BN1 Magazine Feb 2024 by BN1 Magazine

FEB 2024 BN1 MAGAZINE

Fiona Allen

PLUS:

GEOFF NORCOTT / NEW PARK CINEMA CONNOR BURNS / REIGNING WOMEN BN1 MAGAZINE 1

View our full Dance programme:

São Paulo Dance Company

Until We Sleep

PLAY

Tue 5 & Wed 6 Mar

Thu 14 Mar

Tue 27 & Wed 28 Feb

UK Premiere of Olivier Award-winning dance artist and choreographer Botis Seva’s latest work, exploring what race and culture mean in a ruthless world which is bursting at the seams.

Celebrating the company’s 30th Anniversary, Vincent Dance Theatre’s new live production captures the messy reality of how girls and young women experience the world.

Brazil’s sleek, sexy and highly technical dance company make their UK debut, combining classical ballet with the sensuality of Latin American dance.

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CONTENTS

CONTRIBUTORS: STUART ROLT ROSIE PALDI EDWARDS DEAN HARRINGTON LUCY PINTO EDITOR IN CHIEF: CHRIS SADLER CHRIS@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK EDITOR: STUART ROLT STUART@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK COVER: FIONA ALLEN PHOTO BY NATASHA PSZENICKI NEWSDESK/ GENERAL ENQUIRES: INFO@BN1MAGAZINE.CO.UK BN1 MAGAZINE UNIT 28. FLOOR 6 NEW ENGLAND HOUSE BRIGHTON BN1 4GH 01273 022991

36 8-16

LATEST NEWS

REFLECTIVE DIVE INTO MUSIC

WEALD & DOWNLAND SKILLS LEARNING

QUIZWORD COMPETITION

SIGNS OF MEMORY LOSS

BEREAVEMENT CARE

THE RISE OF THE SOURDOUGH

DAYS OF WONDER

ELECTRIC AND HYBRID CARS

CONNOR BURNS

GEOFF NORCOTT

FIONA ALLEN

REIGNING WOMEN

NEW PARK CINEMA CHICHESTER

FITNESS DEDICATION

LATEST TECH

BUDGET TRAVEL IN EUROPE

TOP 10 SUPERFOODS

WINTER RECIPES

TV GUIDE

FILM GUIDE

44 34 64

BN1 is a multifaceted cultural, communal, and lifestyle publication that enjoys wide distribution throughout the vibrant regions of Brighton, Sussex, and extends into the bustling metropolis of London on a monthly basis. Our publication can be found in various esteemed shops and venues. If you are seeking to effectively reach a substantial target audience, we invite you to get in touch with us to explore the possibilities of our collaborative partnership and the valuable assistance we can provide. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Are you interested in joining the esteemed team at BN1 Magazine, where you can cultivate valuable media skills and contribute by submitting compelling articles, content, and images? We are pleased to offer a range of diverse internships suitable for individuals passionate about writing, photography, marketing, sales, creative pursuits, and other enthusiasts eager to make their mark in the dynamic realm of culture and lifestyle. As Brighton’s premier publication we invite you to send us your CV along with a brief introduction about yourself to: info@bn1magazine.co.uk.

All rights reserved including rights of reproduction and use in any form by any means, including the making of copies by any photo process or by any electronic or mechanical device (printed, written or oral), unless permission in writing is obtained from the copyright proprietor. All textual content, design graphics, images and specific photographs used in the magazine are copyright BN1 Media Ltd 2024 BN1 Magazine has taken every reasonable care to ensure the information contained within this periodical is accurate on the date of publication. It is advisable that you verify any information before relying upon it. BN1 Magazine accepts no responsibility for the consequences of error or for any damage or loss suffered by users of the information, materials or third parties featured within this magazine.

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NEWS

Wakehurst Mud Kitchen, Visual Air © RBG Kew

An Emmy award-winning Australian children’s television series brought to life for Easter. The popular animation Bluey is bringing play zones and trails to Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, on Weds 27 March - Sun 14 April. Bluey, Bingo and the gang take over the gardens near Haywards Heath to create the ultimate Easter day out. With fun-packed activities spread across the landscape, families and budding adventurers have the chance to design their dream day. Set amongst colourful springtime blooms, Bluey at Wakehurst is a must-do for the holidays. Following the adventures of a lovable six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy and her family, Bluey has captured the hearts of children and adults alike, forming the perfect inspiration for festivalstyle family fun at Wakehurst. 8 BN1 MAGAZINE

The adventures start at the Welcome Zone, where photo opportunities accompanied by the Bluey theme tune set the scene for their day ahead. Nearby, in the Toddler Zone, children can enjoy colouring and imaginative play amongst the trees.

“At its heart, Bluey is imaginative, adventurous and full of warmth, and we really wanted to evoke these core values through the trail at Wakehurst,” said Wakehurst Programmes Manager, Emily Jones. “We hope that by offering a range of different playful zones, families can enjoy the ultimate day out, where generations come together and leave with long-lasting memories.” Each playful zone promises laughter and discovery, from a DIY ‘Barky Boats’ activity in the Water Zone to wildlife spotting in the Australia Zone. Tree Trunk Trek is transformed into a Bluey Play Zone, with obstacle courses and slacklines, whilst a Family Zone at the centre of the site will host storytelling and chill-out areas for all to take some time out from a jam-packed day. The family-favourite Children’s & Community Garden plays host to

the Dirt Zone where children can get hands-on, making mud pizzas in the Mud Kitchen, and enjoying nature-based play. On warmer spring days, there are plenty of shady spots and seating, providing a haven for families in the heart of the gardens. Dotted around the site, ‘Dance Mode’ stations will encourage the whole family to embrace the fun and dance in Bluey style.

and Wakehurst is home to 15 of the first ever Wollemi pines introduced to the UK.

Senior Marketing Manager at BBC Studios Kids & Family (UK & EMEA), Katie Hibbs said: “We are so excited for Bluey’s arrival at Wakehurst this Easter. They have cleverly taken inspiration from many beloved moments from the show and created fun outdoor play activities across the site. This offers families the opportunity to have the perfect day out, celebrating nature and the joy of playing with Bluey!”

With inclusivity at the heart, the Family Zone will host BSL storytelling on selected dates and the gardens will be acknowledging World Autism Day on Tues 2 April, with reduced capacity along the trail. Whether it’s young families looking for a jam-packed day, or grandparents seeking to make new memories in a beautiful botanical setting, Bluey at Wakehurst is guaranteed to deliver laughter, discovery and lots of fun this Easter.

Throughout the gardens, spring brings the landscape to life, reflecting the colourful palette of the show itself, as striking magnolia arches over winding boardwalks, bright daffodils line the borders of Mansion Pond, and an array of bold rhododendrons adorn the gardens. A dazzling carpet of bluebells greets visitors in Bethlehem Wood, as they embark on an adventure ‘down under’ into the Australia Zone at Coates Wood, home to a unique collection of Wollemi pines. Thought to be extinct until 30 years ago, Wollemi pines date back to the time of the dinosaurs,

Elsewhere in the gardens, budding Nature Heroes will also have the chance to earn their second badge of the year in a special plant-saving mission Plant Pals, on a quest to understand what plants need to thrive.

For tickets and more information, visit: www.kew.org/wakehurst

Bluey © Ludo Studio

EXPLORE AND PLAY OUTDOORS WITH BLUEY AND WAKEHURST THIS EASTER

Bluey at Wakehurst botanic garden in Sussex, Weds 27 March - Sun 14 April

DO SOMETHING AMAZING FOR MARTLETS IN 2024

Every year Martlets help thousands of terminally ill people to make the most of the precious time they have left. Now the Sussex hospice charity is asking supporters to do something amazing to support them. With a new year ahead, Martlets is sharing a host of exciting challenges people can take on to raise vital funds for the charity. These range from once-in-alifetime treks across Iceland and the Sahara desert to closer to home adventures such as the South Coast Ultra Challenge and Thorpe Park 5 or 10k runs. Whether it’s a family trip in memory of a loved one, a special weekend away with friends or to achieve a personal fitness goal, choosing to take part in an event and raise funds for a valued local charity is bound to make 2024 a year to remember.

The calendar of events kicks off next month (Feb) when supporters who have registered for a place can run the Brighton, Paris or Barcelona marathons on behalf of Martlets.

Sussex, this popular run takes in Beachy Head, the magnificent Seven Sisters, the South Downs Way, and Devil’s Dyke before finishing in historic Arundel. Run 25K, 50K or the full 100K

Highlights for 2024 include: Brighton Half Marathon (Sun 25 Feb), Barcelona Marathon (Sun 10 March), Brighton Marathon (Sun 7 April) or Paris Marathon (Weds 10 April). Make it a weekend to remember by taking part in a fundraising fun in some of Europe’s greatest cities.

The Amsterdam Half / Full Marathon (Sun 20 Oct). Join over 47,000 runners from over 140 countries to run a scenic course along the Amstel River and through the Rijksmuseum and Vondelpark in one of Europe’s most celebrated cities.

The Guildford Inflatable 2.5K Obstacle Course (Sat 11 May). A fun event where participants can choose to bounce from 2.5K, 5K, 10K or 15K through the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course. Run Thorpe Park (Sun 8 Sept). Run 5K or 10K around the Surrey theme park’s rides and rollercoasters. Following the race, runners can make use of the rides as part of their race entry. The South Coast Ultra Challenge (Sat 7 – Sun 8 Sept). Starting in Eastbourne, East

Martlets’ headline event, the Northern Light Trek, takes place from Fri 1 - Tues 5 Nov. Hosted by the Different Travel Company, you can join #TeamMartlets on a magical journey through the otherworldly natural landscapes of Iceland. Spend three days trekking across fields of geothermal activity with bubbling mud pools and hot springs, the peaks of the Mount Hengill heritage site and the fault lines between Europe and America. With luck, walkers might even catch a glimpse of the incredible aurora borealis. Martlets is a local charity that provides terminally ill people in

Brighton & Hove, and surrounding areas, with the very best care and support. Martlets’ expert team helps patients live life to the full during the precious time they have left. Most people receive care from Martlets in their own homes. Outpatients also visit our hospice for pain relief, physiotherapy, counselling, welfare advice and social activities. Others choose to spend their final days at the hospice, or to stay as inpatients for respite care or symptom management. Hayley Kenward, senior fundraising executive at Martlets, said: “Every penny supporters raise through these events would help keep Martlets caring. Each year we’re blown away by the efforts of our supporters who take on treks and runs, sometimes for the first time, to give back to a charity that’s close to their hearts. The money they raise makes an enormous difference to us, whether it’s £50 or £5,000, because it allows us to keep caring for people facing the toughest of times.” To find out more about how to get involved in a fundraising event on behalf of Martlets, visit: www. martlets.org.uk/take-part

streets will be invaluable to all the participants, adding to the atmosphere and ensuring a great day out in Brighton. Whether supporting at the Start, handing out water along the course, or being there to celebrate and hand over that much-deserved medal to each finisher, there is a role for everyone.

Brighton Marathon Weekend returns this April! The biggest annual celebration of running in the city, the Brighton Marathon Weekend, returns Sat 6 April to Sun 7 April, and, whether participating or not, everyone has the chance to get involved. Originally launched in 2010, the Brighton Marathon has grown to become the third largest marathon in the UK. But Brighton Marathon Weekend is much more than the 26.2-mile challenge, as it has two other distances on offer. The Brighton Miles is a free one-mile event for all the family and the BM10K is one of the most picturesque 10Ks in the country. Organised by London Marathon Events since December 2022, Brighton Marathon Weekend transforms the city for one weekend only and promises to be a festival to remember. Sunday’s Brighton Marathon may be sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be part of the occasion. To take your support to the next level, the 2024 Brighton Marathon Weekend is still accepting volunteer applications. Those who line the

www.bit.ly/BMvol24 The weekend kicks off on Sat 6 April, with the launch of the rebranded Brighton Miles at Preston Park. For the first time, the free one-mile distance is now open to everyone and offers a great chance to enjoy the atmosphere with family and friends. If you are running on Sunday, why not use the lastminute jog as a warmup? The city will be transformed on Sun 7 April as the streets are filled with runners, joggers and walkers ready to take on the picturesque coastal BM10K route or the iconic Brighton Marathon on closed roads. Taking in the city and coast, both events share a Finish Line on Hove Lawns, where the celebrations will run throughout the day at the Beach Village festival zone. It’s a weekend where the whole city comes out to celebrate, and where everyone plays their role – from those pounding the pavements to those cheering them over the Finish Line. It is not too late to be involved. You can still take on the BM10K or the Brighton Miles, both of which are open for entries here: www.letsdothis.com

BN1 MAGAZINE 9

NEWS

ATTENBOROUGH CENTRE FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS LAUNCHES SPRING SEASON Featuring an abundance of carefully curated contemporary music, performance, screenings and talks, Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA), the Brighton-based arts centre at the University of Sussex, has released details of 2024’s Spring Season. Highlights include Ros Atkins revealing his secrets of what makes a good explanation on Tues 6 Feb. The BBC journalist and presenter will be drawing on many years of experience in news reporting, and discussing his recent book The Art of Explanation: How to Communicate with Clarity and Confidence. The Sussex Archaeological Society present their inaugural Long Man Lecture on Weds 28 Feb with Oxford University and BBC historian, Dr Janina Ramirez. Her latest book, Femina, looks at the history of the Middle Ages and ‘the women who were written out of it’. On Thurs14 March, ACCA and Brighton-based arts collective Lost Property copresent Penumbra, a new experimental performance by vocalist Dali de Saint Paul, electronic composer and double bassist Maxwell Sterling and visual artists Charlie Hopeand Rebecca Salvadori. Growing from a Late Junction session, this new commission by the Outlands Network comprises live improvised music structured by a prepared video and lighting score. Blending experimental electronica with ambient and classical music, British producer and composer, Clark, brings his immersive soundscapes to ACCA on Thurs 21 March. His latest album, Sus Dog, was mentored and executive produced by Thom Yorke, who sings and plays bass on the track Medicine. On Tues 16 April, ACCA presents OUT by artist Ray 10 BN1 MAGAZINE

