Absolute Brighton Magazine April 2010

ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON . ISSUE 63 . APRIL 2010

ISSUE 63 . APRIL 2010

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

DAVID COULTHARD LOOKS AT THIS YEAR’S GRAND PRIX SEASON www.absolutebrighton.tv

CHOCTASTIC

A PICK OF THE BEST EASTER EGGS

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF ST LUCIA FASHION . PROPERTY . TRAVEL . BEAUTY . EDUCATION . ART . FACES & PLACES

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CLIV E C H R I S T I A N H A N D C R O S S , H I G H S T R E E T, H A N D C R O S S , W E S T S U S S E X . R H 1 7 6 B L . T E L E P H O N E 0 1 4 4 4 4 0 1 2 7 7

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Shape up with lunch hour LASER LIPOSUCTION SMARTLIPO™ LASER LIPOSUCTION Smartlipo™ is an innovative new procedure for removing excess body fat and firming loose skin. Through the use of a single laser fiber that is introduced into the body through a small cannula, doctors can literally melt fat away, removing stubborn fat deposits and toning the body. Laser liposuction also tightens the skin, eliminating sagginess and giving it a youthful firmness. Smartlipo™ generally involves a very short recovery time, with most patients being able to return to work and normal activities within a day or two.

THE SMARTLIPO™ PROCEDURE In this minimally invasive procedure, a doctor inserts a tiny probe containing a lowenergy laser fiber directly into the targeted fat deposit. The energy from the laser destroys the fat cells, which are then drained away, but has virtually no effect on the surrounding tissue. The entire laser liposuction process usually takes less than an hour for each targeted area and can be performed under local anesthesia. The use of the laser ensures a clean, nearly painless procedure, with minimal scarring.

SMARTLIPO™ BENEFITS Laser liposuction can transform the way a person looks, reversing the effects of aging and eliminating areas of fat that fail to respond to dieting and exercise. Though Smartlipo™ is mainly used to treat small, localized deposits, up to eight pounds of fat can be removed through the procedure; it can also be performed in conjunction with traditional liposuction if necessary. Though no surgery is completely free from risk, Smartlipo™ has proven to be one of the safest cosmetic procedures.

Recovery typically requires only one or two days, with very little post-operative discomfort.

Despite the fact that people lose weight and tone up muscles in certain areas, pockets of fat remain. Fotona XP2 Laser lipolysis now offers a realistic option of fat reduction to permanently remove fat cells in these extremely difficult and resistant areas.

For further information please visit www.clinicnine.com or contact Clinic Nine on 08452 416912 212 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2DJ

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THE ADVANTAGES OF LASER LIPOLYSIS • May be conducted in a doctor’s rooms • Minimal invasiveness • Fat may be removed naturally • Minimal recovery time and no bandages • Previously difficult areas can now be treated • Several areas can be treated in the same visit with virtually invisible entry points • Can be performed as a genuine “walk in and walk out” procedure for most treated areas.

• The procedure is significantly less traumatic than traditional liposuction and involves practically no loss of blood.

• There is a distinct lack of bruising and fast recovery, with results after only one treatment.

• Laser lipolysis offers minimal discomfort during the procedure, and a mild dull ache after local anesthetic has worn off, as opposed to severe pain after liposuction.

• Skin tightens around the area with laser lipolysis – there is no loose pocket of skin left hanging after the treatment as there is with liposuction.

• Laser lipolysis fat reduction is a much safer procedure than liposuction.

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CONTENTS

brighton

April 2010 . Issue 63 www.absolutebrighton.tv

ABSOLUTE FEATURES 10 Moody Blues Casual chic, with lots of denim!

22 Life in the Fast Lane Former F1 racing driver David Coulthard on his role as an F1 TV presenter 26 Some Kind of Superstar Jamelia talks of her family, charity work and her hopes for the future 58 Flying into the Future John Periam reports on a century of flying at historic Shoreham Airport ABSOLUTE REGULARS 9 Editor’s Letter 16 Celebrity Get The Look Get the outrageous but stylish look of Lady Ga Ga 18 Absolute Celebrity Column with Austin Mutti-Mewse 19 Absolute Socialite Diary Peter Jarrette shares a page from his busy schedule 20 Absolute Faces And Places 50 Henfield Tim Parker finds fresh air and nature away from the city rush 54 Absolute Travel The beautiful Caribbean island of St Lucia 56 Absolute Gardening 57 Absolute News With Mo Hunter-Shine 60 Absolute Motoring The new Audi R8, complete with a V10 engine 62 Absolute Education 64 Absolute What’s On 70 Absolute Business Section 74 Absolute Distribution Points ABSOLUTE INTERIORS 28 A Good Night The best for your bedroom this spring 33 Coffee Break A selection of coffee tables, there’s a style to suit your home ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND BEAUTY 34 Absolute Make-Up Column Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson gives top tips for using coral and peach tones 36 The Powder Room Luxury loose and compressed face powders for a pre-summer glow 38 Absolute Hair with Mark Woolley 40 Absolute Dental Column Amalgen fillings - the debate continues 41 Absolute Life Coaching 42 Eat It and Be It Sheryl Waters gives advice on what to do if you can’t tolerate certain foods

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ABSOLUTE FOOD AND DRINK 43 Asparagus - a versatile vegetable 44 Absolute Restaurant And Bar Listings 47 A Taste of Greece Mo Hunter-Shine and Rishma Patel enjoy a Mediterranean treat at Meze Meze 48 A luxury Easter Egg Collection

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Adastra Place 38 Keymer Road Hassocks BN6 8AP Tel 01273 841228 5/7 Ambassador House Crane Street Chichester PO19 1LH Tel 01243 776661

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Switchboard: 0845 389 0662 Fax: 0845 389 0663 www.absolutebrighton.tv

St Lucia. Page 52 Director / Editor: Verity Craig

Features / Design: Maureen Hunter-Shine

Advertising Manager: Rishma Patel

Sales Executive: David Hall

April sees the start of many exciting events for the spring and summer months ahead, from race days to fashion shows (Hove’s Walk In Wardrobe recently held their new season show) to the exciting Accounts Department: Shelly Hicks

Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Danny Masters was fortunate to catch up with former F1 driver David Coulthard who is presenting this year’s season for BBC 1. Having watched the first race this year myself, the commentary by David and his fellow presenters (Jake Humphrey and Eddie Jordan) certainly leads you to believe that the 2010 championship is set to be the most exciting ever, with so many champion drivers

Accounts/finance: Adam Style

competing, including Michael Schumacher who has come out of retirement especially. So is David now tempted to do the same as his former opponent? Danny finds out. (Page 22) One of the things I envy when watching the Grand Prix is some of the beautiful hot locations for the races. From Monaco to Brazil, those drivers don’t have it bad really do they? Mind you, I shouldn’t

Managing Director: Paul Craig

complain. Tour company Sandals recently took my husband and me to St Lucia on a luxurious holiday that we won’t forget. As well as being a beautiful Caribbean island in the sun, with golden beaches and crystal clear seas (are you there yet?), as we discovered, it has some beautiful Sandals

Advertising enquiries:

resorts. If like we did, you may have never considered all-inclusive holidays for couples, then read on

0845 389 0662

about our experience and we may convince you otherwise. We will definitely be going back some day.

sales@absolutebrighton.com Editorial e-mail: editorial@absolutebrighton.com All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without prior written consent of Absolute brighton. The views and opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine may not necessarily represent the views of Absolute brighton.

Absolute brighton takes no responsibility for claims made in advertisements featured in this magazine.

Absolute brighton can take no responsibility for unsolicited material.

(Page 52) On another note, I hear that the big news of the town this month is that the West Pier is being turned in to a five star hotel. How exciting! I wonder who will stay there?

Well, enjoy your April… and look out for those April Fools jokes, you never know who may play one on you. (The West Pier a five star hotel? I think someone has just played one on you!)

Bye for now!

Printed in the UK by THE MAGAZINE PRINTING COMPANY www.magprint.co.uk

ABSOLUTE

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Keshia wears T-shirt by Comptoir Des Cotonniers, Jeans by Republic Luke wears dungarees by Republic, vest stylist’s own

ABSOLUTE FASHION

Moody Blues Photography Bob Chen Styling Benjamin Glean 10

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Dress by Nico Didonna, bag by Jocasi, jewellery by Traffic People

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Cardigan by Full Circle,check shirt by Fabric @ Republic, jeans by Full Circle, trainers by Clarks

ABSOLUTE FASHION

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Keshia wears dress by A Wear, Shoes by Clarks, bag by Jocasi, jewellery by Traffic People.

Luke wears jacket by Full Circle, shirt by Hawes and Curtis, trousers by Nico Didonna, belt stylist’s own, shoes model’s own

ABSOLUTE FASHION

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ABSOLUTE FASHION

Shirt and blazer by Traffic People

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ABSOLUTE FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY by BOB CHEN STYLING by BENJAMIN GLEAN Make-up ARTIST: Mira Parmar HAIR STYLIST: Natalie Danielle MAKE-UP: Giorgio Armani (www.giorgioarmanibeauty.co.uk) Bobbi Brown (www.bobbibrown.co.uk) Hair: KMS California (www.kmscalifornia.com) MODELS: KESHIA AND LUKE from Premier Model Management www.premiermodelmanagement.com STOCKISTS: A Wear (www.awear.com) Clarks (www.clarks.co.uk) Comptoir Des Cotonniers (www.comptoirdescotonniers.com) Fabric @ Republic [www.republic.co.uk] Full Circle (www.fullcircleuk.com) Hawes and Curtis (www.hawesandcurtis.com) Jocasi (www.jocasi.com) Miso (www.republic.co.uk/miso) Nico Didonna (www.nico-d.com) Republic (www.republic.co.uk) Traffic People (www.trafficpeople.net)

Dress by Miso, jewellery by Traffic People

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ABSOLUTE CELEBRITY LOOK Going Ga Ga! Lady Ga Ga is well-known for her off-the-wall outfits and make-up. However, as our picture shows, she can also be sophisticated, with

Get the look

just a touch of the outrageous! She perfectly demonstrates how yellow and black are making a striking look this spring.

You can get her individual look, and take a walk on the wild side!

but with a..

Kaliko Swing Coat, Chartreuse Sale Price £82.50 www.johnlewis.com

High Street price tag

Button detail leather gloves Accessorize £20 www.accessoriesonline.co.uk

LA Storey Trouser FCUK £75 www.frenchconnection.com

Trimmed pixie boot Barratts £20 www.Barratts.co.uk

Don’t forget the paparazzi shades!

Von Zipper Sunglasses Sale price £52.00 www.surffusion.co.uk

April Absolute Celeb of the month Unknown to most people just a month ago, the lovely Amy Williams recently thrilled us all with her gold medal success at the skeleton event in the Winter Olympics. She is the only Brit to gain a medal this time, and is living proof of what dedication and determination, along with a large helping of courage, can do. Well done Amy, we are all proud of you. You are our celebrity of the month!

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ABSOLUTE CELEBRITY

O-BITCH-UARY…

With Austin Mutti-Mewse

!” ne go m I’ n he w e m t ou ab lk ta “Don’t The only A-list celebrity column in Sussex Freddie Windsor becomes stylish ambassador

Forget past press reports of Lord Freddie Windsor looking dishevelled. The son of Princess Michael of Kent has been transformed into the epitome of sophistication, taking on the mantle of Brand Ambassador for the historic Hardy Amies who showed at the House of Hardy Amies, 14 Savile Row during London Fashion Week. Flown in especially from his home in Los Angeles, Freddie Windsor looked splendid in a navy suit, crisp white shirt with a more demure collar than he usually favours, worn with a paler than pale grey tie. “I love the clothes,” said Freddie Windsor. Admiring new House Designer Oliver J. Benjamin’s creations, including a midnight blue evening suit, Freddie admitted he’s excited to be wearing the brand. “The cloth, the cut, the style of the clothes is simply fantastic”.

One hundred and not out!

At an age when most of us would feel it’s an achievement just to get up in the morning, 100-year-old movie star Carla Laemmle is on set and still working.

Star of several silent films and Dracula opposite Bela Lugosi, Carla Laemmle the niece of Universal Studio founder Carl Laemmle has just completed her role as Violet, in award-winning producer Tom Tangen’s PoolTime. “I’ve been in films over eighty years and I’m still having a wonderful time.” She said.

Madge a step closer to Windsors in Hollywood You read it on this page first! Now Madonna’s desire to make a movie on the life of Wallis Simpson has picked up momentum as she goes-a-hunting in Hollywood for a leading man to play Edward VIII, who became the Duke of Windsor after he gave up the throne for the woman he loved. Madonna has already persuaded actress Abbie Cornish to play Wallis.

Comedian brandishes casual look at Oscars

Russell Brand may have been at the Vanity Fair party but according to his fiancé Katy Perry, saucy Brand didn’t watch even a second of the Oscar ceremony itself.

“Russell would never be able to concentrate,” laughed Katy, “He’s too hyper!” Brand who opted for superskinnies and a white shirt undone to the naval then met the wrath of Joan Collins further along the red carpet, giving brand a menacing sideways glance. Joan said, “he obviously has no intelligence nor respect for the Academy otherwise he’d have put a suit on that skinny back.”

Alone and demure Katie Price cut a lonely figure at Sir Elton John’s Oscar bash. With new hubby Alex Reid in training for a ‘cage fight’, Katie turned up on her ownsome. “I know loads of people here, it’s fine.” said Katie, dressed in a jewelled royal blue ballgown. However, one onlooker observed her looking rather isolated and more demure than usual.

Babs a hit in Wonderland

Barbara Windsor is buzzin’. The Carry-On legend and Eastenders favourite was on top form at the premiere of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. “Tim cast me before anyone else for the film and when we met the first thing he asked me to do was laugh, and so I laughed!” The saucy star who plays the long suffering mouse atop the Mad hatters tea-table in the film says she’d like to work with Burton again, “I know he (Tim) likes EastEnders and was flattered he thought I’d be perfect for the film – I had a ball!” She added: “Kenny (Kenneth Williams) would be so happy for me, making it big in a tiny role in Hollywood.” Meanwhile, Johnny Depp who plays the ‘Mad Hatter’ was so impressed at meeting Prince Charles at the premiere that he requested for a framed copy of the photo to hang in his home in France.

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ABSOLUTE SOCIALITE DIARY

WHATS IN A NAME?

Authentic Indonesian Food If you have never experienced Indonesian food before then why not give it a try?

Sometimes subtle, sometimes fiery but always flavoursome, our delicious foods have something to appeal to everyone.

Created and freshly prepared by Indonesian chefs, our menu includes dishes from across the archipelago.

Let your senses escape to the tastes of the Spice Islands

7 Pool Valley Brighton East Sussex BN1 1NJ 01273 720784 info@warungtujuh.com www@warungtujuh.com Opening Times Mon - Fri 12pm - 4pm & 6pm - 11pm, Sat 12noon - 12 midnight Sun 12noon - 11pm

DOWNLOAD MENU (PDF) FROM WEBSITE

All food after 6pm. Monday - Wednesday

The Essentials Collection from Amtico represents the very best of Amtico Woods, Stones and Innovation ranges. Like all Amtico products, each offers outstanding performance, reassuring longevity and a stunning finish.

To see more inspiring flooring ideas from Amtico call into our showroom today.

Mister Smith Interiors 23 New Road, Brighton BN1 1UF 01273 605574

PJ, aka Peter Jarrette Brighton’s favourite socialite, discusses the new meaning of this nebulous title Dear diary Verity Craig, Absolute’s editor, and her Absolute colleagues, are constantly identifying and introducing new faces, places and trends to their equally matched lifestyle magazine and trend forward readership.

Ms. Craig also understands the changing nature of the intriguing word ‘‘socialite”; a term that not so long ago brought to mind images of lean, super-coiffed and bejewelled wives of senators and the world’s leading diplomats, ladies-wholunched that were forever busying themselves on the charity circuit... in recent years, their even wealthier, leaner, equally coiffed, boyfriend-swapping daughters have been climbing out of ground hugging, super cars (often minus their smalls!) and stepping onto premiere red carpets to claim that beguiling tag - socialite, and nebulous role as their own, for all the world’s press to see.

Now, a socialite need not be a headline-grabbing giddy gargantuan, a limelight heat seeker or a designer-label-clad-libido-torpedo. ‘Females Only’ is also no longer a criterion to shine as a party potentate, nor extreme monetary wealth.

Trust me. Although rumours continue to abound about me, PJ, being Brighton’s secret millionaire, they are only that... rumours. Albeit fabulous ones! Today’s glitterati can be deemed ‘socialite’ through a dedicated enjoyment of mixing with and meeting people from all walks of life, and keeping abreast of topical events and yes, fanciful trends if so required. The only things that still remain, is the de rigueur ability to arrive curb-side with some degree of charm and attitude! The wearing of undergarments is up to the individual of course.

Absolute Magazine, and its home town Brighton, continues to enjoy its own crop of socialites from the first class long haul names such as gentleman’s designer great Gresham Blake, author Peter James, Zoe Ball, Caraline Brown, the property power couple Glenn and Barbara Mishon to the business class, midrange models like myself. And now there’s the new additions on the circuit such as the popular Leonora Metzger, whose black book is filled with profilers from music producers The Freemasons to Diana Frangi to The Countess of Brighton and Hackney.

