Magnet Magazine February 2018

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SALE NOW ON

Gordon Busbridge Ltd

THE FURNISHING STORE - THE NAME TO TRUST SINCE 1911 289/297 LONDON ROAD, ST LEONARDS Tel: 01424 420368 | www.busbridges.co.uk

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58/58B SEASIDE ROAD, EASTBOURNE Tel: 01323 730637 | email: sales@busbridges.co.uk

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Advertising Feature

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Inside...

Local 18 Properties of the Month Cottage Style 26 Sussex History by Mark Broad The Representation of the People

50 Wedding Services

30 Business Bytes Local business news and information 32 Magnet Meets…

Gerard Sulter – Falconer 41 The Arts 42 Special Days Out Groombridge Place 44 Spotlight Events 46 Theatre Spotlight 66 Walk of the Month The Iconic Cuckmere Haven

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71 It’s all about Charity Local charity news and information 76 What’s On Guide 80 Home and Garden Directory

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The Arts

Recipes for Romance

60 Love Lingerie

32 Magnet Meets 8

Contents

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Magnet February 2018

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Life 22 Over the Garden Gate Curmudgeon’s monthly offering of quirky humour and truisms

12 On The Home Front

28 It’s a Dog’s Life

By Rolo – The Border Terrier 34 The Month of February 36 Gardening Hints by Old Gumboot 38 The Book Review

By Elizabeth Kay 48 Puzzle Page 50 Wedding Services 56 Wedding Services Guide 62 Make the Best of Yourself!

64 And Another Thing! - by Paula Menso A Woman of a Certain Age! 68 A Short Story - by Elizabeth Kay Love Letters 72 Money Matters 74 Recipes for Romance Warm Surf & Turf Mocha Melting Middle Pudding

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34

The Month of February

Wagging Tails

Style 12 On the Home Front A Georgian Farmhouse 60 Love Lingerie Perfect Ideas for Valentines

CONTACT MAGNET T 0845 872 2885 | 01825 768077 E magnet@magnetpublications.com PO Box 287, Uckfield, TN22 9ED www.magnetpublications.co.uk Printed by Cliffe Enterprise, Eastbourne

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Walk of the Month

Cover: © stock.adobe.com

Contents

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Meet The Magnet Team

Young, sweet and innocent! – We are the team that works hard to bring our readers a free magazine that is interesting and informative, fun and quirky and looks great too! Any comments, compliments or complaints are most welcome to magnet@magnetpublications.com

Adele Trathan Editor

Chris Tindley Advertising Sales

Advertising Sales Vacancy Could this be you? Please email your CV to: adele@ magnetpublications.com

Ollie Trathan Distribution Manager

Kim Thorpe Designer

Cloud White Designer

Michelle Brett Credit Control, Administrator and very good general dog’s body!

Mark Broad Writer of Sussex History

Peter d’Aguilar Regular Contributor Including Days Out and Magnet Meets

Rolo Writer of It’s A Dog’s Life

Helen Stockton Aka Paula Menso Writer of And Another Thing...!

Pepper the Cat Office Princess and General Troublemaker!

Magnet Outlets

The following outlets are major distribution points for Magnet. The newsagents marked with an asterisk deliver Magnet with a weekday newspaper round. We also supply many other smaller outlets throughout the region and you can view the whole publication online with full page-turning software at www.magnetpublications.co.uk

Alfriston – Newsagent *

Etchingham – Railway Station

Lewes – Nevill Stores, Tesco

Ashurst Wood – News Store *

Firle – Middle Farm

Lindfield – Glyn Thomas & Son

Barcombe – Stores/Post Office

Five Ash Down – Post Office

Little Common – Tesco Express

Battle – Newsagents, Budgens

Forest Row – Co-op, Community Centre

Mayfield – Pink Cabbage

Bexhill – Manor Newsagent * Newsmart, Train Station, Market Centre, Wards Restaurant

Golden Cross – Deanland Park

Maresfield – Post Office

Groombridge – Spar Shop

Mark Cross – Sussex Country Gardener

Hailsham – Brights, Landsdowne Cres * Leisure Centre, Stone Cross Nursery, Old Loom Mill, Hilliar’s Garden Centre, Pipers Newsagents, Hawkswood News Store, Sharnfords Farm Shop, Weatherspoons - The George,

Newhaven – Sainsbury’s

Willingdon – One Stop/Tesco

Newick – Post Office, Newick Drive Shop, SVS Shop

Wivelsfield Green – Village Shop

Broad Oak – Newsagent * Burgess Hill – Tesco Superstore Burwash – Newsagent * Buxted – Shop Catsfield – Stores Chailey – South Stores

Halland – Staverton Nursery, Halland Forge

Crowborough – Morrisons Superstore Fieldbuss Newsagent *, Leisure Centre

Hastings – Morrisons

Dallington – Shop & Post Office Ditchling – Newsagent * Garden Pride East Dean – Barn Stores East Grinstead – Weeks Newsagent * Sainsbury’s, Railway Station

Haywards Heath – Sainsbury’s Heathfield – Co-op, Sainsbury’s, Trading 4U Herstmonceux – PO Stores * Lime Cross Nursery Horam – News & Food *

East Hoathly – Village Stores

Horsted Keynes – Newsagent *

Eastbourne – Arndale Centre, Green Street Newsagent * News Rack (Sovereign Centre) * Co-op (Meads), Eastbourne Tourist Information

Hurst Green – Orchard Farm Shop, Café/Community Shop Merriments Garden Centre Leigh – Village Stores

Subscribe; 10

Magnet Information

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Uckfield – Ridgewood Post Office * Civic Centre, Bishops Butchers, Greens DIY , Riverside Fish Bar, Tesco, Sussex Stationers Upper Dicker – Wyevale Garden Centre Lower Willingdon – Post Office Wadhurst – Co-op, Jempsons

Nutley – Nutley Antiques Pevensey Bay – Bay News, The Moorings, Pipers News Delivery Service Polegate – Polegate News Plumpton – College Reception Ringmer – McColls Newsagent * Clayhill Garage Robertsbridge – Belles Florist, Train Station Rotherfield – Village Shop, Cuckoo News Seaford – Dymock Farm Shop, Morrisons Sedlescombe – Village Store & Post Office Sheffield Park – Heaven Farm Ticehurst – Village Stores

Subscribe to Magnet for £20 per year and have your copy delivered every month.

Call 01825 768077 for credit and debit card payments or send a cheque payable to Magnet Media Ltd to: PO Box 287, Uckfield, TN22 9ED Magnet February 2018

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On The Home Front THE PROPERTY A Georgian Farmhouse in Etchingham

'It's the perfect family home'

Amanda and Duncan Troy transformed an abandoned farmhouse into a much-loved living space for their growing family. rtist Amanda Troy needed all of her creative vision to see beyond the neglected wreck she discovered some 26 years ago when she first spied the house that was eventually to become her much-loved home. 'I used to drive my baby daughter Natasha around most afternoons to get her to off to sleep and one day I saw a For Sale sign at the top of a drive,' recalls Amanda.

'At the end of a track, there was this wreck of a house.

No one had lived in it for years. The farm manager had been virtually camping in the kitchen and there were dead kittens in some of the rooms. It was really horrible but I could see the potential. I loved the classical proportions of it, the lovely high ceilings, which is quite unusual for a farmhouse. It seemed to be saying, “Save me, I could be a lovely family home�.'

A

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On The Home Front

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Magnet February 2018

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HALLWAY Pale green walls and a huge mirror give light and freshness to a long, narrow hallway.

EXTERIOR 'There was no garden at all when we first moved in – it was farmland right up to the door,' says Amanda.

After lawning over everywhere, she eventually designed and planted the lovely Italian garden, complete with sculpted hedges.

BOOT ROOM

Part of the new extension, the boot room has retained the arty touches and period character found elsewhere. 'We also have many sets of antlers because Duncan is a keen huntsman.

They make wonderful hatstands,' says Amanda.

LANDING

'I love painting horses and certain dogs. This is one of the Roman horses in San Marco's Square, Venice – it makes me smile.'

At the time, Amanda and her husband Duncan were living nearby in a cottage they'd renovated. 'We needed more space because we knew we wanted more children. We also wanted ponies and there were stables with the house.'

The plan was to make the inside habitable before Amanda and Duncan moved in with Natasha and son Alexander.

But they hadn't taken the weather into consideration. 'It was a bad winter that year and the builders weren't able to get here. So on the day we moved in there was no heating and we all slept in one room for a couple of weeks.'

The first priority was to sort out the roof and walls, which needed urgent attention. The unsightly metal windows also had to go. 'We replaced them with handmade wooden ones, which were very expensive.'

'...we all slept in one room for a couple of weeks.'

With most of the budget spent on roof, walls and windows, the rest of the house was updated gradually. 'It's Grade II Listed so we can't make major changes, but actually the layout is fine, very traditional,' says Amanda. 'Most of the work was cosmetic. Though I love colour, we painted everything in magnolia at first just to clean it all up. Then once I worked out what I wanted, I redecorated room by room.'

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DRAWING ROOM Soft colours help to give the drawing room a relaxed tranquility.

'This is the grown-ups room where we have drinks before dinner with guests, or simply sit and enjoy the view over the valley,' says Amanda.

MASTER BEDROOM

'This a lovely haven, so relaxing and calm, with a double aspect,' says Amanda. The en-suite bathroom was installed five years ago. 'The new bathroom was my treat,' says Amanda. 'I spend hours in the bath and I love the fact that it has underfloor heating.'

KITCHEN

Different shades of blue and earthy textures of wood, brick and stone unify the spacious kitchen.

The kitchen features individual, freestanding items, which adds to the rustic feel. The huge and treasured pine dresser is the perfect place to show off Amanda's massive collection of blue and white crockery. 'I collect it from everywhere and some is inherited.

I buy a lot of Blue Delft by Minton on ebay. It's diswasher-proof and I like to use it on a daily basis.'

'My style is comfortable country house with some modern touches'

Magnet February 2018

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Moving from a cottage to a big Georgian farmhouse meant a few furniture-buying expeditions. 'I had vast areas of space to fill so I would mooch around antique shops in East Sussex, finding things I liked,' says Amanda. 'I also picked up secondhand bits and bobs and painted them.'

After her four children were born, Amanda finally did the art training she had always dreamed of and evidence of her talent adorns many a wall in the house. And it was once again Amanda's creative vision that, 15 years ago, brought about perhaps the most significant change to the farmhouse. 'I could see the potential in extending the kitchen and we got planning permission to enlarge an earlier Victorian extension,' she says. As well as a bigger kitchen, they also created a boot room, dog room and snug. 'It's made a huge difference. Now we have doors on the west side of the house, opening onto a terrace that gets the evening sun, which is lovely.'

The once-neglected house crying out for some attention has clearly lived up to its promise as the perfect family home.

'It's been a wonderful place to bring up the children – the two youngest still live here,' says Amanda. And the Troys aren't the only

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family to cherish it. 'A woman came to the door and said this used to be her house.

She, too, had raised four children here and she took me up to the airing cupboard where you can still see her children's height measurements. She was in tears, saying what a wonderful and happy home it had been. And it has for us, too.'

SITTING ROOM

The huge, original fireplace provides a focal point in the cosy sitting room, which once again brings small contemporary touches to the more traditional theme.

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'I love mirrors, the bigger the better. They throw light into a room and create space.'

GUEST BEDROOM The distinctive burgundy toile gives the guest bedroom a classic French look and in the en-suite Amanda has created a sense of opulent luxury by using a rich red paint.

Amanda's Top Tips BEST BUY The dresser in the kitchen - it's huge and I love it. We managed to get it into the kitchen before we extended which was a feat in itself' LESSONS LEARNED 'I used concrete, classical-looking flagstones in the kitchen but they haven't worn well. I should have paid the money and got the real thing' INSPIRATION 'My style is comfortable country house with some modern touches' DECORATING TIP 'Don't decorate when you're pregnant – you make terrible mistakes. I painted our bedroom pink, then as soon as the baby was born I couldn't stand it. I've never painted anything pink before or since.'

DESIGN TIP 'Don't change anything until you've lived in the house for a while. Then you really know what you need and how the house works.'

STYLE TIP 'I love mirrors, the bigger the better. They throw light into a room and create space.'

Photos: Richards Gadsby / Narratives Text and styling: Aileen O’Brien / Narratives

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On The Home Front

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Magnet February 2018

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Enjoy your Log Cabin or Garden Room all year round in warmth and comfort:

Morsø Cabin Kit for Morsø Stoves are perfect for: -

Log Cabins & Buildings Garden Rooms Garden Office / Gym Man Cave

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BOLNEY STOVES LTD 01444 871815 sales@bolneystoves.co.uk

www.bolneystoves.co.uk 10 The Farmers Stores, Gatehouse Lane, Goddards Green, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9LE 29 years experience within the wood burning stove industry

Unit 5 • Lindfield Enterprise Park • Lewes Road • Lindfield • West Sussex • RH16 2LX

tel: 01444 482 011 email: info@finesofas.co.uk www.finesofas.co.uk

Find us on facebook/FineFurnishingsLindfield Home Improvement

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Properties of the Month

Cottage Style Old Heathfield Location ‘Glenfield Cottage’ enjoys an idyllic location in what is regarded as one of the most sought after Sussex Villages, with the thriving market town of Heathfield nearby.

Details This charming four bedroomed detached period cottage has the ground floor accommodation situated around the central staircase, with the family room and sitting room to either side. The sitting room has French doors to the rear. The kitchen is at the back of the property, accessible from either of the two former rooms.

Leading from the kitchen is a rear lobby, utility room and cloakroom.

Upstairs are the four bedrooms, with the family bathroom.

The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room. Three of the bedrooms are double aspect.

Outside, the gardens at the front, side and rear have been well kept and provide lawn and seating areas. Garden sheds, a log store and garage can be found in this plot of approx. a third of an acre, with off road parking via an in/out driveway.

Price £665,000 Agents Details Wood & Pilcher Estate Agents 01435 862 211 www.woodandpilcher.co.uk

Old Heathfield is regarded as one of the most sought after Sussex Villages with the thriving market town of Heathfield nearby.

Blackboys Location ‘Stonebridge House’ is situated on the outskirts of the village, approached via a country lane with gated access to a gravel drive to the front of the property. It is situated in a quiet village with a primary school and public house. The area is surrounded by beautiful countryside.

Details An impressive four bedroomed Grade II listed barn conversion with an attached one bedroom flat. It is imaginatively designed to provide the bedroom accommodation at ground floor level, allowing the living accommodation to benefit from the vaulted ceilings and exposed beams.

Entering the main part of the house, the ground floor provides four bedrooms, two with en-suites and a family bathroom. There’s also a study and large utility room.

The first floor has a large open-plan sitting dining room and kitchen. The well-presented kitchen area has a range of units with an AEG fitted dishwasher and a Stoves oven with electric hob. A doorway leads to the stairwell for the self-contained flat.

Outside, there is a large garden store and a stable, with separate entrance leading up to the flat.

The formal gardens are laid out in an Italian style, and a further garden can be found to the rear of the property.

Price £850,000 Agents Details Batcheller Monkhouse Estate Agents 01444 453 181 www.batchellermonkhouse.com 18

Properties of the Month

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Magnet February 2018

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Bird In Eye, Uckfield Location Just outside of Uckfield is this much improved, rural, semidetached cottage with views over the surrounding countryside.

Details Originally constructed in the 1890’s and extended in the 1940’s, this idyllic cottage consists of an entrance hall with an oak stable front door, lounge, dining room and kitchen. Upstairs, two bedrooms with an en-suite to the master bedroom, and a family bathroom complete the accommodation.

To the front of the property there is an allocated parking space with a further shared parking area. The back garden is a good sized L shaped plot, with a large timber shed.

Price £325,000 Agents Details Dixon Vince Estate Agents 01825 765 559 www.dixonvince.com

Lindfield Location ‘The Old Stable House’ is located on the northern edge of the village, at the end of a private lane, yet within easy walking distance to the village. Haywards Heath is just over a mile away.

Details A charming three bedroomed house, with a large kitchen / dining / family room and cloakroom on the lower level of the ground floor. The kitchen has built-in appliances, including a wine cooler and features oak flooring. Two bedrooms (one with en-suite) and a study are on a slightly elevated level.

On the first floor is a bedroom, the family bathroom and the sitting room, which is double aspect, with a cast iron wood burner sitting on a slate hearth. It has casement doors leading to a Juliet balcony with wrought iron railings. This room also has oak flooring.

Outside, opposite the property is a westerly garden, approached by paved steps with a patio area and timber summerhouse. There is also an integral garage with timber double doors from the private courtyard. An internal door from the garage leads to the study.

Price £775,000 Agents Details Mark Revill & Co Estate Agents 01444 484 564 www.markrevill.com

A charming three bedroomed house, within easy walking distance to the village.