Young, as part of a UK-wide tour. This vibrant dance performance is a conversation between two bodies, exploring cultural dissonance as it seeks to reclaim Dancehall and celebrate queerness. As part of University of Sussex’s Climate Justice Week, there will be a screening of artist Emma Critchley’s 2019 film, Common Heritage, on Tues 23 April. Critchley’s film is an urgent response to the rush of deep-sea mining for rare earth minerals, exposing how reverberant layers of industrialisation, colonialism and territorial claim have affected the way we relate to our environment. Dystopian science fiction motifs are harmonised with a poetic montage of deep-sea exploration archive footage. The University of Sussex presents its fourth annual Pitch for the Planet student sustainability innovation competition on Weds 24 April. In this Dragon’s Den style event, students are tasked with presenting game-changing ideas to a panel of expert judges for the chance to win up to £30,000 seed-funding to turn their ideas into reality. Last year’s pot was awarded to a project to develop the biomaterial mycelium from hair trimmings collected from hair salons and barbers; the introduction of laundry detergent, hand soap and washing up liquid filling stations to campus; and a project to develop ‘Ecoshields’ to protect seawalls. At the end of Climate Justice Week, Belgian theatre artists Silke Huysmans and Hannes Dereere present Out of the Blue on Sun 28 April. The final part of an acclaimed trilogy, it focuses on deep-sea mining. We know more about the surface of the moon than we do about the bottom of the ocean and only ten percent of the ocean floor has been mapped. From their small apartment in Brussels, Silke

Ray Young OUT Image credit: Marcus Hessenberg

and Hannes connect with three ships, each representing pillars of the public debate: industry, science and activism. Through a series of interviews and conversations, an intimate portrait of the deep-sea mining industry emerges. Out of the Blue is an attempt to capture a potentially pivotal moment in the history of our planet. ACCA’s Creative Director, Laura McDermott, said: “We are proud to present a public programme of art that provokes debate. In April, as part of Climate Justice Week at University of Sussex, ACCA will host a number of artworks which ask searching questions about deep sea mining, and how it could affect the world’s seas, oceans and our global ecosystem.” Music Producer Laura Ducceschi added: “The ongoing development of our music programme is a shared journey between ACCA, the artists and the audience. We programme with ambition and are committed to bringing varied and unique work to the city. Our audience ‘family’ also informs our confidence in showcasing experimental

work. We’ve learned to trust each other and that enables us to take braver programming decisions, knowing there is an appetite for something beyond the traditional gig. We also work behind the scenes to support artists to develop their practice.” For more information, head over to: www.attenboroughcentre.com Dakha Brakha

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NEWS

THE RUBIX VT BRIGHTON HALF MARATHON On Sun 25 Feb, the Rubix VT Brighton Half Marathon will bring 10,000 runners to a fast, flat 13.1-mile course along the city’s seafront. Now in its 34th year, this UKA-certified event will be started by Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas CBE. One of the most iconic and respected figures in world rugby, Thomas was the first Welsh player to reach 100 caps and captained both Wales and the British & Irish Lions. He’s continued to use his platform to champion issues close to him, sharing his own experiences with mental health in his awardwinning autobiography Proud (2014), followed by Stronger (2021). In 2019, Gareth bravely told the world he was living with HIV. His BBC documentary, Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me, aired shortly afterwards and he has since launched a UK wide Tackle HIV campaign to help others with prejudice surrounding HIV. Thomas said: “I am delighted to be supporting the Brighton Half Marathon which raises vital funds for local HIV charity The Sussex Beacon, an organisation which provides specialist care and support for people living with HIV and their families. Brighton is an incredible city; I am really looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere on race day!” General Entry places for the Brighton Half Marathon are now sold out, but runners can still enter via one of the following charities including Say Aphasia, Taylor Made Dreams, Cystic Fibrosis Trust, WWF UK, Raystede and Grassroots. The event also features a wheelchair race which is sponsored by Yeomans Toyota, as well as a 1-mile youth race started by DJ and presenter Woody Cook, and a charity relay race. The annual event is organised by E3 Sports Events on behalf of The Sussex Beacon.

Every year the race welcomes the support of hundreds of volunteers to help with course marshalling, drink stations, baggage facilities and handing out medals and goody bags. The main race starts at 9:30am on Madeira Drive, next to the iconic Palace Pier, before winding its way around some of Brighton’s most iconic sites including Brighton Marina, The Royal Pavilion, The Grand Hotel, the i360, The West Pier and the colourful Hove Beach Huts. The flat course is ideal for beginners and more seasoned runners chasing a personal best. further information, or to For get involved, sprint to: www. brightonhalfmarathon.com

educated, motivated, successful role models who have not allowed adversity to stand in their way. Never before has such a group been seen together under one roof, but the thing that really sets this show apart from others is the inclusion of a fully immersive installation room. Whilst the main show of the artists current practice will take place in the Rank Gallery, a TCT requirement for entry is that each artist produce a unique piece, solely for this show, which looks inward and explores something deep within them - something rarely seen in public view.

Tea, Coffee & Tequila Present ‘Unapologetic’ After the standout success of their initial show in December, Tea Coffee & Tequila are back with a new event – Unapologetic. This all-female group show will be displaying some of the most exciting and successful artists from the UK. Tea Coffee & Tequila is the brainchild of artists Louise Duggan and Bobby Dazzler, and will be bringing this bold and compelling exhibition to Chichester’s Oxmarket Contemporary on Tues 6 – Sun 18 Feb. Each respected artist has been hand-picked for inclusion not only for their artistic prowess, but also because of their success in addition to their practice. They are business leaders, gallery owners, working mothers, highly

These works will form the basis of the installation room in the Wilson Gallery – a powerful, touching, emotionally charged and fully immersive viewer experience. You may think you know these artists – but get ready for an insight into their lives that celebrates their success ‘in spite of…’. This is an inspirational show designed to offer something for everyone. Artists include Ruth Mulvie, Hannah Shillito, Sarah Arnett, Pam Glew, Haus of Lucy, Alice Hesketh, Georgie Wheeler, Alexandra Barto, Ellie Pompili, Jane Wilson, Andi Hazelden, Bob & Eve, Meghan Durham, Jessie Woodward & Louise Duggan. For more details, head to: www.teacoffeetequila.com

Help Regenerate the Trafalgar Street Underpass The Brighton Toy and Model Museum is inviting local businesses to join their Crowdfunder campaign by offering rewards for contributors, a strategy they’ve found effective in encouraging public donations. They are seeking exclusive experiences or products worth at least £30 to offer as rewards. In appreciation of your generous support, your business will gain prominent exposure on the Crowdfunder page, highlighting your contribution. Furthermore, rewards exceeding £50 will be featured across our social media channels, extending your business’s visibility. Your participation not only aids in enhancing the museum but also supports the broader independent business community in Brighton, fostering positive developments within the area. The Brighton Toy and Model Museum founded by the passionate collector and model aficionado, Chris Littledale, in 1991, has become an internationally recognized centre dedicated to preserving the illustrious era of toy and model making from Britain and Europe. In collaboration with Benedict O’Looney Architects and the Railway Heritage Trust, they’ve received approval for significant enhancements, including the renovation of the Victorian arches’ ageing brickwork, the installation of large windows to brighten the street while unveiling the museum’s hidden wonders. The crowdfunder and more info about the project can be seen here: crowdfunder. co.uk/p/north-laine-gateway.

NEWS

NEW SCULPTURE ART TRAIL COMES TO LEONARDSLEE LAKES AND GARDENS FOR 2024 Showcasing local artists from Sussex and Surrey, Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens and the Surrey Sculpture Society have launched a new collaboration for 2024. The Society, which has previously exhibited during the summer months at the West Sussex estate, has designed and curated a new Art Walk featuring over 100 sculptures. The exhibition will run year-round in the Grade I Listed gardens, with admission included in the entrance price to Leonardslee. The design of the Art Walk and the artful location of each sculpture take advantage of the setting with its diverse range of trees and shrubs, often rare and threatened in the wild. The trail winds down to the estate’s seven lakes and conveniently ends with a return shuttle service. Visitors are treated to an extensive exhibition of affordable sculptures, starting from just £175, in a range of styles and sizes, suitable for almost any garden or home. The works are by both established and emerging artists and are made in a wide range of materials including bronze, resin, glass, metal, wood, stone, ceramic and found objects. Adam Streeter, general manager at Leonardslee Lakes and Garden, said: “Leonardslee is becoming a centre for the arts in the Southeast. With the opening of the new sculpture trail, we will be launching a programme of events for children and schools in 2024, with guided tours and activities, so that everyone can fully enjoy the art in the special setting of the gardens. There are also plans for workshops where visitors can meet with the artists to create their own personal pieces of art.”

Artists Open Houses

As well as an outdoor trail, there is a new indoor sculpture exhibition situated within Leonardslee House with plans to expand the collection further into its sister property, Mannings Heath Estate just three miles away. The venue, with its 240 acres of gardens and lakes, parkland and forests, has a range of visitor facilities for snacks, lunch and dinner, as well as a gift shop, garden centre and a ‘magical world in miniature’ at the popular Beyond the Dolls’ House exhibition.

MAY 2024

Registration Closes 28 February

“It’s a joy to work with the team at Leonardslee who are as passionate about bringing art and sculpture to the public as the society,” added Surrey Sculpture Society’s exhibition manager, Abby Martin. “The opportunity to take our relationship with the estate to a new level is very exciting. This year-round venture will allow us to exhibit sculptures for longer, rotating the works so that there are always new features, new works and new artists to see, to keep the trail alive and evolving.”

For ticket details and visitor information, visit: www.leonardsleegardens.co.uk

Faye Bridgewater’s Studio: Syl Ojalla

Admission to the Surrey Sculpture Society’s Sculpture Art Walk Trail is included in the entrance price to Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Brighton Road, Lower Beeding, Horsham, RH13 6PP. The venue is open daily from 9am - 4pm, off-peak in the autumn and winter, and 9am - 5pm in the spring and summer.

aoh.org.uk BN1 MAGAZINE 13

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NEWS

Family fun this half term at London Transport Museum: Women At Work (C) London Transport Museum This half term, London invites families to embark on an educational journey through its vibrant galleries, celebrating the remarkable women who have revolutionised the transport and engineering sectors in the city. As we delve into history, we uncover the challenges faced by women in the 19th century, where job opportunities were scarce and underpaid, and the transport industry remained a distant dream for many. Embark on a Creative Journey This Half Term at the Museum! This half term, the museum transforms into a hub of creativity and learning for families, offering an array of activities that cater to children and adults alike. From the self-guided “Design a Sign” Family Trail to the hands-on “Transport Heroine Zine-Making Workshop,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Design Your Own Road Sign!

who played pivotal roles in shaping London’s transport system. From Helen Clifford, the first female bus mechanic at London Transport, to Susan Atyeo, the pioneering signal woman, and Margaret Okwanga, a notable Catering Supervisor, this workshop allows participants to craft a zine dedicated to their chosen transport heroine, contributing to a growing display within the museum or taking it home to share with friends and family. Discover and Create with ‘Dare to Dream’ The museum also offers daily familyfriendly guided tours and crafts in the new Global Poster Gallery, suitable for children aged 4+. Join Simran, a puppet character from one of the featured posters by contemporary artist Esther Cox, and explore the works of great female artists who have portrayed London through their art. After the tour, children can engage in crafting activities, creating a wheel of their favourite London highlights.

Daily, for children aged 5 and up, the museum invites budding designers to embark on the “Design a Sign” Self-Guided Family Trail. Inspired by Margaret Calvert’s iconic work from the 1950s, this activity encourages participants to explore the museum’s galleries, drawing inspiration from a plethora of signs, both historic and contemporary, to create their very own transport sign.

Interactive Exhibits and Historic Vehicles

Celebrate Transport Heroines

Fun for Toddlers and Dining Options

During weekdays, children aged 7+ can delve into the “Transport Heroine Zine-Making Workshop,” a 45-minute session that shines a light on nine influential women

exploring the ‘Lost Property Office’. For dining, the museum’s café bar, Canteen, offers a selection of tasty treats and a chance to relax with views over Covent Garden Piazza. Memorable Mementos Conclude your visit by browsing the museum shop, where you’ll find an exclusive range of transportinspired toys, gifts, clothing, homeware, and vintage posters, perfect for commemorating a day filled with discovery and fun. This half term, the museum is the place to be for families looking to combine education with entertainment, offering a rich tapestry of activities that celebrate the contributions of women to London’s transport history and inspire the next generation of creators and innovators.

February Half Term: Women at Work Saturday 10 February-Sunday 18 February 2024, all day

www. ltmuseum. co.uk

Don’t miss the chance to climb aboard historic vehicles, including the iconic red Routemaster and the vintage 1938 stock Tube train. The Future Engineers gallery offers a unique opportunity to ‘drive’ an Elizabeth line train, alongside various interactive exhibits designed to engage and educate.

