The Open Day for The Acorns Nursery School, which has just received an outstanding Ofsted inspection report, is being held on:
Sunday May 8th
59 Denmans Lane
Lindfield
10.30am-12noon.
The children will give a short concert at 10.45am. Parents with babies and young children who are looking for a friendly and professional nursery school are warmly invited to join us. Please ring Janet Irwin on 01444 455081 for full details.
Sussex Living magazine is a free monthly A4 glossy magazine for Mid Sussex with community and lifestyle editorial. We put more copies into Mid Sussex than any other quality publication, paid or free. 19,000 copies are printed and distributed throughout Mid Sussex and the surrounding villages. In the same area, a local county magazine, the Sunday Times and Cosmopolitan Magazine, circulate less than 3,000 copies between them.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Financial advice you can trust
by Roger Linn
These days we seem to be surrounded by firms offering to help us with our financial affairs and, of course, our future prosperity is too important to leave to chance. But how do you choose a reliable adviser?
Many of us aren’t even sure where the boundaries lie between the law and financial services. Just think of the complexity of Inheritance Tax Planning, or making a Will, when you’ll probably need the advice of both a lawyer and a financial specialist. That’s why I was delighted to interview Nick Gorton, Chartered Financial Planner, and Adrian Bell, Solicitor, partners in the recently formed GSFW Wealth Management Ltd. The company, which is a joint venture with offices in Brighton, Hassocks and Henfield, is six months old now and was set up to offer exactly the kind of honest, plain English advice that we need in the complex environment of today’s financial services.
The practice is a happy combination of skilled professionals drawn from Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP, the well-known and long-established local firm of solicitors, and North Laine Financial Management Ltd, the Brighton based Chartered Financial Planners. Both companies have established reputations not only for the quality of their advice, but their commitment to personal service. I asked Nick just how important client relationships were and he was unequivocal in his response: “We are a service-oriented organisation because trust is absolutely central to everything we do. You only gain someone’s trust by demonstrating that you understand their needs and their long-term goals and that, of course, means being prepared to spend time listening – which is what we do.”
GSFW Wealth Management Ltd. operate on a fee basis, rather than taking a commission for their work, and Adrian was happy to explain why clients can benefit from this arrangement. “It means that we are completely impartial when it comes to recommending investments, or pension programmes for example, because the level of commission available is simply not an issue. With a fixed and agreed fee, our clients always know exactly where they stand.” He smiled, before adding “like our clients, we prize clarity.”
As independent advisers, GSFW Wealth Management Ltd are free to recommend financial products and plans from the entire marketplace, allowing them the freedom to concentrate exclusively on what is in the best interests of their clients. “My aim is always to make a positive impact on the client’s financial future,” said Nick, “and to keep charges and taxes as low as possible. To be tax and cost efficient whilst delivering satisfactory returns.”
Sounds good to me and I’d guess that the mix of financial and legal skills under one roof will be a winning combination for GSFW Wealth Management Ltd.
GSFW Wealth Management Ltd
West Wing, 47 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1NW
Tel. 01273 765959 | www.gsfwwealth.co.uk
Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP Solicitors
32 Keymer Road, Hassocks,
West Sussex BN6 8AL | Tel. 01273 843405
Croft House, High Street, Henfield,
West Sussex BN5 9DJ | Tel.01273 492045
GSFW Wealth Management Ltd is an appointed representative of North Laine Financial Management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
These days we seem to be surrounded by firms offering to help us with our financial affairs and, of course, our future prosperity is too important to leave to chance. But how do you choose a reliable adviser?
Many of us aren’t even sure where the boundaries lie between the law and financial services. Just think of the complexity of Inheritance Tax Planning, or making a Will, when you’ll probably need the advice of both a lawyer and a financial specialist. That’s why I was delighted to interview Nick Gorton, Chartered Financial Planner, and Adrian Bell, Solicitor, partners in the recently formed GSFW Wealth Management Ltd. The company, which is a joint venture with offices in Brighton, Hassocks and Henfield, is six months old now and was set up to offer exactly the kind of honest, plain English advice that we need in the complex environment of today’s financial services.
The practice is a happy combination of skilled professionals drawn from Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP, the well-known and long-established local firm of solicitors, and North Laine Financial Management Ltd, the Brighton based Chartered Financial Planners. Both companies have established reputations not only for the quality of their advice, but their commitment to personal service. I asked Nick just how important client relationships were and he was unequivocal in his response: “We are a service-oriented organisation because trust is absolutely central to everything we do. You only gain someone’s trust by demonstrating that you understand their needs and their long-term goals and that, of course, means being prepared to spend time listening – which is what we do.”
GSFW Wealth Management Ltd. operate on a fee basis, rather than taking a commission for their work, and Adrian was happy to explain why clients can benefit from this arrangement. “It means that we are completely impartial when it comes to recommending investments, or pension programmes for example, because the level of commission available is simply not an issue. With a fixed and agreed fee, our clients always know exactly where they stand.” He smiled, before adding “like our clients, we prize clarity.”
As independent advisers, GSFW Wealth Management Ltd are free to recommend financial products and plans from the entire marketplace, allowing them the freedom to concentrate exclusively on what is in the best interests of their clients. “My aim is always to make a positive impact on the client’s financial future,” said Nick, “and to keep charges and taxes as low as possible. To be tax and cost efficient whilst delivering satisfactory returns.”
Sounds good to me and I’d guess that the mix of financial and legal skills under one roof will be a winning combination for GSFW Wealth Management Ltd.
GSFW Wealth Management Ltd
West Wing, 47 Old Steine, Brighton BN1 1NW
Tel. 01273 765959 | www.gsfwwealth.co.uk
Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP Solicitors
32 Keymer Road, Hassocks,
West Sussex BN6 8AL | Tel. 01273 843405
Croft House, High Street, Henfield,
West Sussex BN5 9DJ | Tel.01273 492045
GSFW Wealth Management Ltd is an appointed representative of North Laine Financial Management Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority and Griffith Smith Farrington Webb LLP is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Ditchling Film Society in June
Our next film will be on Thursday, 2 June 2011 when we are showing Bright Star, a beautifully crafted account of the poet John Keats’s romance with Fanny Brawne. The film’s title is a reference to a sonnet by Keats - “Bright Star would I were steadfast as thou art ….” which he wrote whilst he was with Fanny. Set in London in 1818, the pair are initially at odds with one another but slowly an intense and obsessive love affair develops between the 23 year old Romantic poet Keats, (Ben Wishaw) and Fanny Brawne, (Abbie Cornish) a stylish dressmaker. The secret affair is only revealed in 1865, ten years after Fanny’s death. The film is defiantly unfashionable in its romantic treatment of their love murdered by the false choice between love and art, and sacrificed to a petty tangle of money worries, social scruples and irrelevant male loyalties. Ravishingly filmed by Jane Campion, (of The Piano fame), the film with its exquisite scenery, beautiful musical score and superb costumes is a feast for the eyes. Quoting from the Guardian “very few films allow you to listen to the sounds of silence between the lines of dialogue: the sounds of birdsong, or the rustle of clothing, or footfalls in a country lane,” but this film does just that.
Director: Jane Campion. France/UK/USA 2009. 119 min.
The film will be shown in Ditchling Village Hall. The film starts at 8.00 pm. Doors open at 7.30 pm. Free coffee and biscuits beforehand and ample free parking behind the hall. Guests and temporary members are welcome for a small charge payable at the door. Rowena
Please note we are not showing a film during May because of the Local Election taking place in the Village Hall.
Director: Jane Campion. France/UK/USA 2009. 119 min.
The film will be shown in Ditchling Village Hall. The film starts at 8.00 pm. Doors open at 7.30 pm. Free coffee and biscuits beforehand and ample free parking behind the hall. Guests and temporary members are welcome for a small charge payable at the door. Rowena
Please note we are not showing a film during May because of the Local Election taking place in the Village Hall.
re:ab – Pilates Beginners' Workshop
Pilates is a unique form of exercise suitable to all ages and abilities. If you have never exercised before, or looking for a cross-training programme or something that will exercise your mind as well as your body, Pilates is for you. After each Pilates session you will feel refreshed and revitalised, but after several sessions your body will feel better, look better and perform better!
re:ab in Church Road Haywards Heath is holding a Pilates beginners' workshop on Saturday 7 May from 11am to 12.30pm at their studio. The class is designed to introduce participants to the principles of Pilates and the beginner exercises. This is a taster to see if Pilates is for you and to enable you, if you choose, to confidently join their mat classes.
The lesson is slow paced so that questions can be asked and the teachers are able to give individual attention. The session will finish with a mat class using all the exercises learnt.
The cost is £10.00, and a health questionnaire is required to be completed before attendance so that specific modifications may be made (for example someone with joint problems – pain or stiffness).
Anyone who would prefer a private introductory lesson please contact re:ab to make an appointment time that suits. This lesson is for 30 minutes with a teacher, and costs £25.00.
For further information or to book a place, please contact
re:ab
Physio Rooms
Church Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 3NU
01444 473970
reception@reab.co.uk
www.reab.co.uk
re:ab in Church Road Haywards Heath is holding a Pilates beginners' workshop on Saturday 7 May from 11am to 12.30pm at their studio. The class is designed to introduce participants to the principles of Pilates and the beginner exercises. This is a taster to see if Pilates is for you and to enable you, if you choose, to confidently join their mat classes.
The lesson is slow paced so that questions can be asked and the teachers are able to give individual attention. The session will finish with a mat class using all the exercises learnt.
The cost is £10.00, and a health questionnaire is required to be completed before attendance so that specific modifications may be made (for example someone with joint problems – pain or stiffness).
Anyone who would prefer a private introductory lesson please contact re:ab to make an appointment time that suits. This lesson is for 30 minutes with a teacher, and costs £25.00.
For further information or to book a place, please contact
re:ab
Physio Rooms
Church Road
Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 3NU
01444 473970
reception@reab.co.uk
www.reab.co.uk
Friday, 29 April 2011
Do not miss the chance to vote in local elections
Mid Sussex District Council would like to remind local residents that there are important differences between the forthcoming District, Town and Parish Council and the referendum on the Alternative Vote (AV) system that will also take place on 5 May.
Recently, the ‘Yes to Fairer Votes’ campaign issued postal vote application forms titled ‘APPLICATION TO VOTE IN THE REFERENDUM BY POST’, to thousands of residents across the Mid Sussex District. This application form is not issued by Mid Sussex District Council, only applies to the AV Referendum and has the potential to cause confusion among Mid Sussex residents.
“We’re concerned that local people may miss their chance to vote in the District, Town and Parish Council elections,” said Tom Clark, Returning Officer for Mid Sussex District Council. “If a resident completes one of the AV Referendum postal vote applications, they will only be registering to vote by post in the Referendum, not the local elections.
“When the Council receives one of the AV Referendum postal vote request forms, staff will post out extra application forms to ask if they would also like to vote by post in the local elections. However, the deadline for new postal vote applications is Thursday 14 April and the Council may not receive them back in time. This would result in a situation where residents can vote by post in the AV Referendum but must attend a Polling Station to cast a vote in the local authority elections.
“If anyone is considering voting by post in the AV Referendum and would also like to vote by post in the District, Town and Parish Council elections then I urge you to contact Mid Sussex District Council for a complete form.”
Existing postal voters do not need take any action and will be issued with postal votes for the District, Town and Parish Council Elections as well as the AV Referendum.
If residents wish to make a new application to vote by post in the District, Town and Parish Council elections they must complete a Mid Sussex District Council Postal vote application form. The forms are available on request from the MSDC Electoral Services team 01444 or online at www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections.
Recently, the ‘Yes to Fairer Votes’ campaign issued postal vote application forms titled ‘APPLICATION TO VOTE IN THE REFERENDUM BY POST’, to thousands of residents across the Mid Sussex District. This application form is not issued by Mid Sussex District Council, only applies to the AV Referendum and has the potential to cause confusion among Mid Sussex residents.
“We’re concerned that local people may miss their chance to vote in the District, Town and Parish Council elections,” said Tom Clark, Returning Officer for Mid Sussex District Council. “If a resident completes one of the AV Referendum postal vote applications, they will only be registering to vote by post in the Referendum, not the local elections.
“When the Council receives one of the AV Referendum postal vote request forms, staff will post out extra application forms to ask if they would also like to vote by post in the local elections. However, the deadline for new postal vote applications is Thursday 14 April and the Council may not receive them back in time. This would result in a situation where residents can vote by post in the AV Referendum but must attend a Polling Station to cast a vote in the local authority elections.
“If anyone is considering voting by post in the AV Referendum and would also like to vote by post in the District, Town and Parish Council elections then I urge you to contact Mid Sussex District Council for a complete form.”
Existing postal voters do not need take any action and will be issued with postal votes for the District, Town and Parish Council Elections as well as the AV Referendum.
If residents wish to make a new application to vote by post in the District, Town and Parish Council elections they must complete a Mid Sussex District Council Postal vote application form. The forms are available on request from the MSDC Electoral Services team 01444 or online at www.midsussex.gov.uk/elections.
Hydratone CACI non-surgical face lift treatments available in East Grinstead!
Hydratone is a new treatment from CACI International specifically developed for individuals with busy lives, that are short on time, and in need of a treatment that can deliver effective results, within the quickest possible time frame.
The Hydratone procedure takes just 10 minutes to perform yet provides immediate and intensive skin hydration and face firming.
Progressive results are achieved through a course of treatments, but for optimum effect, the Hydratone treatment works spectacularly when combined with the traditional CACI non-surgical lifting technique.
Contact:
Aisha Elallam DthD, RCT, Naturopath, Complimentary functional medicine
3 Harvest Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4BU
Tel. 01342 324717
Dietary mineral vitamin therapy, deep tissue massage, lymph drainage, colonic hydrotherapy, cleansing, slimming, individually designed programmes, CACI (non-surgical face lift), applied kinesiology … and more
The Hydratone procedure takes just 10 minutes to perform yet provides immediate and intensive skin hydration and face firming.
Progressive results are achieved through a course of treatments, but for optimum effect, the Hydratone treatment works spectacularly when combined with the traditional CACI non-surgical lifting technique.
Contact:
Aisha Elallam DthD, RCT, Naturopath, Complimentary functional medicine
3 Harvest Hill, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 4BU
Tel. 01342 324717
Dietary mineral vitamin therapy, deep tissue massage, lymph drainage, colonic hydrotherapy, cleansing, slimming, individually designed programmes, CACI (non-surgical face lift), applied kinesiology … and more
Table Top Sale: Haven Centre, Crawley Down
Table Top Sale at the Haven Centre, Crawley Down
Saturday 30th April 2011
Doors Open: 2pm to 4pm
Entrance: 30pence per Adult
Last Chance to buy those Bargains until September 2011!!
Don't Miss Out! Come & See Us
Refreshments Available
Tel: 01342716791/716437.
Saturday 30th April 2011
Doors Open: 2pm to 4pm
Entrance: 30pence per Adult
Last Chance to buy those Bargains until September 2011!!
Don't Miss Out! Come & See Us
Refreshments Available
Tel: 01342716791/716437.
May Events at Lingfield Park
Friday 6th May
Ladies Day at the Derby Trial Festival
Saturday 7th May
Totesport.com Derby Trial day
Wednesday 18th May
Afternoon Racing
Saturday 21st May
Summer Evening Launch Night.
Celebration of the local community.
Racing and music from the East Grinstead Concert Band.
Tuesday 24th May
Afternoon Racing
Ladies Day at the Derby Trial Festival
Saturday 7th May
Totesport.com Derby Trial day
Wednesday 18th May
Afternoon Racing
Saturday 21st May
Summer Evening Launch Night.
Celebration of the local community.
Racing and music from the East Grinstead Concert Band.
Tuesday 24th May
Afternoon Racing
01342 834 800 | www.lingfieldpark.co.uk
Lunchtime Concert at Holy Trinity Church, Cuckfield
HOLY TRINITY CHURCH, CUCKFIELD - Lunchtime Concert on Monday 9th May at 1.00pm.
The next in our series of lunchtime concerts will be a recital by Ken Sagar, featuring the music of Robert Schumann in the 200th year since his birth. One of the real poets of the musical world, Schumann was born on 8th June 1810 (3 months after Chopin and 15 months after Mendelssohn). Ken will play piano music including Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) which includes the well-loved Traumerie, and also some music for organ which Schumann wrote in memoriam of Bach.
