Village Living May 2013

Village living

FREE l May 2013

Lifestyle | Community | Business

Steyning Bramber Beeding Ashington Washington Storrington Henfield Small Dole Partridge Green

the farm

Down on

Ginette visits Brooks Pork of Steyning!

Fab May MIB A makeover for 2 readers

Tried & Tested

Gorgeous treatment at The Bee Well Centre We review... Baloos of Henfield

All the usual news & diary dates

A mAY recipe

from Karen at Lavender and Lovage

The Castle Inn Hotel & Conference Centre Please call or speak to us about conferencing facilities & functions: Weddings, Birthdays, Funerals etc.

We support local business so all of our produce is sourced locally

The Great Bramber Duck Race Sat 11th May 013

From 12.00 at the Castle Inn Hotel

for The 3 peaks Challenge in aid of Action Medical Research Help us sell 1000 ducks at £5 each.

45% of duck sales will go to the prize pool.

If we sell 1000 ducks: 1st prize in the race will be £1000 2nd place prize will be £500 3rd place prize will be £250 Best dressed duck competition 10% of prize pool.

Look out for ducks around the town.

Monday – Thai Night

6pm – 9pm Take Away Available

Friday – Steak Night Booking advised.

Please call or go online for all menus

www.castleinnhotel.co.uk 01903 812 102 mae@castleinnhotel.co.uk The Street, Bramber, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3WE

Contents 5

Welcome to May

7

Diary – Art Exhibitions & general dates for your diary!

11

News & Views

13

Tried & Tested – The Bee Well Centre

ginette 19

19-21 Ginette – meets Richard & Tracy Brooks from Brooks Pork food review 23

23-25 Food Review – Tim reviews Baloos in Henfield

27

Fab May Makeover with MIB

29

Recipe – from Karen at Lavender and Lovage

Where Can You Find Village Living?

Village Living Magazine is delivered to 10,000 homes and businesses in and across Steyning, Bramber, Beeding, Henfield, Partridge Green, Washington, Ashington, and Storrington as well as selected outlets in Horsham, Worthing & Shoreham, with drop offs in all the town libraries and post offices.

Please remember if you do not receive the magazine you can read our current issue online – www.villageliving.biz, updated as soon as each issue goes to print with all our website extras! If you wish to receive an email link as the new issue is online please let us know.

Village Living is published monthly by Katie Downes. katie@village-living-magazine.co.uk

recipe 29

Editorial & advertising enquiries Katie Downes 07852231512 katie@village-living-magazine.co.uk www.facebook.com/VillageLivingMagazineUK Production Toni Barrington The Magazine Production Company 01273 467579 production@villageliving.biz © 2013 Village Living 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.

LS

property maintenance

lawn mowing & hedge trimming garden care l kitchen & bedroom fitting l internal door fitting l furniture assembly & repair l patio cleaning l rubbish clearance l fully insured l l

Tel: 01903 814291 / 07532 453873

May 2013 • Village Living

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5 • BACK IN TIME

Welcome to May!

H

ope you are well and that the weather has cheered up where you are!

This month we have lots for you to read, including a visit to Brooks pork farm in Steyning with Ginette, a great review of Baloos from Tim, an amazing visit for me to The Bee Well Centre to meet the very lovely Leonie Dunlop, another one of MIB’s great

make overs for us, Chris Jones clears up some misconceptions of trance and hypnosis – very interesting and introducing our second foodie blogger Karen from the very well established Lavender and Lovage who will be providing us with bi-monthly recipes – fab!

Hope you have a great May, see you next month!

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

EMAIL ME:

katie@village-livingmagazine.co.uk Keep up with Village Living on Facebook! – www.facebook.com/ VillageLivingMagazineUK

Katie x

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

6 • tried & tested

Tried & Tested...

This month I was lucky enough to meet Leonie Dunlop at the Bee Well Centre in Washington, and have a wonderful reflexology treatment!

T

he Bee Well Centre is a gorgeous little cottage, with views of Chanctonbury ring and surrounding countryside. Leonie has a beautiful garden out the front of the centre which is starting to flourish now that spring is finally here, with solar lights to light the way to the door and butterfly lights in the trees, I cant wait to come back in the evening to see this for myself… with lots of exciting plans for the future potentially including a hot tub and massage combination treatment, the Bee Well Centre is firmly on my radar!

A tranquil healing space for holistic therapies.

I was warmly greeted by Leonie with a cup of yogi tea, we had a brief chat about my medical history and what treatment would benefit me most. I opted for the reflexology, which I haven’t had before.

Under a warm blanket my feet in Leonie’s capable hands I felt totally relaxed and at ease. We had a lovely chat about various topics, Leonie is very interesting and knowledgeable, having travelled extensively throughout India, she has met a lot of amazing people.

The treatment itself is very unique, your feet are like indicators of your general wellbeing, reflexology taps into that and through massage indicates where there are obvious problems in the body, all right there, shown in your feet! Did you know that? I didn’t!

You can feel the relaxing sensation throughout your whole body as the energy channels are cleared and equilibrium is restored. It was obvious to Leonie that I am dehydrated and do not drink enough water, (again, just from looking at my feet!) I have promised that next time I visit she will be able to see the difference as I will make water drinking more of a routine! It is very important to make sure you drink lots of water after this treatment to aid the body in flushing out all the toxins and impurities released.