Boreham Street Location ‘The Cottage’ enjoys a desirable semi-rural location in the village, equidistant between Hailsham and Battle. The property enjoys fine views to the south over open countryside.

Details A delightful four bedroomed Grade II listed detached home, with parts of the property believed to date back to the 16th Century and scope for refurbishment. It has a wealth of period features, including inglenook fireplaces and a bread oven. Off road parking, detached garage and gardens at the rear.

Set over three floors, with two bedrooms each on the first and second floors and the ground floor housing a utility room and separate toilet.

Price £450,000 Agents Details Hunter Coster 01435 810 077 www.huntercoster.co.uk

The cottage has a wealth of period features, including inglenook fireplaces and a bread oven.

Properties of the Month

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DIXON•VINCE NORTH CHAILEY

OIRO £599,950

A really nicely presented and extremely spacious detached chalet style property with a beautifully maintained and good sized garden situated along a small private lane. Entrance hallway, dining/sitting room, lounge, conservatory, kitchen/breakfast room, master bedroom with dressing room and en-suite shower room, guest bedroom with en-suite shower room, 2 further bedrooms, lovely gardens, tandem garage, GCH, double glazing. EPC = D

MARESFIELD

£460,000

An immaculately presented detached modern family home with just under 4 years NHBC remaining. Situated on the edge of this village development overlooking open fields to the front. Spacious entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, dining room, sitting room, bedroom 1 with en-suite shower room, 3 further bedrooms, family bathroom, GCH, garage, off street parking for 3 cars.

EPC = B

RIDGEWOOD

£359,000

RURAL UCKFIELD

£325,000

UCKFIELD

£249,950

CROWBOROUGH

£199,950

A spacious and extended link detached house situated on a corner plot and offered with immediate vacant possession. Early viewing recommended. Entrance hall, cloakroom, kitchen/dining room, lounge, 4 bedrooms, bathroom, gardens to front and rear, garage, off road parking, GCH, double glazing. EPC = D

An attractive terraced Victorian cottage with surprisingly spacious accommodation and situated in a quiet backwater yet within a short walk of the town centre and station. Lounge/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, 2 bedrooms, study/bedroom 3, courtyard garden, GCH, double glazing. EPC = D

Rural, but not remote! A much improved semi detached cottage in a semi rural location on the very edge of the town with views over surrounding countryside yet within easy reach of the town centre and railway station.

Entrance hall, lounge, dining room, kitchen, 2 bedrooms one with en-suite shower room, bathroom, good sized gardens, parking, electric central heating, double glazing. EPC = E

An immaculately presented bright and spacious modern purpose built first floor 2 bedroom apartment with own parking and communal gardens. Entrance hall, open plan kitchen/sitting room, 2 bedrooms, en suite bathroom, main bathroom, GCH, double glazing, fitted blinds to all windows, communal gardens, allocated parking space. EPC = B

www.dixonvince.com 87 High Street, Uckfield TN22 1RJ 01825 765559 sales@dixonvince.com

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Home Improvement

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Over the garden gate...

By Curmudgeon

I

t was hard to contain my excitement on hearing of the imminent royal nuptials. It was like trying to constrain soup in a woollen sock. It seems that Prince Whatnot is to marry Miss Marple.

This is good news for the nation and also for social inclusivity, for Miss Marple is of diverse ethnicity. I can’t, however, but think that more boundaries could have been crossed and more envelopes stretched and more thoughts, thought outside the box.

Surely royal advisors could have found someone who would have raised the flag of inclusivity still higher up the flagpole of diversity had they put more effort into it. They could have found a one legged, gay, black, trans-gender, innit, centenarian Buddhist to be the Prince’s partner. That would have clearly declared that we are completely blind to all the prejudices of gender, disability, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion and age.

What an opportunity missed. I no longer look forward to receiving my wedding invitation with enthusiasm.

When I was seven or eight, I was press-ganged into going to Sunday school.

It was a terrible loss of freedom, made worse by approaching the heavy grey doom of Monday morning school, when I could have been out trespassing on private land or making bows and arrows, I was bunged up in a church hall with a dubious vicar. What made things worse was, what I was encouraged to believe.

When I was seven or eight, I was pressganged into going to Sunday school.

I distinctly remember some religious tome designed for the gullible child, with illustrations of some old white bearded gent in a night-shirt, sitting on a cloud surrounded by a flock of female harpists in somewhat diaphanous nighties.

This, I was told, was the Almighty in his heaven. Well you couldn’t swing that past an eight year old with a scientific bent. Now, I didn’t know what sort of ethereal candy-floss angels were made of, and it was perhaps possible they were sufficiently insubstantial to sit on a cloud.

I did know, however, that harps were made of sterner stuff, had iron frames 22

Over the garden gate ...

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Einstein said was impossible, and just to apply a giant bellows to the remainder of your mind, these quantums only exist when you look at them and disappear if you don’t.

Well, there we have it; the choice presented to me, either an old gent lolling on a cloud, or stuff that only exists when you happen to see it, a bit like the dismay when you by chance pass a mirror. Now the eight year old in me says you have to go with the science, but a part of me says keep an eye open for falling harps.

and even the up-draught in a cumulo nimbus wouldn’t keep them aloft. If the illustration was true, harps would come crashing down through church roofs all over southern England. How could anyone believe such tosh and flummery. Even an eight year old could see that.

Well, now I’m not so sure. It is not that I have evidence for the diaphanous-clad ladies and their cloud-dwelling habits, it’s just that the scientific alternative has become just as unlikely. For the past couple of centuries, science has been unpicking the threads of ignorance and reeling them in systematically and logically. Everything would become knowable with observation and experiment, then swipe me, along comes quantum mechanics. It is said that if you are not shocked by quantum mechanics, you don’t understand it. Well I am shocked by it and I don’t understand it. I don’t feel too bad about that, because Einstein said it was wrong and couldn’t be believed.

Well, in the 1960s, along comes the son of a Belfast horse dealer and proves Einstein was wrong. Odd really, one of the most extraordinary discoveries of our time, or any time, made by a man who remains unknown.

What, however, you are now required to believe is this: the stuff of the universe is made up of small packets of energy called quantums. Fair enough, that’s believable, so far, but then we take another step that rattles the cerebral cells.

These quantums can exist in two places simultaneously, either side by side or anywhere else in the universe. Also they can communicate instantaneously, which

This is an apology. It is a belated apology, so I apologise for that as well. You see, down the tumbling years, during which I have been tugging at your sleeve with this tomfoolery, I have received the odd letter.

Let me rephrase that, I have received the occasional letter and I have never replied to any of them.

I know how to write thank you letters, but the blunt truth is that I am too embarrassed.

This is not because I am inept when it comes to social etiquette. I am of the generation that was forced to write servile letters to self-satisfied, patronising aunts who had sent you socks at Christmas when you had asked for a water pistol.

I know how to write thank you letters, but the blunt truth is that I am too embarrassed. I cannot believe that anyone reads this rough-hewn stuff. Why would they waste their time reading it, let alone respond by letter, when they could be more usefully employed cataloging their recordings of Money Box Live, or training their cat to do Maurice Chevalier impressions?

Not only have I wasted your time, but also my own. All those hours spent in a layby scribbling on the back of pizza flyers in order to make the deadline. Just think what I could have achieved. I could have learnt to play the trombone in a way irresistible to women, or learnt to swear in every European language, or build a life-size model of Enoch Powell out of Liquorice Allsorts, using just the black ones.

Together we could have done so much.

Instead I have been wasting your time and I am too embarrassed by that to reply to your letters. I can only apologise.

Magnet February 2018

31/01/2018 14:26

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Over the garden gate

31/01/2018 14:26

SALE NOW ON

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30/01/2018 18:54

Sussex History The Representation of the People

By Mark Broad

Right – Suffragette Christabel Pankhurst, daughter of Emmeline Pankhurst, votes in 1918

T

he ‘final phase’ in almost a century of electoral reform, it wasn’t until 1928 that sexual discrimination was removed from voting rights, by altering to ‘person’ every reference to the enfranchised man or woman (an amendment that John Stuart Mill had proposed 50 years earlier, but was voted down). It could seem a little early to be celebrating the centenary of women’s right to vote; although the 1918 Act was a significant step, it introduced suffrage only for women over the age of thirty, with some property qualifications.

Nevertheless, at the time Suffragists and Suffragettes proclaimed a victory and now, one hundred years later, another statue of Emmeline Pankhurst has been commissioned (this time from Sussex sculptor Hazel Reeves). In reporting this, the BBC appears not overly concerned with the distinction between votes for some women and true equality.

The Representation of the People Act 1918 “An Act to Amend the Law with respect to Parliamentary and Local Government Franchises, and the Registration of Parliamentary and Local Government Electors, and the conduct of elections, and to provide for the Redistribution of Seats at Parliamentary Elections, and for other purposes connected therewith.”

“We Rustics and Clodhoppers are qualified to exercise the Franchise” Sussex Advertiser February 1866 Suffrage Alliance Congress in London 1909 26

Sussex History

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Emmeline Pankhurst c. 1913 The terrible war had shaken the foundations of social order and what it means to be civilized. Home Secretary George Cave introduced the 1918 Act with these words: “War by all classes of our countrymen has brought us nearer together, has opened men’s eyes, and removed misunderstandings on all sides. It has made it, I think, impossible that ever again, at all events in the lifetime of the present generation, there should be a revival of the old class feeling which was responsible for so much, and, among other things, for the exclusion for a period, of so many of our population from the class of electors.

I think I need say no more to justify this extension of the franchise.”

Also known as the Fourth Reform Act, Representation of the People 1918 was the first to enfranchise all men over 21 (convicts and the insane disqualified) in the electoral system of Great Britain and Ireland. Previously, voting rights had been attached to property ownership, tenancy and/or level of income or savings, thereby favouring the wealthy as custodians of the nation’s legislature and decision-making.

It was feared the decimations of the Great War had so diminished the male population, they would be heavily outnumbered were all women enfranchised. Men who’d been on active service were officially admitted to the electorate at age 19 and women under 30 were not – yet! The shock to the body politic could be too severe. As it was, despite deep misgivings, doubts and fears, the 1918 bill passed through the Lords and the national franchise was extended, by some 5.6 million men and 8.4 million women.

The 1918 Act also redistributed a number of seats from rural to urban areas, established the first-past-the-post system, and specified that polls for parliamentary

election should all take place on the same day, across the country.

England’s Parliament evolved from the medieval monarchs’ Grand Council, a gathering of nobles, clerics and knights of the shire, summoned from time to time to approve the Crown’s taxes and occasionally, in return, seek to redress the people’s grievances. Montfort’s Parliament in 1265 was the first to invite representatives of the towns (burgesses). In 1342 the Commons met separately from the Lords, nobles and clerics for the first time. The Cinque Ports enjoyed special status and returned two Members, one of them selected directly by the Warden.

There was no national standard for voting procedures and women are known to have held office as parish sextons and beadles or as local surveyors and overseers, so possibly some may have voted, even if it was not generally the custom. It was Parliament’s Act of 1832 that restricted voting rights specifically to males of certain status and means.

Thereafter, over decades, Parliament was petitioned to extend suffrage and make voting by secret ballot. There were meetings, rallies, demonstrations and riots.

In Brighton Town Hall in September 1841 it was proclaimed that ‘estrangement exists between the government and the people - corruption and intimidation prevail - to remedy evils it is necessary to establish vote by ballot; as elections are now conducted they are a mockery and insult to the nation’.

Horsham was one such town reputedly susceptible to electoral corruption and ‘treating’ for votes.

Horsham Boys As I went lumbering down the street, down the street, down the street, Two rogues I did there chance to meet And this is what they said:

John Jervis (junior) was briefly MP for Horsham in 1847 until his election was declared void.

In Reigate nearly half of all voters were identified as ‘bribers or bribed’.

In March 1867 the Sussex Agricultural Express reported that “it was the desire of the government to restore the rights which the labouring classes had lost in 1832. Every person (sic) who pays twenty shillings a year taxation shall have a vote to elect members of parliament.” In 1869 women’s right to vote in local elections was enshrined in law. Secret Ballot was won in 1872. Suffrage bills in 1870, 1886, and 1897 raised hopes, but were defeated. The establishment feared empowering the workers - one opponent said he was not afraid of working men, so much as of the persons by whom they might be led. After revolution in Russia, the move appeared pragmatic.

Then off to the Queen’s Head they did go, They did go, they did go, With very few voters but the rest, you must know, Were the very scum of the town.

‘Horsham boys, can’t you come out tonight...’

And there all night they drinked and smoked, Drinked and smoked, drinked and smoked, ‘til wi’ punch they all seemed nearly choked, Disgustin’ ‘twas to see!

Electors of Horsham what can ye think, What can ye think, what can ye think, Of a man who by giving you punch to drink Expects your vote for him?!

‘Horsham boys, can’t you come out tonight...’

George Cave c. 1915

The Law Commission

‘Horsham boys, can’t you come out tonight, Can’t you come out tonight, can’t you come out tonight, Horsham boys, can’t you come out tonight, For a drunk with Jervis and James’?

‘Horsham boys, can’t you come out tonight...’

John Stuart Mill c. 1870

Elections are the principal mechanism by which citizens exercise their rights over those who govern in their name.

[as sung by Tony Wales]

A British woman votes for the first time in the general election of 1918 From 1919 onwards Equal Franchise bills were presented to Parliament every year. Winston Churchill was prominent among those opposed to “the flapper vote”, as it was called in the popular press. Even after the commitment and sacrifices of the war effort, women had to fight again for equal rights. Equal franchise, at least, eventually was achieved by the Act of 1928.

Sussex History

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30/01/2018 18:55

It’s a Dog’s Life

by Rolo – the Border Terrier

F

ebruary, as evidenced by the plethora of red hearts that have appeared everywhere, is supposed to be the month of love. Valentine’s Day epitomises romantic love, which, as a dog, is not something I really know much about, but I am an expert on other, different forms of affection.

For starters, there’s the love between dog and owner, as clearly demonstrated between me and ‘Him Indoors’. The other morning, ‘Her Indoors’ came downstairs for breakfast only to find me very soundly asleep, something she commented on to ‘Him Indoors’ who suggested, after a casual glance in my direction, that she prod me to check I was still breathing. Charming!

Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to move my eyebrows, just to let them know I was still in the land of the living, before any intervention was necessary. Still, one of my Border Terrier pals on Twitter says that his owner refers to him as ‘roadkill’ when he’s sleeping heavily, so I guess I should count my blessings.

All this banter is, of course, just so much macho posturing to cover up the fact that they really are very fond of us. Even ‘Him Indoors’, who never wanted a dog in the first place; noisy, unhygienic creatures who shed fur, cost money and pong a bit, has, I flatter myself, grown to regard me with some affection. He demonstrates this by being very generous in the food and beverages department and always slips me a bit of Rolo sharing his bed with Ginge and Toys!

something when ‘Her Indoors’ is distracted.

He also gives me tummy rubs and ear tickles when he thinks no-one is looking, although he doesn’t like me when I do anything vaguely doggy and disgusting, a rather subjective judgement at the best of times. He is the originator of most of my ‘alternative’ names, some of which are actually affectionate, although I really don’t know where ‘Fortesque Bottomly Smythe’, often abbreviated to ‘Bottomly’, I can’t think why, came from; his mental machinations are a mystery. I notice however that most of them these days are prefaced by ‘old’, does he think I have no feelings, and anyway I prefer the word ‘senior’, it has a certain gravitas.

We dogs return the love shown to us, in our demonstrable affection for our owners. There are many heart-warming stories of canine devotion, including that of Greyfriars Bobby, a Skye Terrier, who apparently spent fourteen years guarding the grave of his dead master, leaving only to eat. This is all very worthy, but maybe a nice bunch of flowers at regular intervals would have done the job just as well, but then I’m not really a sentimental kind of dog. And talking of sentimental, tales of doggy love have inspired such literary and film classics as ‘Lassie Come Home’ which involves the heroine, a Rough Collie not a Border Terrier unfortunately, in so many acts of selflessness and bravery that she barely must have had time to attend to her basic canine needs. I bet she didn’t chase bunnies or regurgitate

dead mice on the kitchen floor either!

And then there’s the things that we love.

I’ve got quite a list, most of them edible, although I am quite partial to the last drops of beer in a beer bottle, and a bean bag next to the woodburner, given half a chance.

I have however, got a couple of toys that enjoy protected status. Us terriers can be a bit rough and I’ve been known to de-fluff, de-squeak and otherwise decimate a new toy in under five minutes. However, Ginge, my toy gingerbread man, and a new toy bunny I got for Christmas from someone with a strong sense of irony, have so far remained unscathed by my attentions and cohabit peacefully with me in my basket. That’s devotion for you, or maybe I’m just going soft in my old age.

...I am quite partial to the last drops of beer in a beer bottle, and a bean bag next to the woodburner, given half a chance.