Admission is free, but donations warmly welcomed in aid of the Church's Reordering Project Appeal.
The next in our series of lunchtime concerts will be a recital by Ken Sagar, featuring the music of Robert Schumann in the 200th year since his birth. One of the real poets of the musical world, Schumann was born on 8th June 1810 (3 months after Chopin and 15 months after Mendelssohn). Ken will play piano music including Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) which includes the well-loved Traumerie, and also some music for organ which Schumann wrote in memoriam of Bach.
Admission is free, but donations warmly welcomed in aid of the Church's Reordering Project Appeal.
Katherine Jenkins - Saturday 9th July, Victoria Park, Haywards Heath
One of the world’s greatest singers, Katherine Jenkins, is returning to Haywards Heath for its biggest ever concert.
She confirmed to It’s Magic that she would be thrilled to return for a 5th performance on Saturday 9 July, 2011 at Victoria Park, Haywards Heath.
The National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Anthony Inglis will accompany Katherine Jenkins. Conductor Anthony Inglis has been described by the press as ‘one of Britain’s most popular conductors’. She will be joined by tenor Andrew Rees, recently described as ‘an exciting tenor with voice to burnish gold’.
Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins has wowed millions of fans in a glittering worldwide career. And that career is still growing in popularity.
Katherine has global record sales of more than three million. Her first album, ‘Premiere’, made her the fastest-selling mezzo-soprano to date and she had two number one albums in the same year.
Katherine’s sparkling personality has made her a firm favourite wherever she performs, be it Westminster Cathedral, the Millennium Stadium or Sydney Opera House. Her most notable renditions have included 'Hallelujah', 'Time To Say Goodbye' and 'Bring Me To Life'.
In 2010 the welsh songstress, was star judge of ITV’s Popstar to Operastar and presenter of the BBC’s ‘The Week We Went to War’ series, she also appeared in the Christmas Day special edition of Dr Who.
Tim French It’s Magic Events promoter is passionate about making sure music happens in Mid Sussex ‘We’re so thrilled that Katherine’s decided to return to Haywards Heath to sing for us. It’s going to be such a memorable night’.
It goes without saying that, as ever, fireworks will add an extra-special dimension to this already exceptional concert.
Bring your rugs, chairs and picnics to this It’s Magic staged event and enjoy a truly magical evening. Licensed bar and food available throughout or enjoy a special VIP experience in the Hospitality marquee.
Tickets and booking information
TICKETS: Adult - £25; Child £10 (5-15yrs) (plus £1.50 transaction fee). Limited number of exclusive VIP Hospitality tickets available at £75
Book your tickets by phoning the It’s Magic Events Ticket Office on 01444 800045 or online www.itsmagic.org.uk
It’s Magic, The Priory Business Centre, Haywards Heath W Sussex RH16 3LB Tel: 01444 800045 info@itsmagic.org.uk
Thursday, 28 April 2011
Subject: Pupils at Brighton College celebrate the Royal Wedding
The event started with the College and Prep schools gathering together for a traditional street party under union flags billowing in the April gusts. The pupils were entertained while they ate their lunch by swing band, Morris dancing and a stirring rendition of Jerusalem.
They were then joined by the Pre-Prep pupils who greeted the waiting crowd with a lovely rendition of the British music hall classic “It's a Long Way to Tipperary”. As song which would have been performed when Street parties originally gained popularity in the early 1920’s.
This eagerly awaited the fancy dress competition winners were announced before the main event: a flash mob style performance of the Black Eyed Peas “I got a feeling”. Mr Keaney, supported by four podium dancers led the assembled pupils, support and academic staff in a memorable performance.
Would it be possible to pass these onto your picture desk. If you would like to use any of the attached please feel free, but would it be possible to include something along the lines of pupils at Brighton College celebrating the Royal Wedding when they are published.
Many thanks and I hope you aren’t wedding-ed out already!
Stjohn
Testimonial
Hi Sonya,
Just a little note to say Thank You as we have had yet another fabulous response to our advertorial.
Ruth’s article was excellent and she captured everything we wanted to get across. It’s always a pleasure organising our advertising with Sussex Living and you all put so much into getting everything right for us. It’s customer service at its best!
Thank you!
Moya Gentle
KPS Composting, Scaynes Hill RH17 7PR
www.kpscomposting.co.uk
Just a little note to say Thank You as we have had yet another fabulous response to our advertorial.
Ruth’s article was excellent and she captured everything we wanted to get across. It’s always a pleasure organising our advertising with Sussex Living and you all put so much into getting everything right for us. It’s customer service at its best!
Thank you!
Moya Gentle
KPS Composting, Scaynes Hill RH17 7PR
www.kpscomposting.co.uk
Solar Resources: The power of sunshine
by Ruth Lawrence
Have you ever wanted to do your bit for the environment but stumble when you realise the effort it actually entails? And wouldn’t it be a relief to do something tangible, be part of a growing movement and never have to spend time or money beyond the initial outlay?
Solar power is no longer the preserve of the rich and experimental; it is now an everyday technology that not only saves you money, but reduces your ecological impact without having to lift a single green finger. Tim French, owner of Newick based Solar Resources, put it succinctly: “You spend £10,000 on a car and immediately you are losing money. Spend the same amount on photovoltaic panels and you gain money.”
This technology is designed so that everyone can play their part. Tim explained how the ‘feed-in tariff’ (FIT) works: The electricity companies pay you for the electricity you produce, in effect making your roof a mini power station and reducing your carbon footprint into the bargain. Basically, the FIT is an amount that you are paid for each kilowatt of electricity your panels produce during daylight hours, converting otherwise wasted sunlight into a valuable commodity that is used in the National Grid.
This year is apparently the best time to embark on conversion to solar power. After April 2012, the FIT will reduce by 7% per annum if you wish to install a system after this date. Until then, you can benefit from a price that is guaranteed for the next 25 years. As interest rates are at an all-time low, and the FIT is at its best, it makes financial sense to switch over this year and begin taking advantage of this new technology. Tim says that the payback period is achievable in nine years, which means that by the time your hypothetical new car could have ended up on the scrapheap, your solar panels are still busy pulling in sunlight and turning it into valuable electricity.
Purchasing photovoltaic panels is not like buying a passive item; they are constantly making money, regardless of whether the sun is shining. Any roof that faces between east and west is suitable, although the closer to south, the greater your reward. Panels can be installed not only on your house, but also on your garage, shed or even on a freestanding arrangement in your garden. In most domestic situations, planning approval is not required unless you live in a listed building or a conservation area.
On a typical three-bedroom semi, an approximate system would be around £9,000 with a total annual tax-free return of almost £800. Over 25 years of the FIT, that’s a staggering £26,434 plus a saving of over 22 tonnes of CO2 emissions during that time. With a life expectancy of over 40 years, the system will continue to produce electricity, save money and keep on reducing your carbon footprint, requiring no effort whatsoever on your part.
Commercial users are wising up to solar energy. With industrial units and farm buildings benefitting from large, unused roof space, business owners are realising the untapped potential they have on their premises. Given an approximate return of 10% on their investment, it makes more sense than putting money in a bank account, when you consider the longevity of the product. Income can be generated every day of the year – photovoltaic panels still produce decent amounts of electricity in cloudy weather and you can use them on flat roofs too.
On a domestic property, installation normally takes a couple of days with minimal disruption and very little maintenance is required afterwards. All Solar Resources’ panels use aluminium or stainless steel rails so that nothing corrodes and they use the latest technology to ensure maximum efficiency.
Brackets come in different shapes to match existing tiles so it’s not a case of bolting on a standard fitting. New Builds can have panels flush fitted with the roof, and on a retrofit the panels don’t protrude more than 8” above the roofline. There is even a solar awning that can be rolled out, utilising a thin foil, should you require an outdoor covering that can double up as an energy provider.
Financially, the best returns for a domestic system are gained for a 3.8kw system, typically the size that would be installed on a 4 bedroom detached house, but the smallest system can be as low as 1.2 kw. A complete, fitted 3.8kw system could cost around £14,000 and achieve a 12% return on a south-facing roof.
Solar Resources provides a full suitability survey and their quote includes everything, including scaffolding. It’s now possible to monitor your system from home on your computer and you can view how much money and carbon you are saving on your particular system. There is no bulky equipment attached to the system either, just a discreet inverter which converts DC voltage to 230v and an approved FIT meter which records all the electricity you generate. The company has a dedicated, experienced team including a senior project manager with many years’ experience in the industry.
Accredited installers guarantee that the project will be completed with dedication and first-class workmanship. Solar Resources are a Division of The French Group which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
If you have been considering how solar energy could benefit you, Solar Resources have the advice and experience to allow the sun to bring power into your life.
Solar Resources
16 High Street, Newick, East Sussex BN8 4LQ
Telephone: 01444 800040
www.solarresources.co.uk
Have you ever wanted to do your bit for the environment but stumble when you realise the effort it actually entails? And wouldn’t it be a relief to do something tangible, be part of a growing movement and never have to spend time or money beyond the initial outlay?
Solar power is no longer the preserve of the rich and experimental; it is now an everyday technology that not only saves you money, but reduces your ecological impact without having to lift a single green finger. Tim French, owner of Newick based Solar Resources, put it succinctly: “You spend £10,000 on a car and immediately you are losing money. Spend the same amount on photovoltaic panels and you gain money.”
This technology is designed so that everyone can play their part. Tim explained how the ‘feed-in tariff’ (FIT) works: The electricity companies pay you for the electricity you produce, in effect making your roof a mini power station and reducing your carbon footprint into the bargain. Basically, the FIT is an amount that you are paid for each kilowatt of electricity your panels produce during daylight hours, converting otherwise wasted sunlight into a valuable commodity that is used in the National Grid.
This year is apparently the best time to embark on conversion to solar power. After April 2012, the FIT will reduce by 7% per annum if you wish to install a system after this date. Until then, you can benefit from a price that is guaranteed for the next 25 years. As interest rates are at an all-time low, and the FIT is at its best, it makes financial sense to switch over this year and begin taking advantage of this new technology. Tim says that the payback period is achievable in nine years, which means that by the time your hypothetical new car could have ended up on the scrapheap, your solar panels are still busy pulling in sunlight and turning it into valuable electricity.
Purchasing photovoltaic panels is not like buying a passive item; they are constantly making money, regardless of whether the sun is shining. Any roof that faces between east and west is suitable, although the closer to south, the greater your reward. Panels can be installed not only on your house, but also on your garage, shed or even on a freestanding arrangement in your garden. In most domestic situations, planning approval is not required unless you live in a listed building or a conservation area.
On a typical three-bedroom semi, an approximate system would be around £9,000 with a total annual tax-free return of almost £800. Over 25 years of the FIT, that’s a staggering £26,434 plus a saving of over 22 tonnes of CO2 emissions during that time. With a life expectancy of over 40 years, the system will continue to produce electricity, save money and keep on reducing your carbon footprint, requiring no effort whatsoever on your part.
Commercial users are wising up to solar energy. With industrial units and farm buildings benefitting from large, unused roof space, business owners are realising the untapped potential they have on their premises. Given an approximate return of 10% on their investment, it makes more sense than putting money in a bank account, when you consider the longevity of the product. Income can be generated every day of the year – photovoltaic panels still produce decent amounts of electricity in cloudy weather and you can use them on flat roofs too.
On a domestic property, installation normally takes a couple of days with minimal disruption and very little maintenance is required afterwards. All Solar Resources’ panels use aluminium or stainless steel rails so that nothing corrodes and they use the latest technology to ensure maximum efficiency.
Brackets come in different shapes to match existing tiles so it’s not a case of bolting on a standard fitting. New Builds can have panels flush fitted with the roof, and on a retrofit the panels don’t protrude more than 8” above the roofline. There is even a solar awning that can be rolled out, utilising a thin foil, should you require an outdoor covering that can double up as an energy provider.
Financially, the best returns for a domestic system are gained for a 3.8kw system, typically the size that would be installed on a 4 bedroom detached house, but the smallest system can be as low as 1.2 kw. A complete, fitted 3.8kw system could cost around £14,000 and achieve a 12% return on a south-facing roof.
Solar Resources provides a full suitability survey and their quote includes everything, including scaffolding. It’s now possible to monitor your system from home on your computer and you can view how much money and carbon you are saving on your particular system. There is no bulky equipment attached to the system either, just a discreet inverter which converts DC voltage to 230v and an approved FIT meter which records all the electricity you generate. The company has a dedicated, experienced team including a senior project manager with many years’ experience in the industry.
Accredited installers guarantee that the project will be completed with dedication and first-class workmanship. Solar Resources are a Division of The French Group which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
If you have been considering how solar energy could benefit you, Solar Resources have the advice and experience to allow the sun to bring power into your life.
Solar Resources
16 High Street, Newick, East Sussex BN8 4LQ
Telephone: 01444 800040
www.solarresources.co.uk
The Circus is coming!
On Sunday 1st May Happy's Circus will be coming to the St Lawrence CEP School field in Hurstpierpoint. The fun starts at 12 noon with a BBQ, beer tent, sweet stall and face painting, with the circus commencing at 2pm. Tickets - £8 each or £30 for a Family Ticket (4 people), sorry no unaccompanied children - are available from the school office on Trinity Road. Buy now to avoid disappointment!
St Lawrence CEP School PTA (Registered Charity No. 1096189)
St Lawrence CEP School PTA (Registered Charity No. 1096189)
New jobs as builders’ merchants expands
Sussex-based Parker Building Supplies is continuing to expand with a new branch opening and the launch of a new garden furniture business.
The branch opening in Seaford has brought seven new jobs to town and has given the local building sector a major boost, with local tradesmen now able to buy supplies without having to leave the town.
The company has also launched Parker Garden Furniture, with its own dedicated indoor showroom at the Group’s headquarters offices on the Bellbrook Business Estate in Uckfield, equipped to recreate a realistic garden environment complete with grass.
Two new members of staff have been employed to market and sell furniture made by Westminster Garden Furniture, which manufactures high-end, hand crafted products.
Stewart Pierce, Financial Director at Parker Building Supplies, said: “As a company we are always seeking to expand and diversify. The launch of Parker Garden Furniture and the exciting opening of our new Seaford branch fit this strategy and we are thrilled to have created several new jobs.”
The new Seaford branch, which stocks a huge range of building materials, timber and power tools for both the trade and the DIY market, is located at a former building supply centre on the Cradle Hill Industrial Estate. The centre closed forcing people to buy goods in neighbouring towns
Some of the staff at the new branch are local and well known in the trade having worked at the previous business on the site.
Mr Pierce added: “There was a clear need for a building supply merchants in Seaford so the new branch has had a great start.
“We are hearing from local builders that they are very glad to be able to buy supplies in Seaford once again, which saves them time and money.
“Two of our staff are well known faces among builders in Seaford, and all of our staff are from Seaford or from neighbouring towns.
“We are also delighted to help rejuvenate the Cradle Hill Industrial Estate by bringing new business to the area.”
Parker Building Supplies is the leading independent builders’ merchants in Sussex and Kent with more than a dozen outlets and an ever-expanding range of products, services and specialist departments. For details visit www.helpmebuildit.co.uk
The branch opening in Seaford has brought seven new jobs to town and has given the local building sector a major boost, with local tradesmen now able to buy supplies without having to leave the town.
The company has also launched Parker Garden Furniture, with its own dedicated indoor showroom at the Group’s headquarters offices on the Bellbrook Business Estate in Uckfield, equipped to recreate a realistic garden environment complete with grass.
Two new members of staff have been employed to market and sell furniture made by Westminster Garden Furniture, which manufactures high-end, hand crafted products.
Stewart Pierce, Financial Director at Parker Building Supplies, said: “As a company we are always seeking to expand and diversify. The launch of Parker Garden Furniture and the exciting opening of our new Seaford branch fit this strategy and we are thrilled to have created several new jobs.”
The new Seaford branch, which stocks a huge range of building materials, timber and power tools for both the trade and the DIY market, is located at a former building supply centre on the Cradle Hill Industrial Estate. The centre closed forcing people to buy goods in neighbouring towns
Some of the staff at the new branch are local and well known in the trade having worked at the previous business on the site.
Mr Pierce added: “There was a clear need for a building supply merchants in Seaford so the new branch has had a great start.
