Village Living 16 0111

Village LIVING

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January 2011

Lifestyle | Community | Business

Steyning Bramber Beeding Ashington Washington Storrington Henfield Small Dole Ashurst Partridge Green

Winter

Wonderland

Exploring Woods Mill

Party Pieces

And they’re off!

Family Fun at Fontwell

Light bites from the Sylvan Oak

Winter Warmers

at Kissingate Brewery

WIN! A case of Hepworth Real Ales We review Steyning Tandoori

2 • BACK IN TIME

HENFIELD

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3 • BACK IN TIME

Contents 5

Happy New Year from Village living

6-9

Village News & Diary

11

Stepping Out Winter walks across Sussex

13-14

And They’re Off!

AND THEY’RE OFF! 13

Family Fun at Fontwell Racecourse 16-17

Winter Wonderland Exploring Woods Mill with the Sussex Wildlife Trust

18-19

Reader’s Review Steyning Tandoori

21

From the Sylvan Oak kitchen: Light Bites

23

Sussex in Season: Preserving the Preserves

25

Drink local: Winter Warmers

WINTER WONDERlAND 16

From Kissingate Brewery 27

Gardening: Thinking Big from the Big Plant Nursery

29

Talk Money: with Claire Cook

31

Mind & Body: Chris Jones & the art of Hynotherapy

lIGHT BITES 21

Where Can You Find Village living?

Village living Magazine is delivered to 10,000 homes and businesses across 10 villages.

Editorial & advertising enquiries Melissa Love 07976 917363 melissa@villageliving.biz

Find us in Steyning, Bramber, Beeding, Small Dole, Henfield, Ashurst, Partridge Green, Washington, Ashington, Storrington as well as selected outlets in Worthing & Shoreham.

Production Toni Barrington The Magazine Production Company 01273 467579 production@villageliving.biz

We are increasing our circulation every month, so if you didn’t receive a copy through your letterbox, you will do very shortly.

© 2011 Village Living

Village Living is published monthly by Big Picture Projects.

High Elms, Jarvis Lane, Steyning. BN44 3GL 01903 814092 www.villageliving.biz

Village living is an independent magazine and does not endorse the products or services that appear in the magazine.

Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor or of Village living magazine.

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Happy New Year!

O

h dear, it’s New Year’s Resolution time in our house and right up there at the top of the list, just under the usual suspects which include eating less and exercising more, this year I want to enjoy more of the wonderful Sussex woodland and wildlife centres in the county. What better place to start than Woods Mill, run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. It might be bleak midwinter, but there’s still plenty to see if you keep your eyes open (p16-17).

I’ve also resolved to keep up the country walks throughout winter. It’s a wonderful time to walk the Downs

Congratulations: to Colleen Anderson of Partridge Green who won a family panto ticket.

and a perfect excuse for a pitstop in front of a cosy pub fire.

Horsham District Council’s popular programme of Health Walks should tempt even the most dedicated couch potato outside.

It can be difficult to find activities that appeal to the kids, but keep the adults entertained. We headed off to Fontwell Racecourse near Chichester to see if a family race day could fit the bill (p13-14).

Of course, cutting back a little in the kitchen doesn’t have to mean cutting back on flavour. We asked Sinan Kalan at the Sylvan Oak to for some great ideas for light party bites for a special New Year celebration.

I hope you’re not reading this with too much of a hangover and if you are, I hope you enjoyed yourself enormously. Wishing you a prosperous New Year and the very best of luck with those resolutions!

Melissa EMAIL ME AT: melissa@villageliving.biz or

follow us on Twitter @villageliving

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Village Living27/10/2010 • January 11:06 2011

6 • village news

WEST SUSSEX FOOD AND DRINK HEROES DOMINATE FINAL LINE UP

T

he finalists for the Sussex Food & Drink Awards 2010/11 have been announced by award judges. Out of the 24 finalists, 17 are from West Sussex including Shoreham Farmers Market which has been either a winner or runner up for the last five years. All three finalists for Best Sussex Farmer are from the west side of the county – Tim Hassell from Home Farm in Goodwood, Jenny and Trevor Passmore of Church Farm in Coombes and Shon &

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Simon Sprackling from Rother Valley Organics in Petersfield.

Said Clive Beddall OBE, Chairman of the Judges: “We have seen a record number of different businesses and individuals receiving votes this year –familiar, quality names have appeared again and we are excited to see many new names emerge, proving that these awards are reaching every corner of the county and that Sussex continues to produce some of the UK’s best food and drink heroes.”

All 24 finalists will have to wait a few more weeks to discover who the winners are which will be announced at the Sussex Food & Drink Awards banquet, to be held at the East Sussex Golf Resort & Spa on 27th January 2011.

Visit the website www.sussexfoodawards.biz to find out how to buy tickets for this fabulous event or call Natural PR on 01273 857242 for more information.

Ashington Village goes online

A

new website for Ashington Village, which launched in November, is proving popular with local residents. The site, which can be found at www. ashingtonvillage.co.uk, features new items about the village, an online diary and a business directory which promotes local tradespeople and professionals.

The website is a non-profit making venture with income generated from sponsors, advertising and the @ ashingtonvillage email service. It is currently sponsored by the Ashington Business Consortium and Capital Urban Ltd, but the site is looking for more sponsorship in order to extend the range of services on offer.

Any money generated above and beyond the basic costs will be donated to the popular Ashington Village Festival.