Whilst I haven’t actually met her yet, I’m hoping to shortly be introduced to my sister Millie, which will give me the opportunity to experience sibling affection, unless I don’t like her or she doesn’t like me, which is always a possibility. I’m a dog who knows his own mind, what can I tell you, and I’m sure any sister of mine is similarly disposed.

So perhaps we ought to widen the concept of February as a month of love to include all kinds of affection. You never know, maybe I’ll get a card from ‘Him Indoors’, after all, I did send him a Christmas card so he owes me one!

Rolo’s book ‘The Last Rolo’ is available from The Malthouse in Herstmonceux, Heals in Five Ashes, Barnett’s in Wadhurst, The Courtyard Café in Rotherfield. The new book ‘Sit, Stay, Roll Over’ will be available from Amazon or online at www.helenstockton.co.uk/store or by mail order from Magnet call 01825 768077 – £6.99 and £7.99 respectively plus £3.00 P&P if applicable.

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It’s a Dog’s Life

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Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 18:58

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Business Bytes Warmer Homes in Wealden Wealden District Council has teamed up with National Grid and Affordable Warmth Solutions to help install oil central heating in homes without any central heating.

“We think of central heating as a given today, but we believe there are more than 400 homes in the District that still do not have it,” said Councillor Graham Wells, Cabinet member for housing at Wealden District Council. “This scheme is aimed at households in rural areas which receive some form of benefit. They are likely to be having to use expensive heaters and fires which will be failing to maintain a warm home.”

Through the Warm Homes Fund established by National Grid, Wealden is looking to install central heating in 40 rural homes. Half are expected to be owner-

occupied and half the properties rented out privately. Home-owners will be fully funded; in rented properties, the landlord can expect grants for an oil-fired boiler and other fittings which should cover around 70% of the overall cost.

Cold homes can aggravate existing health problems, particularly if you are

over 65. Being too cold can increase the risk of trips and falls, as well as heart attacks and strokes. Indoor temperatures should be kept to at least 18 degrees centigrade.

Benefits which qualify for the central heating scheme include Pension Credit, Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit and Job Seekers Allowance.

Eligible properties should have a low Energy Performance Certificate, with typical ratings of F or G. “If you are living away from mains gas, receiving some form of benefits and relying on room heaters, fires or electric ceiling heaters as your main source of heating, this scheme is for you,” said Councillor Wells.

Contact Wealden District Council on 01323 443322 or privatehousing@wealden. gov.uk to arrange an installation survey

Isenhurst Health Club is even bigger in Uckfield!

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It benefits from a new strength and conditioning area, weights and cardio floor, a 1,200 square foot fitness studio, spinning studio, changing rooms, and coffee and lounge area kitted with Wi-Fi. The health club also benefits from a 15m indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa pool and steam room. With a wide range of studio classes as well as personal trainers for 1-2-1 training and fitness, there’s something for everyone.

There’s no annual contract or joining fee and there is easy parking.

Sussex Timber Products are a family run business that have manufactured quality bespoke timber buildings made to order, for over 30 years.

They have a long history in the manufacturing and construction of all garden buildings, including garden offices, summer houses, timber garages and carriage houses. They’re as ‘at home’ with the humblest garden shed as they are with the complete overseeing of design and construction of a timber building requiring planning, building regulations, groundwork and landscaping.

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No Joining Fee 30

Business Bytes

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Magnet February 2018

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Curtain & Blind Designers

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The Personal Touch offers friendly, professional advice and a wealth of experience in all aspects of Interior Design including curtains, blinds, pelmets, upholstery, poles and tracks. Full fitting service.

We are suppliers of paint and wallpaper from The Little Greene Paint Company which will bring fabulous colour and elegance to your home.

We have one of the largest selections of fabric and wallpaper books including Colefax & Fowler, GP & J Baker, Osborne & Little, Nina Campbell, Harlequin, Sanderson, William Morris, Echelon, James Brindley and Jane Churchill to name but a few.

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30/01/2018 22:17

Magnet Meets – Gerard Sulter Falconer

by Peter d’Aguilar

S

ince his early childhood, Gerard Sulter has loved birds of all kinds. At the age of ten he had his first close encounter with a bird of prey and has found them fascinating ever since. He set about gathering as much information and knowledge as possible on birds of prey; attending festivals, reading voraciously and absorbing every ounce of advice, wisdom and knowledge that could help him realise his dream of one day becoming a falconer.

“I alarmed the neighbours by telling them I was getting a golden eagle.” Says Gerard, laughing. “Well, it’s important to aim high.”

After pursuing a career in carpentry, Gerard finally had the opportunity six years ago to turn his hobby into a business - East Sussex Falconry. Once their three children were of school age, he was joined by his wife Gemma; who had also acquired his passion for raptors and had previously considered becoming a veterinary nurse.

Together they now run a genuinely hands-on falconry experience set in the beautiful grounds of Herstmonceux Castle.

“People had always stopped to ask me about the birds, and their genuine interest inspired me to launch the business.” Says Gerard.

“Our aim is to help people overcome their inhibitions and really get to understand raptors.”

They started small, with just a few birds; adding new ones every year. They now have seventeen in total - including hawks, owls, kites, falcons, kestrels and a hooded vulture named Cruise.

“Despite being on the critically endangered list, vultures generally get a bad press.” Gerard explains. “In actual fact, they do very valuable work in the wild; cleaning up carcasses that often carry diseases such as malaria and cholera, which they decontaminate in their digestive system. It would be a direct threat to human health if they become extinct. We are currently trying to find a mate for Cruise.”

“Our aim is to help people overcome their inhibitions and really get to understand raptors.”

As well as their day and half-day sessions at Herstmonceux, which are by appointment only, Gerard and Gemma also take their birds into schools. Once the children have overcome an understandable wariness of the sharp beaks and talons, they soon realise that they are not in any danger. They quickly gain confidence and trust once they are wearing a glove and birds are dropping out of the sky to take food from them. Gerard prefers to work with small groups, rather than putting on a big display for a larger audience.

The birds are always well fed, so their flight is simply for pleasure and their predatory instincts are under control.

“The castle provides a perfect backdrop for what we do, with its five hundred years of history dating back to Tudor times when falconry was a popular royal sport.” Says Gerard. “It’s surrounded by ten thousand acres of woodland, marshes and fields - and no main roads, making it an ideal flying environment. It’s also rich in animal and birdlife; with lots of kingfishers, marsh harriers, red kites, tawny owls, peregrines and hobbies.”

Falconry reached the height of its popularity in Britain during the 17th century, but declined as a method of hunting with the advent of firearms. It enjoyed a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; when modern veterinary practices and the advent of radio telemetry - in the form of transmitters attached to free-flying birds - increased the average lifespan of birds of prey and also allowed falconers to pursue quarry and styles of flight that had previously risked the loss of their raptors.

“Peregrine falcons can travel at up to 242mph, making them the fastest creatures on the planet.” Says Gerard, with pride. “We use GPS trackers on some of our birds. They are capable of flying a hundred miles in a single day. It’s important to us that our birds feel a real sense of freedom.”

As well as running its popular bird of prey experience, which now has two certificates of excellence and hundreds of positive reviews on TripAdvisor, the East Sussex Falconry team are sometimes called upon to help out in an emergency - for instance to rescue an owl trapped in a chimney or to use their falcons to deter seagulls from disrupting play at the Eastbourne International tennis championships.

“The birds have become part of our family.” Says Gerard. “One of the owls once hopped up my arm and fed me a raw chicken’s head.

While not particularly appetizing, it was a great compliment!”

East Sussex Falconry Halley Road, Herstmonceux Hailsham BN27 1RN www.eastsussexfalconry.co.uk T. 01323 485529 E. info@eastsussexfalconry.co.uk Office Hours: 9.30am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday.

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Magnet Meets

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Home Improvement

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The Month of

February he Roman month Februarius was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification. About 400 years ago, around Shakespeare’s time, this month was called Feverell. Then jump forward one hundred years, and it was known as Februeer. Amazingly February is a very modern name, having only come about around 100 years ago.

Our everyday calendar is an artificial medium that has been juggled with through the centuries in an effort to make it more accurate and useful. The time it takes for the earth to rotate is three hundred and sixty-five and a quarter days, hence once every four years to balance this, we have a leap year and an extra day, February 29th. The next leap year will be in 2020.

It has become superstition that this day – February 29th is the only day that the woman can propose to their man.

T

In the Garden

February is the time to prune your climbers such as wisteria – cut back to two or three buds from the main framework, if you are lucky enough to have one!

Now is also the time to trim deciduous hedges before the birds start nesting.

As it is too early to start sowing seeds outside why not plant some chilli seeds inside? Start off one or two seeds in a pot on a warm, sunny windowsill.

Pot on quickly as they grow in response to root room and don’t be tempted to pinch out as you will set back the first cropping. Keep indoors and protected from the elements or in a greenhouse and you will be rewarded with spicy fruits all summer long!

In the Kitchen

If you managed to cover your rhubarb last month, then you’ll probably find that you have lovely deep-pink stems ready for pulling! Rather than stewing, why not try roasting?

Simply cut stems into 5cm sections, pop into a roasting tin with a few spoonfuls of orange juice, some honey and a piece of star anaise into a low oven for about 20 minutes.

Thinly sliced raw rhubarb, topped

with honey helps to make a tasty and nutritional breakfast apparently. Just make sure that you don’t eat the leaves as they’re poisonous!

Of course, we also have Shrove Tuesday on the thirteenth of this month so get out the frying pan and start tossing - always a favourite time for the family!

Also in season in February from the sea are clams, cockles and mussels, from the earth are kale, leeks and cabbages and fish including skate, turbot, mackerel and gurnard.

Facts and Figures

February’s birth stone is amethyst, representing piety and humility, and its birth With the nights starting to draw out by flower the Viola (violet) or Primula vulgaris the end of the month, it leads us into a false (primrose). sense of security that spring is nearly here.

The two zodiac signs associated Take care though, as the temperatures are with February are Aquarius who have often colder than in January! Those easterly’s personalities that are defined by an original blow in from Siberia… need I say more?

Even the sea temperature has dropped from and adaptable nature. Whereas those born under the Pisces sign, are easy-going and January, with the average being at only accepting of those around them.

8.7º. Burr!!

We begin the month with the sun rising If you have a birthday in February, you at 0739 and setting at 1650 (London) and share the month with Steve Jobs (24th), we gain an extra one hour and forty minutes Christiano Ronaldo (5th), George Washington of light this month. Due to February being (22nd), Charles Darwin (12th) and Rihanna the shortest month of the year, it’s the only (20th) to name but a few! month that can pass without a full moon, and this year is no exception.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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30/01/2018 19:14

Gardening Hints

By Old Gumboot

Miscanthuses Sebrina

L

ast November, on a particularly warm day, I decided to take a glass of lunch outside in the sunshine. To the side of my table and chair was a long, established grass, Miscanthus Silverline. The seed heads were silver and moving gently in the winds and as they did so, they caught the low, late autumn sun.

The sight refreshed my interest in grasses. I had forgotten how their shape, size, colour and movement can fascinate.

Some twenty years ago, or more, grasses were the ‘in thing’ with the popularity of prairie gardening. This was the style of planting grasses amongst border perennials like Heleniums and Penstemons, to imitate the grasslands of mid west America. The grasses making the border appear more natural and less regimental.

I had forgotten how their shape, size, colour and movement can fascinate.

One aspect of grasses appeals to the pyromaniac in me. On a dry day in late winter, before the new green shoots are beginning to appear, I drop a lighted match into the middle of the clump.

Health and Safety would not advise this because they go up like a firework. All the previous summer’s sunshine is released in a minute or so. The heat is really quite severe. I have ruined a box hedge because of the arsonist in me. Nothing is left of the clump except some ash. Within days, new green shoots appear and the cycle restarts. It’s a good labour-saving device, at least that’s how I justify it.

Grass Garden © Kew Gardens 36

Gardens

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Carex gigantea Golden Oat

Carex Evergold

The splendid thing about grasses is their ease of cultivation, durability and their ability to bring life into a garden with the help of the slightest breeze.

Here are a few other grasses that I grow, or used to until I forgot about them. Two tall Miscanthuses: Malepartus with its purple plumes and Sebrina, silver plumes, but with each blade cross-banded with gold. Calamagrostis Karl Foerster has an upright habit to 6 ft that holds its leaves throughout the winter, and has feathery red-brown flowers. It will also take a lot of moisture, having a kinship with reeds. Carex Evergold is a much smaller grass reaching little more than a foot, but has dense golden foliage that shines out every month of the year.

It would be hard to find a more attractive garden plant and weed suppressor.

The splendid thing about grasses is their ease of cultivation, durability and their ability to bring life into a garden with the slightest breeze.

Deschampsia Goldtau, or Golden Dew, reaches about 2 ft 6 ins, has dark green leaves in summer, but in autumn, multiples of silver-purple stems turn to a magical golden haze. Carex Gigantea Golden Oat has a similar autumnal magic, but the golden seeds seem to float unsupported in the autumn sunshine.

It is such a shame that fewer and fewer people have the space, time or knowledge to grow these diverting plants.

Also they are denied the opportunity of becoming horticultural arsonists.

Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 19:14

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The Book Review

by Elizabeth Kay

I, Claudius

by Robert Graves

Commonwealth

by Ann Patchett

Strictly no Crocs

by Heather Pindar

No apology for resurrecting this classic retelling of the lives of four Roman emperors.

The BBC TV series from the 1970s brought this to life for so many of us of a certain age, with a cast that reads like the Who’s Who of drama. But the book itself is a complete gem, beautifully written and utterly engrossing.

Although the characters are, of necessity, embellished and rounded out by the author, the history is accurate and you’ll never forget the order in which the caesars ruled ever again. With such a huge cast of characters the miracle is that you never confuse them – there is a family tree to which you can refer, as occasionally it’s necessary to remember in what way someone is related to someone else. It’s a book I can read over and over again.

There was a reason for reviewing this in conjunction with I Claudius. It’s a complicated book, with a lot of time-shifts and a large cast of characters. I kept wishing for a family tree, like the one in I Claudius, which would have enabled me to keep track of the two families involved. In the end I became so desperate I wrote one out myself – because if you put the book down for a few days you’ll never remember who’s related to who, or when that particular section is set.

This is a large format story book, aimed at pre-school children and beautifully illustrated

by Susan Batori. It’s Zebra’s birthday, and she has invited everyone to her party – except, of course, the crocodiles, because of their tendency to eat everyone. Nevertheless, three of them come up with a cunning plan to attend anyway. Called Cruncher, Chomper and Snapper, they sneak in and join in the party games without, apparently, anyone noticing their rather minimal dressing-up clothes. Little readers will do though, and can have a good time warning the other animals to be careful. Naturally, the crocs are very good at things that involve sharp pointy teeth, such as bursting balloons, but otherwise they just use their teeth for eating so much cake they get tummy ache. The fireworks, the bouncy castle and dancing the conga distract them from their original purpose, so it’s only on the way home that they realise they have forgotten to eat everyone.

...the book itself is a complete gem, beautifully written and utterly engrossing.

The central character of Claudius, the narrator, is riches to rags to riches. Born with a club foot and a speech impediment he is assumed by most people to be an idiot – but he’s anything but, and survives the worst atrocities of the reigns of Tiberius and Caligula when others do not. The gradual realisation by the scheming Livia, wife of Augustus, that Claudius is no fool, is one of the great moments in a tale full of intrigue and murder and the brutal politics of the time. Rome is a family business concerned with ruling the world, and it’s run by the ruthless, the perverted, and the insane.

It’s a complicated book, with a lot of time-shifts and a large cast of characters.

The action takes place mainly in California and Virginia, and the distance between these two households creates many of the problems the families encounter. It’s about the same old chestnuts of love, loss, resentment and guilt, but the characters are strong enough to give new insights into these age-old themes. There is a good separation between the people involved, especially when they’re children, and although it’s never explained what particular trait Albie has that makes him so infuriating – ADHD, or something on the autism spectrum has to be a good bet. There is a central mystery to the book which isn’t hard to unravel, and it affects the lives of all those concerned forever. However, if you take sections of the book on their own they’re well worth reading – it’s just knitting everything together to make a whole that’s so difficult. There’s a lot of sadness in there, and watching the people within grow old and sick isn’t a fun read. However, Ann Patchett is a prize-winning author, and her prose has much to recommend it.

It’s Zebra’s birthday, and she has invited everyone to her party – except, of course, the crocodiles, because of their tendency to eat everyone.

Not a problem though, because it’s going to be Giraffe’s birthday the following week, and the only stipulation there is that it’s strictly no lions. This is a nicely presented paperback, and robust enough to stand up to many readings. Little people can have a lot of fun trying to identify all the different animals at the party. A good present for three-year-olds.

