Sussex Living East March 2020

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! N E E ITI O FRT ED

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March 2020

HOME & GARDEN

PERFECTLY FLOORED

INTERVIEW

SIR IAN MCKELLEN

HISTORY

THE ANCIENT ORDER OF FROTH BLOWERS

UK TRAVEL

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N O I L T CACIA U E D E SP

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Inside...

Cover Stories

9 Sir Ian McKellen

A non-stop life on stage and screen 19 UK Travel

Discover what’s on your doorstep 39 Feeling Floored

Finding you the perfect flooring option 50 Get Prom Perfect

Embrace the bling for school leavers 62 The Ancient Order of Froth Blowers Perfect combo of charity, drinking and fun!

9

COVER PHOTO: JAN BEESLEY

Features 12

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24

44

46

52

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Sir Ian McKellan

Young at Heart in Heathfield Keeping Heathfield memories alive

Heathfield 2020

This vibrant town today

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Home Front

A sophisticated and colourful family home

Ideal flooring

Open Gardens

Gorgeous garden trails for 2020

Healthy Kids

Top tips for healthier kids

Supporting Young Carers

Around 10% of school children are young carers

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Get aware and get fundraising

58

Mexican Tortilla

Editor’s Comment March can be a funny old month, one never knows whether to expect snow or spring sunshine! Regardless, daffs and tulips bob and bow in abundance, we have our darling mothers to celebrate and some inspiring reads for you to enjoy. Have a super month.

19 UK Travel

Sara Whatley ASSISTANT EDITOR

Don’t forget, if you miss the latest issue of Sussex Living you can read it all online! Just visit www.sussexliving.com

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Tel: 01825 212131

Email: hello@sussexliving.com

www.sussexliving.com

/sussexliving

@sussexliving

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50

Prom ready

On The Home Front

Regulars

42

42

53

54

58

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66 70 72 74 80

Blooming Times

Blooming Times

Tis the time for homegrown potatoes

If You Ask Me...

Profound tales from the the number 38 bus

Wellbeing

Concentrating on your emotional wellbeing

Mexican Pork Tortillas

Cook up a Mexican feast for friends and family

It’s a Dog’s Life

Is Teddy a lion or a lamb this March?

Spotlight Puzzle Page It’s All About Charity Diary Dates Money Matters

Classifieds 44

46

81 Local Business Directory 86 Puzzle Solutions 86 Contributors List

Open Gardens

Tel: 01825 212131 hello@sussexliving.com www.sussexliving.com

Kids health

Tel: 01825 212131

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Email: hello@sussexliving.com

www.sussexliving.com

/sussexliving

@sussexliving

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING XX7

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PERSONALITY

A legend on both screen and stage, Sir Ian McKellen talks with John Hannam about his life as a non-stop working actor and the many diverse roles he has enjoyed over the years

K

Sir Ian McKellen

nown to millions across the world as Magneto in the X-Men films and Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, Sir Ian McKellen’s appearance in over 45 feature films and his non-stop stage appearances in a career spanning six decades has certainly earned him his accolade of one of the most influential people in theatre. McKellen’s interest in theatre and acting was sparked from a young age and the Lancashire born lad not only saw as many shows as he could

but also appeared in many productions, both on the school stage and in local amateur groups.

From school McKellen won a scholarship to Cambridge where his English Literature studies perhaps took second fiddle to his involvement with the drama club. Not being drama school trained has in no way held McKellen back, however. In fact it could be said he gained more experience learning on the job and working his way up to become the world renowned actor he is today, able

to adapt his style to such diverse genres as Shakespeare, science fiction, modern theatre and popular fantasy. Since 1961 he has worked non-stop in British theatre and also taken on many film and television roles, as well as writing and campaigning for legal and social equality for gay people; he is co-founder of Stonewall, lobbying for these rights.

Having been nominated for a list of awards as long as my arm, receiving many of them, in 1991 being knighted for his services to theatre in the UK and in 2008 being appointed Companion of March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 9

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Honour (CH) for his services to drama and equality, it was a little daunting waiting to interview Sir Ian. When I arrived backstage at the London theatre where his sell-out 80 theatre tour to celebrate his 80th birthday concluded – “I was 80 earlier this year [2019] and decided I didn’t want a party. I chose to tour 80 theatres so I would not be at home,” – his company manager, Tom McCormack, went out of his way to be so helpful and put me at ease by stating that Sir Ian was en route to the theatre on a motorbike. The legendary actor arrived and quickly assured me that he was just the pillion rider, behind a former racing champion, who could get him from home to the theatre in 20 minutes.

He was certainly nothing like his character of Freddie in the television series Vicious. So much more humble and likeable. I inquired as to how I should address him: “Ian, of course.

The rest is just a title. John, I’m Ian.” I treasured the next 45 minutes.

His great new movie, The Good Liar, with Helen Mirren, had enthralled me a couple of days earlier. In preparation I’d also read an unauthorised biography on Ian and had sadly, not been impressed. He has no plans to write his own life story.

“I was offered a contract to write one, but when they told me I had to travel all around the world to appear on chat shows I turned it down. Just talking about myself and not acting. I didn’t want that at all,” said Ian. Ian, such a charming man, is not full of his own importance. I found him quite modest when talking about his amazing career and he almost played down any mention of his numerous awards. He never went to a drama

school but appearing in 21 productions at Cambridge University shaped his future career. The critics from the national papers came in to review their productions and he won rave reviews which proved useful when he decided on an acting career and went for interviews. He was initially inspired by some fellow students at Cambridge, like Derek Jacobi, Miriam Margolyes and Peter Cook, who all wanted to be actors.

“When I started, my ambition was just to be in work. Coming from the north I was never obsessed by London.

A young actor called Maggie Smith recommended him to Laurence Olivier for his new National Theatre company As it happened, I’ve gone all around the world working. I couldn’t have gone further than New Zealand for The Lord of the Rings. It’s been a wonderful life and I have been so lucky.

“I’ve never been out of work, but I was never racing for fame or Hollywood. I was just happy to work anywhere and not worry about the money I got. I just wanted a good play,

good director and a nice part.”

Ian had some real luck during the run of his first West End play, A Scent of Flowers, which starred Phyllis Calvert.

A young actor called Maggie Smith came in to see the show and her friend Phyllis. She was impressed with Ian and recommended him to Laurence Olivier for his new National Theatre company.

During his early career, Ian made a few movies, but it was not until the 90s and beyond that he really began to make a worldwide impact. Appearing in a movie called Apt Pupil led him directly to playing Magneto in X-Men. Then came Gandalf in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Suddenly a whole new generation, who knew nothing about his reputation as the world’s top Shakespearean actor, had discovered him. Now youngsters love meeting Gandalf. In New Zealand his character’s face was on stamps, coins and dolls.

Ian has been a regular on the Graham Norton chat show and he is a little cautious about making too many appearances.

“I don’t want to be remembered as the man on the Graham Norton show.

Peter O’Toole was very entertaining on chat shows, but when he died people remembered him for being an oddball character with funny stories, instead of for all his great performances.

“I’m going to ease back on Graham Norton shows and, sadly John, ones like this.” I’m sure there was a glint in his eye, but I knew where he was coming from.

Many were surprised when he turned up on Coronation Street to play con-man Mel Hutchwright. In fact, he loved it and had such admiration for their regular actors.

“In soaps now, they get more and more episodes. There is no time to rehearse with new characters. You just jump on the train with the rest of them.

It was so alluring to be in the same room as those very familiar faces and characters. They are nothing like that in real life.

“It was an absolute joy and an ambition. They were terribly kind to me. I even broke a couple of Emily Bishop’s chairs when I sat down. They had been there for the run of the show and I felt very guilty about that.”

With that, he was off to prepare for another full house, to humbly walk on stage and mesmerise the audience with his one man love letter to theatre. l A podcast of the whole interview can be found from your podcast provider, search for John Hannam, or visit www.johnhannam.com

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LOCATION

Young HEART at O

ne of the advantages of living for many years in the same area, is that you witness the changes, and can pass those early memories on to the younger generation. Heathfield has a long history and some of the members of the ‘Young at Heart’ group, whose formation was inspired by the television programme, Old People’s Home for 4 Year Olds, are able to recall a generous slice of it, when they meet twice a week on a Tuesday and Thursday at Heathfield Park Cricket Club.

This is, in some respects, an unusual group for retired people.

There are opportunities to socialise, get involved in craft activities or listen to a speaker, with a substantial, tasty lunch cooked on the premises, but it’s the

Heathfield residents are keeping themselves youthful with the Young at Heart group; Helen Stockton went to talk to some members, who also have wonderful memories of the town afternoons that are slightly different.

Then, children from local primary and nursery schools come to visit, share their reading books, take part in some

Barbara recalls the steam trains coming through the tunnel and bringing coal into the station yard of the craftwork and have a chat. The founder of the group, carer Rachel Gibson, sees the benefit to group members of this intergenerational contact.

“The key thing is combatting loneliness,” she says, “and the mix of generations just really works.”

Approximately half the group suffer from some form of dementia, and the children encourage

them to engage and chat. “They are non-judgemental, and it bridges all gaps.”

One of the things the older members bring to the group are their vivid memories of Heathfield over time. Barbara Clark has lived near Heathfield for 83 years and her house, in Broad Oak, has been in her family for over a century, originally belonging to her grandparents. She remembers cycling into Heathfield on a Saturday to visit the shops. She particularly remembers the variety of shops, with a fresh fish shop, the bakery where she used to get cakes for the weekend and two or three ironmongers, one of which still remains in the town. She recalls the livestock market, which was in its present location, and she describes the farmers driving their cattle along the road, particularly at certain times of year.

She also has fond memories of the railway. “I used to be so travel sick on the buses that if I wanted to go to Eastbourne or Tunbridge Wells I used to travel on the train. That was better for me and I quite enjoyed that.” Barbara also recalls the steam

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trains coming through the tunnel and bringing coal into the station yard for the coal men to load onto the lorries and deliver to local residents. She remembers with sadness Heathfield railway station like many of the smaller, rural ones, falling victim to the Beeching cuts and closing.

Another group member with vivid memories of the railway is Donald Miller. Don has lived in Heathfield for 64 years and he recalls going to Eastbourne on the train for family outings, with the pram in the guard’s van. He recollects having a pleasant day at the seaside then catching the train back to Heathfield. He also remembers the trains rattling along in the tunnel, sending vibrations up through the High Street.

However, Don doesn’t just remember the changes, he was involved in some of them. He worked as a carpenter/joiner on a building still trading on the high street. He was also engaged in maintaining that most prominent of Heathfield landmarks, the transmitter mast.

“I was doing the donkey work,” joked Don. “I made two or three doors

Rachel Gibson sees the benefit to group members of intergenerational contact so they could get the machinery in.”

Don has particular reasons for remembering the Heathfield Hotel where a supermarket is now, as his wife, Maureen, used to work there. He also remembers playing the Euphonium in the Fairwarp Silver Band and going over to Lewes for bonfire night. He doesn’t play anymore but he does relish coming along to the group.

“We haven’t missed a day. It’s a

laugh a minute.” He enjoys chatting to the children and recalls one, obviously identifying his potential for mischief, telling him, “I’ve got my eye on you!”

Whilst Don might remember old Heathfield, his interaction with its younger residents clearly helps to keep him, and the other group members, young at heart. l Young at Heart are looking for committee members, especially a chairman and finance position. For all further details please contact Rachel Gibson on 07971 032667 or at rachel@youngatheart.me.uk

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Company Promotion

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Thanks to our Uckfield experience, we are delighted to have recently opened our second shop in Heathfield, with the exact same offering.

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LOCATION

HEATHFIELD 2020 Heathfield sits high on a ridge, enjoying magnificent vistas and a vibrant, independent high street.

Sara Whatley finds out more

The annual Heffle Cuckoo Fair welcomes in the spring

T

he old market town of Heathfield in East Sussex is a thriving place to live, trade and visit. With a beautiful high street full of independent traders including a fishmonger, butcher, greengrocer, gift and clothes shops, antiques and a deli, it’s a unique place to shop and enjoy.

Resident’s calendars are kept busy with regular events; including a weekly local traders and antiques market with crafts and food and drink, a monthly Farmers Market, Le Marche, a yearly French market held on August Bank Holiday and the annual Heffle Cuckoo Fair which welcomes in the spring. There are heaps of clubs and groups to choose from for all ages and interests, from sports to art, dog training to singing.

A special event taking place soon

is the Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council celebrations of VE Day. Visit their website: www.hwpc.org.uk where all the activities will be advertised. The main event will be a street party on Saturday 9th May in Station Road and Station Approach starting at 1.30pm.

There will be live music, stalls, food, children’s entertainers, a historical exhibition and a vintage car show. In the evening there will be more celebrations with a band performing at Heathfield

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18 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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TRAVEL

EXPLORE OUR ISLAND

Cairngorm Mountains

It’s that time of year when thoughts start to turn towards summer holidays, of new horizons and where to venture.

Ruth Lawrence stayed closer to home to investigate what’s on her doorstep… and ours

W

hen I was young, ‘going abroad’ was something hardly anyone we knew did. It was the preserve of the wealthy or the adventurous.

My family were happy to visit our little green 1960s caravan in the Lake District for years. Along came package holidays to Spain, and soon enough my schoolfriends were jetting off to the sun, while we ventured to Wales and a slightly plusher caravan.

Cycling in the New Forest

For decades it’s been the norm to venture around the world, as our options to travel and see the globe expanded rapidly, thanks to travel agents and latterly, the internet. But things are changing, and people are starting to rediscover the joy of British travel, realising how many interesting things there are to see and experience, closer to home. Getting to know your own country is now seen as more

Some of the happiest holidays can be the simplest and closest to home ethical, way cooler and much easier than lugging yourself across continents in search of a good time.

The UK has fifteen National Parks to explore, each with a unique slice of our fabulously varied island home. If your legs can’t handle the hills, consider spending a week or two in the extensive Norfolk Broads. It’s a land of idyllic waterways and huge skies, home to some of the UK’s rarest wild animals

Dartmoor

and birds. It’s easy cycling country and with over 200km of navigable waterways, even novice sailors or kayakers will find it simple to get out on the water.

If you love woodland the New Forest is a heady combination of heath and forest, inhabited by wild ponies and easily accessible from Sussex. It also boasts long stretches of unspoiled coastline and idyllic villages surrounded by dense woodland.

Further west and definitely wilder is Dartmoor, rich in ancient monuments, granite tors and heather covered moors.

Pony trekking is as popular here as the other national parks that are home to their own native horses and ponies.

There are nine main equine breeds in

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this country, suitable for children and adults to ride. They range from the diminutive Shetland pony to the mighty Shire, a breed in which a few trekking centres specialise due to its weight carrying abilities and sheer excitement.

If you seek immersion in deep wilderness, The Cairngorms in Scotland are an adventurers paradise.