Website organiser, Chris said, “We’ve had really positive feedback so far with over xxx hits in the first month alone. It’s great to have all village information in one place and we plan to grow the site over the coming months.”

For further information, visit www.ashingtonvillage.co.uk.

7 • BACK IN TIME

Horsham District Council urges motorists to prepare for wintery weather

SUSSEX IN FASHION

A

DVICE is being given to motorists to prepare for the next bout of bad weather.

With snowy conditions predicted to comtinue, the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership is advising motorists to prepare in advance of any bad weather following the snow and ice in November.

Sub zero temperatures and snowfalls of up to 30cm last year contributed to one of the bleakest winters for 30 years and left many motorists stranded and vulnerable.

The advice from the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership is to put together a winter car kit to keep you moving and not to travel if the conditions are very poor. For all motorists it is recommended that this kit should include winter car accessories such as a high quality ice scraper, a bottle of anti freeze, jump leads and some material to provide traction such as sand or cat litter. Personal safety may also be a factor and motorists are advised to keep waterproof boots, a hat, gloves and thick coat to hand as well as purchasing a thermal blanket in case of stranding. If you are travelling in the car during bad weather, it is also advisable to make sure that you tell somebody where you are going and some idea of timings.

Further details about the work of the Horsham District Community Safety Partnership can be found at www.horshamcsp.org.

T

he first Sussex Fashion Awards are set to take place in Brighton on the 24th of February, 2010. The awards, which aim to recognize the very best of fashion and its talent across Sussex today, are managed by the Fashion Trust, a new organisation set up by the Brighton & Hove Business team. Organiser, Michaela Walker, said, “Fledgling fashion businesses have very few opportunities to raise their profile. Ofter they don’t fit any standard business model so traditional events like business shows and networking often aren’t as effective for them. We conceived the awards as a promotional platform which could help kickstart new designers, helping them move away from the ‘kitchen table’ and into dedicated premises with like-minded people and plenty of support.”

With over 800 people expected to attend the award ceremony, there are plenty of opportunities for sponsorship and organisers are urging Sussex residents to nominate their favourite retailers, designers and models now.

For further information, visit www.fashionsussex.co.uk.

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Village Living • January 2011

8 • BACK IN TIME

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9 • VIllAGE DIARY

Village Diary Village Diary is a great way to publicise an event in your village. Charitable & not for profit events are listed free of charge. A small charge applies for commercial listings. Don’t forget to visit www.villageliving.biz to submit your own listing online.

FARMERS’ MARKETS Ashington Farmers’, Artists’ & Makers’ Market – 1st Fri of month. 9.30 – 13.30. Methodist Church, london Rd Horsham – Every Sat. 9.00 – 16.00. Carfax, Town centre Pulborough – last Sat of month. 9.00 – 12.00. Village Hall Shoreham – 2nd Sat of month. 9.00 – 13.00. East Street Steyning – 1st Sat of month. 9.00 – 13.00. High St car park West Chiltington – 2nd Sat of month. 9.00 – 12.00. Village Hall Worthing – 4th Sat of month. 9.00 – 14.00. South Street Square

EVENTS

Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and later landscapes Tutor: Judie English Venue: Catholic Church Room, Penlands Way – Thursday afternoons, 10 meetings from 20 January 2011.

For further information see www.wea.org.uk or phone Martin Toomey on 01903 814167.

THURSDAY, 13TH JANUARY Charity Bingo in aid of the Mary How Trust for Cancer Prevention Storrington Village Hall, 59 West Street, Storrington, West Sussex, RH20 4DZ Regular bingo evening in aid of the Mary How Trust on the 2nd Thursday of every month. Only 50p entry. Great prizes, raffle & refreshments – and fun for everyone!

TUESDAY, 25TH JANUARY The Mary How Trust Film Society West Chiltington Village Hall Tickets cost £5.00, including membership from The Mary How Trust, Pulborough Primary Care Centre, The Mary How Trust Charity Shop, Pulborough, Guy Leonard Estate Agents of Pulborough & Storrington & The Card Centre, Storrington High Street. Ticket hotline: 01798 877641.

For information visit www.maryhowtrust.org.

WEDNESDAY, 12TH JANUARY Storrington Film Society. Sullington Village Hall “The Ghost”, starring Ewan McGregor & Kim Catrall.

7.30pm start, interval when refreshments.

Tickets £5 from ‘The Card Centre’ in Storrington.

Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on the Door, Sullington Parish Hall, on the night. Contact Ken Collins on 01903 740745 or Malcolm Bennett on 01798 812407

THURSDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY 2011 Rotary Club of Storrington Charity Greyhound Race Evening Coral Stadium, Hove.

Shake off those ‘winter blues’ and treat yourself to a good night out with friends. We are offering tables of 4 or 6 in the Skyline Restaurant that gives you a good view of the action whilst enjoying a 3 course dinner. The cost is only £19.50 per person which includes entry to the stadium.

For further information and tickets contact John Bayley on tel: 01903 740241

WEDNESDAY, 19TH JANUARY New WEA courses in Steyning J S Bach and his heritage – an exploration of Bach’s music and its effect on later composers.

Tutor: Robert Carrington Venue: Jarvis Music Room, Jarvis Lane – Wednesday afternoons, 10 meetings from 19 January 2011.

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Village Living • January 2011

10 • BACK IN TIME

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• WINTER WAlKS 1111 • BACK IN TIME

Walking in a Winter Wonderland Winter doesn’t have to mean an end to walking, say Horsham District Council’s Health Walks organisers. The council are urging people to continue with the popular walks programme even though wintery weather and difficult conditions may mean walkers should take extra care.