“We are hearing from local builders that they are very glad to be able to buy supplies in Seaford once again, which saves them time and money.
“Two of our staff are well known faces among builders in Seaford, and all of our staff are from Seaford or from neighbouring towns.
“We are also delighted to help rejuvenate the Cradle Hill Industrial Estate by bringing new business to the area.”
Parker Building Supplies is the leading independent builders’ merchants in Sussex and Kent with more than a dozen outlets and an ever-expanding range of products, services and specialist departments. For details visit www.helpmebuildit.co.uk
Sussex businessman joins the board of national federation
Stewart Pierce, finance director of Sussex-based Parker Building Supplies, has been appointed as a Board Director by the Builders Merchants Federation.
Mr Pierce was elected to the post by the BMF Electoral Panel and will serve until 2014.
Mr Pierce said: “It is an honour to be elected to the board of the BMF and I am looking forward to helping this respected organisation continue to modernise and adapt to the challenging times we face.
“It is also rewarding to see Parker Building Supplies gain the national recognition that it deserves as a leading independent builders’ merchants.”
Parker Building Supplies is the leading independent builders’ merchants in Sussex and Kent with more than a dozen outlets and an ever-expanding range of products, services and specialist departments. For details visit www.helpmebuildit.co.uk
BMF is a national network of merchants and their suppliers, speaking with a single voice on issues which affect the sale and distribution of building materials. It is the only body to represent the interests of all wholesale distributors of building materials in the UK.
Mr Pierce was elected to the post by the BMF Electoral Panel and will serve until 2014.
Mr Pierce said: “It is an honour to be elected to the board of the BMF and I am looking forward to helping this respected organisation continue to modernise and adapt to the challenging times we face.
“It is also rewarding to see Parker Building Supplies gain the national recognition that it deserves as a leading independent builders’ merchants.”
Parker Building Supplies is the leading independent builders’ merchants in Sussex and Kent with more than a dozen outlets and an ever-expanding range of products, services and specialist departments. For details visit www.helpmebuildit.co.uk
BMF is a national network of merchants and their suppliers, speaking with a single voice on issues which affect the sale and distribution of building materials. It is the only body to represent the interests of all wholesale distributors of building materials in the UK.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Luxury Gulet Cruise in Turkey
The beauty of a luxury Gulet cruise in Turkey, sometimes referred to as a Blue cruise is simply to enjoy the luxury of cruising in your privately chartered Gulet, along the wonderful Turkish Mediterranean and Aegean coast, also known as the Turkish Riviera, anchoring in new, unspoilt bays of your choice every day.
In the evenings, you will watch the sunset at sea, while the ship’s cook prepares a delicious Turkish dinner for you and your company. For those who don’t want just to relax, sporting activities like snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing etc off the Gulet are always available.
www.luxuryvillasturkey go to luxury gulet- Prences Funda or e mail liratur@superonline.com
www.luxuryvillasturkey go to luxury gulet- Prences Funda or e mail liratur@superonline.com
Care and company at home
by Roger Linn
Sally Corbin and her team at Care & Company know that there are people whose happiness in life can be hugely improved by an act as simple as having a regular chat with a friend.
They also know that sometimes the simplest care intervention coming at the right time can lead to such a successful outcome that it is beyond anyone’s expectations – even those of the care professionals who provided the assistance. With their headquarters in Burgess Hill, Sally’s company delivers the whole spectrum of community care services to clients across Mid Sussex. When I met her and Care Manager Ronnie Mamoany, we talked about the increasing numbers of people who, although getting on in life or dealing with physical or mental challenges, want to remain in their own home. Care & Company was set up by Sally to provide the help that allows clients to do just that.
Having gone through a personal family crisis herself when her husband was suddenly paralysed, Sally knows how important it is to receive appropriate and timely help. “He’s now our IT guru,” laughs Sally, “but the experience made me think about how I could contribute to the Care industry and that’s why I started the company 15 years ago.” She is obviously meeting a genuine need; currently the company is helping around a hundred people in our area and employs some 40 fully trained staff.
Holding the Investors In People award and having been awarded Three Star Service of Excellence by the government’s Quality Care Commission, the company clearly sets very high standards for itself and the quality of support it provides.
Care & Company’s full range of personal care services is too great for me to list here, but covers everything from simple companionship to respite care and from a sleep-in service that gives carers a break to shopping and help with personal hygiene. Sally’s experience is evident everywhere, but perhaps the most striking example I discovered – and it’s one of those occasions when a small detail tells you a lot about the big picture – were the ‘memory boxes’. Her carers can use them to stimulate conversation with clients whose mental state means that they are more comfortable living in and talking about the past. Each box contains small everyday items from an earlier time, like a tea strainer, Pears soap, old money, a piece of chalk, a marble and so on. They trigger happy memories and animated conversation. I think it’s a wonderful idea.
“We respect people’s independence, privacy and dignity,” says Sally, “and I know that for every person we support, there are other people in the background – relatives, carers, children and grandchildren of our clients – who are themselves given some strength by what we’re able to do.”
Care & Company
1a The Martlets, Burgess Hill
West Sussex RH15 9NN
Tel. 01444 871345
www.careandcompany.co.uk
Sally Corbin and her team at Care & Company know that there are people whose happiness in life can be hugely improved by an act as simple as having a regular chat with a friend.
They also know that sometimes the simplest care intervention coming at the right time can lead to such a successful outcome that it is beyond anyone’s expectations – even those of the care professionals who provided the assistance. With their headquarters in Burgess Hill, Sally’s company delivers the whole spectrum of community care services to clients across Mid Sussex. When I met her and Care Manager Ronnie Mamoany, we talked about the increasing numbers of people who, although getting on in life or dealing with physical or mental challenges, want to remain in their own home. Care & Company was set up by Sally to provide the help that allows clients to do just that.
Having gone through a personal family crisis herself when her husband was suddenly paralysed, Sally knows how important it is to receive appropriate and timely help. “He’s now our IT guru,” laughs Sally, “but the experience made me think about how I could contribute to the Care industry and that’s why I started the company 15 years ago.” She is obviously meeting a genuine need; currently the company is helping around a hundred people in our area and employs some 40 fully trained staff.
Holding the Investors In People award and having been awarded Three Star Service of Excellence by the government’s Quality Care Commission, the company clearly sets very high standards for itself and the quality of support it provides.
Care & Company’s full range of personal care services is too great for me to list here, but covers everything from simple companionship to respite care and from a sleep-in service that gives carers a break to shopping and help with personal hygiene. Sally’s experience is evident everywhere, but perhaps the most striking example I discovered – and it’s one of those occasions when a small detail tells you a lot about the big picture – were the ‘memory boxes’. Her carers can use them to stimulate conversation with clients whose mental state means that they are more comfortable living in and talking about the past. Each box contains small everyday items from an earlier time, like a tea strainer, Pears soap, old money, a piece of chalk, a marble and so on. They trigger happy memories and animated conversation. I think it’s a wonderful idea.
“We respect people’s independence, privacy and dignity,” says Sally, “and I know that for every person we support, there are other people in the background – relatives, carers, children and grandchildren of our clients – who are themselves given some strength by what we’re able to do.”
Care & Company
1a The Martlets, Burgess Hill
West Sussex RH15 9NN
Tel. 01444 871345
www.careandcompany.co.uk
Royal Wedding Street Party
Village Car Park and Village Green
Staplefield, West Sussex
Friday 29th April 2011
from 11am onwards
Adults £5, Children £3, Under 5s free.
Ticket includes:
Bouncy Castle, Tug of War, Face Painting, Hook a Duck, Children's Races, Apple Bobbing, Doughnut on a String, Splat the Rat, Street party food and squash. Bar and BBQ.
Staplefield, West Sussex
Friday 29th April 2011
from 11am onwards
Adults £5, Children £3, Under 5s free.
Ticket includes:
Bouncy Castle, Tug of War, Face Painting, Hook a Duck, Children's Races, Apple Bobbing, Doughnut on a String, Splat the Rat, Street party food and squash. Bar and BBQ.
Events at McIndoe Surgical Centre, East Grinstead
Tuesday 10 May
Gastric Banding – Complimentary Consultations. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.
To find out more about Gastric Banding at McIndoe Surgical Centre take advantage of our complimentary consultations with an experienced Bariatric Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.
Tuesday 24 May
Gastric Banding – Complimentary Consultations. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.
To find out more about Gastric Banding at McIndoe Surgical Centre take advantage of our complimentary consultations with an experienced Bariatric Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.
Wednesday 25 May
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.
McIndoe Surgical Centre is a specialist hospital for plastic surgery. A great environment to come along and find out about a variety of cosmetic procedures. All events are free to attend and hosted by a Plastic Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.
Gastric Banding – Complimentary Consultations. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.
To find out more about Gastric Banding at McIndoe Surgical Centre take advantage of our complimentary consultations with an experienced Bariatric Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.
Tuesday 24 May
Gastric Banding – Complimentary Consultations. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.
To find out more about Gastric Banding at McIndoe Surgical Centre take advantage of our complimentary consultations with an experienced Bariatric Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.
Wednesday 25 May
Cosmetic Surgery Open Evening. McIndoe Surgical Centre, Holtye Road, East Grinstead.
McIndoe Surgical Centre is a specialist hospital for plastic surgery. A great environment to come along and find out about a variety of cosmetic procedures. All events are free to attend and hosted by a Plastic Surgeon. To reserve your space please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or go online and book at www.mcindoesurgical.co.uk – events page.
Jewellery Classes at Giraffe Gems in May
Thursday 5th May 10.30-12.30
Strawberries and Cream.
Friday 6th My 10.30-12.30
Beginner'sClass.
Wednesday 11th May 2.00-4.00
Single Lunar Bracelet.
Thursday 12th May 2.00-4.00
Beginner's Class.
Friday 13th May 10.30-12.30
Loopy Bracelet.
Wednesday 18th May 2.00-4.00
Seed Beading Class.
Thursday 19th May 10.30-12.30
Flower Garden.
Friday 20th May 10.30-12.30
Diva Bracelet.
Tuesday May 24th 2.00-4.00
Spectacle Daisy Cord/Necklace.
Thursday May 26th 10.30-12.30
Pearl Suede Lariat.
Giraffe Gems
Ote Hall Farm Business Park, Janes Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 0SR. Tel. 01444 248475
Strawberries and Cream.
Friday 6th My 10.30-12.30
Beginner'sClass.
Wednesday 11th May 2.00-4.00
Single Lunar Bracelet.
Thursday 12th May 2.00-4.00
Beginner's Class.
Friday 13th May 10.30-12.30
Loopy Bracelet.
Wednesday 18th May 2.00-4.00
Seed Beading Class.
Thursday 19th May 10.30-12.30
Flower Garden.
Friday 20th May 10.30-12.30
Diva Bracelet.
Tuesday May 24th 2.00-4.00
Spectacle Daisy Cord/Necklace.
Thursday May 26th 10.30-12.30
Pearl Suede Lariat.
Giraffe Gems
Ote Hall Farm Business Park, Janes Lane, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 0SR. Tel. 01444 248475
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Testimonial
Dear Sonya,
I am embarrassed to say that after three years of you asking for a testimonial I am now for the first time writing one. I guess the fact that I have stayed with Sussex Living since the day I tried you says it all.
Each year you have outdone yourselves with the level of professionalism and helpfulness of my yearly advertorials and adverts, which I must say always pay for themselves within a very short period of time.
A big thank you to all at Roger Booth for a great service and a bigger thank you for getting me new clients year on year.
Steve Bentley FCCA FMAAT ATT
Bentley’s Accountants
Suite 6, 141/143 South Road,
Haywards Heath RH16 4LZ
I am embarrassed to say that after three years of you asking for a testimonial I am now for the first time writing one. I guess the fact that I have stayed with Sussex Living since the day I tried you says it all.
Each year you have outdone yourselves with the level of professionalism and helpfulness of my yearly advertorials and adverts, which I must say always pay for themselves within a very short period of time.
A big thank you to all at Roger Booth for a great service and a bigger thank you for getting me new clients year on year.
Steve Bentley FCCA FMAAT ATT
Bentley’s Accountants
Suite 6, 141/143 South Road,
Haywards Heath RH16 4LZ
The Victory Inn - victory for the village pub
by Roger Linn
Winter and summer, my family’s favourite Sunday morning activity – and I’m including the grandchildren and the dogs – is to walk in the woods surrounding Nyman’s Gardens and then repair to The Victory Inn at Staplefield for lunch.
In winter there’s a warm welcome inside for everybody and in summer we sit outside, drinking our Harveys, eating delicious food and for those of us who love the sport, watching village cricket on the green where I once scored my one and only fifty. The children, of course, occupy themselves on the swings and slides in the small well-fenced playground, while the dogs lie panting under the tables. It is a vision of heaven that only a Hollywood film producer could conjure up as the perfect image of rural English village life. And, in truth, that is exactly the sort of dream that Jane Pedgrift and Janet Shepherd have always had for The Victory.
They moved into the pub 10 months ago with the clear intention of integrating it even more into the local community. Janet explained: “The Victory had become a place where you’d go just for the food, but we wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a really excellent local pub – one where you’d go for a pint and a chat, or a light lunch with friends, or a full-blown dinner with some of our excellent wines.” Jane, who is the chef in the partnership, chipped in: “We think that the words ‘gastro-pub’ have the emphasis in the wrong place. The pub really ought to come first. The Victory is first and foremost a great pub – with a great atmosphere – where we serve great food. We believe passionately that the pub should be the heart of the village, but open and welcoming to everybody.”
As if to underline the friendly atmosphere, I noticed two wicker baskets on the low windowsill just inside the pub’s doorway. One contained dog biscuits and the other was full of sweets – dogs and children are clearly welcome here. In another example of thoughtfulness, or perhaps the expertise that comes from the couple’s years in the food and hospitality business, the menus offer not only children-sized meals which are as wholesome and fresh as the grown-ups’, but small portion meals for adults who don’t have a big appetite. What a good idea – now Granny doesn’t have to pay full price and leave half her food!
Janet and Jane came to Staplefield from Spain where they ran a restaurant on the Costa Blanca for five years, although both of them have many years of managerial experience in the UK pub trade. In fact, Janet claims to have started at the age of seven when her parents took over their first pub in Lancashire. “I’m the Landlady, but I’m just as happy being called Landlord,” she says. “I love the warmth, the banter and the buzz that a good bar and a good publican can create.” A committed Blackpool FC supporter, I’ll wager she knows more about sport than most of her male customers and she’ll certainly hold her own over the bar. There’s a real knack to creating that special atmosphere and it requires a judicious mixture of firmness and good humour – both qualities that I suspect Janet has in good measure.
Although shying away from the ‘gastro’ epithet, Jane has created delightful menus which mix the traditional old favourites with some imaginative new ones, all made with fresh local produce wherever possible. Here you’ll find Harvey’s beer battered Cod & Chips sharing the menu with Sweet Potato and Chick Pea Curry. The home-made Pie of the Day is very popular, as are the Lamb Kleftico, the slow cooked Pork Belly with Bubble and Squeak and the Spanish-influenced Warm Salad of Squid, Chorizo and Potato. The couple’s Spanish experience is also evident in the wonderful fresh Tapas served as a starter for one, or as a sharing dish. They offer, among other delicacies, and I’m dribbling slightly as I write this: Garlic and Chilli Prawns, Serrano Ham, Manchego Cheese, Patatas Bravas, Chorizo in Red Wine and Marinated Olives. According to Janet, “the Tapas have been a huge success; they simply fly out of the kitchen.” Let’s hope they miss the customers.
The set lunch and dinner menus change every Tuesday and there are daily ‘specials’. When I visited, these included Pan-Fried Lemon Sole with New Potatoes for £12.95, or at the other end of the spectrum a Hot Roast Pork and Stuffing Sandwich for £5.95. “We aim at classic pub food done really well,” says Jane. “And we combine that ambition with our ‘take’ on some surprising and mouth-watering dishes that you won’t find in many pubs in Sussex.” Having explored all the menus, I can guarantee the truth of that statement.
“The village has been incredibly supportive since we’ve been here,” says Janet. “There’s no doubt we landed on our feet.” But it’s easy to see why Staplefield has taken to the new hosts at The Victory. Last year they gave a hugely successful Christmas party for the village children and in April they will be holding a traditional street party on the day of the royal wedding. Now that’ll be a bash to remember – the one at the pub I mean.