The All Aboard playzone is specially designed for toddlers, featuring activities like playing bus conductor, repairing a mini Tube train, and (C) London Transport Museum

BN1 MAGAZINE 15

VISIT RAYSTEDE

Pictured - Elsie and Proki

This February Half Term and discover the way to an animal’s heart. Love will be in the air this February as Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare holds a series of free Family Learning Days during the school half term holiday. On Tues13 - Thurs 15 Feb, visitors will be encouraged to follow the trail around Raystede’s beautiful 43-acre site to discover the various ways to the hearts of the wide variety of animals on site. For example, what will make a cat purr with pleasure, what would make a guinea pig squeak with joy and how to make a dog’s tail wag with excitement. From 10am – 4pm, these Family Learning Days are FREE for all to enjoy, but a ticket must be booked in advance, as numbers are limited, and these events get booked up quickly. Tickets can be booked www.raystede.org/visit-us/book-yourvisit. Other activities for families will include the opportunity to hear more about the lives of the many furry and feathered friends who call Raystede home by joining an animal talk, taking place daily at 11am and 2.30pm. Plus little ones can have fun creating a happy home poster for their favourite animal and enjoy some heartwarming films too. Visitors will also be able to claim a 10% discount in the on-site café. Book a Family Learning Day spot to claim this special offer when you spend 16 BN1 MAGAZINE

£10 or more. The café is the perfect spot to enjoy a selection of hot and cold food, drinks, snacks and tasty homemade cakes. Emma Young, Senior Education Officer at Raystede said: “As well as rescuing, rehoming and providing sanctuary to over 1,800 animals every year, Raystede is also committed to helping people understand more about animals and how they can care for the pets they have at home. “Our free Family Learning Days are a fun way for children to start to learn about the different animals in our care, as well as the importance of animal welfare.” On Thurs 15 Feb, Raystede’s friendly pet advice team will also be available, including: • • • • • •

Qualified dog behaviourist on hand to answer questions General advice from our friendly Education Team Free poo bags Microchip and weight checks and guidance Detailed info and leaflets to take away with you Guidance about the pets you have, and the pets you would like to have!

To book a place at the Family Learning Day visit www.raystede.org/family-learning-days

Raystede is a charity that aims to give animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation and sanctuary, and give people the support and knowledge they need to treat animals with care and respect. Raystede cares for up to 400 animals every day, including cats, horses, dogs, rabbits, hens and exotic birds. Many of the animals have been neglected, abused or exploited. Raystede helps most of the animals find new homes but also provides life-long sanctuary for elderly horses and other animals that cannot be rehomed. Raystede provides love and safety to those animals that would have nowhere else to go.

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, The Broyle, Ringmer, East Sussex, BN8 5AJ 01825 840252

BN1 MAGAZINE 17

Back to the 90s:

Bobby Ward’s Reflective Dive into Music, Letters, and Analog Connections

The second series of remarkable encounters from the local rock stallwalt Bobby Ward.

Art Wood (brother of Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones on) on stage with Bobby and his band

In an exclusive interview with BN1 Magazine, Bobby Ward, the frontman of Stonewall Gardens, and the former band Wildkatz, reflects on a time when communication was more personal and the music industry less digital. “This modern world of social media, with its endless platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, is undoubtedly a boon,” he says, “but there’s something undeniably refreshing about the tangible connection of a handwritten letter. It’s a relic of the 90s, a time when we somehow managed without the internet, and the world spun on just fine.”

the famous Charlie Skarbek, but a disappointing decision after all the promo had started meant a last minute drop and no Australia Rugby World Cup deal. All the songs can be viewed at the Stonewall Gardens site with Wildcatz performing

Bobby fondly recalls receiving a letter from Phil Collins, a testament to a bygone era. He met Collins at Lakers Farm, where Phil lived with his thenwife Jill and daughter Lilly. “Jill’s kindness was pivotal in my meetings with Phil,” Bobby recalls.

Bobby’s career was a whirlwind of high-profile performances, including jam sessions at Eddy Grant’s house in Barbados with artists like Fuzzy Samuels of Crosby Stills & Nash. He chuckles as he recounts the Happy Mondays’ exploits at Blue Wave Studios, where even the Rolling Stones prepared for their ‘Steel Wheels’ tour.

During one visit, he presented Collins with a video of his original material. The response, detailed in a letter, compared his dancing to that of Mick Jagger and Michael Jackson – a high compliment in Bobby’s eyes. His solo project, Artful Dodger, caught Collins’ attention, leading to an extensive correspondence with Hit ‘n’ Run Music, Collins’ record label. “Phil went out of his way to help me,” Bobby says, his admiration evident. One letter, sent to Peter Waterman of Stock Aitken Waterman and signed by Julie Braconnier, highlights Collins’ belief in Bobby’s potential. “Phil was optimistic about my material being chart-worthy,” Bobby shares, a hint of pride in his voice. The 90s also brought some regrets, notably Bobby’s failure to trademark ‘Artful Dodger,’ a name later adopted by another artist. But his journey didn’t end there. By the late 90s, Bobby was headlining for audiences of over 50,000 and signed a Sony Production deal with his band, Wildkatz in 2001, produced by

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live for the Sony showcase concert at the Eel Pie Twickenham (under videos), featuring the band’s guest the late great Art Wood on stage (brother of Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones). Consequently, the album produced by Charlie Skarbeck also features Jesse Wood on lead guitar (Ronnie Wood’s son).

Then there were private laughs with Keith Richards (late 90’s). Time spent with Bill Wyman and his wife in France. Laughs with Roger Moore (007) and his wife in St Paul de Vence (2010). Enjoying late nights with Cilla Black together with Paul O’Grady in the Bacou Nightclub (2001). Shaking hands and chatting with Chuck Berry – after jumping on stage with him, the list goes on… As he reminisces about sharing stages with iconic acts like The Downliners Sect, Atomic Rooster and a plethora of others, it’s clear that Bobby Ward’s journey through the music landscape is as much a story of personal connections as it is of artistic evolution. In a world dominated by digital interactions, his memories serve as a reminder of the enduring power of a handwritten letter and the unbreakable bonds forged in the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll.

BE PART OF SOMETHING HISTORIC this Spring Bobby’s Glimpse into the Thatcher Legacy In a candid blog post recently shared with BN1 Magazine, Bobby Ward, known as ‘Brighton Bobby’ in the halls of Number 10, recounts his unique friendship with Margaret Thatcher’s son Mark, and his wife Diane. Ward’s connection with the Thatchers began in 1988. He recalls a few years later in 1990, in a phone call to Mark Thatcher in Dallas Texas, who confided that his mother was taking her departure from Downing Street “really badly”. This revelation prompted Ward to consider carefully what to share about his years in the political inner circle. Opting for discretion out of respect, he chose to recount only a few humorous anecdotes. One such story involves a telephone call to Number 10, resulting in it being put through to the flat above with the phone being answered by the Prime Minister herself! On the memorable occasion, she explained that she was rather busy due to the first televised Prime Minister’s Questions. Thatcher, ever gracious, informed him of her busy schedule, prompting an apologetic Ward to end the call from his car phone – a novelty at the time. The friendship with Mark Thatcher spanned several years, with attempts to meet often thwarted by conflicting schedules. Despite this, Ward and the Thatchers maintained a cordial relationship, with no discussions of business – Mark was more interested in

Ward’s music career. Ward’s lighthearted nature even led him to tease Mark about his infamous misadventure in the Sahara, which the latter took in good spirit. A highlight of their friendship was a planned dinner at Stringfellows Hippodrome on December 30, 1988. Ward, arriving at Claridge’s with a bottle of Dom Perignon, was ready for a memorable night with Mark and Dianne. The evening was marked by heavy security, a consequence of Mark Thatcher being under an IRA death threat – a fact unknown to Ward until the following day’s headlines revealed it. This revelation led Ward to reflect on his own experience with a death threat during his music career, understanding Mark’s reticence to discuss the matter. The friendship, however, slowly faded after Mark and Diane’s divorce. Yet, the memories of those calls to Number 10 and Dallas, the laughter, and the unique experiences they shared remain a testament to the unexpected paths life can take. Ward’s journey from performances at Glastonbury, his career in music, to the heart of British politics is not just a story of friendship but a narrative that intertwines the worlds of rock ‘n’ roll and political history in a most unusual way.

More stories, music and his latest releases at: www. stonewallgardens.uk

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NEWS

Weald & Downland Living Museum announces its Historic Building and Traditional Skills Learning Opportunities for 2024

he acclaimed Weald & Downland Living Museum has expanded its comprehensive 2024 learning program with an array of new courses, in addition to the return of favoured courses from past years. Deborah Hodson, Head of Learning at the Museum, said: “Maille making, bath stone carving and making copper ladles and copper cups are just some of the traditional skills courses we have introduced to our 2024 courses list. The growing interest in working with flax has also seen us re-introduce a course that demonstrates how our ancestors processed the flax plant into linen fabric. We are also bringing back popular courses such as traditional Sussex trug making, hurdle making and coracle making.” Many of the courses hosted at the Museum are classed as endangered heritage crafts, meaning there are concerns about their ongoing viability. The Museum is passionate about ensuring these craft skills are kept alive and passed onto future generations.

White Shores Photography

The learning programme at the Weald & Downland Living Museum ranges from one-day introductory experiences to more extensive courses that cover a wide variety of historical skills and trades - from caring for heavy horses, bronze sword making and falconry to weaving, spinning and printmaking. For those looking to

gain a formal qualification, the Museum also runs two MSc programmes in Timber Building Conservation and Building Conservation. “Lifelong learning and the promotion of endangered crafts and trades is a key element of the Museum’s work to ensure they survive into the future. We are always amazed at the range of people who choose to come and learn with us, from skilled tradespeople looking to expand their knowledge in traditional building and conservation to those wanting to discover more about rural life in the past or acquire a new hobby. All are welcome,” said Deborah. All the fascinating courses on offer make use of the Museum’s historic exhibit buildings and collection of artefacts as well as its inspiring landscape and regionality, giving course participants access to a unique learning environment. “Our courses start from £45 per person and are taught by expert practitioners, who are enthusiastic about their craft and always generous in sharing their knowledge and skills. Whether you are looking for a new hobby or to learn a new skill, we have something for you.” To find out more about the Weald & Downland Living Museum 2024 courses visit www.wealddown.co.uk/courses

Oh hello, Lyndsey here, your friendly City Concierge!

Ah February, the month of Amour and we are in LOVE with Brighton this February (I’m going to see how many times I can say LOVE this month!) It’s been a very exciting start to 2024 for us, I have been recognised as one of the top 100 inspiring female entrepreneurs in the country as part of the Small Business Britain f:Entrepreneur campaign (see our feature on page X) AND we officially launched our new Business Club, the Connected100 to promote the best brands that we LOVE in the city, providing them with fortnightly networking events to nurture this fab community and put more pounds into independent business. Why? Because we LOVE local. Connected Brighton was born to help provide connection to individuals through our Social Concierge service, by supporting local, showcasing our best venues, activities and experiences to help you LOVE the city you call home.

This month we are treating our Social Club members to Thai Dinners, Movie Nights, Drag Shows and Sunday Roasts at some of our favourite venues. Always bespoke, curated and locally led. Find out how you can join in the party on our website and try us out, a new social circle awaits! Our top tip for going out this month, whether you are celebrating Galentine’s or Valentine’s, check out the lunch menu at Dilsk, at just £35 this brings affordable luxury from this Michelin featured restaurant. For something completely different take your loved one to the Royal Pavilion tea room and take in the splendour (and nose about the gift shop of beautiful things), or get down to the Brighton Palace Pier for a date filled with seaside fun to play the arcades, grab some chips (though watch those hungry seagulls) and watch the murmurations. And remember if you are looking for new romantic connections then

head to our sister brand The Single Sessions for monthly cocktail evenings at The Southern Belle designed to get single city professionals together to mingle. We LOVE these nights! Want in on the action? Check out our website for all the details. Have a LOVE filled February LOVE, Lyndsey www.connectedbrighton.com / www.thesinglesessions.co.uk

BN1 MAGAZINE 21

WIN N U F IA IV R T E C A F IZ U Q ! N O W E B O T S E IZ R P AND t the Bewilder a r u fo f o m a te r u rize for you and yo ting in this month’s Quiz Face p g n lli ri th is th in a W game by particip m o o R e p a c Es x o B competition! Experience the thrill of Brighton’s longest-running and most hilarious escape room at Bewilder Box, where the adventure begins even before the puzzles. Delight in their fully licensed bar and let the ‘liquid creativity’ lubricate your brain and kickstart your problem-solving prowess!

% 0 1 Off

Haven't locked horns with an escape room yet? Or maybe you haven't had the pleasure at Bewilder Box? Now's your chance! Enjoy an exclusive 10% discount on all bookings (excluding Saturdays) throughout February. Just use the code

BNQUIZFACE' at checkout. Get ready to engage your

' 22 BN1 MAGAZINE

wit and laughing gear alike!

QUIZWORD

The Quizword is like a crossword but a little bit more trivia based. Once completed, the letters in the pink boxes spell out a CODEWORD when rearranged. When you have figured it out email us at prizes@ quizface.co.uk FOR A CHANCE AT WINNING THIS MONTH’S PRIZE!

ACROSS

DOWN

Beryllium - Carbon - Potassium - Hydrogen -

Go to FLAGCEPTION which country’s flag has that black double

If US = Michael Scott what does UK equal to?

136 x 39,103 spells out what word when totalled up correctly and

what is the man holding in the picture?

squares are filled.

red leaf?

The three smallest countries in Europe are Vatican City,

country?

roll a double 3, then a double 6, then a double 1 in

10. Go to the TRANSLATOR section and figure out what word the

6. 8. 9. 11.

15.

17.