The programme of guided walks, enables Horsham District residents to take part in regular walks in a relaxed, friendly environment and with all publicised walks led by trained volunteers – all you have to do is turn up and enjoy yourself.

WALK LEVELS There are three different levels of difficulty within the walks programme: Level 1 walks – Suitable for new walkers, those recovering from illness, accident or operation and walkers with limited stamina. No stiles on these walks.

Level 2 walks – Moderate walking speed, often stiles and inclines on the route.

Level 3 walks – Fast steady pace. The route could involve steep inclines, stiles and rutted terrain.

The programme below is just a small selection of the walks on offer, which continue throughout the year.

STEPPING OUT IN JANUARY Tuesday 4th 2 miles

11:00am 1 ¼ hours

Health Centre, Steyning level 2. Meet Steyning Health Centre, Tanyard lane.

Saturday 8th 3 miles

2:00pm 1 ½ hours

Thakeham Circular level 2. Meet at Thakeham Church car park.

Monday 10th 5 miles

10:00am

Pulborough Brooks level 2. Meet at the RSPB Reserve.

Tuesday 11th 2 miles

1:00pm 1 hour

Small Dole level 2. Meet at bus stop at the end of Sands lane.

Wednesday 12th 8 miles

9:45am

The Oddfellows Arms, Pulborough level 3. Meet at the Oddfellows Arms, Pulborough.

Thursday 13th 4 miles

10:30am 2 hours

Fountain Inn, Ashurst level 2. Meet at the Fountain Inn, Ashurst.

Saturday 15th 3.6 miles

2:00pm 1 ¾ hours

Parham Glider Field level 2. Meet at Glebe Surgery car park

Sunday 16th 3 miles

10:00am 1 ¼ hours

Chanctonbury Ring level 3. Meet at Washington South Downs Way.

Tuesday 18th 2 miles

11:00am 1 ¼ hours

Health Centre, Steyning level 2. Meet at Steyning Health Centre

Tuesday 25th 3 miles

1:00pm 1 ½ hours

Small Dole level 2. Meet at the bus stop, bottom of Sands lane

Thursday 27th 4 - 5 miles

10:00am 2 hours

West Chiltington level 2. Meet West Chiltington Village Hall car park.

Friday 28th 5.5 miles

10:00am 2 ½ hours

Clayton Windmills/Ditchling Beacon level 3. Meet at Clayton Windmills car park, offA273.

Monday 31st 5 miles

10:00am

West Chiltington level 2. Meet at West Chiltington recreation ground. www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

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13 • FONTWEll BACK IN TIME

And They’re Off! Behind the scenes at fabulous Fontwell Words & pictures by Ginette Stevens

T

he weather may have been grey and damp, but the prospect of a day at the races always puts me in high spirits. Under an hour from Steyning, Fontwell Racecourse, is undoubtedly one of the most intimate and friendly racecourses in the country and its unique figure of eight track adds to the excitement of jump racing.

I love riding but don’t know that much about racing so a chance to get up close and personal with jockeys, owners and course officials was a not-to-bemissed opportunity.

First stop, the weighing room (which was to be my base for the day) overseen

by John Buchanan, the Weighing Room Security Officer. It was already a hive of activity with jockeys, owners and trainers milling around. I was introduced to local jockey Mattie Batchelor. Mattie started his career with Gary Moore, a Brighton trainer, after going on holiday to Ireland and falling in love with horses and racing. He has never looked back.

He has an agent who arranges his rides (for a fee) and this means he could be riding for three to four trainers in one day. He is paid a flat rate for taking part in a race and benefits from a percentage of the winnings. Mattie was due to ride in the first race, so

reluctantly, I had to say cheerio so he could go and change into his colours and be weighed out.

As the first race was about to start, I was lucky enough to trot down to the start with Warren Marshall, the official Starter. There are several starting positions at Fontwell depending on the distance of the race, he explained. As the horses and jockeys moved up to the line, I could feel the tension in the air as they vied for pole position. Within seconds they were off and our job was done.

Walking at a more sedate pace back to the weighing room gave me time to admire the facilities on offer at Fontwell.

Set alongside the beautiful Fontwell House, the racecourse is small enough to allow the public easy viewing of the whole course from the Stands and from the plush new Premier Enclosure and there is plenty of room to watch the jockeys and horses pair up in the parade ring, and space to gather around the winners enclosure after a race. At most race days there is free childrens entertainment. On the day I visited, there was a small animal enclosure, face-painting and a birds of prey display.

Back at base I spoke to the Stipendiary Stewards, Chris Rutter and

Mattie Batchelor, Jockey

Terence Brennan. Their role is to referee the races. The most common offences are careless riding (crossing another jockey for example) and whip offences.

I commented on the amount of whip usage and how uncomfortable it must be for the horse. It turns out they are not common everyday riding whips but are air-cushioned. Chris demonstrated it on his hand and didn’t flinch, but what a noise! He explained this is what makes the horse respond, not the actual contact. However, excessive use is an offence and, like all offences, it can earn the jockey up to a nine day race ban.

Excitingly, my next stop was the the Judges’ Box, adjacent to the finishing line. There is a mirror the other side of the course to the judge and a piece of string vertically placed on the window.

Felix Wheeler, the presiding judge that day, showed me how the string, mirror

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

14 • fontwell

and camera work together, making it easy to see from the left side as well as the right which horse is first past the post on a photo finish.