Elizabeth Kay is a published author of numerous books including The Divide trilogy, a series of children’s fantasy novels. A teacher of creative writing and a keynote speaker at Accio 2005, the Harry Potter conference as well as appearances at other literary events, including the Cheltenham and Edinburgh festivals. Elizabeth offers Magnet readers her thoughts on recent reads that have caught her attention.

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Magnet February 2018

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Antique & Fine Art Auctioneers

15 North Street - Lewes - BN7 2PE

www.gorringes.co.uk

Books Wanted

Antiquarian & secondhand books purchased on all subjects including academic, sporting, military, literature, scientific, natural history, travel, polar regions and maps, documents, ephemera etc.

BARNETT’S of WADHURST Independent Bookseller

Sexton’s, booksellers since 1910.

Tel: 01323 870991

Genuine Bygone Radios

REFURBISHED DEDICATED CHILDREN’S AREA Extensive Stock of Children’s Books: both new releases and classics Order today, collect your book tomorrow.

HUGE SELECTION OF 1930’s/40’s/50’s Radios, Grams, Record Players, Gramophones - all in working order Also: • Vintage (valve) radios bought • Restorations • Repairs H. Lawson 49 Duke Road St Leonards on Sea Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 10am - 3pm

m: 07981 864771 t: 01424 892931

• Classical music CDs and music scores • Book Tokens • Children’s loyalty cards • Greeting Cards • Out-of-print books obtained • Regular author talks.

We’re friendly, knowledgeable and efficient

Open: Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Wed 9am-1pm

Proprietor: Richard Hardy-Smith

Gordon House, High Street Wadhurst, East Sussex TN5 6AA

01892 783566

enquiries@barnettsbooks.co.uk

www.barnettsbooks.com Dogs and prams welcome

Books and Antiques

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Home Improvement

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Magnet February 2018

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The Arts February Sheffield Park and Garden: Art comes to the garden this February Sheffield Park and Garden will welcome artist Gabriela Albergaria this month as part of this year’s diep~haven festival 2018. Taking her inspiration from the historic landscape of the Grade I listed garden, her creation will be located in the garden close to Ten Foot Pond.

In preparation for this summer’s festival, you will be able to watch Gabriela construct the Sheffield Park sculpture from mid-February with assistance from the horticultural team and volunteers. Visitors will be able to observe their progress and updates will be shared via social media. It is expected to take five days to complete.

Laura Booty, the General Manager at Sheffield Park and Garden said: “We are delighted to be involved in this year’s diep~haven festival and welcome Gabriela to Sheffield Park and Garden. We are very much looking forward to seeing her creation and hearing visitor’s thoughts on her interpretation of this year’s theme.”

Gabriela Albergaria said: “I’m interested in visiting places that were transformed by people: historical gardens, or even a quarry.

I like to see the place, spend some time there, collect photos, drawings and material elements like stones and leaves, information of the history of the place and hear stories about it. The contemporary reality of the place is ultimately what I usually end up working on. But it’s the border between the history of the place and the present use that I like to concentrate on.”

The art installation will be in the garden until the end of August 2018. Gabriela will be delivering a talk to visitors on 28 February from 10.30-12pm. Some of her drawings and photographs will also be exhibited in galleries in Brighton during the summer months of the festival.

SHEFFIELD PARK AND GARDEN Open 10am to 4pm every day.

For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark

ABOUT GABRIELA Gabriela Albergaria lives and works in Lisbon and London, and studied at the Fine Arts University of Porto, Portugal. She uses photography, drawing, installation and sculpture to develop works that take gardens and their history as a starting point, intersecting with personal and subjective memories.

Right: Photo of Gabriela by Jorge Colombo.

Sheffield Park and Garden - Ten Foot Pond © Stephen Robson diep-haven sketch proposal by artist Gabriela Albergaria.

ABOUT DIEP~HAVEN diep~haven is a cross-channel festival of contemporary creation which takes place annually, rooted in the towns of Newhaven and Dieppe. The festival hosts international artists in residence, working in partnership with local businesses, cultural and community organisations, to support artists in the creation of new works.

During the summer festival, new contemporary artworks are presented as part of a wider programme of exhibitions, events and engagement projects, structured around a central theme. In 2018 the title of the festival is ‘Terra Firma’. This edition of the festival explores the tensions between human designs on the landscape and the autonomous forms of intelligence that reside in the botanic world. For more information – www.diephaven.org The Arts

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Special Days Out – by Peter d’Aguilar

Groombridge Place

roombridge Place is a moated manor house set in the attractive village of Groombridge near Tunbridge Wells. It has become a popular tourist attraction; noted for its formal gardens, vineyards and bird of prey sanctuary.

The gardens include a formal Knot and Oriental Garden, a Secret Garden, the white rose garden, a giant chess set and the evocatively named Drunken Garden a favourite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Peacocks roam the grounds, as does Groombridge’s famous Zedonk (half zebra, half donkey). The wild fallow deer often graze in the meadows beneath the Enchanted Forest – a magical area of woodland that provides a day to remember for younger visitors. It has a network of pretty tree-lined forest paths with water pools, giant tree swings, a raised boardwalk with zip wires and rope swings, wooden bridges, a maze and Crusoe’s World - which features a recreated pirate ship used in a

G

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Special Days Out

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major TV series. Children will also not want to miss the new Treetop Walkway – which is the longest and highest in the country.

History

Manor houses have occupied the site of the present Groombridge Place for centuries. The earliest dates from 1239, when William Russell was granted the Lordship of Groomsbridge. He built a small moated castle and, later that year, Henry III granted him a charter to add a chantry. When William died in 1261, the lordship passed to Henry, 1st Baron Cobham. By the mid 14th century, the lands were owned by Sir John de Clinton. His grandson, Lord Clinton and Saye, sold Groombridge to Thomas Waller of Lamberhurst in around 1400. His descendant Sir Richard Waller kept Charles, Duke of Orléans as his prisoner at Groombridge for many years, following the Battle of Agincourt - until he was finally transferred to the Tower of London.

In 1604, Sir Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset and Lord Treasurer of England,

purchased the estate and also built a number of houses in the town of Groombridge. In 1618, Richard Sackville, 3rd Earl of Dorset, was forced to sell Groombridge to John Packer to settle his gambling debts. Deeply religious, Packer’s main contribution was the construction of the nearby St. John’s Church. The estate came into the ownership of his son Philip Packer who, in 1662, erected the present-day house with the help of his friend Christopher Wren. He also enlisted horticulturist John Evelyn to plan the new leisure gardens. Philip married heiress Isabella Berkeley in 1652, but the marriage failed to resolve his financial problems. After his death in 1686 the estate was vested in the Chancery, and lay empty for the next twenty years. During this time, the infamous Groombridge Gang began its smuggling operations, and dragoons frequently had to be called in to restore order.

Though Groombridge Place has remained largely untouched since it was built over 350 years ago, the manor has Magnet February 2018

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undergone its share of restoration. The 1920s saw the installation of electricity and bathrooms. In 1986 the roof timbers and the chimneys were rebuilt to their original design, after damage from a heavy growth of ivy. While the gardens are fully open to the public, the house itself remains a private home.

Films and literature In Joe Wright’s film adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel Pride and Prejudice, Groombridge is featured as Longbourn Manor - home to the Bennet family. The 1982 Peter Greenaway film, The Draughtsman’s Contract, was shot in the formal gardens and maze. Groombridge was also used as a location in the 2009 BBC production of The Day of the Triffids. Groombridge Place is the model for Birlstone Manor, the setting for the first part of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel The Valley of Fear.

Events Wild Adventures Week in the Enchanted Forest 12th - 18th February This February half term, there is lots to see and do at Groombridge Place; including den building, wildlife crafts, building a bug hotel and potting a plant to take home. There will also be garden talks, storytelling and mud pie making.

Mother’s Day Family Fun 11th March 2018 There will be face painting, crafts, bouncy castles, live music and a free gift for all the lovely Mums.

Alice’s Circus Adventures 30th March - 15th April Lewis Carroll’s Alice returns to Groombridge Place this Easter. Meet the Mad Hatter,

the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat – not forgetting the forgetful White Rabbit.

Audiences of all ages can enjoy watching the characters do their circus tricks high up on the Aerial Hoop and Aerial Trapeze in the forest, and join the Mad Hatter for fun-filled craft activities.

Pirates and Plunder 5th - 7th May Ahoy there! There will be storytelling, a pirate sing-along, crafts, a bouncy castle and lots more to see and do.

Fairytales and Fables 26th May - 3rd June Listen to the story of Hansel and Gretel and discover the fairytales and fables of Groombridge Place, plus craft activities, storytelling and shows.

Medieval Re-enactment weekend 23rd - 24th June Find out what life was like in Medieval times, meet the villagers in the living history village and watch the archers, men at arms and the mighty trebuchet. The Medieval Siege Society will be creating a fun, action-packed weekend.

Booking Book any event online & save 10% http://thelittleboxoffice.com/groombridge Contact Groombridge Place Groombridge Hill, Groombridge Tunbridge Wells, TN3 9QG T. 01892 86144 www.groombridgeplace.com Special Days Out

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Spotlight Events Half-term Activities at the Observatory Science Centre Monday 12th February to Sunday 18th February During Feb

Winter Walks at Nymans Throughout February Snowdrops elegantly carpet the lawn in the wall garden during February and into March, followed by the lesser-known snowflake. You can spot clutches of the delicate emblem of spring dotted all around the garden this month.

In addition to the interactive hands-on exhibits, there will be daily telescope tours and spectacular science shows (times may vary), included in the admission price.

Also running, will be ‘Fun with Chemistry’ children’s workshops on February 13th and 14th. With a combination of cool experiments and lots of fun, these are for children aged 6 to 8 years, 10.30am – 1pm. Cost: £12.50 per child.

Mon 12 to Sun 18 Feb

For older children, aged 9 to 11 years, we will be running a ‘Discover Chemistry’ workshop on February 15th, 10.30am – 1pm. Cost: £12.50 per child.

The cost of the workshop does not include entry into The Centre. However, you can purchase admission at the time of the workshop booking at a special reduced rate of £5.00 per person Booking is essential for all workshops.

01323 832731 - www.the-observatory.org The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux, BN27 1RN

Nymans, Handcross, RH17 6EB www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans 01444 405254

Firewalk in Aid of St Peter & St James Hospice

Spectacular hands-on science and discovery among the domes and telescopes of a world famous astronomical observatory.

Thursday 8th March, from 6pm With your heart and soles, conquer the coals and raise funds for St Peter & St James Hospice. This hot event is taking place at Plumpton Racecourse (BN7 3AL).

Enjoy an interactive seminar before facing your fears and taking a daring dash across burning coals. Bring friends and family to cheer you on for an evening filled with fun, fire and inspiration!

Delicious food and drinks will be available to purchase, as well as some hospice stalls to browse.

Entry is just £25 per person with a promise to raise £100+ in sponsorship for the hospice. Registration will be between 6-6.45pm.

Find out more and register: www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk / 01444 471598

Thur 8 Mar

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Half Term Design Workshops by Weald Technology Monday 12th to Friday 16th February CAD Design and Printing Workshops are running in Bexhill (12th and 13th Feb) and Brighton (14th and 16th Feb) during half term by Weald Technology Ltd. The 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D printing workshops enable

Mon 12 to Fri 16 Feb

students to get straight into modelling parts in 3D, and see a demonstration of how quick and easy it is to print in plastic.

CAD and 3D printing skills are in great demand in engineering businesses, and great fun for anyone that enjoys design, engineering, or crafts. Weald Technology Ltd are designers of sustainable transport and split their time between industry-led research and teaching design and engineering.

Cost: £35 pp for a 3hr workshop For more info or to book a place call Phil on 01825 761890 or email: education@ weald-tech.co.uk www.weald-tech.co.uk Magnet February 2018

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Eastbourne Music & Arts Festival Thur 22 Feb

Friday 9th to Sunday 18th February, 9am to 9pm each day Amazing talent can be found during the ten days of the Festival. Whether in Music, Drama, Speech, Singing or Dancing, they’re all to be found as part of this competitive event. Founded in 1961, the Festival aims to help promote and encourage the study and practice of the Arts.

Whether it’s simply ‘performing for pleasure’ or burning ambition, the Festival showcases the best of local talent and being part of the audience is very special.

Programmes can be purchased from the Tourist Information Centre and Bonners in Eastbourne.

Tickets: per Session £4 Adult / £3 Child/ OAP available on the door (cash only) www.eastbournemusicandartsfestival.org Events take place at The Causeway School, Larkspur Drive, Eastbourne, BN23 8EJ

Fri 9 to Sun 18 Feb

Women’s Wellness Event at Darcey, Lewes 14th Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition Thursday 22nd February to Saturday 3rd March One hundred and sixty entries from thirty-five countries worldwide were received from brilliant young pianists aged from sixteen to thirty - all hoping to be in the final forty-four invited to play live in this competition, taking place at The White

Rock Theatre in Hastings.

Once again this year, the six contestants who make it to the final which is held over the last two-evenings, will have the chance to play with one of the world’s greatest orchestras, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Plus this gives a great opportunity to launch their international career. Not many other competitions can offer that!

Tickets from: www.HIPCC.co.uk Thur 22 box office 01424 462288 Feb to Sat White Rock Theatre, Hastings www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk 3 Mar

National Garden Scheme Hellebores and Snowdrops at Pembury House

Thursday 22 February, 9.30am – 5.30pm Brighten up dreary February and visit Darcey in Lewes for this ‘feel good’ event - have a browse, enjoy a glass of fizz or organic juices and take away a goody bag!

Darcey are getting ready for Spring with a day of wellness treats and pampering! Pop in to see Fiona Whitfield, a Women’s Wellness Coach for advice on how to ‘Treat Yourself Well’; Michelle Pearce, a Therapeutic Masseur who will be giving free mini massages, and Alison Casserly who makes pure and organic skin creams and serums to enhance holistic health.

Plus you can kickstart your spring wardrobe with 15% off all Darcey purchases on the day!

11 Cliffe High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AH www.darcey.co.uk - 01273 474667

During Feb & Mar

Throughout February and March Depending on the vagaries of the season, hellebores and snowdrops are at their best in last 2 weeks of Feb and early March. In this country garden, winding paths give a choice of walks through 2 acres of owner-

maintained garden with views of the Sussex Downs National Park. Wellies, macs and winter woolies advised!

Since the Bakers moved to Clayton some 34 years ago, they have been able to establish the garden so that it gives them pleasure throughout the seasons. The hellebores and snowdrops thrive under the woodland shade and then the ferns and shade loving plants take over. There are lots of benches to relax on and enjoy the views.

Open by appointment and arrangement for groups of 10-30, but individuals can be added to groups. Walking groups welcome too.

For more information: Nick & Jane Baker on 01273 842805 / jane.baker47@btinternet.com Pembury House, Ditchling Road (New Road), Clayton, Hassocks, BN6 9PH

Spotlight Events

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Theatre Spotlight THE HAWTH CRAWLEY

WHITE ROCK THEATRE - HASTINGS

The Kite Runner

Wed 28th March, 2pm & 7.30pm

Tuesday 20th to Saturday 24th February, 7.30pm (and 2.30pm, Saturday) “There is a way to be good again” Direct from the West End, this haunting tale of friendship follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.

Based on the bestselling novel, The Kite Runner begins in Afghanistan, a divided country on the verge of war where two childhood friends are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither boy can foresee the terrible incident which will shatter their lives forever.

Tickets: from £25.50 Box Office: 01293 553636 www.hawth.co.uk The Hawth, Hawth Ave, Crawley, RH10 6YZ

Teechers Blackeyed Theatre revives its highlyacclaimed production of John Godber’s classic comedy about life at a struggling ‘sink school’ for Mr Nixon, an unsuspecting new drama teacher. Featuring breathtaking ensemble performances and a bang-up-to-date soundtrack, Teechers brings to life an array of terrifying teachers and hopeless pupils through the unique eyes of Salty, Gail and Hobby; three Year 11 students about to leave school for good.

Crammed full of unforgettable characters, political left-hooks and razor-sharp comedy

Tickets: from £19.50 special rate for school groups Box Office: 01424 462288 www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk White Rock Theatre, White Rock, Hastings, TN34 1JX

THE CIVIC CENTRE - UCKFIELD

ABBA Fever Saturday 10 March, 7.30pm A five-piece live band with five-part harmonies. The show transports you back to the 70s through the biggest hits of the world’s favourite band. Live vocals, stunning musicianship, authentic costumes and exciting choreography all contribute to a spectacular show which gets audiences to their feet night after night.

Tickets: £15 (Concessions £14) Box Office: 01825 769694 www.uckfieldciviccentre.com Civic Centre, Civic Approach, Uckfield, TN22 1AE

DEVONSHIRE PARK THEATRE - EASTBOURNE

The Tucker Show Saturday 24th February, 7.45pm The last few seats remain for a night with Eastbourne’s own favourite resident comic and panto star Tucker who brings his show to Eastbourne in a night which promises to be packed with laughter, song and magic.