Americium spell out which Netflix documentary? In Grant Wood’s famous art piece American Gothic,

Go to WORDUKU to figure out the word when all the pink

Go to FLAGCEPTION which country’s flag has that I do my hair toss, Check my nails, Baby how you feelin’? Monaco and San Marino. What is the fourth smallest In the classic monopoly board setup, if you were to

monopoly where would you end upon the board?

12.

13.

14. 16.

headed bird and red background? turned upside down?

Go to the TRANSLATOR section and figure out what this flag

alphabet is called.

Bubble, drill and elephant are all powers you can obtain in

which 2023 Super Mario Bros game?

What do the words RACECAR, CIVIC and KAYAK have in

common? FYI it’s not a means of transport.

Go to SHEET MUSIC to see what word is being spelt in musical notes.

Yakko, Wakko and Dot are the animated trio from which T.V.

show?

flag alphabet is trying to spell out.

What colour in snooker is worth three points when potted?

Go to FLAGCEPTION which country’s flag has that green tree?

Index + middle finger, with your nails facing you. Is what sign to

the person opposite you?

North points to triangle, south points to cross, east points to

circle and west points to what?

More on page 25

BN1 MAGAZINE 23

Amazing creative experiences SIP AND PAINT WORKSHOPS ACROSS BRIGHTON AND BEYOND. PERFECT FOR A NIGHT OUT, TEAM BUILDING OR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. book s ticket

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24 BN1 MAGAZINE

WORDUKU

Fill out the grid using the letters above each Worduku. The letter in the pink boxes will make up a word, when rearranged. (8 ACROSS ON THE QUIZWORD)

FLAGCEPTION I managed to take parts of three countries flag to make up one flag. Can you figure out which countries I have used? (9 ACROSS\1 DOWN\13 DOWN ON THE QUIZWORD)

TRANSLATOR The image below shows a form of communication. We would like to know what this form of communication called and what it is spelling out in the image. The answers corrilate to two questions in the Quizword. (4 DOWN & 10 DOWN ON THE QUIZWORD)

SHEET MUSIC This piece of music spells out a word. (13 ACROSS ON THE QUIZWORD)

BN1 MAGAZINE 25

Senior Snippets:

signs of memory loss in Noticing the

older adults and what to do next

After visiting Mum, you leave feeling concerned. She had forgotten to take her medication again and a trip to the supermarket left her feeling agitated, as she couldn’t count the correct change for the cashier. Mum loved keeping on top of cleaning at home and now it looks as though nothing has been cleaned for weeks. You feel as though you’re losing focus at work, thinking often about Mum and hoping she is safe and well. What if the memory loss progresses and what are the next steps to ensure she stays happy and healthy? At Home Instead, we see families experience situations like this often. Memory loss is common in older adults, with 1 in 11 people over the age of 65 having a type of dementia (NHS 2023). It is important to spot the early signs of memory loss so you can help your loved one as soon as you notice a difference in their behaviour. These early signs can include: • Losing items around the house • Forgetting names or finding it difficult to find the right words • Forgetting recent conversations or events • Becoming lost in somewhere that was once familiar • Forgetting appointments and birthdays etc.

26 BN1 MAGAZINE

How can I help my older loved one? This can be a challenging time and we recommend that you contact the GP of the person who is experiencing memory loss, so they can be assessed by a healthcare professional. To help with your own feelings of worry whilst you cannot be there, it may be beneficial to introduce a home care helper so they can call in, ensure your loved one is safe and provide assistance around the home where it is needed. This means that you can spend quality time with your loved one whilst being there, rather than having to keep on top of household chores. They may also benefit from engaging in local community activities, or activities at home. Keeping mentally stimulated can build selfesteem, provide enjoyment, and could slow down the effects of dementia. Looking after someone who is experiencing memory loss can feel like a big responsibility but it’s important to remember you do not need to do it alone. Home Instead Brighton, Hove and Shoreham are here to help. We host regular and free Dementia Information Sessions, helping those in the local area to spot the early signs of dementia and we provide guidance on what to do next.

Our upcoming session will take place in March, so please get in touch if you would like to find out more by calling 01273 284090 or email admin.brighton@homeinstead.co.uk. We are always happy to have a chat and share our own advice. We can answer any questions you might have and help you to provide care at home for your loved one.

www.homeinstead.co.uk

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This course is not just for aspiring counsellors, it’s for anyone and everyone interested in self-development. l 25/26 May 2024 (Online) l or 27/28 July 2024 (Plumpton)

We are interviewing for our October 2024 intake now. Email info@thelinkcentre.co.uk to apply.

CERTIFICATE IN COUNSELLING SKILLS

l Feb 19th-29th April 2024 (10 evenings) This 30-hour online course is for anyone interested in learning basic counselling skills, which can be helpful for both personal and professional development.

FOUNDATION CERTIFICATE IN TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS THEORY l Starting October 2024 The TA Foundation Certificate is both a stand-alone course and the first year for those wanting to progress to our counselling and psychotherapy training.

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Bereavement Care is a FREE service designed to help and support people struggling

to deal with bereavement.

ereavement Care is a complimentary service dedicated to assisting individuals grappling with the challenges of losing a loved one. This organisation recognizes the multitude of tasks and emotional burdens that accompany such a loss, including funeral arrangements, notifying acquaintances, and handling the deceased's estate. Bereavement Care offers support, particularly after the funeral, a time when many begin to confront their new reality. Despite potential support from family and friends, Bereavement Care understands the unique difficulties faced, especially by those whose children have moved on to start their own families. Established in 2000 through a partnership with The Co-operative Funeralcare and other reputable funeral directors, Bereavement Care, formerly known as The Bereavement Centre, demonstrates a deep commitment to aiding individuals in navigating their grief journey over the short, medium, and long term. Bereavement Care provides a variety of free services aimed at supporting the bereaved. These include one-on-one sessions with qualified counsellors or befrienders in a confidential setting, wellbeing groups that offer a space to connect with others who understand the impact of loss, and friendship groups that facilitate monthly social gatherings for those experiencing bereavement. Furthermore, Bereavement Care offers educational sessions tailored for businesses, helping professionals understand and accommodate bereavement in the workplace. Additionally, recognizing the particular challenges of the first year of loss, Bereavement Care organises memorial services to honour and remember the departed, providing a communal space for mourning families. If you want more info please visit: www.bereavementcare.uk or call them on 08081 691922

28 BN1 MAGAZINE

The Rise of the Sourdough:

A Love Story Between Bacteria and Bread In the hallowed halls of artisanal food trends, one champion has risen above the rest, capturing the hearts, minds, and, most importantly, the taste buds of the connoisseur and the commoner alike. This is the tale of sourdough bread, a humble concoction of flour, water, and an invisible army of yeast and bacteria, which together embark on a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a bubbly, tangy loaf with a golden crust that could make even a French baker weep with joy.

Now, if you’re imagining that this requires the kind of equipment and precision one might find in a laboratory, fear not. The beauty of sourdough lies in its simplicity. All you need is flour, water, a jar, and a spoon. And patience. Did we mention patience?

But why, you may ask, has sourdough bread become the toast of the town? Beyond its delectable taste and mesmerising air pockets, sourdough boasts a bevy of benefits that would make even the most processed of white breads blush with inadequacy. For starters, the fermentation process breaks down phytates, making the minerals in the bread more bioavailable. This means your body can say “thank you” as it absorbs more nutrients than it would from your average loaf. Furthermore, the beloved tang of sourdough isn’t just for kicks; it’s a sign of lactic acid, which makes this bread a gut-friendly choice, potentially easing digestion for those with sensitive stomachs.

Once your starter is bubbly and robust, you’re ready to embark on the bread-making voyage. This involves mixing, kneading (a wonderful stress reliever, we might add), and then, the most crucial part – waiting. Sourdough does not rush. It will rise in its own sweet time, developing flavours and textures that can’t be rushed.

Yet, the allure of sourdough doesn’t stop at its health benefits. In an era where ‘doing it yourself’ has become a badge of honour, sourdough breadmaking stands as a testament to the patience and perseverance of home bakers everywhere. This is not a bread that tolerates haste. No, sourdough is the zen master of the bread world, teaching us the value of slowing down and appreciating the ferment. For the aspiring sourdough disciples out there, the journey begins with the creation of your very own sourdough starter – a frothy mix of flour and water that serves as the life force of your bread. This is where the magic happens, as wild yeast and bacteria from your kitchen (yes, they’ve been there all along, waiting for their moment in the spotlight) leap into action, fermenting the mixture and creating a living, breathing ecosystem in your very own jar. 30 BN1 MAGAZINE

Day by day, you’ll feed your starter with more flour and water, watching as it bubbles and grows, a tangible sign of the life within. It’s not unlike having a pet, really, except this one helps you make bread.

And then, after what seems like an eternity (but is actually just a day or so), the moment of truth arrives. Your loaf, scored and ready, goes into the oven. The heat works its magic, and what emerges is nothing short of a miracle: a crusty, golden loaf, with a soft, tangy interior, ready to be slathered with butter, jam, or perhaps to be savoured just as it is. But beyond the deliciousness, what making sourdough really offers is a connection. A connection to the ingredients, to the process, and to the long line of bakers throughout history who have nurtured their starters and shared their bread. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are those that require time, care, and a little bit of love. So, to the sceptics who might still be clinging to their presliced, plastic-wrapped loaves, we say this: give sourdough a chance. Embrace the bacteria, the fermentation, and the waiting. You might just find that in the world of bread, as in life, the best things come to those who wait.

VOLUNTEER AT

BRIGHTON MARATHON WEEKEND 6 - 7 APRIL 2024

HOW DO I REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER? If you are interested, please register for an account in our workforce portal. Once registered, you will then receive emails regarding available opportunities and more information on upcoming events. You can sign up for an account via the QR code below.

Scan the QR code to sign up! BN1 MAGAZINE 31

Image credit Zoe Montgomery

Image credit Jim Kirby

DAYS OF WONDER

Viewing Hove Museum of Creativity from a different perspective By Stuart Rolt

While many of the world’s cinema blockbusters are now made in Los Angeles, Mumbai or Qingdao, the medium’s development can be traced back to more humble beginnings on Britain’s south coast. It’s a point in history which is reflected in the extensive archive at Hove Museum Of Creativity, and now being explored through a new three-year project. “We wanted to make people in Brighton & Hove more aware of this collection, because it’s a fantastic introduction to early filmmaking,” Jamie Wyld tells me. He’s the Director of videoclub, a local platform for contemporary artists working in film, video and moving image. This is one of two organisations producing Days Of Wonder: an exploration and response to a unique resource. “The city was described as ‘Britain’s Hollywood’ in the early 1900s. When we did a pilot scheme, people were saying they had no idea that there was this history or this collection.” Inspired by one of Europe’s biggest archive of early film and media, which features about 8,000 different artefacts, Days Of Wonder is an opportunity for people to find out more about the collection and see art being made in response to it. Part of this is Wonder Lab, running at the museum on Sat 10 – Sun 12 Feb, when a selection of artists will be working at Hove Museum and engaging with the public. Anyone will be able to come in and make projections, paper-based work or experiment with celluloid. These include Bella Okuya, an interdisciplinary artist working across moving image, photography, and sound. She focuses primarily on documenting the inner and outer landscapes of Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour and socioeconomically diverse communities, blending elements of fiction with poetic imagery. Bella's work aims to capture the essence within the collective consciousness and is anchored by the three pillars of sound, silence and spirituality. 32 BN1 MAGAZINE

Also working on the project is Connor Turansky, who builds interactive experiences, worlds to be explored and designs mechanical contraptions. Their work combines photographic methodology with various mediums: mixed reality, paper engineering, electronics and projection mapping. Alongside them is Sapphire Goss, a multi-disciplinary artist working with moving image, photography and other lens-based methods. Using a hybrid of materials, like antique glass, paper, liquid lenses, inputs from public contributors and sound/data responsive elements, she creates work which grows, lives and decays beyond the edge of the image’s frame. Each will be experimenting at Wonder Lab to see how they can make and show work amongst the museum’s existing collections. “The film and media gallery will have some obvious resonance,” says Wyld. “But we’re really interested in how the artists will respond in the others.” The archive at Hove Museum of Creativity is as fascinating as it is extensive. It includes everything from paper and glass slides to Victorian optical toys. By blending a series of slightly different still images to create the impression of movement, novelties like the zoetrope exploited how the human eye worked to create a primitive precursor to modern TV and cinema. It’s already been a rich source of inspiration for the artists who worked on the pilot weekend. “When film was first developed, it only allowed for one minute to be shot at a time. So, we went back to that limit…” Elsewhere, the artefacts and ephemera chart the course of technological advances during the early years of filmmaking – including early cameras and projectors. It’s here where my knowledge of cinema reveals its lack of depth. Apparently showing an image in colour is more complicated than merely placing a

bright light behind some celluloid. “The development of colour took quite a long time. There was lots of experimentation globally about how to bring colour to film. Some of it was about mixing colours together, some of it was about taking colour away or adding slides. One in Hove has three mirrors inside, so the film was reproduced three times then brought back together with red, green and blue filters. So, it projects onto a screen in colour. It’s based on how pixels are now made on computer screens.” The archive also includes things like a camera from 1890, which was used by George Albert Smith, who had a studio in Brighton’s St Ann's Well Gardens. There’s also a wealth of information about the development of film locally, a tiny cinema which screens some of the earliest films contained in the collection and a sumptuous array of magic lanterns. “Some of the earliest ones are really beautiful. They’re powered by flame, so they have chimneys on top. They’re just stunning and wonderfully made.” It all drives home how much work and experimentation went into developing a medium which is so ubiquitous in modern society. Wyld tells me one of the earliest examples of editing took place at a studio in Brighton. Previously in movies, the action would be confined to a single scene shot from one angle. In what must have been almost as scandalous as it was revolutionary in 1899, a film called A Kiss In The Tunnel features a cutaway from one scene to another to tell a short story. “There’s a train going into a tunnel, then it changes to a set which looks like the interior of a carriage, where two people kiss. Then there’s a shot of the train leaving the tunnel. It’s odd to think that it had to be invented…” It’s difficult to say exactly why Sussex played such a prominent role in the development of film. Some suggest it’s to do with the light near the coast. In 1915, Shoreham Beach Film Studios was

built to overcome a lack of lighting powerful enough to reach every corner. “It was a greenhouse, with sets built inside it and sunlight lit everything. Apparently, the light in the southeast was very good. It was away from London where there was a lot of smog.” In many ways, videoclub are carrying forward this spirit of innovation. Established in 2005, this Brighton-based organisation works across the region, as well as nationally and internationally to promote film, video, digital culture. They run Dreamy Place (formerly Brighton Digital Festival) and offer regular screening programmes at places like Fabrica. They also arrange residency projects for disabled artists, run in conjunction with similar organisations around the world. There’s also a long-running project with Hong Kong colleagues, reflecting culture and the region’s relationship with China through moving images. “It’s about how artists are using video to make comments which are cultural or political.” Over the next three years, Days Of Wonder and its participating artists will be exploring new ways to immerse audiences in the rich history of film making. Work being created at Wonder Lab this month will also form part of an exhibition in May at Hove Museum as part of Brighton Festival. It’s a chance to be inspired and learn more about this fabulous collection. “We want people to come, get engaged, play and make things.” Days Of Wonder’s Wonder Lab is open to the public at Hove Museum Of Creativity on Sat 10 – Sun Feb (10am - 4pm). www.videoclub.org.uk www.bellaokuya.com www.connorturansky.com www.connorturansky.com

