playing online games.
The increasing problem of myopia in children is a serious concern. Myopia can lead to a number of vision problems later in life such as glaucoma, retinal detachments and myopic maculopathy, which can all cause significant loss of vision, and can even lead to blindness.
Barracloughs the Opticians now o er specialist spectacle lenses or contact lenses which help slow down the progression of myopia. Correcting myopia in childhood contributes to healthier eyes in the long run by significantly reducing the risk of developing eye disease in adulthood.
Barracloughs are a family-run independent opticians who have been caring for eyes since 1957. They have stores in Eastbourne, Polegate, Seaford, Uckfield, Bexhill, Battle and St. Leonards, and have recently been awarded Family-Run Opticians of the Year 2023 – East Sussex in the Southern Enterprise Awards.
Early detection and intervention are key to preventing the progression of myopia in children. If you are concerned about your child’s vision, contact any of their stores or book online at barracloughs.uk/ book. To learn more about myopia, visit barracloughs.uk/myopia.
To find out more information, email enquiries@barracloughs.uk or visit barracloughs.uk
“Children spending more time on tablets can increase the risk of myopia because when they focus on close-up objects, their eyes must work harder to see”
One of the USA’s top gym equipment brands has joined forces with the UK’s largest speciality fitness retailer, which is sure to make your workout even more e ective. Starting this summer, Bodypower Sports Ltd. (trading as Fitness Superstore) will carry a large range of REP Fitness equipment. This expansion was in response to a growing demand from lifters overseas, after REP took the US by storm. It kicks o the launch of REP products throughout all of Europe, so more people can have access to REP’s versatile, quality, innovative equipment at a ordable prices.
REP, founded a decade ago in Colorado by two gym-loving brothers, has risen to become
America’s most popular brand in the home gym market (with cost in mind). It o ers a full line of gym gear, all designed by in-house, weightlifting engineers. REP’s award-winning power racks, benches, functional training gyms, and more will soon be available for UK customers to try out and order in Fitness Superstore showrooms across the UK (11 stores). Fitness Superstore, founded in 1994, is the largest supplier of specialist fitness equipment in the UK and is proud to feature the largest fitness equipment showrooms in the UK. Fitness Superstore will also carry REP on its website, to be delivered throughout the UK and Ireland.
“Fitness Superstore are proud to exclusively represent this fantastic and innovative brand in the UK,” says Paul Walker, Fitness Superstore managing director and owner.
Ryan McGrotty, co-founder of REP, echoes that. He says Fitness Superstore and REP make a great partnership because both are sta ed by real-life fitness enthusiasts and professionals; they both o er a full range of equipment, and they both value creating community and making fitness accessible to all.
“We’re excited to be working with such a strong partner in the UK with Fitness Superstore. We know they will o er a great shopping experience for all our fans in the UK who have been eagerly awaiting the availability of our products,” says Ryan McGrotty. “Their broad store footprint will make it convenient for everyone to easily see and test our products before taking them home.”
fitness-superstore.co.uk
KITCHENS BESPOKE
Celebrate character features with a bespoke kitchen that balances timeless elegance and contemporary style. A classic shaker kitchen is the ideal choice for a period home, and in this soft pink-purple hue (Sweet Dreams by Crown Paints), it complements this beautiful old farmhouse to pink perfection. kitchensbespoke.co.uk
SECRET LINEN STORE
Secret Linen Store has collaborated with the brilliantly talented Kitty McCall to print her joyful and vibrant Summer Garden design on their high quality European 100% linen. Pair with gorgeously green coordinating throws and cushion covers for bedtime perfection.
