Sussex Exclusive Magazine Issue 6 2023

Issue 6 2023
The Ultimate
Sussex Road Trip
Think epic views, great
wine & ancient castles
A Luxurious
Brighton Getaway
With all the Christmas
trimmings
Fantastic Foodie
Experiences
From truffles and easy
Christmas recipes to
some of the best burgers
in Sussex!
Fabulous
Christmas
Gift Ideas
The Best Sussex
Christmas Traditions
Celebrate the old and try
the new!
Enjoy Two of Sussex’s
Finest Views
With these warming
winter walks
92 pages of
beautiful Sussex
The Perfect
January Antidote
Get January ready without
a NY’s resolution in sight

A word
from the editor
Welcome to the latest edition of the Sussex Exclusive
Magazine and what a winter warmer I have for you!
The next few months in Sussex are always evocative and filled
with lots to do and great Sussex flavours, and in this edition,
we have a bumper selection of foodie treats for you. Of course,
we have our usual recipes and foodie experiences but I am also
delighted to be able to share lots of sweet treats and easy bake
recipes thanks to Becci Coombes from Hygge Style.
We also have our usual In The Diary section with our carefully
chosen selection of interesting things to do over the next few
months and of course, we have some Sussex Christmas gift ideas.
For those who love the great outdoors, do check out our choice of
stunning winter walks, and our gardening section brought to you
by Geoff Stonebanks.
Order by 11th Dec
for guaranteed
Christmas delivery*
*In-stock products only
Editor
Lucy Pitts
lucyp@sussexexclusive.com
Deputy Editor
Janine Marsh
Editorial Assistant and DDIP
Aifric Peachey
Design
Philippa French
Sales
sales@sussexexclusive.com
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a few traditions, so we
take a look back at what we’ve got up to over the years here in
Sussex as well as some of the newer traditions that are now taking
root here. And if you’re still on the lookout for a new tradition,
how about a winter break in Brighton at the Grand Hotel?
Calling all petrol heads - when did you last take a few days out to
really explore Sussex? And how about the ultimate road trip from
Chichester to Battle taking in stunning views, some great driving,
lots of historic monuments and a few vineyards and breweries?
Although we’re all about Sussex, we also have our usual travel
section that has two fantastic holiday ideas whether you fancy
luxury and glaciers, or French family fun and lots of fresh air.
Sussex Exclusive Magazine
www.sussexexclusive.com
You’ll find lots more in this edition including the perfect antidote
to the January blues, health advice, Feng Shui advice, some weird
and wonderful Sussex finds, and the stories of gin and wine in
Sussex!
As always, please find a comfy spot, and some great local wine or
beer, and take a look. I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I have
enjoyed putting it together. Please feel free to share with friends.
Discover the Joy of
Sleeping Comfortably
The finest range of premium beds, mattresses
and bedding in the South-East
Visit our stores in Bosham, Guildford,
Horsham & Worthing
Shop our full range online:
jonesandtomlin.co.uk
Front Cover
Royal Pavilions,
Brighton
And a very merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and
yours! See you on the other side!
Lucy
Lucy Pitts
3

Contents
8
16
8 In the Diary
Fill your diary with these wonderful Sussex
events from foraging for fungi to wassailing
and ice skating
12 A traditional Christmas
A look back at Sussex traditions from
yesteryear and a look forward to traditions of
tomorrow and beyond
16 The ultimate Sussex road trip
Discover ancient castles and ruins, award
winning wines, stunning views and rolling
country roads on this three day road trip
22 Winter walks
Wrap up warm and head out into the
country with one of these two pulse raising
and inspiring winter walkabouts
41
64
50
41 Sweets, treats and bakes
Grab a mixing bowl and get baking with our
fantastic selection of Christmas bakes and
puddings
48 A recipe (or two) for success
Two easy to make recipes for those family
and friends get togethers when you don’t
want to be tied to the kitchen
50 Calling all foodies
From truffle hunting to cheese and wine
pairings, to chilli jam and grape vodka, have
a look at our foodie corner
58 The perfect January antidote
Beat the January blues with our eight
wonderfully indulgent ideas which will take
you from art to afternoon tea
60 In the garden
26 Luxury getaway
Treat yourself to a Grand getaway and a bit
of indulgence in Brighton with a touch of
luxury and lots of trimmings
Create winter colour, prepare your garden
for spring and look after the birds with Geoff
Stonebank’s winter advice
26
28 Wrap it up
Check out our carefully chosen Christmas
gift ideas from Sussex wine, to arty prints
and stylish fashion and homewares
66
64 Meet the Friends of the
South Downs
Meet the people who are safeguarding one of
Sussex’s greatest assets and investing in the
future of the South Downs
32 The Loyal Address
The unique and extraordinary Christ’s
Hospital custom of the Loyal Address to the
new monarch
66 Weird and wonderful Sussex
From the Devil’s humps and jumps to holy
springs and ancient trees, Sussex is a treasure
trove of the unusual
32
37 The great gin and wine stories
Learn about the extraordinary backstory of
gin, the long Sussex wine story & why Sussex
is such a great county for drinks
82
82 Set sail to foreign climes
Hop over the channel and discover the
fantastic Pas de Calais region of France with
its vast beaches, giant tortoises and dragons
4 | sussexexclusive.com 5