Having watched a race from the Judges’ box (unfortunately not a nailbiting photo finish), I moved on to chat to Guy Chadwell, a member of the Tote team. My lack of knowledge showed as I thought all betting was the same – the winner being the bookmaker. Indeed not! The Tote pools its bets (like the National Lottery) and they guarantee to pay out whatever the result. As a rule, 83 out of 100 pounds goes back to the customer and the rest of the money is used to pay the staff or be plowed back into racing. You can bet on any race at any racecourse through the Tote and surprising news to me, they are government-owned for the moment, but may be sold off in the near future.

Back to the weighing room, where I was welcomed like an old friend and settled in next to Leigh O’Brien, the Clerk of the Scales, to watch the jockeys weigh out and in. Holding their saddle, girth, hat, protection gear and silks, it’s serious moment for everyone involved.

When all of the jockeys are weighed in, Leigh advises the industry of any non-runners and other information i.e. colour changes. Every runner has to be January 2011 • Village Living

Fontwell has been voted the Best Small Racecourse in the South East no less than 19 times in recent years and it’s clear to see why. weighed out 15 minutes before the race otherwise the trainer may face a fine.

As my day drew to a close, I just had time to have a quick chat with the 2009 Grand National winner, Liam Treadwell. He had won both of his races today and was in high spirits. At 24, Liam explained that he had been racing since he was 17, and jump-racing for

the past 4 years. He is based in Arundel and finds Fontwell extra special as it is his local track. At a mere 10 stones, Liam said he was lucky not to have a problem staying at this weight. In fact, I watched a couple of jockeys going for a jog round the course before jumping into the sauna that is situated in their changing room (I didn’t actually witness that bit!).

Fontwell has been voted the Best Small Racecourse in the South East no less than 19 times in recent years and it’s clear to see why. With easy accessibility from the A27, beautiful enclosed grounds and helpful, friendly staff, if you’ve never been racing before I would urge you to give Fontwell a visit.

It’s certainly got me hooked and I look forward to returning in the New Year with a quiet air of confidence!

Looking for entertainment on Boxing Day? Gates open 10:30am first race 12:35pm Last Race 3:30pm, six exciting Jump races, free parking and free for children.

There will be lots of entertainment with face painters, stilt walkers and a visit from Father Christmas. Lots of areas to eat and drink.

Admission tickets from £17 when booked in advance and fantastic hospitality from £55.

For further information visit www.fontwellpark.co.uk or call 01243 543335

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16 • woodsmill

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

I

t’s been a hard winter already and we’re barely into the New Year. It’s tempting to just throw another log on the fire and curl up with a good book, but try to resist. Although it’s frosty, there is more to see in the Sussex countryside than you might think.

On a bitterly cold December morning, I met up with Sussex Wildlife Trust’s Head of Adult Learning, Mike Russell, to find out just what to look out for.

Mike is uniquely qualified to give me an insight into the day-to-day life of Wood Mill Nature Reserve near Henfield.

Having worked for the Trust for 25 years, Mike even spent several years living on site as the resident warden.

Although he now lives in Small Dole, he still walks to work across the back of the reserve and tells me it’s the highlight of his day. “You never know what you might see,” he says. “I often see roe dear early in the morning and the birds are at their most active then.”

Winter is a busy time for the team who maintain Woods Mill. It’s when most the habitat management, like planting and clearing takes place, as well as any major projects. Recent

January 2011 • Village Living

visitors may have noticed that a brand new platform for pond dipping has been built and on the day I visited, work had only recently been completed on realigning the main stream which runs through Woods Mill. At nearly 42 acres, there are several small waterways, but some of these are man-made, originally built to feed the working watermill which still stands at the entrance to the property and today acts as the Trust’s headquarters.

The stream in question actually originates at the Shepherd & Dog pub in Fulking and now, since its recent diversion, reconnects with the the River Adur which continues all the way to Shoreham. The Trust hopes that over the winter, the stream will create a natural flood meadow and prove a big draw for the wading birds who already visit Woods Mill. At this time of year, you might see snipe, green sandpipers and lapwings as well as winter thrushes who breed in central and northern Europe and come to the UK for winter.

As we walk down to the newly excavated stream, Mike spots a sparrowhawk and I can see plenty of

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Willow Herbal Clinic

fresh footprints from small animals along the side of the path. When it snows, it is a particularly good time to look for prints. Roe deer are present in significant numbers and increasing, if a little shy. You might also see evidence of foxes, weasels, stoats, mice and voles. Even as early as January, frogs and toads start moving into their breeding grounds - there are several small ponds where it is easy to spot frogspawn and tadpoles in the early spring. And Winter Aconites, which resemble small yellow buttercups, are the first flowers which appear in the New Year.

But what about Woods Mill’s famous carp, which certainly prove a big draw for my own children, who love to feed them scraps of bread. Up to a foot long, these hardy fish usually throng round the bridge when anyone approaches, but were nowhere to be seen in the icy lake.

According to Mike, carp spend the winter in a semi-torpor on the mud at the bottom where they live quite happily, even under ice and snow until the warmer weather comes.

We’d probably all like to do that, I suspect, but a winter walk in beautiful surroundings is a great reminder that Sussex is a county for all seasons.

Find out more about Woods Mill and the work of the Sussex Wildlife Trust at www.sussexwt.org.uk or call 01273 492630.

The start of a new year usually sees many people embarking on cleansing diets to counteract the excesses of the festive season.

After a period of eating rich foods and drinks, we often feel below par and lacking in vitality.