They’re home to the UK’s highest mountain range, superb terrain for experienced hill walkers, climbers, cyclists and skiers. Red squirrel live here alongside the magnificent golden eagle and pine martens. It’s a challenging environment and home to wildlife that are superbly adapted to the climate. Photography holidays are popular here and experienced local guides will take you to places where you are likely to spot birds and mammals you will not see anywhere else.

If you are interested in honing a particular activity or learning a new skill, the UK is a great place to learn; there are no language barriers and there are specialist holidays in virtually any discipline you can think of. From cookery weekends on the coast to hawk walks in the midlands, from historical breaks in Shakespeare country to caving in the Yorkshire Dales, there is organised tuition across the entire country, either as part of a group or one to one teaching.

If you don’t have a car or lack confidence driving long distances, numerous operators offer group coach tours which take care of holiday schedules, transport, parking and accommodation. And you get to make new friends along the way as well.

Buttermere in the Lake District

If you seek an independent adventure, find your own accommodation, take your own equipment and explore without the confines of an itinerary. Canoeists revel in the wild coastlines of the south west while hikers head for Snowdonia, the Brecon Beacons or the Lake District.

If you fancy long distance walking, there’s an enormous network of national trails including the brand new, England Coast Path. This will be the longest

Local travel is about seeing your immediate surroundings with a new eye managed and waymarked coastal path in the world, consisting of four major sections; The Scottish border to the Welsh border in the north west, The Welsh border to Southampton in the south west, Southampton to The Wash in the south east, and from The Wash Rafting in Wales

to Berwick in the north east. The entire path will stretch 2,795 miles once complete, encompassing the entire coast of England, providing a lifetime of walking holidays for anyone wishing to complete modest amounts of the trail at a time.

Dog owners have a choice of over 40,000 pet friendly holiday cottages in this country, meaning your canine pal can partake in your annual leave, and not be left behind. Cornwall and North Wales are two of the most popular destinations for dog walking, keeping you both fit while enjoying a break together.

Closer to home you can fit in a weekend away to recuperate from work; if you want to combine activities with independent travel, this kind of holiday even has a new name: the micro adventure. Strap a tent to your bicycle, or if you’re not quite up to that, sling it in the car, and head out somewhere you can reach in a couple of hours to indulge in your very own mini adventure. Wild swim, kayak with a light inflatable, use bush skills, or explore unknown lanes on two wheels; some of the happiest holidays can be the simplest and closest to home.

Local travel is about seeing your immediate surroundings with a new eye, concentrating on the immersive experience rather than seeking endless novelty. It’s the new way to enjoy the world and more and more people are realising that this wild and varied island of ours is packed with interest, adventure and unforgettable days.

That little green caravan might seem like a long time ago, but it’s time has come again… I can only hope it’s still there! l

For future reference www.nationalparks.co.uk www.nationaltrails.co.uk www.nationaltrail.co.uk 20 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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Make memories at Nutley Edge Cottages

image: Freepik.com

Choose from one of our 12 cottages, a beautiful converted farmhouse or 2 glamping tents for a holiday to remember! Nutley Edge Cottages in East Sussex overlook the stunning landscape of the Ashdown Forest. The peaceful bliss of the countryside is the perfect escape from the city.

To book, visit our website www.nutleyedge.org.uk or call us on 01825 712377

Nutley Edge is owned by Outward, a London-based charity. All profits are used for charitable activities. Visit www.outward.org.uk

The perfect venue from which to relax, celebrate and explore…

Award winning guest accommodation in the heart of Hastings Old Town.

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K ITCHENS FOR REAL COOKS

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HOMES

&Gardens

House profile

Blooming times

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Open gardens

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HOME FRONT

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family VALUES The van der Meer family bought the house they were renting in East Sussex, and adapted it to create a sophisticated and colourful home to suit their needs

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W

hen Kate van der Meer’s husband Toby, a managing director for an insurance company, was relocated to East Sussex the couple and their three children, Apple, 8; Lilly, 5; Max, 5, rented before committing to buying a property. “We wanted a large family home in a quiet residential area that was near the kids’ schools and a station,” says Kate, “and this was pretty much perfect.”

Before the move, the family had been living in Kate’s native rural Cheshire, in what was previously a working barn.

“It had been recently renovated, had huge rooms, exposed oak beams, lots of character – the bedrooms were in the eaves – and we could see countryside for 20 miles around. But, much as I have a nostalgic connection to the barn (it was near my family and I had two of my children there), it would simply be too small for us now.”

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HOME TRUTHS THE PROPERTY: Detached, tile-hung property built 2008 LOCATION: East Sussex ROOMS: Hall, sitting room, kitchen, dining room, playroom, ‘drinking room’, office, downstairs loo, six bedrooms (five en suite) PURCHASED: Rented in 2012, bought in 2013 PREVIOUS PROPERTY: “We rented nearby for about 18 months, and before that we lived in a converted barn in Cheshire”

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28 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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So, with a growing family, the move came at a good time.

“This was the second property we rented down here and was one of four on a site owned by the developer who, a year later, was happy to sell it to us. We were really lucky, as houses like this are far and few between; families often stay in the area and if they do sell, there’s a lot of competition particularly from people migrating south from London,” says Kate.

Although the house was a newbuild and ideal in many ways, Kate and Toby still wanted to adapt a few things. To facilitate these changes, Kate asked interior designer Susie Pfeiffer for a little practical advice. “Susie was great – she drew up plans for the structural changes, dealt with the

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building regulations, and has amazing skills particularly when it comes to lighting,” says Kate.

One of the first projects was to build an extension. “We knocked down the existing conservatory to create an open plan kitchen, dining and living area, which we call the ‘drinking room’ and it has lightened up the whole back of the house,” she says.

The next area they focussed on was the en suite to their master bedroom.

The exposed wall in the dining room is the perfect background for my painting

DINING ROOM

“The architect suggested that the exposed brick wall would add a sense of continuity with the garden.”

30 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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From the blooms of Bloomsbury to the florals of Fi’s Yard Charleston’s former Head Gardener, Fi Dennis, welcomes you to her new space in the centre of Cliffe, Lewes.

Fi has an abundance of passion, knowledge and expertise to share with you. Enjoy a delightful range of the finest plants, trugs, trowels and twine: sourced from a select range of nurserymen and master crafters in Sussex.

Fi’s Yard, Cliffe, Lewes Phone: 07512 624557 Email: Fi@FisYard.com Instagram: Fisyard_lewes

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from your radio First for local news & travel

106-108 FM, DAB or online at moreradio.online 32 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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“The space was quite small, and enlarging it involved removing a load bearing wall. This meant we had to install steel girders to support the weight, but it was worth it – we now have a lovely, spacious bathroom that now runs the length of the bedroom,” says Kate.

The final differences were to block a connecting door between sitting and playroom, and change the staircase and the front door. “The balustrade at the landing and the front door were both originally solid wood, but by simply replacing these with glass, it opened up and lightened the whole area,” she says.

Once the structural work was finished, Kate had a clear vision of the decorating schemes she wanted.

“I was still working as a yoga teacher and setting up my blog, but in my spare time that year we rented I was

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Think about an overall colour scheme for your home, then individual colour schemes in each room, so that they all flow into one another

able to think about colours and furnishings. I collected lots of ideas, magazine cuttings and fabric swatches. Essentially, I wanted a flow through the rooms and the house as a whole, so as a starting point, we used the same flooring throughout the downstairs of the property,” she says.

Kate’s love of colour, particularly green and purple, is seen throughout the house. “I remember going into an interiors shop in Lewes with my mum and seeing those two shades in a fabric I love and I’ve used it pretty much everywhere in the house,” she says.

The next major purchase was the painting in the dining room by local artist Jessica Zoob. “Susie gave me her name,

SITTING ROOM

“We used left over fabric from the blind to make scatter cushions, then added others in coordinating shades.”

MAIN BEDROOM

“We wanted this space to be very calm so we kept furniture to a minimum and created a feature wall behind the bed.”

34 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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Soft furnishing specialists catering for all budgets including bespoke, custom made and readymade Curtains, valances, pelmets, cushions, bedrunners • Tracks, poles and accessories • Roller, venetian, vertical and conservatory blinds Free measuring • Fitting service available • Extended showroom with over 10,000 soft furnishing fabrics • Hundreds of blind fabrics and contract fire retardant fabrics MADE TO MEASURE FLYSCREENS AND DOORS

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along with some other artists. I adore her work, and have repeated some of the colours she’s used on her canvas in details around the room, such as vases and cushions.”

Kate also chose a Jessica Zoob limited edition print for the sitting room, which is home to one of her favourite pieces of furniture, the three-metre sofa. “I’d fallen in love with a designer sofa, but it was too expensive. Luckily, Susie was able to get her team to create something similar for a fraction of the cost, and having the floorplans meant she could choose the right size and configuration to fit the room exactly,” says Kate.

But things didn’t always go to plan. “A month after the bi-fold doors were installed we had the lawn mowed and a stone flew out and shattered one of the glass panels,” she says. Five months after that, Kate came home to another minor disaster. “Our cleaner had inadvertently picked up a piece of hard plastic in the vacuum and the whole of the beautiful solid wood floor downstairs was covered with deep scratches – I nearly cried when I saw them.”

Now that everything is finished and repaired, though, Kate is thrilled with the results. “When you start work on a house, you never know what to expect. It took four months longer and cost more than we thought, but it was a lovely experience that evolved organically. I’m thrilled with the results and more importantly, as a family we’re so happy to be living here.” l Photos: Robert Sanderson/Narratives Styling & Writing: Penny Botting/Narratives

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LILLY’S ROOM

“This was a lovely room to choose a scheme for – it’s a little girls dream!”

BATHROOM

“We spent a lot of time creating this big bathroom and gave it a hotel feel complete with underfloor heating. The focal point is the fabulous bath.”

Call Danny Hawkins for a free home appointment.

I live in Bexhill and have worked as a blinds expert for almost 8 years. I will do the measuring and fitting and bring a range of samples at a time that suits you.

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Nicholls Bros Sussex Ltd

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HOMES

Luxury, deep pile, hardwearing, practical, soft… whatever you’re looking for in a floor there is something fabulous out there for you. Lisa de Silva runs through some design options to, hopefully, floor you

I

f you’re looking for inspiration to update your floor coverings the good news is there are now more options than ever before.

While your choice will be influenced by durability, comfort and style, one of the strongest trends to emerge in recent years is the demand for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials.

The fashion for warm tones continues and there is a growing request for hard flooring, including tiles and laminates, that give the appearance of natural wood and stone.

Textured products are also popular, so expect to see more reclaimed, wire-brushed and distressed styles.

Forecasters also expect to see more personalised designs and patterns, particularly in tiled flooring schemes.

To help you decide what type of flooring would be best for your home and lifestyle we’ve shortlisted some of the most popular options.

CARPET Despite the growing popularity of wood and laminate flooring, carpet is still the most popular form of floor covering in

feeling FLOORED

tones to intense dark woods for a timeless look. It can show wear and tear but there is always the option to sand down and refinish the wood whenever necessary.

Engineered wood comprises a top veneer of solid wood on a plywood base which gives it both greater stability and the ability to deal with humidity, making it a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens.

On the downside, it can be Expect to see easily damaged and can more reclaimed, be difficult to repair if the wire-brushed and depth of the veneer is not sufficient for sanding and distressed styles refinishing.

the UK. Offering an infinite variety of colour, pattern and texture, the latest trend is for carpet made from recycled materials or for sustainable and natural products, such as sisal and coir. Carpet tiles are also enjoying a renaissance.

Cheap to buy and easy to install, the trend is to create personalised chequered and geometric patterns.

HARDWOOD Unique, durable and always in style, solid wood flooring is perennially popular.

Choose from warm honey

LAMINATE A veritable chameleon that can mimic the appearance of wood, stone and tiles without the price, laminate flooring is tough, easy to clean and good value for money. Family-friendly, it is available as planks or squares and can offer realistic graining and colouring options. The production of laminates is also becoming more sustainable than hardwood making it increasingly eco-friendly.

LINOLEUM & VINYL A natural product made from resin mixed with flax, linoleum is both biodegradable and hypoallergenic.

What’s more it is low maintenance, durable, mould-resistant and comes in

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 39

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*Half price underlay was £13 now £6.50 on all carpets over £20 per m² see in store for details **Call store prior to travelling as not all stores show rugs ***10 months interest free (representative 0%APR) min order £600 20% deposit required

March 20 Homes Extra Floors SLE.indd 40

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and travertine, tiles are both low maintenance and hard-wearing, adding a cool elegance to any room. As tiles can be cold on the feet, underfloor heating is a good idea when installing it.

CONCRETE Hard-wearing, easy to clean and maintain, concrete is a great option for an industrial and edgy look. With a growing range of colour options, it can be finished to your taste but must be properly sealed to prevent moisture and mould issues.

a huge range of colours and designs in either sheet or tile form.

While vinyl flooring shares the same low maintenance and hard-wearing properties of linoleum, it is cheaper but non-biodegradable. Having said that, it is infinitely flexible in terms of colour and style, can be made to mimic both wood and stone and does not scratch, dent or stain.

TILES Made from natural materials, such as limestone, slate, porcelain

RUBBER Non-slip and durable, recycled rubber flooring can be a great environmentally-friendly flooring option. It is easy to clean, waterresistant and soft underfoot, offering a wide range of colours and textures. l

CORK Soft underfoot, cork is natural, planetfriendly and a great heat and sound insulator, making it a good choice for apartments where noise can be a problem. Easy to install and maintain, cork flooring is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic but can fade and be easily damaged.

BAMBOO Sustainable, inexpensive and chic, bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly option, as bamboo trees grow faster than most other hardwoods. With a lovely organic grain, bamboo is warm underfoot and impressively strong but as it can absorb water, it is not a great option for kitchens or bathrooms.

WANTED: SALES EXECUTIVES Sussex Living magazine is part of the Media Sound Holdings Group, an expanding multi-media company.

We are looking for media sales executives to work from our new state of the art media centre opening soon in Burgess Hill.

If you have sales experience, a great telephone manner and are driven to succeed, we would love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and covering letter to: hello@sussexliving.com March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 41

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BLOOMING TIMES

Super SPUDS

Nothing beats the taste of homegrown potatoes and they’re easy to grow, writes Flo Whitaker.

Just stick to a few simple rules, then grab a handful of mint and get that saucepan ready!

S

eed potatoes are in the garden centres now. A few tubers of an early variety will give you truly ‘new’ potatoes with an unbeatable flavour. Children are fascinated by potato plants – the promise of “Grow your own chips!” never fails to excite.

‘Chitting’ encourages potato tubers to produce shoots before they’re planted. This is particularly helpful with early varieties as pre-formed shoots will assist tubers into quick growth. A porch or greenhouse is ideal for chitting; anywhere that’s cool, frost-free and brightly lit. Dormant shoots are often clustered at one end of the potato, (known as the ‘rose’ end.) Carefully arrange the potatoes with the rose ends uppermost – an egg box tray is perfect for this. As shoots appear, select the strongest three on each potato and remove the weaker ones. By concentrating the energy into fewer, more vigorous shoots, you’ll get larger potatoes. When the shoots are 2-3 cms in length, plant out the potatoes, approximately 10 cms deep and 30 cms apart. Chitting of maincrop varieties, (typically planted in AprilMay) isn’t always necessary as air/soil temperatures will be much warmer.