Reflexology wasn’t a treatment I was familiar with but I will be back for more. Meeting Leonie was amazing; you can just feel you are in the hands of someone who knows what they are talking about with a genuine interest in helping people. I advise you to have a look at Leonie’s website and see what treatment works for you!

May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Leonie is an extremely highly qualified and accomplished practitioner with an ITEC course in Anatomy, Physiology and Swedish body massage. She has qualified as a reflexologist clinical practitioner course in Hypnotherapy, NLP and life coaching, having studied with Phil Parker (inventor of the Lightning Process) at the College of Holistic Medicine in London. Qualifying with distinction in 2004 studying for a further year to become a master practitioner she also learned the lightening process and did an EFT course at the EFT centre in London In 2011 she studied for and obtained a level 4 Sports Massage qualification and trained to become a yoga teacher.

Falling in love with Sandhill lane farm the first time she visited Leonie decided it was where she wanted to work and set up practice.

It is in the heart of the Sussex countryside and is a place of peace and great beauty... The cottage has a pretty garden, a small pond outside and is next to a large lake where Canada geese bathe.

A visit to The Bee Well Centre promises time out from our often hectic society to unwind in perfect tranquillity. The centre is easily accessible from Worthing, Horsham, Steyning and Storrington as well as all the surrounding villages. There’s plenty of free parking space here.

Examples of issues easily treatable that Leonie works with are – Health issues, Physical and Postural Problems, Low SelfEsteem, Stress and Anxiety, Health Issues, Addictions, Weight Issues, Eating Disorders, Fears and Phobias, Insomnia, Depression, Confidence Issues, Learning Difficulties, Mental Health Issues, Disease, Sexual Problems, Public Speaking Issues, Drug and Alcohol Dependency, Exam Nerves, Despondency, Lack of Finance and Organizational skills... For an extensive look at her treatments please visit the website.

Call now to book a treatment and receive 20% OFF YOUR FIRST TREATMENT with Leonie, call 07867985863 or visit website www.flexibletherapies.co.uk (With a free initial consultation).

BACK IN diary TIME 7 • village

Village Diary Village Diary is a great way to publicise an event in your village. Email katie@village-living-magazine.co.uk with your listings. Don’t forget to visit www.villageliving.biz for more diary dates!

Markets Henfield Hall – Monday Market from January open every Monday except bank holidays from 9 a.m. to 12.30 p.m a variety of stalls, ample free parking Shoreham – 2nd Sat of each month. 9.00 – 13.00. East Street Steyning – 1st Sat of each month. 9.00 – 13.00. High St car park Storrington – Village Market @ town hall 9-10.45am every Friday a variety of locally home grown and sourced plants, cheeses, meats, breads and crafts West Chiltington – 2nd Sat of month. 9.00 – 12.00. Village Hall

events Every Tuesday 9.30 - 11.30 am CHATTERBOX the Baby & Pre-school Group inSteyning Decorative and Fine Arts Society 2nd Monday of each month, 10.30 Steyning DFAS The Steyning Centre, Opp St Andrews Church, Steyning, visitors welcome (donation £5). The Monday 13th May lecture will be by Mr Stephen Morphew on “European Garden History”. Contact Don: donlinda.harry@yahoo.co.uk or Penny 01903 814390.

Wednesday 1st May 2013 Probus: Social club for semi retired and retired men with a professional and business background Steyning Centre, Fletchers Croft. Speaker: Jim Lang “Have you got a Smart Phone”. We meet on a monthly basis for 2/3 course lunch in a convivial and relaxed atmosphere, concluding with a presentation from a guest speaker. Details on Membership telephone David Whyberd, 01903 742813 or visit www.steyningprobus.com Friday 3rd May - 7.30pm Henfield Camera Club Members evening. Friday 17th May - 7.30pm: Annual General Meeting, Henfield Hall, Garden Room Saturday & Monday 4th & 6th May 10.00 – 5.30 CRAFT & HOBBIES SHOWCASE Steyning Methodist Church. Ploughmans lunch, home-made cakes & cream teas. Sunday 5th May, `Songs of Praise` Service, in the garden, weather permitting, followed by a cream tea.

Sunday 5th & Monday 6th May 2.00 – 5.30pm FITTLEWORTH GARDEN TRAIL. 11 Gardens Open. £5 per person to cover both days (children under 12 free). Plants & Book stalls. Ploughmans/Light lunches available at Village Hall 12.30 – 2.00pm. Funds in aid of St Mary’s Church. Prize Winning Competition at Wyncombe Hill. PRIZES of £200 for 1st, £100 for 2nd and £50 for 3rd have been generously donated.

Entry forms £1 each available from the Village Hall & Wyncombe Hill.