secretlinenstore.com
VLUV
VLUV products are a great way to keep you active, to get fit and to keep your spine and muscles strong. The ergonomic Kapsul desk chair adds movement, balance and activity into the working day and, at just £150, it's an affordable alternative to an ergonomic chair. backinaction.co.uk
HAY
Hay's lovely Peas rug is woven in India. The coloured wool felt balls have slight nuances that give the collection a unique and versatile expression, and a comforting feeling underfoot. skandium.com
DAVID HUNT LIGHTING
David Hunt Lighting's new petite version of the treasured Scallop Pendant offers more flexibility when designing smaller spaces, giving scope for grouping multiple pendants together, whether it be in a hallway or to make a statement above a kitchen table or island. davidhuntlighting.co.uk
French glassware manufacturer
Duralex's iconic glasses inspire nostalgia – especially the iconic Picardie, known as “the original French tumbler”, which launched in 1945. It now comes in a stylish new amber shade, which has a 1970s feel as well as a contemporary vibe. duralex.com
Heritage Open Days o ers a rare glimpse into some of the county's most talked about buildings. Here’s six of the best opening their doors
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and here’s Absolutely’s pick of the Sussex events not to miss.
COASTGUARD COTTAGE
6 Coastguard Cottages, Cuckmere Haven, Seaford, East Sussex, BN25 4AR
Go and have a look inside one of the most famous cottages in England, meet a descendant of the last coastguard, and see artwork inspired by this very special place.
The Coastguard Cottages at Cuckmere Haven have watched over the coastline for over 200 years. Set in, and a key part of this incredible landscape, they have inspired
artists and brought joy to people all over the world. Visitors are welcome to look around the 'little house with the red door', see some of the artwork by the family of the last coastguard and enjoy the views from the garden.
EVENT TIMES
Saturday 9 September: 11am-4pm
Sunday 10 September: 11am-3pm
Saturday 16 September: 11am-4pm
Sunday 17 September: 11am-3pm
A TREASURE TROVE OF TOYS: A BRIGHTON TOY AND MODEL MUSEUM TOUR
Brighton Toy & Model Museum, 52-55 Trafalgar Street, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN1 4EB
Looking to revisit your childhood? Or, in turn, want to see what your parents, grandparents or even great-grandparents used to play with? Then you will enjoy a visit to Brighton Toy and Model Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections. Situated under Brighton station, you will find a treasure trove of over 12,000 exhibits on
display, including collections of toys from over the last 100 years, examples from the world’s top toy makers plus a priceless model train collection. Hear all about the exciting pre-war Dinky collection – over 400 colourful rare models, many of which are in their original shop display boxes. The museum is one of Brighton’s most fascinating attractions and an Aladdin’s cave for the whole family to enjoy.
The arches where the museum is sited have a fascinating historical background having been used for the stabling of railway horses and the storage of their fodder.
EVENT TIMES
Saturday 16 September
Tours: 4-5pm and 5-6pm
SOUTH DOWNS LIGHT RAILWAY
Stopham Road Station, Pulborough Garden Centre, Stopham Road, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1DS
This light railway celebrates its 23rd year at the Pulborough Garden Centre and o ers a one-mile journey through the grounds of the
“You can go inside one of the most famous cottages in England”
Centre in covered passenger carriages. The railway started life in 2000 and has carried many thousands of passengers in the ensuing years, regular additions and improvements adding to the experience each year.
Although a narrow gauge line (ten and a quarter inches between the rails), there are many features modelled on full-size practice, and the variety of engines that can be used is surprising.
From 'workhorse' diesel hydraulics based on shunting engines to a replica of the famous 'Flying Scotsman', the detail inherent in these much-loved machines interests both young and old.
EVENT TIMES
Saturday 9 September: 10am-4pm
Sunday 10 September: 11am-4pm
Premises Manager began to clean and restore the shelter. Since then they have created an interactive museum recreating wartime dioramas, short films and sound e ects. Today, they welcome over 3,000 visitors a year including more than 1,000 school pupils. While at Take Shelter you can also find out more about wartime Brighton in their dedicated museum and chat to veterans who were all children during the war.