‘Earthing-up’, is a process whereby

soil is gently mounded around the stems to increase yield. All parts of the underground stem will produce tubers. Theoretically, the more stem below soil, the greater the crop, but don’t be too greedy! When the foliage is approximately 10cms high, gently draw up the surrounding soil until the foliage tips are just visible. You can also use well-rotted compost or old potting soil for the job and should be able to earth-up several times during the growing period.

Potatoes need a sunny, open site.

If space is limited, they also do well in pots. Straight-sided ‘grow sacks’ are ideal as they hold a decent volume of soil that allows good root development.

If space is limited, potatoes also do well in pots Containerised plants, particularly vegetables, are more susceptible to dryness and heat than when grown in open ground, so be vigilant with the watering can.

Mature plants bear dainty white or lilac/pink flowers. At this point, early varieties can be lifted and eaten straight away, yum! Maincrop varieties need more time; ideally wait until the flowers

have faded and the foliage is beginning to yellow. You don’t have to harvest all your potatoes at once. Just cease watering, remove the foliage and they will store well in situ until autumn.

Exposed to sunlight, surfacegrowing tubers may develop greencoloured patches. Green potatoes are poisonous and should always be discarded. In wet conditions, Potato Blight can affect potatoes and tomatoes, (they are related.) Sadly, there is no cure. Diseased foliage should be quickly removed to prevent the spread of fungal spores. Do not compost the foliage, although blight-affected crops are perfectly safe to eat. l

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Company Promotion

time to love

your lawn With spring soon upon us, we look forward to warmer days with our much-loved gardens thriving in full bloom. But what about your lawn? Like most plants in your garden, your grass needs some love and attention now to help reach its full potential.

Here are some simple tips to kick start your lawn:

1

5

Feeding Over the winter, your lawn has gone into dormancy. Now with the weather improving, it will need a spring feed to help stimulate it back to life. Our slow release fertiliser contains the perfect blend of nutrients for healthy growth and a vibrant colour.

2

Managing moss This year has been wet so you may notice more moss than usual.

D Scarify to remove the build-up of moss and thatch (the matted layer found between the soil and the grass leaf). This acts as a damp sponge which moss thrives on it.

D Applying a specially designed feed will support the grass and help suppress any lingering moss spores.

D Aerate to reduce soil compaction – a contributor to moss. Aeration allows for greater movement of air, water and nutrients around the root zone (healthy roots makes for a healthy lawn).

D Cut back trees and shrubs to let more sunlight in and improve air flow to the lawn.

D Mow at the right height – a scalped lawn makes it easy for moss to invade so raise the height of your cut.

3

Weeds begone!

The best defence against weeds is a thick, healthy sward. So, good mowing and keep the lawn no lower than 25mm (1”) - lawns cut too short or irregularly weakens the grass and allows space for weeds to take over. At GreenThumb, we use the finest products and the

Mar20BloomingTimes SLE.indd 43

Helen and the Lewes team look forward to hearing from you. safest application methods to get the weeds under control and help keep new weed growth at bay.

4

Mowing Correct mowing makes a huge difference to the health and look of the lawn. Use sharp blades and aim to take off no more than a quarter of the total height in one cut. For the first cut of the new season, set your mower blades high (approx. 30–40mm) until after any late frosts. During the growing season, mow weekly no lower than 25mm (1”), increasing the height of the cut to 50mm (2”) before dry spells.

Is my lawn beyond repair?

Lawns are usually looking their worst in late-winter and early-spring, but don’t be disheartened! Before you write off your lawn as a lost cause, give GreenThumb a call. We will come to assess your lawn free of charge and advise you accordingly. If we think it’s beyond recovery by our seasonal treatments, we have another solution! We offer a Lawn Makeover providing you with the ‘Ultimate Lawn’ acting as the centrepiece to your beautiful GreenThumb Garden.

6

How do I start my GreenThumb journey?

It’s easy! Call your local branch on 01273 020720 or email us at lewes@greenthumb.co.uk and book your free lawn analysis and quote. Using GreenThumb is cheaper than you may think and is often much less than the cost and time of buying DIY-store products and attempting it yourself. Prices start from £15 per treatment (based on a 40m2 lawn).

Together, we will give your lawn the love and attention it deserves. Start your GreenThumb journey today.

- for the first “ Mowing cut of the season, set

your mower blades high” 27/02/2020 13:09

OPEN GARDENS Saxon Trail, Worth, Crawley, RH10 7RG Sunday 16th August An eclectic range of five town gardens, all within easy walking distance of each other, offering a variety of aspects including planting, pots, ornaments and water features. All the gardens have established areas for quiet contemplation, relaxation and socialising. Four of the five gardens are located in the same close. See beautiful borders and cottage-style planting, gardens adjacent to woodland provide a secluded and peaceful backdrop, with the sound of birds twittering and cascading water. Entry £5.

New Gardens On Existing Trails Small House, in Bexhill

Gorgeous

Garden Trails Geoff Stonebanks reveals three new garden trails opening for the National Garden Scheme this year, along with eight new gardens on existing trails

The Saxon Trail, in Worth, Crawley

New Trails St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0UU Sunday 14th June With four very different plots, start your ‘garden safari’ at 37 Fernside Avenue. The gardens offer a wealth of scent, colour, interest and ideas.

Water features abound with fountains, waterfalls, a beach area with a cabin, and a pond with friendly fish. Enjoy a drought tolerant space with slate rocks and driftwood. An intriguing small garden with lots of tiny areas, through to colourful gardens full of roses, clematis and fuchsias. Entry £5.

Crowborough Gardens, Myrtle Road, TN6 1EY Thursday 18th June Five gardens to see, four of which are within easy walking distance of the town centre. These four gardens include a compact garden lawn with well stocked borders, a garden for all seasons with deep borders, a cosy cottage garden, and an informal plot dedicated to supporting wildlife. A short drive away is a visual extravaganza, where a small garden provides a colourful taste of the Caribbean. Entry £6.

Seaford Gardens, BN25 2JA Sunday 14th June Three new additions are being opened; 5 Clementine Avenue, 8 Claremont Court and Madehurst all offer something new to this nine garden trail. Joint entry £7.

Bexhill Group TN39 3RA Sunday 5th July Four new additions are being opened; 15 Winston Drive, 64 Collington Avenue, 4 Gordon Place and Small House. All four gardens offer a beautiful mix of herbaceous planting with structural shrubs, vegetables, planting to encourage wildlife to name but a few.

Joint entry £5.

33 Wivelsfield Road, in Saltdean

Peacehaven & Saltdean Trail BN2 8FP Saturday and Sunday 18 -19 July The garden at 33 Wivelsfield Road in Saltdean was cleared in 2016, landscaped during 2017 and planting started later that year. Split over three levels, it’s filled with colourful perennials, annuals, grasses, and succulents planted in the ground and in containers. The formal garden leads to a wildflower meadow extending onto the downs, giving spectacular views of both the sea and South Downs National Park. Joint entry for 3 gardens is £5.

Please check www.ngs.org.uk for full details and locations of all the gardens

44 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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Company Promotion

WIN TICKETS

to The Garden Show at Firle Place Firle, Nr Lewes BN8 6LP 17 - 19 April 2020, 10am – 5pm Daily

ART, DESIGN, YOUR GARDEN & YOU! The Garden Show this Spring at Firle Place is now in its 13th year proving that it’s the perfect time and place to plot and plan for the garden year. Be inspired to enhance the home and your lifestyle.

Specialist growers; garden related goods; artisan studio shops and craft work; homeware; garden furniture; fashion accessories; delicious country foods. Gardening problems solved with the Gardening Doctors and daily Free Talks on growing issues, the environment and healthy gardens. Plenty to keep all the family occupied with fun fair rides, bouncy slides, archery, demonstrations, birds of prey flying displays and the opportunity to wander around Firle Church and Firle Place Herb Garden. Entertainment for children including face painting, jester juggling and the fantastical Pirate Treasure Hunt.

Competition to win either a family or a pair of tickets Family ticket includes 2 x Adults and 4 x Children.

Tickets are valid for any one day of the show 5 winners will be picked at random on 10th April 2020

Question: Who will be doing a flying display at the show?

Please email your answer and choice of ticket to: competitions@thegardenshowonline.com Or send it on a postcard to: The Garden Shows, Unit 2, Lower Ham Farm, Ham Lane, Oving, Chichester PO20 2BD

A great day out for the whole family. Life is good in your Garden!

In support of www.hohcharity.co.uk

www.thegardenshowonline.com | 01243 538456 | www.firle.com

15 Winston Drive, in Bexhill

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EDUCATION

TOP TIPS FOR

healthier kids From setting sleep boundaries to slashing screen time, Hanna Prince has some suggestions to give your kids their healthiest year yet

D

o your children need more shut-eye? How much exercise should they be getting? And what can you do if they refuse point blank to eat their five-a-day? Here’s how to establish healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

SLEEP TIGHT The number of children under 14 admitted to UK hospitals with sleep disorders has tripled over the past decade – and a 2019 study suggested that lack of sleep is far more harmful to the mental health of kids than social media.

According to the NHS, three year olds need around 12 hours sleep every night, seven year olds require 10½ hours and even teenagers should get at least nine hours to

function properly. Ban screens for a few hours before lights out, keep to regular bedtimes and use a night-time routine to promote better sleep.

LIMIT SCREEN TIME Kids today use screens to play, relax and learn, but too much screen time can be detrimental to physical

If yours go green at the sight of a pea, try hiding their five-a-day and mental health. The World Health Organisation recommends that under-twos spend no time at all watching screens, while two-to-four-year-olds should spend a maximum of an hour per day watching TV or playing computer games. If you’re living with a screen addict, try using security technology to set time limits on device use.

THE NEED FOR SPEED Running for just 15 minutes per day has been shown to increase attention and verbal memory in children and improve their feelings of wellbeing. Encourage your kids’ school to get involved in The Daily Mile (thedailymile.co.uk), sign them up for after-school sports or drop into the park on the way home to run.

46 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

CHECK THE SCALES Four out of five obese school children are likely to be dangerously overweight for life. If you’re worried about your kid’s weight then portion control, regular physical activity and swapping high-calorie snacks for healthier versions can all help.

START THE DAY WELL A quarter of secondary school children eat no breakfast – but skipping the first meal of the day has been linked to everything from poor GCSE results to social problems. Offer a nutritious, low-sugar meal such as porridge, fruit with yoghurt or an omelette.

HIDDEN GOODNESS According to research, half of British parents have given up trying to get their kids to snack on fresh fruit and veg. If yours go green at the sight of a pea, try hiding their five-a-day in favourite foods. Conceal veg in tomato pasta sauce, whizz berries up into smoothies, add pureed banana to cereals, make fruit ice lollies and try your hand at healthy courgette cakes.

GET OUTSIDE Kids spend an hour less outdoors per day than they did ten years ago – and it’s taking a toll on their health. From reducing obesity to improving eyesight, playing outside has been proven to have endless benefits. Organise outdoor play dates, encourage active hobbies or try a family activity such as geocaching. l

WHAT MAKES A BUCKSWOOD EDUCATION UNIQUE? You have X students with Y types of interests and Z different talents. Yet you throw them all into one pot and teach them the same stuff. Later the future football player gets diagnosed with ADHD because he can’t pay attention in History classes and the future designer can’t go to university because he failed Religion, Chemistry and Physics and his GCSE scores are low.

“Everybody is a genius but if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

- Albert Einstein At Buckswood, we believe in setting suitable and realistic pathways to suit the needs of all our students. We want our students to enjoy a fulfilling education that allows them to access a good university, a good job and a purposeful life.

Years 7-9 – Junior School. Foundations are everything. The Junior School sees our students educated in many traditional disciplines, but Buckswood is also about modernity and doing things a little differently, this is why we value our lessons in Innovation just the same as those in History.

Years 10/11 – At GCSE we have three individual pathways, because we recognise that our students have different needs and it is important they find a suitable balance of academic and extra curricular activity. Our advanced pathway is a full 8 GCSE programme for students who want a completely academic route. We offer two further pathways with a reduced number of GCSEs allowing more time for students to enjoy their learning and develop knowledge, whilst gaining practical and lifelong learning skills in courses like the Duke of Edinburgh award.

Years 12/13 – 6th form. With our 100% university offer rate, Buckswood has developed a great formula for success. We run three courses - A levels, IB and UFC – so there is something for everyone. Details of all our courses can be found on our website.

Private education is not as expensive as you think. The Buckswood foundation offers financial assistance to those that want an opportunity to get on and achieve. Don’t get lost in the educational system – ring us for a chat and a personal tour of the campus, or drop us an email to future@buckswood.co.uk.

Enquire

Telephone: +44 (0)1424 813813 Email: achieve@buckswood.co.uk Web: www.buckswood.co.uk

Buckswood HASTINGS

...2020 & beyond

Company Promotion

25 years of Spectacular Science at The Observatory Science Centre

It’s British Science Week in March so Barry Howse explains what you can discover at The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux The Herstmonceux estate with its majestic medieval castle, was home to the Royal Greenwich Observatory (RGO) for more than forty years. However, when this world famous scientific institution moved to Cambridge in 1990, the estate faced an uncertain future. It was eventually purchased and gifted to Queens University of Kingston, Ontario in Canada by a wealthy former student and now operates as the Bader International Study Centre.

A short distance from the castle are six green copper domes. This group of buildings was originally known as the Equatorial Group, a reference to the way the telescopes housed in the domes are mounted. Following the RGO’s departure, the group remained a silent testament to a bygone era before being given a new lease of life in 1995 with the opening of what is now The Observatory Science Centre.

This was the result of a proposal put forward to Queens University by Stephen Pizzey, founder

the year includes themed evenings with guest speakers, musical events, children’s workshops, stargazing evenings and a wide range of astronomy courses. In addition, the annual Herstmonceux Astronomy Festival is a fantastic family-friendly weekend and major fund raising event, ensuring the domes and telescopes are kept in good working order for the benefit of all visitors.

The Science Centre is also a first class educational facility with Learning Outside The Classroom Quality Badge accreditation. and Director of Science Projects Ltd, a company Groups from a wide range of schools and educational establishments are welcome and with charitable status, who wanted to establish all Key Stages are accommodated. A typical a ‘hands-on’ science centre at the redundant school visit could include a workshop activity, observatory. A delighted Sir Patrick Moore science show and telescope tour along with declared that it had been ‘saved for science’. In plenty of time for everyone to interact with 2004, an extensive repair and upgrade of the all the exhibits. A dedicated outreach team can buildings and telescopes was completed with even bring hands-on tabletop exhibits into the the aid of a substantial grant from the National classroom as well as an inflatable planetarium Heritage Lottery Fund. The Science Centre is with state of the art software for an awe now a Grade II* listed monument. inspiring journey into space.

