Village Living February 2012

Village LIVING

FREE ● February 2012

Lifestyle | Community | Business

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

Be My Valentine!

Who was the real Saint Valentine?

Bootcamp Step to it with Ginette

NEW this Month!

Reader’s Recipe Product of the Month

Gardening Diary

With tips from our gardening guru

WIN! A Haramaki – Product of the Month We review... The George & Dragon, Houghton Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 1

17/01/2012 13:23

February 2012 • Village Living

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 2

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

17/01/2012 13:23

Contents 3

Welcome to February

7-9

Village News & Diary

11

New! Reader’s Recipes This month a valentine treat from Henfield

12

Matt Cowan Gardening Guru

19

Valentines Day

rEAdEr’S rECIPES 11

The history of...

20-21

Bootcamp central With ginette

24-25

Reader’s Restaurant Review BOOTCAMP CENTrAl 20

george and dragon Houghton 26

New! Product of the month This month the Haramaki!

27

Gardening valentine ideas with Big Plant Nursery

31

Mind & Body:

rESTAUrANT rEvIEW 24

With Chris Jones

Where Can You Find Village Living? village living Magazine is delivered to 10,000 homes and businesses across 10 villages.

Editorial & advertising enquiries Katie Downes 01273 383926 katie@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.

© 2012 Village Living

Village Living is published monthly by Katie Downes.

01273 383926 www.villageliving.biz

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 3

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.

17/01/2012 13:23

February 2012 • Village Living

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 4

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

17/01/2012 13:23

5 • BACK IN TIME

Welcome to February!

W

elcome to February!

Hope you are well and that the New

Year Resolutions haven’t fallen too far along the wayside! Look out for details on the news page for details of the Steyning Festival Short Story Competition 2012 and on p26 to be in with

a chance of winning one of 3 Haramak – product of the month! Keep me up to date with your news, views and diary dates and

Copy deadline is February 10th for the March issue. Please mention Village Living when responding to an advert.

send in your favourite recipes for our new Readers Recipe page starting this month! Wishing you all the best in February.

Katie x

EMAIL US AT: katie@villageliving.biz

or follow us on Twitter @villageliving

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 5

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:24

icker-rose Valentines Offer 10% OFF all Jewellery ranges from 1st - 14th February

Front Shop, Cobblestone Walk High Street, Steyning. BN44 3RD

tel 01903 814264 www.flicker-rose.co.uk

February 2012 • Village Living

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 6

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

17/01/2012 13:24

BACK IN diary TIME 7 • village

Marie Curie Cancer Care

K

eep your New Year’s Resolution with Marie Curie Cancer Care One of the UK’s largest charities.

Employing more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, it provided care to more than 31,000 terminally ill patients in the community and in its nine hospices last year and is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS. Whether your goal is to get fit, lose weight, meet new people or do something adventurous in 2012, Marie Curie Cancer Care is offering everyone challenges to fulfil those common New Year’s resolutions.

This week, Marie Curie Cancer Care is launching its programme of events and challenges for the coming year (www.mariecurie.org.uk/challenge) offering people in London, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Kent everything from runs, treks, triathlons and cycle rides to swimming, walking and dancing. If you’re looking to get in shape in 2012, Marie Curie has running events all year round, from marathons to local fun runs, including the London Marathon on 22nd April and the Royal Parks Half Marathon on 7th October.

Louise Stone at Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “New Year’s resolutions often fall by the wayside before January is

over, but Marie Curie Cancer Care has events and challenges throughout the year to help you stick to, and achieve, your aims for 2012. Whether you want to improve your fitness, have fun or get outdoors more, there’s something for everyone. So why not take up a challenge, fulfil your ambitions and help raise valuable funds for Marie Curie Nurses, who provide free care to people with terminal cancer and other illnesses in their own homes.”

To take part in an event or challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care, telephone 08700 340 040, visit: www.mariecurie.org.uk/challenge or email: events@mariecurie.org.uk

22ND SUSSEX BEER & CIDER FESTIVAL

R

eal ale continues to outperform in the UK beer market and now has a 15 % share. To cope with the expected big demand there will be nearly 230 beers on sale at the 22nd Sussex Beer & Cider Festival to be held at Hove Town Hall 8th – 10th March. Plus a large selection of ciders, perries, country wines and British and foreign bottled beers. The downstairs bar has been designated as the LocAle Bar and will be selling only beers from all the breweries in Sussex.

Advance tickets for the Festival will be on sale from the 16th January to 4th March at the usual outlets (Brighton & Hove: Brighton Centre, (there is a booking

fee whether on line or by phone); Evening Star, Sir Charles Napier; Shoreham: Buckingham Arms; Horsham, Beer Essentials; Lewes: Gardener’s Arms; Worthing: Selden Arms, or by post from: – SCBCF Ticket Sales, 13 Rudyard Road, Woodingdean, Brighton BN2 6UB. For all other booking enquiries please contact call 07807 105803 or email sussexbeerfestival@yahoo.co.uk. Or go to www.sussexbeerfestival.co.uk for further information.

As record attendances are expected and to avoid disappointment on the day, it is advisable to buy tickets in advance for ALL sessions. The ticket price includes a souvenir programme and, for CAMRA members, beer tokens worth £2 on presentation of their membership card.

This year the festival charity will be Leo House at Home, Brighton. The Hove Centre has full disabled facilities and is a short walk from Hove Station.

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 7

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:24

8 • BACK IN TIME

www.modelinfobureau.com Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 8

17/01/2012 13:24

BACK IN dIAry TIME 9 • vIllAgE

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. 9.00 – 1.00pm. Scout Hall, Ashington 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

– “ Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy”. £5, available from ‘The Card Centre’ in Storrington. Any unsold tickets will be available for purchase on the door, Sullington Parish Hall, on the night. Ken Collins: 1903 740745, or Malcolm Bennett:01798 812407 SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY AT 7.30PM Cantatrice Ladies Choir from Steyning & Horsham Eight choirs from Sussex perform at dorking Halls. Organised by ‘Bravo’ under the title ‘CHOIrOKE’. Join in with Fat Bottomed girls, Nights in White Satin & Celebration. The choirs perform the first movement from Adiemus (Karl Jenkins). Tickets: £20.00 and £15.00. Over 65’s £17.00 and £12.00. Box Office on 01306 881717

Henfield Hall – Monday Market from January open every Monday FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY except bank holidays from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m a variety of stalls, Henfield Hall ample free parking and refreshments contact david 01273 493365.

EVENTS SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4TH Henfield Evangelical Free Church, Henfield.

Full English Breakfast 8.30am Free Church Hall, High Street, Henfield.