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Contributors
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Private Client Tax Specialists
With a focus on the future, we will help you today by looking to tomorrow
Geoff Stonebanks
Geoff’s garden, Driftwood, has
appeared on BBC2’s Gardeners’
World, and has won multiple
awards. He writes monthly for
several websites and gardening
media and has a weekly gardening
column in the Brighton Argus and
is regularly heard on the radio.
www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk.
Janine Lowe
Janine Lowe is an author and
classically trained Feng Shui
consultant, trained in Chinese
astrology and in the arts of Bazi,
Flying Stars, Auspicious Dates, Qi
Men Dun Jia and I Ching. For the
last 19 years she has worked with
private and business clients to
enhance their wealth, relationships,
careers and everything in between.
www.janinelowe.co.uk
Stuart Ritchie
Expert Tax Advisor helping clients
manage their wealth, minimise
tax bills, and solve tax disputes
& financial problems. Stuart
specialises in private client taxation
and has considerable experience
and expertise with an emphasis
on agreeing complex taxation
issues, both onshore and offshore,
and helping clients achieve their
financial objectives.
www.ritchiephillips.co.uk
Our people are passionate about making a difference
Vanessa Jamieson
Vanessa is an enthusiastic,
amateur cook who likes to make
sure no one ever leaves her table
hungry! Working full time, Vanessa
needs to squeeze in quick to
prepare food, without losing any
of the flavour. She also likes to
experiment with different cuisines,
which can take her to Morocco,
Thailand, Japan and back to
France, all in the space
of one week!
Becci Coombes
Becci spent her childhood holidays
on the family farm in Denmark, and
grew up with a love for all things
Scandinavian. Originally she trained
as an archaeologist (Vikings, of
course!), before travelling the
world and becoming a successful
glass artist. She now runs
www.hyggestyle.co.uk, an online
boutique in Sussex specialising in
Danish and Scandinavian gifts. She
is the author of three craft books
focusing on upcycling.
Holly Stone
Holly runs a busy practice in
Billingshurst and online. Specialising
in Solution Focused Hypnotherapy,
Eating Disorder Coaching and CBTi
she is hoping to bring a team to
Horsham’s Total Therapy Studio later
this year to offer 1-2-1 and group
support to those who are struggling
with stress and associated issues.
www.hollystonehypnotherapy.co.uk
When you are looking for an accountant, you will want people with a passion for and
understanding of what you need or what you do. Our unique combination of specialist skills
and experience means that we will always bring fresh ideas and added value to the table.
We are team players with a focus on helping you.
The passion that we put into what we do, and the understanding that we have for our clients,
means that our team will go far beyond simply solving problems. As well as their expertise
and enthusiasm, all members of the team enjoy working in our specialisations, and are
encouraged to share this with our clients.
Ground Floor South Suite, Afon House, Worthing Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 1TL
T: 020 3195 1300 E: mail@ritchiephillips.co.uk W : www.ritchiephillips.co.uk
6 | sussexexclusive.com 7

In the
Diary
Grab your diary and fill it with our selection of some of the
fabulous events taking place in Sussex over the next few months
artwork, ceramics, textiles, jewellery
and handmade wares. For more
information visit: The Maker's Fair
SteamLights at Bluebell Railway,
Uckfield
17 November to 30 December 2023
Ice Skating at the Royal Pavilion,
Brighton
28 October 2023 to 7 January 2024
As popular as ever, head to Brighton and
take to the ice in front of the compelling
and charismatic Brighton Pavilion. Prebooking
recommended.
The Maker's Fair, Brighton
4 and 25 – 26 November and 2
December 2023. 11:00 - 17:00
The Maker’s Fair is a contemporary
artist and designer fair situated in
Brighton, Hove and surrounding areas.
It’s an ideal place to discover beautiful
Foraging and Fungi, Lower
Beeding, Horsham
7 November 2023. 11:00 - 12:30
Leonardslee Gardens is home to
a colourful and diverse array of
fungi. Join a guided walk to show
you a selection of wild fungi and
discover facts about their life histories
and why they are so important to
the garden. £25 per person | £15
Leonardslee members
Stargazing at The Observatory
Science Centre, Herstmonceux
11 and 17 November and 2 and 9
December 2023. 18:30 - 23:00
These events sell out quickly
every year and are a chance to
look through some of the largest
telescopes in the country to view
the night sky, the moon or the
planets (if they are visible) or it may
be deeper sky objects. There are
experts on hand and the evening is
free flowing around the centre, but
booking is essential.
Sparkle, glow and shimmer on a magical
steam train covered by thousands of
colourful lights. Feast your eyes on a
magical and spectacular light show as
you travel through the winter landscape!
Booking essential.
Glow Wild, Wakehurst,
Haywards Heath
24 November 2023 to 1 January 2024.
16:30 - 22:00
Discover the stunning grounds at
Wakehurst after dark and lit up with this
award-winning lantern packed event filled
with festive magic. With a new route,
brand new installations, and lots of other
surprises, this is a great pre-Christmas
outing. Booking is essential.
Makers Fair
Glow Wild
8 | sussexexclusive.com 9