EVENT TIMES
Saturday 16 September: 10am-4pm
Sunday 17 September: 10am-4pm
NYMANS
Nymans, Staplefield Road, Handcross, Haywards Heath, West Sussex, RH17 6EB
Nymans. Maud wished to create the sense of a house evolving over centuries, to sit at the heart of this romantic and theatrical garden. Through her creativity and artistic vision, the existing house was transformed and extended to create what appeared to be a Medieval Manor. Once completed, the rooms were featured in Country Life Magazine as a prime example of the “Golden Era” of interior design.
EVENT TIMES
Friday 8 September: 10am-4.30pm
Saturday 9 September: 10am-4.30pm
PORTSLADE’S NORMAN
MANOR HOUSE RUINS
Next to St Nicholas Church, South Street, Portslade, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN41 2LE
Portslade's medieval manor house ruins are a rare example of a 12th century Norman manor house. Built by skilled Norman craftsmen, you still get a strong sense of its history and its place in the development of medieval and Tudor Portslade.
TAKE
Downs Junior School, Rugby Road, Brighton & Hove, East Sussex, BN1 6ED
During WW2 every school had an air raid shelter. Today the only publicly accessible school shelter in the south east is in Brighton at Downs Junior School. Go and explore the shelter and museum with one of their volunteer tour guides. Built in 1939, the shelter was used throughout the war to protect up to 300 pupils and sta during the school day and then was used by the local community after hours. After the war the shelter was sealed up, the original entrances were built over as the school expanded in the post war years and it was forgotten about until it was rediscovered by accident during a routine drain inspection in 1983.
Poor access, environmental conditions and resources meant the shelter lay dormant until 2012. A team of volunteers led by the school’s
Set in the stunning countryside of the Sussex Weald, Nymans is one of the National Trust's finest gardens, containing rare and unusual plant collections. The house, a partial ruin, reflects the personalities and stories of the creative Messel family.
In the gallery, a new exhibition, 'Creating a Dream', explores Maud Messel's vision for
Built by the wealthy De Warrene family, home to a 13th century Prime Minister and residence of the Lords of the Manor for 800 years, this is truly a magnificent piece of English history.
EVENT TIMES
Saturday 9 September: 11am-3pm
Find out more about these and other Sussex events at heritageopendays.org.uk
KOKET Pink Bloom Chair, £5,120 bykoket.com
BODE LIVING
ZigZag Mirror, £110 bode-living.com
BRAIDED RUG COMPANY
Dusty Pink Placemat, £7.50 braided-rug.co.uk
RAJ TENT CLUB
Riviera Parasol, £325 rajtentclubshop.com
BURLINGTON
Confetti Pink Edwardian Basin, £342 tapnshower.com
Pink is the colour of 2023
By PENDLE HARTE
ROSE & GREY
Curly Martini Glasses, £32 for two roseandgrey.co.uk
JONATHAN ADLER Mustique Cone Vase, £125 jonathanadler.com
RAJ TENT CLUB
Egyptian Glass Candlesticks, £20 each rajtentclubshop.com
ROCKETT ST GEORGE
Outdoor Cushion, £24 rockettstgeorge.co.uk
ERCOL
Marlia Armchair, £1,060 ercol.com
BOBBI BECK
Barbie Dreamhouse
Ice Cream Stripes Wallpaper, £75 bobbibeck.com
SPICER AND WOOD
Hot Pink Ceramic Vase, £22 spicerandwood.co.uk
and buy from Britain’s best designer-makers
Ceramics, wood, textiles, leather, jewellery, willow and more!
SATURDAY 16 & SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER, 11-5PM Sussex Prairies, Morlands Farm, Wheatsheaf Rd, Henfield BN5 9AT beautiful-useful.co.uk
RUG STORE specialise in a wide selection of new, old and Antique Persian, Turkish, Caucasian and Turkmen Carpets. Various antique, old and new Kilims are available. We o er a professional hand-cleaning and restoration service. We buy old and antique carpetseven damaged rugs. Part exchange and evaluations.