Steering Towards a Greener Future In an era where climate change is not just a distant threat but a present reality, the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles represents a significant leap towards mitigating environmental degradation. This shift is not merely a trend; it is an imperative transformation in our approach to mobility, necessitated by the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat global warming. As we navigate through the possibilities of electric and hybrid cars and the emerging prospect of hydrogen vehicles, it becomes clear that the road to a sustainable future is both promising and paved with innovative technologies.

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The Climate Change Imperative

The impact of climate change is undeniable, with rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common. Central to this environmental crisis is the role of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Energy Agency, the transport sector is responsible for nearly a quarter of global CO2 emissions, with the majority emanating from road vehicles. Electric and hybrid vehicles offer a viable solution to this challenge by significantly reducing emissions. Pure electric vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, while hybrid cars, which combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor, offer reduced emissions compared to their ICE counterparts. By transitioning to these greener alternatives, we can significantly curtail the environmental footprint of our transportation needs.

Electric and Hybrid Cars

The market for electric and hybrid vehicles has expanded dramatically, catering to a broad spectrum of preferences and budgets. From the budget-friendly Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Bolt EV, which offer practicality and affordability, to mid-range models like the Tesla Model 3 and the Hyundai Kona Electric, consumers have a wide array of choices. At the luxury end of the spectrum, the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan set the standard for high-performance electric vehicles, combining luxury with cutting-edge technology. When considering an electric or hybrid vehicle, potential buyers should assess factors such as battery range, charging infrastructure availability, vehicle warranty, and the total cost of ownership, including potential savings on fuel and maintenance.

The Dawn of Autonomous Electric Vehicles: Hyundai's IONIQ 5 Robotaxi

In an exciting development in the realm of electric vehicles, Hyundai has introduced an all-electric IONIQ 5-based robotaxi, which represents a significant leap towards fully autonomous driving. This cutting-edge vehicle is classified as an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) Level 4 autonomous vehicle, indicating its ability to operate safely and independently without the need for a driver's intervention. To bring this futuristic vision to life, Hyundai has collaborated with Motional, a trailblazer in the domain of driverless technology. Together, they have equipped the award-winning IONIQ 5 with a comprehensive suite of both hardware and software designed to ensure the highest levels of safety and security in driverless operation. This collaboration signifies a milestone in the journey towards fully autonomous transportation, merging Hyundai's automotive excellence with Motional's pioneering advancements in autonomous technology. A notable feature of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi is its integration of over 30 sensors, providing a robust safety net for autonomous operation. These sensors include an array of cameras, radar, and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) systems, which work in concert to deliver 360-degree perception, high-resolution imagery, and ultra-long-range detection of objects. This extensive sensory array is pivotal in navigating complex traffic environments and ensuring the safe conveyance of passengers.

The Promise of Hydrogen Cars

While electric and hybrid vehicles are making significant inroads, the prospect of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offers an intriguing glimpse into another sustainable mobility solution. Hydrogen cars, which convert hydrogen gas into electricity to power an electric motor, produce only water vapor as a byproduct, making them an exceptionally clean transportation option. However, the widespread adoption of hydrogen vehicles faces challenges, including the scarcity of hydrogen refueling stations, the high cost of fuel cell technology, and the need for sustainable hydrogen production methods. Despite these hurdles, advancements in technology and increased investment in hydrogen infrastructure could make hydrogen cars a more viable option in the future.

The Road Ahead

The transition to electric, hybrid, and potentially hydrogen vehicles is a crucial component of the global effort to combat climate change. Governments around the world are implementing policies to encourage this shift, including subsidies for electric vehicle purchases, investments in charging infrastructure, and stricter emissions regulations for ICE vehicles. As consumers become more environmentally conscious and technology continues to advance, the adoption of electric and hybrid cars is expected to accelerate. This shift not only represents an essential step in reducing our carbon footprint but also offers an opportunity to reimagine our relationship with transportation, emphasising sustainability, innovation, and efficiency. The movement towards electric and hybrid cars, along with the future potential of hydrogen vehicles and the advent of autonomous electric vehicles like Hyundai's IONIQ 5 robotaxi, embodies a hopeful trajectory towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. As we confront the realities of climate change, the choices we make today regarding our vehicles will have a lasting impact on the health of our planet. By embracing these green technologies, we not only contribute to the mitigation of environmental damage but also pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.

The design of the IONIQ 5 robotaxi goes beyond functionality, with a clear intention to communicate its advanced capabilities to the public. By making its self-driving technology visibly integrated, the robotaxi projects a message of reliability and safety, reassuring passengers and onlookers alike of its competence in autonomous travel. This approach not only highlights Hyundai's commitment to innovation but also fosters greater public trust in autonomous vehicle technology.

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CONNOR BURNS PHOTO CREDIT: MELODY JOY

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CONNOR BURNS

COMEDY

Scottish comedy sensation gives us Vertigo Selling out an Edinburgh Festival Fringe season last year, Connor Burns is also now having to add more dates to his debut UK tour - which includes a visit to Brighton’s Komedia on Sat 2 March. A punchline-packed performance, featuring relationships, submarines and the inevitable family drama, Vertigo is a Hilarious, relatable and a bit rude in places, Connor’s quick wit entwined with his sharp material has seen him become one of Scotland’s fastest rising comedy stars. From his highly controversial shocking suggestions for coping with the cost-of-living crisis if you have a big family, to his side-splitting fascination with accents and their effect when away from home and his hilarious aversion to drinking with Millennials, Burns makes the most of his exceptional wit to provide caustic observations on everything and anything, from the mundane quotidian to the meaning of life. Mark Wareham spoke to him at home in Edinburgh as he limbers up for the new tour and finds out what makes this fast-rising Scottish star tick.

Hi Connor. To a lot of people reading this, you’ll be a new name. Without wishing to make this sound like a job interview, can you tell us a bit about yourself. Absolutely. I’m Edinburgh born and raised, so I grew up around the Edinburgh Festival. Stand-up was always what I wanted to do, but I had a lot of terrible jobs growing up that I was very bad at. I worked as a waiter in a hotel, I was a delivery driver… I fixed washing machines for two years and when I handed in my resignation my boss said he’d never been so happy to see one hit his desk. Basically, I need comedy to work! I’ve tried everything else and I’m useless at it. I started stand-up when I was 23 and never looked back. I’m just trying not to mess it up… What about your family background? We’re a typical British working-class family. There’s a real value put on your ability to laugh at each other and take the piss. I’m not even the funniest member of my family. But I’ve figured out how to put it across a bit better. My siblings are all much older than me. My dad’s quite honest about it. He says I wasn’t a mistake. Just a surprise. How were your schooldays? Well, I never knew I wasn’t at a particularly good school until I left. My girlfriend went to a private school and when she told me about it, I was like, ‘What? No one ever got stabbed at your school?’ It definitely galvanises you. It always surprises me when people get their feelings hurt by jokes. I feel like I went to a boot camp for being impervious to insults. And at what age did you start thinking about comedy? I loved music and I was always in bands but

I realised pretty quickly I wasn’t going to be a professional musician. But I loved performing. Being Scottish, we all grew up watching Billy Connolly together, but it never really felt like something you could just do. Then I heard about open-mic nights where you just stand up and try. I’d done the best man’s speech at my brother’s wedding and people laughed so I thought maybe I can do it. Even though I waited two-and-a-half years to pluck up the courage… Your material is personal and wide-ranging, from stories about your dad to oral sex with your girlfriend. Is nothing off limits? It’s all risk vs reward. The riskier the topic, the more interesting my angle needs to be to justify the joke. I like the riskier stuff and my show tends to be slightly on the darker side. I always like to have a few lines where half the audience laughs and half go, ‘Oooh!’. But, generally, I’m an absolute idiot and there’s zero message. I’m just trying to say the silliest or worst thing I can to make people laugh. You’ve had five years on the circuit working up to your first national tour. How were your early gigs? I love the job now. I’ve been full-time for about a year and a half. But you couldn’t pay me any sum of money to go back and repeat the first two years. It was brutal. Doing gigs to the back of people’s heads sitting at a bar, interrupting the football. I once drove three hours for a gig in Inverness and there were nine people there. And six of them were the other comics on the bill!

on horribly. He said, ‘It’s this guy’s first gig. He’s probably super nervous. This could be an absolute car crash.’ But it was actually all right. Far better than my second gig… Have you been confused with Connor Burns the Tory MP? Yeah, I just need to get above him in the Google rankings. Unfortunately, after his scandal [he was sacked by Liz Truss for serious misconduct] I thought I had a chance, but annoyingly it seems to have improved his online profile. Looking to the future, is stand-up the big thing for you, or have you got one eye on the telly? I’d love to just be a stand-up, that’s the dream. The place I see myself is on stage telling jokes. I love the challenge of something new, but I’d definitely just like to be a touring comic. I’ll remind you of that in 10 years’ time when you’re starring in a sitcom. Exactly. I’ll be like, ‘Look, my priorities have changed!’ But seriously, looking at the little bit of acting I’ve had the chance to do, I don’t think I’ve unlocked a hidden natural talent. Nicely put. So now you’re firmly on the road to success, how are you finding it? You’ve been called Scotland’s fastest-rising comedy star…

What was your first comedy memory?

Yeah, I’ve had some nice reviews. It can sometimes be a poisoned chalice if you’re the next big thing, but I’m surrounded by people who are more than happy to tell me I ‘ain’t shit’ as the kids would say…

Probably my first ever gig. It was at the now defunct Yes Bar, which was an Independencethemed pub in Glasgow. The MC brought me

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COMEDY

GEOFF NORCOTT BASIC BLOKE

In his upcoming sixth tour across the UK, Geoff Norcott is set to navigate the complex waters of today’s cultural and political landscape with his uniquely playful yet pointed humour. Tackling the stark dullness of the major political parties and the overtly politicised messages embedded in commercials and movies, Geoff ventures into topics often bypassed by mainstream comedy. This tour, however, Geoff is on a specific quest. Beyond analysing the broader societal shifts, he’s keen on dissecting the modern-day “average guy.” Remember them? With the conduct of notable figures in comedy and entertainment under the microscope, Geoff’s pursuit to define what truly makes a “good bloke” is more pertinent than ever. Tell us about the show? I called it Basic Bloke because, recently, I realised almost everything about me is bang in the average range. My favourite food is curry, my favourite drink is lager. My shoe size is the average, as is my weight. I also inform the audience I’m the average height 5”9, and the nightly disbelief that I could even be that modest height is, frankly, hurtful.

What does it mean to be a bloke these days? I tend to think of blokes as different from men. We’ve seen a rise in ‘men’ being used as a pejorative for power and toxicity, but I’d argue your average bloke is none of those things. He’s just plodding on, with his heart in the right place but a pathological inability to remember the birthday of anyone he loves. Why do blokes want medals for doing housework? I spoke about this on my last tour. My generation were still mostly raised in fairly traditional households, which meant we saw our dads pick up the hoover as often as we saw our mums mow the lawn. Consequently, there’s an awful feeling which resides in me that when I do anything around the house that it somehow constitutes a ‘favour’. Women often ask a bloke, seeming excessively proud for doing the odd chore ‘do you want a medal?’ and the truth is, deep down, we do. Why are blokes so bad at knowing what’s going on in their mates’ lives? I recently returned from three days away with the lads and my wife asked me how they all were. A simple question, but I couldn’t really answer. I knew we’d had a laugh but couldn’t tell her any new details about their lives. It’s great to talk nonsense and rip each other a new one for any minor infraction of blokey protocol, but we should also at least know the names of all of our mate’s kids. Have you stopped talking about politics? No, not at all, I’ll always do a bit of the show on what’s happening politically. If anything, politics has become a lot funnier to me since we lost cranky figures like Corbyn and Johnson. You’ve got Rishi sitting there grinning like he just won Junior Apprentice, and Keir Starmer boring people

to death like the human manifestation of Nando’s lemon & herb. It’s fair to say all parties come in for a pasting this time around. There’s also a book - your second one. Apart from sitting down and standing up, what’s the discipline of writing a book like compared to performing live? There’s a distinct lack of immediate feedback. You write what you think is a decent paragraph but won’t know if anyone else felt the same way for about six months. Stand-up is fairly gratifying in that respect: think it, say it, get the reward. But that can be quite temporary, so one thing I loved about the last book is that every so often people get in touch to say nice things. A book is like a version of you that’s out there still performing even when you’ve got your feet up at home watching something hosted by Stephen Mulhern. What has been your favourite telly appearance so far and why? My second Live at the Apollo appearance. The first one went well, but I was terrified and spent half the time nursing an irrational fear I might wet myself. I was determined to enjoy the second one and I did. Though my head is a bit shiny. With a spam like mine, you don’t want to draw any more attention. What’s next for you after the tour? Well, this goes until the end of April 2024, so God knows what sort of world we’ll be living in. With any luck there’ll be an AI version of me out on the road by then and I’ll be at home with a curry.