One reason for this is due to the excessive burden that is placed on the liver by consumption of rich foods and alcohol. Our livers perform many important tasks in the body which influence our state of health and vitality. When we consume rich foods and alcohol, we place an extra burden on the liver as it has to deal with the extra processing of dietary fats and the detoxification of alcohol.

An overburdened liver leads to feelings of lethargy and depressed vitality. Eating lots of green vegetables and drinking plenty of filtered water can help the liver to recover. Should this not do the trick, then consider using herbal support.

There are many herbs that exert beneficial effects on liver activity, boosting its detoxification capacity and supporting vital functions. Coupled with herbs to boost digestion and assimilation, you can boost energy levels, regain vitality and feel ready to face the New Year with vigour!

Try this simple detoxification drink Drinking water containing lemon juice is very beneficial for the liver as it can make more enzymes out of lemon than any other foodstuff.

Lemon acts as a liver stimulant and also assists in the dissolving of toxins.

For a consultation, contact Andrea Murphy at Willow Herbal on 01903 816426 (Upper Beeding) www.willowherbal.co.uk Andrea Murphy BA (Hons) BSc (Hons) MNIMH MCPP

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

18 • restaurant BACK IN TIMEreview

Steyning Tandoori Steyning Reviewed by: Tim Hackshaw

M

y expectations were high for the Steyning Tandoori.

Other reviews and its website claimed it would be a different eating experience, more akin to fine dining.

Given the fact there are a number of good Indian restaurants in our locality, would the Steyning Tandoori live up to its claims?

The answer is, in general, it does.

Zak Choudhury has two other restaurants, in Maidenhead and Sunbury, but he felt Steyning was the right location to expand his vision of different Indian food.

The décor is fresh and contemporary, the staff are welcoming, attentive and helpful and our table was neatly set. Our initial drinks order was taken immediately and we were presented with the wine list, which, whilst not extensive, was well chosen with wines from around the world. Most people would be able to find a wine they like without too much difficulty with prices starting at £12.95.

The food menu itself is clear and easy to follow. Whilst the traditional dishes were all there – Dopiaza, Danszk, Bhuna, Madras etc, there are a number of more exotic dishes on offer. The highlights for me were undoubtedly the Chicken Chat starter – taken as part of the Chef’s Selection Starter. Chicken Chat is a particular favourite of mine, but the flavours and the sweetness of this dish were superb, and genuinely different to any Chicken Chat I’ve eaten previously.

A main course of Red Mullet Bhaja (fresh mullet marinated with herbs and spices then fried with mushrooms and cayenne pepper) followed which was January 2011 • Village Living

Zak Choudhury

melt in the mouth and full of flavour but also had a degree of sweetness in the sauce that was fabulous. My dining companion had a Satta Murgh (chicken cooked with ginger, onions and mushrooms) and this too was really tasty.

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Our only (minor) disappointment was the Chicken Badami (chicken with a peanut sauce). For me there was too little peanut flavour and too many onions. However this was a small criticism because it was still a well cooked dish, as indeed were all the dishes we chose.

Prices range as follows: Starters £3.50 - £7.95, Mains £6.50 - £12.95, Sides £2.25 - £3.75. In my view prices compare favourably with other Indian restaurants in the area.

Of course the acid test for any restaurant is would you return. For me the answer is an unequivocal ‘Yes’. It’s easy to be picky about some of the claims made, but the food was very good – all the dishes are prepared to order using fresh ingredients.

Presentation of the food was also good, but in my view not necessarily different to other high quality Indian restaurants I have experienced (particularly La Porte Des Indes in London). The service itself was good and overall I would, and

19 • BACK IN TIME

Steyning Tandoori Tbl 6

8Dec’10 7.53

Chef’s Selection Starter Red Mullet Bhaja Steamed Rice Sag Poneer Peshwari Naan Total www.steyningtandoori.co.uk tel 01903 813533

£7.95 £12.95 £2.25 £3.75 £2.50 29.40

already have, recommended the Steyning Tandoori to others.

Equally I’m sure it won’t be too long before Zak Choudhury continues to expand his vision with another restaurant in this area!

Tim Hackshaw runs a consultancy business locally and previously was a director of a contract catering company in London specialising in Directors Dining and Conference Venues. His favourite restaurant is The Greenhouse in Hays Mews London (where Gary Rhodes won his first Michelin Star). The restaurant I would most like to visit would be Noma in Copenhagen, recently declared to be the best restaurant in the world!

Steyning Tandoori is open every day for lunch & dinner.

Steyning Tandoori, 76 High Street, Steyning BN44 3RD. www.steyningtandoori.co.uk Tel 01903 813533

The Fox SMALL DOLE

FARM SHOP

01273 491196

GATEWICK FARM, A283 STEYNING Home produced free range meat Family-run butchery Delicious homemade sausages Fresh fruit & veg Homemade pies & cakes Look out Jams & chutneys for our handy recipe Local milk & cream sheets Ample free parking

Lyn would like to wish all of her customers a very Happy New Year & a warm welcome TRADITIONAL GREAT VALUE PUB FOOD AT THE FOX Our set menu is still a great value £9.95 for 3 courses!