The Victory Inn
Warninglid Road
Staplefield, West Sussex RH17 6EU
Tel. 01444 400463
Winter and summer, my family’s favourite Sunday morning activity – and I’m including the grandchildren and the dogs – is to walk in the woods surrounding Nyman’s Gardens and then repair to The Victory Inn at Staplefield for lunch.
In winter there’s a warm welcome inside for everybody and in summer we sit outside, drinking our Harveys, eating delicious food and for those of us who love the sport, watching village cricket on the green where I once scored my one and only fifty. The children, of course, occupy themselves on the swings and slides in the small well-fenced playground, while the dogs lie panting under the tables. It is a vision of heaven that only a Hollywood film producer could conjure up as the perfect image of rural English village life. And, in truth, that is exactly the sort of dream that Jane Pedgrift and Janet Shepherd have always had for The Victory.
They moved into the pub 10 months ago with the clear intention of integrating it even more into the local community. Janet explained: “The Victory had become a place where you’d go just for the food, but we wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a really excellent local pub – one where you’d go for a pint and a chat, or a light lunch with friends, or a full-blown dinner with some of our excellent wines.” Jane, who is the chef in the partnership, chipped in: “We think that the words ‘gastro-pub’ have the emphasis in the wrong place. The pub really ought to come first. The Victory is first and foremost a great pub – with a great atmosphere – where we serve great food. We believe passionately that the pub should be the heart of the village, but open and welcoming to everybody.”
As if to underline the friendly atmosphere, I noticed two wicker baskets on the low windowsill just inside the pub’s doorway. One contained dog biscuits and the other was full of sweets – dogs and children are clearly welcome here. In another example of thoughtfulness, or perhaps the expertise that comes from the couple’s years in the food and hospitality business, the menus offer not only children-sized meals which are as wholesome and fresh as the grown-ups’, but small portion meals for adults who don’t have a big appetite. What a good idea – now Granny doesn’t have to pay full price and leave half her food!
Janet and Jane came to Staplefield from Spain where they ran a restaurant on the Costa Blanca for five years, although both of them have many years of managerial experience in the UK pub trade. In fact, Janet claims to have started at the age of seven when her parents took over their first pub in Lancashire. “I’m the Landlady, but I’m just as happy being called Landlord,” she says. “I love the warmth, the banter and the buzz that a good bar and a good publican can create.” A committed Blackpool FC supporter, I’ll wager she knows more about sport than most of her male customers and she’ll certainly hold her own over the bar. There’s a real knack to creating that special atmosphere and it requires a judicious mixture of firmness and good humour – both qualities that I suspect Janet has in good measure.
Although shying away from the ‘gastro’ epithet, Jane has created delightful menus which mix the traditional old favourites with some imaginative new ones, all made with fresh local produce wherever possible. Here you’ll find Harvey’s beer battered Cod & Chips sharing the menu with Sweet Potato and Chick Pea Curry. The home-made Pie of the Day is very popular, as are the Lamb Kleftico, the slow cooked Pork Belly with Bubble and Squeak and the Spanish-influenced Warm Salad of Squid, Chorizo and Potato. The couple’s Spanish experience is also evident in the wonderful fresh Tapas served as a starter for one, or as a sharing dish. They offer, among other delicacies, and I’m dribbling slightly as I write this: Garlic and Chilli Prawns, Serrano Ham, Manchego Cheese, Patatas Bravas, Chorizo in Red Wine and Marinated Olives. According to Janet, “the Tapas have been a huge success; they simply fly out of the kitchen.” Let’s hope they miss the customers.
The set lunch and dinner menus change every Tuesday and there are daily ‘specials’. When I visited, these included Pan-Fried Lemon Sole with New Potatoes for £12.95, or at the other end of the spectrum a Hot Roast Pork and Stuffing Sandwich for £5.95. “We aim at classic pub food done really well,” says Jane. “And we combine that ambition with our ‘take’ on some surprising and mouth-watering dishes that you won’t find in many pubs in Sussex.” Having explored all the menus, I can guarantee the truth of that statement.
“The village has been incredibly supportive since we’ve been here,” says Janet. “There’s no doubt we landed on our feet.” But it’s easy to see why Staplefield has taken to the new hosts at The Victory. Last year they gave a hugely successful Christmas party for the village children and in April they will be holding a traditional street party on the day of the royal wedding. Now that’ll be a bash to remember – the one at the pub I mean.
The Victory Inn
Warninglid Road
Staplefield, West Sussex RH17 6EU
Tel. 01444 400463
Balcombe's Royal Wedding Celebrations
Order of Ceremonies
Ticket Sales from 28th March
9am
Screening of Wedding - Victory Hall - Free entry
10am
Family Activities - Social Club - £2 per child
12.30pm
Street Party - Stockcroft Road
Bring your own Picnic
Tickets £1 from Threads
2.30pm
"Ritz Style" Jazz Tea-
afternoon tea with the New City Jazz Band
Victory Hall
Tickets £5 from Threads
8pm
Reception - with live band, dancing and buffet
Victory Hall
Tickets £12.50 from Balcombe Stores
10pm
Fireworks - gather outside Victory Hall for viewing
Ticket Sales from 28th March
9am
Screening of Wedding - Victory Hall - Free entry
10am
Family Activities - Social Club - £2 per child
12.30pm
Street Party - Stockcroft Road
Bring your own Picnic
Tickets £1 from Threads
2.30pm
"Ritz Style" Jazz Tea-
afternoon tea with the New City Jazz Band
Victory Hall
Tickets £5 from Threads
8pm
Reception - with live band, dancing and buffet
Victory Hall
Tickets £12.50 from Balcombe Stores
10pm
Fireworks - gather outside Victory Hall for viewing
Haywards Heath Movie Makers
Tuesday 17th May at 20.00
Haywards Heath Movie Makers
Upper room, Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath
A presentation by Dr Frank Ray of Screen Archive South East
Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. Its function is to locate, collect, preserve, provide access to and promote screen material related to the South East and of general relevance to screen history.
The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, video, and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
Visitors very welcome, simply come along.
For more information about Haywards Heath MovieMakers please see our website: www.hhcvs.f9.co.uk
Haywards Heath Movie Makers
Upper room, Methodist Church, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath
A presentation by Dr Frank Ray of Screen Archive South East
Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. Its function is to locate, collect, preserve, provide access to and promote screen material related to the South East and of general relevance to screen history.
The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, video, and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
Visitors very welcome, simply come along.
For more information about Haywards Heath MovieMakers please see our website: www.hhcvs.f9.co.uk
Clayton & Keymer British Legion
Saturday 7th May, 8.30-11.30
Rapscallion
4 piece local band
Music from the 60s 70s
All Members & Guest welcome
For details contact 01273 845829
Saturday 28th May, 8.30-11.30
Trapper
The original 4 piece 60s band are back with the usual quips from Barry
All members & guest welcome
For details contact 01273 845829
Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks
Rapscallion
4 piece local band
Music from the 60s 70s
All Members & Guest welcome
For details contact 01273 845829
Saturday 28th May, 8.30-11.30
Trapper
The original 4 piece 60s band are back with the usual quips from Barry
All members & guest welcome
For details contact 01273 845829
Clayton & Keymer Royal British Legion, Woodsland Road, Hassocks
Village Market, Chelwood Gate
SATURDAY 21 MAY 10am - 2pm
VILLAGE MARKET
Chelwood Gate Village Hall, Beaconsfield Road
Tasty offerings from local producers including meat, juices, jams, pies, pastries and cakes will be on sale alongside cards, baby wear, local pictures, jewellery, crafts etc. Cafe. Raffle. Come along and decorate a cup cake and maybe win a prize - something different at our friendly venue.
Contact 01825 740004
VILLAGE MARKET
Chelwood Gate Village Hall, Beaconsfield Road
Tasty offerings from local producers including meat, juices, jams, pies, pastries and cakes will be on sale alongside cards, baby wear, local pictures, jewellery, crafts etc. Cafe. Raffle. Come along and decorate a cup cake and maybe win a prize - something different at our friendly venue.
Contact 01825 740004
Monday, 25 April 2011
Testimonial
Roger,
Just got the April Living magazine – thank you for sending it through to me.
I was amazed in reading the issue how many of the main ‘advertisers’ in this month’s edition are customers of mine! There are usually one or two but never so many before. I have to say, reading about their businesses and what they are doing helps me as well with knowledge of what they are currently up to. So thanks for that and please continue sending it through to me.
Neil J Cramp
Local Business Manager, HSBC Bank plc
50 Church Road Burgess Hill RH15 8AE
Just got the April Living magazine – thank you for sending it through to me.
I was amazed in reading the issue how many of the main ‘advertisers’ in this month’s edition are customers of mine! There are usually one or two but never so many before. I have to say, reading about their businesses and what they are doing helps me as well with knowledge of what they are currently up to. So thanks for that and please continue sending it through to me.
Neil J Cramp
Local Business Manager, HSBC Bank plc
50 Church Road Burgess Hill RH15 8AE
Cuckfield Brides 1885-2010
Cuckfield Museum is celebrating the royal wedding with a display of our own Cuckfield brides over the years. We have six wedding dresses with a Cuckfield connection. The three oldest come from our collection and we have been lent three.
The oldest is from 1885 when Mary Ann Gander of Paynes Place Farm married Henry Burt of Barnsnape Farm, Broxmead Lane. The couple were at the farm for over 60 years. The dress has a tiny fitted waist and a little peplum flounce and is brown which was typical of the time - white or cream grew in popularity after the wedding of Queen Victoria in 1840 but was only worn by the wealthy - otherwise the dress would very likely have been worn again for Sunday best .
In 1896 Helen Jean married Frederick Cook and her daughters later came to live at Cloonmore in Courtmead Road Cuckfield and donated the dress to the museum. This is a much more wealthy wedding - the dress is most elaborate in embroidered cream silk. We are lucky to have everything which went with it like the veil, train, stockings, silk bag and handkerchief. Again the waist is tiny and the bride would have been heavily corseted.
A 1929 wedding dress in peach silk organza was worn by John Butler's mother from Heaven Farm. The shape could not be more different from its predecessors, wide and straight with a drop waist. Women now had the vote, they had been liberated by the opportunities afforded by the Great War and had stepped out of their confining under garments for ever.
9th June 1934 saw the marriage of Phyllis Reed of Ridges Cottage, Moonhill Farm, Anstye to Joseph Sills from Dereham in Norfolk. Phyllis had been in service at Uxbridge and one day, while waiting on Uxbridge Station, she asked a nice looking young porter if he could tell her the time. He was so taken with her that he managed to read the Uxbridge address on her suitcase and later waited outside the house where she worked until she appeared. That was the start of a three year courtship which ended in a Cuckfield wedding and the wedding breakfast afterwards in front of Ridges Cottage, which were both photographed. Wendy Wakefield, Phyllis' daughter, has lent the dress in delicate, soft white silk lace, worn over an underdress. The 1930's shape is now more clinging and figure revealing. She remembers her mother telling her that the day was beautiful with the fields white with daisies but it was so hot that the icing on the cake started to melt in the sun!
Wendy's own wedding was in 1960 when she married Jim Wakefield. She was married in September and asked her dress maker if she could copy Princess Margaret's dress as she had been married in June. The result is wonderfully close with the same slit neckline, raised collar and tiny fitted bodice and spreading skirt. The effect of the post war New Look with its return to tightly corseted tops and wide skirts (material was no longer on ration) is still present - Wendy has lent the dress still with its net petticoats but she remembers that she borrowed a hoop petticoat to go underneath.
Our last dress was worn by Helen Burgess last year at her wedding. It was worn for a Humanist celebration of marriage to Matthew Hodson (after the registry office ceremony) - which makes it very different from our other weddings which were all in church. Helen lived in Cuckfield from the age of 2, firstly in Deaks Lane and then Courtmead Road. The dress was worn at Knepp Castle.
The dress is scarlet so we have come full circle, starting and ending with a coloured dress, but today it is not convention which dictates the colour but the bride's choice- she has the freedom to wear what she would like.
Hassocks Flower Club
Hassocks Flower Club - 4th May 2011
Annual General meeting followed by a demonstration by Alex from Elements, the new Florist shop in Keymer.
The meeting commences at 7.00 pm for 7.45 pm. For further information please call the chairman, Mrs Daisy Farrall on 01273 845407.
Annual General meeting followed by a demonstration by Alex from Elements, the new Florist shop in Keymer.
The meeting commences at 7.00 pm for 7.45 pm. For further information please call the chairman, Mrs Daisy Farrall on 01273 845407.
Mid Sussex Camera Club
The MSCC recently held its annual POY Competition, I have highlighted the winners below.
The judge for the event was Richard Walton FRPS from Kent.
Congratulations to Ray Gray who last night Monday 11th April was awarded the coverted overall 'Picture of the Year' award for the season 2010-2011. This is the second time that Ray has won this award. Rays winning picture is entitled 'Owls Face'.
Other winners on the night were:
Projected Digital Images (Internediate Class)
1/ Ray Gray 'Owls Face'
2/ Helen Wiggins 'Dare Me Dare Me Not'
3/ Ray Leaney 'Walking the Dog'
Projected Digital Images (Advanced Class)
1/ Mervyn Seltzer 'Wildebeest Crossing the Mala River'
2/ Brian Roberts 'The lady in Red'
3/ Norman Axtell 'Abandoned'
Prints (Intermediate Class)
1/ Mike Rump 'Great Grey Owl in Flight'
2/ Mike Rump 'In the Light'
3/ Ray Gray 'Busk 'til Dawn'
Prints (Advanced Class)
1/ Melvyn Seltzer 'Sable Antelope Rams by the Chobe River'
2/ Brian Roberts 'A Time to Reflect'
3/ Jim Hunter 'I Hope You Can See'
Black & White Prints (Open Competition)
1/ Neil Leighton 'Topside Bognor Pier'
2/ Brian Roberts 'Hosta Leaves'
3/ Keith Brooks 'Spitfire'
All Projected Digital Images can be viewed in the Gallery section at www.midsussexcc.co.uk
The judge for the event was Richard Walton FRPS from Kent.
Congratulations to Ray Gray who last night Monday 11th April was awarded the coverted overall 'Picture of the Year' award for the season 2010-2011. This is the second time that Ray has won this award. Rays winning picture is entitled 'Owls Face'.
Other winners on the night were:
Projected Digital Images (Internediate Class)
1/ Ray Gray 'Owls Face'
2/ Helen Wiggins 'Dare Me Dare Me Not'
3/ Ray Leaney 'Walking the Dog'
Projected Digital Images (Advanced Class)
1/ Mervyn Seltzer 'Wildebeest Crossing the Mala River'
2/ Brian Roberts 'The lady in Red'
3/ Norman Axtell 'Abandoned'
Prints (Intermediate Class)
1/ Mike Rump 'Great Grey Owl in Flight'
2/ Mike Rump 'In the Light'
3/ Ray Gray 'Busk 'til Dawn'
Prints (Advanced Class)
1/ Melvyn Seltzer 'Sable Antelope Rams by the Chobe River'
2/ Brian Roberts 'A Time to Reflect'
3/ Jim Hunter 'I Hope You Can See'
Black & White Prints (Open Competition)
1/ Neil Leighton 'Topside Bognor Pier'
2/ Brian Roberts 'Hosta Leaves'
3/ Keith Brooks 'Spitfire'
All Projected Digital Images can be viewed in the Gallery section at www.midsussexcc.co.uk
Sunday, 24 April 2011
Testimonial
Dear Roger,
Our visitor profile for our recent Snowdrop and Hellebore garden openings has confirmed what we already knew .... a mention in Sussex Living brings in visitors from across your distribution area and is vital in spreading the word for our charity function.
We have had 1,316 visitors to our openings and made over £8,700 for the National Garden Scheme Charities, ie Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Crossroads – Caring for Cares, amongst others.
Many of our visitors were new to the National Garden Scheme and now know that they can visit over 150 similar private gardens in the NGS in Sussex and many, many more across the country and in most cases get a jolly good homemade tea! Thank you to your team.
Nick and Jane Baker
Pembury House, Hassocks BN6 9PH
01273 842805 | www.pemburyhouse.co.uk
Our visitor profile for our recent Snowdrop and Hellebore garden openings has confirmed what we already knew .... a mention in Sussex Living brings in visitors from across your distribution area and is vital in spreading the word for our charity function.