‘Leo’ is the music loving daughter of the upbeat dance DJ Chico and an almost constant attendee at some of the more exclusive nights I’ve recently been to. We’ve both been carousing at our regular Brighton and Hove ‘west side’ hangouts that are far from the weekend madding crowds that choke the city centre e.g. the funky MBar with its BBQs and outdoor patio where the charming ‘Daniel’ holds court. Talking of which, I’m thrilled to say he and his partner April are expecting their first child any second now.

Over the last few months we socialites all made the private and public party rounds celebrating Valentine’s and Chinese New Year, falling as they do on the same day, at Pearl Chinese Bar for the ‘Loving The Metal Tiger’ night. Again, at Pearl was the Upfrontdance.com for radio DJ Karl Smooth’s birthday, with one of my favourite bands, Sweet Sweet Lies, and London outfit Panning For Gold completed several live gigs throughout the city.

Now, Vicky Allen and Maryam Salehi at The Usual Suspects Hair Salons have teamed with powerhouse PR and events mistress Debs Lewis to bring us a spectacular evening of fashion, hair and make-up visuals at MyHotel for an Alice in Wonderland stun-a-rama followed by an after party on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Charity. Look out in Absolute Brighton for more details!

Now, where did I leave those secret millions of mine?

www.mistersmith.co.uk

. CARPETS . FABRICS . WALLPAPER . LIGHTING .

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PJ www.twitter.com/socialitepete www.facebook.com/peter.jarrette

23/3/10 15:00:52

ABSOLUTE PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Introducing The Rare Brand Market The Rare Brand Market was founded in 2008 by local Sussex girl Emma Schwarz. The business idea was born from wanting easier access to innovative, independent retailers who source and design fabulous products that are rare, stylish and great value for money.

pic of Emma

The Rare Brand Market bridges the gap between large London fairs and small regional craft fairs and aims to bring together like-minded brands and consumers from all over the UK for some sought after retail therapy.

But there is one BIG rule, the brands have to be RARE .

The events are always held in stunning and unique venues, such as Pallant House Art Gallery in Chichester, adding to the atmosphere and making it more than just a shopping market.

It becomes a whole day out with other experiences from workshops, fashion shows, lectures and delicious food.

With an exciting calendar planned for 2010, including a special fashion event at Goodwood Racecourse, Emma and her team have a busy few months ahead.

Find out more at www.therarebrandmarket.co.uk

FACES & PLACES

Rix and Kay in Brighton Graham Bull of Callaways Estate Agents, Heather Hilder Darling and Bob Hilder of Land and Brand New Homes, Lyn King of Rix and Kay and Robin Wilson of Wilson Sandford

As part of its exciting expansion plans, Rix and Kay Solicitors LLP, one of the leading

Richard Stapleton of Stiles Harold Williams with Eric Boon of HSBC

law practices in Sussex, has opened for business in Frederick Place, Brighton.

To celebrate the opening, the firm invited

Rix and Kay Managing Partner Bruce Hayter with the Brighton team, Carl Bate, Miranda Martin and Mark James

clients and partners to a lavish reception at the Brighton Museum recently.

Sarah Maguire of Lucas Fettes, Duncan Orr of Swindells and Gentry and Jessica Partridge of Rix and Kay

www.rixandkay.co.uk Pictures Graham Franks

Alan Zeal of Rix and Kay with Joanna Allen of Savvy and Victor

Alison Jones of Spofforths with Michelle Hearne of Rix and Kay

Andrew Wilkinson of ExTech with Lisa Jones and Michelle Hearne of Rix and Kay

Rix and Kay’s Frances Pierce with Katie King from 2thefore

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Jenny Parr of Rix and Kay

David Pegler of Brewin Dolphin with Edward Walter of Rix and Kay

ABSOLUTE

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what’s next in 2010?

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18/3/10 14:41:09

ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW

Life in The Fast Lane

David Coulthard in the Red Bull car at the Canadian Grand Prix

As the Formula 1 season begins, probably it’s most exciting season ever, Danny Masters meets up with retired Formula 1 driver David Coulthard who is presenting this year's event How did you first get into motor racing?

My father, Duncan, raced for Scotland and he was instrumental in encouraging me to take it up. The first time I got into a go-kart I was useless but I kept on going and I rose up the ranks. My mother, June, and my father supported me and put a lot of money into my career. You can’t do it otherwise.

As a F1 driver, how did you handle the enormous risks involved?

You have to be pragmatic about things. I was always aware that I was taking my life in my hands and the fact that every day, whether it be a test day or qualifying session or a race, could be the last day of my life. I looked at my life with that in mind. If something had happened, everything was in place so that it would be as painless as possible for my loved ones to deal with.

Ten years ago you survived a near-fatal crash in a private jet in France, how did that affect you?

It did change the way I looked at life. There were two pilots sitting feet away from me and my girlfriend, and they both died. We just about got out. Before that moment, I hadn’t thought of getting married, but afterwards I thought it was something I should do, so I proposed to my then girlfriend, Heidi. Unfortuntely it didn’t work

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out because I went a bit wild and went over the top partying... but it did make me look at things differently.

Getting back to this season’s racing, how do you think returning F1 legend Michael Schumacher will perform?

I think he’s well prepared for the year ahead.

And he’s a class act so he’ll perform to the maximum of that car’s ability. But if it’s not a winning car, no amount of Michael Schumacher’s talent will make it win.

Did his return make you think about making a comeback?

Of course there’s a part of me, the racer inside, that would love to be out there testing and working with the car and getting stuck into the new season, but I don’t have that opportunity because I wasn’t as good as Michael so it never even crossed my mind.

How do you replace the adrenaline rush of racing?

It is difficult to beat the adrenaline junkie within; that doesn’t mean I want to do base jumping or whatever, because I’m not experienced in that.

To me, that would seem like an uncontrolled risk. For me, being in a racing car was always about analysing the risk and pushing the car to its physical limit, working with engineers and mentally pushing myself every day. It’s a wonderful feeling.

What was your favourite circuit?

Spa and Monaco were my favourite. Watching at Monaco is also unbeatable because you’re so close to the action.

How did you find the switch to working on the TV side of things?

It took a little while to understand how the whole process works, but it’s enormous fun. It’s the next best thing to racing because you still feel part of the event. And I still get to socialise with the drivers because I see them regularly so I still mix in the same circles.

Because they are driving the same car this season, are we finally going to find out who the better driver is – Jenson Button or Lewis Hamilton?

Two cars are never identical, but it’s the best opportunity you are ever going to get to compare two drivers. I take my hat off to Jenson for putting his balls on the line and putting himself up against one of the sports top drivers!

So who will come out on top?

This year I wouldn’t be surprised if Lewis just has the run because of his experience with the team. We have to give Jenson half a season before passing comment on his performance, and if at that point he’s matching or in front of Lewis, then that is an amazing effort.

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ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW “I would have stood a better chance of winning the championship had I not been at my peak when Michael Schumacher was around!”

Is it frustrating to have never won the world championship yourself?

I would have stood a better chance of winning the championship had I not been at my peak when Michael Schumacher was around! Competing against the most successful driver in the history of our sport was pretty tough. So the best I could do was finish second to him. And finishing second meant finishing in front of Mika Hakkinen who was a double world champion!

How did you used to prepare yourself during the build-up to a Grand Prix?

For the four days before, any alcohol was banned. So were fatty foods, because they make you lethargic. Your eating, drinking and sleeping patterns have to be geared towards getting your mind and body in the zone for that 190-minute session on the Sunday. I’d do two hours’ cardiovascular work each morning, a strength session each evening and my personal trainer would prepare all my meals and drinks. He would know exactly how many litres of fluid I’d be taking in each day.

Was it hard keeping your weight down?

It’s very difficult to begin with. For about two years, between the ages of 14 and 16, I was bulimic. It was just a case that, to race a kart, you would get put on the scales like a jockey and you were never meant to weigh over nine stone. If I was a pound over, I’d vomit up my dinner.

Have you got a strange neck like most F1 drivers are known for?

Let me explain something. During a race you have to deal with the sort of G-force generated by a space launch. Braking in an F1 car feels like being hit in the back of the head by a sledgehammer! The cockpit slows to 50mph in two seconds; but the head, with the extra weight of a helmet, keeps going at 200mph! Only the neck can stop it. So if your neck strength isn’t there, you’d have no chance of surviving a race.

I’ll take that as a yes then. What road cars do you have?

A couple of Smart cars, a couple of Mercedes, an Infiniti FX45 (which I bought in New York) and a 1971 280SL Pagoda roof that is the same age as me.

Do you get boy racers trying to burn you off on the roads?

I used to, but I don’t drive a great deal now... instead, I get driven. Besides, driving on the road is really boring!

I bet you’re a nightmare passenger...

I’m honestly not! I’m the perfect passenger, I never utter a word...

Jake Humphrey, David, and Eddie Jordan presenting the F1 TV programme

ABSOLUTE

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19/3/10 15:40:12

FACES & PLACES

Love renewed for Carol

Lizzie and Peter Mantle

Former EastEnders star Carol Harrison and her banker husband Ian Grant decided to reaffirm their love for each other as part of Living Tv’s “Four Weddings” show.

Paula Seabourne-Pearson of Jenerator PR co-ordinated a Mods and 60s themed wedding. Carol looked stunning in her 60s –inspired dress, designed and made by Chrissie Nicholson-Wild of Curve Couture.

She was escorted down the isle by her son Cutting their cake, Carol Harrison and Ian Grant

Alfie, at St Margaret’s church in Rottingdean.

Carol and Ian rode from the church to the reception on a 60s scooter surrounded by a circle of Mod riders on their immaculately restored mopeds.

The reception was held at the Honey Club in Brighton. The venue had been creatively transformed to resemble a scene from Austin Powers, by the very talented Helen Hooper of Hooper Interiors.

A delicious feast served by Circa Events kept TV presenter Ortis Deley, Rachel Platman and actor Tom Yeates Toni Sully and Katie Moorhead

the guests happy whilst they were spoiled with lashings of champagne.

A whole host of Carol’s celebrity friends turned out for the event which lasted well into the early hours of the following morning.

A fabulous fun, entertaining event.

Photographs Graham Franks

TV presenter Anthony Papas

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Father Martin of St Margaret’s Rottingdean, who conducted the service

Nathan Hoad and Dani Johnson

TV and radio presenter Mike Read

Thespian couple Chris and Anita Ellison

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FACES & PLACES Toni Pickles of Get Waisted

Toni Sully, Katie Moorhead and Jaye Elster

Brighton artist Julie Anne Gilburt with Interior designer Helen Hooper David, Manon and Charlie Courtney Clive Gordon and Paula Pearson

Carol Harrison and Ian Grant

Anita Ellison and Royal and celebrity hairdresser Ian Carmicheal

TV presenter Ingrid Dupre with PK Lewis Kristian Meadows with Karron Eubank

Fiona Graves of Midnight Communications Edward Chase and actor Tom Yeates

Audrey Devlin

From The Bill, Mark Wingett and Chris Ellison

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23/3/10 12:36:07

ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW

Some kind of superstar Pop star Jamelia, who is Pop star Jamelia, who is currently currently recording her recordingalbum, her fourth album, takes time fourth out to talk to out Nicola takes time to McGeorge talk to about Nicola McGeorge about her daughters, charity work and her meeting daughters, charity work and Nelson Mandela

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ABSOLUTE INTERVIEW “My daughters are my world and every step I take is for the betterment and good of them. I want my children to be proud of their mother. I am especially proud when I see how polite my daughters are... I think to myself, I did that.”

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amelia is, without doubt, one of the UK’s most successful female recording artists.

The 28 year old singer/songwriter from Birmingham, has also turned her immense talents to presenting, modelling and acting.

However, she didn’t always see herself in the world of showbiz. “I went through dreams of working in many different careers before knowing my destiny was in music,” she recalls. “ I wanted to be a teacher, a midwife, a forensic scientist and a child psychologist! I was offered a record deal by chance and it was like a secret dream of mine, so I traded it all for that amazing opportunity.”

“The first time I knew I had made it was when I heard my song ‘So High’ on Eastenders.

I remember being so overwhelmed and screaming out ‘Oh my God that’s my song!’ I then proceeded to call my Nan, my Aunty’s, cousins and friends. Even to this day if I hear my songs on TV, come across an album of mine in HMV or hear my song on the radio, it feels amazing.”

Jamelia has already notched up eight UK top ten hits, four MOBO awards and a Q award.

Her most famous hit ‘Thank you’ was even nominated for a prestigious Ivor Novello Award.

“I think people related to this track because it was real and it was evident that it came from a real place,” she explains talking about her song which she wrote based upon her experience as a victim of domestic abuse. “Unfortunately so many people have had some sort of experience with domestic violence, and this was one of the first times the subject had been approached in such a public way. I’m glad I did the song and in a weird way, glad that I went through what I did, because it meant I got to help people, including

myself. It was so great to talk about it and for us all to find that we are not alone.”

Her biggest inspirations are her two gorgeous daughters, 8 year old Teja and Tiani aged 3. “ I owe it ALL to becoming a mother! I know that had I not, I wouldn’t enjoy the successes I do or have the inner determination and motivation for all I do today. My daughters are my world and every step I take is for the betterment and good of them. I want my children to be proud of their mother. I am especially proud when I see how polite my daughters are...I think to myself, I did that.”

As a noted style icon, fashion is also a big part of Jamelia’s life. She describes her look as ‘sexy, sassy and sensational,’ mixing High Street labels such as H&M and American Apparel with designers such as Dolce & Gabbanna, Marios Schwab and Jimmy Choo. I have spotted her on many occasions at London Fashion Week, so I had to ask what are her favourite shows? “Jenny Packham! I just love her stuff, and she gave me one of my wedding dresses (yeah I had 2!) Julien McDonald is also always fabulous! Topshop - what’s not to Love? Jaeger - gorgeousness epitomised. I also love participating in Naomi Campbell’s ‘Fashion For Relief shows.’ It’s great being a part of such worthy causes, but getting to see a half-naked Tyson Beckford was a perk of the job too...ha ha ha!”

Charity work is a big part of what sets Jamelia aside from the usual pop stars making her an inspirational figure for the youth of today. In 2007 she appeared in a high profile poster campaign shot by Mary McCartney for the animals rights charity PETA, because she feels that “wearing animal fur is disgusting.”

She appeared naked under the headline ‘Be comfortable in your own skin and let animals keep theirs.’

At the end of 2007, she was invited to perform on stage for Nelson Mandela’s World Aids Day. She performed the hit singles ‘Something About

You,’ ‘See It In A Boy‘s Eyes’ and ‘Superstar.’ “ It was an experience I never imagined having, one so many dream of ” she says. “ I feel extremely fortunate to have been in his presence and to have had three opportunities to converse with such an inspirational individual.”

This year, with the support of her daughters, she took part in the Brantano’s New For Old Campaign In Aid Of Tommy’s Baby Charity, which encourages people to drop off their old shoes, which will in turn help babies in the UK and support deprived communities across Africa.

When Jamelia married her long term partner, professional footballer Darren Byfield, she was inevitably featured in the COED Magazine Online’s list of ‘The 50 Sexiest WAGS Of World Football;’ a title she does not want to be associated with now. (Jamelia has since filed for divorce.)

So what does the rest of 2010 hold for this ambitious lady? “I’m currently recording my fourth studio album. I call it ‘kick in the door’ music. I’m actually interested in working with up-and-coming producers, as I think they are less likely to be stuck in their ways and will be willing to take risks creatively. They also hunger for success!

Later on in the year I also have my first lead in a movie. Other than that I’m just loving life and appreciating all of its blessings right now.”

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19/3/10 15:38:28

ABSOLUTE INTERIORS Classy and traditional

Dream easy As the most used room in the home, it is important to get the décor in your bedroom just right. We look at the easiest and most efficient option to achieve a stylish and comfortable look in a professional way

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o turn your bedroom in to a sleep sanctuary, first work out a budget and then picture your ideal bedroom. Make bullet points of this on a board. This is called a ‘storyboard’, and is what interior designers use when creating a new look for a room. Do you visualise yourself in a bedroom of calming neutral tones or one of bright sunny vibrant splashes? And would you like a modern or traditional look? It is also useful to write down a list furniture and fixtures that are important for your bedroom to include e.g. Do you want mirrors? Do you have a picture that you’d like a special place for in your bedroom? Tear out clippings from interior magazines of images or textures that you think will suit your bedroom idea and pin them on your storyboard along with your notes.

Once you have decided upon these decisions, you will have established the base for the bedroom that is going to be for you, and designed by you. Keep adding ideas to your storyboard whenever you see or have any; this may even be photos of other places that have inspired you. But also don’t be afraid to take off any ideas that you feel don’t suit the board as it progresses.

Once you have a storyboard, it is a good idea to take it with you to any interior or DIY stores and show them the colours and textures that you have selected; they may even give you additional ideas or point out items they have that may suit your look.