Wed 8th May 7.30pm Storrington Film Nights Final film of the season – SKYFALL. The latest James Bond action packed movie. Starring Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, & Ralph Fiennes. Interval with refreshments Tickets £5, available prior to each performance from ‘The Card Centre’ in Storrington. Unsold tickets will be available for purchase on the door, Sullington Parish Hall. Contact Ken Collins on 01903 740745, or Malcolm Bennett on 01798 812407 Saturday 11th May 7.30pm Petworth Town Band – Charity Concert in aid of Spinal Research Leconfield Hall, Market Square, Petworth, GU28 0AH. Musicians from Petworth Primary School. £6 (children free). Book online: www.petworthtownband.com.

Contact Richard Barron, rabarron@btinternet.com, 07784651485.

Saturday 11th May 8.00 p.m Cabaret Evening Washington Village Hall, School Lane, Washington, RH20 4AP. An evening of song and dance with “The Allsorts”. £10 per head. There will be interval refreshments, a licensed wine bar and a raffle. Tickets : 01798 872776 or email info@allsorts.co.uk. Info: Irene Thomson 01903 892631 Saturday 11th May 10 am to Noon IWA Annual CHARITY PLANT SALE on at the Scout Headquarters, Church Lane, Ashington.

Enquiries: Margaret Spreckley 01903 893343. Refreshments available.

Saturday 18th May, 10.30am – 2pm Plant Sale Plus Ashington Parish Church, Church Lane, Ashington, RH20 3BX. Fine plants & music café: Florentine String Quartet. www.plantsaleplus.co.uk Steyning Museum’s current display: ‘Oddments & Oddities’, displaying recent additions to our collection. Come and see if you can help our Curator identify the bird whose foot was used to create a 17th century purse. Entrance Free. Open all day Bank Holiday Mondays.

Please see our website: steyningmuseum.org.uk. We are one of the venues for Steyning Art Trail from mid May. Exhibits from 3 local artists use metal and stained glass for the creation of contemporary artworks using traditional techniques, title ‘Line, Light and Form’.

15th May 2.30 pm Queen’s English Society Trinity Methodist Church Centre, Thakeham Road, Storrington RH20 3NG. Speaker: Dr. Diana Mitchener “The way language is enhanced in modern poetry”. Entrance free. Refreshments.

Storrington Camera Club 16th May Best of the year competition (Guests welcome, £3 on the door) judged by Glyn Edmunds ARPS, DPAGB EFIAP/b. 23rd May AGM and auction (members only). www.storringtoncc.org.uk and take a look at our current programme of events then come along to our next camera club meeting for a taster.

Saturday 25th May 11am – 4pm, Sunday 26th May 12 noon – 4pm, Monday 27th May 10am – 4pm THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST ANDREW AND ST CUTHMAN STEYNING We invite you to wander round the church to see some of the ways the Church has played an important part in our lives. Antique christening robes & wedding dresses; displays of harvest, Christmas & Easter; a special children’s corner; pictures and scrap books showing the Grammar School, choirs, services, Sunday schools that have influenced our lives; historical documents as well as family Bibles & gifts given to commemorate occasions.

Sunday 26th May 4pm Songs of Praise Come and sing some of your favourite hymns with the Salvation Army Band.

Saturday 29th June The Partridge Green Village Fete will be held on the King George V Playing Field. Harris’s Old Time Funfair, the centrepiece of the event will be there again, and this year their full range of attractions will be coming. As well as the usual offerings of the arena, dog show, side shows and barbeque, there will be a wider than ever range of stalls with local goods and crafts for sale.

The PG Fete committee is always looking for supporters, so if you are able to help with ideas and contacts, contribute in any way, or are looking for a stall, please contact John De Little, johndelittle789@btinternet or 07740 710765

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

WISTON STEAM RALLY SAT 6TH & SUN 7TH JULY 2013 AT WISTON PARK - A283 SHOREHAM - STORRINGTON STEYNING ROAD STEYNING WEST SUSSEX BN44 3DZ

STEAM ENGINES - CLASSIC CARS VINTAGE & COMMERCIAL VEHICLES OLD TYME FUNFAIR - CRAFT TENT TRADE STALLS LICENSED BAR REFRESHMENTS GATES OPEN 9AM - 5PM

ENTERTAINMENT FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Main benefactor

TICKETS - £7ADULT, £20 FAMILY (2AD/2CH) £5 OAP/CHILD, UNDER 5’S FREE!

WWW.SUSSEXSTEAMRALLY.CO.UK SHOW OFFICE: BLUEBELL COTTAGE HIGH STREET HARTFIELD EAST SUSSEX TN7 4AD - 01892 770930

Don’t bin it, Bring it!

Chanctonbury Mobile Recycling Events

Bring along your old, broken or unwanted electricals for recycling. So when you find the Christmas lights have lost their sparkle, the toaster is toast or the TV just can’t be fixed, help is at hand from your Mobile Recycling Event.

When can I start recycling?

Henfield High Street Car Park Sunday 10am to 3pm 19 May 2013 29 September 2013

Pulborough Lower Street Car Park Saturday 10am to 3pm 22 June 2013 19 October 2013

Steyning Church Street Car Park Sunday 10am to 3pm 28 July 2013 17 November 2013

Storrington Library Car Park Saturday 10am to 3pm 24 August 2013 28 December 2013

For more information call: 01243 642106 or visit: www.recycleforwestsussex.org The Barn, Newmans Gardens, Tanyard Lane, Steyning BN44 3RN – 01903 879721 – 07511 659 496

WS1070(7) 4.13

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

Computer Help

n All computer repairs

(Windows & Mac)

n Home and Office visits n 15 years experience with

excellent references available!