Geoff Norcott is on his national tour coming to Worthing Theatres on Sat 9 March. www.wtm.uk

Photo Credit: Karla Gowlett BN1 MAGAZINE 39

Smallscreen

star

shines

with stand-up

FIONA BN1 Chats with

By Stuart Rolt

“What else is there? What do people do? Some people move country. Some people change careers. Mine was doing this,” Fiona Allen has decided to broaden her horizons. But her break from the tedium of domesticity is not so conventional. “Holidays don’t really help. You can go on all these trips, but the first thing you do when getting back is put everything in the washing machine and it all starts again.” The star of Channel 4’s BAFTA Award-winning Smack The Pony and archetypal soap villain has been spending most evenings driving touring around Britain’s live comedy circuit. “I’ve been acting for years,” she tells me. “I got an acting job pretty quick when I came to London. So, I just carried on doing that... But stand-up is

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something I’d never thought about doing. Then the idea just popped into my head and wouldn’t go away.” Initially it started on the London open mic circuit, Allen popping up with a brisk five minutes here and there, just to find if she really liked it. After a year, she’d just got her first 20-minute booking, and the pandemic happened. Undeterred, after the lockdowns lifted and the world returned to the new normal, a couple of her fellow comedians suggested she write her own full hour show. “I was like: ‘Oh, come on….’ But I did,” she says with a big laugh. The result was On the Run, which she took to Edinburgh Fringe for a three-week sell-out run.

ALLEN PHOTO BY NATASHA PSZENICKI

“I also genuinely ticked the wrong box for a day off when I was doing the forms.” She pauses for a moment, then chuckles. “Everyone was asking when my day off was. I was like: ‘What? I haven’t got a day off!’ Most comics take Monday off to reset. I’ve had years of marriage, three kids and a mad dog, I don’t have time to RESET! I don’t believe any parent who works long hours has any time to reset. I didn’t understand that. It could have been a massive mistake - but turns out it wasn’t.” Following a few tweaks, she’s now taking On The Run out on the road, on a UK tour which pulls into Brighton’s Ironworks Studio on Thurs 7 March. She admits the venture was never supposed to go this far, but she’s loving every moment of it. “I reckon people get part way through their lives, call it middle-aged or whatever, and suddenly start to think about what they’ve done. For a lot of us it’s work, kids, work, kids… We’re all stuck in that. And if you’ve not got kids, it’s work, work, work. I’m lucky, in the sense that I enjoy my job. It 42 BN1 MAGAZINE

sounds corny, but we really are in that rat race. I just want to have some fun and do something different.” She says her career still revolves around being an actress, but seemingly trying out new challenges for a while is irresistible. Most evenings, she just gets in the car and heads for a gig. “Years go by… with your kids, bathtimes, dinner, getting the school uniforms ready. Then they get a bit bigger. Everyone says it gets easier. It’s not. They’ve just got bigger clothes, so it’s longer ironing.” The comedy circuit has also introduced her to an entirely new social scene. She tells me she’s met loads of brilliant people. “It’s like I’ve got mates all over England. I’ve been visiting every nook and cranny doing this. I can’t believe there’s so many places I’d not been to. The country isn’t that massive! It’s just avoiding cooking evening meals then packing the dishwasher, to be fair. To be brutal, I have legged it.” She bursts out laughing again.

“That’s the foundations of my show. If you’re a mum and google ‘hobbies for mums’ you wouldn’t believe what comes back. It’s so depressing. Like how to make bath bombs. IS THAT IT? If ever there was a catalyst to get you to do something…” As a woman in her 50s, Allen initially thought stand-up was just for ‘the kids’. But out on the circuit, she’s been meeting people of all ages from all walks of life. “It’s so varied. Anyone can do it. But people were coming up to me saying it must be easy because I’ve done comedy for so long. But it’s a completely different job. When I started out, I was very ‘actressy’ and sticking to my script. It took me a few months to free myself up. If you play cricket, you might hit a ball with a bat. But now go and play golf…” “I really get people of all ages at my shows, but there was one with a group of students. I do a lot of stuff about being

a mum and dealing with the kids. So, I asked them why they were there. And they said: ‘Well, we’ve got mums. We just get it.’” As a show, On The Run does seem to speak to a broad demographic, with its tales of a chaotic spouse, the expectations weighing upon parents and how her own upbringing has filtered everything. “I think it’s pretty relatable. Apart from when I talk about serial killers. People seem to enjoy it. I’m not trying to change the world. It’s not an ‘agenda show’. It’s not political and I don’t hate blokes.” She confides that it’s a bit strange being on the road constantly, then having to talk about driving. “I also talk about being a mum and obviously the hobbies I tried. You try your yoga, your keep fit. Nothing that I joined really works. I’m not a group person. The mere fact I’m onstage with a microphone, while everyone else is sat somewhere else, sums it all up really!”

PHOTO BY NATASHA PSZENICKI

COMEDY

Often, her material wrings comedy gold out of the things which irritate her. She tells me that sometimes the tiniest thing can outrage. And there’s a lot of silly people and silly attitudes. “I was out shopping recently and walking towards my car with my shopping. A woman was there with her door jammed into mine. I went: ‘Ooh. Your doors on mine.’ I’m not making this up… She said: ‘Don’t worry. I’m really careful about stuff like that.’ That completely threw me. Everyday I get perplexed by people.” She’s also slightly wound up by an encounter while out walking the dog the other day. After a small dog kept attacking hers, the offending owner attempted to laugh it off. “Why do dog owners who’ve got really angry dogs say they’re only playing, when they’ve sunk their teeth in for a third time? She went: ‘Come on Basil.’ I was like: ‘Yeah, fuck off Basil’. What was really weird, was when I asked her to put the dog on a lead, she mimed doing it and then put it back in her pocket when she walked off!” Perhaps it’s this exploration of everyday inanity which loops neatly back to her tenure on the iconic, and often surreal, 00s comedy hit, Smack The Pony. Together with household names like Sally Phillips, Amanda Holden, Doon Mackichan, Sarah Alexander, Darren Boyd and Cavan Clerkin, she’d mock things like bad dating profiles, overcompetitive friends, clingy exes and crap housemates. “It just went bonkers. That was amazing. We did brilliantly all over the world. I was flying all over

the place picking up awards. I’m really proud of it. I often put clips out on my socials, because they still relate.” Her big screen roles have included Michael Winterbottom’s classic Factory Records biopic 24 Hour Party People (Allen actually worked at The Hacienda during the late 80s), but audiences will be more familiar with her small screen work. Playing against type, she’s portrayed a broad selection of characters, including quite a few spurned lovers and serial killers, on shows like Waterloo Road, EastEnders, Dalziel and Pascoe and Coronation Street. “In soaps, I’m always the one who abducts someone at knifepoint. It’s the face, I think. In dramas, I’m always a cop, psychologist or something quite serious. On Eastenders, I was supposed to be quite a funny character, and they changed it to make me a psycho. Even my own agent says to me, when we’re chatting: ‘Christ, your face…’ I can’t help it! I could do fake smiles, but then people will think I’m weirder than I already am. Casting directors must look at me and think: ‘Oh yeah. She can kidnap somebody realistically.’ All I can say is, blue eyeshadow doesn’t change anything.” Audiences are still mostly populated with those who know her primarily as an actor., so she’s vocally grateful for them taking a punt on the show. But increasingly she’s meeting people who relate to the themes she’s exploring. “You get a lot of Smack The Pony fans, but there was one French lady. She came up to me and said: ‘I saw your name on the list, and I had to come, because I absolutely love…’ I was wondering what it was going to be. And she went: ‘Poirot! You were in Lord Edgware Dies!’ I was like: ‘Yeah. I got poisoned though. But thanks for coming!’” While there’s obvious differences between acting and stand-up, she’s also had to depend on herself a lot more recently. There’s no longer the support of a 30-strong film crew and a director guiding her craft. “This is my world. I’m a normal person. We all have to go to the supermarket, get fed up doing jobs at home and have to work. I write about what I do. I genuinely get up in the morning and something will happen.”

Fiona Allen brings On The Run to Brighton’s Ironworks Studio on Thurs 7 March

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Naiomi Wood By Paul Winter Photography

REIGNING WOMEN

“It’s a platform for kickass women to be heard and championed, and there’s no shortage of them…” Helen Jewell, Creative Director at The Old Market, is certain about how the Hove venue’s Reigning Women mini festival nurtures emerging talent. “This year’s season is very much about Brighton artists. “We launched it as a jubilant celebration of women’s voices from across the arts.” Programmed to run alongside International Women’s Day, Reigning Women features many artists who’ve maintained a connection with TOM throughout their careers. This includes Naomi Wood, who brings her show Gobbess to TOM on Thurs 22 Feb. A compelling blend of aerial performance and spoken word, it revolves around physical wellbeing and recognising its inexorable links to mental health.

The Old Market

unleashes bold and brilliant season “I’ve always written poetry and short stories,” she says. “Gradually, over time, the two worlds started to meet in the middle. By no means would I say I’m an exceptional circus artist, I’m just a very enthusiastic one. It’s a beautiful thing to lose yourself in. A lot of it is to do with the body and the limits of what is possible.” The two seemingly disparate disciplines began to bleed into each other when Wood performed on one of TOM’s livestreams a couple of years ago. “I had a poetry film projected as a background, with me doing aerial in front of it. I realised a lot of the movements were reflected in the words. There was a synergy going on.”

“It’s about realising if you’re going through life scared of dying, then you’re also scared of living and not really taking any risks,” Woods tells me. “It’s tracking my journey of taking life by the balls and doing the things I really want to do… and risking being vulnerable.” The work also looks at wellbeing in a more abstract sense, particularly around relationships, consent, moving towards what you desire and how society treats women - particularly those who put themselves out there. “They might appear fearless, but there is a lot of judgement.”

Back at TOM, Jewell tells me many of the performers on the Reigning Women programme have been on some kind of journey with the venue. “Naiomi was in a show called Wilder Stories, which we made into a podcast. So, we’ve seen her work grow, and she’s been able to test things on our stage. It’s been lovely to see her come back with a fully-formed work.” She describes it as a privilege to have such a progressive and nurturing relationship with so many artists and theatre makers across the city. Women like Scarlett Fae and AFLO The Poet have featured in the venue’s Vivid showcase of new talent, subsequently returned in support slots for other shows and now developed their own headline work. “It’s beautiful to see these wonderful talents grow.”

The core of Gobbess is about Wood’s creative journey, and how it all began. After a health scare in 2010, she realised she wanted to do more things which ‘scared her.’ “I was fascinated by the circus. It embodies childhood glee and the limits of what is possible. It’s so much to do with fearlessness and fantasy. That tapped into something I was already leaning towards.” Initially learning performance skills for fun, she started putting herself out there more and more.

While most of the season is based around performance, Reigning Women is also hoping to inspire and empower the next generation of creators with a programme of workshops, building connections and mentoring. “We’re trying to offer as many opportunities as possible for new voices and emerging talents,” Jewell says. “We’re doing it in a very grassroots way. We want people to come together and share their loves, hopes and vulnerabilities, and remind everyone of our shared humanity.”