Tucker hosts and stars with supporting artistes comedian Jack Glanville and “The Conjurer” Matthew Pomeroy in a fast paced ‘Extra Big Night

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Theatre Spotlight

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Out’, together with a Live Band.

Tucker is a firm favourite with the theatre goers of Eastbourne after starring in the last six Devonshire Park pantomimes. Naturally funny, his comedy comes from real life events and observations and with a gift for great gag writing he ensures his audiences can relate to him.

Tickets: £20 Box Office: 01323 412000 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne.

Magnet February 2018

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Theatres

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Puzzles

just for fun!

SUDOKU

KAKURO

QUICK CROSSWORD

CROSS CODE

A simple process of logic is all that it takes to solve each puzzle in this game. Put the numbers 1 to 9 in each vertical column and each horizontal line. Each number must appear only once in each column and line and in each of the 3x3 boxes in the grid.

CLUES ACROSS

1. Notice of death (8) 6. Renown (4) 8. Reverence (3) 9. Monarch’s attendant (8) 10. Shade (4) 12. Young female horse (5) 14. Uplift (5) 17. Sudden attack (4) 18. Poor quality verse (8) 20. Slaughter (8) 24. Feel concern (4) 25. Come in (5) 26. Tale (5) 29. Unfortunately (4) 30. Women’s underwear (8) 31. In the past (3) 32. Forehead (4) 33. Over-confident (8)

CLUES DOWN

2. Powerful stroke (4) 3. Passionate (6) 4. Abroad (6) 5. Thread (4) 6. Physical condition (6) 7. Sixty seconds (6) 11. Dirt (5) 12. Initial (5) 13. Belonging to you (5) 14. Ovum (3) 15. Imposing display (5) 16. Senior (5) 19. Pitch (3) 21. Deer’s horn (6) 22. Playground item (6) 23. Concerning nations or races (6) 24. Crawls (6) 27. Alliance of countries (4) 28. Row (4)

Kakuro puzzles resemble crosswords which use numbers instead of words. The aim of the game is to fill all the blank squares in the grid with only the numbers 1-9 so that the numbers you enter add up to the corresponding clues. When the grid is filled, the puzzle is complete.

Each number in the grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid.

Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

The solutions for last month's puzzles are on p.82 48

Puzzles

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Magnet February 2018

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30/01/2018 19:30

Wedding Services

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” Mignon McLaughlin

Ashdown Events Based near Haywards Heath, Ashdown Events have been established for more than 20 years and provide a reliable and professional venue decoration service throughout the South East.

Catering to all budgets and styles Ashdown Events can supply flowers, including bridal and reception flowers, chair covers, backdrops and draping, balloons, themed props and wedding accessories. A free consultation is available by appointment. www.ashdownevents.co.uk 01444 616 090

Asprey & Noble Wedding Photography The aim of Asprey & Noble is to capture your special day in a way that lovingly preserves the excitement and romance of one of the best days of your life.

Based in the South East, they’ll be happy to travel to you, wherever your wedding may be. Providing friendly and approachable communication ensuring the perfect photographic journey of

Wedding Services

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www.aspreyandnoble.co.uk 0790 155 5465 0790 317 0782

Barnsgate Manor Barnsgate Manor have established themselves as a hugely popular wedding venue. With a peaceful and romantic setting, they offer wonderful facilities in beautiful surroundings with spectacular views over the open countryside to the South Downs in the distance, making it the perfect location for wedding receptions and civil ceremonies.

Able to cater for up to 200 guests, all wedding parties can be assured of a warm and friendly welcome, professional

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your day and a beautiful record of your wedding without impinging on the course of proceedings.

Contact St John Asprey or Laurie Noble to discuss your requirements.

service, excellent food and fine wines. The attention to detail will make everyone feel relaxed and special.

To discuss the requirements for your bespoke wedding, Barnsgate Manor welcome your call, or message through their website.

Barnsgate Manor, Herons Ghyll, Uckfield, TN22 4DB www.barnsgate.co.uk 01825 713 366 Magnet February 2018

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Champagne & Caviar With over 25 years’ experience of weddings and buffets, private and corporate dinners and canapé parties, Champagne & Caviar have catered in many different venues in the South East including Glyndebourne and Goodwood.

Priding themselves on creative quality menus and providing a friendly and professional approach. Champagne and Caviar enjoy the challenges of new ideas and menus, and work hard to meet any of the requests an event might require.

Kerridges Yard, George Street, Hailsham, BN27 1AE www.champcav.com 01323 440 455

Chiddingstone Castle Nestled in rolling countryside, Chiddingstone Castle is one of Kent’s finest historic houses and wedding venues set in 35 acres of grounds.

Lead your guests through the village gates to the Tudor High Street and St Mary’s church, or stay on site for a civil ceremony in the Victorian Orangery or castle rooms.

Offering exclusive use of the castle and its grounds; providing privacy and freedom. Enjoy a relaxed alternative celebration or a more traditional ceremony and reception; the wedding team delight

in helping you to realise your ideas.

The appointed caterers design your menu and serve your drinks throughout the day and evening without a corkage fee.

Visit Chiddingstone Castle’s Wedding Fair on Sunday 18th March, from 11am to 3pm.

Hill Hoath Road, Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, TN8 7AD www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk 01892 872 744

Coles Menswear & Wedding Hire Specialists Supplying quality clothing in Uckfield for many years, Coles offers a traditional service with modern clothing.

Highly professional, their knowledge extends to their hire department for both wedding and evening functions, where you can choose from the extensive range

Gale & Woolgar Visit Gale & Woolgar for a wide range of contemporary and traditional jewellery, including engagement and wedding rings and a range of beautiful gifts for Valentine’s Day. Polite and professional service from a well-established company in Uckfield that also offers watch, clock and jewellery repairs.

47 High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1AJ 01825 762 831

of styles and colours. The friendly staff are always on hand to give experienced advice for any special occasion.

132 High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1RA www.coles-menswear.co.uk 01825 762 156

Herstmonceux Castle The perfect fairytale wedding venue!

The castle has many beautiful rooms, ranging from an intimate rustic room with open fireplace to a magnificent ballroom for a reception to remember; all supported by their excellent catering team.

You can enjoy acres of parkland, carefully maintained lawns and formal period gardens, as well as an enclosed courtyard and bridge entrance over the moat.

On-site accommodation is available (subject to availability); where else would you have the chance to stay in a castle for your first night!

The team work directly with you to ensure your day runs smoothly, and to the highest possible standard. They look forward to welcoming you!

Wartling Road, Herstmonceux, BN27 1RN www.herstmonceux-castle.com 01323 833 816

Luxury Leisure Lodges at Golden Cross Park If you need quality accommodation to suit friends and families who are visiting from further afield, these luxury lodges at Golden Cross Park are ideal. These two bedroomed lodges, most with private hot tubs, offer a luxury home from home for wedding guests. There’s also a private one-bedroom honeymoon cottage, if you’re after somewhere for your wedding night!

Golden Cross Park, Golden Cross, BN27 4AW www.osbornleisurelodges.co.uk 01825 732 617 Wedding Services

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Salomons Estate Celebrate your dream wedding at a picturesque venue that retains all the magic and romance of a bygone era.

With its elegant Grade II listed Victorian mansion, 36 acres of beautiful gardens which are home to rustic woods, parkland and a tranquil lake, Salomons Estate provides the perfect backdrop is for your special day.

From the moment you drive down the stunning driveway through the picturesque grounds, you will be charmed by the views that could be the perfect backdrop for your special day.

Benefiting from the services of a specially assigned wedding host, couples will have all the help needed to plan their day.

There are three stunning function rooms to choose from, which can cater for both intimate and larger wedding parties.

All spaces maintain the romantic and characteristic features of the Estate and allow you and your guests to enjoy the breathtaking views which surround you.

Broomhill Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN3 0TG www.salomons-estate.com 01892 515 152

Luxury Wedding Show Elegant, Stylish & Exclusive …

A visit to the Luxury Wedding Show is a must for all those planning that perfect wedding. Whether you’re looking for a traditional wedding or are a modern bride seeking more of a contemporary affair, the Luxury Wedding Show is the event for you; a unique and glamorous experience with plenty of ideas to help plan your perfect day. Designed to be fun and inspiring the Luxury Wedding Show is a must-visit day out for the whole wedding party.

MAGNET are offering you FREE entry to both Luxury Wedding Shows PLUS a chance to WIN Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Grand Hotel and Ashdown Park Hotel, but you must attend the show to win.

The Grand Hotel, King Edwards Parade, Eastbourne, BN21 4EQ Sunday 4th March, 11am-3pm £5 per person on the day – FREE if you pre-register using MAGNET via the website Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, Wych Cross, RH18 5JR Sunday 18th March, 11am-3pm £5 per person on the day – free if you pre-register using MAGNET via the website www.luxuryweddingshow.co.uk 020 8426 2107

Saltcote Place in Rye Offering exclusive use, Saltcote Place is an intimate family venue. You have a vision, and they believe that you deserve a venue that shares your excitement. The day is yours: your preferred band can play until late and if you want fireworks then go for it!

Remaining a private country home, Saltcote Place will be yours for the entirety.

Saltcote Place, Saltcote Lane, Playden, Rye, TN31 7NR www.saltcoteweddings.co.uk 01797 222 220

Wellshurst Golf Club Offering a bespoke service for your special day, Wellshurst Golf Club is licenced for Civil Ceremonies and can help plan your day from beginning to end.

Offering a delicious menu with a comprehensive wine list, why not pay them a visit on their open day - Sunday 8th April, 10am-3pm or call to arrange a private visit?

North Street, Hellingly, BN27 4EE www.wellshurst.com 01435 813 636 52

Wedding Services

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Saltcote Place, Rye

9ct and 18ct Gold

Engagement & Wedding Rings

&

Beautiful

Gifts for Valentine's Day

GALE & WOOLGAR WAT C H M A K E R S A N D J E W E L L E R S

SaltcoteWeddings.co.uk

tel: 01797 222220

celebrate@saltcote.co.uk

ASHDOWN EVENTS Venue decoration for weddings, parties and corporate events

47 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 1AJ

01825 762831

Osborn Leisure Lodges Golden Cross Park

Chiddingly, East Sussex BN27 4AW

LUXURY HOLIDAY LODGES Ideal Wedding Accommodation for Family and Friends.

Perfect for Bridal Preparation Nights or Wedding Night Stays * Deluxe 2 Bedroom Lodges most with Private Hot Tub * Luxury Roll Top Baths * En-Suite Walk-in Shower Rooms

FLOWERS • CHAIR COVER HIRE • BALLOONS CENTERPIECES • DRAPES AND LIGHTS

01444 616090 www.ashdownevents.co.uk

Gated Park in central East Sussex location – 10 mins to beach & nearby towns

Also Available:

PRIVATE 1 BEDROOM ‘HONEYMOON’ COTTAGE

‘Golden Cross Park Lodges are an ideal place to stay – offering luxury home from home accommodation for couples and families’ Review in Magnet – Feb 17

BOOKING ONLINE

www.goldencrosspark.co.uk or call 01825 732617 Wedding Services

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Wedding Services Guide

Company

Telephone

Website

BRIDAL GOWNS

Love Me Do Gowns

0759 387 7140

www.lovemedogowns.co.uk

CATERING

Champagne & Caviar Indulgent Ice Creams

01323 440 455 0771 820 0970

www.champcav.com www.indulgenticecreams.co.uk

JEWELLERS

Gale & Woolgar

01825 762 831

47 High St, Uckfield TN22 1AJ

MENSWEAR / HIRE

Coles

01825 762 156

www.coles-menswear.co.uk

MUSIC

Harpist for all Occasions

01342 810 6641

www.harpmusic.co.uk

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Asprey & Noble

07901 555 465

www.aspreyandnoble.co.uk

SPECIALIST CLEANING

Sarah Lacey Dry Cleaning

01444 416 644

www.sarahlacey-drycleaning.co.uk

TRANSPORT

Falcon Wedding Cars

07718 200 970

www.falconweddingcars.co.uk

VENUE DÉCOR

Ashdown Events

01444 616 090

www.ashdownevents.co.uk

VENUES

Barnsgate Manor Chiddingstone Castle Herstmonceux Castle Salomons Estate Saltcote Place Sussex Barn Wellshurst Golf Club

01825 713 366 01892 872 744 01323 833 816 01892 515 152 01797 222 220 07532 005 773 01435 813 636

www.barnsgate.co.uk www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk www.herstmonceux-castle.com www.salomons-estate.com www.saltcoteweddings.co.uk www.weddingbarn-hellingly.co.uk www.wellshurst.com

Wedding Fairs Sunday 18th February

Ardingly College Wedding and Catwalk Show

by Empirical Events

www.empiricalevents.co.uk / 01424 310 580

Sunday 25th February

Michelham Priory Wedding Fair

www.sussexpast.co.uk / 01323 844 244

Sunday 4th March

The Grand Hotel – Eastbourne, Luxury Wedding Show

www.luxuryweddingshow.com / 020 8426 2107

Friday 9th March

The Ravenswood Evening Wedding Showcase & Catwalk

www.empiricalevents.co.uk / 01424 310 580

Sunday 18th March

Ashdown Park Hotel, Luxury Wedding Show

www.luxuryweddingshow.com / 020 8426 2107

Sunday 18th March

All Saints Chapel Spring Wedding Fair, Eastbourne

www.empiricalevents.co.uk / 01424 310 580

Sunday 18th March

Chiddingstone Castle Wedding Fair

www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk / 01892 872 744

Sunday 25th March

East Sussex National Pring Wedding Fair

www.empiricalevents.co.uk / 01424 310 580

Sunday 15th April

Copthorne Hotel Gatwick Spring Wedding Fair

www.empiricalevents.co.uk / 01424 310 580

Sunday 6th May

The Ravenswood Spring Wedding Fair

www.empiricalevents.co.uk / 01424 310 580

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Magnet February 2018

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Looking for a quality caterer for your event?

Champagne & Caviar QUALITY CATERERS

R

◆

Providing fresh locally-sourced food for your special day ◆ Excel in both traditional and contemporary hospitality ◆ Range of delicious cuisine is broad and varied ◆ Friendly service and professionalism required to make the day run smoothly.

Call Katherine to discuss on 01323 440455 www.champcav.com

Beautiful and timeless images for you to enjoy Forever Tel: 07901 555465

Tel: 07903 170782

enquiries@aspreyandnoble.co.uk www.aspreyandnoble.co.uk

est 1986

(Hailsham BN27 1AE)

Wedding Showcase at Wellshurst Golf Club Sunday 8th April 10am – 3pm

Free Admission

The Perfect Place

For A Perfect Day Licensed for Civil Ceremonies Wedding Receptions and Evening Buffets Delicious Food with a Comprehensive Wine List WELLSHURST GOLF CLUB North Street, Hellingly BN27 4EE 014 35 813 63 6

www.wellshurst.com

Wedding Services

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Wedding Services

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pegs

Love Lingerie February is the month for romance!

01

02

Celebrate Valentine’s Day by treating yourself or the one you love with some lovely lingerie.

With so much choice available right now there is something for everyone to express their sensual side – why not indulge?

Moonlight Wine Plunge Basque Set £39.99 LOVEHONEY - www.lovehoney.co.uk

03

05

01. Dita Von Teese Bra £60.00 / Briefs £35.00 FIGLEAVES – www.figleaves.com 02. Red & White Lace Lingerie Set Bra £9.00 / Briefs £4.50 Asda Stores Stocking George Clothing www.direct.asda.com/george 03. Myleene Klass Lace Up Basque £45.00 MYLEENE KLASS at LITTLEWOODS www.littlewoods.com

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04. Autograph Bra £18.00 / Briefs £10.00 MARKS & SPENCER www.marksandspencer.com 05. Top £28.00 / Brazilian £14.50 REGER by JANET REGER at DEBENHAMS - www.debenhams.com

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Fashion

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Magnet February 2018

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Non-Underwired Lace Body Shaper £19.00 LA REDOUTE www.laredoute.co.uk

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07

08

09 10

11 Broderie Anglaise Lingerie £15.00 TESCO Stores Stocking F&F Clothing www.tesco.com/direct/clothing 06. Jaynette Wrap £45.00 LIPSY at NEXT - www.next.co.uk 07. Opal Lace Set £45.00 BOUX AVENUE - www.bouxavenue.com

Entice Set £50.00 FIGLEAVES www.figleaves.com

08. B by Ted Baker Bra & Briefs Set £42.00 TED BAKER at DEBENHAMS www.debenhams.com 09. Body Shaper £28.00

REGER by JANET REGER at DEBENHAMS - www.debenhams.com

10. Treasure Me Red

Underwired Chemise Set £34.99 LOVEHONEY - www.lovehoney.co.uk

11. Black & White Lace Lingerie Set

Bra £7.00 / Briefs £4.50 Asda Stores Stocking George Clothing www.direct.asda.com/george

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31/01/2018 18:32

Menswear & Wedding Hire Specialists

Be ‘Eye-Catching’ Enhance your Eyes and Facial Features with Perfect Eyebrows…

This seven-stage process will give you a totally new definition in eyebrow shaping at a very affordable price.