01273 491 375

info@the-inner-space.co.uk www.the-inner-space.co.uk Henfield Business Park, Unit 6 & 7, Shoreham Road, Henfield BN5 9SL

Kevin CCNA/MCSE Qualified T: 01903 756040 M: 07944 834802 E: kevin@suscomp.co.uk

www.suscomp.co.uk

F

Co I REE ns nit ul ial ta tio n

May 2013 • Village Living

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BACK IN news TIME 11 • village

Steyning Arts Trail

M

ay 25th sees the start of the third annual summer Steyning Arts – Art Trail. We look forward to three weekends where the public can enter into the eclectic world of the artist, watch demonstrations and generally feast their eyes on the work from practising visual artists and creative contributors. The artists range from painters, ceramicists, jewellery designer/makers, sculptors, photographers to wood-turners.

This year we have 22 venues with over 50 artists and crafts people. We celebrate local talent, whilst also encouraging guest artists to join us. For the duration of the event there will be temporary and pop-up exhibitions in diverse venues in the area: Steyning Museum, Steyning Athletics Club, St Andrew’s/ St.Cuthman’s CofE Church, Sompting Abbots School, and Lancing College.

Most of the Art Trail venues are open weekends only including the Bank Holiday Monday, 11am-4pm but please check www.steyningarts.co.uk for more details. Or look out for our leaflet in your local shops, post office or pub!

Steyning Arts is a co-operative of local artists and was launched in May 2011 with the first Art Trail and Events programme. We aim to be as inclusive as possible while ensuring high standards of creative work and to make the arts accessible to the general public. The trail meanders through Steyning, Wiston, Ashurst, Bramber and Upper Beeding. You can stop off for tea and cakes, or lunch in many places en route either in some of the Art Trail venues or at an eatery close by.

Steyning is approximately 20mins by car from Brighton, Worthing or Horsham and there is a bus service which will drop you off in the centre of Steyning. Many of the venues are an easy ramble from there.

Alongside the Art Trail there is a farmers’ market, on the first Saturday of the month, and a ‘Country Fair’ on Monday 27th May. We hope you take the opportunity to wander round our medieval market town, exploring the nooks and crannies and venturing out into the sticks. We look forward to seeing you! www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

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

May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

EASY STAGES SPEECH AND DRAMA 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).

Contact: Maggie Hall 01903 813953 magihall@btopenworld.com www.easystagestraining.co.uk

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

Experience the thrill of riding the Segway X2 with Segway Unleashed!

With 3 fantastic zones, our unique Segway experience is amazing fun for couples, groups & teams, families, friends, colleagues or just for the sheer adrenaline rush.

Conveniently located just off the A22 at South Godstone, Segway Unleashed lets you enjoy the amazing Segway X2 in a safe, picturesque and challenging location, making it ideal for: Parties & special occasions Stag and Hen do’s Company outings Scouts/Guides & Clubs Refreshments onsite Weekday special offers Ideal gift – vouchers available Offsite hire available

ReasonThis Season?

What’s Your

JOIN US NOW and we will get you there!

Chanctonbury Sport & Leisure 01903 741874

To find out more contact us today or visit our website:

www.impulseleisure.co.uk

T: 07426 798 583 | E: info@segwayunleashed.com

Charity Number: WCRA 801133

WWW.SEGWAYUNLEASHED.COM

Mary Evans

BSc (Hons), PgDip Gestalt Psych, HGDip, MHGI

Psychotherapist / counsellor using the Human Givens approach.

Human Givens therapy is particularly effective in the treatment of:

Anxiety Phobias Addiction Depression Panic attacks Anger management Post-traumatic stress disorder Improvements are often experienced after a small number of sessions giving you fast, effective relief and making it great value for money See website for more information

www.thehumantouch.me.uk

Contact 0771 766 6161 May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Improve your fitness, health & body image, let us show you how.

Visit our website, call Diane on 07867 522847 or email diane@ffactorfitness.co.uk

15 • mind & body

Mind & Body Chris Jones Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Sports Performance Mind Coach NLP Master Practioner, MNCH (reg)*

Hypnotherapy & Trance

M

arch 28th was the launch date for the new film called ‘Trance’, so I took the opportunity to go to the local cinema. Having seen it, I have a strong concern that it might give a totally false impression of what Hypnotherapy is really all about.

Firstly, I know hundreds of practising Hypnotherapists and have never met one who is as calculating and money-grabbing as Elizabeth, the star in the film, is portrayed. By nature of what we do, Hypnotherapists are caring, warm individuals who get a reward from helping others. They are trained to provide an informal, empathetic, non-judgemental approach in their work.

Cognitive Hypnotherapists are trained by the acclaimed Quest Institute and are affiliated to the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH).

We are bound by its code of practice and ethics and would be hung, drawn and quartered if we behaved like the Elizabeth. One of the main provisions is in the subject of confidentiality.