Once your storyboard is complete and you have purchased all that you need to create your bedroom, you’ll need to decide whether you are going to employ someone to do the work for you or whether to be ambitious by doing the work yourself. If you are employing someone to carry out this work for you, word of mouth is the best recommendation from people you know that have used them. But if you haven’t found them this way, make sure they have all the necessary certificates etc (check on the internet for what they should have). Either way, it is also necessary to view their workmanship too (either images of their work or by visiting a location).

So now you have your vision and plan, the work can start… you’re on your way to having a ‘dream’ bedroom… Zzzz.

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Vital and modern

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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS

Spring is in the air...

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pring is here and what better time to refresh your bedroom and transform it into the blissful, stylish retreat which you deserve. Indulge in a big comfortable bed with a wonderful mattress and divan, beautiful bedroom furniture, and sumptuous linens … and make your bedroom the best room in the house – after all it’s where you spend the most time!

For sheer inspiration, take a walk around the Handcross showroom where you’ll find everything from romantic brass to classic wood models and handsome designs in forged and cast iron. Several of their timeless wooden beds have been given a clever contemporary twist with a stylish hand painted finish in the full range of Farrow & Ball colours. Many designs are also available in a lavish silver leaf finish or upholstered in silk damask, leather or a wide choice of fabrics... all bringing an elegant look to both modern and traditional interiors.

Romantics will fall head over heels in love with And So To Bed’s Georgian Four Poster (pictured right) in its new silver leaf finish... hand applied, the silver gives a glamorous finish, highlighting the delicate hand-carving including the canopy decorated with Prince of Wales feathers. It’s a new look for this bedroom classic which is also available in traditional mahogany and in a range of hand painted finishes. And So To Bed’s collection of complementary Georgian furniture is available in all finishes including the new silver leaf.

And So To Bed’s Sage (pictured above) is a classic 1920’s bed in brass. The simple lines, characteristic of the period makes it suitable for mixing with classic or contemporary styling, perfect for today’s more eclectic interiors.

Shown here in brass with an antiqued finish, the Sage is also available in a polished nickel finish.

And So To Bed’s dedicated Mattress Studio offers expert advice and an unrivalled range of high quality mattresses to choose from including And So

To Bed’s own luxury label together with Vi-Spring and Tempur.

Once you’ve decided on your bed and mattress, And So To Bed has all the furniture needed to complete the look, as well as an extensive range of luxurious linens, throws and bedspreads, all available to fit a bed of any size.

So whether you want to buy a bed, a mattress, a desk or a bedspread, visit And So To Bed where experienced staff will help turn your bedroom from dream into reality.

And So To Bed 16 High Street, Handcross Tel: 01444 401789 www.andsotobed.co.uk ABSOLUTE

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19/3/10 17:13:56

FACES & PLACES

Walk in Wardrobe do it again!

Proprietor of Walk In Wardrobe, Katherine

Wilson, recently held a glamorous evening Absolute Editor Verity Craig with her mother and daughter, Terrina Steel and Niomi Smart Personal stylist Igor Srzic Cartledge and Katherine Wilson

showcasing the new season dresses and hats available in her Hove ladies boutique shop.

Beautiful summer dresses for parties, race days and weddings for all ages were modelled on the catwalk, including some by local designer Peter Twiss.

Pictures Richard Bidwell Paul and Louise Eaton from Tranquility

Models Holly, Amalie and Aimee, all from Blatchington Mill School

Simply stunning Blinds and shutters from Hillarys

SALE NOW ON UP TO 50% OFF SELECTED BLINDS AND UP TO 25% OFF SELECTED SHUTTERS

Expert advice, fast, professional service

CALL NOW OR BOOK ONLINE

0800 587 6476 www.hillarys.co.uk

We bring our stunning collection of contemporary and classic blinds and shutters to you at home, for ultimate convenience. Our extensive range is custom made for you with measuring and fitting all part of our service.

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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS

A bright future Image shown Centro Hacienda Black

T

he natural look, appealing curves and moodaltering lighting: not the ingredients of a hot date, but the biggest new trends to hit the nation’s favourite room this year.

The recession has consolidated the kitchen’s place at the heart of our homes for two reasons.

Firstly, we are spending more time eating, entertaining and socialising indoors in a bid to save cash while still enjoying the fun things in life.

Another symptom of the current economic climate is that people are opting to invest in their homes rather than sell them, with kitchen renovations proven to add the most resale value.

This is borne out by people increasingly shunning the dining room in favour of a larger kitchen, with more than half a million dining rooms due to be demolished over the next 12 months, according to research from Halifax Home Insurance.

Add these factors together and it’s easy to see why homeowners are clamouring for stylish yet functional kitchens that can provide everything we demand of them on an affordable budget.

So if you’re planning on updating your kitchen, what should be on your wish list? It’s all about natural woods, curved lines and clever storage according to Bethan Barnfield, marketing manager at County Kitchens.

“Natural oak units are set to be in high demand next year. This traditional look has been perennially popular but wood is making a comeback with a much more contemporary feel. Savvy customers are opting for colour stained or painted finishes to the wood for added depth and interest.

“Shapes and curves are also going to be a style staple in the kitchen, and the move away from harsh angular lines will continue. Curved ends on peninsulas and islands are becoming more and more popular, as are Mondo units, which allow access into corner storage spaces via a carousel system. These are available in concave versions too, taking the angularity out of the kitchen.

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“There is an appeal in using smoother curves instead of sharp corners for people looking to bring smooth, flowing lines into their homes. Most styles also have their disadvantages, and it is true that you need to have adequate space to properly show off curves in your kitchen, however they can be cleverly built in to less generous areas to create a real focal point.

“De-cluttering remains a watchword for modern life and the importance of having a place for everything people need to hand in a busy kitchen is set to grow and grow. Maximising the use of hard to reach corners and the back of cupboards is now much easier thanks to clever storage solutions such as ‘magic corners’, Le Mans units, carousels and half carousels, while deep drawers with food dividers and tall larders with pull-out drawers are becoming more and more desirable.

“...people (are) increasingly shunning the dining room in favour of a larger kitchen, with more than half a million dining rooms due to be demolished over the next 12 months, according to research from Halifax Home Insurance.”

“Increasingly smart storage means that the typical busy parent or time-poor young professional can easily lay their hands on that elusive tin of beans or spice jar without a ten-minute rummage through a dark cupboard!

“Ambience also plays a crucial role in the home, especially for those romantic dinners and intimate gatherings. One thing sure to set the mood is the right lighting.

“The best lighting is unobtrusive, so low-voltage spotlights fitted flushly into the ceiling create a subtle, ambient effect. People with small kitchens can make them look much more spacious, with clever under-cabinet or plinth lighting.

County Kitchens predicts a colourful year ahead for the heart of the home “Plinth lighting creates a beautiful link between furniture and the floor, emitting a soft glow and perfect if you want to show off lovely new flooring.

Meanwhile, accent lighting is increasingly used to highlight features and to create a mood, for instance inside a glass cabinet for a dramatic look.

Lighting in a variety of colours is becoming increasingly popular as people choose colours such as cool blues, romantic reds and calming greens to fit their moods.”

Speaking of green, a County Kitchens survey shows that eco-friendly appliances in kitchens is a growing priority for homeowners, with one in four Brits putting energy-saving washing machines, dishwashers and recycling bins at the top of their kitchen wish-list ahead of televisions and Americanstyle refrigerators.

Another feature making a big splash with consumers is the soft-touch drawer opening mechanism. Until now this has been a request-only feature from kitchen showrooms, but next year will see this become an industry standard with all new kitchens being fitted with the slam-proof gliding drawers.

Bethan concludes: “2010 is set to be an exciting time for kitchens with more people looking to make the most of their current homes and really maximise their appeal.

It’s important that not only does a kitchen have the impressive ‘wow factor’ aesthetically, but work from a practical perspective too. The resurgence of colourful lighting and the latest innovations in storage solutions mean that there has never been a better time to make the most important room in the home work harder for every lifestyle.”

County kitchens Unit 4, Newtown Road, Hove BN3 7BA Tel: 01273 234890 Showrooms also in Horsham, Chichester and Worthing www.countykitchens.com

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ABSOLUTE INTERIORS

COFFEE BREAK

1 1. Noguchi Designer Coffee Table - Black Base.

The table has a rounded triangle glass top which then sits on a base comprising of two interlocking wooden pieces £199.00 www.thefurnituremarket.co.uk

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2. Geo-Glass spot side table A stylish and funky alternative to a coffee table. 12mm thick glass. £179.00 www.thefurnituremarket.co.uk

Contemporary, traditional,

3. BeConcept coffee table Black-stained oak, veneer/ brushed steel £769 www.boconcept.co.uk

or just plain goofy, coffee tables come in a great variety

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of shapes, sizes, style and materials, so there is bound

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4. Barcelona This coffee table has a black glass base and clear glass top.

Main body constructed from stainless steel Sale price £399 www.furniturevillage.co.uk 5. Polar Coffee table Created in travertine Sale price £399 www.furniturevillage.co.uk

to be something out there to suit your taste and pocket.

Here are just a few...

6. French Chateau Oval coffee tables with glass top insert Price: £169.00 www.thefurnituremarket.co.uk 7. Venetian Plain Mirrored Z Shaped Coffee Table £135 www.thefurnituremarket.co.uk 8. Vejmon Veneered top; durable, stain resistant and easy to keep clean. £119 www.ikea.com

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18/3/10 13:57:42

Celebrity make-up artist Jeni Dodson is our independent beauty advisor bringing to you the latest beauty buzz and hot tips straight from the red carpet!

ABSOLUTE MAKE-UP

Cheeky and sexy!

www.jenidodson.com

CHEEKY PEACHES AND COOL CORALS Spring is in the air, so get ready to refresh your look with the hottest shade being worn on the red carpet.

This old-fashioned favourite is back on trend, and this season brings to us a beautiful selection of coral-coloured shades in modern wearable formulas. Coral can be one of the most uplifting colours a woman can wear, making the skin look sunny, fresh and radiant.

Blush is one of the most important steps in any make-up routine, and an easy way to add a boost of colour creating a fresh and healthy flush that instantly enhances the complexion making you look youthful and rested.

1. Jelly PongPong - Jelly Flush, in Melon Martini is Kate Moss’s current favorite cheek stain! It comes in a juicy, jelly bar and is infused with intoxicating cocktail flavours, giving a natural finish with a long-lasting dewy tinge, making a healthy glow so easy to achieve.

Priced £18 from www. jellypongpong.com 2. Lancome - O My Rose Collection. Pop ‘n Cheeks in Coral flirt. Sweet and sexy coral colours, a gentle and lasting powder blush easy to blend with a simple swirl of the brush. Pop on the apples of your cheeks and instant radiance will be yours. Priced £32 from www.lancome.co.uk 3. Bobbi Brown – Pot Rouge for lips and cheeks, in Cape CoraL. This 2-in-1 product can be used as lip colour or a rouge with its gorgeous creamy texture, it’s easy to blend. Blot on cheeks or lips for a sheer, stained finish. Priced £16.50 from www. bobbibrown.co.uk

Choose from an array of juicy colours such as coral, melon and peach. Follow these useful tips to stay up to date and remain as fresh as a daisy!

1. Pale peachy corals look great on lighter skin tones and suit women with silver, grey and light blonde hair.

2. For women with more olive and deeper complexions a bronzy coral will look sexy and still appear fresh.

3. Try a subtle coral with gold undertones on your eyes to make your eyes ‘pop’ and this can work well with most eye colours.

4. For a sun kissed glow try dusting a bronzed coral Shimmer Brick high on the cheeks and over the eyelids or use a multiple cream blush gently over the cheeks and dab a little on the lips followed with a clear gloss.

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5. By using a subtle, sheer coral or melon gloss on the lips will complement almost every skin tone.

Don’t go overboard!

Take just one element of the trend and incorporate it into your look, by choosing a gorgeous coral lip colour or perhaps a dusting of coral shimmer blush to your cheeks, sometimes a simple light hue of coral is all you need! dern the is look mo h To keep th just a touc ude with n y a st s e so ey dow, a ft m eyesha a re c l ra g of natu lengthenin nd a lash a r e lin e y e odern this look m p e e k o T . touch mascara with just a e d u n y a the eyes st dow, a soft m eyesha a re c l ra g of natu lengthenin nd a lash eyeliner a mascara.

4. Nars - The Multiple, in Portofino, is a shimmery, peach cream make-up stick that can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks.

Giving the skin a gorgeous illuminatied sheen and gleam, this pretty peach shade flatters all skintones and works as a great alternative to bronzer when you want to give your face a flattering glow, just like Nicole Richie who is a huge fan. Priced £27 from www.narscosmetics.co.uk 5. Christian Dior - Dior Addict Ultra-gloss Reflect, in Vinyl Coral. A Couture colour with shine that just won’t quit, this high-fashion gloss comes with an innovative brush applicator so that colour glides on precisely and stays put while its ultra-light, non-sticky

formula instantly plumps up the volume and softens the lips.

Brilliant! Priced £18 from Boots.

6. Lancome - Color Fever Coral Shine. Inspired by the exceptional luminosity of coral island, Coral Explosion is a collection of 6 colorful translucent shades from apricot-pink to coral-peach, with three ultra-shiny effects: Sparkle, Satin or Cream. £17 www.lancome.co.uk

18/3/10 13:19:05

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16/03/2010 16:12:00 23/3/10 18:34:55

ABSOLUTE BEAUTY

The Powder room Keep that shine-free glow with these luxurious face powders

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7 1. Diorskin pressed powder A model of softness and comfort, this pressed powder will leave your skin radiant and luminous. Price £28.50 2. Sisley’s Phyto-Poudre Compacte Presented in an attractive vintage-chic tortoiseshell case, this powder is absorbent, ultra-light and matifying. Price around £50.00 Available Spring 2010 3. No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder A light diffusing powder for a perfectly flawless, radiant finish. Price £11.50 4. Estée Lauder Nutritious Collection Nutritious Vita-Mineral Loose Powder Foundation has a built in SPF 15. This is the only mineral makeup perfected by Estée Lauder skincare, and promises to leave skin feeling energized, radiant and natural.

Price £24.50

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5. Black Opal Loose Powder The Black Opal range is specially designed to address the unique needs of women with colour. This deluxe finishing loose powder can be used all over the face or on just the oily areas. Use on its own or with foundation, Price £6.99 www.pakcosmetics.com 6. Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 According to Clinique, this luxury compact contains a blend of advanced technologies that help skin look flawlessly beautiful, while imparting an exceptionally lightweight and comfortable feel. Dry skins will find it is nondrying while oilier skins will find it reduces oil and shine breakthrough.

Price £20.00 7. Maybelline New York Dream Matte Powder This is Maybelline’s latest product in the Dream family. It is a fabulous matte powder that is lightweight and comfortable to wear.

It glides on easily to reduce shine and cover imperfections. The powder comes with puff and swing-out mirror. Price £6.99 8. Chanel Poudre Douce Soft Pressed Powder This is a luminous and correcting pressed powder. The complexion is delicately enhanced, and the makeup result is natural and radiant. The powder provides a natural, sheer finish for a complexion that glows with beauty. Price £31.67 9. Benefit’s One Hot minute Look instantly gorgeous from head to toe with this loose rose-gold powder. The accompanying custom brush glides on lightly for a sexy glow - sheer seduction on all skin tones. Price £23.50 The above products are available from www.boots.com www.harveynichols.com www.superdrug.com www.harrods.com

ABSOLUTE

B0410_036 Powders.indd 1

19/3/10 15:23:21

Get the

WOW

FACTOR “I recently had my teeth whitened at a clinic in London.

I was expecting to come out with really white teeth, but they are only a little bit lighter than before. Is there anything I can do to make them whiter?

”

T

his is a common scenario, with many teeth whitening systems the results can often be variable, only producing slight differences in the shade of your teeth. The theory behind tooth whitening is that a special gel is applied to the surface of your teeth, which then bleaches them over time, producing a beautiful white smile.

Dr Javad says “Over the years I have used nearly every tooth whitening system available on the market and I must admit with some I had a hard time convincing myself there was a difference in shade.

When I was out in the States a couple of years ago I tried the Enlighten deep bleaching system for myself, the results were quite simply amazing, so I decided that this was the system that I would use in my practice” The Enlighten teeth whitening system was developed in the States and produces consistent and dramatic results. The gel itself is different from conventional

whitening treatments in that it combines with oxygen to penetrate deep within the tooth structure and whiten the teeth from the inside rather than just the outer surface. It is the only system that can even whiten teeth that have been stained by certain antibiotic treatments.

Dr Javad is one of a few dentists that is fully accredited to offer Enlighten tooth whitening. Now you know the secret to how celebrities achieve their show stopping dazzling white smiles.

If you would like to learn more about the revolutionary Enlighten whitening system or find out how you could benefit from it then call The Shoreham Smile Studio 01273 464454 or visit www.shorehamsmilestudio.co.uk to book a FREE whitening consultation with Dr Javad.

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B0310_040 Shoreham Smile Clinic.1 1

22/2/10 13:04:16

ABSOLUTE BEAUTY

Fun with a bun Celebrity steal their style So awards season has come to an end and we’ve seen a host of A listers glide down red carpets for events like the BAFTA’s, Oscars and Brits. I noticed one style was really having a comeback though - the bun. Worn by dozens of celebs, it was also seen on the catwalks at Marc Jacobs and Yves Saint Laurent at this year’s Spring/Summer shows.