Formal Suit Hire for Men and Boys Classic and Contemporary Collections

Call HD Brow technician Lisa

132 HIGH STREET, UCKFIELD, EAST SUSSEX TN22 1RA

01892 610 658 07767 444 994

01825 762156

www.coles-menswear.co.uk

www.LisaLewin.co.uk

Women’s Wellness Event at

LEWES

Thursday 22 February from 9.30am – 5.30pm Free fizz, organic juices & goody bags Come and pamper yourself with handmade organic skincare products, a free mini massage and advice from a Women’s Wellbeing Coach.

And kickstart your spring wardrobe with 15% off all Darcey purchases!

11 Cliffe High Street • Lewes • East Sussex • BN7 2AH 01273 474667 www.darcey.co.uk • shop@darcey.co.uk

Fashion & Beauty

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...and another thing!

By Paula Menso Illustrations by Sally Greenfield

y Norm is a bit of a gadget man. There’s nothing he likes better than new technology and he’s always up with the latest trends. The current one involves having an Echo in each room, and I’m not talking about the kind experienced in the caves at Wookey Hole, but a voice activated digital assistant. This means that hitherto simple tasks, like turning on a light with a simple switch and an instantaneous result, now involve a little conversation. Alexa, Echo’s sister, controls the radio, so if she’s not in the mood, I can’t have Radio Four for breakfast which ruins the start to my day. She also holds the shopping list close to her chest so that I can’t see what’s already on there. Norm enthusiastically pointed out that if I added items at home, he would pick them up on his phone at work before he did the shopping.

This sounds good in theory, but his supermarket of choice has poor wi-fi so he can’t access new items on the list when he’s there. Not so good.

M

There’s nothing like being contradicted by electronic gadgetry in your own kitchen.

Whilst it does mean that I can operate the bedside lamp without fumbling for the switch in the dark, Alexa and her sisterhood generally don’t take much notice of me asking nicely. This gives Norm the opportunity to correct my command giving; he’s even given me a list of phrases suitable for eliciting the required response. On one occasion, frustrated by Alexa’s noncompliance, I shouted to Norm that Alexa wasn’t listening. She then piped up and told me she was! There’s nothing like being contradicted by electronic gadgetry in your own kitchen. Anyway, I suspect the reason Norm’s so keen is because he’s finally found a woman who listens to him, responds politely and generally does what she’s told!

A less conducive piece of technology was the drone that Norm got as a Christmas present. He seemed to struggle with mastering the controls so we had it flying like an inebriated sparrow around the house, crash landing into furniture. Whilst he might have harboured notions of skilfully piloting 64

... and another thing!

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it to take aerial photos of the house and garden, instead he’s going into work with plasters on his fingers where he accidentally flew it towards himself and had to fend it off with his hands.

Another recent purchase is a Smart watch. By this, I don’t mean a nice Rotary with a leather strap, but a mini hub of technology fastened to Norm’s wrist. One of the many things this gadget does is monitor Norm’s activities, prompting him to reach certain prescribed levels of movement to improve his fitness. If he’s snoozing on the sofa, it tells him he’s been sitting still for too long and he suddenly springs into life, jogging on the spot and waking the dog. It also shows him text messages which he can answer by talking, so I keep finding him huddled in the corner chatting to his wrist like an extra from Star Trek. Beam me up Scottie!

A less conducive piece of technology was the drone that Norm got as a Christmas present.

And another thing, is Norm the only man in the world with a torch obsession? He has the definitive collection with a torch for every occasion. The latest addition is a circular,

palm-sized camping light which he uses for nocturnal bathroom visits so he doesn’t wake the household by switching the lights on. It has a steady and flashing light setting, clearly useful if he has an emergency traversing the landing.

It also has a magnet to attach itself to metal surfaces or a hanging hook should you be challenged in the metal surfaces department. It even has a portal for charging your phone.

All it needs now is a connection with Alexa so he can talk to it in the dark, and his happiness will be complete!

Now I don’t want to appear to be a Luddite; there are some aspects of modern technology that I actively champion. Take sat nav, where would I be without it?

Actually, I’d be driving round in ever increasing circles, shaking my fist at the travel Gods and using language inappropriate for a woman of a certain age who works in a primary school. In years gone by, I would have apprehensively set out on an unfamiliar journey with a list of instructions taped to the dashboard, but now I just enter a post code and off I go, with Alexa’s predecessor directing me in modulated tones. True, she gets a bit hysterical if I ignore her advice, and she has led me down a few dead ends. She also occasionally has a nervous breakdown when doing a particularly complicated route, like driving into London, but then I just wing it and hope she recovers her composure before I deviate too dramatically and end up in Aberdeen.

And another thing, is Norm the only man in the world with a torch obsession?

I’m also a big fan of music streaming as it means that I can access obscure ‘Junior Choice’ favourites from my childhood such as Ernie, you know the one, who drove the fastest milk cart in the west, plus the greatest hits of the eighties, that pivotal decade in pop music’s development, without having to risk the blank looks and pitying stares of some gum-chewing adolescent in a music shop. All I’ve got to master now is getting Alexa to agree to play it for me on my command and I’ll be sorted. Technology, don’t you just love it!

Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 19:48

Barracloughs the Opticians welcome a new Manager to their Uckfield store A friendly nature and attention to detail are what makes Ginny Brush, the new Manager of Barracloughs, Uckfield a firm favourite with the locals.

W

ith over 35 years of optical experience behind her, you can be sure to receive the very best service when you visit. Barracloughs look forward to her being part of their team for many years to come! In her spare time, Ginny enjoys going to the gym, running and playing golf. She also likes baking and reading.

Barracloughs opened in Uckfield in May 2015 which was their seventh store at the time. In December of that year they opened their most recent store in

Cliffe High Street, Lewes. The family-run business prides themselves on offering a personal service to each and every customer who walks through the door, providing optical services using the latest technology to monitor the health of your eyes.

To learn more about Barracloughs the Opticians, drop by at their store in Uckfield, or any of their other locations in Lewes, Seaford, Polegate, Eastbourne, Bexhill, Battle and St. Leonards. Alternatively visit www.barracloughs.net.

Advertising Feature

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Walk of the Month The Iconic Cuckmere Haven The Facts Distance: 3 miles Terrain: Initially on paths next to the busy A259, and then broad and wide paths with a little bit of open cliff top and beach.

Starting point: Car park at the Seven Sisters Country Park Visitor Centre by the A259. There are car parks on both sides of the road. Please don’t park in the Cuckmere Inn’s private car park.

How to get there: The Visitor Centre is on the main A259 Seaford to Eastbourne Road a few miles east of Seaford and close to Exceat Bridge.

This is probably one of the simplest walks in the county.

It takes you down from the Seven Sisters Country Park to the sea at Cuckmere Haven, where you can admire one of the most famous views in the land.

The Walk 01. Start from the public car parks at the Seven Sisters Country Park. There are car parks on both sides of the main A259 road.

From the car park on the Visitor Centre side of the road turn right. From the car park on the ‘sea’ side of the road turn left. Keep on the slightly raised path on the left-hand side of the road. Just before the bridge you will need to cross the road where the path finishes. Then, outside the pub, you will need to re-cross the road into the pub car park.

02. Walk through the car park to the very end and go through the gate. Where you come to a crossroads of paths by an information board, go straight ahead through the gate. Follow the path right to the end where it opens out into a wide grassy area.

With the cottages in front of you, keep to the right-hand fence line. Walk up the hill past the small war memorial.

You are now on the slopes of Seaford Head.

As you look back down the hill you have one of the most iconic views in the entire country before you. The Seven Sisters are made from chalk that formed below the sea millions of years ago. The beach was a regular haunt for smugglers, hence the establishment of a permanent coastguard presence. The cottages were built as a coastguard station in the 1830s, the buildings were then well inland from the cliffs but erosion has brought them to the cliff edge.

03. There are plenty of benches dotted around so take a seat and drink in the view!

In due course the walk will take you back down onto the beach in front of you, but if 66

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Sat Nav BN25 4AD Map: OS Explorer 123 Eastbourne and Beachy Head Refreshments: The Cuckmere Inn (formerly the Golden Galleon) is at location at point 2 on the walk.

Dog friendly and open all day.

Tel - 01323 892 247.

you would like to visit a more secluded piece of seashore follow the footpath as it goes uphill immediately in front of the coastguard cottages and bear left following the cliff top.

A short distance later you will see Hope Gap in front of you, with access to the beach down a flight of steps.

04. Then retrace your steps to point 3, close to the cottages. Walk back down the hill, this time keeping straight ahead down onto the beach. On the left you will see a raised footpath on the same side of the river. Follow this footpath all the way back to the pub car park at point 2.

Although it looks like a river, you are actually walking alongside a canal. In 1846 the Cuckmere River was diverted into this straight channel to drain the adjacent floodplain. The original river still meanders down the valley in a series of spectacular loops on the other side of the valley floor.

In recent years the embankments of this Victorian channel have become increasingly unstable leading to a variety of controversial suggestions, including some to deliberately breach them. This would flood the adjacent wet grasslands and salt marshes and return the landscape to that of an estuary..

05. Once back at the Cuckmere Inn return along the road to the starting point.

Many thanks to Countryside Books for letting us publish their walks. We at Magnet haven’t completed this walk (yet!), and therefore can’t guarantee the effects of any factors outside of our control.

E.g.: weather, roadworks, signposts, etc.

East Sussex A Dog Walkers Guide is priced at £7.95 available from Countryside Books at www.countrysidebooks.co.uk or call 01635 43816. A 20% discount is available to Magnet readers on all walking and cycling titles published

by Countryside Books by using the code: WALKS20

Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 19:49

Eye Care Specialists at Crowborough Opticians A brand you can trust, staffed by Optometrists with passion and skill A family run independent Opticians with more than 47 years experience between Optometrists Matthew and Maria Smee

Maintaining healthy vision with an extensive range of eye care services

EYE TESTS

using the latest technology, including

ADVANCED RETINAL SCREENING (OCT).

Home visits available throughout Kent and Sussex.

N H S A N D P R I VAT E

Check out the new range of

EYEWEAR

– in store now!

Please call us or come in to book an appointment Hazelwood House, Croft Road, Crowborough TN6 1DL

01892 458901

w ww.c row borou g hopt i c i ans .co.u k

rowborough Opticians are an independent local optician, offering the best experience and knowledge of quality eye care by friendly highly qualified professionals. Optometrists Matthew and Maria Smee have been working in the industry for a combined total of over 47 years and are dedicated to providing a high level of customer service.

Offering an extensive range of frames, high Home quality lenses and access to visits the entire market of contact available lenses. There is a huge variety to suit all budgets and lifestyles, including renowned brands of frames such as Lindberg, Murano and Chloe plus many more.

With an easy to understand service, they want you to make informed decisions, and as dedicated professionals they will ensure you receive the best eye care possible. They are also able to offer home visits with their fully mobile eye assessment unit for those with mobility or age related issues.

C

To enjoy eye care that truly values you, contact 01892 458901 or visit the practice at: Hazelwood House, Croft Road, Crowborough TN6 1DL - www.crowboroughopticians.co.uk

Wellbeing

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A Short Story

Love Letters

by Elizabeth Kay

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hen Christopher met Jan he was just eighteen, and it was love at first sight. She was big and blonde, and although she had a laugh like a donkey he knew this was it. Forever. She wasn’t terribly good with money, but she quite liked watching football and going to the pub. He wanted to do something special for Valentine’s Day, so as well as buying her an Arsenal shirt he had his shoulder tattooed with her name. He could only afford the three letters after his other purchase, so there was no heart or fancy flourishes. But he thought she’d be pleased.

She was, and she laughed so much that the dog next door started howling. “I done the same,” she revealed eventually, rolling up her sleeve. “But I ran out of cash.”

“It’s the thought that counts,” said Christopher, wondering how his mates were going to react to him hanging out with a girl who had Christ in bright red letters on her arm.

They took the micky out of him, of course. And when they did it in front of her she head-butted his best friend Steve, and stormed off.

“Better off without her, mate,” said Steve as they left A&E, and the next time Christopher saw her she was arm in arm with a guy who had done time for GBH. He went off girls after that, and acquired a rescue dog instead. Rocky was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and although he had a torn ear and was blind in one eye he loved little kids and old ladies and was as soft as butter. He wasn’t exactly a chick magnet as he looked as mean as hell, so the girls gave him a wide berth. It was while Christopher was walking Rocky in the local park that he met Jane and her Cockapoo. She had no reservations about making a fuss over Rocky, and Christopher warmed to her instantly.

She was small and dark, and although her lisp made her hard to understand it was love, no doubt about it. He managed to keep his shoulder covered, but he knew this state of affairs couldn’t last forever. As Valentine’s

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Short Story

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day rolled around once more Christopher suddenly had a bright idea – he’d just get an extra letter from the tattoo parlour. Jan became Jane.

“Oh wow,” she enthused, “how thweet.”

And needless to say, Steve started to call him Thweetie Pie. Jane was not amused. Neither was her cockapoo, who bit Steve on the ankle. “Can’t trust a woman who thinks her dog is more important than her boyfriend,” said Steve as they left A&E. “Better off without her, mate.”

...as well as buying her an Arsenal shirt he had his shoulder tattooed with her name.

After that, Christopher decided to take up running instead of looking for love. The petite red-headed jogger who stopped to help him after he twisted his ankle had a squint, but she was a nurse and she insisted on helping him back to his flat. Everyone called her Flo, short for Florence Nightingale, and as one thing led to another Christopher became sure that this time, it was the real thing. He kept his shoulder out of sight, but it wasn’t a long-term solution. Valentine’s day loomed large again, and Christopher started to rack his brains for a suitable present.

The only one that sprang to mind was an engraved sphygmomanometer – but they were a bit out of his price range, and then it occurred to him that anyway, he didn’t know her real name. He peeked at her phone when she wasn’t watching.

Her name was Janet.

He couldn’t believe his luck. Just one more letter. This time he managed a heart, as well.

Flo was somewhat taken aback, as she’d just treated someone for an infection caused by a dodgy tattoo.

“Talking of which,” said Steve, “would you check out my tattoo, to make sure it’s ok?”

When she asked him where it was he bent over, so she whacked him where it hurt and that was that.

“Better off without her, mate,” said Steve, as they left A&E. “No sense of humour.”

“I’ve had it with women,” said Christopher. “I’m learning French instead.”

The teacher was a purple-haired poppet called Mademoiselle Janvier, who didn’t have any drawbacks at all. Consequently, Christopher felt far too intimidated to ask her out.

“No good would come of it,” said Steve darkly. “How much space have you got left on that shoulder? You could get the E and the T removed, and replace them with VIER.” “It’s her surname, not her first name, idiot,” said Christopher. “And it means January.”

“She’s probably frigid,” said Steve.

“Presumably she turned you down when you asked her out?”

“I haven’t asked her out. I’m sick of looking for excuses to cover up my shoulder.”

“Idiot,” said Steve.

As Valentine’s Day loomed once more, Christopher decided to get his tattoo removed altogether. As he waited his turn he overheard the laser technician say, “So many of my clients get themselves tattooed in a moment of madness with the name of their partner at the time. You’re not alone, Danielle.”

Christopher’s eyes widened in surprise when Mademoiselle Janvier emerged.

She stopped short when she saw him and said, “You too?”

Christopher nodded.

“We imbeciles should stick together,” she said. “How about dinner?”

She was asking him? Wow. This time, things were going to be different. Christopher grinned and said, “Oui.” Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 19:50

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Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 19:58

It’s all about Charity Wagging Tails celebrate the funding of Hearing Dog Puppy - Neve Local dog boarding company Wagging Tails are delighted to welcome the arrival of their very own Hearing Dog puppy, Neve, a gorgeous black Labrador.

Since they began working with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People in January 2014, Wagging Tails have helped to raise over £17,000 for the charity.

Local branch owner, Emily Deacon, is extremely proud of this achievement: “Hearing Dogs for Deaf People are such a fantastic charity to work with and we are incredibly proud to be in a position to fund the training of little Neve.

I would like to thank everyone who has made a contribution, we are truly grateful for your support. We are really looking forward to watching Neve’s development as she works through her training.”

Neve was born in October 2017 and she has just begun her training this January.