The code would prevent the client’s details being discussed openly with third parties, as happened in the film. It also would prevent any unlawful actions being undertaken in the name of Hypnotherapy.

It is very rare for clients to forget what has gone on during trance. Most have almost total recall; especially when remembering a severely traumatic event, as occurred in the film.

Therapists are trained to deal with such situations and would minimize the discomfort felt, to prevent potentially serious physical reactions.

Elizabeth also uses an approach which can prove to be ineffective. Elizabeth states, (if my memory serves me correctly) ‘home is a place where you feel at home’. For many, this simply would not be the case, so the client might be asked ‘where do you feel most at home?’ She takes what we call a direct approach, which can be identified with phrases including the words ‘you will....’ or ‘will not...’ So for example, if a client is told ‘home is a place where you will feel relaxed’, many might have had bad experiences at home and this could be part of the problem, so the induction may well not work. Contrary to public belief, clients can resist suggestions made and will often test the Therapist, when faced with direct instructions.

Cognitive hypnotherapists would mostly use the indirect approach; along the lines ‘if you could think of a place where you have felt as relaxed as you can remember being, where would that place be?’ This might then be followed by ‘if you were to imagine going to that place, you might find yourself starting to relax more and more deeply. In other words the change from ‘will’ to ‘might’ softens the instruction and therefore is more likely to bypass any resistance.

With regards to the concept of transference, I have seen over 700 clients and not one, except my wife, has declared undying love following treatment; let alone tried to throttle me.

For those of you who may be concerned about Hypnotherapy, let me explain how it works, or at least for clients of Cognitive Hypnotherapists. The first session is predominantly about building rapport and then finding out as much about the client’s problem state as is possible. Following this, the client is asked to describe how he/she wants to be after treatment has been successfully completed; i.e. the solution state. The therapist acts as a catalyst and prepares a treatment plan based on getting the client from the existing problem state to the desired solution state, using several of a multitude of techniques available. The clever part of treatment is in the words used to help the client bring about changes in mindset.

To this end, Cognitive Hypnotherapists use what is called ’Word-weaving’; a language concept designed specifically to help make the required changes happen.

Chris Jones HYPNOTHERAPIST & NLP Master-Practitioner www.chrisjones.uk.com 01903 745606 / 07740 085101

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May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

17 • BACK IN TIME

S T E SK

G N I OM

BLO

E A L B ILAB

A V A Annie’s Baskets

N

W

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May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

PO Box 2589 Steyning BN5 0TD Tel: 07979 906518 ianbaker@blueskykitchendesigns.co.uk www.blueskykitchendesigns.co.uk

1919 • BACK IN TIME • ginette

Brooks Pork of Steyning

By Ginette Stevens

A

s I get older, I find myself feeling slightly nostalgic for the traditional ways of living. We survive in such a fast paced, money orientated world that to hear of people going back to the old ways of doing things is refreshing. It may not always be the most profitable, but surely sometimes it is quality of life rather than quantity that counts?

I was therefore delighted to be invited to spend some time with Richard and Tracey Brooks who own and run Brooks Pork in Steyning. They adhere to all the traditional methods of farming (subject to current regulations of course) and are passionate about their pigs and pork products.

Arriving at their house in Steyning one cold, spring morning, my kids and I were just about to remove our wellies when Richard suggested there was no time like the present to go meet The Girls. Rather excitedly, we packed ourselves back into the car and followed Richard, his wife Tracey and their youngest daughter Jade to one of the sites where they breed and raise their pigs.

Do you remember Over The Gate Farm Shop just along the Steyning bypass? Well, that is where Richard started his porky

adventures. Having always lived and worked in Steyning, Richard had a good knowledge of most farm animals but not pigs. So when the previous farmers asked him to look after their pigs when they went on holiday, he admitted to being a little nervous as well as excited.

But he had nothing to fear – he took to it like a duck to water and the seed was sown. Richard had caught the pigfarming bug.

Not long after, the owners of the shop at Over The Gate decided to close their business and asked Richard if he would like to buy their pigs. He was overjoyed. With Tracey and their three children keen to help, the Brooks’ soon had some new members of the family to look after! They initially had five piglets and soon added another two.

The two newer arrivals were on hand to greet Jessica, Cameron and me as we arrived at the farm. Dorothy was first to say hi. Luckily the mud had dried up after our appalling winter otherwise we wouldn’t have been able to go in and give her a cuddle. I was a little apprehensive as I don’t know a lot about pigs, but I needn’t have worried. She was a sweetie! She let us pat her and followed us around. Due to give birth the following day, she had begun to nest. Richard explained that she would end up building a grass/mud wall towards the front of her arch as she wanted as much privacy as possible.

The next field held Maud and her 10 cute piglets. They were running around, having a fine old time with mum and were soon tripping us up, nibbling our wellies and generally being rather mischievous! Our last introductions were to Hector, Miss Piggy and Dolly. They were in the field of love if you get my meaning. Miss Piggy was very aptly named as she certainly seemed in charge – just like her namesake!

With the cold wind biting, it was time to return to Richard’s house for a cuppa and a catch up, and I started by suggesting that it was a brave hobby to take on (both Richard and Tracey work full time too). Richard laughed and said although it may seem that way, he had always worked with animals and he welcomed the new challenge and farming opportunity. They had seriously considered raising cattle, but this proved too expensive and timeconsuming. Pigs were more affordable in both ways.