Speaker: derek Heyman. Tickets £5 available at Jasmine’s Florist, High St .& Free Church Book Shop. For more information Henfield 493925 SATURDAY 4TH FEBRUARY Storrington Rotary Club Quiz Night at 7.30pm at Pulborough village Hall. Tickets are £10 and include a two course supper. Winners’ Prizes, raffle, “Fines” & Spot Prizes and a licensed bar. Tickets available from guy leonards - 17 High Street, Storrington 01903 742354 or 18 lower Street, Pulborough 01798 874033, The Card Shop - High Street, Storrington 01903 742114 or from Marion Milton 01798 815583.

MONDAY 6TH FEBRUARY 12.45 FOR 1.15PM Steyning Centre. Steyning Probus Club Charles Ashby. Stories behind Steyning Millennium. Probus is a social club for semi retired and retired men with a professional and business background. Forthcoming social event: February- dinner at Northbrook College. March – Horsham British legion Band. Our social events include our wives/partners. Membership Enquiries: Brian Hovell 01903 879833, www.steyningprobus.com

Naturalist and photographer, ray Hale, gives an illustrated talk “The Old Man of the Forest: Saving the Orang U Tan” 7.45pm for 8.00 start. www.henfieldcameraclub.org.uk SATURDAY 18 FEBRUARY, 4.00PM at the Steyning Centre Charity Concert HEArT & SOUl – a concert organised by the Steyning 1st responders raise funds for their charity. A selection of light classical and non’classical which include Moonlight in vermont, The Continental, This little light of Mine and many more. They are joined

by Wind players from Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra.Tickets: £7 including cake and tea from Steyning Bookshop 01903 812062.

SATURDAY 25TH FEBRUARY Warren Playgroup Good as New Sale 10:30am to 12:00 noon @ Henfield Hall (behind Budgens). Entrance is £1 per person.

Items to sell? Bring them to the hall on the day between 9 -10am.

For pre-registration, information: contact@warrenplaygroup.co.uk SATURDAY 25 FEBRUARY AT 7.30 The Drill Hall, Denne Road, Horsham Horsham Cantatrice perform with the Sussex Harmonisers – a mens barbershop group based in Burgess Hill. Tickets £8 from Horsham Music Shop.

WEDNESDAY 22ND FEBRUARY 7.30PM Steyning Cricket Club – Annual Steyning in Bloom Fundraising Quiz Night. Tickets £12 to include casserole supper & pudding.

TUESDAY 7TH FEBRUARY HENFIELD HALL AT 7.30PM Henfield Garden Club Talk by Tom Brown, Head gardener at Parham. “A garden year at Parham”. Non-members £3. 01273 493754

…and looking ahead Saturday 10th March 10.30am-12.30pm rydon Community College, rock road, Storrington, good as New Sale. Kirsten Campbell: 01903 742790.

WEDNESDAY 8TH FEB – 7.30PM Storrington Film Nights (Rotary Club) “SENNA”, Starring Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Jackie Stewart, and many other drivers and racing personalities.

A documentary of the monumental life, and tragic death of the legendary Brazilian motor-racing Champion, Ayrton Senna. The following films are:- Wed 14th March- “Jane Eyre”, Wed 11th April

Wednesday 14th March 2.30 pm The Queen’s English Society at Trinity Methodist Church, Storrington. President dr. Bernard lamb presents Error Spotting. dorothy Pirkis: 01903 743875 or dorothypirkis@btinternet.com Saturday 31st March 7.00 pm Worthingaires Barbershop group at Trinity Methodist Church, Storrington, rH20 3Ng at. Tickets £6.00. dorothy: 01903 743875 or dorothypirkis@btinternet.com.

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 9

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:24

Extensions Alterations Loft Conversions New Homes

Front Extensions

Listed Buildings Planning Applications Building Regulations Applications Tenders

New House

 

Telephone : 01903 815889 Email: philipjclay@yahoo.co.uk

Visit new web site: www.philclay.co.uk February 2012 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 10

17/01/2012 13:24

Our first reader’s recipe comes from a dear friend of mine in Henfield who discovered a cunning way of getting her children to eat extra veg…..

Sneaky Brownies

(they contain beetroot!!! Shhhh!!)

grEASE a shallow baking tin, 20 x 25cm, put baking parchment on the bottom.

Ingredients

MIX the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

Melt over a pan of hot water.

• 250g dark chocolate, in pieces

WHISK the eggs and sugar in a large bowl until combined, beat in the melted chocolate and butter until smooth.

• 250g soft brown sugar

MIX the salt with the flour, sift them over the chocolate mixture, and then gently fold in with a large metal spoon.

FOld in the grated beetroot POUr the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula.

• 250g unsalted butter, cubed • 3 eggs • Pinch of sea salt • 150g self-raising flour • 250g beetroot, boiled until tender.

Then cooled, peeled, grated and squeezed fairly dry

BAKE for 20-25 minutes; when the brownies are done, a knife put in the centre should come out with a few moist crumbs on it. don’t overcook them or they will be dry. remove the tin from the oven and leave on a wire rack to cool, then cut into squares.

Please send in your recipes with pics for our readers recipe page.

We would love to hear about your recipes and why they are special to you!

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 11

17/01/2012 13:24

12 • gArdENINg dIAry

Matt Cowan’s

Gardening Diary W

hat we can achieve in our gardens is nearly always dependent on the weather and on our charming little island it is reliably unpredictable! The forecast for February is uncertain although it seems likely that it will be colder than of late.

Just how cold we don’t know but we will all be glad for the return of the sun and warmer spring weather whenever it gets here!

So what can we get up to in our gardens at this time?

I have been pruning apple and pear trees during their dormant period and this can be done until early March before the buds burst into life. Use sharp, clean secateurs and a pruning saw to remove any crowded, crossing, damaged, dead or diseased branches. As a general rule of thumb don’t take more than a third off in any one season. What we are looking to achieve is an open goblet shape allowing plenty of light and air in. If you can throw your hat right through the middle of the tree your probably on the right track!

Winter prune Wisteria now to enhance flowering.

Hopefully summer pruning was done in July/August following flowering, when most long wispy shoots should be cut back to six or seven buds. No matter if not you can still winter prune as follows. Take the shoots down further to two or three buds. The flower buds are plump and blunt whereas growth buds are smaller and pointed so cut back to a flower bud.

If you don’t fancy getting out there yet then now is a great time to plan ahead and organise how you want things to look throughout the year. you can now start sowing seeds in trays on windowsill. Plan your crop rotation, pruning regimes and any new projects. reflect on the previous year, repeat what worked well and ditch what didn’t.

One of the things I am planning again this year is to plant lots of flowers that attract valuable wildlife to my garden, particularly the vegetable plot where I need good predators of all those pests! Try the following plants to get the birds, bees and butterflies in.