The messy, chic oversized bun seen on the red carpet of this year’s Oscars was fun, sexy and slightly undone- a really modern glamorous take on a classic style. As you can see though, it can easily be done badly. Nicole Richie’s bun for example is too severe for her face, which when coupled with harsh make up really ages her and appears dated. Contrast this to Miley’s looser, more dishevelled look and they seem worlds apart.

This look can work well on unwashed hair as it already has the desired texture. If needed, apply a dry shampoo for more texture then backcomb sections of hair one inch thick around the front of the face and around two inches thick at the hairs crown. Spray with hairspray.

Next, split the hair into two ponytails, if you have fine hair add a clip-in extension for more oomph, back comb both pieces, place together and secure to create one large ponytail. Tong hair loosely for more texture, twist the hair and coil to make a bun shape. Tuck the remaining hair through the middle, pull and pin into place. Tease pieces to create the desired level of messiness.

Finish with more spray and by ‘ruffling’ sections on the bun and pull small bits of hair from around the face to create a softer frame.

By Mark Woolley Mark Woolley is the owner and creative director of Electric Hairdressing. Mark splits his time between the Brighton and London salons.

For appointments call 01273 202088 www.electric-hair.com

Yes or No?

The Best and the Worst Hairstyles at the Oscars 2010

✓

Miley Cyrus

✖

Cameron Diaz

✖

✓

Nicole Richie

Sandra Bullock

Carey Mulligan

Heidi Klum

✓

✖

LETTER OF THE MONTH I have highlighted hair and am sick of the colour fading so quickly. What tips and tricks can you give me to prevent this happening so

Essential products to maintain this look Denman Tail Comb (£6.13 www.electrichair.com) Use this to backcomb sections of hair for movement, to section hair and to pull loose strands out to get the right messy appearance.

soon?

There are many factors that can contribute to loss of color in highlights. One of the main factors is sunlight, so try and use products with SPF as much as possible.

Be careful when washing the hair as this is another accelerator for colour fade. Use tepid as opposed to hot water in the shower as hot water swells the hair follicle allowing colour molecules to escape. Always finish with a cool rinse as this seals the cuticle, giving great shine and

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Tasai Cream (£15 www.electric-hair.com). If your hair needs to be washed, use a blow dry lotion like this to give it hold and texture. Apply to damp hair prior to styling.

locking in moisture.

When drying the hair, go easy on the heat and always use a protective spray such as Kerastase Reflection Chroma Thermique (£17.99 electric-hair.com) which is heat activated to protect your colour.

38

ABSOLUTE

B0410_038 Mwoolley APR10.indd 1

22/3/10 16:09:11

“

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B0410_039 ADS.indd 1

18/3/10 15:12:09

ABSOLUTE DENTAL COLUMN

THE DEBATE CONTINUES… Following on from his discussion about the debate concerning Amalgam fillings last month, Dr Farrokh Sharifzad from Marina Dentalcare, looks at the law concerning these controversial fillings

O

n 28 July 2009 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final regulation classifying dental amalgam and its component parts – elemental mercury and a powder alloy—used in dental fillings.

The regulation reclassifies the mercury component of dental amalgam from Class I (low risk) to Class II (moderate risk).

By classifying a device into Class II, the FDA can impose special controls (in addition to general controls such as good manufacturing practices that apply to all medical devices regardless of risk) to provide reasonable assurance of the safety and effectiveness of the device. Specifically, the FDA recommended product labelling to include: • A warning against the use of dental amalgam in patients with mercury allergy • A warning that dental professionals use adequate ventilation when handling dental amalgam • A statement discussing the scientific evidence on the benefits and risk of dental amalgam, including the risks of inhaled mercury vapour. The statement will help dentists and patients make informed decisions about the use of dental amalgam The U.S. regulator has dropped much of its reassuring language on the fillings from its website. Instead it now says: ‘Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and foetuses.’ It adds that mercury vapour is released when amalgam fillings are placed or removed. This happens also during the chewing of food. This vapour can be inhaled and enter the bloodstream where it may then be taken throughout the body. The amounts absorbed though are well below safety limits set by the federal government Some individuals have an allergy or sensitivity to mercury or the other components of dental amalgam (such as silver, copper, or tin). Dental amalgam might cause these individuals to develop oral lesions or other contact reactions. If you are allergic to any of the metals in dental amalgam, you should not get amalgam fillings. You can discuss other treatment options with your dentist.

The debate over whether mercury in dental fillings can leak out and cause a wide range of health problems, from multiple sclerosis and cancer to Alzheimer’s disease, refuses to die down. Campaigners blame the highly toxic mercury found in amalgam fillings for a range of ailments. These include fatigue, depression and heart conditions. Some suggest that this could be linked to high blood pressure, infertility, and disorders of the central nervous system.

Patients in Britain have about eight million mercury fillings a year, a million of which are in children and young adults. Dentists themselves have been found to have high levels of mercury in their bodies.

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"If you are allergic to any of the metals in dental amalgam, you should not get amalgam fillings" Let’s see what the mother of all dental institutions, American Dental Associations (ADA), says about amalgam: Advantages: 1. Strong, durable and stands up to biting force.

2. Can be placed in one visit.

3. Normally the least expensive filling material.

4. Self sealing with minimal to no shrinkage and it resists leakage (leakage occurs when a filling does not completely seal, permitting food and bacteria to “leak in” and promote new decay behind or beneath the filling).

5. Resistance to further decay is high.

6. Frequency of repair and replacement is low.

7. Amalgam is the only material that can be used in a wet environment, especially important when treating small children or special needs patients.

Disadvantages: 1. While agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have not found evidence of harm from dental amalgam, there are some individuals and groups who have raised concerns about the very low levels of mercury vapour released by amalgam.

2. Amalgam scrap (waste left over after repairing a cavity) contains mercury and requires special handling to protect the environment.

3. Amalgam can darken over time as it corrodes. This does not affect the function of the filling, but many people find it less attractive than tooth coloured materials.

4. Placement of amalgam requires removal of some healthy tooth.

5. In rare cases, a localised, allergic reaction such as inflammation or rash may occur.

Let’s look at this a bit closer. It seems that there are two more advantages than disadvantages for amalgam, so it seems to be a winner, but actually in the “advantage” section numbers 1,5,6 and also 4,5 are literally the same, are they not Mr ADA? About advantage number 2, I must say that not only composite (white) fillings but also ceramic restorations like inlays and crowns ( CEREC System) can be placed in one visit.

All other issues are not a problem for modern dentistry. The only real advantage is the low cost, but take a look at “disadvantage” No. 4! How clever is it to lose some healthy tooth tissue in order to get a filling!? I rest my case.

In Marina Dentalcare you can have your composite (white) fillings and full ceramic inlays and crowns (CEREC System) done in one visit in an amalgam free environment.

For more information, contact Dr Farrokh Sharifzad on 01273 628899 or visit www.marinadentalcare.co.uk for a complementary consultation.

ABSOLUTE

B0410_040 Marina Dental APR2010 1 1

22/3/10 15:59:23

ABSOLUTE LIFE COACHING

Dream it…. and do it

The Voice of Reason by Terrina Clifton-Moore and Georgina Paget Absolute Brighton Coaching

L

ately, a number of responses to this column have asked us to explain just exactly what is life coaching? Is it just another type of counselling?

Coaching has in fact been around for decades. Think of any favourite sportsperson, and more than likely they will have a coach.

More recently coaches have been found working in business and academia, enhancing and improving personal performance in all areas of work and leisure. In some business arenas coaching has been seen as “touchy-feely” or as “nonsense” where success is measured by an individual’s achievement, and not by set targets or objectives. Turn to the world of sport, it is far from touchy-feely; the coach is seen as an integral aspect of achieving improvements in personal performance.

Coaching is concerned with your present and taking your life to a higher level in the future. Personal coaching is for everyone. Whether you wish to climb the ladder at work, downsize, or change your role in life, coaching can help. After all, as most of our future lies ahead of us it seems reasonable to have high expectations, not settling for less or selling ourselves short.

Sometimes a quiet period of reflection allows amazing ideas and decisions to emerge. Personal coaching can help this process with careful yet gentle questions; clarity so that vision can be achieved.

Check your life…

1. Are you happy?

2. Are you where you want to be?

3. What do you want?

4. Where do you want to see yourself in five years time?

5. What would happen if you changed?

6. Do you want to change anything?

Strategy for improving performance Think carefully about a time when you performed an activity with ease, with confidence, effortlessly and feeling relaxed (It can be anything!)

How did it feel? What could you see? What could you hear? What could you smell? Imagine yourself in that zone.

Next time you have to perform a task, breathe yourself into that zone.

Imagine yourself performing effortlessly, feeling confident, and relaxed again and again.

Ypu will now be able to release your inner resources and achieve your peak performance.

If you think Life Coaching could help you. call Terrina or Georgina on 07981 428533 or 01273 507679 to arrange a session.

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23/3/10 12:30:59

ABSOLUTE HEALTH

Eat it and be it Many of us don’t know that we have food intolerances even though we may be suffering the symptoms. Our health expert Sheryl Waters looks at seven of the most common intolerances found in today’s diets

Y

ou are what you eat. And if you had the choice, would you be a processed readymade meal that has been sitting on a shelf for a few weeks, or a salad made of fresh, organic ingredients? An orange sweet with ingredients and additives you have never heard of, or an orange?

The choice is ours. We can choose to feel ‘processed’ or ‘alive.’ We can be healthy or sluggish.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know that a lot foods they commonly eat are causing them to feel lousy and unwell.

Many people claim that their health improves tremendously by cutting out various foods.

Avoiding food intolerances can be a huge step in minimizing ill health and boosting your wellbeing.

Here are the seven most common food intolerances: Sugar If refined sugar was discovered today, it might be classed as a poison. It gives nothing to the body of any value. It causes the energy levels to become imbalanced, and a whole range of other possible symptoms including extreme fatigue. While it may give people with low energy a quick boost, there will be a low that follows, which then causes sugar craving. Cravings are associated with obesity and many illnesses. Fortunately there are many amazing alternatives to sugar. These include agave nectar, xylitol, raw honey, or date syrup. Try substituting these for sugar in your favorite recipes; it is actually very easy and chances are you won’t even taste the difference… but you will feel it.

The raw chocolate move has arrived, and people from all over the world are realizing they can have their cake and eat it too. Yes, raw chocolate is actually good for you! It is high in antioxidants and magnesium. You can make your own too, and you will be shocked to discover that you can have your sugar free, chocolate cake and eat it!

42

Cutting out sugar is one of the best things that all of us can do for our health and well being.

Caffeine Many people live on caffeinated drinks such as coffee, coke or red bull because of the short but sweet energy rush. However, caffeine causes adrenal gland exhaustion, which is a foundation for fatigue and ill health. Substituting coffee and tea for green tea is a huge step forward. Green tea is packed with antioxidants, gives you an energy boost, but it doesn’t affect your adrenal glands, so you don’t get the low a few hours later.

It may seem like a big step to cut out the caffeine, but you might find that although you use it for energy, after a few weeks you will actually have oodles of extra energy because you are on the caffeine roller coaster.

“Caffeine causes adrenal gland exhaustion, which is a foundation for fatigue and ill health” Wheat Wheat can zap energy, cause a foggy head, and create pain in the digestive and urinary track systems. Many people find that their weight begins to drop and their mind is clearer when they reduce or give up wheat.

Wheat is in nearly every food. Many people eat it at every meal and in every snack. This is dead food that gives nothing, and it can make you feel dead when you over indulge in it. Cutting it out for a little while is a good idea for everyone.

Notice how much better you feel when you don’t have wheat dragging you down.

If you don’t find that you have a big problem with wheat and you choose to eat it, ensure that it is organic and good quality.

Gluten Gluten includes wheat, oats, rye and barley. While wheat is the most common problem, some people need to take the extra step and avoid all gluten-containing foods, as it can cause serious bowel issues.

Some people begin to have issues with gluten after an accident or a trauma.

Alcohol Many people find that they feel much better when they reduce or cut out alcohol. Some people can have one type of alcohol and need to avoid all other types. The key is to always have alcohol in moderation for everyone, and some people just need to cut it out altogether. Remember, there are better ways to enjoy life than depending on the booze!

Yeast Yeast overgrowth (also known as Candida) is a major player in many illnesses. While some people who have yeast overgrowth in their body can still consume yeast without negative consequences, others feel much better when they avoid it completely.

The Nightshade Family The nightshade family (green peppers, aubergine, tomatoes and white potatoes) is known to increase overall pain for some people. Avoiding these can be especially beneficial for people that suffer with chronic pain.

Discovering your food intolerances can be a major step to reclaiming your health. And remember, eat the food you want to be!

ABSOLUTE

B0410_042 Sheryl_food tolerances1 1

22/3/10 16:10:39

ABSOLUTE RECIPE

THE POSH GREEN VEGETABLE! If you have only considered asparagus as a luxurious accompaniment to a main course, think again! There are numerous ways to taste British asparagus. A truly versatile veg, it is delicious in all sorts of different dishes – for lunch, dinner and even breakfast!

British asparagus, pea and goats’ cheese soufflés Serves 6 Preparation: 20 – 25 minutes Cook: 30 minutes Ingredients: 50g butter 30g walnuts, lightly crushed 300g British asparagus 200g fresh British peas (shelled weight)

200ml whole milk 2tbs flour 3 eggs 100g goats cheese Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

What to do: Preheat the oven to 200°C / gas 6.

Melt half of the butter and use it to brush the inside of 6 ramekin dishes. Sprinkle the walnuts into the dishes and tap around the edge so they stick to the butter. Arrange on a baking sheet and set aside.

Cut the asparagus into 1cm pieces, leaving the tips a little longer. Cook with the peas in plenty of boiling salted water until tender. Drain and, reserving the asparagus tips, puree the stems and peas to a coarse paste using a hand blender or food processor. Set aside.

Melt the rest of the butter in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Add the flour to make a roux and cook for a minute before whisking in the milk. Cook the sauce for a few minutes until thickened and remove from the heat.

Chop the goats’ cheese into cubes and stir through the sauce along with the pureed asparagus and peas. Season generously.

Separate the eggs carefully, tipping the yolks into the asparagus sauce and the whites into a really clean metal bowl. Stir the yolks through the sauce to mix well.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff and fluffy. Don’t over whisk as they will be too dry to fold through the asparagus sauce.

Take a large spoon of the egg white and stir it vigorously in the sauce, then pour the sauce into the bowl of eggs whites. Using a large metal spoon fold the sauce very, very gently through the egg whites.

Spoon the mixture very gently into the prepared ramekins and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

Try to resist opening the oven door whilst they are cooking as they will collapse.

Serve immediately with a simple green salad.

For further asparagus recipes, visit: www.british-asparagus.co.uk

British asparagus, red bream and new potatoes cooked ‘en papillote’ with Noilly Prat and tarragon Serves 4 Preparation: 10 minutes Cook: 25-30 minutes Ingredients: 400g new potatoes, sliced into wedges 300g bunch British asparagus spears, cut in half 4 fillets meaty white fish, such as red bream or hake 8 large sprigs fresh tarragon 180ml Noilly Prat (or other white vermouth) 25g butter, cut into 4 cubes Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 4 large circles of baking parchment Garlic mayonnaise (Aioli) to serve (optional) What to do: Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 6.

Put the potato wedges in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Boil for 10 minutes, or until just tender, then drain thoroughly.

Lay out the circles of baking parchment and place a little pile of potatoes in the centre of each circle.

Lay the tarragon sprigs on top, followed by the fish fillets and finally the asparagus.

Add a cube of butter to each parcel, and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.

To fold up the parchment circles into bags, start from one end and crimp the two sides together as if you are making a pasty until you get to nearly half way.

Then do the same starting at the other end, leaving you a small hole in the top.

Carefully pour 3 tablespoons Noilly Prat into the hole, then finish sealing the bag. Repeat with the remaining bags. Place the bags on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the asparagus is tender and the fish is cooked.

Place each bag on a plate, and serve with a generous dollop of garlic mayonnaise.

ABSOLUTE

B0410_043 Asparagus recipes.indd1 1

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18/3/10 13:21:40

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ABSOLUTE

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19/3/10 16:31:20

ABSOLUTE COMPETITION

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19/3/10 12:41:21

ABSOLUTE RESTAURANT REVIEW

A TASTE

of Greece Mo Hunter-Shine and Rishma Patel take off from the bustle of the town to enjoy a Greek treat

O

n a rather drab weekday evening, my colleague Rishma and I took a short journey to Lancing to visit Greek restaurant Meze Meze. We were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to find, just off the main lower coast road in South Street, and with parking available close by - that makes a pleasant change, when parking can sometimes be a nightmare.

Meze Meze sparkles in the evening light, with lovely blue lights cascading from the windows. It seems to say: “Please come in for a warm welcome, and some delicious food.” We entered, and found it to be true!

Loula, the owner, took over the premises three years ago and she and her husband set about transforming it into the stylish restaurant it is today.