Three years on from their initial holiday pig-sitting, their knowledge and experience has come on leaps and bounds.

They average 30 pigs of various ages at any one time and keep them at Gatewick Farm and also at Wappingthorne Farm. Born at Gatewick, the piglets spend 8 weeks with their mum before being moved to a nursery area for one month where they are weaned. From there they are moved to Wappingthorne and split into two groups (girls and boys) where they spend the rest of their days.

The average litter size is between 10-15, and the pregnancy should last three months, three weeks and three days. However, I soon learnt that most go over their due date. Breeding days are www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

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21 • ginette

over for a female when she begins to produce less than eight piglets on more than two or three occasions. Richard’s females will have two litters a year. Hector is currently the father of all the piglets, but when any of those females are ready to breed, he will be replaced by another male who has no bloodline connection.

All Richard and Tracey’s pigs are a rare breed called Gloucester Old Spot. They are not interested in any other breed. When asked why, they are adamant that this is the best tasting pork around (and amazing crackling!).

Apart from the bit we do not talk about, they do everything involved with getting the meat ready to be sold themselves.

When the pork comes back to them, they have a cutting up room at Gatewick where they produce not only the joints of meat, but Tracey makes burgers and sausages. Keen to emphasise the traditional element of their business, Richard (whose father used to own the butchers in the High Street opposite Truffles) uses a 75 year old sausage recipe that his grandfather used. They source all the ingredients locally and, although there is nothing unusual ingredients-wise in the sausages, it is the quantities of everything that makes them so special.

For you readers, I was happy to accept some sausages, burgers and a shoulder of pork for testing. And test I did.

The verdict is that I agree it is the best tasting pork I have had

for many a year. The sausages were meaty and a lot bigger than the supermarket offerings. The burgers were again meaty and filling – one was definitely enough. And the shoulder of pork, slow roasted, just melted in the mouth. Delicious delicious delicious. Thank you Richard and Tracey!

Currently Brooks Pork deliver free of charge around a 5 mile radius of Steyning, or you can pick up your order of which there is no minimum. If you would like a price list, please e-mail brookspork@btinternet.com, or call 01903 814680. They also have a Facebook page – look up brookspork and like them!

Their pork can also be brought at Mile Oak Farm Shop or Village Larder at Squires. They are looking to expand their local distributors, so if you would like to see their product in your local store, let them know.

Finally, do come and visit Dorothy and her new babies at Steyning May Fair. Richard and Tracey will be there in the short term car park with the other animals on show. Dorothy would love you to come say hello, and I’m sure she wouldn’t mind you having a cuddle with one of her piglets. I know my children will certainly be excited to see her!

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

fluvius 2 an exhibition of recent works by paul cutts

8th June 2013 10am - 5pm at the penfold hall, church street, steyning

for further information please call: 07982 466205 or email: paulcutts11@yahoo.co.uk

May 2013 • Village Living

www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

23 • BACK IN TIME 23 • food review

Baloo’s Henfield Reviewed by Tim Wild – writer, reviewer & professional bigmouth. timnwild@gmail.com

It’s not about the bear

S

o what, you may ask, is a restaurant named after a cartoon bear doing tucked in among the hedgerows and the ploughed fields of the Henfield countryside? Will visitors be greeted by the horrendous and appetite-killing sight of a down-at-heel actor, dressed in a crumpled Bagheera costume, imploring them to bring themselves and their man-children in from the village?

Will the menus be printed on pieces of green card cut to resemble large palm leaves, laminated for ease of wiping? Will there be – shudder – a banana dessert called King of the Swingers?

The answer to these, and all other novelty-theme questions, is a grateful and heartfelt no. It’s called Baloo’s for a simple, and rather lovely reason – owner Amanda was working in San Francisco and got chatting to an old fisherman, who inspired her to open a restaurant. His name was Baloo, and he’s the reason she left her job and did just that.

Along with co-owner and head chef Chris, the’ve made her Frisco wish into a large old Sussex house with a warm, welcoming restaurant hidden inside it. There are armchairs in the bar. A logburning stove. Warm colours on the walls. If you wanted to pop in for a pint and a bag of crisps, I’m sure they’d be lovely about it.

But this is a restaurant, good and proper. The menu stretches from the basics – steak, a burger with good local cheese – right up to finer dining options, including lots of fresh fish and seafood.

In the spirit of journalistic diligence, I started with the smoked duck – slices of breast, served with a poached egg and rhubarb compote.

I’d have liked a little more compote, because it was delicious, but it was a great starter – savoury, rich and just enough to increase my appetite for the rest of the meal. Another starter of scallops with black pudding and pancetta was also good – scallops seared really quick to retain their moisture and brine, all the better to blend with the salt and tang of the pork.

Mains were Lemon Sole and Beef Wellington. I wanted the latter, but you deserve to know what the kitchen’s really up to, and the idea www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

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May 2013 • Village Living

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25 • food review

of me not liking any kind of beef wrapped in pastry is unlikely, so... the lemon sole.