312 UPPER RICHMOND ROAD WEST, EAST SHEEN, RICHMOND, LONDON, SW14 7JN Tel: 020 8876 0070 • wwww.rugstoreonline.co.uk
With a subtle brass sheen detailing and oak veneer fi nish, this dining table effortlessly transform your space into dinner party perfection, seating 4-6 normally and extending to 10. danetti.com
If space is tight go for Loaf's Tight Spaces Store bed as, instead of drawers, the mattress li s up to reveal lots of space for all your bedsheets and other bedroom essentials. loaf.com
3
2 4 5
The Bogart dining chair is a space saving stackable design handcra ed from beech wood along with a paper cord seat expertly handwoven to achieve the intricate and durable woven seat. peppersq.com
The Madison nesting coffee tables are a must for the home when you need space-saving solutions with a Art Deco twist. In brass metal with a white marble top, the Madison is compact and easy to move around. cultfurniture.com
A slim, space-saving design perfect for smaller hallways and landings, the Zen Console is a beautifully textured travertine stone console table that complements all interiors. atkinandthyme.co.uk
By EVE HERBERT
Everyone loves a scented candle, and especially a Diptyque one. The Diptyque candle, in its signature simple glass with elegant illustrated label, is an icon that has spawned countless copies – but the original remains the gift that everyone wants to receive.
And this year the candle is celebrating its 60th birthday. Born in Paris from the imaginations of the Diptyque’s three founders, a trio of candles were first introduced in 1963: Aubépine (Hawthorn), Cannelle (Cinnamon) and Thé (Tea). Since then, the brand has expanded its collection to a dream-like herbarium of almost 50 scents, designed to be burned alone or combined with others to create another unique olfactory landscape. Thanks to its timeless design, beloved fragrances and recognisable codes, the classic Diptyque candle has become a recognisable icon that speaks to every generation.
Desmond Knox-Leet, Christiane Montadre-Gautrot and Yves Coueslant were three aesthetically oriented friends united by their sense of beauty and love of nature. Just two years after the opening of their Boulevard Saint-Germain boutique, a place rich in objects and rare finds from around the world, they went on to reinvent the scented candle – which until then was an item used purely for practical purposes – as an object with sensorial and decorative qualities. The claim was that it was possible to travel without leaving your living room, because of the extraordinary and emotive power of scent. They could not have predicted that their simple candles would become the standard bearers that they are today.
“Diptyque's candle is an icon that has spawned countless copies”
By BEN EVANS
The best measurement of success for a boarding school is happy children – which means children who flourish in a warm, dynamic and inclusive environment. Pupil happiness must be at the heart of a boarding environment and should be visible in the strong and warm relationships between children and sta , and the easy and enjoyable conversations at mealtimes.Although there are many tangible benefits to be had from boarding, 21st century boarding is constantly having to innovate to survive and remain relevant in today’s fast-paced world. The evolving needs of families today also means everyone is looking for a personalised experience.
Boarding should be dynamic, inclusive and cater to children’s various needs and ages. Boarding at Windlesham House, for example, is far more than just a home away from home. Whether it is visits from Mutley, the school cat, tea and toast in the Grub Hub, a game of table football, or simply Friday night treats with a big screen film surrounded by comfy furnishings, it is important to ensure that all children feel part of a special and kind community.
Boarding houses should be a home away from home with a warm and nurturing atmosphere. They should be comfortable, suitably furnished and decorated to cater to di erent age groups and have a good balance of recreational areas so that everyone can find somewhere to relax, be with their friends, or escape from the hustle and bustle of busy school life. The personality of each boarding house is largely determined by the adults who also live and work there. This is really what makes the biggest di erence in terms of culture and day to day atmosphere.
Recent years have taught schools to ensure that they provide a balance of both structured and unstructured time to ensure that boarders are able to relax and mix socially, but can also use their time with purpose and accomplishment. Part of a strong boarding culture is ensuring that every pupil’s voice is heard, recognised and acted upon. Even from a young age children have a tremendous sense of justice, fantastic ideas and a keenness to play an active role in their school community, and boarding o ers more opportunity for this.