Main menu dishes from £6.95 and desserts from £2.45 Try our traditional Sunday roast with choice of 5 roasts

Open: Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4.30pm Gatewick Farm, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3SF tel: 01903 812241 or 07977 186003 www.overthefarmgate.com info@overthefarmgate.com

The perfect location for parties - £15.95 for 3 lovely courses THE FOX IS OPEN: Monday to Saturday 12 - 2.30pm and 6 - 9pm (bar open all day Saturday) Sundays from 12 midday with (bar and food served all day) Henfield Road, Small Dole, Henfield, West Sussex, BN5 9XE www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

SPIRIT HAIR & BEAUTY Appointments not always necessary Open Tues - Sat Late till 8pm Thurs

Ladies, gents & children Restyling, cuts & perms Colours & highlights Massages& nail treatments Facials & waxing Fake Bake tanning Cosmetic treatments

Gift vouchers available

122 High Street, Steyning. BN44 3RD www.spirit-hairandbeauty.co.uk tel 01903 367118

STEYNING TANDOORI IS

NOW OPEN UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT & TOTALLY REFURFISHED

We are confident that you will take pleasure in our breathtaking restaurant featuring exotic cuisines of the Indian sub-continent Steyning Tandoori presents refined Indian food of today from diverse regions, created by a galaxy of master chefs who are British Curry award winners from across the south east. Try mouthwatering specialities such as Badami Chicken and tender Tikkas grilled to perfection. We use fresh ingredients and and guarantee low-fat cooking with no artificial colouring - simply pure vibrant food.

www.steyningtandoori.co.uk

info@steyningtandoori.co.uk

ENJOY 10% OFF YOUR BILL

Valid from 2nd January - 31st January. One offer per tranaction Excludes drinks. Dining in only. Please bring voucher with you.

January 2011 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

76 High Street Steyning. BN44 3RD

01903 813533/ 01903 879 726 TAKEAWAY AVAILABLE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Lunch: 12 - 2pm Dinner: 5.30pm - 11pm (Fri & Sat tll 11.30pm) Sunday buffet: 12-3pm Sunday dinner: 5.30pm - 10.30pm

For the Ajar: 3 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp salt 1 dash black pepper 1 medium pineapple 1 small fresh red chilli pepper In a medium bowl, stir vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until sugar & salt are dissolved. Core & cut skin off pineapple, then into bitesize pieces.

Add to vinegar dressing; toss until combined.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 3 hours, stirring occasionally

Onion & Brie Bhaji with Pineapple Ajar

For the bhaji: • 140g/5oz gram or chickpea flour • 2 eggs • 1 tsp curry powder • 1 tsp chilli powder • 1 tbsp milk • 100g/4oz red onion sliced • 50g/2oz Brie • salt • freshly ground black pepper • pinch chopped coriander and chives • 500ml/17fl oz vegetable oil for frying 1. Heat the oil in a heavy-based sauce pan or wok on a medium heat. It is important not to fry these on too high a temperature or they risk breaking apart. To test if the oil is ready, drop in a tiny amount of the batter.

If it bubbles and floats to the surface then the oil is ready.

2. Beat together the flour, egg, curry powder, chilli powder, milk, salt and pepper.

3. Mix in the sliced onions and continue to gently beat, making sure not to crush or mash the onion slices.

4. Next, take about a tablespoon of batter and press a cube of brie into the centre.

5. Using another spoon, scoop the batter off the first spoon straight into the oil. Repeat until all batter is used and fry until golden brown and crispy.

6. Then serve with the pineapple and some rocket leaves.

The Sylvan Oak, The Square, Findon Village.

BN14 0TE. Tel 01903 873385 www.sylvanoak.co.uk www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

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23 • SUSSEX IN SEASON

Preserving Marmalade!

Nick Hempleman Owner of The Sussex Produce Company, award winning produce store in Steyning, West Sussex.

M

armalade is under threat of extinction! This the view of the trade magazine, The Grocer, who tell a sorry tale of falling sales, rising sugar prices and a new generation preferring McMuffins or heavily marketed cereals.

The demise of marmalade would be a tragedy. Whilst there are many different marmalades on sale in shops of varying quality, you can’t beat one that is home made. The wonderful smell with which it fills the house is worth the price of the oranges alone and there is something distinctly warming about seeing a row of little jars, all labelled by hand, lined up in the cupboards to see you through the rest of the year.

The best oranges for this are Sevilles, bitter, pithy and full of pips, you wouldn’t want to eat one raw but cooked they transform themselves into amber nectar.

You can buy almost as many types of marmalade oranges as you can marmalade but people travel a long way to buy ours. They come from the Ave Maria farm in Mairena Del Alcor, Spain (www.huertaavemaria.com). This small farm was written about by Rose Prince in her Daily Telegraph article where she attacked the supermarkets for their buying policies and described the Seville oranges from this farm as truly ‘exceptional’. These citrus fruit aren’t in season for long, so grab them while you can and help preserve a wonderful preserve!

www.thesussexproducecompany.co.uk.

50 High Street, Steyning. BN44 3RD Tel 01903 815045

A simple marmalade recipe Makes about three jars 400g Seville oranges (about four), 1 lemon, 1 litre water 800g white sugar, 1 tsp soft dark brown sugar (optional but it makes the colour rosier) 1). Remove all the orange zest in strips, cut away any white pith then shred the zest and tie it in a small square of muslin. Finely slice the oranges; pith, flesh, juice and all, and the whole lemon, and tip into a heavy saucepan.

Add the water and your muslin bag of zest and simmer for about two hours until the pith is tender.

2). Pick out the bag holding the zest, and leave to drain on a plate. Line a colander with a few layers of muslin, place over a bowl, tip in the contents of the pan, and leave to drip for an hour – you need all the liquid as it contains the vital pectin that makes the marmalade set. You could squeeze any remaining juice from the pith, but it will make the marmalade slightly cloudy.