Visitors to this unique attraction will Over the last twenty five years The discover over 100 hands-on exhibits, both Science Centre has never deviated inside and outdoors. A wide range of permanent exhibits based around themes such from its original ethos that science as Forces, Earth and Beyond, Light and Colour, should be fun and engaging. It continues to be a place of learning Astronomy and Time, are complemented by temporary exhibitions that change throughout and discovery as well as giving visitors the opportunity to view the year. All the exhibits are designed, built the wonders of the night sky and installed by Science Projects. They are through some of the largest fully interactive and suitable for all ages.

An extensive events programme throughout telescopes in the country.

W W W.T H E- O B S E R VAT O R Y.O R G 01323 832731

EDUCATION

Prom has become an essential right of passage for school leavers. Here’s how to embrace the bling, says Hanna Prince

Get Prom

PERFECT F

orget the awkward dancing and dodgy lighting of traditional school discos – leaving do’s today are more High School Musical than Byker Grove. More than 85% of British schools now host a prom in June or July. Inspired by high school TV shows, it’s an excuse for exam-weary teens to let their hair down Hollywood style (or near enough).

Proms date back to 19th century USA, when American universities began to host co-ed banquets for each year’s graduating class. These often involved a ‘promenade’ – a formal introductory parading of guests, and the tradition quickly caught on. By the 1950s, most high schools were holding endof-year dances in hotels, country clubs or other glamorous locations. In 1975, President Gerald Ford’s daughter had her senior prom at the White House.

TAFFETA AND TIARAS When it comes to glitz and glamour, proms leave traditional leaving parties standing.

Some schools still host a farewell dance in the sports hall, but it’s common for events to

50 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

be held at hired premises or even at luxe five star hotels. Students often begin shopping for outfits months in advance, swapping dress or suit shots on social media and attending specialist ‘prom shows’ for inspiration.

The bling doesn’t end with the outfits.

Many go all out in the transport stakes, hiring limos, 4x4s or supercars to get them to their destination. Wacky rides are almost as

Double decker buses, milk floats and donkey carts are all on offer to prom attendees de rigour as posh ones – double decker buses, milk floats and donkey carts are all on offer to prom attendees. And, if you really want to make an entrance, some companies even market prom helicopter hire.

Getting ready for the big night can take the best part of a day. From spray tans and beauty treatments to professional hair do’s and makeup, many students opt for the allout Hollywood experience.

EDUCATION

It’s no surprise that prom prep can play havoc with parents’ budgets. The average UK household spends £220 per teenage daughter and £157 per son attending the school prom, with most of the cost going on tickets, outfits and transport. That’s nothing compared to America, where the average parent blows an incredible £630 on prom night. If you’re struggling, there are charities such as Prom Ally (www.promally.co.uk), which may be able to help.

ALRIGHT ON THE NIGHT The build-up begins months in advance – but what can you expect from the night itself? Most teen proms kick off with friendship groups getting together for preprom photos. That usually means Instagramable phone shots, but some parents choose to employ a professional photographer to capture memories from the big night. Before you take this route, check to see if your school has engaged a photographer to attend the prom itself.

School proms occasionally include buffets or even sit-down meals. If yours isn’t a foodie do, make sure you include dinner plans beforehand. That could be anything from a candlelit meal with your date at a fancy restaurant to a potluck dinner at home with friends.

Most schools rely on parent chaperones as well as staff, which means mum and dad can be as involved as students are happy with.

The action usually kicks off around 7pm with dancing and sometimes live music.

If your school has followed the US tradition of ‘prom court’ then students will have nominated a ‘king’ and a ‘queen’ several days before the event and the titles will be announced on the night.

Prom court isn’t necessarily a popularity contest – it can be a chance to show support for students with disabilities or those who don’t often receive attention.

Finally, don’t forget the after party.

Some schools or parent organisations host events that continue into the small hours, but it’s more common for friends to gather at supervised (or unsupervised!) after parties.

Stay safe, have fun and make the most of the evening. This is an event that you’ll only get to enjoy once in a lifetime. l

Refer a teacher

and earn yourself

£150!

*

Providing outstanding qualified primary and secondary, SEN teachers, nursery, one to one tutors and support staff to schools in West Sussex and across the South East.

www.classcover.com 01798 872446 Covering West & East Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and Kent *Terms and conditions apply – visit www.classcover.com/teachers/refer-a-teacher for full details

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13/08/2019 12:40

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 51

CARE

Carers come from all walks of life, and many of them are young, under the age of 18. This can be particularly challenging and support is needed, as Lisa de Silva discovers

I

t is estimated there are 700,000 Young Carers in the UK helping to look after a parent or sibling. While caring for others can be rewarding, it can also be highly challenging for those so young. Here, we take a look at the support and resources available to Young Carers and what we can all do to help make their lives a little easier.

A Young Carer is anyone under 18 years old helping to care for a relative who is disabled, ill, suffering with a mental health condition, drug or alcohol addiction.

Around 10% of all school children are Young Carers.

These children will often do more household chores than their classmates and may have to nurse relatives as well as helping with personal care, such as bathing and dressing.

COMMON PROBLEMS Being a Young Carer can be physically and emotionally draining and often friends do not understand the pressure Young Carers are under or that they have less free time.

What’s more, many Young Carers may feel embarrassed by their status and along with having to cope with watching someone they love suffering, often have to grapple with a whole range of difficult emotions such as stress, anxiety, anger,

SUPPORTING

YOUNG CARERS guilt, sadness and loss.

These feelings, along with chronic tiredness can have a negative impact on all areas of a Young Carer’s life including their education, friendships, physical and mental health.

seek out a trusted adult to voice any concerns. This could be a teacher, school nurse or counsellor, a doctor, a close family friend or the social services department of the local council.

There are also a number

SEEKING HELP Although it is not easy Around 10% of all school being a Young Carer, there are organisations children are Young Carers who understand the pressures and can of specialist charities set up offer support, along with across the country to help the opportunity for a wellYoung Carers by helping to deserved break from the improve the overall support caring role. given to families so the Young Carers feeling impact on younger members anxious and stressed should is not so great. Some also provide activities, youth groups and respite breaks to give Young Carers a

chance to relax, meet new friends and build their selfconfidence.

In addition, they can help to develop self-care plans, provide financial advice and signpost other organisations to help with specific problems, such as eating disorders and mental health issues.

GET INVOLVED Young Carers also have the right to be looked after and if you would like to help lighten their load there are various ways to do this. Donating to or fundraising for a Young Carer’s charity, volunteering to help at activity clubs and events or providing respite care to give a Young Carer some regular time off can all make a real difference. l

CONTACTS The Honeypot Children’s Charity for Young Carers aged 5-12 years www.honeypot.org.uk The Children’s Society www.childrenssociety.org.uk Action for Children www.actionforchildren.org.uk Carers UK www.carersuk.org Young Minds www.youngminds.org.uk Childline www.childline.org.uk West Sussex County Council www.westsussex.gov.uk East Sussex Young Carers www.imago.community

52 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

OPINION

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I recently witnessed a profound conversation on a London bus. A chap explained to the driver that he didn’t need a ticket as he was the personal representative on earth for St John the Baptist, who had charged him with the task of saving the world. “Blimey, mate!

That’s a big job. Have you got to do it all yourself?” asked the driver, tolerantly. Clutching a fistful of colourful handwritten leaflets, the man informed us that we should all kneel in solemn prayer. Regarding his sardine-like (and extremely nervous) passengers, the driver said this would be difficult on a full bus, so perhaps if they quietly prayed together, that might suffice? For a few moments, the two strangers bowed their heads in dignified silence.

“Hallelujah! We’re bound for glory!” cried an elderly lady passenger, spontaneously joining in. “Yep, via Victoria station,” replied the bus driver, laughing, whereupon St John’s personal representative thought for a moment, then asked if he could be dropped off at Hyde Park Corner. At Hyde Park, he cheerfully blessed us all, then disappeared into the dusky evening, leaving a flurry of leaflets in his wake.

Alighting at Victoria, several passengers, me included, told the driver we thought he’d been amazing. He smiled, shrugged, then sighed; explaining that he’d be late home because he’d have to fill out an incident form before he could finish his shift. London can be a tough, lonely place where joy and sorrow often walk hand in hand, but I never fail to be impressed by the kindness of strangers.

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 53

WELLBEING

In the next part of our wellbeing series we continue to explore how we can improve and strengthen our emotional wellbeing, says Lisa de Silva

Improving

EMOTIONAL WELLBEING

Practice Self-acceptance Nobody is completely perfect and nobody is completely worthless. We are all simply flawed human beings trying to navigate the challenges of life and at times we will all feel anxious, sad, angry, insecure, hurt, weak and lonely.

This is normal. Problems start when we try to hide from these feelings or pretend they don’t exist.

Not accepting ourselves and our feelings leads to poor emotional wellbeing and we end up lying to ourselves about what we’re really feeling and what we really want.

We stay in relationships and careers that we are not happy in and convince ourselves all is well.

But lying to ourselves and living a life which is not fulfilling or satisfying is too high a price to pay to maintain the status quo. To strengthen our emotional wellbeing, we must learn 54 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

Changing your inner voice to a kind, compassionate and supportive friend can be a fast-track to improved emotional wellbeing self-acceptance and honour what our emotions are trying to tell us. Accepting we are not perfect and confronting our fears is a first step in feeling good about yourself and your life.

The Voice Inside One of the best ways to achieve a degree of self-acceptance is to change the voice inside our heads. As children we absorb the voices of those in authority, both good and bad and eventually these voices become our own way of thinking about and judging ourselves.

If you were surrounded by loving, encouraging and enthusiastic voices you are likely to have a healthy level of self-acceptance, self-worth and robust emotional wellbeing. But if the voices you heard were critical, panic-ridden, threatening or humiliating, your ability to be accepting of and compassionate towards yourself will be lacking.

What do your inner voices tell you when you make a mistake, feel angry or upset? Are they kind or harsh? Changing your inner voice to a kind, compassionate and supportive friend can be a fast-track to improved emotional wellbeing.

Be Your Own Best Friend While it might feel strange to develop a friendship with yourself, it is one of the easiest ways to improve your selfworth and strengthen your emotional wellbeing.

Friends support us when we fail, when we don’t find the love we need or when our talents aren’t recognised at work. When we experience rejection and failure, our friends do not stop liking or loving us, they don’t tell us we’re stupid and undeserving, but help us overcome our disappointments with compassion and kindness. Learning to support and love yourself is an essential component of strong and positive emotional wellbeing.

In short, self-acceptance, honouring your feelings and treating yourself with love and compassion will all help to strengthen emotional wellbeing. l l

Our next event at Heather View

Heart health

Wednesday 18th March 2020, 2pm - 4pm

Join us to hear Joana Silva, Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Nurse at Tunbridge Wells Hospital share insights, information and advice on how to prevent heart disease.

To find out more or to book your free place call us on 01892 883205 or email caroline.thomas@careuk.com

Fulfilling lives Heather View care home Beacon Rd, Crowborough TN6 1AS careuk.com/heather-view

HEALTH

OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Sara Whatley has been learning how we can all get involved in raising awareness and assist with fundraising

and by raising money to help save lives.

Diagnosis at an early stage can more than double the chance of survival but less than a third of UK women are confident they know the symptoms.

Symptoms occur frequently, up to a dozen times a month and include: l increased abdominal size/persistent bloating (not bloating that comes and goes) l difficulty eating/feeling full l pelvic or abdominal pain l needing to wee more urgently or more often Other symptoms can include unexpected weight loss, back pain, a change in bowel habits, and extreme fatigue. Women experiencing any of these symptoms regularly and at an abnormal level should consult their GP and get checked.

It’s worth noting that unlike cervical, bowel and breast cancers, there is still no reliable, effective screening method for ovarian cancer.

You can help spread the word by holding a fundraising event, like a bake sale, pub quiz, sponsored walk and so on. l www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

T

he earlier a woman is diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer the more likely it is that she will respond to treatment. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month aims to make sure more women are diagnosed sooner, by raising the profile of the disease and its symptoms,

Clinic in Little Common Village

Trim Feet Podiatry

“You are by far the most gentle dentist I have ever seen” “Your injection technique is superb” “Your clear explanation of the treatment and sensations helped me to understand what was going on in my mouth so I didn’t have to worry what might happen next” “Most dentists I have seen before always seem to be in such a rush, but your calm and relaxed manner soon rubbed off on me” • • • • • •

Your Convenience - Open Saturdays and evenings The earlier the better - Quality Family Dentistry Freshen your breath - Caring, personal service Stop gums bleeding - Effective hygienist care Fear nothing - We take pleasure in supporting nervous patients Style your smile - Cosmetic dentistry can whiten, balance and restore your smile.

48 MOAT ROAD, EAST GRINSTEAD WEST SUSSEX RH19 3LH WWW.OAKMEADDENTALCARE.CO.UK

01342 325363

56 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

• • • • • • • • • •

HCPC Registered Routine Foot Care Nail Surgery Fungal Nail Treatment Diabetic Assessment and Care Biomechanical Assessment Insoles / Orthoses Therapeutic Ultrasound Wilde-Pedique toenail correction Customer parking available

57 Cooden Sea Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex TN39 4SL 01424 848602 trimfeet@gmail.co.uk www.trimfeet.co.uk

Tracy Trimmer - BSc Hons (Podiatry), M.Ch.S.

Cowburn Cutting Company Creative Hairstyling at its Best Call for an appointment

01825 766105 200/202 High Street, Uckfield, TN22 1RD

cowburn.cutting@gmail.com www.cowburncuttingco.co.uk Open Wednesday to Saturday

It’s all about the hair

Success with Style, not just another Hairdresser

“Creating Beautiful Smiles and Beyond...”

FOR ALL YOUR GENERAL DENTAL CARE AND SPECIALIST ATTENTION

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Emergencies seen same day Dental implants available We care for anxious patients Interest free credit available Private Treatment available at affordable rates Hygienists available Disabled access and facilities available Free parking available

We are now accepting New NHS patients

GRITTY, SORE, TIRED EYES?

Some patients may be entitled to

FREE NHS TREATMENT Please call or ask for details at reception.

FREE NHS TREATMENT available for under 18s Under New Management For more information or to book North Chailey Dental Care an appointment, call us now on

0800 158 8000

01825 724 694

REFRESH THEM IN A BLINK Thealoz® Duo refreshes your eyes in one drop, helping you look & feel fresh all day.

or visit www.dentistryforyou.co.uk

North Chailey Dental Care., The Surgery, Station Rd, North Chailey, Lewes BN8 4HD

Sussex Podiatrists Foot & Heel Magnet Advert AW.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2019 12:25 Page 1

LEADING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

SUSSEX PODIATRISTS

THE HEEL & FOOT PAIN SPECIALISTS

Our scanner system provides a 3D dynamic scan of the foot, ankle, knee and hip in motion.