Borage, Comfrey, verbena bonariensis, French Marigolds, Sunflowers, Michaelmas daisies, Hebes, yarrow, Scabious, Honesty, love in a Mist, Poached Egg Plant, golden rod Solidago, Hawthorn…

The list is endless! Whatever you decide to do with your garden, enjoy it and I wish you every success!

February 2012 • Village Living

A few other jobs for late winter r animals • keep feeding birds and othe pective tenants • put up nesting boxes for pros the ground • cut late raspberries down to permits • start weeding NOW when soil s and dig in green manures • finish digging vegetable plot e tubers in February • plant out Jerusalem artichok • clean, oil and sharpen tools boxes • start potatoes chitting in egg for the new gardening year • clean the greenhouse ready

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 12

17/01/2012 13:25

C&A F

13 • BACK IN TIME

OPEN MIC

YS WEDNESDA M P 0 0 1.

9.00-1

LIVE

DJ

S SATURSDAY 11pm-1AM

LIVE MUSIC Thu

rsdays 9 - 11pm Lower Bar

Function Room / Cocktail B ar available f or Private Hir e

HUGELY POPULAR

NEW FISH MENU PLUS ENJOY TWO COURSES FOR ONLY £9.95

MONDAY TO SATURDAY INCLUSIVE

STARTERS

• Fisherman’s Chowder • Deep Fried Calamari • • Deep Fried Whitebait • Smoked Mackerel Paté • • Sussex Smokie • PLUS • Chicken Liver Parfait • Mushrooms Mornay (V) •

MAINS

• Smoked Haddock • Fish Pie • Moules Marinière • • Crab and Crayfish Cakes • Warm Poached Salmon Salad • PLUS • Minute Steak • Mediterranean Linguine (V) •

QUIRKY QUIZ NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY 8.00pm - 10.1 5pm

WITH THE BRILLIANT MARK STACK, BRIGHTON & HOVE’S MOST POPULAR QUIZ MASTER (THE STATION PUB, HOVE & OTHERS)

THE QUIZ FOR FUN PEOPLE… NOT WANNABE EINSTEINS

NEW FOR 2012

S PA TA AUTHENTIC

33 High Street, Shoreham-By-Sea, We s t S u s s e x . B N 4 3 5 D D. T e l e p h o n e : 0 1 2 7 3 4 6 3 5 0 0 www.crownandanchor-shoreham.co.uk

Village Living 29Ad 0212 AW.indd C&A Fish Menu B5 32pp 0212.indd 1 13

LATINO DISHES

£3.50 each or 3 for £9.95 17/01/2012 10:01 13:25 10/01/2012

SussexSurrey Doors and Windows

Come and see our fantastic new products including our new alternative to wooden window range.

Vast range of colours available.

PVCu, Aluminium, Steel, Timber & Composite Doors 0808 1081666 • 01403 259054 • www.SussexSurrey.com Showroom: 35 Queen Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 5AA Company Registered as Sussex Doors Ltd

Plastic Windows Federation

Dirty Oven?

Mr OvenKleen

The professional domestic oven cleaning service ‘putting the “SHEEN” back into your oven’ OVENS • HOBS • MICROWAVES EXTRACTORS • RANGES • AGAs • BBQs Only non-toxic, eco-friendly, fume-free products used Please phone for an appointment on

0800 2984975 • 01403 751762 • 07789 316785 www.mrovenkleen.co.uk

February 2012 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 14

17/01/2012 13:25

15 • SOMPTINg ABBOTS

Sompting Abbots

d

uring my second visit to Sompting Abbotts, on a bright and sunny Monday morning I met the delightful and charming Kate O’Neill, Head of the Pre-Prep department. Kate qualified as a teacher in 1995 and worked in various positions prior to settling at Sompting Abbotts in 2000; after maternity leave Kate returned and has been the department head since 2008.

The pupils enjoy a balanced and busy curriculum of academic, sporting and creative activities including instrumental lessons and singing, drama and ICT. Themed topics and projects enhance the quality of education and include visiting workshops and visits to exciting places such as drusilla’s and the theatre.

The Pre-Prep department is based in The Old Stables; it has a wonderful familiar home from home atmosphere where the children are very well cared for by the fantastic kind and supportive teaching team. Encouraging a creative and well grounded interest in learning, academic standards are high; children are obviously applying themselves with great enthusiasm and enjoying success. With small classes it is obvious how well the staff are familiar with each child and their individual needs, and you can see just from looking around how very happy the children are in this fantastic learning environment. The classrooms are large and well planned and provide a feeling of security in a familiar ‘home’ base. The facilities for the very varied programme of events, offered throughout the year, are all here under one roof for Early years and Key Stage One pupils. Places are available for children within the age range of two and a half to seven years.

The transition to the Main School is made easy and the links between the Pre-Prep and the Main School are embedded early so that they are familiar with the surroundings, subjects and teachers by the time the children are ready to move up at the age of 7. Subjects including French, Music, P.E. are taught by specialist teachers from yr.1, and geography and Art from yr.2. There are opportunities for the children to enjoy a variety of After School Clubs, early morning care and after school care are also available.

Sompting Abbotts boasts a stunning setting outside, which is made full use of throughout the school. From an early age the children are encouraged to enjoy their surroundings,

with leaf rubbings, and apple picking (which they will go on to make into apple pies in the Pre- Prep kitchen!). Older pupils take advantage of the environment to enhance their knowledge of the Science and geography curriculum.

The last Nursery Ofsted Inspection stated: `The staff team are enthusiastic and confident in implementing the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which greatly benefits children`s welfare, learning and development.

Provision to promote inclusive practice is outstanding. It is highly effective in ensuring that all children are very secure and happy in the nursery and reception class.` I truly love the air of `Swallows and Amazons` about the school; there is a wonderful feeling of old fashioned values in a fully equipped and modern teaching environment.

An independent prepArAtory school for boys And girls Aged 2½ -13

S o m p t i n g A b b ot tS p r e pA r Ato ry S c h o o l

Parents are most welcome to view.

Please contact us for an appointment or to arrange a TASTER DAY

MEMBER OF THE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION OF PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Tel: 01903 235960

www.somptingabbotts.com

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

SA_Village Life 1/4 page ad 2012.indd 1 Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 15

Village Living • February 2012

05/12/2011 12:53 17/01/2012 13:25

Get 10% off every time you shop* at Village Larder in February We sell locally sourced Meat, Bread, Cheese, Fruit & Veg Homebaked pies & cakes, and your Larder essentials.