Page 10:
Leonardslee
Bubbles & Botanicals
A Christmas Carol, Michelham
Priory House & Gardens,
Hailsham
Page 11
2 December 2023. 14:30 and 17:00
Burning the Clock
Wassail and
Weald & Downland
TIMT Theatre presents Charles Dickens’
A Christmas Carol. Witness Ebenezer
Scrooge’s extraordinary journey to
rediscover the true spirit of Christmas
through mesmerising performances, live
music, and a touch of holiday magic.
Booking essential.
immerse yourself in the captivating music
while enjoying the stunning view.
Sussex National Raceday,
Plumpton
7 January 2024. Gates Open – 10:30
Tree Dressing, Weald &
Downland Living Museum,
Chichester
Kick-start your New Year at the Sussex
National. With a seven race card, this
fixture is guaranteed to generate a
cracking atmosphere in the stands.
3 December 2023
Leonardslee Illuminated,
Horsham
24 – 26 November, 1 – 3, 7 – 10 and 12
– 21 December 2023. 16:15 – 22:00
Follow the trail through the Grade I
listed gardens and enjoy a festival of
light, sound, and colour. When you’ve
finished, browse the Christmas market or
let the kids enjoy one of the funfair rides.
Booking essential.
Advent – A Christmas Experience
& Market
25 & 26 November 2023
Visit Weald & Downland Living Museum
in Chichester for Advent, a two-day event
which includes an array of festive and
family-friendly experiences exploring
Christmas traditions from the past. There
will also be a boutique Christmas market
which will bring together stall holders,
showcasing a range of products sourced
from the local region, from arts and crafts
to artisanal gifts. Find out more here -
www.wealddown.co.uk/events
Bubbles and Botanicals Fair,
South Lodge, Horsham
25 November 2023. 13.00 – 18.00
A stellar selection of Sussex sparkling wine
and craft spirit producers come together
at South Lodge offering you the chance to
try, buy and learn more about our great
Sussex drink scene. For more information
visit: Bubbles and Botanicals
A Bodiam Castle Christmas,
Robertsbridge
25 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
(closed 24 & 25 December) 10:00 –
15:00
Enjoy a magical Christmas at Bodiam
Castle. With trees lining the courtyard,
twinkling lights all around and
atmospheric tower rooms, immerse
yourself in the festive spirit. You’ll find
Father Christmas’s sleigh in the courtyard,
a naughty elf has left gifts lying around
the castle and there is a Christmas Trail to
help Father Christmas spot the presents
(£2 + admission, includes a small prize).
Visit the Weald & Downland Living
Museum for a magical Tree Dressing
event for all the family, celebrating the
importance of trees in our lives. Join in a
procession before placing your own jam
jar lanterns around the Aspen trees to
create a circle of light. Find out more here
www.wealddown.co.uk/events
Burning the Clocks, Brighton
21 December 2023
Burning the Clocks is a community
event that involves thousands of lit, paper
lanterns parading through the streets of
Brighton before being burnt in a vast
bonfire on the seafront accompanied by
fireworks. It’s a lively celebration of the
turning of the year but also a time for
reflection and thought.
Rockaway Beach Festival,
Bognor Regis
5 to 7 January 2024
Head over to the beach for a vibrant
atmosphere, eclectic artists, and a topnotch
experience. Relax by the waves and
Wassailing Day, Weald &
Downland Living Museum,
Chichester
14 January 2024
Visit the Weald & Downland Living
Museum for their annual Wassailing Day
to bless the Museum’s orchard. Join a
procession, with music, songs and short
performances, starting from the market
square and leading to the orchard for the
wassail, to ensure a good harvest. In the
orchard an apple tree will be decorated
as part of a traditional ceremony and the
audience are invited to join in with the
‘Wassail’ shout! Find out more here -
www.wealddown.co.uk/events
Stargazing Evening with Seven
Sisters Astronomical Society,
Beachy Head
27 January 2024. 18:30- 21:30
Wrap up warm and join Seven Sisters
Astronomical Society for an awe-inspiring
tour of the winter skies. Includes a
warming supper and a talk from Royal
Astronomical Society Fellow, Jane Green.
Booking essential.
10 | sussexexclusive.com
11