Our technology will help to diagnose foot and lower limb pain. Prescriptive foot orthotics can help end suffering and prevent relapse.

We are experts in treating foot & heel pain problems Heel Pain, Bunions, Pronation, Stability We specialise in heel and foot pain… more than that we are passionate about what we do.

Foot pain and poor function becomes a quality of life issue. If you can not walk, life becomes difficult.

Poor alignment of the feet and legs can cause wear and tear to other parts of the body often disrupting normal knee function and hip alignment as well as increasing forces on muscles in the lower back.

Are you suffering from…

Back pain

Knee pain Shin pain Foot and Heel pain

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FOOD & DRINK

You can cook the pork the day before and leave in its juices.

Reheat covered for about 40 minutes in a 160 Fan oven and then reduce the juices as the recipe below.

INGREDIENTS 1.5 - 1.75kg/3¼ - 3 ½lbs Pork shoulder boned, rind removed and rolled 6 fat cloves of garlic, roughly chopped 3cm ginger peeled, roughly chopped 1 tbsp smoked paprika 2 tbsp chipotle chilli paste or 2 pasilla dried chillies 1 tbsp ground coriander 200ml/7fl oz white wine vinegar 2 large banana shallots, thinly sliced 2 tbsp light muscovado sugar 1½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 4 sprigs thyme 1 tbsp sea salt flakes METHOD Make deep scores all over the rolled pork and put into a large bowl.

1

Using a mini processor 2 make a paste from the garlic, ginger, paprika and

chipotle paste, ground coriander and 4 tablespoons 58 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

SERVES

6

RECIPE & FOOD STYLING LINDA TUBBY/NARRATIVES. PHOTOGRAPHER LAURA EDWARDS/NARRATIVES. ART DIRECTOR & STYLIST MARY NORDEN/NARRATIVES

As Mothering Sunday approaches on March 22 there’s a myriad of opportunities to go out to eat and treat that special lady in your life, but for those that might feel a little more adventurous, and keen to create their own special treat, why not go the whole hog and treat Mum to a meal created with your own fair hands and talent: marinated slow roast pork served with guacamole, salsa Mexicana, frijoles borrachos (drunken beans) and tortillas

E A B

I e f

M

W s H g

F a a T

A t t of the vinegar and rub the mixture into the meat and leave to marinate for one hour. Add the pepper and the rest of the vinegar.

up piece of baking parchment, put a piece of tin foil over the casserole and then a lid. Cook for 30 minutes then lower heat to 180°C, 160 Fan, Gas 4.

the juices and reduce (by about a third) until thick and syrupy. When ready to serve pull the pork apart with two forks and mix with the syrupy juices.

Preheat oven 200°C, 180 Baste the meat with 3 Fan, Gas 6. Put the pork 4 the juices, re-cover and Serve on homemade and marinade into a large cook for another 30 minutes.

5 tortillas with lots of casserole with the shallots, Lower the oven again to coriander leaves and lime sugar, thyme sprigs and 600ml/21fl oz water and salt.

Cover closely with a scrunched

160°C, 150 Fan, Gas 3 and cook for another 2 hours or until very tender. Strain off

wedges to squeeze over and the other suggested accompaniments.

BAR CAFÉ

ESCAPE THE WEATHER AND INDULGE WITH BUY ONE GET ONE FREE...

It’s time to treat yourself, but don’t delay as this exclusive Sussex Living offer of buy one get one free on all mains won’t be around for long!

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BAR CAFÉ

ESCAPE THE WEATHER AND INDULGE With its unrivalled views across Eastbourne seafront, the Vista Bar Cafe at The View Hotel is the perfect place to watch the day go by.

From homemade burgers to a classic fish and chips, it’s time to escape the weather and treat yourself in the Vista Bar Café at The View Hotel Eastbourne!

All you need to do is present this voucher to your server when placing your order and that’s it ...YOU’RE WELCOME

www.theviewhoteleastbourne.com

ON ALL MAINS IN THE VISTA BAR CAFÉ UNTIL 28TH MAY 2020 T&C’s: Valid Monday – Thursday until 28th May 2020. Voucher entitles the bearer to one free main course when another is purchased, the cheapest main meal will be free. This offer can’t be used in conjunction with any other offers. Only one voucher can be redeemed per order. Max 6 mains per order. Duplicated or Photocopied vouchers will not be accepted. Vouchers can only be redeemed in the Vista Bar Cafe. All offers are subject to availability and exclude calendar events. The View Hotel reserves the right to remove, refuse or amend this promotion at any time without notice.

/theviewhoteleastbourne

01323 433900

SECTION SUBJECT

Tortillas de Harina de Trigo – Wheat Tortillas Tip: If you wish, use ready made tortillas

INGREDIENTS 500g/1lb 1oz plain white spelt flour 1 tsp salt 80g/3oz lard or butter cubed 375ml/13fl oz warm water Spelt wheat is low in gluten and similar to the original wild wheat used in Mexico METHOD Put the flour and salt in a bowl add the lard or butter cubes and rub into the flour with your fingers to create coarse crumbs.

1

Mix in the water and 2 knead the dough into a smooth pliable ball. Put into a clean bowl and cover with

Guacamole INGREDIENTS 3 ripe tomatoes ⅓ cucumber peeled in strips, halved lengthways, deseeded and finely chopped 1 small red onion cut into quarters and thinly sliced 1 green chilli deseeded if wished, finely chopped 1 red chilli deseeded if wished, finely chopped Juice of 1 lime ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 2 -3 ripe avocados

Salsa Mexicano INGREDIENTS 250g/9oz tomatoes deseeded and roughly chopped 250g/9oz yellow/orange cherry tomatoes deseeded and roughly chopped 4 tomatillos husked and roughly chopped 2 spring onions sliced 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic crushed 1 red chilli deseeded and sliced 60 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

cling film and leave for 30 minutes.

Pinch off 18 pieces of 3 dough all roughly the same size. Cover the rest

whilst rolling one at a time.

Roll out evenly thin circles about17cm diameter.

Heat a flat heavy based 4 pan on a medium heat and cook one at a time in

the dry flat pan for about 2 minutes each side until pale golden spots appear on the surface.

Put the cooked tortillas 5 between sheets of nonstick paper while you cook

them all. To heat through wrap the stack in tin foil and warm in a medium oven.

10g /½oz bunch coriander, leaves removed and chopped METHOD Chop the tomatoes into small cubes, discarding the pips.

Put into a bowl with the cucumber, onion, chillies and half the lime juice and seasoning. Leave for 20 minutes.

1

Halve the avocados, 2 remove stones and skin.

Chop into small cubes and

mix with the rest of the lime juice. Gently fold into the tomato mixture with the coriander.

1 green chilli deseeded and sliced Juice of 1 lime 8 sprigs of young oregano METHOD Mix all the ingredients together for the salsa and fold in the oregano leaves keeping some sprigs for the top.

Frijoles Borrachos – Drunken Beans INGREDIENTS 250g/9oz pinto beans soaked in water overnight 2 tbsp olive oil 2 cloves garlic finely chopped 1 onion finely chopped 2 fat red chillies deseeded and finely chopped 2 fat green chillies deseeded and finely chopped 3 ripe tomatoes skinned, deseeded and finely chopped 200ml/7fl oz light beer/ pale ale 10g/½oz coriander leaves removed and chopped ½ tsp sea salt flakes METHOD Put the beans in a pan and cover with water. Do not salt. Bring to the boil.

Drain and rinse with cold water. Cover with fresh water and bring to the boil again.

Turn down the heat until just simmering and cook until just tender for 45minutes to 1 hour.

1

golden. Add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.

Add the light beer or pale ale and cook for 5 minutes.

Drain the beans and add to the pan and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Heat the oil in a pan and 2 add the garlic, onions and Add salt to taste and the half the chillies, fry for about 3rest of the chillies with 10 minutes on a medium the chopped coriander. Serve heat until just starting to turn

warm or cold.

BLUEBELL VINEYARD ESTATES

Lunch Ticket

Any two courses £9 Monday to Friday 12:00–3:00 01323 842400

Mother’s Day Flower Workshop with Fizz 21st March 1.30pm till 3.30pm £50pp Local florist, Lisa Geer will be joining Bluebell for a special event of floral design and sparkling wine. You will be learning how to assemble the perfect arrangement before enjoying a tour of the estate and a tasting of five sparkling wines, to discover how our winemakers use similar creativity when crafting our award-winning wines.

Following the tour, sharing platters of local crafted cheese and nibbles will be served.

For more information visit www.bluebellvineyard.co.uk

Five Times Winner

Glenmore Farm, Sliders Lane, Furners Green, East Sussex TN22 3RU

01825 791 561 | wineinfo@bluebellvineyard.co.uk

Open daily including Sunday & Bank Holidays

STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 19 February 2020 10:12 am OUR FILENAME: March 20 Bluebell Vineyard Estates 1-4

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 61

HISTORY

The Ancient Order of Froth-Blowers, founded in Sussex, combines the venerable arts of fundraising, drinking and socialising; an unbeatable combination! Peter d’Aguilar reports

T

he English are renowned throughout the world for their humour, charity, eccentricity and love of beer. Few organisations combine these characteristics as neatly and benevolently as the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers.

Founded back in 1924, the AOFB was the creation of First World War veteran, silk merchant and enthusiastic blower of froth Bert Temple, along with Sir Alfred Fripp, the eminent philanthropist and surgeon to Kings Edward VII and George V. Fripp

PHOTOGRAPHS OF BADGES, AND OF THE FITTLEWORTH VAT COURTESY OF THE FRIENDS OF THE FROTH BLOWERS

62 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

had carried out lifesaving abdominal surgery on Temple who, out of gratitude, set up the Froth Blowers as a way of raising a £100 donation – in support of the surgeon’s many good causes. One beneficiary was Fripp’s Invalid Children’s Aid Association – affectionately known as the Wee Waifs.

The AOFB also helped wounded and unemployed ex-servicemen.

One of the Order’s first official meetings took place at the Swan Inn in Fittleworth, West Sussex.

As a result,

The Swan became known as ‘No. 0 Vat’ – Vat being the AOFB’s pet name for its chosen venues. AOFB members each received humorous meteorological titles based on their success as recruiters to the Order. New recruits were Blowers and modest canvassers started out as Blasters (25 new members) or Tornadoes (100).

The most prolific rose to the ranks of

Grand Typhoon, Sou’west Gale, Cloud Burst or Breeze Vertical.

While AOFB membership was predominately male, the Order also welcomed female members (the Angelic Order of Fairy Belles), canine pets (the Amiable Order of Faithful Bow-Wows) and even small children – some were signed up at birth. Life membership was a mere five shillings, but other charitable funds were raised through light-hearted fines for breaches of etiquette – such as failing to wear AOFB cufflinks to a meeting. These meetings, chaired by a Chief Gargler, took place in pubs, inns, hotels and military camps, even at the London Stock Exchange and the Sporting Life newspaper, which became an enthusiastic champion of froth blowing.

From its roots in Sussex, the AOFB’s popularity swiftly spread around Britain, the Commonwealth

and beyond. The AOFB only existed for seven years until the demise of its two founders and the Great Depression brought about its end in 1931.

Nevertheless, in that relatively short time the Order recruited nearly 700,000 members across 160 countries, donating to its many beneficiaries over £100,000 (worth more than £5 million today).

Not everyone approved of the AOFB, however. Temperance campaigners railed against an organisation that promoted drinking alcohol - despite the AOFB motto of ‘lubrication in moderation.’ Despite this, and retrospective perceptions of xenophobia and misogyny, this sociable and charitable body, with its catchy theme tune “the more we are together, the merrier we will be,” brought much joy to its many members as well as to disadvantaged children and ex-servicemen.

Over the years, such luminaries as former poet laureate John Betjeman and fictional heroes Lord Peter Wimsey and Bulldog Drummond have referenced the AOFB in print. In 1981 notorious real-life mercenary Mad Mike Hoare attempted to disguise his ill-fated Seychelles military coup as an AOFB outing.

It is therefore welcome news that, almost one hundred years after its

foundation, the AOFB has risen Phoenix-like from the ashes – in the form of the Grand Ancient Order of Froth Blowers. In 2018 a reformation group began recreating a modernised version of the AOFB. The GAOFB is now gathering momentum, with new Vats springing up all round Britain as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the USA. While adhering devoutly to the original principles of ‘raising money for charity and having fun doing so, whilst blowing the head off one or five’, the new Order now embraces foamy coffee, hot chocolate and any other froth-bearing beverages.

As well as traditional pubs, clubs and

B I S H O P S B U TC H E R S the top end of Uckfeld – the nal butchers at only one A traditio h quality, local, seasonal pro g i h n i s t s i l n. Specia d

in tow

hotels, Vats can also be set up in coffee shops and fast food outlets.

The Friends of the Froth Blowers was set up by David Woodhead in 2012, who also founded his own brewing company, and is author of The Zestful Gollopers and Of Fripp and Froth Blowers.

Amidst the turmoil and confusion of modern life, it is reassuring to know that ‘the ancient art of froth blowing amongst persons of leisure and anyone of a kindly disposition’ is alive, thriving and bringing good cheer to froth blowers in the Twenty First Century. l With special thanks to Dr David Muggleton www.gaofb.org

The Cooper’s Arms, Crowborough

CASK ALE & CIDER WEEKEND Friday 10th-Monday 13th April 2020

uce.

Open 12-11pm each day

Hot food available 12-3pm For more details find us on Facebook or Twitter @coopersarmscrow The Coopers Arms, Coopers Lane, Crowborough, East Sussex TN6 1SN Tel: 01892 654796

214 High Street, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1RE

TEL: 01825 762820

“THE HOUSE OF ALE REPUTE”

The Dorset Arms Withyham 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.

Mother’s Day 22nd March - Book your table now

ARLINGTON

Food served lunch and evening - Home Cooked Food - Freehouse - New Menu including - Real Ales Lunchtime Light Bites 01323 870590 www.yewtree-inn.co.uk

Perfect place to visit before or after your country walk

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 63

PETS

It’s a Dog’s Life The coming of spring has put Teddy in a reflective, optimistic mood, pondering his personal canine similarities to lions and sheep as he looks ahead to longer, warmer days. As usual he barks his thoughts through his human interpreter, Helen Stockton

A

ccording to ‘Her Indoors’, who is a bit of a dubious source of knowledge at the best of times, March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb. Now whilst we might have a few lambs appearing by the end of the month, I’ve not seen any lions locally,

which might come as a relief to ramblers, minding their own business in the lanes.

The nearest we’ve got is the dog next door, who’s a Leonberger.

They were bred to resemble lions and he is massive. However, that doesn’t stop me exchanging pleasantries with him under the fence on a regular basis. Border Terriers might be small in

size but we are mighty in attitude; positively leonine in fact.