Spacious, but with an intimate atmosphere, it feels warm and welcoming whether or not there are many people dining. Many places don’t feel alive until they are fairly full, but this is not the case with Meze Meze.

We sat at a comfortable table in the front part of the restaurant and Loula talked about the menu. It is an exciting choice with many dishes that are familiar Greek standards, such as moussaka and kleftiko, charcoal grills, kebabs, and fish dishes. We decided on the meze, a popular way to share small bites of several dishes, and a good way of sampling as much as possible! There are three meze varieties to choose from, meat, fish and vegetarian. Indeed, Loula is keen to ensure that there is plenty of choice for vegetarians, vegans, and those with coeliacs – so much of the food is gluten-free, and is indicated on the menu; A welcome change from many restaurants, where the veggie option in just an afterthought, and those who cannot eat gluton are often not catered for.

To start we had a selection of delicious homemade dips; hoummous, taramosalata and tzatziki, with delicious pitta bread. We are now familiar

with many of these dips, which are available in supermarkets, but there is nothing to compare with the fresh and vital homemade taste. The lovely fish flavour of taramosalata, the course texture of hoummous - made with chick peas, garlic and tahini, and the cool cucumber and mint taste of tzatziki.

We also sampled some superb dolmades (rolled vine leaves, packed with herby rice), which were probably the best I’ve tasted, here or in Greece!

There was also haloumi, a distinctive Greek cheese, and some delicious spicy chick peas. Meats included lounza - tender char grilled pork loin, kleftico – slow roasted lamb, afrelia – pan fried pork, and divine chicken kebabs - kotopoulo. My favourite was the kleftico, the wonderful tender and full flavoured lamb. Of course the dishes are accompanied by a sumptuous Greek salad complete with olives and Feta cheese.

The dishes came along in three stages, which leaves time to enjoy each course without being overwhelmed by the choice, and to eat at a good pace. A totally delicious and exciting meal.

While we were eating, more people came to dine, and Loula took the time to talk to everyone about their meal. She certainly makes everyone feel at home. The service is excellent, with Loula and waitress Anna making sure all runs smoothly.

We did not venture to try the desserts as we were rather full, but I wish we had! Offerings included the wonderful baklava, and rizogalo – Greek style rice pudding - in my opinion, the best way to eat it. Maybe next time!

Occasionally there is live music at Meze Meze, in the form of the bouzouki of course! This is an ideal venue for a party, and for any form of celebration. (No plate smashing any more, though, Health and Safety!)

For a refreshing and different way to enjoy an evening out for a meal, I would certainly recommend a visit to Meze Meze. Chef Kostas is from Crete, and Loula is a Greek Cypriot, and they will certainly make sure you are greeted with the best Greek hospitality and food. It’s just a short journey from the bustle of the big towns, close to Worthing, Shoreham and Brighton, and well worth the short journey.

Take a look at the excellent website, and sign up for the newsletter, which contains news of special events, recipes etc.

Meze Meze, 168-170 South Street, Lancing Tel: 01903 765333 Email: info@meze-meze.net www. www.mezemeze.net ABSOLUTE

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ABSOLUTE EASTER

Give a little eggstra...

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There are lots of lovely Easter eggs on the market this year, so take your pick from some of the best!

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1. White Scrambled Easter Egg™ £15. www.hotelchocolat.co.uk 2. Creamed Caramel Easter Egg Sandwich™ £7. www.hotelchocolat.co.uk 3. Booja Booja large Champagne truffle egg £19.99. www.ethicalsuperstore.com 4. You Crack Me Up™ Extra Thick Easter Egg £22. www.hotelchocolat.co.uk 5. Dark Scrambled Easter Egg (220g £15). A smooth dark chocolate egg with cocoa butter and hazelnut paste piping £15. www.hotelchocolat.co.uk.

6. KOKO Easter Eggs. Gift set by Cadbury. £ 16.50. www.cadbury.co.uk 7. Spotty Chicken with chocolate mini eggs £12. www.ethicalsuperstore.com 8. Eggs and Soldiers. Five praline milk chocolate half eggs with a troop of five white chocolate dipping soldiers £6.50. www.hotelchocolat.co.uk 9. Butterfly Egg £3.50. www.thorntons.co.uk 10. Classic Egg. This milk chocolate egg comes with an assortment of twelve Classics chocolates including flavours such as strawberry, fudge, turkish delight and toffee £9.99. www.thorntons.co.uk

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B0410_049 Rendezvous.indd 1

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ABSOLUTE PLACES

Henfield Wetlands. Pic Dave Parker, Henfield Museum

A Mile South of Henfield

Henfield is a thriving village with over fifty societies. Close by, the Sussex Wildlife Trust and Woods Mill Nature Reserve show us England at its glorious best. Tim Parker investigates

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eth (my wife) and I often stop at Woods Mill Nature Reserve on our way to Henfield, one of the most attractive villages in all England. The Reserve is a gem and worth a visit at any time of the year. On a recent Friday when, on our way to Henfield, we took a walk round the lake. Beth and I, our children and now our grandchildren, have been visiting the Mill for some thirty five years but as yet we have never seen the resident kingfishers. Look for a flash of blue; you could be lucky.

Our previous visit had been in the summer of last year. Immediately as we arrived, our two grandsons rushed from the car into the reserve, taking two different paths. “We’ll meet you at the end of the lake,” they shouted.

We found them standing on the bridge, someone was feeding the carp and the water was alive with feeding fish. “They’re huge, like monsters! They’re really cool,” said the eldest boy - praise indeed.

After the initial excitement, the two boys made a list of different creatures they had seen: Blue dragonflies, carp, a blackbird, a rabbit - or was it something else? - and butterflies of several sorts and sizes. In the thick foliage around the lakes and in the wood, it was difficult to identify the birds but we could hear them. Then, as we sat on a bench at the very end of the lake a small rather nondescript bird perched on a tree close-by. “It’s a nightingale,” said Sasha, bird book in hand. And so it was, my very first 50

sighting, although I had heard them often enough, (but never in Berkley Square).

Before leaving, we visited the bird hide and the list of sightings grew: A nuthatch, a robin, a long-tailed tit, a pheasant and two fat pigeons. “But we haven’t seen anything proper” complained one of the boys. “Proper?” “You know, real animals, like a deer, a badger or a fox.’ ‘ “Oh, they are around,” I assured him, “you just have to keep looking.”

There has been a water mill in the Woods Mill area since 1086 – it’s mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The present mill building dates from the 1700s and was in operation until 1927. Now it is the headquarters of the Sussex Wildlife Trust, and a centre for environmental education. Do pay a visit, the Trust does a marvellous job.

From the Reserve we took the back road to Henfield, and were soon at the ever-popular Swains Farm, which sells excellent fresh English produce.

Next to the farm, on the common, lies Henfield Cricket Club. The Club, established in 1764 is one of the oldest in the country. In the Regency period, cricket was a great gambling game. Would there have been bookmakers round the Boundary, I wondered idly?

I would have liked to have walked round the ground and into the woods but it was another wretchedly cold day, not a blade of green to be seen. I

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ABSOLUTE PLACES remembered my best friend from school. He was very proud of his father who had written a bestseller (wish that I could do the same). The book as I recall, was called ’When Winter Comes Can Spring Be Far Behind’. This year it appears to be very far behind. Still, it’s good to know that the cricket club is thriving, often fielding three teams on a Saturday and two on a Sunday. Oh, and there is a girls’ team.

We drove on towards Henfield across the common, a precious piece of open land leading into the heart of the village. There was a sign, which almost made me stop, ‘Red Hot Lover.’ At the roundabout I turned into the village high street and we stopped for tea in Barnard’s Bakery, which proved to be a very good choice. As we had our tea we looked out onto the high street, a bustling thoroughfare but spoilt by a steady stream of traffic. I hope to God that Henfield’s local shops will survive the threat of national chains and supermarkets, so predominant in our towns and villages.

Henfield Church.

It would be good to think they will, but it’s likely to be a close call.

Pic Dave Parker, There’s no doubt that that the village is a splendid place to live. By all accounts the Henfield Museum village schools are excellent and most of the pupils go on to Steyning Grammar School, a bus ride away. Once it would have been a short train journey on the Horsham branch line but a misguided government and Doctor Beeching put a stop to all that. You can still see the remains of the old railway to the north of the village near the Wetlands, an area that still floods from time to time. The village has a real sense of community with over fifty active societies, though whether or not these include the Red Hot Lover is doubtful. As in so many of our villages, there’s an ageing population, but the village is doing its best to combat that with the provision of good schools, lots of sport including football and cricket, and a skateboard park which brings in young people from the surrounding areas.

Do pay the village and area a visit. If I can’t tempt you I’m sure these photographs will.

As for me, I’ll be back on the first warm day of summer to lie in the long grass round The Common. Pic Dave Parker, Henfield Museum the cricket pitch boundary, and see the old club win their match.

Fox ©Darin Smith/Sussex Wildlife Trust

Woods Mill ©David Ball/Sussex Wildlife Trust

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24/3/10 10:07:37

ABSOLUTE TRAVEL

Each pool at The Regency Hotel has a swim up pool bar; Sandels were the first company to introduce these bars 56

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ABSOLUTE TRAVEL

All you need is love...

Renowned for its romantic notes, the Caribbean island of St Lucia has long been a popular destination for couples.

Our editor Verity Craig and her husband, Paul, visit the island with tour company Sandals and discover an idyllic paradise

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rom the moment you step off of the plane after the 9-hour journey to St Lucia, feel the warmth upon your face and hear the tropical birds singing, you know that you have arrived in an exotic land.

My husband Paul and I were greeted by Sandals representative Chantelle, who took us to a driver, waiting for us in a brand new air-conditioned white leather-seated people carrier, stocked with chilled refreshments; we knew we’d be happy for the forty minute journey to The Regency Hotel and Spa, where we would be staying for the next 10 days.

Chantelle talked us through the history of the island, formerly an English colony (the English and the French fought over the island for more than a century and a half).

The Regency Hotel is based on the northwest of the island, next to the capital, Castries. Popular for cruise liners to dip in and out of, Castries is one of the Caribbean’s busiest ports.

On route to our hotel, we got to see the full view of the island from different heights and angles; being a volcanic island, it is very mountainous, which includes the roads. What struck both Paul and I, was how lush and green St Lucia is with far reaching fields of banana plantations all around; we were informed that most of the bananas eaten in the UK are from this sunny island.

Being a native St Lucian herself, Chantelle continued to talk us through the whole St Lucian way of life, which was fascinating, and enviable in many ways.

The majority of the houses are made by their owners (planning permission is casual, meaning anyone can pretty much set up home wherever they choose). I asked Chantelle why the houses are built up high on stilts. This couldn’t be due to rain? “In our country,” answered Chantelle, “rather than our children leaving home when they marry or are old enough, we simply add on

There are no limits to where couples can dine at Sandals

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ABSOLUTE TRAVEL

The panoramic view from The Regency Sunset Bluff Suites

Paul, Verity and Don the butler Romantic touches are left on beds each evening

The Grand prepares for their weekly party night

another floor for them and their new family to live underneath. It is very rare for grown up children to want to leave home altogether, ever.” She then told us her own story of when she left home. As a career woman who has travelled a lot, when Chantelle came home one day to break the news to her mother that she would be leaving home, it caused her horrified mother to question what she had done wrong; she was in her 30s! The St Lucian’s have very close-knit families.

What we quickly learnt was also how passionate the people of St Lucia are for their land. Wherever we met a St Lucian, whether in a taxi, bar or simply in the street, we were asked if we were having ‘a nice vacation’ by a beaming smiley face, and every time we replied ‘yes, it’s wonderful here,’ they would thank us gracefully and bow their head as if they own the island personally; we saw that the St Lucians are genuinely touched when tourists complement their land. Sadly I doubt they would get such an enthusiastic response when visiting our country. (Or am I just being negative?)

They are gentle yet funny happy people, and it is contagious. The laid back Caribbean vibe is also contagious. The island’s motto is ‘no pressure, no problem,’ and it is easy to see why.

Upon arrival at The Regency, Chantelle introduced us to our ‘butler.’ Yes, since our suite was up in the Sunset Bluff section of the hotel complex, we were automatically appointed a butler (in fact, two butlers). ‘Don the butler’, took us to our suite where we were greeted with what we both agreed is the best view that we have ever seen from a hotel room. The room was elevated on the cliff edge looking down upon the Caribbean ocean, while also overlooking the path to Castries harbour in the distance; so we were able to enjoy watching the cruise ships arrive and leave on a daily basis.

But this wasn’t the only beautiful aspect of our suite; we also had our own plunge pool to enjoy the view from.

Having settled us into our room, Don then handed us a mobile phone and informed us that if we had any whim or want for anything, to just call him

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and he would arrange all. As wonderful as this sounded, we were both unsure how we’d feel bossing this lovely man about; he quickly informed us it’s his job. and he’d be disappointed if we didn’t. Apparently, in St Lucia having a job as a butler is recognised as a higher job than being a restaurant or such manager. He asked if we’d like any spirits for the evening on top of the Champagne and other chilled drinks stocked in our fridge, so we requested a Baileys and a Jack Daniels; almost immediately Don delivered two very large bottles (delivered with a knock on the door followed by a happy tuneful voice singing “it’s Don your butler, here to serve you!”) We were now starting to get used to this butler service, and did contemplate taking Don back to the UK! We decided that everyone should have a ‘Don the butler.’

I have to be honest; Paul and I had never actually contemplated booking a Sandals holiday. We hadn’t gone out of our way not to; we just didn’t really think that a couples style holiday that’s all-inclusive would be for us. However, as we were quickly discovering, we had be missing out on something great all these years!

On our Sandals complex, there were seven restaurants offering different styles and foods from around the world. The two that we particularly enjoyed were the Japanese restaurant Kimono (with an entertaining chef cooking the food on your table, this is a fantastic experience and a great way to meet other guests as it has a party atmosphere), and Le Toc, the fine dining restaurant, which was divine. However, I must add that we didn’t have any complaints about any of the restaurants.

The other great bonus, is that as a guest of Sandals you are invited to use any of the other nearby complexes (including their restaurants, swimming pools and even their weekly parties), so you never feel locked on a complex and also get to see a bit more of the island. We visited all of the Sandals resorts on the island, and particularly took to The Grand. It is only a 15minute journey in the complimentary shuttle bus that leaves on the hour all

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A Millionaire Suite at The Regency Hotel

day, and has a beautiful white sandy beach and of course clear waters. Yes, all of the Sandals complexes are busy, but you don’t feel that they are. Each day we were able to find a quiet area on the beach and book a ‘cabana’ which is great if you love the beach but don’t necessarily want to be in the sun all day; we even stayed under ours one evening watching the sunset with a bottle of Champagne and a fruit platter (there is no limit to what Sandals offer).

We have sometimes been told negative stories by friends where they have booked an all inclusive holiday only to discover it doesn’t really include ‘all’ or offers watered down versions of drinks brands etc. To our pleasure, we didn’t find this at all. In fact, Sandals’ strap line of ‘Luxury Included’ instead of ‘all inclusive’ isn’t just a pr tag line; it is true. For example, one evening we thought we’d book dinner on our terrace. We called our butler who asked what we’d like. “You tell me anything you fancy and I will get it for you.” So, sitting on the beach on our mobile, we ordered scallops for our starter, followed by steak for our main. An hour later, we were on our balcony enjoying our candle-lit dinner!

But Sandals’ ‘luxury’ wasn’t the only thing to impress us. When looking for the fine dining restaurant one day to book a table for the following evening, (wearing our beach gear), a man asked if he could help us. He then dropped everything and took us to the other side of the complex to show us the restaurant (very impressive, especially considering he had no idea we were journalists). It transpired that he was in fact the Manager, Michael. This excellent hands-on service is not unusual at Sandals though, and clearly comes from the top. Michael informed us that Sandals is still a privately owned company by its founder, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart and his son; now we realised why the standard was so high. The story of this successful company is a humbling one. As a 30-something-year-old, appliance salesman, ‘Butch’ had an idea to open couples high-end resorts. As a Caucasian Jamaican (his family were originally from England), Butch’s first resort was to be in Jamaica.

“People frowned upon him and said it would never work,” Michael informed us. But like all successful entrepreneurs, Butch had drive and ambition, and there was no stopping him. Luxury service and employing the best service providers on the island was of the utmost importance to him; today, Butch owns 20 resorts under the Sandals brand.

One of the many things that we thought was great about this successful Caribbean brand was that there are no limits. In this politically correct redtape-bound world that we live in, there isn’t often room for companies to

throw caution to the wind and let their guests have fun; well, at Sandals they do. If you fancy having dinner in the shallows of the sea, you just ask and it will be delivered; with the bottom of the tablecloth dipping in the water and your butler on hand with rolled up trousers bare foot. If you want to sip Champagne in a hammock, it will be delivered (with strawberries of course).

Sandals was also the first holiday company in the world to introduce swim up pool bars; something you now see the world over.