You should have about 750ml of liquid. Boil it down if you have more, or add water if you have less.

3). Return the liquid to the pan, add the zest from the bag, and the sugar. Bring to the boil, then quickly simmer until it reaches 104C. Keep the temperature constant for five minutes. A spoonful on a cold saucer should form a crinkly skin after cooling for five minutes. If it doesn’t, simmer for a few minutes more; but you may have to settle for soft-set. Switch off the heat, leave for 20 minutes, spoon the marmalade into hot, sterilised jars, seal with cellophane and rubber bands and leave somewhere cool overnight to set to a jelly.

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

January 2011 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

25 • DRINK lOCAl

Drink Local: Kissingate Brewery

K

issingate may be one of the youngest breweries in Sussex, but they have swiftly gained a following for their carefully crafted ales and dedication to reviving historic cottage-brewing techniques and traditional recipes.

On the day I visit Gary lucas and his wife Bunny, they have been in their dedicated brewing premises for less than 2 weeks, after brewing at home in Crawley for months.

They’ve settled in nicely at Church lane Farm in lower Beeding, near Horsham, thought it’s clear that the company’s roots lie very much in Crawley town. Indeed, one of their most popular beers, Mary’s Ruby Mild was named after a local Crawley lady, remembered from Gary’s childhood, who wandered the streets of the town for years.

Many of the Kissingate ales marry local folklore with unusual modern ingredients, using real fruit as well as herbs and spices, harking back to the days when there could be several brewers or brewsters within just a few square miles, all producing ales according to local taste and demand.

There’s certainly demand for these more unusual brews and Kissingate is now supplying nearly 30 casks a week to a selection of hand-picked pubs and beer festivals.

All the talk of unusual recipes has really got me excited about my first taste of Kissingate Ale and we start with the Black Cherry Mild (4.2% ABV). lightly hopped and containing real cherries, it has a pleasant aftertaste of molasses. It’s not unlike drinking a pint of treacle and although I’m not sure I could manage more than a pint of it, it’s one to add to my Christmas list.

Next up is Warlock Strong Ale (5.2% ABV). Inspired by local folklore & legend, this intriguing brew contains fenugreek. It’s surprisingly smooth with a subtle aniseed aftertaste from the fenugreek. Rather unexpectedly this works for me and it’s light enough to quaff happily.

Our final tipple is Storyteller. At 3.5% ABV, it’s what’s known as a ‘session’ beer, or one that’s light enough to sink a few pints of. It’s delicate and lemony and I could imagine drinking it super-chilled on a hot summer’s day.

Gary tells me to keep an eye out for their newest beer, Christmas Tale, with cinnamon and Christmas pudding

flavours, a perfect festive tipple. It’s time to bid goodbye to Gary and Bunny, but not before I find out how the brewery got its name. “Easy”, says Gary. “We want our beers to be like your first kiss – enjoyable and remembered forever.”

Kissingate Ales are available in selected pubs, including the Jolly Tanners in Staplefield and the Royal Oak in Rusper and will shortly be available from www.beermatt. co.uk. For further information about Kissingate, visit www.kissingate.co.uk or call 01293 882198.

Win a case of Hepworth Real Ale! Name one of the herbs used in Kissingate Brewery Ales.

Send answers to info@villageliving.biz or to the address at the front of the magazine for your chance to win.

Closing date 31st January, 2011.

“ Building Community

For the Community”

Every Sunday at Henfield Youth Club 10.30 am Welcome Café 11.00 am Meeting with separate children's groups

Tel 07548 850828 www.communitychurchhenfield.org www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

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27 • GARDENING

Now is the Time to Think Big

Y

ou might think that January is a time for nursery staff to put their feet up after the Christmas rush, but you’d be wrong. January is one of the busiest times of the year for gardeners who raise their own plants.

It’s when we create new stock for the coming months, grafting, propagating and sowing a lot of seeds.

At the nursery, we are able to give fragile new plants and seedlings the bit of heat they need to give them a good start and harden them off slowly. By early spring, when most gardeners are only just thinking about new planting, we have a selection of robust young plants which are large enough to go straight into your garden.

Planting now isn’t just for hothouse gardeners and nurseries though.

You can and should apply the same principles to large trees and shrubs outdoors. Planting now, when a plant is dormant above ground, allows it the chance to wake up slowly and devote all of its energy to establishing strong roots, whereas planting during a

period of growth can sometimes send a plant into shock.

You’ll need to do some research though, so that you can visualise what the trees and shrubs you are buying now will look like when in leaf. Get online or get out your books and pick your favourite colours. It’s a good time to buy Japanese maples or Acers which respond particularly well to winter planting. Get them in the ground now and you’ll avoid the frost

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scorch which often occurs if an Acer in leaf goes in the ground too early in Spring.

Another hardy young tree to consider is the Silver Birch – the ideal tree for the modern garden. With stunning variegated bark, which comes in shades of white, pink and cream, it looks good even in winter and, as a happy bonus, it produces lots of seeds, giving a helping hand to garden wildlife through the winter.

Hardy exotic plants Architectural trees Bamboos Japanese maples Olive specialist

Friendly, expert advice

www.bigplantnursery.co.uk

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 01903 814092

Village Living • January 2011

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29 • TAlK MONEY

Talk Money Claire Cook

from independent mortgage and financial advisers Talk Money, gives essential advice...