I think I embody the disposition of both lion and lamb, depending on my frame of mind. In relation to delivery people or other unexpected callers, I like to think I do my duty in the barking department. And if you are something small and furry, like a rabbit or a squirrel, you might not stop to evaluate the specific kind of predation you are being subjected to, as you are enthusiastically pursued across the lawn. I’m also very rough with my toys who endure a vigorous regime of shaking and flinging about in a way that endangers the ornamentation in the lounge. Toys don’t generally tend to last very long before they are minus body parts, ruthlessly de-squeaked, and their innards spread all over the carpet.

As far as I know, most lambs don’t behave like that.

Stop me from looking like a Wookiee on a bad hair day On the other paw, put me in front of the woodburner and tickle my tum and you won’t find a more placid dog anywhere. I sit down and wait politely to be requested to eat and I take treats with a surprising gentleness from between proffering fingers. Like a lamb, I also have a woolly coat which unlike sheep, gets attention three times a year to stop me from looking like a Wookiee on a bad hair day. ‘Her Indoors’ doesn’t collect my surplus fur and knit it into jumpers, which is probably a mercy, but my cast offs make a regular contribution to the nest lining of local birds. And without wishing to be indelicate, I don’t like mint sauce either…

However, I suspect that if I’m honest, the lamb and lion analogy has more to do with March’s role in straddling the divide between winter and spring than as a comment on Border Terrier nature. I won’t refer to the mild, wet weather we’ve experienced so far, as this is a sure way to provoke an Artic blast and snow up to the window sills, but let’s put it this way, the daffodils have been nodding to the snowdrops in our garden for some time now. So I see March as a month of emerging optimism, and if the weather is good I might do some emerging of my own. If I’m out for a walk, I don’t mind a few lambs. l 64 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

th ou so W an r o p e ks n ro are to lin ud all e re of wh vie o p ws os , ted

I would like to say how delighted I am with the quality of the stables, I think they look really excellent Mrs Richards, Sussex

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March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 65

EVENTS

SPOTLIGHT EVENTS Fri 17 April

All that Jazz Fundraising Concert in aid of the Chaseley Trust Friday 17th April, 7.30pm at the Birley Centre A musical variety evening presenting Neal Richardson and his Not King Cole quartet.

Having played in over 50 countries, pianist/ singer Neal presents a taster of his London Jazz Festival show celebrating 100 years of Nat King Cole, inspired by when he played Nat’s piano in LA’s Capitol Studios.

Neal is supported on the night by the Eastbourne College Jazz Band and the Chaseley Resident’s Choir. The concert will be raising funds for The Chaseley Trust, a charity based in Eastbourne and supporting people with complex disabilities. All proceeds from the tickets and raffle on the night go directly to providing improved bathing facilities.

Tickets are now on sale at £12 each and are available from www.chaseley. org.uk/fundraising/all-that-jazz-musicconcert/ or www.fatsoma.com, and the Birley Centre or in person from The Chaseley Trust based in South Cliff, Eastbourne. Telephone number 10323 744200 or email: fundraising@chaseleytrust.org

Have a Cracking Easter at Drusillas Park!

Various dates in April Drusillas Park offers a roar-some day out that includes exotic animals, large adventure play areas, amazing rides and more! Don’t miss the brand new attraction for 2020! Jurassic Jungle opens this Easter!! Take a walk back in time and discover a lost world of Jurassic giants. Get ready to ROAR and CLAW your way through the incredible prehistoric walk-through.

Plus, there are tons of egg-citing events taking place, including a special Bird of Prey day and the chance to meet Peter Rabbit, Bing & Flop and more!

For more info: www.drusillas.co.uk/

Various dates in April

events 01323 874100. Located just off the A27 in Alfriston

Horse-Guided Systemic Constellations Workshops March, April & May Systemic constellations is a dynamic coaching model that can help remove blocks, alter negative patterns and provide clarity and direction. A horse-guided workshop offers: individual constellations, collective ritual, exploration of ancestral legacies and connection to your ‘inner herd.’ Beneficial to those facing loss, trauma or uncertainty, but also to those seeking

deeper communion with self and others.

A recent participant said: “I could feel the healing energy as these wise souls welcomed me and offered a safe, peaceful and loving sanctuary – magical!”

For information on monthly workshops and individual sessions, visit www.creativeconstellation.net or contact Shivaun Woolfson on 0787 217 8315 or email shivaunwoolfson@aol.com.

Workshops Mar, Apr & May

Hastings Beatles Day at White Rock Theatre Sunday 5th April, 12 noon to 11pm Hastings Beatles Day returns for 2020 and will this year support The Sara Lee Trust, a local Hastings-based charity supporting people with cancer and other life threatening illnesses by providing free specialist counselling and complementary therapy care.

Hastings Beatles Day 2020 will bring acts together from around the world to perform on multiple stages at the White Rock Theatre; showcasing the music of this world famous and much loved band, in many different

66 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

Sun 5 April styles and with performers of all ages. It is an event that really brings the people of Hastings together, and supports a great local charity as well.

Tickets £16. Family Tickets £40 Tickets on sale on the door and available in advance from the White Rock Theatre Box office (booking fee applies) www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk Facebook and Twitter @hastingsbeatlesday www.hastingsbeatlesday.org.uk

Hop Into Easter Fun at Hever Castle Thursday 2nd to Sunday 19th April Family fun at Hever Castle and Gardens throughout the Easter holidays promises to put a spring in your step.

Hunt for the colourful carrots and the Hever bunny in this fun free Easter trail or take part in an Easter egg hunt in the grounds. Each child will receive a chocolate for completing the trail and a mini chocolate egg for each Easter egg they find.

Thur 2 to Sun 19 April

As well as the Easter themed activities, a visit to Hever Castle in spring offers a great chance to explore the stunning gardens.

Visitors can enjoy a dazzling display of spring blooms from daffodils to hyacinths, camellias and early tulips.

Gardens open at 10.30am; Castle opens at 12 noon. Last admission 4.30pm; final exit 6pm. www.hevercastle.co.uk or call 01732 865224

Royal Sovereign Suite Open Weekend at Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club

Fibre Fest at the Enterprise Shopping Centre, Eastbourne Saturday 4th April, 10am to 5pm and Sunday 5th April, 10am to 4pm Fibre Fest – All things Textile returns for its fourth year to the Enterprise Shopping Centre, next to Eastbourne’s Railway Station this Spring.

If you’re interested in Sat 4 & Sun spinning, weaving, 5 April felting, textile art, knitting and more, this is the place to be! With over 25 suppliers, makers, workshops and demos, it will be a celebration of all things textile.

Free admission, free parking on Sundays (first floor event, access via stairs only) To find out more visit: www.enterprise-centre.org

Friday 13th & Saturday 14th March, 11am to 8pm & Sunday 15th March, 11am to 4pm If you’re planning a large family celebration or just a fun party in 2020 then why not come to Sovereign Marina, Eastbourne and view the recently refurbished Royal Sovereign Suite at Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club at this Open Weekend?

Come along on any of these three days to discuss your specific requirements and ask about the very special event hire rates, and you could be holding your next celebration in comfort and style with stunning views over Eastbourne harbour! Everyone is welcome to enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a canapé.

With lots of free parking, easy access,

Fri 13 to Sun 15 March

a well-stocked bar and a wide choice of menus there really is no excuse to put off that celebration in 2020.

To book your place, email: enquiries@ shyc.co.uk or call: 01323 470888 or simply just turn up to Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, The Waterfront, 3 Harbour Quay, Eastbourne BN23 6JH

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux Stargazing Evening – Saturday 14th March, 6.30pm to 11pm

Sat 14 & Sun 15 March

Come and view the night sky through some of the largest telescopes in the country.

In the event of bad weather, we offer a planetarium style presentation. No booking required. Normal admission prices apply.

British Science Week Activity Weekend – Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th March As part of British Science Week, we are holding an Activity Weekend. There will be lots of extra activities focusing on space exploration. These are included with your general admission.

For more information, call 01323 832731 or visit www.the-observatory.org

Buble Meets Sinatra: The Showdown at the Royal Hippodrome, Eastbourne Saturday 18th April, 7.30pm Experience the next best thing to the idols themselves in the tribute-musical taking U.K. Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra fans by storm. With a stunningly authentic cast, this exhilarating show finds Sinatra time-travelled from his 1950s trilby-wearing zenith to meet today’s sensational Canadian contender for his crown, Michael Buble, for the ‘concert of the century that never was’.

Sat 18 April

Buble brings his biggest hits and Sinatra swings his most legendary classics, alongside all the fun and excitement you’d expect from the two idols backed by a top-level full live band. So who will be favourite when their two worlds collide in a night Buble and Sinatra fans will not forget... let the showdown begin!

Royal Hippodrome, 106-114 Seaside Rd, Eastbourne BN21 3PF. Box Office: 01323 802020 www.royalhippodrome.com

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 67

MICHAEL BALL AND ALFIE BOE Fri 6 Mar

THE WHITNEY HOUSTON HOLOGRAM TOUR Sat 7 Mar

THE BOYS ARE BACK Fri 27 Mar

THE JOE AND DIANNE SHOW Thur 2 Apr

SIMPLE MINDS Mon 20 Apr

JOE BONAMASSA Sat 25 Apr

GEORGE Thur 7 May

TRIXIE MATTEL Fri 22 May

DANCE ANTHEMS LIVE Sat 23 May

GREGORY PORTER Tue 26 May

IN CONVERSATION WITH THE SOPRANOS Wed 27 May

STRICTLY THE PROFESSIONALS Thur 28-Fri 29 May

ROGER HODGSON Tue 7 July

PAW PATROL LIVE! Sat 8 Aug

MICHAEL BOLTON Sun 11 Oct

box office 0844 847 1515* www.brightoncentre.co.uk *calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

68 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

See website for details of all upcoming events and activities including our Celebration Sundays

25 YEARS

THE OBSERVATORY SCIENCE CENTRE

W W W . T H E - O B S E R V AT O R Y . O R G • 0 1 3 2 3 8 3 2 7 3 1

Jonathan Pie: Fake News Tour Wed 1 April

T’Pau Wed 8 April

The Elvis Years Thu 9 April

From The Jam with Bruce Foxton Sat 11 April

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 69

PUZZLE PAGE SUDOKU

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.

8 6 4 9 7 5 8

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70 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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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.

24

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CROSS CODE

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1. Unit of language (4) 2. Nick (5) 3. Fabric (5) 4. Israeli currency (6) 6. Japanese paper art (7) 7. Unbalanced (8) 8. Military display (6) 13. Social insect (3) 14. Freshwater fish (4) 16. Non-commissioned officer (8) 18. Location (4) 20. Shuffle (7) 21. Landed property (6) 23. Lair (3) 25. Outmoded (3-3) 28. Gangway (5) 29. String (5) 31. Prison room (4) 5

3

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1

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CLUES DOWN

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CLUES ACROSS

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Place a different arithmetical sign (add, subtract, multiply, divide) in each circle so that the total of each line across and down is the same. Perform the first calculation in each line first and ignore the mathematical law which says you should always perform division and multiplication before addition and subtraction.

7

QUICK CROSSWORD

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Pre-paid funeral plans

Free bereavement centre

24 hour service

UCKFIELD 01825 764125 65 High Street, TN22 1AP www.funeralcare.co.uk

Cooper & Son Funeral Directors

Because every life is unique Lewes 01273 475 557 | Heathfield 01435 862 833 Seaford 01323 492 666 | Uckfield 01825 763 763 www.cpjfield.co.uk

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 71

Mar 20 Puzzles.indd 71

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CHARITY

IT’S ALL ABOUT CHARITY CASTLE NIGHT TREK - TAKE ON A CHALLENGE

PROSECCO PARTY IN AID OF THE CHILDREN’S RESPITE TRUST

Be the first to take part in a brand new 10k trek with Chestnut Tree House on Saturday 16 May 2020 and experience the stunning grounds of Herstmonceux Castle after dark.

Setting off at sunset, you will pull on your walking boots, switch on your headtorch, and get set to trek through varying terrain of ancient woodland, wildflower meadow and enchanting gardens.

The challenge will be tough, but you will create your own magical memories whilst helping local children and families who know they don’t have long together live life For the Now and, when the time comes, say goodbye in the way they want.

Join in on Saturday 16 May 2020 for Castle Night Trek and take on a challenge. For pushing your limits. For local children and families. For the Now. Visit www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk/castlenighttrek to register now!

To launch the Children’s Respite Trust’s ten-year celebrations, they are holding a ‘Prosecco Party’ on Friday 24 April 2020 at the Cavendish Hotel, Eastbourne and they would love you to join them!

Attendees will receive a welcome drink on arrival followed by a fundraising two-course dinner and auction. There will be additional prosecco on the table to enjoy. The evening will conclude with live music from ‘Forever Queen’ a Queen Tribute act.

They are looking for businesses to sponsor the event. Sponsors can expect their company to be promoted alongside the event at every opportunity. If you would like to discuss the sponsorship packages further please call the Trust on 01825 817417.

Tickets are £45 per person and available to purchase online at www.crtcharity.org

DO YOU DARE TO SPEND THE NIGHT AT THE ROYAL HIPPODROME THEATRE? A spine-chilling evening of fun challenges, torch-lit tales, music, poetry and more - all at Eastbourne’s oldest, spookiest Theatre, The Royal Hippodrome. This is one show you won’t want to miss!

Join the storytellers from Sussex Darkside, experts at bringing historical buildings to life through stories told, where they happened, by characters from the past. Explore the far reaches of The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, including areas usually closed to the public, and finish your

72 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

evening spending the night in the dark on your stage bound bed – and all for a good cause – St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

Scary Sleepover takes place on Friday 27 March 2020 from 10pm until 7am and is strictly for 18s and over. It’s just £40 per person to register, including a midnight feast and delicious breakfast. Get your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your bravery!

Participants are encouraged to raise £200 per person for St Wilfrid’s Hospice; the team there will send you a Fundraising Pack and lots of one-to-one support to help you reach your goal. Plus there’s a special commemorative prize for everyone who raises £350+! Limited spaces available – book now!

If you would like to take part in this unique overnight experience, book online at www.stwhospice.org/scarysleepover Any questions, call 01323 434284

Located just outside Hailsham in a quiet and rural setting, Hailsham House is a friendly care home, offering residential, nursing and memory care for those living with dementia.

At Hailsham House, daily life is carefully designed to support mind, body and soul.

The home regularly encourages Residents to remain active and supports sensory stimulation through the use of garden therapy within their beautifully landscaped gardens maintained by a specially trained sensory gardener.

Our care home offers: • Residential, nursing and dementia care • Short break and long term care packages • Hobbies and interests programme • Landscaped garden areas • Comfortable day rooms W T E A

hc-one.co.uk 0333 321 4797 hailshamhouse@hc-one.co.uk New Road, Hellingly, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 4EW

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 73

DIARY

DATES

Do you have an East Sussex community event to promote?

Email hello@sussexliving.com and ask for a Diary Dates form.