A truly traditional
Sussex Christmas
Sussex has always been strong on
tradition. And whilst many of the above
traditions may have faded from my
household, there are still plenty of Sussex
traditions, old and new, that create some
of the magic and mystique of this time
of year.
We take a look at Sussex Christmas traditions both old and new
In the 1970s, in our house, Christmas
started in the early autumn when
the Christmas pudding was made.
Not for that year, I would add,
but for the following Christmas.
I’d watch my mother chopping dried
fruit, mixing it all in a bowl and adding
tiny silver coins (which we’d all hope to
find when we ate it), before eventually,
it was tied in a muslin cloth and put
on top of the cupboard. For well over a
year. Occasionally coming down for the
addition of some brandy before being
carefully re-wrapped and replaced. I can
still remember the distinctive smell of
dried fruit, candied peel, nutmeg and
other spices and the sense of Christmas
ceremony. Unlike the TV Christmas
ads of today, it was the first sign that
Christmas was coming.
As the year then slowly rolled into
December, we made our own sweets: teeth
breaking treacle toffee, coconut ice with
real Cochineal (which I genuinely believed
was made from dead bugs – well it is, kind
of) and quince jelly (which nobody liked).
Then we dug out my grandmother’s old,
well-worn stockings. No pillowcases of
presents for us back then.
On Christmas Eve we made our way
to Horsham’s St Mary’s church for the
evening service where we lit candles.
The idea then was to take them all the
way home with us (in the back of my
mother’s Morris Thousand Traveller)
without the candles blowing out.
No seatbelts. And as we didn’t live in
Horsham, it was quite a long (and
perilous) journey home.
Sussex Wassailing
If it’s
traditional
Sussex music
you’re after,
Sussex has
its own carol
(The "Sussex
Carol") the
words of
which were
first recorded
in the 17th
century and
the melody
of which was
recorded
in the 19th
century after
being heard at
Monk's Gate,
near Horsham.
Sussex Mummers
Dance, folk songs and Mummers’ plays
would have been a massive part of
our Sussex Christmases of yesteryear.
Mummers’ plays are folk plays performed
by troupes of amateur actors, known
as Mummers. In Sussex, however,
they are often known as Tipteers’ or
Tipteerers’ plays and the troupes would
travel from village to village putting on a
Christmas play in the village pub.
Many of the traditional Sussex songs
they performed would not have changed
significantly for centuries, some even
dating back to the Saxon era. The songs
were often performed with extraordinary
vocal variety and the lyrics would reflect
the life of the countryside and humour of
its people.
The good news is, if you love this as a
tradition, and prefer it perhaps to the
modern version (a pantomime), you’ll
still find lots of troupes of Mummers
performing across Sussex today.
The Sussex Carol
If it’s traditional Sussex music you’re after,
Sussex has its own carol (The “Sussex
Carol”) the words of which were first
recorded in the 17th century and the
melody of which was recorded in the
19th century after being heard at Monk’s
Gate, near Horsham.
It’s by no means the only Sussex
Christmas carol and in 1928, Sussex
County Magazine published a version by
a K H MacDermott which includes the
words, “The Angels came to a south land
fair, To a cottage in the Weald”. Other
regional carols include The Ditchling
Carol, The Burwash Carol for Christmas
Day and the Falmer Carol.
Sussex mince pies
According to a 1974 source (Tony
Wales, ‘The Good Things of Christmas
Times Past’), our Sussex mince pies
used to be oval in shape to represent the
manger in the Christmas story. And if
you’re thinking of snacking on a mince
pie early, Sussex tradition states they
should only be eaten during the 12 days
of Christmas.
Going a Goodening
The Feast of St. Thomas the Apostle,
established in the 12th century, originally
fell on December 21st, also the day
of the winter solstice (although in the
Catholic calendar, St. Thomas Day has
since been moved). In Sussex, the 21st
December became a day when no one
could say no to a caller who came to your
door and asked for a gift. It was known
as Going a Goodening and it was usually
the woman of the family who visited the
big, wealthier houses. People would call
out “Please remember the Gooders” and
12 | sussexexclusive.com 13

shops would leave out spoiled items for
the poor. Apparently, Sir Timothy Shelley
of Field Place near Horsham used to give
away large quantities of beef!
Christmas Day seas swim
Christmas sea swims aren’t unique to
Sussex, but we are home to the country’s
oldest continuously running swimming
club at Brighton, founded in 1860. And
the Christmas Day swim has been held
almost every year since then! Lots of people
dress up for the occasion which presents
quite a spectacle on Christmas morn.
Boxing Day meets
Whilst fox hunting with horses may be
considered a sport best forgotten, back
in the day, the Boxing Day meet was a
major event when crowds turned out in
towns like Horsham and Lewes to see
the huntsmen in their smart jackets on
their well-groomed horses. Much more
of a controversial sight these days, meets
are still held across the county on Boxing
Day but you might be more likely to find
yourself at a meeting of old vehicles and
steam engines like the one at Slinfold
near Horsham.
Burning the Clocks
A much newer Christmas tradition
is the Brighton based Burning the
Clocks, a winter solstice festival that
first took place in 1994 as a response to
Christmas commercialisation. Lanterns
are paraded through the streets with a
carnival style atmosphere with music and
costumes until they reach the beach where
there is a lantern bonfire and fireworks.
The costumes often include a clockface
to represent the passing of time and the
lanterns are made of paper and willow.
Thousands of spectators now turn out
to watch.
Sussex Wassailing
Wassailing is not just a Sussex tradition
although it’s most practiced in counties
where fruit trees are common (like Sussex
and Kent). It has its origins in Pagan
culture which abounded in our part of
the world before Christianity. Wassail was
a type of toast that means “Good health”
to which other revellers would reply “Be
well” or “Drink hael” (drink well). The
drink involved was warm, mulled ale,
wine or cider.
Wassailing normally takes place on the
Twelfth Night (5th of January) or the
17th of January, the correct date before
the introduction of the Gregorian
calendar. The aim is to bless the fruit trees
and ward off any bad spirits to ensure a
bountiful harvest in the year ahead.
Even a few years ago, you’d have been
hard pushed to find a wassailer, but it
seems to be enjoying a resurgence and
you’ll find various wassailing events
popping up across Sussex in January.
Sussex illuminations
Sussex Wassailing
Steam up
Sussex illuminations
A much newer Sussex tradition in recent
years has been the illuminated events
that light up venues like Wakehurst,
Leonardslee, and the Cowdray Estate at
Midhurst. These beautiful venues sparkle
after dark with thousands of creative
and magical illuminations as visitors
brave the cold winter night to follow an
evocative trail.
SteamLights
Fast becoming a tradition in many
households, SteamLights is one of the
Bluebell Railway Christmas tours. The
train is lit up for those on board, and
the 90 minute journey involves festivethemed
scenes among the trees and
clearings and a colourful light show
orchestrated in time with music.
But the real tradition for those who
aren’t on the train, is to see if they can
catch a glimpse of the illuminated train
rushing through the countryside. There
are a couple of spots along the route that
if you know where and when, you just
might just see it.
The wonderful thing about traditions is
that they are ever evolving. Traditions
may become lost or forgotten, but in a
county as culturally rich as our Sussex,
there are always ways to create a few
more. Merry Christmas.
14 | sussexexclusive.com 15