3 13 B2

To Horsham

A24

B21

39

Thakeham

Ashington

VILLAGE LARDER at Squires Garden Centre

35

A283

orrin

gton to

A24

Washington

A2

83

Ste

B21

to St

yni

ng

10% off everytime you shop* at Village Larder from 1st February to 29th February 2012

*Terms & Conditions: 1. To claim your 10% off, hand this voucher to the cashier at Village Larder checkout on or before the 29/2/2012. 2. Voucher must be retained by the customer for future use and Village Larder will have no liability for any lost, stolen or damaged vouchers. 3. Value of the voucher 0.01p. 4. Maximum discount value available: ÂŁ200 per household. 5. May only be used in exchange for goods, excluding newspapers, stamps, mobile top-ups, cashback charges, delivery charges. 6. Only one voucher per transaction. 7. Only original vouchers accepted printed in either Sussex Local & Village Living magazines. 8. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or in store discounts. 9.

No cash alternative. 10. No minimum spend.

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 16

17/01/2012 13:25

ry

fore or per k er ts. 9.

Check out our prices!

At Village Larder you can afford to shop locally every week.

Meat

Washington Wonder sausages Chipolatas Freerange Chicken Breasts Pheasant Brace Rabbit Organic

Richard Cook - Washington Sean Hutchings – Partridge Green Sean Hutchings – Partridge Green Wiston Estate Knepp Castle Estate

£6.95/kg £7.05/kg £7.88/kg £4 £3.95

Model Bakery – Steyning Real Patisserie – Brighton Real Patisserie – Brighton

£1.70 £2.45 £1.45

Bookham Harrison – Rudgwick Snowdonia Sussex High Weald Dairy Nottingham France

£3.20 £3.55 £2.00/100g £1.87/100g £1.61/100g

Southview Dairy – Bury Pulborough Broadbourne Farm - Steyning Park Farm – Arundel Quack A Duck – Pulborough

90p £1.30 £1.75 40p each

Sussex & Kent Sussex & Kent Spain Ave Maria farm, Mairena del Alcor

£1.60/kg £1.30/kg 25p each £1.95/kg

England Surrey Surrey Spain England

70p/kg 50p/kg £1.50/kg £1.95/kg £1.25 each

Kates Cookhouse - Steyning Kates Cookhouse - Steyning Kates Cookhouse – Steyning Gourmet Mushrooms – Brighton Gingers Kitchen – Partridge Green Gingers Kitchen – Partridge Green

£1.40 £5.00 £3.00 £3.25 £7.45 £4.95

£3.16/lb £3.20/lb £3.58/lb

Bread

Large Farmhouse Large Chewey Small French Farmhouse

Cheese

Sussex Charmer (200g) Black Bomber (200g) Sussex Marble Colston Bassett Stilton Brie de Meaux

Milk & Eggs

1ltr Skimmed/Semi/Whole Barn eggs (large - half doz) Freerange (large - half doz) Duck egg

Fruit

Apples – Coxes Apples – Braeburn Clementine Seville Organic Oranges

73p/lb 59p/lb 89p/lb

Vegetables

King Edward/White Potatoes Carrots Parsnips Broccoli Cauliflower

Ready Meals & Snacks

Sausage Roll Steak & Ale family pie Chicken & Leek individual pie Stuffed Mushrooms (x2) Florentine Fish pie for two Thai Green Curry for one

32p/lb 23p/lb 68p/lb 89p/lb

Treats

Brownies Chocolate Buttons organic Ice cream – Organic 1ltr Seville Marmalade Organic Fig Jam with Walnuts

Just Brownies – West Grinstead £1.25 Cocoa Loco – Partridge Green £1.75 Marshfield Dairy – Bath £4.34 Loft Pickles & Jams – Washington £2.95 imported by H&A Nader Washington £2.95

Note: Prices stated in lbs are approximate. Prices correct as

magazine went to print

Get 10% off everytime you shop* at Village Larder throughou t February You will be helping your local community and saving mone y.

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 17

17/01/2012 13:25

Ten tips to save £££’s on your weekly grocery bill

Let Village Larder take the stress out of preparing for Christmas, by supplying your Sussex reared Turkey, local Vegetables, Fruit and a Sussex Cheese board.

Order by 12th December and collect from the Village Larder at Squires Garden Centre along the A24 at Washington on the 23rd or 24th December.

Turkeys from1.

Holmansbridge Farm, Barcombe, Sussex visit the supermarket onceEast a fortnight Barn reared and Freerange birds 5kg to 11kg from £7.90/kg

or longer and buy those bulky items, such as toilet paper, frozen chips, soft breakfast and 6,household products.

Stick sauce, Trimmings box fordrinks, 4: Streaky Bacon 12,cereal Chipolatas Sausagemeat 500g, Cranberry Goose fat, Stock - £15shopping list. to your Veg box for 2.

4: King Potatoes 2kg, Parsnips 1kg, bread, Broccoli fruit 500g,& Carrots BuyEdward fresh produce, such as meat, veg, 750g, Brussel Sprouts 750g, Leeks 1kg, Red & White Onions 1kg - £9 dairy in small quantities but often at your local shops. This Veg box for will 8: King Edward Potatoes 4kg, 2kg, Broccoli 1.5kg, reduce your waste asParsnips you only buy what1kg, youCarrots will use Brussel Sprouts 1.5kg, Leeks 2kg, Red & White Onions 2kg - £18 in the next couple of days.

Fruit box for 4: Coxes Apples 1kg, Bananas 1kg, Satsumas 1kg, Large Oranges 4, 3. Avoid punnets & packages. If you will only eat three Comice or Conference Pears 1kg, Lemons 2, Dates 150g - £9 apples in the next few days then buy three. don’t buy a Fruit box for bag 8: Coxes ApplesSupermarkets 2kg, Bananas 2kg, Satsumas 2kg, Large of eight. love packaging as itOranges makes 8, Comice or Conference Pears 2kg, Lemons 4, Dates 300g - £18 you think you are getting better value, but you end up Sussex Cheeseboard 4: Sussexthat Blue,you Ashdown wasting for produce reallyForester, did notSussex needMarble, in the first Sussex Brie and Washington Christmas chutney - £15 place. Buy what you need.

“We4.source as much of our produce from local farms and look out for discounted produce and adapt yourproducers, so meal we help our local and keep miles to a at minimum.” planning.

If economy you see good valuefood caulifl owers the grocers, ower cheese can replace the meal you or visit To order please call then 01903caulifl 893769 or www.villagelarder.co.uk/christmas Village Larder at planning.

Squires Garden Centre, A24, London Road, Washington RH20 3BP were (formally Crumbs) or next to Frankland Arms, London Road, Washington, RH20 4AL. 5. Make best use of leftovers. risotto, Soup, Stew and email: christmas@villagelarder.co.uk Deliveries available RH20 postcode.