If you stay at The Regency Hotel, you also have unlimited access to the magnificent golf course, with rolling hills and majestic fairways directly on the premises. With nine greens, the narrow fairways make the course a challenge for the best of golfers. However, if you are a golf widow, do not despair; there is the beautiful spa at The Regency. Another nice bonus included, is unlimited access to all the water sports. From deep sea diving to water skiing. We tried wake boarding (well, I ended up like a drowned rat, while Paul was like a pro.)

There is so much to see and do on this beautiful island, and the Sandals staff can organize wherever you want to go. There are daily tours to all the action, from the only drive-through volcano in the world and the famous Pittons (volcanic calderas), to a sunrise horse riding experience along the beach, and the numerous (and apparently age-defying) waterfalls to visit (we now look 21).

However, if you don’t want to do anything other than relax with the Caribbean sun upon your face, ‘no pressure, no problem’... this really is a holiday that caters for all needs.

Ten nights staying at the Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa in St Lucia starts from £1764 per person (saving of £600 per person) during May 2010.

Price includes flights from London Gatwick, transfers and accommodation in a Deluxe room on a ‘Luxury Included®’ basis.

To book or for further information on Sandals Resorts please call 0800 742 742 or visit www.sandals.co.uk ABSOLUTE

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18/3/10 13:30:05

Sowing the seeds for summer

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t’s now officially Spring, and gardening is a great way of keeping in shape as part of a healthy lifestyle (and counts towards your daily 60 active minutes). Not only that, but if you grow your own fruit and vegetables, then you can also contribute to your essential 5 a day and have the pleasure of enjoying your own home grown produce, or swapping crops with friends and family.

New research from PlantforLife reveals the trend for ‘grow your own’ has almost doubled, with over half (54%) admitting they now choose to grow their own, compared to just one fifth (22%) two years ago.

April gardening April is a key month for planting vegetables and fruit in the garden, and from now on until late autumn you will be sowing, planting and harvesting. Finish off sowing seeds for early lettuces, summer carrots, dwarf peas, summer spinach and broad beans and start sowing beetroots, brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts and cabbage), peas, turnips and swede. You can also plant the first early potatoes (traditionally done on Good Friday) weather dependent.

For beginners, some of the easiest fruits to grow are berries.

Strawberries and blueberries love containers or open ground and both will crop heavily once established. To get the best results from your blueberries, use an ericaceous mix compost. Once you have a bit more experience you can try apples, raspberries and other fruits.

Vegetables It’s a common misconception that you need a lot of space to be able to grow vegetables.You can still achieve real success with container

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grown plants. Tomatoes will thrive in pots and grow bags and can also be grown in the ground, be it in the garden or allotment. Provided the container is large enough to give the plants a good root run (deep containers are great for potatoes), and they are never allowed to dry out, you will be amazed at what you can harvest. There are some real advantages in using portable containers as you can move them around to achieve the best growing position e.g. tomatoes prefer to be south facing and aubergines love sunny positions, spinach and lettuce prefer to be in the shade when it is very hot. A simple wheeled pot trolley works well for this. Bear in mind though, all container grown crops must be well watered and kept moist.

What to plant now April is a brilliant gardening month and is a good time to plant evergreen shrubs, bamboos and conifers along with clematis and other climbers, although watch out for sudden frosts (place plants in covered areas or fleece them if necessary) and, of course, pests.

Slugs and snails can do the worst damage to new foliage, especially during wet weather.

Deadhead spring bulbs and start feeding all plants from now and through the summer. A cheap alternative to established plants is to sow seeds directly outdoors to flower in summer. Make a line in the soil with your finger and scatter seeds along it, cover lightly with soil then water in. You can do this with Nicotiana, Marigold, Cosmos and Sweetpea (which you should soak over night before sowing) – all readily available at your local garden centre or nursery and can be bought with National Garden Gift Vouchers (see below).

It’s also the best time to plant a garden favourite Ceanothus (see picture above), and also the time that some varieties blossom.

Ceanothus – the cloud like one – is an evergreen or deciduous shrub and is also known as Californian Lilac, because it has small lilac shaped flowers in stunning shades of deep blue (but also comes in white and pink) and originates from California. They like full sun, grow up to 3 metres with a spread of up to 2 metres and are great shrubs for filling gaps in just a few years as they are fast growing and fairly hardy.

NATIONAL GARDEN GIFT VOUCHERS

can be bought and redeemed at over 2,000 outlets in the UK, with more than 90,000 garden plants and products on offer.

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Visit www.thevouchergarden.co.uk to view details of all the outlets that sell and accept them or call 0870 2408237 for more information.

You can also buy them online.

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on 01273 667510.

NEWSXTRA LAYTH WINS THE SOUTH EAST HEAT OF THE VAUXHALL UK BEATBOX* CHAMPIONSHIPS

News items brought to you

by Mo Hunter-Shine mo@absolutemagazine.co.uk

NOSTALGIA TRIP THROUGH 1940S HITS AT ROEDEAN’S GALA MUSIC NIGHT

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ayth (Scott Latham) of Brighton, came out victorious in the South East heat of the Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships 2010 and is now one step closer to being crowned the national Champion and driving away in a spanking new Vauxhall Corsa SXi worth £14,500.

With the 2008 Champion, MC Zani on the judging panel, Layth cemented his place at the grand final in June in a series of fiercely contested rounds of verbal battles at London’s Islington O2 Academy Bar. With the introduction of the wildcard format for this year’s Championship, Pikey Esquire (Tom Swarman) and BeatFox (Jim Fox) will also be attempting to challenge for the title at the final where they’ll perform in the pre-main-event battle for a chance to join Layth on the grand final stage.

The final two regional heats will be hotly contested until June in Bristol and Newcastle, where beatboxing hopefuls will battle each other, attempting to impress both crowd and judges and win the last coveted place in June’s grand final.

Unleashing their vocal artistry at the renowned O2 Islington Academy, each finalist must use their full arsenal to impress the roaring crowd and some of beatboxing’s finest judges who will also be performing exclusive live sets.

Loud-mouth legend, Stig of the Dump will be conducting proceedings and for 2010, the crowd will be treated to an entirely new concept for the event – the crew battle. For the first time ever at the Championships, two or more groups of beatboxers will perform a staged clash surrounded by ‘battling’ breakdancers that is sure to raise the roof.

Visit www.vauxhallbeatboxchamps.co.uk for more info or think you’ve got the skills to become UK champion and drive away with a slick black Corsa SXi, complete with air conditioning, Bluetooth for your mobile, metallic paint and impressive 17’’ alloys? It’s time to step up to the mic at the Vauxhall UK Beatbox Championships 2010 and accelerate to beatbox stardom. * Beatboxing: The art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using one’s mouth, lips, tongue, voice, nasal passage and throat.

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here was a stirring celebration of nostalgic 1940s favourites at Roedean’s annual Gala Music Night at the Roedean Theatre in Brighton recently.

The school orchestra of over 60 instrumentalists accompanied by 70 choristers enthralled and entertained an audience of over 300 parents, friends and guests from the community, including The Mayor of Brighton and Hove.

The wide variety of hits from the wartime period ranged from an upbeat Glenn Miller medley by the school’s talented Jazz Band, rousing pieces such as the Dambusters March by the full orchestra, and optimistic tunes from accomplished soloists and the chamber choir such as Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree and Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy by The Andrews Sisters.

This accomplished concert culminated in a finalé of We’ll Meet Again, made famous by Dame Vera Lynn, was one of the most loved and remembered songs of the era. By this time the audience were in the spirit of the evening and joined in the singing of this piece and nearly brought the house down.

Counsellor Ann Norman, Mayor of Brighton and Hove said: “This was a brilliant and quite outstanding evening – just what I would expect from the talented girls at Roedean.

These events for the school and local community demonstrate the important and

integral part Roedean School plays in our city and displays the high achieving but well rounded education that the girls receive. ” The wartime theme continued after the concert , as the audience were invited to stay to enjoy a glass of light ale and wartime delicacies such as spam and bread and dripping.

The school are now busily preparing for their next presentations at the Roedean Theatre.

An evening recital at The All Saints Centre in Lewes on 27th April and for their Brighton Festival Fringe Concert performance on 1st May. For more information about forthcoming events and bookings contact Roedean School

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ABSOLUTE PLACES

Flying into the future With Shoreham Airport celebrating its centenary, John Periam pays a visit to the south coast’s art deco landmark Shoreham Airport terminal

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his year sees a milestone in Shoreham Airport’s history, when it celebrates one hundred years, making it the oldest licensed airport in the United Kingdom.

Since 1910 there has been an airport on the site. The first recorded freight flight in the world took off from the airfield. It contained a box of Osram light bulbs and landed at Wish Park, in Hove, on July 14th 1911. Since then the airport has developed into a successful enterprise, with some turbulent times recently due to the current economic climate. Running a business such as an airport is not easy, especially if it is in private hands.

The current owners, Albemarle, have had their fair share of problems, but seem to be surviving the current troughs that have bought the ‘highs and lows’ that are befalling many involved in the world of aviation. The future is bright, but only from a small level of commercial operation due to its size.

“this annual event has now become one of the main fixtures of the UK Air Display season, and is supported by military and civilian pilots who rate it as one of the best display venues..”

A Piece Of History By 1911 the airport was up and running, despite the unexpected early realisation that the land chosen was subject to flooding. It was not until 1982 when at last a hard runway was put down, that problem went away.

By June 1911, ten wooden hangers had been built along with rail access and

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a purpose-built station called ‘Bungalow Town Halt’. I think this name was chosen due to the fact that Shoreham Beach, which was then known as ‘Bungalow Town’, was then a hive of activity in the film industry.

Finally on June 20th 1911 the official opening of the Brighton (Shoreham) Aerodrome was held, attended by the Mayors of Brighton, Hove and Worthing. It was to remain under their control until in 2006, it was sold to a private company who then sold it on later to Albemarle.

The first flying club to open at Shoreham in 1913 was started by Cecil Pashley and his brother Eric (later killed in the 1914-18 war). It was during a brief space of five years that Shoreham, along with Hendon and Brooklands, became one of the early centres of British aviation. Today Shoreham is the only one that remains an active aviation centre.

The Art Deco Setting The current ‘Art Décor’ terminal building was built over a period of nine months and completed in September 1935. It is now a ‘Grade 2 Listed Building’. In 2005, Shoreham’s film past took a bow once again when it was the location for the film ‘The Da Vinci Code’, starring Tom Hanks, and was transformed into Paris Le Bouget Airport. Prior to that, it had been seen in several ‘Poirot’ episodes and was Sir Winston Churchill lookalike, The War Years used in other television series, including ‘Tenko’ and ‘Fortunes of War’.

During both wars the airfield had military connections (too many to go into in detail in this feature).

Its history is on file and more

ABSOLUTE

B0410_058_059 Shoreham Airport.i2 2

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ABSOLUTE PLACES

Spitfires at Shoreham Airshow 2009

information can be obtained at ‘The Shoreham Airport Historical Association’ which operates the Airport Archive and Visitor Centre.

In the early 50’s Shoreham was becoming well known again as an air racing and display airport. Its development continued with the return of the Miles brothers, who leased the airfield for work on aviation contracts including the Miles Sparrowjet, the first British light aircraft to use jet power. In 1962 they joined forces with Beagle Aircraft Ltd under Sir Peter Mansfield and Shoreham was to become known as ‘The Shoreham End of Beagle Aircraft Ltd,’ one of the then most successful aviation companies. Many local people were employed by Beagle, and in June 2005 a reunion was held reviving many happy memories. Another one is to be held later this year!

The Entertainment Of The Airport Air shows have been a feature of the airport for many years now. The first one was held in 1959, resulting in many different types of aircraft taking to the skies above Shoreham. It was in 1989 that Don Bean MBE and Peter Eager held a small Air Féte in the South Eastern Corner of the Airfield, and that was to grow and become the air show at Shoreham Airport that we know today. The rest is history. This year will see the 21st Shoreham RAFA Air Show which has now raised over one and a half million pounds for the Royal Air Forces Association, Wings Appeal. Run by a dedicated team, who are all

volunteers, this annual event has now become one of the main fixtures of the UK Air Display season, and is supported by military and civilian pilots who rate it as one of the best display venues.

Shoreham is a small but busy airport with many regional assets for local business. There are active flying schools and clubs and it is home to a college of aeronautical engineering as well as the resident Sussex Police Helicopter linked to the Special Search Unit. The restaurant and bar are busy all the year round and it hosts some nice jazz sessions, real ale festivities and now civil marriage ceremonies.

The Future For Shoreham Airport What a change has taken place since 1910 – a lot of aircraft have taken off and landed with many well-known and respected pilots at the controls too. It is steeped in local history and has been an inspiration to many connected to the world of aviation. Those that started it can be rest assured that what they did has helped put the South Coast on the aviation map. It is too valuable an asset to lose for the many that support its running, now along with others that have decided to set up their industries associated around it.

Long may it continue so that our next generation of aviators (many who will learn at some of the airport’s flying schools) will be able to celebrate another 100 Years! I see no problem in that either.

Derek Harber and Don Bean MBE Shoreham RAFA Airshow Organisers

Sussex Police helicopter, based at Shoreham

This years RAFA Shoreham Air Show, celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 100th Anniversary of Shoreham Airport, is to take place on August 21st and 22nd. For more information go to www.shorehamairshow.com

Beagle reunion 2005

ABSOLUTE

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18/3/10 13:41:25

ABSOLUTE MOTORING

TEN OUT OF TEN

The Audi R8 now has a V10 engine.

Be afraid says Steve Walker!

A

udi’s ambition would appear to know no bounds. The manufacturer is seeing just how far its brand can stretch with the R8 V10 supercar and this 518bhp monster shows no sign of running out of slack. The 0-60mph sprint takes less than 4 seconds but with quattro all-wheel drive and a luxurious cabin, the R8’s everyday usability remains intact.

Some people are never satisfied. Audi’s engineers gave us a 414bhp V8-engined supercar that looked like something hijacked from the set of a science fiction movie and people almost immediately started badgering them to fit a bigger engine. The UK’s resident car nuts had spotted the similarities between the Audi R8 and the Gallardo from Lamborghini. They knew that Lamborghini was part of the VW Group like Audi and they assumed that the two mid-engined supercars would share parts. One part they clearly didn’t share was the Lamborghini’s thunderous V10 engine and, car enthusiasts being car enthusiasts, that was the one part they felt they’d really like it to have. Eventually, Audi gave in.

Audi and Lamborghini have always been rather vague about the links between the £80,000 V8 R8 and the £140,000 V10 Gallardo and who can blame them? They have a very profitable brand hierarchy to protect. We can safely take it that the two cars ride on similar platforms and use similar technology but the arrival of the R8 V10 with a £100,000 pricetag will inevitably throw the Lambo’s value proposition 60

in to sharper focus. Audi has employed the V10 engine before, in the S8 luxury saloon and, most notably, in the lunatic RS6 with a pair of turbochargers chucked in for good measure.

This is the first time, however, that it’s been used in a car designed for the express purpose of going very quickly.

The Audi R8’s V10 engine is a 5,204cc unit with 518bhp at 8,000rpm and 530Nm or torque at 6,500rpm. In the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, the engine produces 552bhp and 540Nm but R8 V10 buyers are unlikely to feel short changed. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.9s, confirming the model’s status as a genuine supercar and the top speed, where conditions and the driver’s sense of self preservation allow, is 196mph. Audi offers a choice of gearboxes, a six-speed manual or the R tronic twin clutch system with its steering wheelmounted paddle shifters. The R8 V10 is actually faster with the R tronic’s advanced software swapping its cogs and in that form, will barrel through 124mph in 12 seconds flat.

Audi has mounted the V10 engine slap bang in the middle of the R8, or as close to dead centre as its engineering boffins could manage.

The R8 uses advanced aluminium construction to minimise weight and even with the addition of the V10 engine, the car tips the scales at a modest 1,620kg - 31kg more than the V8engined car. The double wishbone suspension is combined with Audi’s magnetic ride technology which stiffens or softens the dampers to

optimise the ride according to road conditions and the driver’s style.

The R8 V10 is not a cheap car to run but if you want to go this quickly on four wheels, relatively big bills are a necessity and most of the alternatives will be even heavier on the wallet. The official fuel economy figure is a creditable 20.6mpg which is only fractionally worst than the V8 model but if you’re routinely hitting that 8,700rpm redline as every good R8 V10 owner really should, returns will be a lot worse.

Whether you view the R8 V10 as good value depends on your point of view. It’s undeniably expensive but there are far more expensive cars that will scarcely be any more rewarding for the average buyer. Audi hit the bull’s-eye with its R8 and the V10 model will give us a further glimpse of just how far upmarket the brand can profitably go. Executives at Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini will be amongst the nervous spectators.

ABSOLUTE

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ABSOLUTE EDUCATION

Lancing success The most consistently high-performing co-educational school in Sussex

S

et in 550 acres of Sussex downland on the south coast between Worthing and Brighton, Lancing College provides the perfect environment for girls and boys to develop at their own pace and attain their individual potential. As well as consistently outstanding academic results, Lancing’s strengths lie in the range of extra-curricular activities on offer and the encouragement to discover new talents.