We have had 1,316 visitors to our openings and made over £8,700 for the National Garden Scheme Charities, ie Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices, Crossroads – Caring for Cares, amongst others.
Many of our visitors were new to the National Garden Scheme and now know that they can visit over 150 similar private gardens in the NGS in Sussex and many, many more across the country and in most cases get a jolly good homemade tea! Thank you to your team.
Nick and Jane Baker
Pembury House, Hassocks BN6 9PH
01273 842805 | www.pemburyhouse.co.uk
A safe drive with Parkers
by Roger Linn
When schoolchildren started throwing Coke cans and coins at him as he tried to change a wheel at the roadside, Jonathan Barbara decided that it was time to move his young family out of South London.
Luckily for us Jonathan chose Sussex and since October last year, he’s been the new owner of Parkers MOT, Tyre and Service Centre in Haywards Heath.
Although I interview a lot of business people for Sussex Living magazine, I have rarely met anyone with such energy and enthusiasm for what they do. Now 33 years old, Jonathan has owned his own businesses since he was 22 – all of them in the motor trade – and in that time he’s learnt a thing or two about customer service. “It’s one of the reasons I bought Parkers,” he says. “A member of the Good Garage Scheme, it already had an established reputation for looking after its customers. Now all I have to do is enhance it,” he laughed.
When I visited, the Centre was buzzing with activity in all of its bays and workshops – always the best sign of a thriving business. Jonathan says with pride that they complete up to 25 MOTs a day and, since January, they’ve had the capacity and all the equipment and technical skills to complete any of the repairs that can be required or recommended by the MOT inspection, or might be thrown up in the course of regular vehicle servicing.
The popularity of Parkers’ MOT service is driven in part by the lengths they go to to make life easier for their customers. For example, customers can drop their cars off and then be driven back to their Haywards Heath office or train station to get on with the day while the vehicle is tested. All NHS staff get a 10% discount on labour costs and £5 off the cost of an MOT. And as evidence of the efficiency of the process, it’s worth noting that Parkers are chosen to complete 50-60% of all the MOTs required by the local motor trade.
I asked Jonathan what he believed to be the key factor in achieving success in what can be a very competitive business. He didn’t hesitate. “Transparency,” he replied. “We are completely open about everything we do. If a customer wants to watch us doing an MOT, a repair or a service, that’s fine with us. Most people aren’t mechanics, so they have to be able to trust us and we only achieve that by being transparent and honest – even when it hurts. We will always tell our customer the truth.”
To me, those words sound like a man who knows his customers and who is creating a dynamic and flourishing business.
Parkers MOT, Tyre & Service Centre
12 Bridge Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 1UA
Tel. 01444 474611
When schoolchildren started throwing Coke cans and coins at him as he tried to change a wheel at the roadside, Jonathan Barbara decided that it was time to move his young family out of South London.
Luckily for us Jonathan chose Sussex and since October last year, he’s been the new owner of Parkers MOT, Tyre and Service Centre in Haywards Heath.
Although I interview a lot of business people for Sussex Living magazine, I have rarely met anyone with such energy and enthusiasm for what they do. Now 33 years old, Jonathan has owned his own businesses since he was 22 – all of them in the motor trade – and in that time he’s learnt a thing or two about customer service. “It’s one of the reasons I bought Parkers,” he says. “A member of the Good Garage Scheme, it already had an established reputation for looking after its customers. Now all I have to do is enhance it,” he laughed.
When I visited, the Centre was buzzing with activity in all of its bays and workshops – always the best sign of a thriving business. Jonathan says with pride that they complete up to 25 MOTs a day and, since January, they’ve had the capacity and all the equipment and technical skills to complete any of the repairs that can be required or recommended by the MOT inspection, or might be thrown up in the course of regular vehicle servicing.
The popularity of Parkers’ MOT service is driven in part by the lengths they go to to make life easier for their customers. For example, customers can drop their cars off and then be driven back to their Haywards Heath office or train station to get on with the day while the vehicle is tested. All NHS staff get a 10% discount on labour costs and £5 off the cost of an MOT. And as evidence of the efficiency of the process, it’s worth noting that Parkers are chosen to complete 50-60% of all the MOTs required by the local motor trade.
I asked Jonathan what he believed to be the key factor in achieving success in what can be a very competitive business. He didn’t hesitate. “Transparency,” he replied. “We are completely open about everything we do. If a customer wants to watch us doing an MOT, a repair or a service, that’s fine with us. Most people aren’t mechanics, so they have to be able to trust us and we only achieve that by being transparent and honest – even when it hurts. We will always tell our customer the truth.”
To me, those words sound like a man who knows his customers and who is creating a dynamic and flourishing business.
Parkers MOT, Tyre & Service Centre
12 Bridge Road, Haywards Heath
West Sussex RH16 1UA
Tel. 01444 474611
The Coach & Horses, Danehill – Journey to the Heart of Sussex
by Nicole Tata
The Coach & Horses in Danehill is not a place you’re likely to stumble across by accident. But find it and your efforts will be richly rewarded with some exquisite hospitality set among stunning Sussex scenery.
It was a crisp spring morning when I arrived at The Coach & Horses and the sun shone brightly for the first time this year. Harvey, the Golden Retriever surveyed me benignly and leisurely as I stepped out of the car. What immediately struck me was how peaceful it felt to be here. Despite being located only 8 miles from the busy market towns of both East Grinstead and Haywards Heath, the hectic pace of modern life suddenly seemed far far away. Birdsong and the faint purring of a tractor engine from a field nearby provided the only soundtrack to the idyllic countryside setting before my eyes.
Owned by Ian and Catherine Philpots for the last 12 years, The Coach & Horses is a traditional country pub and restaurant on the edge of the Ashdown Forest that has been lovingly tended and developed over the years without surrendering its rustic roots in the name of refurbishment. Step inside and feel the warmth as this lovely 160-year-old building embraces you. Gnarly oak beams and authentic wood panelling, woodburning stoves and cobbly stone floor… it’s all there – and has always been there – for you to enjoy at a leisurely country pace.
Ian oozes charm and the relaxed contentment of someone who knows he’s doing something right. “We are definitely a pub – a freehouse actually, which means we have some superb local ales on offer which change weekly,” he says. “But without great food, especially in this offbeat location, we would not survive.” Without a doubt, The Coach & Horses is a destination worth seeking out.
“Food is such an important part of what we do, and over the years we’ve been really well recognised for it,” Ian continues. In fact, The Coach & Horses is the only pub in Sussex to have held the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years. The kitchen, then, is the true heart of The Coach & Horses. 26-year-old Dan Hockaday was recently promoted to Head Chef, having spent the past 3 1/2 years honing his skills as sous chef. An extremely talented and award winning chef – Dan was runner up in the 2010 Sussex Food Awards for Sussex Dining Experience & Sussex Young Chef – he creates a successful mix of traditional pub classics alongside some inspirational fine cuisine with a local twist, using the finest, freshest local ingredients available. There are daily changing lunch and dinner menus as well as a specials board and promotional menus. Starters include Potted confit leg of Horsted Keynes Pheasant and salt cured loin of lamb with toasted brioche (£7.50) and Salt and pepper squid on smoky Basque stew with saffron aioli (£7.25). For mains, how about Roasted haunch of West Hoathly venison on sautéed black olive, blushed tomato and black pudding (£14) or Spicy Portland Crab, Roquette and Razor Clam Risotto (£15.50). On the desserts menu, the Mulled poached pear with vanilla icecream and frangipane puff (£5.85) caught my eye.
Being here in this little piece of Sussex heaven, it seems natural that the food would come from nearby villages. So it comes as no surprise when Ian tells me that the provenance of the food is what he is particularly proud of. “Our lamb comes from Mark Wickens’ farm over the road, 50 yards away. In spring you can seem them gambolling in the fields. We get all our game from Horsted Keynes; we use a farm in West Hoathly for pork, pigeon and rabbit. Our vegetables and salad comes from the market garden in Fletching. And Bishops in Uckfield, a really nice, old-fashioned family butchers, is where we buy all our beef. There really is not much we miss out on locally; we buy from people we’ve known for years and who regularly use the pub themselves.”
The restaurant area is set apart from the two bars and is located in the original stable building which was converted 25 years ago. Having lost none of its rustic charm, it is a light, airy and surprisingly modern space that is perfect for lunch with the family or a romantic dinner for two.
Outside there is a calm, child-free sun terrace overlooking fields, with a majestic maple tree providing a stunning focus in the garden. Families are welcome in the sunny front garden where there’s a children’s play area and plenty of space to run around.
It is rare to find a country pub with the skill and vision to strike the right balance between a drinking pub and a fine dining restaurant. The Coach & Horses has managed it beautifully, harnessing the beauty of its buildings and surrounding countryside to create something which is utterly and compellingly charming.
The Coach & Horses
School Lane, Danehill RH17 7JH
Tel. 01825 740369
www.coachandhorses.danehill.biz
The Coach & Horses in Danehill is not a place you’re likely to stumble across by accident. But find it and your efforts will be richly rewarded with some exquisite hospitality set among stunning Sussex scenery.
It was a crisp spring morning when I arrived at The Coach & Horses and the sun shone brightly for the first time this year. Harvey, the Golden Retriever surveyed me benignly and leisurely as I stepped out of the car. What immediately struck me was how peaceful it felt to be here. Despite being located only 8 miles from the busy market towns of both East Grinstead and Haywards Heath, the hectic pace of modern life suddenly seemed far far away. Birdsong and the faint purring of a tractor engine from a field nearby provided the only soundtrack to the idyllic countryside setting before my eyes.
Owned by Ian and Catherine Philpots for the last 12 years, The Coach & Horses is a traditional country pub and restaurant on the edge of the Ashdown Forest that has been lovingly tended and developed over the years without surrendering its rustic roots in the name of refurbishment. Step inside and feel the warmth as this lovely 160-year-old building embraces you. Gnarly oak beams and authentic wood panelling, woodburning stoves and cobbly stone floor… it’s all there – and has always been there – for you to enjoy at a leisurely country pace.
Ian oozes charm and the relaxed contentment of someone who knows he’s doing something right. “We are definitely a pub – a freehouse actually, which means we have some superb local ales on offer which change weekly,” he says. “But without great food, especially in this offbeat location, we would not survive.” Without a doubt, The Coach & Horses is a destination worth seeking out.
“Food is such an important part of what we do, and over the years we’ve been really well recognised for it,” Ian continues. In fact, The Coach & Horses is the only pub in Sussex to have held the Michelin Bib Gourmand for six consecutive years. The kitchen, then, is the true heart of The Coach & Horses. 26-year-old Dan Hockaday was recently promoted to Head Chef, having spent the past 3 1/2 years honing his skills as sous chef. An extremely talented and award winning chef – Dan was runner up in the 2010 Sussex Food Awards for Sussex Dining Experience & Sussex Young Chef – he creates a successful mix of traditional pub classics alongside some inspirational fine cuisine with a local twist, using the finest, freshest local ingredients available. There are daily changing lunch and dinner menus as well as a specials board and promotional menus. Starters include Potted confit leg of Horsted Keynes Pheasant and salt cured loin of lamb with toasted brioche (£7.50) and Salt and pepper squid on smoky Basque stew with saffron aioli (£7.25). For mains, how about Roasted haunch of West Hoathly venison on sautéed black olive, blushed tomato and black pudding (£14) or Spicy Portland Crab, Roquette and Razor Clam Risotto (£15.50). On the desserts menu, the Mulled poached pear with vanilla icecream and frangipane puff (£5.85) caught my eye.
Being here in this little piece of Sussex heaven, it seems natural that the food would come from nearby villages. So it comes as no surprise when Ian tells me that the provenance of the food is what he is particularly proud of. “Our lamb comes from Mark Wickens’ farm over the road, 50 yards away. In spring you can seem them gambolling in the fields. We get all our game from Horsted Keynes; we use a farm in West Hoathly for pork, pigeon and rabbit. Our vegetables and salad comes from the market garden in Fletching. And Bishops in Uckfield, a really nice, old-fashioned family butchers, is where we buy all our beef. There really is not much we miss out on locally; we buy from people we’ve known for years and who regularly use the pub themselves.”
The restaurant area is set apart from the two bars and is located in the original stable building which was converted 25 years ago. Having lost none of its rustic charm, it is a light, airy and surprisingly modern space that is perfect for lunch with the family or a romantic dinner for two.
Outside there is a calm, child-free sun terrace overlooking fields, with a majestic maple tree providing a stunning focus in the garden. Families are welcome in the sunny front garden where there’s a children’s play area and plenty of space to run around.
It is rare to find a country pub with the skill and vision to strike the right balance between a drinking pub and a fine dining restaurant. The Coach & Horses has managed it beautifully, harnessing the beauty of its buildings and surrounding countryside to create something which is utterly and compellingly charming.
The Coach & Horses
School Lane, Danehill RH17 7JH
Tel. 01825 740369
www.coachandhorses.danehill.biz
Russian music at Newtimber
Monday 23 May, 19.00
St. John the Evangelist Church
Newtimber. BN6 9BT
This is a special opportunity to hear a professional Russian male voice choir sing sacred and folk music. They are visiting England for a month from St. Petersburg and have received excellent reviews.
Our 13th century church is set in lovely countryside just north of the South Downs Parking is in an adjacent field. Ticket for £15 includes light refreshments.
Contact: shirleymurrell@btinternet.com or telephone 01273 857353
St. John the Evangelist Church
Newtimber. BN6 9BT
This is a special opportunity to hear a professional Russian male voice choir sing sacred and folk music. They are visiting England for a month from St. Petersburg and have received excellent reviews.
Our 13th century church is set in lovely countryside just north of the South Downs Parking is in an adjacent field. Ticket for £15 includes light refreshments.
Contact: shirleymurrell@btinternet.com or telephone 01273 857353
Saturday, 23 April 2011
Testimonial
Dear Tanis,
Just wanted to let you know how successful our advert has been this year for weddings. We had never advertised our venue for weddings before, and you really helped put us on the map. We are now fully booked for this year, and most of next year already.
The ad really worked for Cowdray, and I am grateful for your input in making the ad so good.
Heather Ongley
Cowdray Heritage Trust
Midhurst, West Sussex
Just wanted to let you know how successful our advert has been this year for weddings. We had never advertised our venue for weddings before, and you really helped put us on the map. We are now fully booked for this year, and most of next year already.
The ad really worked for Cowdray, and I am grateful for your input in making the ad so good.
Heather Ongley
Cowdray Heritage Trust
Midhurst, West Sussex
Oldland Mill: One good turn deserves another
by Ruth Lawrence
The village of Hassocks is lucky to have three windmills within the couple of miles reach that a curious crow might fly. Everyone knows Jack and Jill on Clayton Hill, perched high on the skyline like brother and sister, but their cousin Oldland Mill stands alone at the outer edge of Keymer.
Resurrected from complete dereliction some 30 years ago by local volunteers, Oldland’s involvement with the people who rescued her is a story about the power and cohesiveness of working towards a common goal.
I first set eyes on Oldland Mill three years ago, on one of my first walks after moving here. I’d seen the bright white sweeps tilting above the hedges and discovered a group of men working on her exterior that clear spring morning. Keen to meet people in the locality, I found they were volunteers and within 20 minutes, I’d gamely committed myself to the following workday. Kitted out in charity shop wellies and waterproofs, I arrived next week to be handed a pickaxe and asked to help dig several holes for a line of fencing. Assuming this was my initiation, I jumped in with bravado, vigorously hacking into the flinty ground like a rabbit on steroids. Job done, I began to meet the team and immediately found why they were so much fun to work with.
Imagine being on the set of Dad’s Army and you have an idea of what I mean – the inevitable humour and ribbing when half a dozen retired men work on something that half resembles the biggest and best meccano set that a boy could wish for. As the only female volunteer, it was like having lots of older brothers teasing me, but I entered into the easygoing spirit of the group and always ended up laughing.
Being the smallest and lightest, I found myself volunteered to balance high up on the loaned cherry picker, stretching out to scrub the sweeps. I was taught how to operate it and felt like an extra from Trumpton as I sprang skyward at the touch of a couple of buttons, enjoying a buzzard’s eye view of the Downs from my precarious perch. I even managed to construct a flour chute from scratch under the watchful eye of Michael Peat, a true craftsman and responsible for much of Oldland’s inner workings.