Curry are all great ways of making a meal from within leftovers.

6. Freeze produce that you know you won’t be able to consume before it goes past it’s ‘use by’ date.

7. Ignore ‘best before’ dates; these are a guide only. If the produce looks good, smells ok, then it’s likely to be ok after the ‘best before’ or ‘display until’ dates.  8. Buy better quality produce but in smaller volumes. go  for taste rather than quantity. E.g. Choose 100g of your favourite cheese rather than a large slab of something  that is just ok. It’s healthier and lower cost.  9. Check out the prices for fresh produce. Compare your  grocers or butchers price per kilo with others. If they price in pounds (lbs) ask yourself are they being helpful or just   disguising a high price?  10. Ask your independent retailer for any waste items   that they won’t be selling. E.g. they may be throwing out  parsnips that are past their best for display, but will make  a lovely soup. They’ll be happy to get a few pence for  produce that would otherwise be waste.  Saving money on you weekly groceries does not have  to be a chore. It can be fun and personally rewarding making a tasty meal from last nights leftovers.   Cut your waste and save.  Have fun!



David

Village Larder – at Squires Garden Centre & Frankland Arms pub Washington (t) 01903 891744 February 2012 • Village Living

    

 

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 18

17/01/2012 13:25

19 • ST vAlENTINE BACK IN TIME

14th February St Valentine

A

glorious day for declaring your love for those who know and those who don’t know how you really feel about them!!.....not a bad day either for those of us who just like receiving cards and chocolates… (Most of us then!)

The very first official Saint valentine’s day was declared on 14th of February

by Pope galasius in 496, in memory of a 3rd century martyred priest in rome. It is not known for sure whether Pope galasius was honouring this 3rd century priest or whether it was one of the other two martyred priests associated with the 14th of February. Not a lot else is known about these two Saint valentines but the priest in rome has become the most widely acclaimed. Saint valentine’s day embraces a time of year that is historically associated with love and fertility and also encompasses the sacred marriage of Zeus and Hera in Ancient Athens and the Ancient roman festival of lupercus, the god of fertility.

It is believed that the young priest rose to distinction after betraying Emperor Claudius in 270 Ad by conducting illegitimate wedding ceremonies in the capital. Emperor Claudius claimed that married men did not make good soldiers so he outlawed and banned all marriages of younger citizens. Bishop valentine, however, maintained that marriage was part of god’s plan and purpose for the world. He continued to

conduct marriages in secret between young people, sometimes as young as twelve, all in the name of love.

Unwelcome notoriety, gained from his success, was what ultimately became the downfall and demise of Bishop valentine. He was jailed and beheaded, but not before falling in love with the jailer’s daughter. It is believed that on the evening of his execution the bishop passed her a note which read “from your valentine”. This story has blossomed into the defining tradition of valentine’s day.

An estimated one billion cards sent each year, making it the second largest card-sending holiday of the year behind Christmas. In other cultures such as Japan and Korea, valentine’s has become almost an obligation for women to give chocolates, known as giri-choco, to all of their co-workers and a reciprocal day on 14th of March known as White day has emerged in recent times whereby men are supposed to thank those who remembered them on valentine’s day with white chocolate or marshmallows!

In Korea there is an additional Black day, held the following month on the 14th of April, for less fortunate men who did not receive gifts on valentine’s day to gather together to eat Jajangmyun, Chinese style black noodles topped with a black sauce.

Celebrations of St. valentine’s day are indeed shrouded in mystery and legend… but what does it mean to you??

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 19

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:25

20 • the fitness camp

The Fitness Camp

By Ginette Stevens

I

’d been hearing great things about Diane Eggitt’s Fitness Camp and the benefits that were being achieved through attending, so it seemed only right to find out in person what it was all about.

Catching up with Diane, she was happy to invite me along to her taster week at Storrington Leisure Centre and tell me all about her relatively new but growing business. Prior to attending the first class, Diane kindly e-mailed me some information on her business and what the Fit Camp ethos is, and it made interesting and thought provoking reading.

The Fitness Camp was started by Paul Mort 7 years ago. Paul has been in the fitness industry over 10 years and is generally recognised as the UK’s leading fat loss expert. He has spent years looking at the science of body fat and, rather than counting the calories in vs.

February 2012 • Village Living

the calories out, took a more rounded approach to the subject by liaising with many nutritionists, doctors and coaches.

He also spent thousands of pounds on research and has worked with many top athletes and footballers to earn the respect and reputation which is with him today.

Diane first met Paul in 2009. She had been successfully running her personal training business for the last 12 years, alongside teaching various classes, and had recently started running a boot camp style class twice a week. She really enjoyed what she did, but felt it was time to source fresh ideas. She saw an advert for a workshop Paul was running and went along. In her words she was ‘blown away’. Not one to dive headfirst into things, Diane did not sign up straight away but took these new ideas and thoughts away with her to digest and research. In 2010 they met again on several occasions and, after these meetings, Diane decided she would pursue her interest in The Fitness Camp.

She attended 3 training seminars with Paul and some other top trainers in the industry and has recently been to Marbella with Paul and his team for latest training and fat-loss techniques. Paul is very careful about selecting only the best fitness trainers to use his logo. Diane is one of only 12 in the UK and looks after the Horsham district area postcodes.

After her previous years in the fitness industry, running this business, alongside a small amount of personal training, had Diane enthusiastically telling me that it is was best thing she has ever done.

The VIP member’s site you gain access to when you join is informative and what appealed to me was the new world that you enter in to. You become part of a new family – you have access to your trainer at any time to help you over the

hurdles and to motivate and encourage you. You have like-minded people at the fitness classes to talk to. You have recipes to follow that are not mind-blowingly difficult from the fitness camp cookbook, and the information on why you need to cut out certain foods stuffs is explained clearly and sensibly.

You can read other peoples stories – they are heart-felt and human, and the before and after pictures that run alongside are proof that this type of diet and exercise regime really does work.

So, I understood the idea behind The Fitness Camp, I had seen recipes to follow and food stuffs to cut out. I had also watched some of the exercises we would be doing on Diane’s You-Tube site. I had been fired up by words of encouragement from Paul and Diane – I was ready to go!

The week of my course was the week before Christmas. Half of me was ‘oh no – can I get up early and exercise at this time of year?’ The other half was ‘yeah – lose weight the week before Christmas – bring it on!’. Because of family and work commitments, I had agreed to be at Storrington at 6.30am. I have to say, I am more used to flicking open one eyelid to see if my husband has brought me a cup of tea at 7.30am. On the first day, I pretended I was going on holiday and had an early flight to catch…..