Lancing is a traditional senior boarding school but the exceptionally good facilities benefit both day and boarding pupils. One of the most important factors of College life is the pastoral care; every child has a personal tutor and support for the individual is paramount. Mutual respect underpins stimulating teaching and timeless values sit comfortably alongside cutting-edge technology.

The vast majority of the 500 students live within a fifty mile radius and family involvement with the school community is encouraged. Road and rail links make Lancing easily accessible from all

62

over southern England, and school bus services operate in all directions.

Sporting opportunities are wide-ranging; superb indoor and outdoor amenities are all found on the campus. Lancing is one of the foremost football, hockey and cricket schools, and has a strong reputation for squash and swimming.

Professional coaches give tuition in all the major sports and an extensive fixture list is arranged.

Lancing has a long-established tradition of choral and orchestral music and the thriving Music Department provides an environment where talented pupils aim for the highest standards. The Chapel Choir gives several concerts each year and has recently released a CD entitled ‘Surrexit’. At the other end of the musical spectrum a variety of student rock bands regularly entertain, most memorably in the college’s open-air theatre. All members of the school have outlets for music-making and over half the pupils receive instrumental tuition.

Drama also plays a very important role

in school life. There is a purpose-built theatre with a full-time technician and regular productions for all age groups.

Pupils not only have the opportunity to act but to learn play-writing skills and stage crafts such as lighting and makeup. Recent productions include the costume drama ‘Amadeus’, Lorca’s ‘Blood Wedding’ and a lively and moving production of ‘West Side Story’.

In 2008 a strikingly original new Art School was created next to the Design and Technology Centre. With floor to ceiling windows, this distinctive, contemporary building commands magnificent views across the Downs to the sea. It contains two large studios and many other working and display areas, where painting, drawing, photography, pottery, sculpture and print-making can all take place under one roof.

In addition to the sporting and cultural opportunities many pupils become involved with the College Farm and participate in the Combined Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

Lancing College offers the best of modern boarding and day education in a place where individuals can thrive and develop safely and happily. A range of scholarships and awards, which may be augmented by means-tested bursaries, is available for entry at ages 13 and 16.

The College hosts Open Mornings in May and September and also encourages individual visits by families throughout the year.

Please contact our Admissions Office for further information or to request a prospectus: 01273 465805 admissions@lancing.org.uk or visit the website www.lancingcollege.co.uk.

ABSOLUTE

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4242 LCP Absolute Brighton March 10:Layout 1

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Open Day Saturday 8th May 2010, 10-12 noon Limited spaces available for entry in September 2010 including our new Year 7 class Lancing College Preparatory School awarded ‘OUTSTANDING’ in recent ISI Report Lancing College Preparatory School, The Droveway, Hove, East Sussex BN3 6LU

Tel: 01273 503452 Fax: 01273 503457 info@lancingprep.co.uk www.lancingprep.co.uk

B0410_063 ed ADS.indd 1

An Independent Day School for Boys and Girls aged 3 to 13

18/3/10 17:21:18

ABSOLUTE WHATS ON

He’s back!

Up close and personal B

oy George is back doing what he loves best - singing live - stripped down, acoustic, unplugged.

In April, Boy George Up Close and Personal: Live in Concert sees George back on the road having just sold out 11 nights at the Leicester Square Theatre in London over Christmas.

Taking this show on the road, the tour will see George performing a thrilling set featuring his biggest hits from Culture Club, his solo career, new writing and some great covers.

His new single Amazing Grace was released on 22nd March.

Boy George Up Close and Personal 20th April The Dome, Brighton Box Office: 01273 709 709 www.brightondome.org 24th April Congress Theatre, Eastbourne Box Office: 01323 412 000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Patrick Stewart is Shakespeare O

ne of Britain’s greatest actors joins forces with one of its most compelling living playwrights in the production that launches the Chichester Festival 2010.

Patrick Stewart stars in Bingo, a poetic drama

by Edward Bond that depicts Shakespeare in the last days of his life, ageing, facing poverty and lacking creative energy. The writer finds himself in a situation mirroring that of one of his most famous characters, Lear. Then at the climax of the play, Shakespeare’s poetry is suddenly unleashed once more by the catastrophic circumstances he faces.

Using what is known of Shakespeare as a writer and a man, Bond shows that the contradictions of his life and times are uncannily close to those of our own.

Having appeared at Chichester in Festival 07’s Macbeth and Twelfth Night, Stewart now returns to play Shakespeare himself.

His other recent work on stage includes acclaimed performances in Waiting for Godot in the West End and on tour, as well as RSC

64

productions of Hamlet (for which he won an Olivier Award for Best Performance in a Supporting Role) and The Tempest. He has, of course, also starred on screen in the X-Men series and Star Trek.

Catherine Cusack plays Judith, Shakespeare’s daughter, and Richard McCabe plays the belligerent writer Ben Jonson, whose tempestuous relationship with Shakespeare is vividly evoked in Bond’s script.

The play will be directed by Chichester Festival Theatre’s Associate Director Angus Jackson, whose productions for Chichester include Wallenstein (Festival 09) and Funny Girl (Festival 08).

Bingo Minerva Theatre Oaklands Park, Chichester 15th April – 22th May Tickets £27.50 (evenings/matinees) www.cft.org.uk Box Office: 01243 781312.

ABSOLUTE

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STAGE ENTERTAINMENT AND PHIL MCINTYRE ENTERTAINMENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH BBC WORLDWIDE PRESENT

WORLD CLASS DANCERS FROM THE SMASH HIT TV SERIES LIVE ON STAGE - 6 SHOWS ONLY!

OLA & JAMES

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Additional show added – Sunday 2nd May at 6.30PM

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B0310_043 Brighton Centre ad.ind1 1

17/2/10 09:31:04

ABSOLUTE WHATS ON

Around the area, and beyond...

Eastbourne Festival of Arts Community Wise, Ocklynge Road, Eastbourne.

Catalyst Arts is bringing two outstanding artistes’ to the Eastbourne Festival in April: 19th April An evening with: The Colourful Curtis Tappenden.

Curtis, colourful multi-talented performance poet, illustrator, art tutor and author, will be painting on stage and performing his engaging poetry. If you love the arts you will love this colourful and entertaining evening.

22nd April Showcase Concert with Jason Carter.

The brilliant guitar playing of Jason Carter brings a mix of Flamenco, jazz and classical guitar to the festival. Jason, internationally acclaimed for his efforts to build peace-bridges between cultures through music, will be perfoming on the fascinating harp guitar. Performing in over 80 countries this is Jason’s first visit to Easrtbourne.

Local musician Neil Grimes also features in the evening.

Test your wits Test your wits at the Martlets Quiz Night on Friday 9th April, at the Sussex County Cricket Ground in Hove. Tickets are £7.50 and teams of up to six people are welcome, the quiz starts promptly at 7.30pm. Teams are encouraged to bring their own supper and a cash bar will be available.

It’s always a popular event and staff from the Hospice fundraising team are encouraging quiz lovers to get their tickets early. To buy tickets call Rachel Chitty on 01273 747455 or email Rachel. chitty@themartletshsopice.co.uk

TICKETS ON SALE FOR SW4

Both performances commence at 7.30pm.Tickets, priced £5 are available from Ben Ecclestone.Tel: 01323 504210

The Pop Kraft Easter Eggstravaganza April 3rd and on every first Saturday of the month at The Hanbury Club St George’s Road, Brighton 10pm - 2am Tickets: £8/£6 www.wegottickets.com A proper Easter Bank Holiday knees-up with Boogaloo Stu, Dolly Rocket, sparklemotion, the size zero Albino, and Darran Duran!

Things to make and do in luxurious surroudnings.

Make your own cute Easter chick or bucktoothed bunny at the Pop Kraft sock-puppet Academy!

Transform yourself instantly into a religious icon with a complimentary Easter mask! Create your very own Easter bonnet with fashion director, Dolly Rocket!

An unforgettable night out info@pop-kraft.co.uk

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2010 marks a new chapter in the history of SW4, the inner city dance festival. Having brought alive London’s favourite field Clapham Common for six consecutive years, they now present the first ever South West Four Weekender!

With the world’s biggest DJs, electronic live acts and leading dance labels hosting the arenas, South West Four returns bigger and better than ever before.

Falling on the Bank Holiday Weekend of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th August, SW4 presents an unforgettable gathering.

Sunday sees the appearance of one of Brighton’s finest. As one of the most consistent songwriters of the modern era, not to mention one of the very best remixers in the business and one of the most popular DJs of all time, Fatboy Slim is the big man for the big occasion. From DJing infront of 250,000 people on Brighton Beach and at the Rio Carnival, through to headlining the world’s leading festivals and selling out concert venues the world over, Fatboy Slim’s DJ sets are the stuff of legend. With an astounding ability to connect with thousands of people in one instant, Fatboy Slim is the ultimate performer, and SW4 for his only London appearance of 2010. www.southwestfour.com.

Tickets available from: www.ticketmaster.co.uk Tel: 0844 847 2467

FREERANGE, THE NEW FRINGE VENUE Brighton Festival Fringe’s newest venue, Freerange, has announced its line-up for May. The globe tent at St Peter’s Church has a hugely varied and exciting programme featuring flying usherettes, chainsaws, motorbikes, wild Colombian circus, a jazz legend, twisted neoburlesque cabaret, Nicholas Parsons and a very sweet children’s show called Penguin, among others.

The motorbikes, chainsaws and usherettes come courtesy of Fire Tusk Pain Proof Circus, an acclaimed company who promise to drag circus ‘kicking and screaming into the 21st century on an unstoppable, rock ‘n’ roll rollercoaster to Hell’.

If your tastes run to something hot but not actually Hell itself, strap yourself in for the volcanic, wild, perfectly mastered acrobatics of Circolombia’s Urban – a showcase of the best of the Colombian National Circus school, also playing at London’s Roundhouse.

There’s also The Very Best of Empress Stah.

Empress Stah, a trapeze artist, neo burlesque starlet, fetish freak and twisted cabaret performer (specialities include rose eating, body piercing, tap dancing and pulling diamonds from unexpected orifices) will knock your socks off with this avant-garde spectacular that has sold out in London.

For those who don’t want to get on the rollercoaster at all but prefer Radio 4 and a nice cup of tea, what could be more reassuring than an evening with Nicholas Parsons, legendary star of stage and screen and host of Just a Minute. Featuring some very special guest appearances, his interactive comedy chat show is a Fringe must-see.

Another legend flying in to the Freerange tent (in this case literally, flying over from New York for two nights only) is Roy Ayers. One of the best-known jazz vibraphonists of the sixties, he is now recognised as an acid jazz trailblazer, decades ahead of his time. Performing with his full band and some unbelievable guest stars, this is another unmissable show.

The rest of the Freerange programme is packed with cabaret, music, comedy and some great family shows including Penguin, the new show from Long Nose Puppets (creators of Shoe Baby and Flyaway Katie). So get booking!

Fringe tickets, and all information about the festival can be found on: www.brightonfestivalfringe.org.uk.

ABSOLUTE

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FACES & PLACES

Engineerium open Hove is home to a world famous working Victorian pumping station, and museum, full of mechanical antiquities. An extensive programme of restoration has begun at the Hove Engineerium fronted, and with thanks to, local entrepreneur Mike Holland.

Mike recently helped open the doors to the public for an open day where families and Graham Lynn and Jenny Massey with their 1918 Burrell Gold Medal Tractor

locals can enjoy what was once the source for drinking water within Brighton and Hove.

4-year-old Joe Snelling

Sarah Aplin

Pictures Graham Franks

A touch of Victorian style from 15 year old Zack Pinsent

B0410_067 Social eng_AD.indd 1

“It’s not just for the boys!” says Soozie Campbell of Brighton and Hove Business Forum

Mike Holland, Proprietor of The British Engineerium

Project Manager of The British Engineerium, Stephen Rather with 13 year-old-son Tim

23/3/10 12:38:33

ABSOLUTE WHATS ON

FANTASY & FEATHERS

T

A world in which everything is not quite what it seems...

he fabulous Lady Boys of Bangkok return in spectacular style with ‘Fantasy & Feathers’, the fun-packed new 2010 production of the country’s favourite cabaret party show. The show is part of Brighton Festival Fringe, and takes place in Victoria Gardens.

Performed by 16 of the world’s most beautiful show-girls (who just happen to be men) it’s the show everyone talks about. Direct from the heart of Bangkok’s pulsating nightlife, be entertained, like no one has entertained you before. Enjoy the trade-mark, painstakingly immaculate make up, the glittering array of over 300 designer-inspired hand-sewn outfits, the showstopping choreography and the sexy, but never crude or vulgar, performance that is uniquely ‘The Lady Boys of Bangkok.’

It’s non-stop entertainment all the way in this years show. From Lady Gaga to The Saturdays, from a fantasy in outer space to the intensity of sensuous Latin rhythms. From West End musical to Hollywood blockbuster, the hits keep on coming as only ‘The Lady Boys of Bangkok’ can deliver.

In a flamboyant extravaganza combining the heady spice of Bangkok’s exotic nightlife with the glamorous showgirl appeal of Las Vegas, ‘The Lady Boys of Bangkok’ is staged in the unique ambiance of the Sabai Pavilion, far from the everyday humdrum world. Be immersed into the fantasy atmosphere, with a drink and freshly prepared Thai cuisine.

Executive Producer Carol Gandey said she is delighted to bring the show back to the UK for a 12th successive year. “Due to public demand this year we have introduced premium seating. We also have an attractive all-inclusive deal for hen parties and groups of ten people or more, which includes not only premium seating, but food and drink. During our 2009 tour there was a large increase in the number of men accompanying their wives or partners to the show. Many of them have told us they regret not coming to see the

68

show in earlier years. In fact, several have told us they thought their wives or partners had been deliberately putting them off coming to see the show so that they could have a really good girl’s-night-out!”

Director Phillip Gandey said “The Lady Boys of Bangkok now occupies a unique position in the world of entertainment. We staged the first show in Edinburgh 12 years ago, we knew then we had something very special. Each year our audiences continue to grow and our productions become more ambitious. Laughter is a vital element in every show. Our audiences want a good night out, where they can really let go and enjoy themselves. They will never look at the opposite sex in the same way again.”

Fantasy and Feathers, Friday 30th April - Monday 31st May The Sabai Pavilion, Victoria Gardens, Brighton Book as early as possible for the ultimate cabaret night out.

Box Office opens on site from Tuesday 27th April from 11.00am until 9.30pm daily.

Telephone Booking: 0871 7050705 (Calls to this number will cost 10p per minute from a BT landline.

Other networks and mobile networks may cost more).

ABSOLUTE

B0410_068 Lady boys APR10.indd 1

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ABSOLUTE HEALTH

B0410_069 Lady boys.indd 1

22/3/10 15:07:44

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ST JAMES’S STREET KEMPTOWN Large FREEHOLD restaurant premises. Plus profitable business Restaurant 508 sq ft + kitchens Two floors of accommodation above

334 sq ft 31.38 sq ms Useful basement storage PROVIDENCE PLACE BRIGHTON

OFF PALMEIRA SQUARE HOVE New Buld DI premises for City Centre Workshop or Dentist/Physio etc Design/Art Studio etc Two suites or as one 972/1572sq ft Open plan with high One of the UK’s top 70 Commercial Surveyors in 2006 (Source: Estates Gazette) 90.34/146.07 sq ms ceiling and heating Total area 2544 sq ft 0 1 2 7 3 Total 3 area 2 6 1 7 1 236.41 sq ms 3 2 Q U E E N S R O A D , B R I G H T O N , E A S T S U S S E X B N 1 3 Y E E m a i l : c o 607 m m ssq a l ft e s–@56.37 p s a n sq d b ms . c o . u k Available September 2010 W E S T S U S S E X O F F I C E : 0 1 2 4 3 8 2 8 9 5 5 on new lease To Let New Lease One of of the the UK’s UK’s top One top 70 60 Commercial CommercialSurveyors Surveyorsinin2006 2009(Source: (Source:Estates EstatesGazette) Gazette)

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19/3/10 08:52:56

ABSOLUTE FINANCE

Jonathan Perham of Coutts

Successfully managing wealth in challenging times

T

oday’s wealthy population comprises more entrepreneurs, executives, and lottery winners than it does members of the landed aristocracy. This is demonstrative of the fact that there are a number of different ways people can become millionaires in their lifetime, such as building a successful business, realising property investment gains, or having a wonderful idea which transforms into a viable commercial venture.

Managing the wealth of such a broad range of clients requires a high level of expertise.

Whether you are an entrepreneur selling a business, an executive with substantial share options or someone who has inherited or won the lottery, the dilemma remains the same: where are your assets best placed through this difficult economic climate? How, in this period of low interest rates, do you invest your wealth in order to provide you with the things you want or will need in the future?

Coutts have seen a rapidly increasing demand for tailored wealth management solutions over the last few months, and we believe that it’s perhaps more important now for wealthy individuals to ensure that they are receiving the best advice available. We are responding to the changing markets by introducing access to new products, for example a service that looks at a broad range of capital-protected investments with a variety of time horizons to suit an individual’s liquidity requirements. We are also hosting additional investment seminars for clients, to demonstrate

how our long-term investing ethos and broadly diversified portfolios are well placed to survive the current storm and participate in any subsequent recovery.