Designed as a three-day trip, starting in
Chichester with stays at Bramber and
Lewes and ending in Battle. The full
itinerary is available here:
www.sussexexclusive.com
Distances
All distances and prices are approximate and subject
to variations depending on your chosen route and
detours.
Bailiffscourt
The Ultimate Sussex
Road Trip
Chichester to Battle
Put the pedal to the metal and follow in the wheel tracks of pilgrims past.
For those that love driving, sweeping and
stunning views and great Sussex landmarks
Revving up at the start line
Chichester
Your starting point is the historic cathedral city of
Chichester. Arrive the day before your departure
and visit art galleries, catch a play at the Chichester
Festival Theatre, explore Roman ruins and admire the
12th century cathedral.
For more ideas visit: Things to do in Chichester
Places to stay in Chichester
Harbour Hotel Chichester: a central boutique hotel
with spa and in-house restaurant in a restored Grade-
II listed Georgian property. Rooms from £121 per
night. Street parking.
The Millstream Hotel: in nearby Bosham, the
Millstream has a 2 rosette Sea School Restaurant and
Marwick’s Brasserie. Rooms from £122 per night.
Private parking.
Day 1. Chichester to Bramber
Chichester to Bramber 40 km.
You have a choice of travelling via the A259 along
the coast or via the A27 with deviations.
Your route – the A259
Pick up the A259 which starts as a straight, tree lined
road with impressive autumn colours. Look out to
your left for views across to the South Downs where
you can make out the distinctive white domes of
Goodwood racecourse.
Climping
Stop for a beach walk at Climping or a coffee at
Bailiffscourt (and say hello to the peacock). From
here, you can choose to carry on the A259, but our
recommendation is to turn inland along Ford Road
towards Arundel. There are three notable Medieval
churches along this road. Alternatively, coincide your
road trip with market day at the old Ford Airfield
(you can’t miss the giant plane outside) on Thursdays,
Saturdays and Sundays.
Lunch at Arundel
Arundel is home to a magnificent Medieval castle
and an impressive late 19th century cathedral in
French Gothic style. It’s a beautiful place for a lunch
stop with a river, quirky boutiques, antique shops
and a museum.
Places for lunch
The Parsons Table in Tarrant Street gets a mention
in the Michelin Guide. Alternatively head out of
town to Burpham where The George comes highly
recommended, and if you walk around the back of
the church there are more great views of the Downs.
For more ideas: Things to do in Arundel
16 | sussexexclusive.com Chichester
17

Steyning
Slindon folly
Day 2. Bramber to Lewes
Bramber to Lewes 30 km.
In Bramber, a short walk and climb takes you to the
ruins of a Medieval castle and its church with views of
the South Downs. And a little further into the village
is the incredible St Mary’s, an enchanting historic
pilgrim inn dated to about 1450.
Arundel
A27 to Arundel
An alternative route to Arundel is along the A27. On
a clear run, it’s another lovely, tree lined road with
lots of straight stretches. If walking is your thing, pull
over at Slindon and walk to the famous folly.
Arundel to Bramber
From Arundel, once fully replete, get back on the
A27 and head east. At Clapham, take the A280
signed to Horsham and Findon. This takes you via
Long Furlough, a gorgeous stretch of road. Then take
the A24 north and stop at Chalk, part of the Wiston
Estate. Stock up with some great quality wines and
then onwards ho, to Bramber via the A283.
Places to stay in Bramber
The Toll House Hotel: this has dog friendly rooms
if you’ve brought your hound, and rooms start from
£84. It has its own restaurant and parking.
The Castle Inn: is a family run hotel with rooms
starting from £50. They also have their own
restaurant.
Other places nearby worthy of a visit are:
• Tiny Grade I listed Saxon church of St Botolph's
which has fragments of Medieval wall paintings.
• Incredible Gothic Revival Lancing Chapel. Open
to the public by arrangement, it’s the largest
school chapel in the world.
The A283 and the A27
From Bramber, the A283 takes you to the Shoreham
bypass and the A27. Whizz along this and enjoy its
undulations and views. Just past Brighton, Stanmer
Park Nature Reserve has a restaurant and café for
a lunch stop, as well as a shop with lots of lovely
local produce and a walled garden. There is also a
quirky flea market and as One Garden is managed by
Plumpton College which has a specialist wine division,
it’s another chance to stock up on local wine.
Long Furlough
St.Marys Bramber
Lancing
Back on the A27, it’s a straight and then curvaceous
road before you turn off into Lewes.
Places to Stay in Lewes
Trevor House: is a Georgian property offering B&B
accommodation in the High Street (with private offstreet
parking). Rooms start from £95 per night.
The Jolly Sportsman: a short drive from Lewes at
East Chiltington. It’s dog friendly and has free parking
and a pub restaurant. Rooms start from £145.
Places to eat in Lewes
There are plenty of places to eat in Lewes and their
speciality is good pub grub so head to The Pelham
Arms or The Rights of Man Pub.
Day 3. Lewes to Battle
Lewes to Battle 45 km.
Lewes is home to a fantastic Norman castle and
priory, a 16th century timber-framed house that
belonged to Anne of Cleves, a great flea market, the
famous Harvey’s Brewery (where you can do a tour)
and an incredible 15th century bookshop.
Other places nearby worthy of a visit are:
Lewes
• Glyndebourne - one of the most celebrated opera
houses in the world.
18 | sussexexclusive.com 19