A boarding school with spirit is one where children and sta work together collaboratively and where positive things happen. A purposeful and busy boarding community will be full of opportunity and engagement. A place where children can flourish, grow and develop new skills both academically and personally. Boarding helps children to learn about themselves and others, while having fun in the process.
Time spent with immediate peers can become stifling. Mixing more widely at meal times, during periods of recreation and during more relaxed occasions at the weekends is vital. The camaraderie and esprit de corps that exists when boarding houses are full, busy and vibrant is second to none. Boarding should be inclusive, and children should never feel excluded or that their needs and interests are not catered for.
Boarders do need to learn what it means to be part of a community that lives together. Children will learn vital life skills such as empathy, care and understanding, even during the most challenging times. When children are tired, anxious, feeling unwell or have just woken up, boarding spirit really comes into play and it is wonderful to see children come together and support each other.
Boarders should be able to enjoy a weekend that is di erent to their school week, allowing them to try new and exciting things whilst making memories and friendships for life. As such, social and emotional skill development cannot be left to chance – introducing family service mealtimes allows boarders to sit across year groups, learn new skills and take on positions of responsibility.
windlesham.com
Parents with limited experience of boarding schools toda, will naturally have reservations about enrolling their child. Here are some valuable tips…
Compassion and kindness matter, as do friendships. Make sure your child has the opportunity to experience boarding before you enrol. Trial nights are essential to get a true taste of boarding.
• Speak to other young boarders about their experience and ask lots of questions.
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Having free time to develop social skills is essential for young children. Find out what opportunities and external activities the school offers.
• Parents should be invited into the boarding environment to see how it operates first-hand.
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Make sure you explore different boarding options to find out which is right for your child.
“Boarding allows pupils to try new and exciting things”
By SOTIRIA VLAHODIMOU
Firstly, parents must consider their child's strengths and needs. Every child has their own unique interests and learning style.
What support does your child need? An individual academic programme, extra-curricular activities, or a specific learning approach? Contemplate whether a di erent growth pathway rather than a traditional academic programme might be a more suitable choice for your child.
Slindon College o ers an educational experience for pupils who may struggle to fulfil their potential in independent and mainstream schools.Our small size, strong pastoral care and specialist teachers enables us to understand our pupils’ strengths and provide what they need to enjoy and achieve.
If your child’s strengths can be supported by a more academic program then ask to see the curriculum. It should be well-rounded and provide a strong foundation in core subjects. Additionally, the school should o er a variety of extra-curricular activities to allow for exploration of di erent interests and development of new skills. The facilities available, such as a varied library, gym and sports facilities, sensory or low-demand rooms and outdoor space should fortify this.
Secondly, parents should consider the size and sta ng. Smaller schools may provide a more personalised experience, with smaller class sizes and more opportunities to interact with teachers and peers. We find that a teaching class of 10 pupils with a teacher and a learning support assistant o ers a learning environment
that can be adapted to cater for di erent needs and strengths.
The teachers should be experienced, knowledgeable and passionate about their work. As a Headteacher, I fervently believe in the importance of the individual and removing learning barriers. Every child at Slindon College is valued for who they are, each child is encouraged to develop their talents and the College supports them to achieve their personal best. As our pupils will tell you, “we are all the same because we are all di erent”.
Lastly, consider the school's philosophy and values, ensuring that they align with their own in order for their child's education to be consistent with their beliefs and values. Our values are Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, Community and Self-worth. They provide us with our moral compass and enable pupils’ personal development to excel, in line with the College’s excellent rating as part of its recent ISI Inspection.
Above all, after you've gathered all the information, trust your instincts and choose the school that feels like the best fit for your family.