Thursday 05 March, 10:00 – 15:00

East Sussex Teachers Registration Open Day

The Mallings, 112 Malling Street, Lewes BN7 2RG Register with Class Cover for day to day, short/long term placements and permanent work for Teachers/ TAs/ LSAs/TEFL/SEN/Nursery/Primary/ Secondary/Colleges.

Lara@classcover.com 01273 957908.

Thursday 05 March, 19:00

Sussex Scrapbook 2 With Chris Horlock

Register with Class Cover for day to day, short/long term placements and permanent work for Teachers/TAs/ LSAs/TEFL/SEN/Nursery/Primary/ Secondary/Colleges.

Kirsten@classcover.com 01798 872446.

Saturday 07 March, 10:00 –17:00

Art Exhibition

St Peter’s Church, Chailey Green BN8 4DA Featuring many local talented artists.

Entry £2 per person. Refreshments available all day.

Saturday 07 March, 10:00 – 12:00

Bridge Cottage, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1AZ Following his successful talk at Bridge Cottage in 2019, Chris will again entertain the audience with anecdotes of famous people, local history, buildings and much more. It will be a completely different talk to his previous presentation. www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk 01825 760734.

Dr Bike

Friday 06 March, 10:00 – 15:00

Cottage Open Market

West Sussex Teachers Registration Open Day 1 Swan Court, Station Road, Pulborough RH20 1RL

Outside Police Station, Church Road, Seaford BN25 1HG Bring your pedal cycle along to have a once over to check its roadworthiness, with Cycle Seahaven. Donations to our charity Cycling Without Age (F: @ cyclingwithoutageseaford) www.cycleseahaven.org.uk Saturday 07 March, 09:00 – 14:00 Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1AZ Stalls will feature crafts, arts, commercial and antiques.

Michelham Priory House & Gardens

Discover & Explore great days out - All ages - All weathers

Daffodil Festival Sat 14th to Sun 29th March 80,000 Daffodils bursting into colour.

Watercolour Workshop Thurs 19th April

Learn to paint with artist Paul Clark. Booking Required.

Mother’s Day Sun 22nd March

Treat mum to a delicious afternoon tea. Booking Required.

Easter Weekend Fri 10th &

Mon 13th April Easter Egg Trail & seasonal hands-on activities.

Living History Day Sun 10th May Celebrate 2000years of craft, food and costumes. Hands-on activites and demonstrations throughout the day.

Visit our website for more details on these events & others.

Upper Dicker, Nr Hailsham East Sussex, BN27 3QS.

www.sussexpast.co.uk 74 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

Charity Number 306016

DIARY DATES www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk 01825 760734 Saturday 07 March, 19:00

Rhythms for Rockinghorse Charity Crowborough United Church, Croft Road, Crowborough TN6 1HA The Langborough Singers and friends present an evening of music in memory of Brian Whittaker and in aid of Rockinghorse. Tickets £12 (£8 for students).

Elisabeth Jarrett on 01892 654384 or Irene Watkins on 01892 655125.

Saturday 07 March, 19:30

Elvis Tribute Evening Happy Days Café, Holmes Hill BN8 6JA An up close and intimate evening of Elvis. £28 per person includes a hot meal and evening of fun and entertainment.

01825 872883 jjehu@outlook.com Friday 13 March, 19:30

Dracula: The Bloody Truth All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes BN7 2LE Lewes Drama Collective’s Senior Group daringly present this 5-star, smash-hit comedy for one night only! £9.50 adults / £7.50 children. www.ticketsource.co.uk/lewes-dramacollective/dracula-the-bloody-truth/eaxzppy Friday 13 March, 19:30 – 23:00

Comedy Night 2020 in Aid of the Children’s Respite Trust

Langney Sports Club, Priory Lane, Eastbourne BN23 7QH The Children’s Respite Trust’s Charity Comedy Night rolls into town once again for a night of laughs at Langney Sports Club, home of Eastbourne Borough Football Club. Doors open from 7.30pm and the comedy begins at 8.30pm. £10 per person, tickets to be bought in advance via our website rachel@crtcharity.org 01825 817417 www.crtcharity.org Friday 13 to Saturday 15 March, 11:00 - 20:00 (16:00 on Sun)

Royal Sovereign Suite Open Weekend

Sovereign Harbour Yacht Club, The Waterfront, 3 Harbour Quay, Eastbourne BN23 6JH Open weekend to showcase the recently refurbished Royal Sovereign Suite which is the ideal venue for parties and celebrations. Come along and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine and a canapé and hear about our very special event hire rates … and you could be holding your next celebration in comfort and style with stunning views over Eastbourne harbour!

01323 470888 enquiries@shyc.co.uk www.royalsovereignsuite.co.uk Saturday 14 March, 19:30

French Salon Music with Rebecca Kaznowski and Alex Rider Bridge Cottage, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1AZ This concert will recreate the intimate

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March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 75

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DIARY DATES tone and ambience of a French Salon concert and will include beautiful and sublime works by Debussy and Faure, interwoven with works of solo harp. www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk 01825 760734.

Saturday 14 March, 10:00 – 13:00

Chailey Repair Café

Chailey Village Hall, (next to Five Bells), BN8 4DA Repair Cafés are meeting places all about repairing things (together).

In the place where a Repair Café is located, you’ll find tools and materials to help you make any repairs you need. On clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, and many more items.

You’ll also find expert volunteers, with repair skills in all kinds of fields. chaileyrc@gmail.com Saturday 14 March, 15:30

Trelawny of the ‘Wells’ All Saints Centre, Friars Walk, Lewes BN7 2LE A comedietta in Four Acts by Arthur Wing Pinero. Performed by the Saturday School, directed by Tim Rowland. www.ticketsource.co.uk Saturday 14th March, 18:30 - 23:00

Stargazing Evening

The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux BN27 1RN Come and view the night sky through some of the largest telescopes in the country. In the event of bad weather, we offer a planetarium style

presentation. No booking required.

Normal admission prices apply. www.the-observatory.org 01323 832731.

Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March

British Science Week Activity Weekend The Observatory Science Centre, Herstmonceux BN27 1RN As part of British Science Week, we are holding an Activity Weekend. There will be lots of extra activities focusing on space exploration. These are included with your general admission. www.the-observatory.org 01323 832731.

Saturday 14 to Sunday 29 March

Daffodil Festival

Michelham Priory House & Gardens, Upper Dicker BN27 3QS A host of 80,000 daffodils bursting into colour on this seven-acre island.

Standard admission applies www.sussexpast.co.uk Sunday 15 March, 09:30 – 14:00

Antique & Collectors Fair East Dean Village Hall, Village Green Lane, Gilberts Drive, East Dean BN20 0DR 23 interesting stalls with a variety of silver, porcelain, jewellery, collectables and quirky items.

Frances 01323 423137 f.mace216@btinternet.com Monday 16 to Sunday 22 March

Hever Castle - Dazzling Daffodils

A Perfect Night Out Awaits The Sound of Music 31 March – 4 April

Alan Bennett’s The Habit of Art 18 – 21 March

Lady Chatterley’s Lover

by D.H Lawrence 31 March – 4 April

The Kite Runner 28 April – 2 May

Malory Towers 19 – 23 May

Box Office 01323 412000 | eastbournetheatres.co.uk EBTheatres 76 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

DIARY DATES Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Where a love of daffodils comes into full bloom. www.hevercastle.co.uk Monday 16 March, 10:00 - 12:00

Vitality Villages Coffee Morning Great Space, Herstmonceux Health Centre, Hailsham Road, Herstmonceux BN27 4JX Talk/demonstration by Steve Saunders from EsxA for the Blind and partially sighted. Refreshments and fun quiz.

Sheila Charlton 01323 833673 sheilacharlton@uwclub.net Wednesday 18 March, 14:00 - 16:00

Thursday 19 March, 19:30 – 21:30

Sussex Wildlife Trust Eastbourne Regional Group Event Victoria Baptist Church, Eldon Road, Eastbourne BN21 1UE Illustrated talk titled ‘Pevensey & Eastbourne Levels: A Natural History’ by ecologist, Evan Jones. £3.00 for SWT members, £4.00 for visitors - all welcome. Janet Nott, Secretary, Eastbourne Regional Group.

01424 777291 secretary-swteastbourne@hotmail.co.uk www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/ whats-on

Free Heart Health Talk

Saturday 21 March, 10:00 – 12:00

Heather View Care Home, Beacon Rd, Crowborough TN6 1AS Hear Joana Silva, Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse share insights, information and advice on how to prevent heart disease. To find out more or book your free place - call 01892 883205.

Caroline.thomas@careuk.com www.careuk.com/heather-view

Dr Bike

Big Park, Piddinghoe Avenue, Peacehaven BN10 8RH Bring your pedal cycle along to have a once over to check its roadworthiness, with Cycle Seahaven. Donations to our charity Cycling Without Age (F: @cyclingwithoutageseaford) www.cycleseahaven.org.uk

Wednesday 18 to Saturday 21 March, 19:45

Craft and Artisan Market

Ringmer Dramatic Society’s ‘Hay Fever’ by Noel Coward

Ringmer Village Hall, Lewes Road, Ringmer, Lewes BN8 5QH One of Noel Coward’s most durable comedies with its astute observations on family relationships and rivalries.

Adults £8.

Cathy Baker, 07753 317373.

RDSboxoffice@gmail.com

Saturday 21 March, 10:00 – 15:00

Bridge Cottage Heritage Centre, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1AZ 01825 760734 www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk Saturday 21 March, 14:00

Spring Flower Show Crowhurst Village Hall, Forewood Lane, Crowhurst, Battle TN33 9AJ Flowers, cookery, photographic, floral

Alfriston Arts

WE ARE OPEN

While the waterworks are going on Alfriston Arts are open Thursday to Sunday 10am - 5pm Plenty of gifts for Mother’s Day - and stocking the best fresh flowers in the village.

Alfriston Arts, High Street, Alfriston 01323 871658 info@alfristonarts.co.uk

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 77 2298-Dazzling-Daffodils-Ad-Sussex-Living-93x130-AW3.indd 1

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DIARY DATES art, handicraft and children’s classes.

Alan 07870 525441.

Saturday 21 March, 10:00 – 16:00

BLUEBELL RAILWAY BRANCH LINE WEEKEND 3rd - 5th April 2020

Come along for a fun-packed weekend showcasing small locomotives!

Timetables will recreate the branch line feel of our railway in its heyday by concentrating on the ‘small but mighty’ engines at their best.

Paws & Claws Book Fair

Town Hall (side entrance), Lewes BN7 2QS 40 dealers offering 1000’s rare, secondhand, readable and collectable books.

50p admission. 01273 477555 Wednesday 25 March, 14:00 – 16:00

Scrabble and Cake

St. Barnabas Pastoral Centre, Worth Road, Pound Hill, Crawley RH10 7DY Come and enjoy a game of scrabble – other games available – eg, dominoes, jigsaws, etc. Tea/coffee/cake provided. £3.50. Just turn up. All welcome.

Parish Office, 0300 111 8150 www.worthparish.org Thursday 26 March, 20:00 - 23:00

The Group, a club for unattached men and women aged 50+

Lewes Country walk? Dinner? A round of golf? Theatre? Day at the races?

Quiz? Cinema? Holiday? These are events from the Group diary. The Group meets in Lewes on the fourth Thursday evening of every month. Meetings also in Brighton, Burgess Hill, Horsham and Worthing. Visit www.thegroup.org.uk for venue details.

Friday 27 March, 22:00 - 07:00

Scary Sleepover

The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, 108-112 Seaside Road, Eastbourne BN21 3PF A spine-chilling evening of fun

challenges, torch-lit tales, music, poetry and more - all at Eastbourne’s oldest, spookiest theatre. Finish your evening spending the night in the dark on your stage bound bed – and all for a good cause – St Wilfrid’s Hospice. It’s just £40 per person to register, including a midnight feast and delicious breakfast. Participants are encouraged to raise £200 per person for St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

Book online at www.stwhospice.org 01323 434284.

Saturday 28 March, 10:00 – 11:30

Books, Plants and Toys Sale St. Barnabas Pastoral Centre, Worth Road, Pound Hill, Crawley RH10 7DY Books include paperbacks, hard backs, variety of topics, variety of plants, toys and games. Refreshments available.

In aid of St. Barnabas Refurbishment.

Free entry. All welcome. Parish Office, 0300 111 8150 www.worthparish.org Saturday 28 March, 09:15 – 13:15

Fundamentals of Drawing Chequer Mead Theatre, De la Ware Road, East Grinstead RH19 3BS Beginner drawing workshop where you will learn and practice the basics of the visual language and kickstart your drawing practice £40. info@looklearndraw.com www.looklearndraw.com Sunday 29 March, 09:00 – 15:00

Antique and Collectors Fair Horam Village Hall, Heathfield TN210JE

KWVR Archives/P Brunt

SPRINGING INTO EASTER 10th - 13th April 2020

Springtime themed bunny hunt and nature trails for children.

All day travel is included in the ticket price.

Hop on and off at each of our stations as much as you like throughout the day.

WATERCOLOUR PAINTING Weekly Classes and Monthly Saturday Workshops at Framfield, near Uckfield with professional artist JO HUDSON

01435 867982

johudsonpaint@gmail.com

www.johudson.com

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Steam trains between Sheffield Park & East Grinstead www.bluebell-railway.com 78 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

Wealden One hour from

Wealden do

the best attractions ¬

Area of Outstanding Beauty Stunning Countryside Spectacular Coastline Over 80 Attractions Hundreds of events

o-sussex.co.uk

www.wealdend

London by train

www.wealdendo-sussex.co.uk

DIARY DATES Entry £1. Refreshments and parking.

Mary 07899 996568.

APRIL Thursday 02 April, 19:00

Wildlife Rescue Ambulance Service with Trevor Weeks MBE Bridge Cottage, High Street, Uckfield TN22 1AZ Trevor will outline the origins of this organisation and the invaluable service it provides to Sussex wildlife. www.bridgecottageuckfield.co.uk 01825 760734.

Thursday 02 April, 10:00 – 15:00

East Sussex Teachers Registration Open Day

The Mallings, 112 Malling Street, Lewes BN7 2RG. Register with Class Cover for day to day, short/long term placements and permanent work for Teachers/ TAs/ LSAs/TEFL/SEN/Nursery/Primary/ Secondary/Colleges.

Lara@classcover.com 01273 957908.

Thursday 02 to Sunday 19 April

Easter Family Fun at Hever Castle Hever Rd, Hever, Edenbridge TN8 7NG Easter bounces into action with colourful Carrot Trail, Easter Egg Hunt and a Craft Workshop. www.hevercastle.co.uk Friday 03 April, 10:00 – 15:00

West Sussex Teachers Registration Open Day 1 Swan Court, Station Road, Pulborough RH20 1RL

Register with Class Cover for day to day, short/long term placements and permanent work for Teachers/TAs/ LSAs/TEFL/SEN/Nursery/Primary/ Secondary/Colleges.

Kirsten@classcover.com 01798 872446.