Beachy Head
Birling Gap
the National Trust café. You won’t want to turn
your wheels away from this road with its undulating
curves and fabulous sea views but eventually you
must head back north to the A259 and then the
A2770 to eventually rejoin the A27 at Polegate.
The final stretch
Alfriston
• Charleston House - modernist home and studio
of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant,
now a museum.
For more ideas: Things to do in Lewes
Cuckmere Haven
Once past Polegate and Eastbourne, there’s a nice
straight stretch of road to Pevensey. You can then
follow the A259 towards Hooe if you wish but
a nicer road cuts across the Pevensey Levels to
Herstmonceux Castle and the Observatory. The
Levels have their own unique atmosphere and feel
wild and untamed even in summer.
Finally, you’re heading to Battle via the A271,
perhaps with one last stop at the Ashburnham Place
tearoom in the orangery and a quick stop to look
back at the incredible views behind you!
Your route
From Lewes, take the A27 east. Here you get a real
sense of the approaching Ouse Valley to your right,
and of the South Downs to your left. Turn right at
Drusilla’s Zoo towards Alfriston.
Alfriston is hopelessly pretty with its Smugglers Inn,
old buildings and village square. The Star Inn dates
back to the 14th century and used to accommodate
monks on a pilgrimage from Battle to Chichester, so
it feels right that as you’re retracing their steps if you
stop here for lunch.
From Alfriston, carry on south and detour to
Rathfinny vineyard off to your right to stock up with
more Sussex wine. Once you’re back on the road, you
enjoy glorious views of the sea and Cuckmere Haven
below before you finally rejoin the A259.
Herstmonceux
Battle
Last stop Battle
Battle is of course home to Battle Abbey and the
battlefield of 1066. There’s plenty to see and do in
Battle, with a museum, market and nearby vineyard
at Mountfield. And from Battle, well the decision
is yours … do you carry on driving to Rye, or do
you turn around and pilgrimage your way back to
Chichester again!
For more ideas: Things to do in Battle
Places to stay in Battle
Powdermills Country House Hotel: is about a
mile from Battle centre and is a Grade II listed
18th-century country house hotel with pet-friendly
accommodation. Rooms start from £128.
Follow this iconic stretch of road east past Exceat.
At East Dean, you turn right to follow the coastal
road via Birling Gap and on to Beachy Head. Each
one of these places is worth a stop for a leg stretch
and you can get coffee and cake at Birling Gap in
Claverton Country House Hotel: combines
Edwardian character with modern design. It has
free onsite parking and is set in secluded landscaped
gardens 3 miles from Battle Abbey. Rooms start
from £90.
20 | sussexexclusive.com 21

Whether you’re looking for wildlife, panoramic views across Sussex, or just a
hearty walk to get your heart racing, these two walks are perfect for a crisp
winter morning.
Duncton
Warming
Winter Walks
Make the most of frosty mornings and catch
some of the best views in Sussex, with these
two stunning walks
Gorgeous Winter Walk at
Duncton Hill, West Sussex
This walk is perfect for a frosty winter
day and if you’re lucky, you might
catch layers of mist drifting across
the landscape. It combines wide open
spaces, lots of wildlife, stunning views
and wooded tree-lined paths. So, grab
your hat and scarf, pack a flask of coffee
and take the A285 south of Petworth to
Duncton Hill. There’s a small car park
and viewfinder halfway up the hill. Park
here. What3words: butchers.glad.swift.
Distance: 7.5 km. Elevation: 171 m.
Difficulty: Medium. Ordnance Survey
Explorer 121.
While in the car park, it’s well worth
taking a moment or two to enjoy the
view and there’s a dial that points out
the main landmarks such as Blackdown,
Seaford College, Leith Hill, St Michael’s
and Petworth. It’s a good spot for a quick
coffee from the flask before you head off.
Duncton Hill to the South
Downs Way
From the car park, you have a choice
of routes. You can walk a short distance
along and up the road until at the
entrance to the chalk pit, you pick up
the West Sussex Literary Trail and turn
right on to it. Alternatively, there is a
footpath up hill through the woods
from the car park, which avoids the road
and takes you around the side of the
chalk pit. This was our preference, and
you follow the path through the woods
with tempting views of the valley below
through the trees.
If you’re lucky, you’ll also see wild deer
and we saw a herd of about 20. The
sharp drop to your right as you walk is
Woolavington Down and that is Seaford
College below you and Blackdown in the
distance (when not shrouded in mist).
Follow the path until it breaks free of the
woods and then takes you across fields
until it meets the South Downs Way. The
route is easy to follow.
Cross Dyke into Eastdean
Wood
You should have met the South Downs
Way at Cross Dyke (and Tegleaze Farm)
about 2.25 km into your walk and you
go straight across rather than join the
South Downs Way. The footpath you
want is a Restricted Byway which is
OK for walkers but not bikes. Follow
this path in a straight line. First, you
pass fields but then you enter the most
magnificent beech wood. This is Eastdean
Wood, owned by the Goodwood
Estate and managed by the Forestry
Commission. It’s so well-maintained and
full of wildlife.
We met no one as we walked this magical
woodland apart from more deer. After
about 1.75 km, you reach a crossroads
and you turn left as you start to double
back towards the South Downs Way.
You are still in Eastdean Wood but you
will know the exact moment you leave
the Forestry Commission section as the
nature of the woods changes. Just carry
on in a straight line in and out of the
woods. Heath Hanger is to your right
but you can’t really see it.
Stickingspit Bottom
You arrive back at the South Downs Way
with incredible views ahead. This walk is
worth it if just for this. The West Sussex
Literary Trail is ahead and will take you
back to the car park. Alternatively, you
can see the woodland route you took
earlier to the car park and rejoin that.
Herds of
deer, views
of Petworth
and woodland
paths make
this winter
walk a must
22 | sussexexclusive.com 23