Sotiria Vlahodimou (BSc, MSc, PGCE, PGCP, QTS, Level 5 SpL, NPQH) is Headteacher at Slindon College. Formerly the SENCo of Slindon College, she has over 10 years of experience in special education. See more at slindoncollege.co.uk
“I fervently believe in the importance of the individual and removing learning barriers”
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Iwas talking with parents the other day about preparing for 11+ entrance exams in London. Their children were being educated at state schools and they were incredibly anxious about the competitive system they had entered. The high standard required of candidates applying to many of our independent senior schools was taking a toll on the whole family.
One mother explained that she had a network of tutors providing extra support so that her son could reach the academic level needed. It transpired that his entire week was taken up with studies beyond the school day and there was little time for anything else. My heart sank. I passionately believe that a proper education – not to mention a proper childhood – should involve physical activity, including access and exposure to a wide range of sports. It is easy to become so obsessed with planning for the future, that we forget our children are living their childhoods now: give them the present of the present!
At Broomwood, our boys and girls enjoy a co-ed setting until the age of eight when they move to our single-sex prep schools. We believe this gives them the chance to mature academically at their own rates, but at the same time, they do come together for selected sports and a whole range of learning and social activities beyond the classroom. When it comes to sport, we are ambitious for them in the broadest sense. Of course, we want them to win trophies
and tournaments (and they do), but we also want to instil in each of them a love of physical exercise, regardless of gender or ability.
We are in the process of increasing the number of sports sessions in school, but this is not the trend nationally. A recent report by the Education and Training Inspectorate found that 74% of primary schools are unable to provide the minimum government requirement of two hours a week. Playing football, sliding in the mud and 20 seconds later becoming a hero teaches our children valuable life lessons: teamwork, camaraderie, self-discipline and tenacity. Even those who do not see themselves as ‘naturals’ can improve immeasurably when they are well coached. The satisfaction on the faces of girls and boys who realise they can do something beyond what they thought possible is a joy to see.
Schools should be taking the lead here, providing exposure to a
wide range of di erent sports and inclusion for all. Boys shouldn’t be discouraged from trying sports traditionally associated with girls, like netball or lacrosse, and although girls are beginning to achieve considerable international success, with sports like football through the Lionesses, there is still much to do at grassroots level.
Much has been written about the e ect the pandemic had on our children. Teachers across the country have noticed a deterioration in behaviour and a decline in classroom engagement and emotional health. I would argue that a large part of the problem is connected with the denial of sporting engagements. It is critically important for the wellbeing of our children that we bring back balance in their education. Sport, and proper physical exercise, is the way to do it.
Kevin Doble of Broomwood, a group of prep and prepreps, on how sport teaches the important lessons in life and why our children need more of it
“It is easy to become so obsessed with the future that we forget our children are living their childhoods now – give them the present of the present!”
Four athletes from Burgess Hill Girls finished in the top two for their events at the recent Independent Association of Prep Schools Sussex Athletics Championships at the K2, Crawley. The four athletes from Burgess Hill Girls qualified to compete against the 20 best athletes in the country at the National Finals. Evie Grobel finished second place in the 800 metres. Millie Topping and Bella Farrant both achieved personal bests in events new to them this year, finishing first and second in the triple and long jump, respectively. Amber Flood finished in first place in the discus with a throw of over 18 metres.
The girls’ success in these recent finals adds to a triumphant year for Burgess Hill Girls athletics. In May the school’s Senior and Junior teams took twenty medals at the Sussex Independent Schools Diamond League finals, with four golds each for Charlotte Rayner and Stella Calman, and two for Libby Quickfall. burgesshillgirls.com
Eastbourne College is celebrating a bumper season of success in tennis, having won ten county titles over the course of the summer term, as well as securing a top ten win in the national championships. Pupils across all age groups have played a part in the school’s recent successes, with county wins at every level (under 14s, 15s, 16s and 18s). The U18 Girls team represented the College at the finals of the LTA Schools National Championships in Nottingham – the biggest schools tennis tournament of the year. The team finished sixth overall, continuing an impressive run – it is the fi h time the senior girls’ team has finished in the top nine
Slindon College is incredibly proud to highlight one of their pupil’s amazing charitable achievements recently. Arlan’s fundraising efforts have resulted in him being awarded a trophy from the Royal British Legion for raising over £12,500. Although he mainly raises money for the Royal British Legion in Selsey, he has also raised over a thousand pounds each for other local charities including Owls About Town and Cat and Rabbit Rescue Centre. At his previous school his mother was concerned that he was flying under the radar and falling behind because of his lack of confidence and acute awareness of not being like other children. Since joining Slindon College, Arlan’s confidence has grown and he’s been inspired to “be the good in the world”. Slindon College gives all of their boys access to an education that is tailored to their needs. slindoncollege.co.uk
nationally in the last six years of the event.