Wagging Tails is a home dog boarding business offering dog owners in the Brighton (BN) postcode area an alternative to traditional kennels by placing dogs in a family home for their holiday. www.waggingtailsuk.co.uk/bn Since launching in 1982 Hearing Dogs for Deaf People have become a world-leader in training hearing dogs to alert deaf recipients to important sounds and danger signals. www.hearingdogs.org.uk

Eastbourne Shopmobility Do you have a permanent or temporary disability?

Do you need help getting around the town of Eastbourne?

Eastbourne Shopmobility provides manual or powered wheelchairs and scooters to members of the public with limited mobility. They’re a registered charity, with the purpose of enabling customers with a disability to shop, enjoy facilities in the town centre and on the seafront. You do not have to be registered disabled or be in possession of a blue badge to use the scheme.

Wealden Talking News

From humble beginnings in 1993, the service has recruited a co-ordinator, been granted official shopmobility status, and become a registered charity.

The Eastbourne Arndale Centre still supports the scheme by providing free premises and the necessary services.

However, Shopmobility is now responsible for the purchasing and servicing of all equipment and day to day running costs.

Apart from the Co-ordinator, they rely entirely on volunteers for the running of the service. Customers pay a nominal fee for the use of the equipment, but they rely on donations to assist with the funding of the charity.

A lifeline to East Sussex’s blind and partially sighted, this weekly newspaper and monthly magazine on a memory stick is delivered weekly. Containing local news and articles, it’s recorded and sent out to enable the reader to browse it in the same way that a sighted person reads a paper. The service is provided totally free of charge.

Originally started in 1974, they now have nearly 200 clients receiving the paper on memory sticks and many more hearing it streamed every Friday night on their website.

Just over a year ago it was decided that it was necessary to replace and modernise the equipment and with grants and help from the Lottery Fund, plus discounted rates from local suppliers, they managed to raise the £15,000 needed. December 2017 saw their efforts unveiled at a launch party to show the new studio being formally opened by Wealden District Council’s Vice Chairman, Councillor Pam Doodes.

To keep the service running, it costs £10,000 a year. If you can help, contact the treasurer: treasurerwtn@gmail.com or 01435 862304 www.wealdentalkingnews.org.uk donations/

All donations, offers of voluntary help, and scooters and wheelchairs in good working order are gratefully received.

Eastbourne Shopmobility - 01323 439585 www.eastbourneshopmobility.org.uk The office is just outside the rear entrance doors of the Arndale Centre next to M&S, adjacent to the car park exit ramp.

It’s all about Charity

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Money Matters Digital & Crypto Currencies

We’ve all heard a little about bitcoin and crypto currencies in the last couple of years and it’s becoming increasingly important in the global economy. There are stories of people making millions from buying and selling bitcoin, but what is bitcoin, how does it work and should we all be investing in it.

What is bitcoin?

Bitcoin is a digital or crypto currency. It is created and held electronically and controlled by no one person or institution.

There are many different types of cryptocurrency in circulation however, bitcoin seems to be getting the most publicity, mainly due to the astronomical increases and decreases in value, making individuals and companies millions overnight.

The idea behind crypto currencies was to create a currency that was instantly electronically transferrable with very low transaction fees. The main advantage to the users of bitcoin is that it is a decentralised currency - no one institution controls it and no one’s money is under control of any bank.

Bitcoins are produced by computers across the globe, running software that solves mathematical problems in a process called mining. Once a problem is solved, a bitcoin is produced. You can use that bitcoin to buy things electronically, and increasingly shops and stores around the world are starting to accept it.

According to the Telegraph, ‘Google queries for “buy bitcoin” now surpass “buy gold” as the currency’s price has rose from under $1,000 (£742) at the start of 2017 to almost $20,000 in December.’

The main problem with bitcoin is its volatility. No one can predict the value of the currency and huge fortunes have been made and lost as the value swings first one way and then the next. The currency took a sharp hit just before Christmas, dropping almost 30 per cent from the heady $20,000 a few days before.

That’s OK if you are able to take a longer view or if you can afford to lose your investment, but increasingly, it appears that people are losing large sums speculating and there is concern

that bitcoin is a bubble which is about to burst – potentially catastrophically.

How do you buy bitcoin?

The first step is to set up a bitcoin wallet online to hold your bitcoins once you’ve bought them.

There are lots of companies offering bitcoin wallets, but the Telegraph lists Blockchain - https://blockchain.info/wallet and Coinbase - https://www.coinbase.com/ as being among the biggest and most popular.

The next step is to find a broker in much the same way as you would for buying and selling shares. You then put funds into their account using your credit card, or by way of a bank transfer and they send bitcoins to your wallet.

Like any currency exchange transaction, exchange rates and fees vary considerably – there is a website Bittybot which allows you to compare brokers and shows their trust ratings.

How does HMRC view trading in bitcoins?

If you are mining or creating bitcoins (which would require a supercomputer and a lot of processing), HMRC would probably view you as trading in currency and any profits you make would be taxed as if you were self-employed.

The same could possibly apply if you are buying and selling bitcoins on a regular basis.

If you buy some bitcoins and make a profit selling them in a year or two, you may find that you have a capital gain. This is not necessarily a problem as you should be able to use your annual exemption to offset against any gain. At the moment, the annual exemption limit is £11,300. Any gain over and above that will be taxed, probably at 20%. The gain is calculated as the proceeds or amount received less the amount you paid to buy them in the first place.

Obviously this is a pretty simplified overview. Each case is different and depends on all sorts of things including any other income and other gains you might have.

Money Matters is written by Melanie Richardson - Managing Partner Swindells LLP Chartered Accountants & Chartered Tax Advisers Tel: 01825 763366 As individual circumstances vary considerably from person to person, the views expressed in this article are meant only as a general guide, and any specific advice required should be sought from your own professional adviser or by contacting the writer at her place of work. No responsibility for loss resulting to any person acting as a result of any material in the above article can be accepted by the writer or Swindells LLP.

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Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 20:06

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Accounts – Tax Returns Management Advice Payroll Service Debt Management

Phone 01825 891034 for free consultation roger@languedoc.co.uk Unit C3, Bird in Eye Farm, Uckfield

Magnet Advertising Information Magnet is published once a month and is delivered or available monthly throughout Sussex and Kent.

Information on advertising may be obtained from:

Eastbourne Audi ✓ Major Service £338.00 inc VAT* ✓ Minor Service £170.00 inc VAT* ✓ Winter Check £19.95 with Free Gift ✓ Tyre price match kwik fit or 10% OFF RRP ✓ No Hidden Extras ✓ Factory Trained Technicians Opening Hours ✓ State-of-the-Art Diagnostics Equipment Mon & Tue, 7am - 6pm Wed 7am - 6:30pm** ✓ Loan Cars and Collection and Delivery Thu & Fri 7am - 6pm available Sat 8.30am - 1pm Sun: Aftersales Closed, ✓ While-you-wait Servicing from 7am Car Sales 10am - 4pm

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Magnet Media Limited, PO Box 287, Uckfield, TN22 9ED Tel: 0845 872 2885 magnet@magnetpublications.com TERMS & CONDITIONS: The opinions expressed in editorial matter are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher does not accept responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any information published in the magazine. Cancellation of advertisements must be sent in writing, a minimum of 15 days before copy date. The full amount will be charged, if this is not complied with.

The Advertiser / Advertising Agency agrees to indemnify the Publisher in respect of all costs, damages, or other charges falling upon the Magazine as the result of legal actions or threatened actions arising from the publication of advertisements including any third party costs.

The Publisher does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused by an error, inaccuracy or

omission in the printing of the advertisements or for any failure to publish an advertisement on the date specified by the Advertiser.

The Publisher reserves the right to increase advertisement rates at any time or to amend the terms of contract. Copy for the next issue must be sent, together with payment by Tuesday 13th February to the above address. If ICC is used to collect a debt, 10% + costs + VAT will be added. A charge for Artwork will be made, and no advertisement designed by Magnet Media Limited for publication in Magnet may be used in either promotional literature or other publications without this charge having been paid. A minimum £50 will be levied if this occurs.

Magnet is printed by Cliffe Enterprise, Eastbourne

Business Services

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Recipes For Romance Warm Surf & Turf

Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 15 minutes

Total time: 25 minutes Serves: 2

Ingredients 300g Miniature Potatoes, halved 75g Frozen Baby Broad Beans 1 tsp Olive Oil 200g British Beef Sirloin or Rump Steak, trimmed of fat Small Knob of Butter 1 Garlic Clove, crushed Large Pinch Crushed Chilli Flakes 150g Raw King Prawns 60g pack Watercress, Rocket & Spinach 1 tbsp Italian Balsamic & Olive Oil Dressing Method 1. Cook the potatoes in a large pan of boiling water for 4 minutes, then add the broad beans and cook for a further 3 minutes or until both vegetables are tender. Drain well.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and cook the steak for 2–3 minutes on each side until nicely browned but still a little pink in the centre. Transfer to a board and leave to rest.

3. Add the butter, garlic and chilli to the hot pan and cook for 1 minute.

Add the prawns and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are pink and cooked through.

4. Toss the potatoes, broad beans and salad leaves with the Italian dressing and divide between 2 serving plates. Slice the steak and arrange on the leaves with the cooked prawns and pan juices.

Serve warm.

Nutrition 2039kJ/487kcals/23.5g fat/9.3g saturated fat/28.9g carbohydrate/4.2g sugars/4.7g fibre/39.9g protein/1.1g salt per serving

Mocha Melting Middle Pudding

Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 25 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes Serves: 2

Ingredients 2 tbsp Cafédirect Machu Picchu Fairtrade Coffee 50g Unsalted Butter, plus extra for greasing 60g 70% Dark Chocolate, roughly chopped 1 Medium Free Range Egg, plus 1 egg yolk 60g Golden Caster Sugar 1 tbsp Plain Flour Half Fat Crème Fraîche, to serve Method 1. Preheat the oven to 200ºC, gas mark 6, and put a baking tray in the oven. Generously butter the insides of two 200ml pudding moulds.

Make up the coffee with 2 tbsp boiling water and leave to cool.

2. Put the butter and chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pan of gently simmering water. Stir occasionally, until melted, then remove from the heat and allow to cool.

3. Put the whole egg with the egg yolk and sugar in a bowl, and whisk together until just combined. Whisk in the flour. Mix the coffee into the melted chocolate and butter, and fold into the egg mixture.

Pour into the moulds, put them on the hot baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes until the puddings are well risen and coming away from the sides. Leave for 1 minute then run a round-bladed knife around the edge and turn them out onto plates. Serve with half fat crème fraîche.

Cook’s tip Prepare these up to a day ahead before you want to cook them. Make the mixture, fill the moulds, then cover with clingfilm and chill. Cook them for 20 minutes if you’re baking straight from the fridge.

Recipes supplied by Waitrose.com/recipes – For more than 4,000 dishes and ideas.

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Magnet February 2018

30/01/2018 20:09

The Dorset Arms Withyham

Rose Cottage Inn Alciston

East Sussex TN7 4BL 01892 770278 enquiries@dorset-arms.co.uk www.dorset-arms.co.uk The Earl De La Warr and family welcomes you to The Dorset Arms, part of the Buckhurst Estate. A traditional village pub offering an excellent dining experience, with locally-sourced produce, a summer garden and B&B accommodation.

Traditional ales and large wine cellar along with a variety of premium gins available.

CROSS IN HAND

★

HEATHFIELD

FREE FUNCTION ROOM FOR HIRE NEW MENU - SUNDAY ROAST 12 noon to 5pm on Sundays Special Menu Offers

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings

LIVE MUSIC MOST SATURDAYS Cross in Hand, Heathfield TN21 0SN 01435 865 449 Open: Mon - Thur 12-11pm, Fri-Sat 12-12pm, Sun 12-10.30pm

RE-OPENING

Tuesday 6th March

★

AFTER EXTENSION REFURBISHMENT A warm welcome awaits you from this traditional Sussex Country Pub in the cul-de-sac village of Alciston in the heart of the South Downs National Park.

01323 870377

www.therosecottageinn.com The Rose Cottage Inn, Alciston, Nr Polegate, East Sussex BN26 6UW

Book now for Valentine's

Yew Tree Inn ARLINGTON

Food served lunch and evening - Home Cooked Food - Log Fires - Freehouse - Real Ales

01323 870590 www.yewtree-inn.co.uk Food and Drink

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Guide to Local Events For What’s On listings we now offer a special reduced rate of £25.00 + VAT for a 1 column x 5cm display box advert with larger sizes also available. Please call the Sales Team on 0845 872 2885 for more details. Non-profit making charity events can still be listed free. Please supply details by email to magnet@magnetpublications.com marking it “What’s On Listing” before the 15th of each month prior to publication. Details listed will include date, time, venue and contact details. Please note distribution of Magnet can take up to a week.

February What’s On 9-18 Eastbourne Music and Arts Festival, The Causeway School, Larkspur Drive, Eastbourne BN23 8EJ – 9am-9pm – www.eastbournemusicandartsfestival.org 10-18 Brighton Science Festival, A programme packed with scientific magic. A week of workshops allowing young people to explore science concepts in greater depth – full programme from www.brightonscience.com 10

Village Hall Race Night at Bodle Street Green Village Hall, 7.00 for 7.30pm - Tickets at £10 available from Bryan Gibson (01323 833554) or Geoff Holt (01323 833343).

10-18 Living with Nature at Hever Castle, Edenbridge, TN8 7NG - Discover more about conservation and local wildlife with this half term event www.hevercastle.co.uk - 01732 865224 12 & 13 3D Engineering Design and 3D Printing Workshops for ages 13-16. 2–5pm at DV8 college in Bexhill. Call 01825 761890 or education@weald-tech.co.uk for details – www.weald-tech.co.uk/3d-cad 12-18 Half term Activities and Workshops - The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux www.the-observatory.org 01323 832731 13

T: 01825 763588

E: info@jgtheatreclub.co.uk

W: jgtheatreclub.co.uk 76

What’s On

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Sussex Wildlife Trust Brilliant Birds, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, 10am-12noon. Drop in at the Rye Harbour village car park – enjoy a morning making treats for your garden birds and spotting winter birds on the nature reserve.

No booking necessary, donations appreciated – www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk

Charity Number 306016

Magnet February 2018

31/01/2018 15:45

14

On the Way to the Wedding: The Journey of Love in Art – A talk with Alexandra Drysdale for Uckfield and Lewes Decorative & Fine Art Society at Uckfield Civic Centre 2pm for tea/coffee, 2.30 talk

14-16 3D Engineering Design and 3D Printing Workshops for ages 13-16. 2–5pm at BHASVIC, Brighton - Call 01825 761890 or education@weald-tech.co.uk for details – www.weald-tech.co.uk/3d-cad.html 17

RNLI Newhaven Quiz Night with Fish and Chips Supper Lifeboat House, Riverside, West Quay BN9 9BX from 7pm - Quiz Mistress Lyn Davies will be ready with the questions and always ensures good order! This increasingly popular evening requires teams of 4 at £8.50 per person, to include a delicious fish and chips supper. Booking essential and book early to avoid disappointment. Bring your own bott le, although refreshments available for a donation and a raffle - Contact Lyn: 01273 517488 or email: rnlinewhaven. society@hotmail.co.uk

17/18 West Hoathly Local History Archive, West Hoathly Village Hall. 10am – 5pm. Exhibition of photographs, maps, documents, artefacts and more. Come and browse, delve into your family history and maybe meet old friends & relations!

18

Ardingly College Wedding and Catwalk Show, College Road, Ardingly RH17 6SQ, 11am-3pm - Wedding showcase of over 40 exhibitors, free entry - www.empiricalevents.co.uk

19

Vitality Villages Coffee Morning at The Great Space, Herstmonceux Integrative Health Centre, Hailsham Road.

10am -12 noon - A talk and demonstration on Chinese Brush Painting together with quiz, healthy cakes and of course tea and coffee - Please come along and learn more about this art form.

ARE YOU SINGLE? One of the best family days out in Sussex!

“SULKY SERVICE”

10-18, 24-25 February & 3-4, 10-11 March 60 Years ago the Bluebell Line from East Grinstead to Lewes finally closed to passenger traffic.

To start this year’s Diamond Anniversary celebrations, during February and March trains will run to a timetable reflecting the one used by British Railways in 1958 which was known as the ‘Sulky Service’.

10 - 18 February

KIDS FOR A QUID! Special Offer - Children Travel for just £1 each on the ‘ Sulky Service’ Timetable

Tel: 01825 720800 info@bluebell-railway.co.uk The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station East Sussex TN22 3QL www.bluebell-railway.com Twitter@bluebellrailway facebook.com/bluebellrailway Bookings essential for some services. Please see website for details and T&Cs.