Mount Caburn
Stunning views
of the River
Ouse and
beyond and
Iron Age forts
make this walk
a winner
Heart Pumping Climb to Mount
Caburn, East Sussex
This walk is all about the wildness of
the South Downs. At certain points, it
feels like the place that time forgot but
it’s postcard picturesque and food for
the soul! Even if it feels like you’re going
horizontally heavenward, it will get your
heart pumping and warm you up even on
the coldest of days!
Distance: 8.5 km. Elevation: 293 m.
Difficulty: Medium to hard. Ordnance
Survey Explorer 11.
From the A27 heading east, take the first
proper left turn to Glynde (at the time
of writing there was no sign to Glynde
here). As you enter the village, go over the
bridge and there is a car park immediately
to your left. What3words: bandstand.
notes.headrest.
Glynde to Mount Caburn
From the car park, turn left and after a
short distance turn left again. Just after
the village shop, you’ll see a footpath
leading up to Mount Caburn. It’s 1.8 km
from the car park to the summit but I
think I’ll rename this hill “heart attack
hill” because it feels like it goes vertically
up. Eventually, and as you round the
crest of the hill, you clearly see Mount
Caburn to your left. Although the
footpath goes straight on, you really
can’t miss out on the summit so take a
short deviation to conquer it.
Mount Caburn
Mount Caburn is a 146-metre hill
and the highest part of an outlier of
the South Downs, separated from the
main range. This is also a National
Nature Reserve so a haven for wildlife
and home to the remains of an Iron
Age hill fort where there are over 140
burial pits. Even on a grey and cloudy
morning, it has the most magnificent
views all around, including of the River
Cuckmere and Glynde, and if you
achieve nothing else apart from walking
to the top, and then going home, well,
it’s been time well spent! There’s a bench
at the top from which to admire the
view, but in winter, it’s jolly chilly!
Mount Caburn to Oxteddle
Bottom
Return to the path you deviated from.
This path runs all the way from Glynde
to Lewes. That means (if you ignore the
deviation you have just taken) you just
follow the original path up and over the
brow of the hill and straight down the
other side. You’ll know you have arrived
at Oxteddle Bottom because you’ll
see a dew pond and you’re also into
the Southerham Farm Nature Reserve
here. But be warned, it’s not brilliantly
signed here.
Bible Bottom
About 1.8 km from the brow of
the hill at Mount Caburn and past
Oxteddle you come to a path that
almost doubles back up to the main
footpath that runs along the edge of
Lewes Golf Club. If you want to carry
on for a longer walk, you can, and you
just stick to the path which takes you
due north (and right) up to the Lewes
Tunnel and then right again back onto
the Golf Club footpath.
If you don’t want this longer point,
just double back. You’ll know when
you get to the main path. You’re
walking along above Bible Bottom,
home to the Bible Enclosure which is
a Medieval livestock enclosure. It’s also
a Scheduled Monument but you can
apparently only see it in certain light.
It’s called the Bible Enclosure because
it looks like a bible (apparently)
although it used to be called the
Devil’s Book.
Bible Bottom back to Caburn
Carry on past Saxon Cross (site of a
Medieval settlement site on the eastern
side of Saxon Down and another
Scheduled Monument) and the wind
turbine and from there you can see
Mount Caburn clearly in the distance
and you just have to follow the path
back to it. Back at Mount Caburn, just
follow the path downhill to Glynde.
There’s a rather gorgeous tearoom next
to the shop, well worth a stop. Or head
into Lewes.
24 | sussexexclusive.com 25