Interest rate predictions

I

t has been a confusing time when taking a mortgage. In November the Bank of England voted to keep the base rate at the all time low of 0.5%, so the rate is only likely to go up. The question is when will this happen?

Generally economists believe the rate will rise late in the second half of 2011, but this view has been gradually changing. Throughout most of the year the rate rises were being predicted as coming later and later. The recovery seemed to be weakening and with spending cuts ahead, it was believed that the Bank of England would have to have to print more money to stave off deflation. In these circumstances, the rate would normally remain low for longer. When the official figures came through, however, the figures showed unexpected signs of recovery. In November the Bank of England did not order further money into the economy, showing signs of confidence. So, now predictions are that rate rises may come sooner than expected. One thing is certain; it is a confusing time if you are taking a new mortgage. How do you choose your rate?

For most situations you will find that the variable tracker rates (linked to Bank of England base rate) are lower than

the fixed rates currently on offer. This makes them very attractive and many people are tempted by the lower rates, even though they are likely to go up. If you think that rates will remain low over the next couple of years, then you could find that you will be much better off with one of the lower variable rates.

Some people prefer to know exactly what they are paying and are willing to take a higher initial rate for the stability a fixed rate can bring. This can work especially well if you are on a tight budget, or if you are cautious in nature and prefer to plan ahead. There is some comfort in knowing exactly what your outgoings will be for a set period of time.

If you are putting down a large deposit you could find that you have a much wider choice of rates. If you have a lower percentage deposit you will find that you have less choice. Whatever your situation, it is always best to find the most competitive fixed rate, and compare this directly to the best variable (tracker) rate. This way you can make an informed choice and work out exactly how much the rate would need to rise to make you worse off.

An experienced independent adviser will be able to locate the best rates for you and go through the figures, making sure you have exactly the right rate for you.

If you are looking for a mortgage, to find the best rate and lender for your circumstances it is essential to take independent advice. If you need advice on your mortgage or any other financial area, please call us. We are a firm of independent advisers and offer whole of market advice. Please call me, Claire Cook on 01273 224667.

Buy to let mortgages are not regulated by the Finanicial Services Authority. Talk Money is a trading style of Best Practice IFA Group ltd, which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you prefer to pay a fee for advice this option is available, the exact amount of the fee will depend on circumstances but we estimate it will be 0.5% of the loan amount. Where a rate is quoted the rate will depend on individual circumstances and not all borrowers will qualify for acceptance of the loan (or similar).Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Independent Financial Advice for an Independent You For a free initial mortgage health check talk to us on 01403 330822

Mortgages Investments Pensions Insurance

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tel: 01903 814092 Village • this January 2011the exact Talk Money Limited is trading style of Best Practice IFA Groupwww.villageliving.biz Ltd, which is Authorised and Regulated by| the Financial Services Authority. If you prefer to pay aLiving fee for advice option is available, amount of the fee will depend on circumstances but we estimate it will be 0.5% of the loan amount. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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31 • MIND & BODY

31 • BACK IN TIME

Mind & Body Chris Jones Cognitive Therapist and Mind Coach, Southdowns Hypnotherapy

OCD (Obsessional Compulsive Disorder) & Hypnotherapy

T

o some degree OCD-type symptoms are probably experienced at one time or another by most people, especially in times of stress. However, the illness can have a totally devastating effect on work, social life and personal relationships. The World Health Organisation (WHO) ranks OCD as the tenth most disabling illness of any kind, in terms of lost earnings and diminished quality of life.

OCD can take many forms, but, in general, sufferers experience repetitive, intrusive and unwelcome thoughts, images, impulses and doubts which they find hard to ignore. These thoughts form the obsessional part of ‘ObsessiveCompulsive’ and they usually (but not always) cause the person to perform repetitive compulsions in a vain attempt to relieve themselves of the obsessions and neutralise the fear. Some sufferers will have the obsessions but no physical outward compulsions – a form of OCD often called Pure ‘O’...

Common obsessions include contamination and germs, causing harm to oneself or to others, upsetting sexual, violent or blasphemous thoughts, the ordering or arrangement of objects and worries about throwing things away.

Sufferers try to fight these thoughts with mental or physical rituals, the compulsions, which involve repeatedly performing actions such as washing, cleaning, checking, counting, hoarding or partaking in endless rumination.

Most know that their thoughts and behaviour are irrational and senseless, but feel incapable of stopping them.

This has a significant impact on their confidence and self-esteem and as a

result, their careers, relationships and lifestyles. Famous sufferers include: David Beckham, Charles Darwin & Howard Hughes.

Hypnotherapy can be effective in treating OCD, by identifying and eliminating the root cause(s) and providing coping mechanisms to help the sufferer lead a normal lifestyle.

For more information on this topic, contact Chris Jones on 01903 745606.

Chris is a Cognitive Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner and Sports Performance Mind Coach.

He became involved with mind techniques while practicing martial arts in his younger days.

He subsequently became interested in the concept of using them to help people and found that Hypnotherapy provided the ideal tools for this work. He is based in Storrington, where he works alongside his wife, Cathy (also a Hypnotherapist), who specialises in weight-loss.

Chris Jones

Treatment of

DipChyp, HPD, NLP, MNCH

 phobias  weight & eating disorders

Cognitive Hypnotherapy & Sports Performance Mind Coaching

 anxiety & stress

01903 745606 or 07740 085101 www.chrisjones.uk.com

 compulsions & addictions  performance enhancement  healing & pain management

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Village Living • January 2011

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