Yours Truly Introductions for People Living in Kent, Sussex and Surrey Aged 45 to 75 – Established 2004 A totally traditional matchmaking service run by Louisa Sheridan, (pictured), who has over 25 years experience in matchmaking, human resources, recruitment and counselling. During the last thirteen years she has created nearly two hundred weddings and numerous partnerships. * Personal interview with Louisa * Total Con�identiality * * Hand Picked Selections * Detailed Personal Pro�iles * * High Success Rate * Client Rapport and Feedback * * Dating Advice and Mentoring * Affordable Fees * If you are single, separated, divorced or widowed and would like a more traditional and personal approach to �inding a new partner, then put your faith in Louisa and take control of your future.

Contact Louisa Sheridan Tel: 01892 667750 www.yourstrulyintroductions.co.uk email: Louisa@yourstrulyintroductions.co.uk

What’s On

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WATERCOLOUR PAINTING Weekly Classes and One Day Workshops at Framfield and Forest Row with professional artist JOSEPHINE HUDSON

01435 867982 johudsonpaint@gmail.com

www.johudson.com

THE SIX BELLS - CHIDDINGLY Tue 6th - Folk & Blues Fri 9th - Full House Sat 10th - Snake Bite Sun 11th - Assorted Nuts ... ... ...

Fri 16th - Pearly Cubes Sat 17th - Dirty Shoes Sun 18th - Savannah ... ... ...

Tue 20th - Folk & Blues Fri 23rd - Far Cry Sat 24th - Replica Radio Sun 25th - Savannah ... ... ...

Fri 2nd March - Big Kahuna Sat 3rd - Paul & Paul Sat 4th - Assorted Nuts ... ... ...

Folk and Blues Club alternate Tuesdays.

Musicians bring your own instruments

Tel: 01825 872227

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www.6bellsfolk.co.uk

19

‘Winchelsea’s Poor’ Talk by Malcolm Pratt, St Saviour’s Hall, South Street, Eastbourne, BN21 4PA - 7.30pm. Visitors welcome - £2.00

19

“Through the Garden Gate” Illustrated talk by Irene Eltringham-Wilson, County Organiser of East Sussex National Garden Scheme at Heathfield Community Centre, Sheepsetting Lane, Heathfield, TN21 0XG - 7pm for 7.30 start. Organised by Heathfield & District Horticultural Society - www.heathfieldhorticultural.org.uk 01435 830725

21

‘Lion’ The Film Show at Wadhurst Community Cinema, The Commemoration Hall, 7.15pm - £5 on the door - 16’s or over only - www.wadhurstcommunitycinema.org

22

Women’s Wellness Event at Darcey, 11 Cliffe High Street, Lewes, BN7 2AH. 9.30am – 5.30pm. A day of wellness, treats and pampering with a free glass of fizz - www.darcey.co.uk - 01273 474667

22-3 March Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, White Rock Theatre. The final 44 young pianists compete from all over the world. www.HIPCC. co.uk - 01424 462288 24-4 March Rye Bay Scallop Week - Events include cookery schools and demonstrations, tasting events and live music – www.scallop.org.uk 24 Where the Wild Things Are - Making the most of nature and its textures. – A Watercolour Workshop contact Jo Hudson 01435 867982 / 07904771857 johudsonpaint@gmail.com 24 Penshurst Choral Society presents BEETHOVEN: Choral Fantasia, Piano Solo: Jong Gyung Park. DVORAK: Mass in D. Conductor: John Hargreaves with the PCS Sinfonia, at

Magnet February 2018

31/01/2018 11:03

Holmewood House School, Jubilee Theatre, Barrow Lane, Langton Green, TN3 0EB - 7.30pm. £15.00 (full price) or £7.50 (under 18’s) Family tickets available www.penshurstchoralsociety.co.uk 24 Book and Toy Sale, St. Barnabas Pastoral Centre, Worth Road, Pound Hill, Crawley, RH10 7EB. 10am- 11.45am Variety of excellent books and good quality toys. Free entry. All welcome 01293 883 362 25 Wedding Fair at Michelham Priory, Upper Dicker, Nr Hailsham, BN27 3QS. A chance to meet suppliers and visit this historic wedding venue. www.sussexpast.co.uk

March 4

Luxury Wedding Show, The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne BN21 4EQ – 11am-3pm – The opportunity to see the most unique collection of wedding suppliers - £5 on the day or free if you pre-register at www.luxuryweddingshow.co.uk

8

‘Spring Awakening’ Floral Demonstration by Christine Nash for Horam and Heathfield Flower Club at the Heathfield Community Centre, Sheepsett ing Lane, Heathfield. 7.30pm - Refreshments, raffle, sales table, all welcome! 01435 408605

8

Firewalk in aid of St Peter & St James Hospice, at Plumpton Racecourse, Plumpton BN7 3AL registration from 6pm. Face your fears and take a daring dash across burning coals! www.stpeter-stjames.org.uk 01444 471598

10

Mansion Market, Kidbrook Mansion, Priory Road, Forest Row, RH18 5JB. 11am–4pm Lively market including original clothing, crafts, arts and produce. All day café. Free admission. 01342 824944

Bodle Street Green Village Hall (Charity No. 227875)

Ideal for Weddings & Parties

Sat 10th March at Kidbrooke Mansion, Priory Rd, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JB

Lively market in a lovely country house set in beautiful grounds. Original clothing, crafts, arts, organic produce, puppet shows and musicians.

Free admission & Car parking 11-4

Beautiful views; Well-equipped kitchen; Outside terrace; Grass area suitable for marquees.

More information on our website:

www.bodlestreetvillagehall.org Contact Ros Billinghurst

07771 787800 / 01323 832062

Next date: 12th May 2018

Tel: 01342 824944 Charity no 307006

Wealden Do the best events and with over 80 attractions, a day might not be long enough!

www.wealdendo-sussex.co.uk Add your own event Free . . .

www.wealdendo-sussex.co.uk/add-your-event.aspx

What’s On

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A natural growth accelerator for plants and vegetables Puckamuck is a completely natural and organically sourced well-rotted horse manure.

• • •

Michael St ille r

PUCKAMUCK

Shred on site so easy to handle and spread.

Fully aged by us so ready to use straight away.

100% manure - no green waste, peat-free and no odour!

www.puckamuck.co.uk or call 07899676166

Excavations Ponds / Impact Moleing

Foundations Landscaping Drainage Clearance

01825 830438 07717 280358 Tinkers Lane Hadlow Down

Personal and efficient service

Peter Hanman (Tools)

Heathfield Market, Heathfield Workshop 01435 860760 • Mobile: 07966 176015 hanmanpete@gmail.com

Mon-Fri 10am-5pm (closed 1-2pm lunch) • Sat 10am-1pm • Closed Wed

HOME IMPROVEMENTS WINDOWS • DOORS • SOFFIT FASCIA • GUTTERING • CONSERVATORIES

For all ponds, terraces and associated landscaping Portfolio available

Bought & Sold

Also architectural ironmongery, including brass, locks, hinges, knobs, and handles

www.hanman-tools.co.uk

Puckamuck is a Registered Trademark.

Sussex Ponds & Gardens

OLD HAND TOOLS OF RURAL CRAFTS

Family run business in the trade for over 30 years

Telephone: Stephan Hurst 01825 872180 www.sussexpondsandgardens.co.uk

Problems with Water Supply or Disposal?

Nik Mobile: 07921 729495

Crystal Vision Ltd Drays House, Olives Yard, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1QP Tel: 01825 767624 Fax: 01825 767604

www.crystalvisionwindows.co.uk

Bespoke Hardwood and Wrought Iron

Gates and Railings

We have the technology and experience to solve it.

“Mechanical Mole” Pipe Laying, Septic Tanks and Sewage Treatment.

Stockists of Pumps, Pipes, Fittings and Drain Jetting.

Workshop facilities also available for service and repair of all types of plant and machinery.

BEENEY & CO LTD

Oakville Farm, Easons Green, Uckfield Tel: Halland (01825) 840276

W AT E R

A N D

D R A I N A G E

E N G I N E E R S

Kwik-Lawn Turf

SUPPLIERS OF TURF AND TOP-SOIL Various Grades of Turf • Laying Service Available Ground Clearance Undertaken • Bulk or Loose Soil Available • Turf Soil / Compost • Free quotations • Fast, efficient service with Prompt Delivery Competitive Rates • Visa & Mastercard Taken

Heathfield 01435 868833 / 07831 452084

• Full range of automation • Specialists in sliding gates • All work is completed in house from start to finish.

Spalding Enterprises Ltd Hailsham BN27 3JL T: 01323 847744 M: 0776 196 1545 www.woodbees.co.uk

DECORATING Interior / Exterior Painting • Paper Hanging FREE ESTIMATES & ADVICE WITHOUT OBLIGATION The Street, Framfield, East Sussex TN22 5NN

01825 891122

info@dftourle.co.uk

21 Cherwell Road, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8JT

Heathfield Hire SMALL PLANT & TOOL HIRE SALES & REPAIRS

01435 864 144 (Heathfield) 01580 753 183 (Hawkhurst)

Plant Hire

Tool Hire

Garden Machinery

From diggers to dumper trucks

From screwdrivers to wireless drills

From lawn mowers to shovels

Unit 1, Browning Rd. Station Road Industrial Estate, HEATHFIELD Highgate Hill, HAWKHURST - www.heathfieldhire.co.uk

Home and Garden Directory

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Est 1970

Superior Glass Ltd

Uckfield’s longest established glass & window company

01825 764766

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

80

D.F. TOURLE LTD

• Fascia, Soffits & Cladding • Glass cut to size.

• uPVC & Aluminium Windows, • Bi-Fold, Composite and Doors & Conservatories Garage Doors • Laminated & Toughened Glass 24 Hour Emergency COVERING KENT AND SUSSEX

Glass Repairs

Design House, Unit 1 Bell Lane, Bellbrook Industrial Estate, Uckfield TN22 1QL

FENSA

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Battle Mowers Ltd

Peter d’Aguilar

FURNITURE RESTORATION u u u u

Repairs and renovation French polishing 20 years’ experience Free estimates

THE ESSENCE OF FINE BRITISH LAWNS

01435 873298 07555 253432 peterdaguilar@talk21.com

For further information please phone 01424 773096 or email: battlemowers@btconnect.com www.battlemowers.co.uk Visit our showroom at The Granary, Station Rd, Battle. TN33 0DE

www.firstselectcleaning.co.uk

TILING / DECORATOR / HANDYMAN

INSTANTLY DRY SUPERIOR CARPET CLEANING

Many years experience in all aspects of work including:

WE ALSO OFFER A DRIVEWAY & PATIO PRESSURE WASHING SERVICE

ROOM RENOVATIONS / TILING / PLASTERING PAINTING & DECORATING / BATHROOM & KITCHEN FITTING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE GENERAL BUILDING WORK / PIPEWORK / PATIOS & PAVING

• NO SOGGY/WET CARPETS • NO HARMFUL CHEMICALS • READY TO WALK ON IMMEDIATELY • DEEP CLEANS AND LIFTS PILE Family run business covering residential and commercial properties in East Sussex.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE

01323 461938

Call Colin for Free quotations / References available

T: 01825 700812 eves 07960 249021 mobile

Tel: 07779 288896

V COTTINGHAM

All Property Repairs, Fencing, Gates, Hedges & Lawns, Roof Repairs 5* Rated on Rated People. Fully Insured. Reliable Domestic, Landlords, Commercial - Free No Obligation Quotes Given

CONTRACTORS WATER PIPE RENEWAL

No-mess pipelaying by mole or steerable drill, we can bore up to 100m at a time under your garden or driveway, without digging the surface.

Chain trenching for field water supplies. Troughs installed. Leaks fixed.

DRAINAGE / TREATMENT

Trouble with a soakaway or cesspool? Install a Mantair Conversion Unit into your existing tank and discharge clean water, for half the cost and none of the upheaval of other systems. Land drains, etc. Free advice.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

We provide a complete service to care for all of your garden needs * * * * * *

Regular maintenance One off visits Hedge cutting * Pruning Mowing * Lawn Care Garden Clearance Experienced & reliable

GARDEN SOLUTIONS PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

Contact Vince on 07702

T: 01825 872611 . www.nickcoleman.net . M: 07778 664466 MILL FARM . GOLDEN CROSS . HAILSHAM . EAST SUSSEX . BN27 3ST

We clean your oven... so you don’t have to.

Call today to have your oven, hob, extractor or Aga professionally cleaned Paul Gilbert Tel 01323 406386 Mob tel 07935 820251 www.ovenwizards.com

723493

E-mail: vince@vcottingham.co.uk

SPECIALISTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HEAT RETAINING LINER POOLS • Swimming Pool Installation • Repairs • Renovations • Maintenance New Liners, Heating, Filtration Comprehensive Experience Fully Insured and Guaranteed A friendly professional service Satisfaction Guaranteed

www.principools.com Telephone Neil Pearson : 01892 664004 Mobile : 07870 667932 Home and Garden Directory

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BUILDING CONTRACTORS With over 40 years of building experience

• Conversions • Extensions • New Builds • Refurbishments • Improvements Telephone: 01323 841532

Website: www.jhpayne.co.uk Email: enquiries@jhpayne.co.uk Bolneys Units, South Road, Hailsham BN27 3NU

• 24 Hour emergency service • Rewiring • Testing and inspections • New builds and extensions • Additional power and lighting • Emergency lighting and • Fuseboard upgrades fire detection Electrical installation, testing and maintenance Offices in Crowborough and Plumpton Green

GENERAL BUILDER / HANDYMAN Experienced in all aspects of building work including: EXTENSIONS, BRICKWORK, WALLS, PLASTERING, RE-POINTING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE / DECORATING CONSERVATORY AND STABLE BASES PATIOS AND PAVING, LANDSCAPING AND FENCING

Call Colin for Free quotations / References available

T: 01825 700812 eves 07960 249021 mobile

PUZZLE Solutions

Over 16 years’ experience RHS qualified designer BSC hons landscaper Fully insured.

From p56 of the January Issue

CROSSWORD

Design & Landscaping

www.limelandscapes.co.uk

hard and soft landscaping - garden design - turfing - fencing / decking tree / hedge work - patios / driveways - general garden works

SUDOKU

KAKURO

Please call now for a FREE quotation 01323 811834 / 07752 553939 jonny@limelandscapes.co.uk

LANDSCAPING & MAINTENANCE

Hedge Cutting | Grass Cutting | Garden Maintenance | Landscaping Fencing | Driveways | Turfing | Treework | Clearance

CROSS CODE

Reliable, Professional Local Service Fully Qualified and Insured w w w. k d g a r d e n s e r v i c e s . c o . u k

Dean – 07859 891188 | 01825 724490 dean@kdgardenservices.co.uk 82

Home and Garden Directory

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Swimming Pool & Hot Tub Services

Lady Decorator

~ All types of swimming pool repairs, leak detection, maintenance and refurbishments. ~ Hot Tub repairs, relocation, servicing, spare parts and new covers. ~ Hot Tubs on display and well stocked Pool Shop with free parking.

With over 30 years’ professional experience

• • • • •

Interior painting Paper hanging Special paint effects Furniture painting French polishing

Visit us at Blackbrooks Garden Centre (main A21) Sedlescombe, TN33 0RJ

01424 870505 www.1066pools.co.uk

Quality work and reliable service For free advice and estimate call Sue 07969 870889

Designdecoration@rocketmail.com

FOGGY2CLEAR Double Glazing Repair Specialist

Is your double glazing foggy? No need to replace the whole frame: we can save you money by replacing just the glass!

Year-round fittings, repairs and maintenance

• Misted windows (including Velux) • Window hinges, handles, mechanisms and trims • Replacement seals (gaskets) • Door hinges and locks • Door furniture (handles, spy holes, knockers, letterboxes etc) • Cat flaps *insured For a free, no-obligation quotation, call Chris: 01825 731825 or 07939 018849

ORCHARD FRAMING BESPOKE FRAMERS

LARGE SHOWROOM AND GALLERY OFFERING • Bespoke and Ready-made Framing • Hundreds of Mounts and Mouldings • Local Artists' Gallery and Mirrors • Textile, Tapestry and 3D Framing

Canvases, prints & original artwork for sale Vines Cross Road, Horam TN21 0HB . tel: 01435 812075 info@pictureframes.plus.com . www.orchardframing.co.uk Open: Tuesday - Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-4pm (Closed Monday) . Easy Parking

GRATE FIRES OF SUSSEX Installation and Servicing of gas and electric fires

www.gratefires.co.uk 01444 452626 info@gratefires.co.uk

Need a Local Solid Fuel Supplier ...

R.A. BLACKFORD

We stock:

Est 1936

Long Lasting Fuel for • • • •

Open Fires Multi-Fuel Stoves Solid Fuel Rayburns Aga’s and other Cooking Appliances • Seasoned & Kiln Dried Logs: Nets or Bulk

DELIVERED OR CASH & CARRY

www.rablackford.com

Just Off The A26 (Uck - Crow) The Coal Depot, Cobdown Lane Five Ash Down, Uckfield TN22 3AR

(01825) 732183

Home and Garden Directory

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