As I got to know the volunteers, I heard some of their stories, of how this bunch of renegades came to work together on what became a real labour of love.
Simon Arnold joined after an article in the Ditchling Dialogue had requested information about insuring the Mill; 10 years later he’s still there. After spending his youth in South Africa, he worked in London in the late 1950s before moving to Sussex in 1960. He remembers first seeing the Mill “totally bare” and has delighted in “watching the building gradually come to life.” He speaks for many of the volunteers when he cites his reasons for joining as the “sheer enjoyment in involvement with creating something that should be done.”
Don Pearce came from an electrical engineering background and with his neighbour, former BT engineer Gerry Dunster, are two of the longest serving members, working since 1990. In those days there were just five volunteers; first estimates were that the job could be completed in seven years for £7,000. In reality, the monumental task took 30 years and a £100,000, all spent on materials as all labour has been freely given.
Pictures of the derelict mill show a sorry skeleton; it was pure vision coupled with solid dedication that re-built the Mill as you see today. Fred Maillardet, who initially joined Oldland to secure a DEFRA grant, calls Oldland a “large, visible machine, symbolic of Sussex, elegant and simple,” a point to consider when you see the Mill working on a windy day. Creaking and moving like a living, breathing machine, it needs human interaction to maintain its life. Being inside the mill while the sweeps are turning is a visceral experience as the floor judders beneath you and the cogs turn with handfitted precision.
It’s the sweeps that now need new volunteers to help paint them. Early this May, one pair will be removed for an overhaul, leaving the other pair until next year. The team would love to see some younger, long-term volunteers continue after the sweeps have been maintained; it is the intention to regularly mill enough flour to produce bread. A local speciality baker is keen to use the flour made by this 300-year-old mill. I was lucky enough to be on duty when the first batch for 100 years was ground; we celebrated with champagne and a cake was duly baked and sampled the same day.
Thinking back, the best aspect of volunteering at Oldland was the sense of belonging and sheer fun of working together on a common goal. Don Pearce is still so keen, he says “they’ll have to push me out of here in a wheelchair!” And I think most of the team would agree.
It’s perhaps a sign of our times that there is so much interest shown by children at each Mill Open Day. Teachers have brought groups of primary school kids for lessons about alternative power. The windmill was the predecessor of the modern turbine and as fossil fuel begins to dwindle, wind power is making a return on a commercial and even domestic level.
The importance of a project like Oldland for a community cannot be overestimated. Each Open Day brings hundreds of locals together and for those who stay on to volunteer it is a labour of love that can be passed on to future generations. Imagine a child in the 22nd century being able to say that their granddad or grandma helped to resurrect a piece of working, living Sussex history! There can be few better reasons to join in and give some hours and energy to this magnificent old Mill as she enters her third century. Some ladies do get better with age.
Oldland Mill’s Major Open Days:
Sunday 1st May, Sunday 3rd July, Sunday 4th September 11am to 4pm
A day of family fun and an opportunity to see the sweeps turning (weather permitting).
Talk to volunteers – perhaps you would like to become a member of the Oldland Mill Trust?
See for yourself the amazing restoration work that has taken place inside and outside the mill.
Refreshments, activities and mill gifts/memorabilia.
Free shuttle bus every 20 minutes from the Thatched Inn, Ockley Lane, Hassocks, as there is no parking at the Mill.
Entry by voluntary donation. All monies received to go towards continuing restoration and maintenance of the Mill.
If you would like to help paint the sweeps, please contact Mick Fitter on 01273 842594.
www.oldlandwindmill.co.uk
info@oldlandwindmill.co.uk
The village of Hassocks is lucky to have three windmills within the couple of miles reach that a curious crow might fly. Everyone knows Jack and Jill on Clayton Hill, perched high on the skyline like brother and sister, but their cousin Oldland Mill stands alone at the outer edge of Keymer.
Resurrected from complete dereliction some 30 years ago by local volunteers, Oldland’s involvement with the people who rescued her is a story about the power and cohesiveness of working towards a common goal.
I first set eyes on Oldland Mill three years ago, on one of my first walks after moving here. I’d seen the bright white sweeps tilting above the hedges and discovered a group of men working on her exterior that clear spring morning. Keen to meet people in the locality, I found they were volunteers and within 20 minutes, I’d gamely committed myself to the following workday. Kitted out in charity shop wellies and waterproofs, I arrived next week to be handed a pickaxe and asked to help dig several holes for a line of fencing. Assuming this was my initiation, I jumped in with bravado, vigorously hacking into the flinty ground like a rabbit on steroids. Job done, I began to meet the team and immediately found why they were so much fun to work with.
Imagine being on the set of Dad’s Army and you have an idea of what I mean – the inevitable humour and ribbing when half a dozen retired men work on something that half resembles the biggest and best meccano set that a boy could wish for. As the only female volunteer, it was like having lots of older brothers teasing me, but I entered into the easygoing spirit of the group and always ended up laughing.
Being the smallest and lightest, I found myself volunteered to balance high up on the loaned cherry picker, stretching out to scrub the sweeps. I was taught how to operate it and felt like an extra from Trumpton as I sprang skyward at the touch of a couple of buttons, enjoying a buzzard’s eye view of the Downs from my precarious perch. I even managed to construct a flour chute from scratch under the watchful eye of Michael Peat, a true craftsman and responsible for much of Oldland’s inner workings.
As I got to know the volunteers, I heard some of their stories, of how this bunch of renegades came to work together on what became a real labour of love.
Simon Arnold joined after an article in the Ditchling Dialogue had requested information about insuring the Mill; 10 years later he’s still there. After spending his youth in South Africa, he worked in London in the late 1950s before moving to Sussex in 1960. He remembers first seeing the Mill “totally bare” and has delighted in “watching the building gradually come to life.” He speaks for many of the volunteers when he cites his reasons for joining as the “sheer enjoyment in involvement with creating something that should be done.”
Don Pearce came from an electrical engineering background and with his neighbour, former BT engineer Gerry Dunster, are two of the longest serving members, working since 1990. In those days there were just five volunteers; first estimates were that the job could be completed in seven years for £7,000. In reality, the monumental task took 30 years and a £100,000, all spent on materials as all labour has been freely given.
Pictures of the derelict mill show a sorry skeleton; it was pure vision coupled with solid dedication that re-built the Mill as you see today. Fred Maillardet, who initially joined Oldland to secure a DEFRA grant, calls Oldland a “large, visible machine, symbolic of Sussex, elegant and simple,” a point to consider when you see the Mill working on a windy day. Creaking and moving like a living, breathing machine, it needs human interaction to maintain its life. Being inside the mill while the sweeps are turning is a visceral experience as the floor judders beneath you and the cogs turn with handfitted precision.
It’s the sweeps that now need new volunteers to help paint them. Early this May, one pair will be removed for an overhaul, leaving the other pair until next year. The team would love to see some younger, long-term volunteers continue after the sweeps have been maintained; it is the intention to regularly mill enough flour to produce bread. A local speciality baker is keen to use the flour made by this 300-year-old mill. I was lucky enough to be on duty when the first batch for 100 years was ground; we celebrated with champagne and a cake was duly baked and sampled the same day.
Thinking back, the best aspect of volunteering at Oldland was the sense of belonging and sheer fun of working together on a common goal. Don Pearce is still so keen, he says “they’ll have to push me out of here in a wheelchair!” And I think most of the team would agree.
It’s perhaps a sign of our times that there is so much interest shown by children at each Mill Open Day. Teachers have brought groups of primary school kids for lessons about alternative power. The windmill was the predecessor of the modern turbine and as fossil fuel begins to dwindle, wind power is making a return on a commercial and even domestic level.
The importance of a project like Oldland for a community cannot be overestimated. Each Open Day brings hundreds of locals together and for those who stay on to volunteer it is a labour of love that can be passed on to future generations. Imagine a child in the 22nd century being able to say that their granddad or grandma helped to resurrect a piece of working, living Sussex history! There can be few better reasons to join in and give some hours and energy to this magnificent old Mill as she enters her third century. Some ladies do get better with age.
Oldland Mill’s Major Open Days:
Sunday 1st May, Sunday 3rd July, Sunday 4th September 11am to 4pm
A day of family fun and an opportunity to see the sweeps turning (weather permitting).
Talk to volunteers – perhaps you would like to become a member of the Oldland Mill Trust?
See for yourself the amazing restoration work that has taken place inside and outside the mill.
Refreshments, activities and mill gifts/memorabilia.
Free shuttle bus every 20 minutes from the Thatched Inn, Ockley Lane, Hassocks, as there is no parking at the Mill.
Entry by voluntary donation. All monies received to go towards continuing restoration and maintenance of the Mill.
If you would like to help paint the sweeps, please contact Mick Fitter on 01273 842594.
www.oldlandwindmill.co.uk
info@oldlandwindmill.co.uk
The Acorns Nursery School, Lindfield
by Ruth Lawrence
Within moments of being welcomed into The Acorns Nursery in Lindfield, I noticed how considerate these young children were to one another.
I had been expecting shouting, tantrums and bolshy toddlers, but here were calm, relaxed, confident youngsters just getting on with life and each other.
Janet Irwin, co-owner of The Acorns with husband David, explained the three nursery locations: Lindfield, a home from home where some children have breakfast and stay on for tea, is the family house, with spacious rooms, a big kitchen and beautiful private garden; Westmeston nestles in stunning downland, close to woodland, where children can enjoy lots of outdoor play, interacting safely with nature. On Tuesdays, Forest School adventures are held at the stimulating haven of Stoneywish Nature Reserve near Ditchling.
Last month, The Acorns received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report, having achieved ‘outstanding’ in all 17 categories. Inspector Daphne Prescott commented that there were “no behavioural issues” and that “children demonstrate excellent social skills of sharing and taking turns.” Her praise ran throughout the entire report, stating that the “children’s emotional wellbeing is truly fostered” and how they “are developing very positive attitudes to their learning, preparing them well for the future.”
Children even learn to grow vegetables and join in food preparation, sitting round a large family table for delicious, locally sourced home cooked lunches. Each child creates their own big book of photographs and personal artwork. While leafing through one book, I noticed one photo of a radiant little girl with her own words “I am happy. Look what I have done.” Another child wrote touchingly: “Thank you for looking after me. I will miss you.” Parents write of Acorns as “a truly wonderful, unique and special place”…. “ so many treasured memories”….. “we feel lucky and proud that our son was an Acorns child.”
Eclectic activities equip children for school although they may opt to stay until 8 years old if they wish. Sport, movement, dance, science, art, craft, nature and numbers…. reading, pottery, music, singing and, perhaps most importantly, playing – it’s hardly surprising that the children can’t stay away. From 25th July to 12th August, 2-8 year olds can enjoy ‘Acorns Summer Holiday Fun!’ at Westmeston.
Janet holds an MA in Education and because of her introduction of French into the youngsters’ growing vocabulary she attracts many bilingual children, including families on holiday in England. These children are streets ahead of their peers because of their early exposure to different cultures and the sheer variety of stimulation they receive.
The nursery is registered for Early Years Funding and accepts childcare vouchers. There is such a demand for places that Janet is currently recruiting qualified staff to join her team.
Before I left, I’d been quietly observing the ‘little acorns’ and I suddenly imagined them in 20 years’ time: healthy, well adjusted, curious adults, fully engaged with life. What better beginning could a parent wish for?
The Acorns Nursery School
59 Denmans Lane, Lindfield
West Sussex RH16 2JN
Tel. 01444 455081
www.theacornsnurseryschool.com
Within moments of being welcomed into The Acorns Nursery in Lindfield, I noticed how considerate these young children were to one another.
I had been expecting shouting, tantrums and bolshy toddlers, but here were calm, relaxed, confident youngsters just getting on with life and each other.
Janet Irwin, co-owner of The Acorns with husband David, explained the three nursery locations: Lindfield, a home from home where some children have breakfast and stay on for tea, is the family house, with spacious rooms, a big kitchen and beautiful private garden; Westmeston nestles in stunning downland, close to woodland, where children can enjoy lots of outdoor play, interacting safely with nature. On Tuesdays, Forest School adventures are held at the stimulating haven of Stoneywish Nature Reserve near Ditchling.
Last month, The Acorns received an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted report, having achieved ‘outstanding’ in all 17 categories. Inspector Daphne Prescott commented that there were “no behavioural issues” and that “children demonstrate excellent social skills of sharing and taking turns.” Her praise ran throughout the entire report, stating that the “children’s emotional wellbeing is truly fostered” and how they “are developing very positive attitudes to their learning, preparing them well for the future.”
Children even learn to grow vegetables and join in food preparation, sitting round a large family table for delicious, locally sourced home cooked lunches. Each child creates their own big book of photographs and personal artwork. While leafing through one book, I noticed one photo of a radiant little girl with her own words “I am happy. Look what I have done.” Another child wrote touchingly: “Thank you for looking after me. I will miss you.” Parents write of Acorns as “a truly wonderful, unique and special place”…. “ so many treasured memories”….. “we feel lucky and proud that our son was an Acorns child.”
Eclectic activities equip children for school although they may opt to stay until 8 years old if they wish. Sport, movement, dance, science, art, craft, nature and numbers…. reading, pottery, music, singing and, perhaps most importantly, playing – it’s hardly surprising that the children can’t stay away. From 25th July to 12th August, 2-8 year olds can enjoy ‘Acorns Summer Holiday Fun!’ at Westmeston.
Janet holds an MA in Education and because of her introduction of French into the youngsters’ growing vocabulary she attracts many bilingual children, including families on holiday in England. These children are streets ahead of their peers because of their early exposure to different cultures and the sheer variety of stimulation they receive.
The nursery is registered for Early Years Funding and accepts childcare vouchers. There is such a demand for places that Janet is currently recruiting qualified staff to join her team.
Before I left, I’d been quietly observing the ‘little acorns’ and I suddenly imagined them in 20 years’ time: healthy, well adjusted, curious adults, fully engaged with life. What better beginning could a parent wish for?
The Acorns Nursery School
59 Denmans Lane, Lindfield
West Sussex RH16 2JN
Tel. 01444 455081
www.theacornsnurseryschool.com
West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service News: Follow the BBQ basics this bank holiday
Firefighters are reminding people to take a little extra care if they are firing up their BBQs over the bank holiday break to make sure it's just their sausages they are sizzling!
The warning comes following a fire at a family barbeque in Crawley yesterday. Firefighters were called to the house on Pound Hill just before 1pm after a barbeque and gas cylinder caught light in the back garden. Luckily nobody was hurt and fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control.
Each year West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is called to extinguish dozens of blazes where barbeques have got out of hand or coals have been discarded carelessly.
As we enjoy a prolonged spell of warm weather across the county and look forward to a bonus bank holiday period, firefighters are recommending taking a few simple precautions to ensure our alfresco cooking stays safe.
Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Jackie Boyle, said:
"With the bank holidays coming up and many people celebrating the royal wedding, having a barbeque with friends and family is a great way to socialise and make the most of the sunshine. Whether you are barbequing at home or getting out into the Sussex countryside, following a few common sense tips should ensure that everyone enjoys themselves safely."
Barbeque Basics:
The warning comes following a fire at a family barbeque in Crawley yesterday. Firefighters were called to the house on Pound Hill just before 1pm after a barbeque and gas cylinder caught light in the back garden. Luckily nobody was hurt and fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control.
Each year West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is called to extinguish dozens of blazes where barbeques have got out of hand or coals have been discarded carelessly.
As we enjoy a prolonged spell of warm weather across the county and look forward to a bonus bank holiday period, firefighters are recommending taking a few simple precautions to ensure our alfresco cooking stays safe.
Community Fire Safety Officer for West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, Jackie Boyle, said:
"With the bank holidays coming up and many people celebrating the royal wedding, having a barbeque with friends and family is a great way to socialise and make the most of the sunshine. Whether you are barbequing at home or getting out into the Sussex countryside, following a few common sense tips should ensure that everyone enjoys themselves safely."
Barbeque Basics:
- Make sure that your barbeque is placed on clear level ground where it will not tip over.
- Use approved barbeque fuel or firelighters to light it, never petrol or paraffin.
- Keep barbeques away from the house, shed, fences, garden furniture or overhanging trees and shrubs.
- Keep children and pets well away from the cooking area.