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So, is there still a need for a safe space in the 21st century where people can take in female-led work and voices? Wood points out that we only need to look at certain attitudes on social media to realise there’s a double standard regarding women who make themselves heard. “Whether these women are putting themselves out there, like Carol Vorderman with her opinions, or with their intelligence, or even if it is with their body… there is a sense of ‘how dare she do that?’ It’s a really interesting thing to explore. Women’s sexuality has to be packaged just right to be appealing. But what does that rob from them?” Wood highlights female comedians as a good example. They might joke about being the token women on any lineup, but many are still viewed as a particular kind of comedy for a particular section of the audience. “People think: ‘Oh, they’re just for the women.’ It’s so not true. I can relate to that in terms of poetry. There are spaces where you might be heckled, or you feel like your stuff might not be landing.” She describes Reigning Women as offering an environment where a woman can feel safe and supported, and you can really ‘go there’ and have ‘that’ conversation. Wood admits much of her work has been quite outspoken about feminist issues and sexuality but is adamant that if people are reacting then you’re probably saying something. “I’m not a believer in being inflammatory for the sake of it. A couple of months ago, a really drunk man was heckling me. But it fed into the narrative of the poem I was doing so perfectly. He actually embodied the thing I was talking about. There’s a pressure in wellness culture for women to be very holy and healthy, slim and spiritual. So, my poem was asking why it’s not enough to just, as a woman or any person, be a pig rolling around in the mud of life. You want to get your hands dirty and experience stuff. This guy was shouting at me: ‘You’re a pig!’ I was like: ‘Yeah. That’s what I want.’ I don’t want to be some beautiful deity. I want to be a messy goblin who’s flawed and imperfect, and that’s OK.” She says that Gobbess is a celebration of those imperfections. It’s about doing the things you love, because of how they feel to you, and not worrying about how the world receives them. “It is messy, but joyful. But that’s an accurate depiction of my relationship to the circus. I’m so in love with it, but it is hard. For me, it celebrates differences. The world wants us to be exceptionally good at one thing. But that doesn’t reflect how I feel about myself. A lot of people are a mass of all sorts of weird fascinations and interests.” It's an important thread for what The Old Market and Reigning Women are doing. It embodies a sense of freedom. “I see them as such innovators and supporters of artists. They’ve been so supportive to me. I remember reading a poem on a Sunday night. It’s quite interesting to feel like I’ve come full circle all these years later with a whole show.” Now in its fifth year, Reigning Women also stands to nurture and develop the headline acts of the future. Jewell tells me that finding funding for arts projects is incredibly difficult. “There’s a multi-pronged attack on an industry which is huge at the top, but still needs this landscape at the bottom. It’s going to dry up if something drastic doesn’t happen.” It's currently a troubling time for all small to medium venues. Tightening overheads, the cost-of-living crisis and staff shortages have had an undeniable impact on the industry. “We’re losing ‘pipeline spaces’ at a rate of

Rosy Carrick By Paul Winter Photography

knots. The Music Venue Trust announced that we lost 125 small grassroots venues last year. But this is where the talent grows.” With 300 seats (or 500 standing for gigs), TOM hosts an eclectic programme of live music, performance, comedy and workshops throughout the year. “It straddles the mid-scale to small scale. We’ve had Fatboy Slim in at the end of last year, who’s been an amazing champion of TOM. He’s donated a lot of time and effort to us. We also have a lot of school and small theatre-makers. There’s BIMM coming in and emerging artists playing here. It’s a lovely mix of the commercial and new talent. There are not many spaces like that.” She describes her role as all-encompassing. “It is amazing and hugely privileged. I feel very lucky.” Originally helping global percussion sensation STOMP acquire the Hove venue in 2011, growing TOM from scratch to where it is now has been a genuine passion project. And now, with projects like Reigning Women, they’ve begun to grow a scene around them which inspires and entertains. “We’re all in a strange environment right now, where people are fractured and polarised. Spaces like ours are so important for our sense of wellbeing and community. I just want audiences to feel safe, inspired and that things are possible.”

Scarlett Fae By Paul Winter Photography

Afko the Poet By Paul Winter Photography

Hove’s The Old Market presents Reigning Women on Sun 11 Feb – Tues 23 April, with Naomi Wood’s Gobbess being staged on Thurs 22 Feb. www.theoldmarket.com/reigning-women

Jenny Foulds By Paul Winter Photography

CHICHESTER CINEMA AT NEW PARK Independent local institution platforms the best of film

By Stuart Rolt

“We’re very much focussed on the quality of film and that whole cinema experience.” From innocuous beginnings as a film club, offering locals the latest releases after the city’s last big screen had closed down, Chichester Cinema At New Park has grown into an institution in its own right. After two decades there, Walter Francisco has recently taken on the role of programmer, and tells me he’s determined to carry on their tradition of showing new and compelling works. “For example, there are lots of great films which come out on streaming, but a lot of cinemas choose not to stream them. But we choose to show them, because we still believe in sitting in that communal experience with a much nigger screen with sounds all around you. But, even before the screening, you can be sitting in the café with a glass of wine or a coffee, just chatting to people who’ve made that effort.” Moving from his previous role running day-to-day operations as the cinema’s director, Francisco has replaced Roger Gibson – who established everything back in 1979, as well as organising Chichester International Film Festival. It started as a small film club at Chichester College, where Gibson taught. After five years, it moved to the city’s New Park Community Centre, just by the cathedral and city walls. “At that stage, we were screening 16mm films. Very soon after, we got our first 35mm projector.” Over the next two decades the cinema became more and more popular, until a multiplex opened nearby in 2003. While there might be local competition, the two venues seem to serve very different audiences. “We’re a single screen cinema, so we have to be a lot more selective about what we show. We do pride ourselves on being able to show what we consider to be the best in cinema, whether that’s from the UK, the US or any country, but are critically acclaimed or important.” Like most modern cinemas, New Park offers the latest releases in digital format, but there’s still a space for screenings in 35mm. While many big studios seem disinterested in distributing works on film stock, there’s plenty of champions for the analogue format. Directors like Christopher Nolan are resisting the pressure to abandon a practice which has been developed and understood 46 BN1 MAGAZINE

for over 100 years. Arguably, film stock still looks superior on large screens, and is often cheaper and faster for production companies to work with. “When Oppenheimer came out, we made a point of showing it on 35mm. There’s always something amazing when you see a film in 35mm. It’s hard to put your finger on exactly what it is, but there is a kind of warmth. Like when you put a record on, why does that feel different to a CD or streaming?” The advent of digital has also seen many multiplexes dispense with someone ensuring the best possible screening experience. “When digital came in, most cinemas got rid of their day-to-day projectionists. The managers now put the films into a playlist and press ‘play’. We really appreciate what our projectionists do for us, which is make sure everything is in focus, that it sounds good. They are technicians by trade. They can obviously do all the digital stuff as well.” This love, care and attention has seen New Park build up a sizable and loyal following. This audience seems more than willing to embrace the cinema’s varied programme. As we’re talking, Francisco tells me they’re about to screen Aki Kaurismäki’s Fallen Leaves. This quite dark comic romance, in Finnish with English subtitles, has sold-out the venue at 4pm in the afternoon. This idea of a cinema which has built up a community around itself, just by offering a genuine alternative, echoes the recent release of Jane Giles and Ali Catterall’s landmark documentary, Scala!!!. This bastion of late night cinema, in London’s King’s Cross, would show everything from cult classics to experimental strangeness, often blurring the lines between absolute filth and high art. Obviously, audiences in Chichester may not be so receptive to Hong Kong slasher films, but the ethos between New Park and Scala remain quite similar. Both recognise cater for audiences who recognise that films can’t be valued purely through their budget or the number of screens hosting them. There’s plenty of inspiration and entertainment to be found just beyond the boundary of the mainstream. It comes as little surprise that the anarchic London cinema was a favourite hangout of Roger Gibson during

its heyday. So, naturally, New Park will soon be showing the documentary “Normally, I write the copy for our films on the website. But I asked him to write something about his memories of going there. I think it’s going to really touch home with what our customers love about coming to a cinema like ours. Scala had a certain X-factor. We have something similar. We’re quirky, unique and we just want to show the best work we can. I imagine Scala had the same sort of lifeblood to it.” It’s not that all the works shown by New Park are defiantly niche or in a foreign language. Despite being part of the colossal Marvel Cinematic Universe and produced by Disney (often a byword for vanilla and resolutely commercial), Black Panther: Wakanda Forever was exactly the kind of adventurous release the cinemas loves to embrace. A poignant exploration of guilt, grief and tradition, action and Afrofuturism collided to create a genuine cultural moment. “That was a film which we probably wouldn’t show because it’s your superhero thing which people would love to see at their local multiplex. But it was an important film. Oppenheimer was also very much our kind of thing. It’s interesting. It’s quality. And an excuse to show something on 35mm!” When the cinema moved to the New Park Community Centre, the building was just a Victorian school hall. It’s developed into a main auditorium seating 120, with 30 in the Studio, while still retaining all the venue’s original, quirky architectural features. In 2014, when digital was being rolled out across the country, they organised fundraising to add a new projector. It started off really well, with most of the money raised within three months. Then a famous British actor, who didn’t want to be named at the time (Saturday Night And Sunday Morning is all I’m going to say), saw the story in a local paper and wrote out a cheque for the remainder. “We got digital in no time, and that changed how we run. We can show live performances from New York and the National Theatre.” It shows the love New Park receives from locals. As part of repaying some of that back, they run a range of community and education activities, along with a broad range of charity work. It works with several local schools, staging free talks around what is on curriculum, covering everything from Shakespeare to Jekyll & Hyde. Working with organisations like The Apuldram Centre, a charity for adults with learning disabilities, they also

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seek to overcome various barriers to participation. “We have kids who might face difficulties accessing the cinema, whether they might make some noise or have a bigger wheelchair than usual. We put beanbags down and they have a brilliant time. We’re proud of the work we do with them.” Elsewhere, the film experience is enhanced with talks and discussions around latest releases. “We had the Native American Experience on Film recently. If you do a talk on that somewhere else, you might get 20 people in there. We’re very proud of that.” Other upcoming talks include a discussion on Studio Ghibli stalwart, Hayao Miyazaki, as he releases his final work, The Boy And The Heron, as well as a talk on director Sofia Coppola ahead of her biopic, Priscilla. Come August, New Park will be hosting the Chichester International Film Festival. Now in its 32nd year this brings together 15 days of

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premieres, new releases and outdoor screenings. But currently, everything is concentrated on a programme accompanying awards season. New Park will be offering all the hotly tipped contenders in the Golden Globes and the Oscars. “Because some of these came out in July, when people might be on holiday, they might not have been able to see some of the films. So, it gives them another chance.” Originally growing up in Sydney, Francisco came to England in 2003. Looking for work, he’d seen New Park advertising for a box office manager. His wife recalled once sitting on orange plastic chairs at the venue to watch The Exorcist. “I looked at the films they were showing, and instantly thought: ‘Yeah, this is for me.’ I got the job, and the rest is history.” He describes his time there as a “20-year apprenticeship”, but says part of the cinema’s success is due to people’s feeling about the centre

where it resides. “When we started, they were thinking of demolishing and building flats. People were willing to stand in front of bulldozers. During Covid, we got so many people donating money to us, which got us through. I think people love the fact that we’re independent and very human. They come to us and can speak to people who love film. If it’s their first time, we show them around. We try and make a point of being friendly to people and show the best films we can. You put that together with a quirky building and people want to be part of it.” www.chichestercinema.org

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Image by XDBPhotography 50 BN1 MAGAZINE

Unveiling the Secrets:

By Lucy Pinto

Maintaining Dedication Amidst Motivational Lulls

CEO

XDBPhotography

TheBox

As the new year unfolds, the barrage of 'Get fit quick' promotions is ubiquitous, and frankly I’m tired of the trend. While it may serve as motivation for some, the question lingers: is it truly sustainable?

Here are some tips: Set Realistic Goals: Define achievable and measurable fitness goals for sustainable motivation.

Find Enjoyable Activities: Engage in exercises you genuinely enjoy making fitness a lasting part of your lifestyle.

TheBox is currently running a TwoWeek Special: Unlimited classes for just

£25

Check it out www.theboxfit.co.uk

Create a Schedule: Establish a consistent workout routine that seamlessly integrates into your daily life.

XDBPhotography

I'm frequently asked how both I and my incredible team maintain our dedication to movement. My response is consistently open and honest: "I'm not always motivated, but I am dedicated." This dedication extends to the constant pursuit of bettering my health, wellbeing, and mindset. Striving to be the best version of myself is an ongoing journey with its challenges — there are days when I falter, skipping workouts when the motivation wanes. However, I've come to realise that I'm a better coach and a better human when I've moved my body for my mind.

It's essential to recognise that you don't need to train six days a week to see results. Pushing through a workout when fatigue sets in might not be the most productive approach. Tuning into what your body truly needs and incorporating recovery into your routine should be an integral part of the process. The journey to a healthier self is a holistic one, acknowledging the ebb and flow of motivation and prioritising both physical and mental wellbeing.

Mix It Up: Keep things interesting by varying your workouts and preventing boredom.

Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones with small rewards to reinforce positive habits.

Prioritise Consistency: Focus on regular, smaller workouts rather than sporadic intense sessions.

Remember, commitment is the cornerstone of a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Brighton

Make It a Habit: Integrate fitness into your daily routine until it becomes a natural part of your lifestyle.

Accountability: Partner with a friend to stay accountable and motivated.

Stay Positive: Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities and maintain a positive mindset.

Track Progress: Monitor your achievements to recognise improvements and stay motivated.

Latest Tech

We tried the AromaFresh II Therm Pro Filter Coffee Machine Here’s what we thought!

In the realm of morning rituals and caffeine-infused dreams, the Melitta AromaFresh II emerges not just as a machine, but as a beacon of hope for the bleary-eyed. This high-flying successor to the original Melitta AromaFresh, with its built-in grinder, is akin to a modern-day alchemist, turning humble beans into liquid gold, all at the push of a button. Its slender, tower-like structure is a testament to efficient design, ensuring that even the most cluttered of kitchen counters can accommodate its presence without a fuss. Despite its relatively compact footprint, the AromaFresh II is no lightweight in performance. Capable of holding a generous 250g of coffee beans, it promises to deliver up to three carafes of the good stuff. It’s a machine that doesn’t just make coffee; it curates an experience, with a simple dial to tweak the grind to perfection. The middle setting is a sweet spot, a universal translator for bean language, ensuring that most beans you introduce it to are expressed in their best light.