Simon Gent, Head of Tennis at Eastbourne College, says: “Our success this season has come about as a result of the daily hard work put into the performance tennis training by our girls and boys (aged 13–18). Naturally, we are extremely proud of their tremendous achievements in tournaments this term.” eastbourne-college.co.uk
Choosing and agreeing which school a child should attend, whether that is a change of school or a move to secondary school, can be a di cult decision and can often cause conflict between separated parents. Choice of school is one of the decisions made by those who hold Parental Responsibility.
Parental Responsibility is automatically obtained for a biological mother, whereas the other parent will only automatically have Parental Responsibility if they are married to the biological mother at the time of the child’s birth. Alternatively, if the parents are not married, the other parent will have Parental Responsibility if named on the child’s birth certificate or if certain other Orders have been obtained granting Parental Responsibility.
When considering choice of school, all holders of Parental Responsibility should discuss the proposed options together and try to reach an agreement. If an agreement is not possible, the first step would be to consider discussing the matter within Family Mediation, which is a non-Court method of resolving disputes. If Mediation is not successful and an agreement is still not possible the matter would need to be considered by the Family Court.
In circumstances where an agreement cannot be reached, an application can be made to the Family Court for a Specific Issue Order – this will be to determine which school the child should attend, subject to that school’s ability to o er a place. In addition, an application for a Prohibited Steps Order could be made to prohibit a child from going to a specific school. Prior to making an application for a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order, the parent making the application
would need to attend a Mediation, Information and Assessment meeting with a Mediator; this is a requirement of the Court unless an exemption applies. When considering an application for a Specific Issue Order or a Prohibited Steps Order, the Court considers a range of factors set out in the Children Act and referred to as the “welfare checklist” in determining choice of school for the child and the best interests of the child will be the Court’s paramount consideration.
As applications to the Family Court can take longer to resolve than anticipated, it is important to plan ahead. This will mean discussions regarding choice of school should begin well in advance of any admission deadlines.
If you require any help regarding any of these issues, please do get in touch with me or a member of Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Family Law team.
KAREN JEARYis a member of Resolution at Mayo Wynne Baxter and a qualified Collaborative Lawyer. She is committed to the constructive resolution of family disputes. Find out more at mayowynnebaxter.co.uk
“Choice of school is made by those who hold Parental Responsibility”
Wood 01293 554660 Crawley
01273 466500
by
Deerswood Lodge 01293 561704 Crawley
River Lodge 01403 227070 Horsham The Martlets 01903 788100 East Preston
akview Lodge Care & Nursing Home is a well-established part of the local community in Welwyn Garden City. Residents enjoy a wide range of daily activities designed to have a positive impact on their thinking, feeling, awareness and mood. Sta regularly involve residents’ families to help create special lasting memories for them to cherish with their loved ones.
Their team of Wellbeing Coordinators are dedicated to getting to know their residents and supporting them to continue enjoying their hobbies and interests.
OFrom music and movement sessions to arts and crafts, gardening, baking, and much more, there’s always something exciting happening at Oakview Lodge.
Country Court’s ‘Make a Wish’ initiative has seen residents from Oakview Lodge enjoy special outings and activities; from boat trips and book launches to o -road driving and lots of family tea parties. They aim to grant as many wishes as possible to create special memories for residents and their loved ones.
At Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home residents enjoy nutritious homecooked meals made by their wonderful Chef Manager and kitchen team. The catering team adapts their menus to accommodate residents’ requests and various dietary needs. The team also
ensures residents celebrate special events in style. Personalised cakes are homemade for every birthday or anniversary. The team is always on hand to create wonderful dishes to match any special occasion.
The home has built up a wonderful reputation locally with their families and within the community of Welwyn Garden City. As a home, they host lots of community-based events like summer fetes and champion breakfasts, and they continue to plan more meaningful events for their local community to enjoy.
Everyone is welcome to join residents and sta at their ‘Companionship Café’ on Monday 11 September from 2pm–4pm. There will be a warm welcome for anyone coming along, so pop by for a chat, freshly made cake, and refreshments.
For more information about Oakview Lodge Care & Nursing Home, please contact Customer Relations Manager kelly Rowson on 07494 115 393 or email kelly.rowson@countrycourtcare.com
Absolutely Hertfordshire discovers a warm welcome and happy residents at Oakview Lodge in Welwyn Garden City
Legendary TV presenter
Eamonn Holmes has joined Sue Barker CBE as a patron for 100% volunteer dog rescue charity K-9 Angels. He also joins S Club 7 singer and songwriter Jo O’Meara, who is the charity's celebrity ambassador.
Eamonn met the charity co-founders Victoria Featherstone Pearce (and Sussex local) and Pola Pospieszalska 10 years ago and they have attended events together over the years including a charity event at Downing Street. Eamonn recently hosted the K-9 Angels 10th anniversary event.
On the announcement, Eamonn says: “I am truly honoured that Victoria and Pola asked me to become a patron with Sue. I met them initially at a charity event and I was immediately impressed with their dedication and drive for rescuing abused and abandoned dogs.
“They have rescued and rehomed over 1,200 dogs since they launched 10 years ago – finding them perfect forever homes. They take spay and neutering very seriously as this makes a huge di erence to the overseas dog population where dogs can be left on the streets to die or taken into terrible dog shelters. Imagine a dog with no food, no love, no walks… People are doing what they can of course, however much more needs to be done.
“Dogs have a very special place in my heart as I know they do with us all in the UK – and my dog Maggie has helped get me through some di cult times too,” he adds. “Every dog deserves a loving forever home and I will do all what I can to be the best patron possible to this fantastic 100% volunteer charity. I thank all of their wonderful supporters, donators and of course the supporters who step up to take a rescued dog into their hearts and home.”
Co-founder Victoria says: “We are delighted that we have the support of three household names – all are equally as
passionate about dogs and helping to give every dog the wonderful home it deserves.
“Eamonn is passionate about dogs and has a rescue dog Maggie, Sue gave a forever home to the amazing Batty (Biaatu) who sadly has since passed away. Jo now has a K-9 Angels rescue dog, Cece (who can sing!), and despite Jo being petrified of heights she even did a wing walk to raise funds for us recently. We cannot thank Eamonn, Sue and Jo enough – it’s all about the dogs for us!”
Showing the amazing work they do, Sue Barker says: “Biaatu was eight-years-old, five years on the streets before being rounded up by the dog catchers. K-9 angels rescued him thankfully, but then he was sitting there for
three years waiting for a home. We couldn’t resist his story, we wanted to give him a chance. We wanted to give him a home.
“The first evening he crawled into my husband’s tennis bag as he didn’t know where to sleep (or hide)… it was heartbreaking. We had a rescue cocker spaniel called Charlie who showed him the ropes and he became the most loving dog. We had six glorious years with Batty [as we couldn’t pronounce Biaatu]. He wasn’t the prettiest dog, but he had the biggest heart of any dog we’ve owned and has left a huge hole in our hearts when he passed away in 2021.”
k-9angels.org
The dog rescue charity with its roots in Sussex announces more support for its wonderful work
why everyone is talking about…THE FOUNDERS AND SUPPORTERS EAMONN HOLMES WITH SOME K-9 ANGELS