- Don't leave your barbeque unattended at any time.
- Empty any spent ash on to bare soil, not into a dustbin.
- If you are lighting a barbeque in the countryside or on the beach - check beforehand that it is an authorised area.
- When using a disposable barbeque make sure the coals are completely cold before throwing them away.
- For bottled gas barbeques make sure the controls and the cylinder valve are turned off before you change the cylinder.
- If you think there may be a leak in the gas cylinder connections or pipe, brush soapy water over the joints and watch for bubbles. If you find a leaky joint try to tighten it, but don't over tighten it.
- When you have finished cooking, turn off the gas cylinder before the barbeque controls. This makes sure any leftover gas in the pipe is used up.
- Store gas cylinders outside and protect them from frost and direct sunlight. Don't keep more spare cylinders than you need.
Racing at Lingfield Park
Tuesday 26th April – Afternoon Racing
A lovely afternoon of competitive racing over the all-weather course.
Gates open 12:30pm First race is 2.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now for all of the above. Adults £13.50 if purchased by 5pm, two full working days in advance, or £15 on the day. Concessions are available at the gate for over 60’s and students upon proof of ID. Accompanied Children aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 01342 834 800 or online at www.lingfieldpark.co.uk
A lovely afternoon of competitive racing over the all-weather course.
Gates open 12:30pm First race is 2.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now for all of the above. Adults £13.50 if purchased by 5pm, two full working days in advance, or £15 on the day. Concessions are available at the gate for over 60’s and students upon proof of ID. Accompanied Children aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.
Tickets can be purchased by calling 01342 834 800 or online at www.lingfieldpark.co.uk
Friday, 22 April 2011
Testimonial
Dear Roger,
We thought you might like some feedback now that the March 2011 issue has been published. Many people have already mentioned the article to us – always positively. In particular we are getting very very positive comments on Ruth’s writing. Our daughter, who works in media relations and has a PR background, was particularly impressed. So please pass our thanks to Ruth and the whole team at Sussex Living.
Sarah and Mike Wallace
Burgess Hill Artists
We thought you might like some feedback now that the March 2011 issue has been published. Many people have already mentioned the article to us – always positively. In particular we are getting very very positive comments on Ruth’s writing. Our daughter, who works in media relations and has a PR background, was particularly impressed. So please pass our thanks to Ruth and the whole team at Sussex Living.
Sarah and Mike Wallace
Burgess Hill Artists
KPS Contractors: Looking after our landscape
by Ruth Lawrence
It’s been 35 years since KPS Contractors began serving Sussex, with an expanding range of arboricultural and horticultural services.
Owner Paul Smyth says that KPS will deal with “anything that grows,” from the smallest garden trim to large-scale landscaping projects. The mainstay of this family-run business is tree surgery and the company is a member of the Arboricultural Association. With too many quality accreditations to list here, there are definite advantages to clients of using professionally qualified, insured operators.
KPS offer the security of their long-term credentials on all their no-obligation speculative work, which is completely free of charge. Would you know whether there is a Tree Preservation Order in place or whether a tree is diseased or dangerous? KPS will not charge to check with the council regarding preservation orders and offer full peace of mind for a competitive price once they begin work.
With a large team of contractors, work can commence quickly and no job is too small or too large. KPS remain flexible and always endeavour to accommodate clients’ needs. Paul’s aim is to run “a business with a heart and soul” which means keeping it local: KPS use and serve small independent companies and employ local staff. Training and investment in staff is taken very seriously here. And because they employ a wide range of trained personnel, they can offer a one-stop solution to any domestic or commercial client. They’ve even been appointed by Mid Sussex District Council to carry out all their tree surgery and grounds maintenance.
Tree surgery includes surveying by a qualified arborist, crown thinning, felling, lifting and reduction. Stump grinding ensures that no further growth can occur and site clearance and mobile shredding mean that you are not left with an untidy mess to clear up afterwards. KPS also deal with tree planting and aftercare. In essence they are a cradle-to-grave operation, helping with every aspect of a tree’s life cycle.
Grass cutting can consist of a one-off lawn trim or a regular regime of continuing care. KPS also offer hedge trimming up to large-scale hedges with the aid of a tractor and flail. They will also deal with invasive weeds including the dreaded Japanese Knotweed and use selective chemical spraying to ensure unwanted species do not return. KPS can plant and maintain flower beds and borders or create flower displays as well as seeding or turfing. They even offer a comprehensive fencing service.
Eco-credentials are fully adhered to: All green waste is recycled at its sister company KPS Composting, reducing the customer’s clearance, removal and transport costs.
KPS have proved their value to Sussex over decades and any customer, with the smallest garden to the largest estate, can benefit from their solid commitment to our local landscape.
KPS Contractors
KPS House, Ham Lane, Scaynes Hill|
West Sussex RH17 7PR
Tel. 01444 831307
It’s been 35 years since KPS Contractors began serving Sussex, with an expanding range of arboricultural and horticultural services.
Owner Paul Smyth says that KPS will deal with “anything that grows,” from the smallest garden trim to large-scale landscaping projects. The mainstay of this family-run business is tree surgery and the company is a member of the Arboricultural Association. With too many quality accreditations to list here, there are definite advantages to clients of using professionally qualified, insured operators.
KPS offer the security of their long-term credentials on all their no-obligation speculative work, which is completely free of charge. Would you know whether there is a Tree Preservation Order in place or whether a tree is diseased or dangerous? KPS will not charge to check with the council regarding preservation orders and offer full peace of mind for a competitive price once they begin work.
With a large team of contractors, work can commence quickly and no job is too small or too large. KPS remain flexible and always endeavour to accommodate clients’ needs. Paul’s aim is to run “a business with a heart and soul” which means keeping it local: KPS use and serve small independent companies and employ local staff. Training and investment in staff is taken very seriously here. And because they employ a wide range of trained personnel, they can offer a one-stop solution to any domestic or commercial client. They’ve even been appointed by Mid Sussex District Council to carry out all their tree surgery and grounds maintenance.
Tree surgery includes surveying by a qualified arborist, crown thinning, felling, lifting and reduction. Stump grinding ensures that no further growth can occur and site clearance and mobile shredding mean that you are not left with an untidy mess to clear up afterwards. KPS also deal with tree planting and aftercare. In essence they are a cradle-to-grave operation, helping with every aspect of a tree’s life cycle.
Grass cutting can consist of a one-off lawn trim or a regular regime of continuing care. KPS also offer hedge trimming up to large-scale hedges with the aid of a tractor and flail. They will also deal with invasive weeds including the dreaded Japanese Knotweed and use selective chemical spraying to ensure unwanted species do not return. KPS can plant and maintain flower beds and borders or create flower displays as well as seeding or turfing. They even offer a comprehensive fencing service.
Eco-credentials are fully adhered to: All green waste is recycled at its sister company KPS Composting, reducing the customer’s clearance, removal and transport costs.
KPS have proved their value to Sussex over decades and any customer, with the smallest garden to the largest estate, can benefit from their solid commitment to our local landscape.
KPS Contractors
KPS House, Ham Lane, Scaynes Hill|
West Sussex RH17 7PR
Tel. 01444 831307
Good times at The 3 Amigos
by Nicola Hobbs
Fancy going out for breakfast or lunch with a difference? Or somewhere to have a good time in the evening?
The 3 Amigos in Hurstpierpoint is transforming into an American Diner and revolutionising the daytime eating experience with the introduction of its new menu and extension of its opening hours.
From 1st April, the Tex-Mex restaurant will be opening from 8am-11pm serving original breakfasts, delicious brunches and wonderful lunchtime feasts as well as their great evening meals. From simple croissant and jam to the traditional full English, breakfast at The 3 Amigos will be the perfect treat before a long day at work or school. Waffles and pancakes are the ideal elevenses accompaniment for a chat with friends and family or a business brunch with colleagues. And lunch offers such unique pleasures as salt beef sandwiches, bagels brimming with beef jerky or crayfish and nachos piled high with homemade guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
The launch of their new menu marks a fresh start for The 3 Amigos as Ian Semel, a psychotherapist by day, and wife Alex, a project manager at M&S, become the new owners. “We wanted to show that as one door closes, another one opens. We will be introducing new flavours to Hurstpierpoint High Street and upping the quality and portion sizes of traditional dishes,” says new owner Ian.
The whole team have worked hard to create such a range of dishes for their new Hurstpierpoint menu, guaranteed to ignite the tastebuds of visitors. Pete Hampson, Head Chef and former owner, already has a brilliant reputation for his imagination in the kitchen. From his Pushcart Taquitos con Pork Picadillos (slow roasted belly of pork in a crispy taco shell) to his Chilli Con Carne (with the ingenious addition of chocolate and coffee!), Pete’s food never fails to delight – pre-booking for evening and weekend meals at The 3 Amigos is highly recommended. An order and collection service is also available for those on the run.
“We aren’t like the chain restaurants. We make everything from scratch – even our guacamole is homemade. Everything that is served is cooked with care,” says Pete. “I love it when I put effort into a plate of food and I see and hear how much people are enjoying it.”
Pete and his team are also the masterminds behind the enticing jars of The 3 Amigos sticky red onion jam, BBQ sauce and salad dressing. For those who love the food at The 3 Amigos, they can now take away a pot of Tex-Mex to jazz up their home cooking. Food at the restaurant is not all about chillis and spice. The evening menu includes dishes for those who prefer more mellow dishes, such as goats cheese salad, fillet steak and Texan chicken. The restaurant sources food locally wherever possible, using highly regarded suppliers such as Just Fish, Clive Miller and South Downs Cellars.
“We saw a gap in the market for honest, good value, high quality food. It’s all about looking after local people. Enjoying a nice meal out should be something everyone can take pleasure in. We serve generous plates of beautifully presented, excellent food, cooked with care at decent prices,” says Ian. As well as great food, The 3 Amigos have a wide selection of Bourbons and Tequilas. Ranging from the classic Jack Daniels to the exotic Oaxaca Mezcal, drink choices are vast and staff are happy to mix up whatever customers would like. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and is expanding its range of beers.
New on the menu at The 3 Amigos is free Sky TV for all their customers – perfect for watching live, premier league football and other sports on the big plasma screen, including on Sundays and Mondays when the restaurant is now also open.
The 3 Amigos is a family run business and children are welcomed with their own ‘Cowboys and Injuns menu’. Nickelodeon TV entertainment is provided during the day and there are even plans to offer childminding services to help parents relax.
Themed nights are arranged throughout the year and customers have recently enjoyed Motown Night and riding a rodeo bull. Hog Roasts are a regular in Hurstpierpoint in the summer where visitors can relax in the picturesque garden, complete with bar. A chilli cook-off is also being planned to excite all those chilli lovers and inspire others who prefer the subtler spiced dishes to give it a go.
The Burgess Hill branch of The 3 Amigos opened three months ago and has quickly become known for its legendary iced cocktails. With longer opening hours coming soon and lots of exciting plans in the pipeline, The 3 Amigos in Burgess Hill is definitely one to watch out for.
To celebrate the launch of their new American Diner daytime menu, the restaurant is also serving an extra special Royal Wedding Breakfast which sounds good enough for the Queen herself. Blessed with a Bank Holiday to mark the occasion, such a regal event is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a noble breakfast and celebrate with The 3 Amigos.
The 3 Amigos is about more than brilliant food – Ian, Pete and the team make dining fun again. Three words that sum up the atmosphere at the restaurants are laughter, buzz and enjoyment. “We are a team of extremely focused, like-minded people and love the buzz on a Friday and Saturday when the restaurant is full and people are having a good time,” says Pete. “We don’t skimp on ingredients and we would never skimp on the passion of our service either.”
The 3 Amigos
42 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9RG
01273 835000
1 Keymer Parade, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0AB
01444 244399
info@the3amigos.co.uk
www.the3amigos.co.uk
Fancy going out for breakfast or lunch with a difference? Or somewhere to have a good time in the evening?
The 3 Amigos in Hurstpierpoint is transforming into an American Diner and revolutionising the daytime eating experience with the introduction of its new menu and extension of its opening hours.
From 1st April, the Tex-Mex restaurant will be opening from 8am-11pm serving original breakfasts, delicious brunches and wonderful lunchtime feasts as well as their great evening meals. From simple croissant and jam to the traditional full English, breakfast at The 3 Amigos will be the perfect treat before a long day at work or school. Waffles and pancakes are the ideal elevenses accompaniment for a chat with friends and family or a business brunch with colleagues. And lunch offers such unique pleasures as salt beef sandwiches, bagels brimming with beef jerky or crayfish and nachos piled high with homemade guacamole, salsa and sour cream.
The launch of their new menu marks a fresh start for The 3 Amigos as Ian Semel, a psychotherapist by day, and wife Alex, a project manager at M&S, become the new owners. “We wanted to show that as one door closes, another one opens. We will be introducing new flavours to Hurstpierpoint High Street and upping the quality and portion sizes of traditional dishes,” says new owner Ian.
The whole team have worked hard to create such a range of dishes for their new Hurstpierpoint menu, guaranteed to ignite the tastebuds of visitors. Pete Hampson, Head Chef and former owner, already has a brilliant reputation for his imagination in the kitchen. From his Pushcart Taquitos con Pork Picadillos (slow roasted belly of pork in a crispy taco shell) to his Chilli Con Carne (with the ingenious addition of chocolate and coffee!), Pete’s food never fails to delight – pre-booking for evening and weekend meals at The 3 Amigos is highly recommended. An order and collection service is also available for those on the run.
“We aren’t like the chain restaurants. We make everything from scratch – even our guacamole is homemade. Everything that is served is cooked with care,” says Pete. “I love it when I put effort into a plate of food and I see and hear how much people are enjoying it.”
Pete and his team are also the masterminds behind the enticing jars of The 3 Amigos sticky red onion jam, BBQ sauce and salad dressing. For those who love the food at The 3 Amigos, they can now take away a pot of Tex-Mex to jazz up their home cooking. Food at the restaurant is not all about chillis and spice. The evening menu includes dishes for those who prefer more mellow dishes, such as goats cheese salad, fillet steak and Texan chicken. The restaurant sources food locally wherever possible, using highly regarded suppliers such as Just Fish, Clive Miller and South Downs Cellars.
“We saw a gap in the market for honest, good value, high quality food. It’s all about looking after local people. Enjoying a nice meal out should be something everyone can take pleasure in. We serve generous plates of beautifully presented, excellent food, cooked with care at decent prices,” says Ian. As well as great food, The 3 Amigos have a wide selection of Bourbons and Tequilas. Ranging from the classic Jack Daniels to the exotic Oaxaca Mezcal, drink choices are vast and staff are happy to mix up whatever customers would like. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and is expanding its range of beers.
New on the menu at The 3 Amigos is free Sky TV for all their customers – perfect for watching live, premier league football and other sports on the big plasma screen, including on Sundays and Mondays when the restaurant is now also open.
The 3 Amigos is a family run business and children are welcomed with their own ‘Cowboys and Injuns menu’. Nickelodeon TV entertainment is provided during the day and there are even plans to offer childminding services to help parents relax.
Themed nights are arranged throughout the year and customers have recently enjoyed Motown Night and riding a rodeo bull. Hog Roasts are a regular in Hurstpierpoint in the summer where visitors can relax in the picturesque garden, complete with bar. A chilli cook-off is also being planned to excite all those chilli lovers and inspire others who prefer the subtler spiced dishes to give it a go.
The Burgess Hill branch of The 3 Amigos opened three months ago and has quickly become known for its legendary iced cocktails. With longer opening hours coming soon and lots of exciting plans in the pipeline, The 3 Amigos in Burgess Hill is definitely one to watch out for.
To celebrate the launch of their new American Diner daytime menu, the restaurant is also serving an extra special Royal Wedding Breakfast which sounds good enough for the Queen herself. Blessed with a Bank Holiday to mark the occasion, such a regal event is the perfect opportunity to indulge in a noble breakfast and celebrate with The 3 Amigos.
The 3 Amigos is about more than brilliant food – Ian, Pete and the team make dining fun again. Three words that sum up the atmosphere at the restaurants are laughter, buzz and enjoyment. “We are a team of extremely focused, like-minded people and love the buzz on a Friday and Saturday when the restaurant is full and people are having a good time,” says Pete. “We don’t skimp on ingredients and we would never skimp on the passion of our service either.”