Ladies and gents, getting up that early was nowhere near as bad as I thought.

Hand on heart. Once up and in my gym gear, I was ready to exercise. And so were over 20 others. Diane even said she was a little disappointed that more hadn’t turned up which shows the popularity and commitment of the classes, even in the winter months.

We warmed up for a few minutes and then began the boot camp style class. There were no sit-ups or running around the gym. It was high intensity, short bursts of exercises. You did 45 seconds on an exercise then rested for 15 seconds. You did three more types of exercise for the 45 seconds, with 15

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 20

17/01/2012 13:25

seconds rest in between each and then repeated it all. Next, you did another group of 4 exercises twice. After that, we did something called a “metabolic finisher”. A little tough, but Diane informed me it was done for a reason.

To fire up our fat-burning for many more hours post workout. After that it was time to cool down and get home.

45 minutes had flown by.

Everyone in the room was friendly and welcoming. When exercising, Diane was all around the room, ensuring people were in the right position, encouraging and motivating, full of energy and positivity. There was a good mix of people; both men and women of mixed ages and ability. The time of the class I went to meant that it was ideal for working families as you were finished by 7.15am – plenty of time to shower and head off to the office, or allow your partner to go and you take over the childcare.

I came away on a bit of a high and was already looking forward to my next session. It soon came around and the style of the class was the similar but different exercises. At the Friday class, Diane wanted to introduce some new exercises to everyone and so was at the front of the class showing us what to do and working out herself. Boy does that girl make it look easy! No work-out is ever repeated in a one month block.

Diane makes a treat for the class once a month from the cookery book, and on the Friday she gave me some tasty dark chocolate orange segments which were delicious. Vintage Rose Coffee Shop in Storrington is now stocking some Fitness Camp friendly dishes, so you can pop in for a meeting with friends and stick to the eating plan. You can also easily buy all the ingredients online or at Beneficial Health in Pulborough (where you get 10% off if you are a Fitness Camp member).

relax

So come on all you gym-phobic guys who want to lose weight and feel great – give The Fitness Camp a go!

You can check out Diane’s website at www.deefitness.co.uk, or call her for more information on 07867 522847. A medical questionnaire will be required to be completed before you attend.

The taster weeks run every 5 weeks (Three 45 minute classes) and these are FREE for you to come and try, plus you receive a 7 day eating plan. Classes are currently held as follows: Storrington Leisure Centre 6.30 – 7.15am Mon/Wed/Fri Rydon community college 7-7.45pm Mon/Wed/Fri Ashington Community Centre 9.30-10.15am Mon/Wed/Fri And 6.30-7.15am Tues/Thurs and Sat 8-8.45am

Wall Bros Providing quality flooring and exceptional service since 1957 • • • • •

Very competitive prices Same day measure & quote 12 month fitting warrantee Deposit protection scheme Free samples to take home

VISIT OUR LOCAL SHOWROOMS AT

NE

W SH IN OP N SH OR OW EH O AM PEN

CARPETS LAMINATES VINYLS

High St, Storrington • 01903 744748 Tarring Rd, Worthing • 01903 503638 East St, Shoreham • 01273 454619 www.wallbrosforcarpets.co.uk

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 21

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:25

Fish Contractors Season Hardwood Logs

Bulk Bags £70 Discount on orders over 2 bags Small Net Bags £4.00 min delivery 20 Bags Kindling Wood £4.00 net bags

Daily deliveries

Tel: Steve 07834483028

MARK LINDFIELD Gas/Heating/Plumbing Local, friendly and reliable.

Specialist in installation, service and repair of LPG and Natural gas appliances including boilers, fires, cookers and water heaters. All aspects of plumbing undertaken.

Qualified, certified and fully insured

Call now on 07825234176 01903 231283

February 2012 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 22

17/01/2012 13:25

23 • STEyNINg & HENFIEld rOTAry ClUB

Steyning and Henfield Rotary Club Purchase of new equipment for the Henfield Leisure Centre

W

e were approached late last year to see if we could help the Henfield leisure Centre to replace some of it’s worn out equipment. The leisure Centre has to raise its own funds for this and it is natural they should turn to the rotary Club for help.

That is what we are there for – to respond to community needs where we find them. We support a number of local organizations on a regular basis, especially where we see real disadvantage, and we respond emergencies and specific requests such as this either out of our contingency or by raising new funds.

So just after Christmas, Steyning and Henfield rotary has donated £500 to the Henfield leisure Centre for new equipment.

Simon Thompson, the leisure Centre manager, said “this is a great Christmas

present for us. It will help everyone who uses the leisure centre, from small children right through to adults. We desperately need to replace toys for the playgroups, and racquets and balls etc. for sports users, and the donation will enable us to do that.”

Tom Nutley, rotary President, said “Rotary is always looking to respond for requests for support from the local community.

The Leisure Centre is a registered charity: when we heard about their need for new equipment we thought we should try to help, and we are only too happy to be able to make this donation”.

But we are not resting on our laurels – our race Night is coming up.

Have lots of fun on Saturday 3rd March at the Steyning Centre. The first race is at 7:30 pm: place your bets on winning horses, and sponsor horses and jockeys for champagne prizes, raising funds for the Steyning Area First responders and other local good causes. Tickets price £10 including a fish & chip supper, are available from The Steyning Bookshop. If you are coming in a group, please be sure to leave details so that we can reserve your tables. Further details can be obtained by email from diana Couling at meilicat@yahoo.co.uk or by calling 01903 812099.

Come and see what we do at the Steyning Showcase on Saturday 25th February. And if you would like to learn more about Rotary, send an email to info@steyningandhenfieldrotary.co.uk or call Peter Johnson on 010903 816965 and we’ll get you along to one of our meetings. www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 23

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:26

24 • restaurant review

The George & Dragon Houghton Reviewed by: Chris Jones

T

he George & Dragon is a delightful olde worlde pub, situated on the picturesque South Downs, in Houghton, on the Arundel to Storrington road. The views, from there, over the South Downs are superb. The pub was built in the 13th century and has an interesting history. It is reputed that Charles II stayed there, while fleeing the country, after his defeat at the battle of Worcester.

The interior is exactly what you would expect. Full of oak beams and the charm and character associated with a pub of its age. The décor is in keeping and the walls are adorned with pictures depicting the history of the place. There is a good choice of real ales and wines, so it was not difficult to satisfy our immediate needs.

Even for a Monday, there were several other groups having a meal The trick certainly seems to be the personal touch. The warmth and friendliness of Gavin and Carole, landlord and landlady, percolate through to each member of staff; all of whom we found delightful and helpful.