This dish is really easy to get wrong. Overcooked, the fish loses all its flavour and texture, under and the pink blood will stare back at the diner from the bones beneath. It’s got to be really well seasoned, with just the right balance of oil from the butter and acid from the lemon. And anything less than a really fresh fish goes to mush and can’t be properly lifted from the bones. But Chris’ cooking passed with flying colours – the fish perfectly cooked, enough butter to make it rich without being oily or greasy, and no extra salt or pepper required. He also knows that sides with lemon sole are just decoration, so the handful of crisp fries and squeaky green beans worked just right – no doleful pile of leftover veg from a mistakenly generous portion. Great cooking.

So in a way, if the Beef Wellington had sucked, I’d probably just have left it out, but that would be unfair to Baloo’s,and to you – it’s great. It’s a individual Wellington – a slice of beef wrapped in lattice pastry, served with pan-fried new potatoes, cabbage with hazlenuts and a rich dark gravy.

This is the opposite of the delicate sole – the kind of meal you order in happy anticipation of the sigh, the pushed-back chair, perhaps even a notch off the belt. You don’t pick it gently from the plate in delicate pieces – you devour it like someone’s who’s just been released from prison. This one especially – the pastry was crisp, the beef full of flavour and cooked just medium, and the nutty cabbage was great too.

Order it for that fussy, irritating member of your family who doesn’t like ‘fancy’ cooking and orders steak even when you go to Italy in summer, and then tease them after they’ve finished for having hazelnuts in their veg and not realising.

Other good stuff – a proper Malbec for less than thirty quid, a lovely sticky chocolate tart, a garden twice the size of the restaurant for those summer family days where you want somewhere Mum and Dad will like and the kids can sod off after ten minutes without ruining everyone’s digestion and lastly, the fact that if you eat here you’ll be supporting local people who cook well, not the shareholders of Carluccios or whatever.

Bad stuff – someone’ll have to drive. But this is the countryside, so...

Baloo’s WHEATSHEAF RD, WOODMANCOTE, NR HENFIELD, WEST SUSSEX, BN5 9BD 01273 492077 E-mail: bossybaloo@aol.com http://www.baloos.co.uk www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

27 • Model info bureau

This month we make-over

Ruby & Avalon Brown...

“Working self -employed for The Holistic Directory I am often busy with appointments and schedules. I am also a mum to my gorgeous 12 year old Avalon and the opportunity to have a pamper and make-over with her was something I knew we would both enjoy.

before

Debby’s team were great and Avalon and myself chose outfits each with the help of Stella from Roccoco, after which we were pampered and preened by Tim at Simones and finally Debby who made us up a treat. After this we had some great shots done by the lovely Henry who is Debby’s son.

We laughed, had fun and I would highly recommend for any Mum and Daughter as a great way to spend some time.

Thank You to the whole team. Ruby.”

Avalon’s young skin only needed a dusting of barely there moon dust and a natural blush in soft nougat, finishing with shrimp biscuit gloss on the lips. Ruby had a light day coverage of sunrise beige foundation, ab fab bronzing pearls to highlight her cheeks and a smudging of chicory eyeliner for a soft effect, finishing with liquid honey lip liner filled in with cinnamon stick for long lasting lip coverage! Make up range all Carol Franck.

An MIB Makeover is the perfect way to treat yourself, your friends and your family.

Your day will start by meeting with industry professional, fashion and photographic model Debby Holmes, to talk about the look you would like to achieve.

You will then have your hair and make-up professionally styled, whilst also being able to learn how to replicate them yourself at home.

Bring two of your favourite outfits and feel perfectly pampered and beautiful as you are photographed.

after Photography by Henry Hayward

Choose a free photograph to take home to remember your day.

MIB Makeovers make wonderful presents, and are ideal for getting ready for big events. They can be done individually and also for groups of up to 6 people.

MIB Makeovers are available at The Barn in Steyning.

If you would like to book please call Debby on 01903 879721 / 07511659496. £80 per person, group discounts available.

Multiple photographs can be purchased on the day.

Clothes and accessories provided by Stella of Rococo, Steyning – 07713594552 Hair by Tim of Simone Hair Salon, Steyning – 01903 812041

www.modelinfobureau.com MIB runs Deportment and Grooming classes that aim to help individuals feel better and more confident about themselves in everyday life. Classes include hair and skin care, nutrition, deportment; make up, colour coordination, wardrobe and accessories.

For more information on MIB, or if you would like to take part in the next Before and After feature please go to our website.

The Barn, Newmans Gardens, Tanyard Lane, Steyning, West Sussex, BN44 3RN www.villageliving.biz | tel: 0785 2231512

Village Living • May 2013

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29 • Belleau kitchen

I hope that April showers bring forth many May flowers for you this year, and I am delighted to be writing for Village Living, alongside my very good friend Dom from Belleau Kitchen – I hope that you will enjoy my seasonal bi-monthly recipes and ramblings! Karen

Sweet Violets

for the Spring Tea Time Table Peeping amongst the frozen grass in my back garden, are tiny little purple flowers, delicate of petal and fragrance, they are the quintessential harbingers of spring, even if spring is rather late in arriving this year. Reminiscent of aunts and grandmother’s handbags, with “violet water” doused hankies and “Parma violet” sweeties, these delightful little blooms are also wonderful on the spring tea time table and preserving them is child’s play.