Saturday 04 April, 14:00 – 16:00

Jumble Sale

Bodle Street Green Village Hall, White Horse Road, nr Hailsham BN27 4UB Fantastic event with bargains for everyone in a beautiful location, clothes, toys, bric-a-brac, refreshments, raffle and much more. Adults £1, children free. Sue Ralph 01323 832542 Saturday 04 and Sunday 05 April, 10:00 - 17:00 (16:00 Sun)

Fibre Fest - All Things Textile

Enterprise Shopping Centre, Station Parade, Eastbourne BN21 1BD Spinners, weavers, dyers, felters, textile artists, knitters, suppliers, amkers, demos and workshops - note: access to fair is via stairs only. www.facebook.com/ SussexCraftandDesignFair Sunday 05 April, 12:00 - 23:00

Hasting Beatles Day

White Rock Theatre, Hastings TN34 1JX Hastings Beatles Day 2020 will bring acts together from around the world to perform on multiple stages showcasing the music of the Beatles in aid of The Sara Lee Trust. Tickets £16 on the door or in advance from www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Capture the essence of your home with a fine pen and ink drawing.

Prices start at £120 and depend on the scale and complexity of the artwork required.

christinemastersart@gmail.com Tel: 01435 864241 Mob: 078 3334 2020 www.christinemastersart.wordpress.com

THE SIX BELLS - CHIDDINGLY March

Fri 6th - Big Khuna Sat 7th - Foul Play Sun 8th - Assorted Nuts Lunchtime Jazz ... ... ...

Fri 13th - Pearly Cubes Sat 14th - Rooster Tail Sun 15th - Assorted Nuts ... ... ...

Tues 17th - Folk n Blues ... ... ...

Fri 20th - Classix

Sat 21st - Dirty Shoes Sun 22nd - Savannah ... ... ...

Fri 27th - 4 Blind Nuns Sat 28th - Snakebite Sun 29th - Savannah ... ... ...

Tues 31st - Folk n Blues ... ... ...

Fri 3rd april - Replica radio Sat 4th - Paul & Paul Sun 5th - Assorted Nuts

Tel: 01825 872227 www.6bellsfolk.co.uk March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 79

MONEY MATTERS

Self Assessment

H

PENALTIES

MRC recently You might remember that reported that this penalty wasn’t charged almost 1 million if you had no tax liability people missed outstanding so occasionally filing their tax return on time. when we knew we wouldn’t Given that late self be able to file the tax return assessment tax returns carry on time we would make What actually automatic penalties, I thought sure the tax was paid thus happens if you it would be timely just to avoiding the late-filing remember how the penalties penalty. Unfortunately that miss the tax work. handy get out of jail card was return deadline?

Firstly, remember that removed a few years ago, so not all of us have to file self now you will almost always Robin Stevenson assessment tax returns, and if receive a penalty if you are you do, then for this example late with your tax return. gives us the facts I’ll be using the standard filing Effectively though, that dates. £100 penalty does buy you a Most people who need to file bit of time because the next a tax return have two options, penalty only arises if your sending a paper tax return to tax return is more than three HMRC, or filing electronically months late, so 31st January via the internet. for paper tax returns, and If you decide to file your tax 30th April for online tax return by paper then you have returns. until 31 October to get it in. If you decide to file electronically If you miss this next 3 month deadline then the penalty is you have a bit more time, until 31 January. much more severe. Instead of the flat £100, HMRC will I suppose the earlier filing date for paper returns is to impose an additional penalty of £10 per day until your tax give HMRC enough time for someone to manually enter the return is filed. entries onto HMRC’s system, whereas filing by This additional penalty will be restricted to a internet enters HMRC’s system automatically maximum of £900 which is effectively 3 months, If you miss the filing and therefore cuts out the need for manual after which further penalties will be charged if intervention. the tax return is still unfiled after 6 six months deadline then HMRC HMRC are pushing more and more for us to and then again after 12 months. will give you an interact online so I’m not sure whether the extra We file almost all our client tax returns automatic £100 penalty online, we have some which have to be paper time allowed for online filing is an incentive, or whether the shorter time for paper filing is there filed, which is why January is a notoriously busy as a penalty. time as the £100 penalty begins to loom large and helps to focus So now we know the usual filing dates, what are the penalties clients minds to give us the last of the information we need to if you file your tax return after these dates? complete their tax returns and beat the filing deadline.

If you miss the filing deadline then HMRC will give you an For those who are interested in the technical side, the late automatic £100 penalty. filing penalties can be found in schedule 55 of Finance Act 2009.

Do bear in mind that different penalties arise for the late payment of tax, and the payment dates aren’t dependent upon when your tax return is filed so if you miss the deadlines then you could find yourself facing the double-whammy of latepayment penalties on top of late-filing penalties.

Finally, if we make the assumption that each late return carries a £100 penalty then HMRC coffers have just increased by almost £100m. l Money Matters is written by Robin Stevenson CTA ATT TEP, Head of Taxation & Private Clients, 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 his 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.

80 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Dixon & Company CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

Sculptures by Doug Hyde

Original Fine Art Featured Artists & Limited Edition Prints Bespoke Picture Framing

www.dianehuttgallery.co.uk

Local independent firm specialising in small businesses and personal taxation • • • •

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

95a High Street, Uckfield TN22 1RL 01825 766440

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

T: 07960 249021 mobile

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

MAKE YOUR CONSERVATORY A PROPER EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME WITH THIS AWARD-WINNING BUSINESS With the help of Icon Roofs your conservatory can become a place to enjoy all the additional space with year-round comfortable temperatures from this thermally efficient solution.

This multi award winning service is installed by highly trained fitters from initial survey to completion. Complies with current building regulations and carries an insurance backed guarantee.

www.iconroofs.com

Jason.iconroofs@gmail.com

To find out more please call 01825 212131 or email: hello@sussexliving.com Mar20 SLE Classified.indd 81

0800 009 6247 March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 81

27/02/2020 13:12

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Uckfield Garage

01825 768316

Uckfield’s Leading MOT and Service Centre For all makes from brand new to classic cars.

• • • • • •

Keep your vehicle and warranty intact at around HALF the cost of the main dealers!

COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS MOTS AND SERVICING TYRES AND EXHAUSTS MAJOR REPAIRS COURTESY CAR FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

UCKFIELD GARAGE 143 HIGH STREET UCKFIELD . TN22 1ES

w w w. u ck f i e l d g a ra g e . c o . u k

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.

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

V COTTINGHAM 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

723493

E-mail: vince@vcottingham.co.uk www.vincecottingham.co.uk

GRATE FIRES OF SUSSE X

Installation & Servicing of gas and electric fires

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info@gratefires.co.uk www.gratefires.co.uk

Tel: 07779 288896 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

GENERAL BUILDER / HANDYMAN

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BRICKWORK, WALLS, PLASTERING, RE-POINTING BRICKWORK, WALLS, PLASTERING, RE-POINTING EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE / DECORATING EXTERIOR AND AND INTERIOR MAINTENANCE / DECORATING CONSERVATORY STABLE BASES CONSERVATORY AND STABLE BASES PATIOS AND PAVING, LANDSCAPING AND FENCING PATIOS AND PAVING, LANDSCAPING AND FENCING

Call Colin for Free quotationsavailable / References available Call Colin for Free quotations / References T: 01825 700812 eves 07960 249021 mobile T: 01825 700812 eves 07960 249021 mobile

Contact 01825 212131 I hello@sussexliving.com 82 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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

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

Where quality is assured

Design & Landscaping

co al We ns so n er in ow va sta to ll ri es

www.limelandscapes.co.uk

Competitive prices, friendly installers. Local work can be viewed or check us out online at checkatrade.com.

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

Over 18 years’ experience.

Call us for a free no obligation quote on 01825 764912 or 07930 533588 www.campaving.co.uk

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

SPECIALISTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF HEAT RETAINING LINER POOLS

Tel: 01273 891393 Email: rwengineering@live.co.uk Your local friendly family run garage with over 40 years experience in all aspects of vehicle repairs, old, new, classic, sports & prestige

All Makes & Models • MOTs & Servicing Repairs • Diagnostic Specialists Wheel Alignment • Tyres & Exhausts Clutches • Cambelts • ECU Remapping Air Conditioning • Brakes Brake Disc Skimming • Welding & Fabrication • Engine Tune-Ups Petrol Injector Testing & Servicing Diesel Specialists • Carbon Cleaning •Courtesy Cars Available

www.rwmotorengineeringltd.co.uk Unit 1, The Old Brickworks, Station Road, Plumpton Green, East Sussex BN7 3DF

Blackboys Service Station is a family-run business established for 40 years with over 25 years Renault experience.

all makes & models ...

• TYRES • MOTS CLASS 1, 2, 4 & 7 • EXHAUSTS • AIR CONDITIONING • SERVICING • WELDING • REPAIRS 01825 890317 • DIAGNOSTICS • COURTESY CARS

WE NOW DO CLASS 7 MOTS

www.bss-renault.co.uk ru@bss-renault.co.uk

NEW ADDRESS: Lancelot Unit, Squires Farm Industrial Estate, Palehouse Common,Nr Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 5RB

• 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

Sussex Ponds & Gardens For all ponds, terraces and associated landscaping Portfolio available Personal and efficient service

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

To find out more please call 01825 212131 or email: hello@sussexliving.com Mar20 SLE Classified.indd 83

March 2020 | SUSSEX LIVING 83

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

SOUTHERN POOLS (01435) 865453

FISHING GEAR

JCP Decorating

SPLIT CANE t OLD REELS SEA, FLY AND CARP

All Internal & External Painting Woodwork & Metalwork Painting All Paper Hanging

WANTED

Small Family Run Business 17 Years’ Experience Residential & Commercial Friendly, Efficient & Professional Service Competitive Rates & Free Quotations

Visit the Visit the Pool Shop Pool Shop

for Discount Discount Chemicals Chemicals for and Accessories Accessories and

Station Rd. Industrial Estate Station Rd. Industrial Estate Heathfield, Sussex Heathfield, Sussex Open 9am - 5pm Mon - Fri Closed 1-2pm for lunch • Open 9am - 1pm Open 9am - 5pm MonSat- Fri

1-2pm for lunch • Open Sat 9am - 1pm❖ ❖Closed 54th Anniversary 1965 - 2019

ANYTHING FOR FISHING MODERN OR OLD CASH PAID

07728 458129 / 01435 661224

jcpdecorating@gmail.com www.checkatrade.com/jcpdecorating

WILL COME AND COLLECT

01323 841359

A natural growth accelerator for plants and vegetables

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

Puckamuck is a completely natural and organically sourced well-rotted horse manure.

• • •

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 Harriet 07899676166 Puckamuck is a Registered Trademark.

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

VERANDAS, AWNINGS AND CARPORTS Supplied and installed. Call for a free quote today!

SBI Ltd est. 1998 – Most installations completed in a day!

Awning servicing, repairs, cleaning and replacement parts.

*18 years’ experience / Insured

For a free, no-obligation quotation, call Chris: 01825 731825 or 07939 018849 84 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

OLD HAND TOOLS OF RURAL CRAFTS Bought & Sold

Excavations Ponds / Impact Moleing

Foundations Landscaping Drainage Clearance

Tinkers Lane Hadlow Down

Bespoke Hardwood and Wrought Iron

Gates and Railings

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

Peter Hanman (Tools)

MICHAEL STILLER

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

01825 830438 07717 280358

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

www.hanman-tools.co.uk

Problems with Water Supply or Disposal?

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.

• 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

Superior Glass Ltd Uckfield’s longest established glass & window company

01825 764766 • Fascia, Soffits & Cladding • Glass cut to size.

• uPVC & Aluminium Windows, • Bi-Fold, Composite and Doors & Conservatories Garage Doors • Laminated & Toughened Glass

24 Hour Emergency Glass Repairs

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

COVERING KENT AND SUSSEX

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

FENSA

The Highest Quality in Sport Surfaces

Martin Gurr Tennis Courts is a family business with 40 years experience in building tennis courts and sport areas.

The company provides free surveys and quotations.

All courts are constructed to high specifications and are supported with a long guarantee.

Please contact us for further information:

Martin Gurr Tennis Courts Manchester Road, Ninfield, East Sussex TN33 9JX

T: 01424 892265 M: 07831 643 835 info@martingurr.co.uk www.martingurr.co.uk

To find out more please call 01825 212131 or email: hello@sussexliving.com Mar20 SLE Classified.indd 85

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

PUZZLE Solutions CROSSWORD

From p56 of the Sussex Living East February Issue

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Registered Address/Head Office 128 High Street, Hurstpierpoint , West Sussex BN6 9PX

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SUSSEX LIVING MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: Sussex Living Ltd (East Sussex Edition) PO Box 287, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 9ED Tel: 01825 212131 www.sussexliving.com

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@sussexliving

MANAGING EDITOR Adele Trathan adele@sussexliving.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Sara Whatley editorial@sussexliving.com EDITORIAL SUPPORT Robert Veitch DESIGN AND ARTWORK Jo Grey, Stephen King, Ruth Preston ADVERTISING Adele Trathan, Chris Tindley hello@sussexliving.com PROOFREADER Diane Clark DISTRIBUTION Colin Trathan SOCIAL MEDIA Robert Veitch

WANTING TO PROMOTE IN EAST SUSSEX? LOOK NO FURTHER

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER Ian Kirwan accounts@sussexliving.com CREDIT CONTROL Michelle Brett creditcontrol@sussexliving.com CONTRIBUTORS Flo Whitaker, Geoff Stonebanks, Hanna Prince, Helen Stockton, John Hannam, Lisa de Silva, Narratives, Peter d’Aguilar, Robin Stevenson, Ruth Lawrence, Sara Whatley PRINTED BY www.magprint.co.uk Part of The Media Sound Holdings group INCORPORATING MAGNET MAGAZINE

To be included and to promote your business call us now on 01825 212131 or email hello@sussexliving.com

Whilst every reasonable care is taken with all materials submitted to Sussex Living we cannot accept r­ esponsibility for loss or ­damage to such ­materials. Opinions expressed in articles are strictly those of the authors. This publication is copyright and may not be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Sussex Living can take no ­responsibility for omissions or errors. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited ­submissions or the return of submitted items.

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86 SUSSEX LIVING | March 2020

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

1-2-1 GARDEN DESIGN garden design in a day - from £250

www.1-2-1gardendesign.com email nigel@nigelphilips.co.uk Tel No 01273 477746

STUDIO PROOF

PROOF DATE/TIME: 26 February 2019 1:23 PM OUR FILENAME: Mar19 1-2-1Gardendesign

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES

SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE *Quote Ref SLE0320

BEFORE

LATER THAT DAY

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LIMITED SUBSTANTIAL SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE We’re planning to make insulation a must have addition to every conservatory across the UK. To find out more about the benefits that the Green Space system can offer and see if your conservatory is suitable for any potential subsidies, contact us now.

Call free on:

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Putting off your enquiry could reduce the potential subsidy available to you

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www.elliottreid.co.uk

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