At Coutts we have the great pleasure of meeting people from a diverse and fascinating range of backgrounds and each and every one of them will have their own ideas on what they would like to achieve both personally and financially.

The true art of wealth management is the ability to understand the types of emotion being felt by clients at different times, and to provide tangible, effective advice on both obvious issues, and those matters that may not have been considered

“Coutts have seen a rapidly increasing demand for tailored wealth management solutions over the last few months, and we believe that it’s perhaps more important now for wealthy individuals to ensure that they are receiving the best advice available. “

previously. This is not a process that can be fixed with the use of a flow chart or a series of questionnaires, as all clients have their own individual beliefs, expectations and aspirations.

Evaluating which mix of asset classes are the most appropriate, over which time horizon, are often key considerations, especially in this low interest rate environment. Are your savings and investments really working as effectively as they can, given your attitude to risk?

When an individual has acquired a certain level of wealth, it becomes more than they can spend in a lifetime; they can buy cars, boats, property and art, but this is usually just a case of swapping one asset class – cash – for another. The key, therefore, is to ensure plans are properly in place to pass assets efficiently from one generation to another.

So many questions and considerations; what we have learned through our long history is that having substantial amounts of wealth doesn’t actually mean a problem-free life - just a different set of issues to deal with.

Our Private Bankers have built up expertise in dealing with clients in such situations and are able to work closely with individuals and families to help them through what can be a challenging time.

For more information about becoming a Coutts client contact Jonathan Perham at jonathan.perham@coutts.com or call 01892 709400

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ABSOLUTE FINANCIAL SERVICES

The little cottage M

Ali Saber MBA CeMAP 01273 764717 07879 223735 Marcot.net info@marcot. net

arcot in old English means little cottage or little home. The name was chosen by Ali Saber, the company founder, as the services offered by him were to be around the buying and financing of homes. The company was formed in 2009 right in the middle of the recession. Ali says “Everybody thought I was mad, to start in the middle of a recession. But I am a determined man; I believe that if you offer a great service the clients will come to you. Trust is the key factor in building long term relationships.” Ali has spent the last seven months between Brighton and London building relationships with various businesses, and exploring the high end of the property market. As a result of these connections Marcot now offers two core services: Financial Services If you are looking to make your first house purchase you will find the services of a mortgage consultant useful, they will be able to look at your circumstances and assess various options with you. Obtaining a mortgage is not an easy process and the more help you have the better it is. Marcot offers mortgage advice but there are a whole range of other services too including: · Secured Loans · International Mortgages

· Insurance · Commercial Loans · Investments (in association with Charles Derby Ltd) · Pensions (in association with Charles Derby Ltd) · Private Banking Property Search Services For those who are interested in a property as an investment as well as residential purposes, the services of a property search agent is useful. This is particularly true in the case of international buyers looking to invest in the UK. However, there are individuals and families that do not have the time, or are unable to find what they are looking for, so they use the services of a property search agent.

Ali has spent an extensive amount of time exploring the Prime London and Brighton locations and has great links with developers, landlords and estate agents.

Marcot offers Property Search Services for all. For more information contact them at info@marcot.net

Ali Saber Marcot limited www.marcot.net Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage.

For all your financial needs and requirements Mortgages, Insurance, Health Plans Savings, Investments & Pensions* Secured & Unsecured Loans ** International Mortgages ** Commercial Loans ** * - In association with Charles Derby Ltd **- These are not regulated by the FSA

info@marcot.net

01273 764717

Enterprise House, 83a Western Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 1JB T: 01273 764717 F: 01273 764756 M: 07879 223735 E: info@marcot.net W: www.marcot.net Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any loans secured on it.

Marcot Limited is an Appointed Representative of Intrinsic Mortgage Planning Limited which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Marcot Limited is Registered in England. Registration No: 6834117. Registered address as above.

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23/3/10 12:41:45

ABSOLUTE BUSINESS MATTERS

SME Risk Management PC Data & Email Backup

L

ast month I related to a case study of a real incident where a client had a very ‘near miss’ disaster. One of the reasons was inadequate IT backup relating to their main servers. However, it was not only their servers that were exposed but also the business and email data stored on the individual user PC desktops (& laptops) located in their head office and also at a number of other regional locations.

Like many businesses, they used MS Office applications (e.g. Word/Excel) alongside their core business applications and MS Outlook for managing Email linked to a third party Internet Service Provider (ISP).

However, there were no policies in place to back up this data off-site. Like many SMEs, this data is exposed to permanent loss from a variety of threats such as fire, theft or just hardware failure (e.g. a hard disc crash).

The permanent loss of any business data is critical

“...for larger companies there should be an enterprise solution whereby all business critical data is automatically backed-up off-site...”

by Roger Clifton-Moore, MD of RMI

but Email is, in today’s commercial environment, a particularly important and essential business tool.

You will have all experienced the frustration when your email system is down even for a short period of time! Imagine if you permanently lost all recent message history, your contact information (phone number and email address book), your on-line diary as well as your email service.

There are a variety of solutions to prevent this problem, for larger companies there should be an enterprise solution whereby all business critical data is automatically backed-up off-site coupled with a resilient IT infrastructure and network to ensure business continuity can be rapidly achieved.

For smaller companies this may not be economically viable and they should consider other options such as: • For MS Office data, ensure all users back-up their PC data regularly (daily / weekly) to a central server or a USB Memory stick or rewriteable CD – whatever method you use this backup data must be stored off-site using a cycle of backup media (e.g. a minimum cycle of a months set of CDs).

• For Email you can use the MS Outlook ‘Backup’ option to backup the contact and message files to a backup media device or another location.

If the ‘Backup’ is not listed in your Outlook

file directory you can download it for free from: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/ details.aspx?FamilyId=8B081F3A-B7D0-4B16B8AF-5A6322F4FD01&displaylang=en • Another option for Email and data for smaller companies is to use a web browser for your email service such as Google Mail (free) or Google Apps (small charge per user per annum): http://www.google.com/apps/intl/en-GB/ business/index.html#utm_campaign=en&utm_ source=en-ha-emea-uk-bk&utm_ medium=ha&utm_term=google%20apps These options have the advantage of providing a permanent offsite storage location for your data and email contacts, and the service is continually available from any internet access point.

We are a Sussex based company, if you would like further information about the services we can offer or would like a copy of our BCM risk checklist do email or contact me.

Roger Clifton-Moore MBCI Recovery Management International Business Continuity Management Phone: 01273 832 996 Mobile: 07860 438 267 Email: rmi-rcm@pavilion.co.uk Member of the Business Continuity Institute www.thebci.org

FACES & PLACES

Here it is!

About 150 people turned out for the Launch evening of Here Restaurant and Bar in St James Street, Brighton, recently.

Manager Louise Bailey and chef Nathan Curran Chef with the Here team

The guests who were specially invited were

Peter Jarrette with Angie Nangle

a real mix of Sussex Society plus many TV, sports and radio stars and friends who had come down from London for the occasion.

Tom Smith, the Owner of the Restaurant said, “The support we have had for our launch has been fantastic.”

From the Bali Brasserie, Jasper and TC

Alison Taylor of Carlsberg

Beulah Grant, Brighton artist Julie Anne Gilburt, Eastenders girl, Carol Harrison and Anita Ellison

Pictures Graham Franks

Adam and Scott Smith

Charlotte Duck of Q-Med Restylane and Becky Hollands of Becky Hollands Aesthetics

Zoe Bradley and Andrew Clews

Pretty in pink, Jemma Garrett of The Sun Lounge

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EACH MONTH, ABSOLUTE BRIGHTON WILL BE DELIVERED TO SELECTED HOMES IN PRESTIGIOUS AREAS IN AND AROUND THE CITY. THIS MONTH: SHOREHAM BEACH These are some of the many places where you can pick up your copy of Absolute Brighton BRIGHTON Brighton Station, Queens Road Jury’s Inn Hotel Studio 27, Queens Road Parsons, Son and Basley, Queens Road Starbucks, Churchill Square Oxygen, 74 West Street Moksha Café, 4/5 York Place, Jimmy Chop Chop, Trafalgar Street The Laines Deli, 31 Trafalgar Street Easy News, 29 Trafalgar Street The Point Hairdressers, Trafalgar Street Rosalins Hair and Beauty Salon, 78 Trafalgar St Fired Earth, Prince Albert Street Gars, 19 Prince Albert Street Ambience Gallery, Meeting House Lane Kellerwood, 12d Meeting House Lane Jeremy Hoye, 22a Ship Street Brighton Beautique, 14 Ship St She Said, Ship Street Gardens Reiss Clothing, East Street Toni & Guy, 68 East Street Champneys, 24 East Street Madame Geisha, East Street Regent Arcade Art at Five, Bartholomews Karen Millen, Nile Street Velvet, Bond Street Art @ Tailor Made, 3 Brighton Square Solutions inc, Hannington Quarter, Donatellos, 1-3 Brighton Square Fratellis, 20 Brighton Sqaure Starbucks, Market Square Elite dressmakers, The Lanes Browns, Duke Street Powder, 5a Duke St Look Fantastic, Duke Street Havana Restaurant, 32 Duke Street Hotel Du Vin, 2-6 Ship Street Electric, 18 Ship Street Leone Clare, Upper North Street Sabai Thai Restaurant. 165-169 Princes Place, North Street Juice FM, North Street Ha! Ha! Pavilion Buildings Dome Box Office, New Road Treatment Rooms, 21 New Road Okinami Restaurant, New Road Shine Hairdressers, Gloucester Road Midnight Communications, Foundry St Priory Partnership, Frederick Place Tower Point, North Road Wagamamas, North Road Myhotel, 17 Jubilee Square Skin Clinics, Jubilee Square LA Fitness, North Road O-zone, 21 – 23 Church Street Aruna Newsagents, 55 Gardner Street AIB Bank, Marlborough Place Graves Jenkins, 26 Marlborough Place Healys Solicitors, 8 Old Steine Venus Hairdresser, Old Steine

Terraces, Madeira Drive Caffyns showroom, Preston Road, Wynne Baxter, 15-19 Dyke Road Blenios, Seven Dials Uden Estate Agents, Seven Dials John Hoole Estate Agents, 214 Dyke Rd Dyke Golf Club, Devil’s Dyke, Dyke Road Albion Hotel, King’s Road Parade Brighton Centre, Kings Road Brighton Metropole, Kings Road Cavendish House, Kings Road The Grand, Kings Road The Thistle Hotel, Bartholomews Old Ship Hotel, Kings Road Holiday Inn, 137 Kings Rd, Kings Hotel, 139-141 Kings Road Marina West Hotel, 26 Oriental Place Brighton House Hotel, 52 Regency Sq Pelirocco Hotel, 10 Regency Square Hotel Una, 55 Regency Square Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road

KEMPTOWN Seaspray Hotel, 25 New Steine The Square Hotel, 4 New Steine New Steine Hotel, 12a New Steine Blanch House, 17 Atlingworth Street New Madeira Hotel, Marine Parade Drakes Hotel, 44 Marine Parade Brighton Laser Clinic, Marine Parade Sun Qube 66 St George’s Road Spruce, 11 George Street Gin Gin Restaurant, 74 St James Street Forde Hairdressers, 88 St James Street Top to Toe, 46 Upper St James Street Four Seasons, 3 Upper Rock Gardens Alvia Hotel, 36 Upper Rock Gardens

BRIGHTON MARINA Karma, Waterfront Seatle Hotel, Waterfront Rendezvous Casino David Lloyd, Marina Walk of Fame Café, Waterfront Neilson, Locksview ASDA (Petrol station) Marina Dental Care, Marina Square

HOVE Skerritts, 23 Coleridge Street Tranquility in the City, 12 Boundary Rd Eaton Road Dental Practise, Eaton Rd The Cricketers, Hove Cricket Ground Tai Hair and Beauty, 7 Blatchington Rd Robbies Car Wash, Hove Station Zamaan, 38 Church Road Toast of Brighton, 40 Church Road La Fourchette, 42 Church Road Tingleys, 46 Church Road Callaways Estate Agents, 59 Church Rd Fabulous Floors, 67 Church Road Harry’s, Church Road Alpha Contracts, 51–53 Church Road Mishon Welton Estates, 94 Church Rd

Waves, 99 Church Road Property Moves, 109 Church Road Hove Family Dental Practice, 11 New Church Road Misty’s, 116 Church Road Coffee Republic, 57 Church Road Mishon Mackay, 170 Church Road Clinic Nine, 212 Church Road Lansdowne Place Hotel, Lansdowne Pl Arscotts, 54 Lansdowne Place Caffé Nero, The Drive J Farrington Dentist, 40 Norfolk Square Starbucks, Western Road Brighton White, 2 Hampton Place Design Interiors, 56 Western Road Beauty Secrets, 65 Western Road Barneys Restaurant, Western Road Caffe Nero, 208 Western Road Coffee Republic, 55 Western Road Spektra Hairdressing, 69 Western Road, Intoto Kitchens, 119/120 Western Road Nail Studio, 1 Brunswick Rd Brunswick Pub, Brunswick Road GK UNA hair salon, 19 Upper Market St Tin Drum, Second Ave Le Lion D’or, George Street The Hair and Nail Loft, George Street Diamond Nails, George Street Murray Media, 1 Blatchington Road Babylon Lounge, Western Esplanade The Lawns Café, Hove Lawns, Kingsway Hove Practice, 28 Wilbury Road Gym and Tonic, 42 Queen Victoria Road

PORTSLADE Tooth Smart, 137 Portland Road, Hove Southern FM, Franklin Road, Portslade Rivervale cars (Mazda), Victoria Rd Caffyns Volvo, Victoria Road, Portslade Hair and Beauty Lounge, Portland Road Westbourne Motors, 270 Portland Road TJ Signs, Portland Business Park

SHOREHAM/LANCING SOUTHWICK Frosts Cars, Brighton Road, Shoreham Glam, 14a High Street, Shoreham Stephanie Reed, 80 High Street Crown and Anchor, High St, Shoreham Identity Hair Salon, High St, Shoreham The Smile Studio, East St, Shoreham Hair and Nail lounge, 30 East Street, Crop Shop, 7 St Mary’s Road, Shoreham The Holmbush shopping centre Shoreham Airport Style and Silver, Bank House, Southwick Square

WORTHING Bryce’s Seafood, The Steine The Fish Factory, Brighton Sofa, Marine Parade Casa Ciro, Marine Parade Richard John Hair, 2 - 4 Royal Arcade

Splash FM, Guildbourne Centre Shaun Slater Gould, Ann Street Liming Restaurant, 13/15 New Street Food Restaurant, New Street Euphoric. 17 Chandos Road Burlington Hotel, Marine Parade (Gio’s) Tangerine Bar, Marine Parade Caffyns Plc, Goring Rd, Goring Montage, 29 Brighton Road

BURGESS HILL Porsche Mid-Sussex, York Road Burgess Hill Girls School, Keymer Road

LEWES Lewes District Council, Southover House, Southover Rd Chalk Gallery, 4 North Street Gorringes, 15 North Street Gorringes, Market Street Lewes Estates, High Street The Crown Inn, 191 High Street Seasons Of Lewes, 199 High Street Artisan, 197 High Street Cubitt & West, 209 High Street Wycherley Estate Agents, 56 High Street Cheese Please, 46 High Street Bone, 36 High Street White Hart Hotel, High Street Pelham House Hotel, High Street Wynne Baxter, 221 High Street Shelleys Hotel, High Street Dome Hairdressing, High Street Laportes, 1 Lansdowne Place Esquire, 3 Lansdowne Place Equilibrium Health Centre, 16 Station St Avant Garde, 28 High Street Oyster lingerie, 5 North Court Dorset pub, 22 Malling St

OTHER AREAS Harwoods, London Road, Pulborough Polka Dot, Hurstpierpoint South Lodge Hotel, Lower Beeding The Royal Oak, Poynings Tottington Manor, Edburton, Henfield NK Hair, Brick Lane Henfield Richwards Estate Agents, Henfield White Mischief Weddings, Henfield Ghyll Manor, High St, Rusper Ripples Bathrooms, Keymer Rd, Hassocks Shepherd and Dog, Fulking White Horse Hotel, Rottingdean Bright on Beauty, Rottingdean Angels n’ Saints, Rottingdean Newick Park, Newick Buxted Park, Uckfield The Gallops, Woodmancote The Ginger Fox, Woodmancote Wickwoods, Albourne Cowdray Park, Cowdray, Midhurst Cromwells at Golding Barn, Small Dole Cherrywood Events, Stanmer House

THESE ARE JUST SOME OF THE MANY PLACES YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY 74

ABSOLUTE

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CHARLES BLOOMSTEIN CERTIFICATED DIA MOND MER CHANT

Range of 1 Carat Certificated Diamond Pendants, of D Colour & Flawless Clarity, from £8,500

HUGE INVENTORY OF INVESTMENT DIA MONDS Engagement Ring Specialist Supplier to the trade, now supplying the public at genuine wholesale prices Wide range of certificated rings, bracelets & diamond earrings Member of the British Jewellers Association

30 gloucester r oad ✤ brighton freephone: 0800 5875119

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vie wing by appointment only

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