The 3 Amigos
42 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex BN6 9RG
01273 835000
1 Keymer Parade, Burgess Hill, West Sussex RH15 0AB
01444 244399
info@the3amigos.co.uk
www.the3amigos.co.uk
Bleau-Shanay Watson and the mysterious forest
words by Roger Booth
pictures by Merry Michau
Bleau participated in the first Lindfield Arts Festival last year and her life changed. Now with a shared studio buried deep in Ashdown Forest, she paints trees and other aspects of nature with a pure brush.
Stooping to fit through the door in my local pub where we had arranged to meet, Bleau appeared, a halo of blonde hair surrounding her, a towering fairy in the surroundings of the dark bar. The occupants at that time of day, three old boys, well worn, looked like friendly trolls in the context of the new arrival.
Born quite unexpectedly to a young couple (her mother didn’t realise she was pregnant until she was six months gone), Bleau (pronounced Blue) landed in a council house in Crawley. Her mum was a picture editor for SHE magazine and her dad was a draughtsman. When she was six years old, Bleau moved to a big house near Kingscote station on the Bluebell line. Walking her dog in the woods and along the stream, she sketched and made artworks with the materials that were around her. Her mum often accompanied her and encouraged her to feel the colours and the shapes of the natural world that surrounded the house.
She was doing her GCSEs (including Art), then carried on creating more at home. And still Bleau would walk in the woods, often with her mum, also tall but with black hair, sketching and looking at what surrounded them “Mum is a huge influence on my life on the arts side”.
When it was time, Bleau went on to A Levels at Haywards Heath College. She joined the Young Farmers Club and wanted to be a vet, not believing that she would want to do anything ‘arty’ for a career.
When Bleau left college at 18 she didn’t want to go on to university but rather to travel or to find a job to earn money. She picked up some more hours at Buckle shoe shop in Haywards Heath while she tried to figure out what she really wanted to do.
Her mum’s friends encouraged her to do more art. At that point her dad stepped in and “took real notice of what I was doing”. “He said that I should go for it in the world or art”. “Give me a couple of canvases. I know a guy called Richard who I bought some artwork from in East Grinstead and I’ll see what he says.” Richard liked the work and agreed to take some canvases on a sale or return basis.
About a month later, someone bought a canvas from Richard. Bleau couldn’t believe it. “Oh my God, someone who doesn’t know me likes my work!”
Richard asked her to get involved in an exhibition he was putting on to commemorate the ’87 storm and suggested Bleau went to the Ashdown Forest to paint the trees there. At the exhibition she sold one of the pieces she had painted. “From there I found my niche with that style”. Using oil paint, handmade papers, acrylics, tissue papers and natural materials from the woods, Bleau created woodlands within her art, and art within the woodlands. “The message is about the conservation of woodlands and about protecting them for the future, and being more aware about what surrounds us,” she explains.
Then she went to a gallery in Tunbridge Wells for a few months but nothing sold and “they took a huge percentage”. “I did the same thing in Lewes but was becoming lazy and didn’t feel very confident.”
Next she participated in the first Lindfield Arts Festival in 2010 and that’s when everything changed. I told myself: “this is Lindfield. You live in Lindfield, you’ve just got to do it. See how it goes, if you don’t sell anything just forget about it. If you sell something maybe be a bit more dedicated. Well, I’d sold every piece by two o’clock! I couldn’t believe it.”
“By that time I had left the shoe shop and had found a job with the National Trust at Sheffield Park Gardens which was hugely inspiring. I worked in reception and recruited new members. The more I was learning about the organisation, the more I thought “this is what I want to do – conservation. Paint trees and woodlands and work in historic houses.”
“After the festival I invested some money in a website. Then Barratt Homes, who were the main sponsor of the Lindfield Arts Festival last June, asked me to get involved in an exhibition they were putting on in one of their show homes at The Limes in Lindfield. They did a press release and I got my picture in the paper!”
“I got involved in another art gallery in Forest Row over last summer, and joined an art group there. Then, at the beginning of this year one of the girls in the group asked if I wanted to take over her studio space on ancient woodland in the middle of Ashdown Forest. It’s meant to be!”
“All the way along I’ve been picked up by something or someone just when I was getting down. I want to do so much more: workshops, conservation...”
That was the end of the notes Bleau had prepared for me before our meeting.
I hesitated and said, “do you think there is something magical about woods and woodland?” I don’t know why but what I really wanted to ask her was ‘did you see fairies when you were a child?’ So I did.
“It’s amazing you say that! I’m a huge believer in fairies and magic from when I was a little girl. Always doing things to try and talk to fairies, always drawing them and the angelic realms. I have to be connected to what I am drawing to what I am painting, not just the physical aspects of it.
“I’ve just started to work on a new collection about air and destruction and what might happen in the future, and is happening because of pollution.”
I went back to the pub where I first met Bleau a couple of days later. Bleau is tall, about 5'11", but the door she came in through, bending down as I thought I saw her, was nearly 7' high!
Last week I went to meet Bleau again in her forest studio. Merry Michau, the photographer we featured in our February issue, came along to take pictures. None of us knew really what to expect. Merry took all the pictures, Bleau had already chosen the first location and I helped choose some others. We all agreed it was a magical day. Merry studies photography at Northbrook College and her head of department looked at her pictures of Bleau and took the rare step of suggesting that some of them should be entered for the National Portrait Gallery Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize.
As we go to press I feel that I haven’t done Bleau justice (nor Merry). Maybe we have opened the door a little to their worlds. You are welcome to follow up this first meeting with both of them. Bleau’s website is www.woodland-art.net and Merry’s is www.merrymichau.co.uk. We will keep you posted in Sussex Living magazine about how they are getting on. You can meet Bleau at the Lindfield Arts Festival which will take place on 14th and 15th May.
pictures by Merry Michau
Bleau participated in the first Lindfield Arts Festival last year and her life changed. Now with a shared studio buried deep in Ashdown Forest, she paints trees and other aspects of nature with a pure brush.
Stooping to fit through the door in my local pub where we had arranged to meet, Bleau appeared, a halo of blonde hair surrounding her, a towering fairy in the surroundings of the dark bar. The occupants at that time of day, three old boys, well worn, looked like friendly trolls in the context of the new arrival.
Born quite unexpectedly to a young couple (her mother didn’t realise she was pregnant until she was six months gone), Bleau (pronounced Blue) landed in a council house in Crawley. Her mum was a picture editor for SHE magazine and her dad was a draughtsman. When she was six years old, Bleau moved to a big house near Kingscote station on the Bluebell line. Walking her dog in the woods and along the stream, she sketched and made artworks with the materials that were around her. Her mum often accompanied her and encouraged her to feel the colours and the shapes of the natural world that surrounded the house.
She was doing her GCSEs (including Art), then carried on creating more at home. And still Bleau would walk in the woods, often with her mum, also tall but with black hair, sketching and looking at what surrounded them “Mum is a huge influence on my life on the arts side”.
When it was time, Bleau went on to A Levels at Haywards Heath College. She joined the Young Farmers Club and wanted to be a vet, not believing that she would want to do anything ‘arty’ for a career.
When Bleau left college at 18 she didn’t want to go on to university but rather to travel or to find a job to earn money. She picked up some more hours at Buckle shoe shop in Haywards Heath while she tried to figure out what she really wanted to do.
Her mum’s friends encouraged her to do more art. At that point her dad stepped in and “took real notice of what I was doing”. “He said that I should go for it in the world or art”. “Give me a couple of canvases. I know a guy called Richard who I bought some artwork from in East Grinstead and I’ll see what he says.” Richard liked the work and agreed to take some canvases on a sale or return basis.
About a month later, someone bought a canvas from Richard. Bleau couldn’t believe it. “Oh my God, someone who doesn’t know me likes my work!”
Richard asked her to get involved in an exhibition he was putting on to commemorate the ’87 storm and suggested Bleau went to the Ashdown Forest to paint the trees there. At the exhibition she sold one of the pieces she had painted. “From there I found my niche with that style”. Using oil paint, handmade papers, acrylics, tissue papers and natural materials from the woods, Bleau created woodlands within her art, and art within the woodlands. “The message is about the conservation of woodlands and about protecting them for the future, and being more aware about what surrounds us,” she explains.
Then she went to a gallery in Tunbridge Wells for a few months but nothing sold and “they took a huge percentage”. “I did the same thing in Lewes but was becoming lazy and didn’t feel very confident.”
Next she participated in the first Lindfield Arts Festival in 2010 and that’s when everything changed. I told myself: “this is Lindfield. You live in Lindfield, you’ve just got to do it. See how it goes, if you don’t sell anything just forget about it. If you sell something maybe be a bit more dedicated. Well, I’d sold every piece by two o’clock! I couldn’t believe it.”
“By that time I had left the shoe shop and had found a job with the National Trust at Sheffield Park Gardens which was hugely inspiring. I worked in reception and recruited new members. The more I was learning about the organisation, the more I thought “this is what I want to do – conservation. Paint trees and woodlands and work in historic houses.”
“After the festival I invested some money in a website. Then Barratt Homes, who were the main sponsor of the Lindfield Arts Festival last June, asked me to get involved in an exhibition they were putting on in one of their show homes at The Limes in Lindfield. They did a press release and I got my picture in the paper!”
“I got involved in another art gallery in Forest Row over last summer, and joined an art group there. Then, at the beginning of this year one of the girls in the group asked if I wanted to take over her studio space on ancient woodland in the middle of Ashdown Forest. It’s meant to be!”
“All the way along I’ve been picked up by something or someone just when I was getting down. I want to do so much more: workshops, conservation...”
That was the end of the notes Bleau had prepared for me before our meeting.
I hesitated and said, “do you think there is something magical about woods and woodland?” I don’t know why but what I really wanted to ask her was ‘did you see fairies when you were a child?’ So I did.
“It’s amazing you say that! I’m a huge believer in fairies and magic from when I was a little girl. Always doing things to try and talk to fairies, always drawing them and the angelic realms. I have to be connected to what I am drawing to what I am painting, not just the physical aspects of it.
“I’ve just started to work on a new collection about air and destruction and what might happen in the future, and is happening because of pollution.”
I went back to the pub where I first met Bleau a couple of days later. Bleau is tall, about 5'11", but the door she came in through, bending down as I thought I saw her, was nearly 7' high!
Last week I went to meet Bleau again in her forest studio. Merry Michau, the photographer we featured in our February issue, came along to take pictures. None of us knew really what to expect. Merry took all the pictures, Bleau had already chosen the first location and I helped choose some others. We all agreed it was a magical day. Merry studies photography at Northbrook College and her head of department looked at her pictures of Bleau and took the rare step of suggesting that some of them should be entered for the National Portrait Gallery Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize.
As we go to press I feel that I haven’t done Bleau justice (nor Merry). Maybe we have opened the door a little to their worlds. You are welcome to follow up this first meeting with both of them. Bleau’s website is www.woodland-art.net and Merry’s is www.merrymichau.co.uk. We will keep you posted in Sussex Living magazine about how they are getting on. You can meet Bleau at the Lindfield Arts Festival which will take place on 14th and 15th May.
Lazy Hazy Days of Summer at Lingfield Park
Lingfield Park has a fantastic summer of events in prospect for the forthcoming months. The great party atmosphere which these events are known for will be in abundance as we showcase a mix of tribute bands with up-and-coming- artists, alongside some great racing.
As the weather turns warmer and the anticipation of summer grows, make sure you’ve got a ticket for one of the best local days out. Our evening programme begins at the end of May as we celebrate the local community, inviting them to join us for an evening at the races. Those living in Lingfield, Dormansland, Felcourt or Crowhurst will shortly be receiving a letter about how to claim their free tickets. As well as the horse-racing, there’ll be entertainment from the East Grinstead Concert Band and Professor Crump will be on hand to keep the children amused so put 21st May in your diary now.
We’ll showcase the Countryside on the 4th June with displays from the local hunts, terrier racing, birds of prey and the fantastic Indian Runner ducks who make up the ‘Quack Pack’!
Irish night makes a welcome return to Lingfield Park on 11th June. A full race card will begin the night, the Guinness will flow and top Irish girl band Wonderland will be headlining the stage, supported by Fanfair who will be well known to London Irish fans.
A touch of sophistication heads to Lingfield Park on 18th June as we welcome Ronnie Scott’s all star house band to perform live after racing.
The hugely popular Racing and Music Night series begins on 25th July with the Bon Jovi Experience – the only tribute act to sing with Jon Bon Jovi himself.
Saturday 16th July sees all five members of Take That 2 tribute band performing after racing. They come highly recommended by Jason Orange himself, in a recent BBC Radio 2 interview.
Saturday 23rd July is Ladies’ Night. An evening of glamour is in prospect with terrific prizes on offer for those who are deemed the most elegant. Performing live after racing will be Simon Webbe from Blue.
The glamour of the Rat Pack era will be bought back to life on Saturday 30th July by a superb male artist Atila. A talented singer in his own right, tonight he’ll be performing all the hits.
We’ll rock the house on Saturday 6th August with X-factor finalist Jamie Archer performing a range of classic songs to get the crowd dancing.
Saturday 13th August is our final evening meeting of the year and as yet, our artist is still under wraps...
The events from 25th June to 13th August will all conclude with a fantastic firework display.
Paul Shrimpton, Managing Director, says “we think this is the most exciting summer programme ever staged at Lingfield Park with a great mix of entertainment for all ages to complement the racing. I hope that the local community really get behind it and enjoy some terrific nights out – And if there is a special occasion what better way to celebrate it?”
Tickets for all these events are on sale now. Purchased at least two working days in advance, adult tickets are just £17 (£20 on the gate). Concessions are available on the day for over-60’s and students upon proof of status whilst accompanied children and young people aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.
Go to Lingfieldpark.co.uk for details or call 01342 834 800. Join us, you’re welcome!
As the weather turns warmer and the anticipation of summer grows, make sure you’ve got a ticket for one of the best local days out. Our evening programme begins at the end of May as we celebrate the local community, inviting them to join us for an evening at the races. Those living in Lingfield, Dormansland, Felcourt or Crowhurst will shortly be receiving a letter about how to claim their free tickets. As well as the horse-racing, there’ll be entertainment from the East Grinstead Concert Band and Professor Crump will be on hand to keep the children amused so put 21st May in your diary now.
We’ll showcase the Countryside on the 4th June with displays from the local hunts, terrier racing, birds of prey and the fantastic Indian Runner ducks who make up the ‘Quack Pack’!
Irish night makes a welcome return to Lingfield Park on 11th June. A full race card will begin the night, the Guinness will flow and top Irish girl band Wonderland will be headlining the stage, supported by Fanfair who will be well known to London Irish fans.
A touch of sophistication heads to Lingfield Park on 18th June as we welcome Ronnie Scott’s all star house band to perform live after racing.
The hugely popular Racing and Music Night series begins on 25th July with the Bon Jovi Experience – the only tribute act to sing with Jon Bon Jovi himself.
Saturday 16th July sees all five members of Take That 2 tribute band performing after racing. They come highly recommended by Jason Orange himself, in a recent BBC Radio 2 interview.
Saturday 23rd July is Ladies’ Night. An evening of glamour is in prospect with terrific prizes on offer for those who are deemed the most elegant. Performing live after racing will be Simon Webbe from Blue.
The glamour of the Rat Pack era will be bought back to life on Saturday 30th July by a superb male artist Atila. A talented singer in his own right, tonight he’ll be performing all the hits.
We’ll rock the house on Saturday 6th August with X-factor finalist Jamie Archer performing a range of classic songs to get the crowd dancing.
Saturday 13th August is our final evening meeting of the year and as yet, our artist is still under wraps...
The events from 25th June to 13th August will all conclude with a fantastic firework display.
Paul Shrimpton, Managing Director, says “we think this is the most exciting summer programme ever staged at Lingfield Park with a great mix of entertainment for all ages to complement the racing. I hope that the local community really get behind it and enjoy some terrific nights out – And if there is a special occasion what better way to celebrate it?”
Tickets for all these events are on sale now. Purchased at least two working days in advance, adult tickets are just £17 (£20 on the gate). Concessions are available on the day for over-60’s and students upon proof of status whilst accompanied children and young people aged under 18 are admitted free of charge.
Go to Lingfieldpark.co.uk for details or call 01342 834 800. Join us, you’re welcome!
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