Every year, I set aside several days in March and April to make violet syrup, violet sugar and crystallised violets; I pick them as soon as the dew (or frost and snow this year!) has dried, and then arrange them in a shallow jar, ready for preserving their fragile beauty. If I pop them into my pantry, which is cool and dark, they last for three days in perfect condition before preserving starts in earnest.

The most wonderful thing about crystallising sweet violets is that it’s not just the favour that is retained once they have a coat of egg white and sugar painted over them, but the fragrance is also preserved.

I am sharing this easy recipe with all of you this month, and I hope that you manage to make time to crystallise some of these shy little spring flowers, as they last for up to six months on an airtight container and are the floral “icing on the cake” when it comes to decorating cakes and bakes. They add an almost Victorian elegance, as well as making fabulous edible decorations for chocolate truffles and other home-made sweeties and chocolates.

Ingredients & Equipment 30 to 40 fresh sweet violets (NOT African violets) 1 egg white, beaten well with a teaspoon of water Caster sugar Paint brush or soft pastry brush Greaseproof paper

Place the fresh (dry) violets on a breadboard, baking tray or flat surface, making sure they are free of insecticide and traffic pollution. Beat the egg white and add the water to loosen it. Brush the flowers all over with beaten egg white, using a soft pastry brush or a paint brush.

Sprinkle the caster sugar all over the violets immediately; turning them over by the stem to make sure they are sugar coated underneath as well as on top. The sugar needs to stick to the egg white before it dries. Leave them for approximately one hour or more until fully dry, I prefer to leave them overnight, under a mesh food cover, so the air can circulate. You can also sit the finished flowers on a baking tray lined with ovenproof paper in a warm oven, which has been switched off.

Once they have dried, they will be hard and brittle; snap the stem off them, and store them carefully in an airtight tin for up to 6 months, although the colour and fragrance fades a little after 3 or 4 months.

Tip: Leave the stalks on the violets, it helps you to pick them up and paint the egg white on them. Use a sugar shaker to sprinkle the sugar over the flowers; it coats them more evenly with less waste.

Karen S Burns-Booth – Freelance Food Writer, Food Stylist, Photographer & Recipe Developer Lavender and Lovage lavenderandlovage.com 07429 465703 karen@lavenderandlovage.com Twitter: @KarenBurnsBooth Number 1 in Ebuzzing UK – Most Influential Food Blogs labs.ebuzzing.co.uk/top-blogs/gastronomy

Chalcraft Funeral Directors circa 1870

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31 • gardening

May at Big Plant

T

his month as we expand our range of plants for sale we are pleased to offer 5 great varieties of Liriope muscari a fabulous flowering groundcover plant that we think fits in well with our kind of plants, please have a look on our website and do let us know what you think!

We have a huge range of evergreen (and ever grey) plants. They give structure to your garden and can make a great architectural statement. A few examples are: Palms – Trachycarpus, Butia, Chamaerops and Brahea.

Buxus, balls and pyramids. Phormiums and Cordylines,Eriobotrya and Callistemon, and always a favourite here, Bamboo.

We have the most extensive range of beautiful Ginkgo Trees – varieties and sizes, the leaves looking their beautiful butter yellow colour of autumn now.

Please look at the online selection, we have many more at the nursery too Bamboo continues to be popular both big and small, with it being such a good choice for screens or hedges,

a job it does very well. Choose the larger more boisterous bamboo such as Phyllostachys aurea or P. bissettii for a great hedge, and remember they can be clipped just as you would a conifer hedge. Do bear in mind though these bamboos require a root barrier when planting. If you have time please look at our links page on the website, amongst the horticultural information there are 2 things that we feel passionate about.

The state of our seas and the fish and birds that depend on them, please sign up for Hugh’s Fish Fight Campaign and if you can help support the RSPB’s fight to save the Albatross.

Here at Big Plant we are offering a full planning, planting, design and landscaping service to customers in the South and South East. This service is available to both the general public and professionals. We have worked on many prestigious projects in the last few years and have decided to develop this side of the business as it has proved so popular by demand Big Plant Nursery now offers clients and extensive range

  

Hole Street, Ashington.

RH20 3DE. 01903 891466

 

of services. Ranging from simply delivering your plants through to complete project management for both private and commercial clients.

With over 100 years of experience in our team we are well able to meet your requirements. Having worked on many prestigious projects ranging from local Authority, Schools, Zoo’s, Marinas through to extensive private gardens, city terraces and roof gardens during the last few years.

By pooling our resources and actively encouraging this side of our business client’s have the security of not only our experience but the backing of an established nursery ensuring projects are delivered as cost effectively as possible, on time and within budget and guaranteed.

With planting starting at just £50 and a wealth of advice available over the phone or by email please contact Bruce Jordan or Lucas Burman on 01903 891466 or info@bigplantnursery.co.uk

Hardy exotic plants Architectural trees Bamboos Japanese maples Olive specialist

Friendly, expert advice

www.bigplantnursery.co.uk