In 2024, the tech world is brimming with anticipation for a host of groundbreaking gadgets set to redefine our digital lifestyle. Here’s a curated list of the top ten cool gadgets that are generating buzz:

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The 10-cup capacity speaks to its readiness for both solitary morning rituals and the bustling demands of brunch gatherings. Yet, in a move that might perplex some, the AromaFresh II decides to use the full tank of water with each brewing cycle, a quirk that requires a bit of planning in terms of water input. But perhaps this is just its way of encouraging precision and mindfulness in our often all-too-hasty lives. Control-wise, the machine is a diplomat, offering options for coffee strength and a timer function for

First Rollable Phone: The

year’s end is expected to unveil the first rollable phone, a novel device category offering unique form factors and possibilities. Pioneers like Vivo and Transsion are leading this innovation, setting the stage for others like Samsung and Oppo to follow in 2025.

those who dream of waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. The option to bypass the grinder and use pre-ground coffee adds a layer of flexibility, catering to all types of coffee enthusiasts. But where the AromaFresh II truly excels is in its ability to transform your kitchen into a miniature café, with the smell of freshly ground coffee creating an ambiance of warmth and welcome. The coffee it produces is not just hot; it's at a perfect 75°C, ensuring that each sip is a comforting embrace. The richness of the coffee, whether it be the robust intensity of Peruvian Fairtrade beans or the delicate berry notes of Jamaican Blue Mountain, is unfailingly captured, making each cup a testament to the machine’s prowess. Maintenance is a breeze, with dishwasher-safe components and a descaling light that ensures the machine’s longevity. It’s a relationship, not a mere ownership, with the AromaFresh II requiring just a bit of care in return for its daily gift of perfection. In a world where mornings are often marred by the mundane, the Melitta AromaFresh II stands out as a herald of joy, making the journey from bean to cup not just simple, but an occasion worth savouring. It’s not just a coffee machine; it’s a companion for those who cherish the ritual of coffee, making every morning not just bearable, but delightful. The Melitta® AromaFresh II Therm Pro is available via melitta.co.uk – RRP: £289.95

First UWB Wireless Headphones: 2024 will also

witness the launch of the first wireless headphones featuring Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology. This collaboration between PSB Speakers, MQA, and Sonical is set to deliver ultra-low latency and lossless audio, potentially transforming the audio experience.

Latest Tech

Samsung Galaxy Ring:

Meta Ventura / Quest 3 Lite:

Apple Vision Pro: Poised to

Entering the smart ring market, Samsung’s Galaxy Ring promises to inject new life and functionalities into this niche segment, expanding the horizon of wearable technology.

Meta’s budget-friendly version of the Quest 3, dubbed Project Ventura, aims to make VR more accessible, thereby attracting a wider audience and encouraging more developers to create content for the Meta Quest platform.

revolutionise the VR and AR markets, the Apple Vision Pro is eagerly awaited despite its premium pricing. Its introduction is expected to attract a new wave of developers and users, fostering innovative applications and significantly advancing the industry.

iPhone 16 / iPhone 16 Ultra:

First Foldable Tablets:

First Trifold Smartphone:

Nintendo Switch 2: Building

10.

Apple Watch X: The tenth

The iPhone 16 series, especially the rumoured iPhone 16 Ultra, is surrounded by speculation. Expectations include groundbreaking features such as MLA display technology, Wi-Fi 7, enhanced battery life, superior cooling systems, camera advancements, and new AI functionalities.

The foldable device trend is set to extend to tablets, with tech giants like Samsung, Apple, and Google poised to unveil their offerings. These devices could rejuvenate the tablet market and pave the way for future foldable smartphones.

Samsung is expected to reveal the Galaxy Z Flex, its inaugural trifold phone, which promises to dramatically expand screen real estate with its unique folding mechanism, offering a new device category for users.

on the success of its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 is highly anticipated for its potential enhancements in storage, display quality, and overall hardware performance, aiming to continue the legacy of one of the world’s most successful game consoles.

iteration of Apple’s smartwatch, the Apple Watch X, is rumoured to feature significant upgrades like a Micro LED display, a new design aesthetic, and advanced health sensors, further solidifying its position in the wearable tech market.

tech

View of Park Geull at sunset

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Travel

The Art of Budget Travel in

Europe

Golden sands beach in Bulgaria.

Embarking on a European trip doesn't have to mean draining your bank account or trailing through the tourist traps that ensnare the unwary traveller. Indeed, with a dash of savoir-faire, a sprinkle of audacity, and a liberal application of thriftiness, the Old Continent can be your oyster—sans the eye-watering prices usually associated with such delicacies.

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Firstly, let's debunk a myth: "Europe is expensive." Well, it can be - if you insist on caviar in Cannes or a gondola for one in Venice. However, for the more economically inclined, Europe is a mosaic of budget-friendly options waiting to be explored. Train travel, for instance, can be both a budget-friendly and scenic way to hop from one country to another. The Interrail Pass (for European residents) and the Eurail Pass (for non-European residents) offer flexible and cost-effective solutions for the intrepid explorer. Picture this: winding through the verdant valleys of the Swiss Alps or meandering beside the azure allure of the Mediterranean, all from the comfort of your train seat, with nary a thought for petrol prices or the puzzlement of parking in ancient towns where streets were seemingly designed for donkeys rather than automobiles. For accommodation, cast aside the conventional hotel stay for the charm of hostels, where you can meet fellow travellers, or the homeliness of Airbnb, where you can live like a local without the commitment of actually having to learn the language. And for those with a penchant for the unconventional, why not a night in a castle, a treehouse, or even a yurt? Europe's eclectic accommodations are as varied as its landscapes.

Gastronomic Galivants: Feasting Frugally Culinary adventures need not be a foray into the fiscally frightening. Street food markets, a staple across European cities, offer a smorgasbord of local delicacies at a fraction of restaurant prices. From the bratwursts of Berlin to the churros of Madrid, the continent is your oyster (and you can indeed find those too, often at a steal, in the coastal regions). And let’s not forget the picnics. Europe’s parks, from the English Garden in Munich to Parc Guell in Barcelona, make idyllic spots for a self-catered feast. A visit to local markets for fresh produce can culminate in a banquet beneath the boughs of a centuries-old tree, all for the cost of a few euros and a baguette.

Croatia, Rovinj City and Adriatic Sea- Istria

Sunset landscape bordeaux wineyard france

Off the Beaten Path: Europe’s Hidden Gems Now, onto the pièce de résistance—the destinations. While the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum have their charms, there's a certain je ne sais quoi in discovering the road less travelled. Consider the lavender fields of Provence, a fragrant sea of purple that looks like something out of a dream, or the fairy-tale allure of Sintra in Portugal, with its palatial pinnacles piercing the sky. The Baltic states offer a cornucopia of historical delights, from the mediaeval streets of Tallinn, Estonia, to the Art Nouveau architecture of Riga, Latvia, all without the price tag of their Western European counterparts. For the beachcombers, the coasts of Albania and Bulgaria's Black Sea offer sandy reprieves without the crowds (or costs) of the French Riviera. And for the urban adventurers, cities like Krakow, Poland, and Ljubljana, Slovenia, offer a blend of history, culture, and nightlife that can rival any of their more famous European siblings.

Sustainable Sojourns: Travelling with a Conscience In an age where the carbon footprint of our travels weighs heavily on our minds, Europe offers a plethora of options for the eco-conscious traveller. Cycling tours, from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the coastlines of Croatia, not only provide an intimate connection with the landscape but also ensure your travel has a minimal environmental impact. Moreover, many European cities are champions of sustainability, with extensive recycling programs, green spaces, and initiatives to promote walking and cycling over car travel. By choosing destinations that prioritise the planet, travellers can enjoy the wonders of Europe while contributing to its preservation.

Europe Awaits…. Europe, with its tapestry of cultures, landscapes, and experiences, offers a rich palette for the traveller willing to explore beyond the brochure. From the cobbled streets of quaint villages to the grand boulevards of its metropolitan hearts, the continent beckons with the promise of adventure, discovery, and, importantly, the opportunity to do so on a budget.

Blooming purple lavender flowers

Narrow street and street cafe decorated with flowers, Hvar, Croatia

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Redefining Health: The Top 10 Superfoods You Need to in your life"

Papaya: THE DUAL-PURPOSE FRUIT. Beyond its delicious taste, papaya offers a wealth of health benefits, including vitamins A, C, and E, and its seeds are beneficial for kidney function and digestive health.

Turmeric: MORE THAN A SPICE. This vibrant yellow spice, commonly found in kitchens, offers more than flavor. Its anti-inflammatory properties are key in fighting chronic diseases, making it a staple in healthconscious diets.

Blueberries: THE SWEET ANTIOXIDANT BOOST. Loaded with antioxidants, blueberries are not just a treat for the taste buds but also a boon for health, offering protection against various ailments.

Kale: Brazil Nuts: NOT JUST A SNACK. Often overshadowed by almonds, brazil nuts are a nutritional powerhouse, especially for their high selenium content, crucial for thyroid health. But beware, overconsumption can lead to toxicity.

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THE NUTRIENT-DENSE LEAFY GREEN. Kale stands out as a superfood due to its high vitamin and antioxidant content, offering numerous health benefits.

THE OMEGA-3 POWERHOUSE. These small seeds pack a big punch in Omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fiber, once processed. They’re a versatile addition to any diet, enhancing overall health.

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Lentils: THE PROTEIN-PACKED LEGUME. A cost-effective superfood, lentils are rich in protein and fiber, making them an excellent meat substitute and a staple in vegetarian diets.

Seaweed: FROM OCEAN TO PLATE. Often associated with Asian cuisine, seaweed is a nutrient-dense food, high in fiber and iodine, essential for thyroid health and neurodevelopment during pregnancy.

Mushrooms: THE OVERLOOKED SUPERFOOD. Low in calories yet rich in nutrients, mushrooms are a versatile and healthy addition to any meal, offering a range of antioxidants that protect against cell damage.

Kefir: THE GUT-HEALTH MIRACLE. This lesser-known dairy product surpasses yogurt in probiotic content, promoting gut health and acting as a natural antibacterial agent. A must-try for health enthusiasts.

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Hearty Beef and Ale Stew As the winter winds howl outside, a hearty beef and ale stew can be the epitome of comfort. This traditional dish, simmering slowly to perfection, combines tender beef chunks with the deep flavours of ale, root vegetables, and fresh herbs, promising warmth and satisfaction.

SERVES

METHOD

TIME

DIFFICULTY

Casserole Pot

2 hours 30 mins

5 / 10

INGREDIENTS • 1 kg beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 2 onions, chopped • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced • 2 parsnips, peeled and sliced • 500 ml dark ale • 500 ml beef stock • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 bay leaves • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • Salt and pepper to taste • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

DIRECTION

01.

02.

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Prep and Brown the Beef: Toss the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, browning on all sides. Remove the beef and set aside Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil, onions, carrots, and parsnips. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

03.

04.

Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the pot. Add the minced garlic, and cook for another minute. Pour in the ale and beef stock, ensuring the liquid covers the ingredients. Add bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Serve: Discard the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes for a fulfilling meal.

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers (Gluten-Free)

SERVES

These vibrant quinoa stuffed bell peppers are not only a feast for the eyes

but also a treasure trove of nutrients. This gluten-free delight combines the nuttiness of quinoa with a rainbow of vegetables, all encased in a sweet bell pepper, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

How To Cook

METHOD

Saucepan

DIRECTION

01.

TIME

1 hour 02.

DIFFICULTY

03.

4 / 10 INGREDIENTS

Cook Quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.

Prepare Peppers: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish, cut-side up. Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and corn, cooking until just tender. Stir in the cooked quinoa, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

04.

05.

Stuff and Bake: Fill each bell pepper half with the quinoa mixture. Top with grated cheese if using. Cover with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the peppers are soft and the cheese is golden.

Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving. These stuffed peppers offer a delightful combination of flavours and textures, making them a perfect glutenfree option for any meal.

• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed • 2 cups vegetable broth • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 zucchini, diced • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen) • 1 teaspoon cumin • 1 teaspoon paprika • Salt and pepper to taste • 1 cup grated cheese (optional, for topping) • Fresh cilantro, for garnish BN1 MAGAZINE 61

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Warm Vegan Barley and Roasted Vegetable Bowl

DIVE IN TO VEG GOODNESS.

• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and diced • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large beetroot, peeled and diced • 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 teaspoon dried thyme • Salt and black pepper, to taste • 4 cups kale, de-stemmed and roughly chopped • 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped For the Dressing: • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard • 1/4 cup olive oil • Salt and black pepper, to taste

01.

As the frosty fingers of February stretch across the UK, warming dishes become a comforting refuge. This vegan barley and roasted vegetable bowl, a tapestry of earthy flavours and textures, is the perfect antidote to winter’s chill. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for a weekend feast.

SERVES

TIME

50 min

METHOD

DIFFICULTY

Oven

3 / 10

02.

03.

04.

05.

DIRECTION

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). While it’s warming up, take your rinsed barley and add it to a medium saucepan with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 3035 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the water is absorbed. Drain any excess water and set aside. Roast the Vegetables: On a large baking sheet, toss the diced parsnips, carrots, beetroot, and red onion wedges with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, dried thyme, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden and tender. Prepare the Kale: While the vegetables are roasting, take a large skillet and add a splash of water over medium heat. Add the chopped kale and cook for 3-5 minutes until it’s just wilted and bright green. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste. This dressing will add a delightful zing that complements the earthiness of the roasted vegetables. Assemble and Serve: Divide the cooked barley among four bowls. Top with the roasted vegetables and wilted kale. Drizzle each bowl generously with the balsamic dressing and sprinkle with toasted walnuts for a delightful crunch.

This vegan barley and roasted vegetable bowl is a symphony of winter flavours, combining the sweetness of roasted root vegetables with the nutty chewiness of barley and the crisp freshness of kale. It's a dish that promises not only warmth and comfort but also a bounty of nutrients. Perfect for a cosy dinner, it's a testament to the joys of winter cooking. BN1 MAGAZINE 63

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