Anna, the young waitress, seated us and made us feel welcome and comfortable and together with Helen, who also entertained us with her latest dieting-for-charity exploits, looked after us perfectly. It was a chilly night and it was lovely just to sit back and peruse the menu whilst listening to the low chatter of people at the bar, in the warmth of the crackling wood fire, complete with comatose dog.

But now to the best bit – the food!

Between you and me, my wife is not the easiest to please in restaurants, being somewhat of a foodie, but I was happy (and relieved) that she had only praise for a delicious dinner; February 2012 • Village Living

which was fortunate as we were celebrating her birthday.

The menu states that the pub focuses on great seasonal food, locally sourced and freshly produced. However, it was large enough to provide a good choice.

It was apparent that this is no fast food joint – just good food cooked to order, by chefs Lawrence and Dan. There was also a small list of daily specials with some delicious options. The prices seemed fair and reasonable too, with starters from £4.50 and main courses from about £10. We were very pleased to see some great fish and seafood on the menu too.

For starters I chose the Thai fishcakes and sweet chilli sauce, which was just right on the Richter scale; served with a lightly dressed salad, which complimented the fishcakes perfectly.

Cathy had smoked trout fillets with creamy horseradish sauce and salad garnish, which she really enjoyed. These were accompanied by warm fresh bread and butter – always a naughty pleasure!

For the main course, I chose the lamb cutlets, served with delicious minty gravy which really brought my taste buds to life, along with baby roast potatoes and veg. Cathy had the

locally sourced rose veal with a cream sauce and baby button mushrooms and silverskin onions – she loved it!

Always so important is the quality of the vegetables, as so often these can be disappointing. But these were cooked to perfection. We had a lovely selection of crisp, mixed vegetables together with freshly cooked new potatoes.

I chose the Sussex cheeseboard to finish, consisting of Sussex Blue, Sussex Scrumpy and a Sussex Cheddar, all served with biscuits, celery, apple and grapes and some apple chutney, made from apples picked from their garden and made in their own kitchen. Cathy had the Lemon and Lime Tart with ice cream and was annoyingly reluctant to share! All the desserts are freshly made and include

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 24

17/01/2012 13:26

The George & Dragon such tempting delights as Sticky Toffee Pudding, Syrup Sponge, Chocolate Crème Brulee and eleven locally sourced Sussex ice creams.

We were well looked after throughout our meal and gavin and Carole took the time to have a chat too; which made us feel very welcome and gave us the opportunity to let them know just how much we enjoyed our meal .

All in all a lovely evening and one we shall definitely repeat.

We can highly recommend this pub.

Cathy and Chris have lived in Storrington for nearly 5 years and love the area. Cathy is a foodie and is Secretary of Storrington Tennis club. Chris is a practicing Hypnotherapist, Chairman of the local 41 Club and a Trustee of Chanctonbury Leisure centre. They both enjoy tennis and dog-walking.

Table 2 11 January’12 21.48 1 x Smoked Trout Fillet with Horseradish Sauce & Salad Garnish £5.95 1 x Thai Style Fishcakes with Sweet Chilli Dip £6.95 1 x Lamb Chops with Minted Gravy, Roasted New Potatoes & Fresh Veg £11.95 1 x 8oz Pan Fried Veal Escalope with Button Mushroom & Onion Cream Sauce £15.95 1 x Lemon & Lime Tart with Lemon Curd Ice Cream £5.95 1 x Sussex Cheese Board £6.95 2 x Bitter £3.15 1 x Glass House Sauvignon Blanc £3.90 Total 60.75

tel 01798 831559

Could you be next month’s food wer?

Where would you like to see revierevie wed Let us know! katie@villageliving.biz?

Houghton, West Sussex, BN18 9LW 01798 831559 www.thegeorgeanddragonhoughton.co.uk

  For children 8-16 (classes for older age groups will be started if enough interest) UPPER BEEDING VILLAGE HALL EVERY SATURDAY MORNING DURING TERM TIME Ages 8-11: 10-11AM Ages 12-16: 11-12AM £40 per term (may be paid by the half term in two instalments of £20) Children can come just for fun, but if interested they can be entered for the graded Speech and Drama examinations of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA). They will also have the opportunity to take part in the Worthing Festival next February.

Charity Number: WCRA 801133

www.impulseleisure.co.uk

Contact: Maggie Hall 01903 813953 magihall@btopenworld.com www.easystages.biz www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 25

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:26

        

24 OF THE MONTH 26 • PrOdUCT BACK IN TIME

Introducing as our first PRODUCT OF THE MONTH…

The Haramaki… from www.nukunuku.co.uk

S

mall, family company in Brighton – Nukunuku is bringing a traditional Japanese body warmer called a “haramaki” to the shivering British public. This clever invention is a band worn around your middle. Wear

it invisibly next to your skin, have a layer of colour over your clothes or just peeking out when you sit down or bend over. revolutionise your warmth and quite possibly your health! Stylish, practical, colourful – a handy gift and winter-wardrobe essential.

Haramaki translates as belly (hara) wrap (maki) – a band of material wrapped around your middle. you can tuck them in and wear them invisibly or have a layer of colour over or under your clothes or just peeking out when you sit down or bend over.

Also called waist warmers and belly bands, these body warmers have been worn for centuries in Japan. The samurai wore them beneath their armour and they are experiencing a fashion revival in Japan. They are great for gardeners, golfers, walkers, yoga, outdoor sports, cyclists, pregnant and breast feeding mums, those who feel the cold and anyone who wants to cover up the gap between top and waistband especially when sitting or bending over. Back fat, muffin tops banished from sight!

Make haramaki part of your everyday wardrobe. go on, give yourself a hug – put on a haramaki.

The lovely Catherine at www.nukunuku.co.uk is giving away 1 Haramaki to 3 of you lucky readers if you email her directly on cath@nukunuku.co.uk with the answer to the following question: WHAT DOES NUKUNUKU MEAN IN JAPANESE? (Closing Date for competition is February 28th 2012) Go to www.nukunuku.co.uk and see for yourself exactly what I’m talking about! (Check out the gorgeous leggings and scarves too!).

February 2012 • Village Living

F

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 26

H R

17/01/2012 13:26

27 • gArdENINg

Be my Valentine

I

t doesn’t seem possible that this will be our 14th year of trading.

A lot has happened and the nursery has certainly grown. This year is no exception and we will have even more exciting plants to tempt you! Pop in and visit us, we have lots more plants than we can include on the website , many in much larger sizes and plenty to see even at this early time of the year.

With valentine’s day looming what about a gift for your valentine that can be planted and enjoyed again and again? I have chosen two of my personal favourites the Nandina domestica – Sacred Bamboo with its incredible red leaves, and secondly a couple from our amazing range of different Olive trees...

Nandina domestica, Sacred or Heavenly Bamboo is a much underrated evergreen shrub from China which isn’t actually a bamboo. It reaches approximately 1.8 (up to 2 metres, but can be pruned to size if you wish.) metres in height and is covered in

masses of tiny leaves. After a good hot summer and a couple of frosts, the leaves take on wonderful reds, oranges and purples then stays that way throughout the winter! Make sure you look out for white flower spikes followed by red berries. It is quite happy growing in a container and shouldn’t really require any pruning so is ideal in a garden bed where space is limited. These shrubs prefer a sunny spot with just a little shade and are happy in most soils except waterlogged or chalky. Plants starting from as little as £29.00.

Olive Trees – Olea europaea 2 year old plants. We have several different cultivars of olive tree available at this size. They are young trees which were grafted 2 years ago. grafting olive trees ensures that you can produce a large number of plants which will all be exactly the same – something which cannot be done when growing from seed. All of these trees are different, with girths of up to 120cm and heights up to 3 metres. This size

  

Hole Street, Ashington.

RH20 3DE. 01903 891466

 

100 year old olive trees – Olea europaea these magnificent olive trees are more works of art than plants!

The trunks are wonderfully gnarled and have masses of character. Owning one of these trees is like having your own little piece of an olive grove in your garden, bring a little piece of the Mediterranean here to Sussex! They prefer full sun to dappled shade but are tolerant of wind and salt , avoid waterlogged areas but otherwise all soils are fine, they are drought tolerant once established and grow up to 3 metres in height, but easily pruned to any size you wish.

If you can’t visit us please call and ask about stock we are happy to photograph plants, email you or offer advice.

Hardy exotic plants Architectural trees Bamboos Japanese maples Olive specialist

Friendly, expert advice Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 27

of olive tree is ideal for planting outside in all but the coldest areas of the UK, where a more mature plant would be suitable. These olive trees are sourced in Tuscany from family run nurseries which have been grafting olive trees for 3 or 4 generations.

www.bigplantnursery.co.uk

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:26

Chalcraft Funeral Directors circa 1870

Long established & family owned business, dedicated to making traditional funeral services as personal & special to you as possible . . .

Chequers Yard High Street Steyning 01903 812656 info@chalcraftfunerals.co.uk www.chalcraftfunerals.co.uk Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 28

17/01/2012 13:26

29 • SUSSEX IN SEASON

Love is in the Air Nick Hempleman: Owner of The Sussex Produce Company, award winning produce store and café in Steyning, West Sussex.

A

s something of a miser, I am rather cynical about valentine’s day. However, we have found such a lovely selection of artisan, handmade delights that even my heart has started to soften. Champagne chocolate truffles from Prestat in heart shaped boxes. Prestat has been named as one of the top chocolatiers in the world and is a favourite of the Queen’s. If you fancy something a little more local, we have some beautiful hand-made cakes topped with dried rose-petals. Either of these gifts is a really romantic gesture and cost less than £5.

If you are after something a little less calorific, but equally romantic, what about a dozen red roses? This year we’ll be making some wonderful hand-made

bouquets. They’re a snip at only £29.95 but numbers are limited. you can order a bouquet in the shop or by calling us on 01903 815045 – just let us know by Saturday 11th February.

With chocolates and flowers sorted, all you need now is a magical threecourse meal and by sheer coincidence, we can help with this as well! We are very proud of the reputation we have already earned with our evening dinner service. Our head chef richard Shakespeare has run kitchens with excellent reputations such as the trendy East Beach Cafe and the Crown Inn at dial Post. He has put together an absolutely fantastic menu for the evening, so if you want to impress somebody this valentine’s day

feel free to pop into the shop for a copy of the menu or email us at nick@thesussexproducecompany.co.uk

Tours de La Loire!

Following the success of our Italian Evening (which sold out shortly after Village Living dropped on door mats!), we have another date for your diary. Join us on Wednesday 21 or Thursday 22 of March for a tour of the Loire Valley from the city of Tours to the Champagne region. The evening will start with a French supper followed by tutored tastings of six of our best French wines and some of our fantastic French cheeses. Tickets are £18.95 and include all the wine and cheese tasted on the evening plus supper. Booking is essential and tickets can be purchased from the shop or over the phone.

88 High Street, Steyning, BN44 3RD (01903) 815045 www.thesussexproducecompany.co.uk Winner ‘Sussex Food Shop of the Year 2008/9’ ‘A simply fabulous shop’ BBC’s Carol Klein www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 29

Village Living • February 2012

17/01/2012 13:26

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 30

17/01/2012 13:26

31 • MINd & BOdy

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

NlP Master Practioner, MNCH (reg)*

Hypnotherapy and Relationships

v

alentine’s day is, for many, a time for new romances, or renewing existing. But, for others, it can be a reminder of what is lacking in their own relationship.

Common symptoms can include: sexual problems, jealousy, anger, possessiveness, insecurity, ego clashes, communication barriers and many such issues... Those in this situation know that the relationship needs a shot in the arm to save it from going to the dogs. yet, how to go about it can be a problem in itself. So how can Cognitive Hypnotherapy help?

Perceptions of self (e.g. ‘I’m not worthy’...) and others (e.g. ‘He’s better than me’) can be changed, to enable the healing of damaged relationships or the stabilisation of basically

positive and healthy relationships. development of greater self belief and positive thinking, leading to increased confidence and ability to create new and successful relationships.

Hypnosis can help you to reexperience past memories in a more positive way and get rid of the ‘emotional baggage’ that most of us carry around in our heads; as well as to look at situations from a completely different perspective and gain an appreciation for another person’s position.

Effective techniques to relax and be calm around others can be a significant and positive benefit; as can techniques to deal with negative emotions, such as jealousy, anger etc.

Sexual problems of a psychological nature, such as fridgidity, can decimate confidence but can be eliminated, quickly and effectively.

Creative visualisation techniques and learning to imagine a brighter future can help individuals to enjoy more successful relationships.

What you think will happen, may well happen. What you think won’t happen, won’t happen. (‘What the thinker thinks, the prover proves’).

So, if you want to make changes to your mindset that will help you make the most of your existing or new relationship, contact me. Confidentiality is assured, as is a non-judgemental and caring approach.

For more information on Cognitive Hypnotherapy, visit: www.questinstitute.co.uk or my website: www.chrisjones.uk.com.

Chris Jones

Treatment of

DipChyp, HPD, NLP, MNCH

 phobias  weight & eating disorders

Cognitive Hypnotherapy & Sports Performance Mind Coaching

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

01903 745606 or 07740 085101 www.chrisjones.uk.com Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 31

17/01/2012 13:26

Village Living 29 0212 32pp AW.indd 32

17/01/2012 13:26