A Festive
Sussex Getaway
Head to the Sussex coast for a Brighton break which combines luxury,
history, the unusual and a big helping of fun
A stay at the iconic Grand
Brighton
Set on Brighton seafront, The Grand
Brighton was officially opened on 21 July
1864 to great fanfare and celebrated as
the original ‘Palace By The Sea’. The now
famous building was revered as a feat of
Victorian architectural brilliance.
Today, it still boasts an impressive
facade, ornate interiors and famously
outstanding service. With seven floors set
around the original dramatic sweeping
staircase, along with the Cyan Brighton
restaurant, the Victoria Bar and Lounge
and the Victoria Terrace, the Grand adds
a touch of luxe to a Brighton getaway.
Advance hotel room rates start from £139
for a double room in December.
Festive treats
Inspired by the upcoming December
cinema release of Wonka, treat yourself to
a Festive Afternoon Tea experience at The
Grand with chocolate infused creations
and sweet treats alongside festive savoury
favourites. All served on the sea-facing
terrace with homemade chocolate
marshmallows with popping candy, a
chocolate, praline and orange choux,
and festive mini sherry trifle. The menu
also features a speciality mini “Grand”
marbled chocolate bar, providing you
with the chance to discover a golden
ticket and win a bottle of Champagne.
The Festive Afternoon Tea is priced at £38
per person, and reservations are now open
with early booking advised.
glass of Champagne, followed by a fivecourse
tasting menu. The night continues
with dancing and live music from the
UK’s leading event band RadioAction.
And start New Year’s Day in style with a
Grand breakfast, before heading home.
The New Year’s Eve Getaway Package is
tailored for adults aged 18 and over and
starts from £600 for two staying in a classic
double or twin room.
Discovering Brighton
Brighton is a shopper’s paradise during
the festive season; from the Lanes and
the bohemian North Laine district to
Churchill Square Shopping Centre, the
Brighton Christmas Market and the
Artists Open House events.
And don’t forget to head to the Royal
Pavilion where they celebrate Christmas
in style with lavishly decorated trees and
large helpings of Royal Christmases past.
Here you’ll find Christmas concerts,
Father Christmas and even a three-course
dinner in the magnificent setting of the
Banqueting Room. And of course, there
is ice skating outside!
For more details visit: Brighton & Hove
Museums
For details of what’s on at the theatre visit:
Brighton Theatre
For more information about local walks
visit: The South Downs
Travel to
Brighton
You can reach
Brighton by
road via the
A27 or A23.
Parking at the
Park & Ride
car park at
the Withdean
Sports
Complex is
recommended
as parking
in central
Brighton is
expensive.
Catch the
number 27 bus
from Tongdean
Lane.
Alternatively
travel by train
from London or
Gatwick.
Brighton is an eclectic seaside city which buzzes with life at Christmas. Catch
a show or performance at Brighton’s Theatre Royal (think Eddie Izzard,
Rhod Gilbert and Fairytale of New York), take part in the Burning of the
Clocks lantern procession and festival, or dive into the sea on Christmas
morning. Brighton is a city that really caters for all tastes and when the
overindulgence of the festive period takes its toll, head up onto the South Downs for a
calorie burning walk.
Celebrate New Year
As the year draws to a close, bid adieu
to 2023 in style with a celebratory
New Year’s Eve party package at The
Grand. Check-in and soak up the festive
atmosphere at the hotel, then head to the
Empress Suite later in the evening for a
Finally, don’t forget to explore the pier
and then head along to the Brighton
i360 to celebrate the winter solstice
sunrise 138 metres above the city or see
in New Year with a glass of bubbles and
dancing up in the sky.
For details of what’s on at the i360 visit:
Brighton i360
26 | sussexexclusive.com 27

Christmas
Gifts
Seasalt Gift Box
Includes a fresh and reviving
handmade candle, a 300g amber glass
jar of Seasalt & Juniper Bath Salts, and
a Seasalt & Sugar Body Scrub. Hand
packed into a natural kraft box with
shredded paper packing.
For details or to buy, visit
Resident Artisan
Price £35
Keep it local this Christmas
and support your county
with our Sussex Christmas
gift ideas
The Ridgeview Cocktail Gift Set
A cocktail enthusiast’s dream: Ridgeview’s Cavendish NV
meets Brighton Gin’s botanical richness, all in one set.
Get ready for delightful DIY mixology with easy-to-follow
recipe cards for two mouthwatering cocktails, adorned
with freeze-dried fruit.
For details or to buy, visit Ridgeview Wine Estates
Price £70
Sussex Coasters
Sussex Coaster Collection combines
views of the iconic Shoreham
Airport, Worthing & Brighton Piers,
and Brighton Vista. Printed on
4.8mm board, with cork backing and
varnished edges. Each set is bound in a
Design by Julie Ingham belly-band, so
looks perfect as a gift.
For details or to buy, visit
Resident Artisan
Price £20.00
Sussex Landmarks 2024 Calendar
With 12 different illustrations of
some of Sussex’s most iconic and
architecturally significant buildings.
It is the ideal Christmas gift for the
architecture fan in your life or for
yourself.
For details or to buy, visit
Resident Artisan
Price £15.00
Jangala, Brighton Print
‘Jangala’ celebrates a fusion of the Indian jungle and the architecture of the Royal Pavilion and
gardens. The Fine Art limited edition Giclee prints are printed with archival inks and printed on
museum quality paper. The print comes in two sizes.
For details or to buy, visit Resident Artisan
Price £140 - £175 dependent on size
28 | sussexexclusive.com 29

Hand-stamped “I love you”
vintage silver spoon
For details or to buy,
visit Hygge Style
Price £9.95
Blue Crystal Eye Pendant Necklace
in Gold
For details or to buy, visit
La Vida Boutique
Price £22
Nordic Nights Hygge Gift Box
A wonderful gift box, packed full of
lovely little festive gifts and all lovingly
wrapped in tissue. Presented in a handy
silver card box, the set contains a handmade
red enamel Hygge snowflake
mug, a 2l festive knitted hot water
bottle with reindeer and snowflake
design and a 9cl NORSKA “Vinter”
candle, fragranced with cinnamon,
clove and orange essentials oil.
For details or to buy, visit
Hygge Style
Price £24.95
Stork Print Canvas Tote Bag
For details or to buy, visit
La Vida Boutique
Price £22
Wreath Making For All Occasions
Packed with lots of projects and
craft ideas from Easter to Christmas,
it makes the perfect gift for the
craft lover! In this book, author and
crafter Becci Coombes will show you
how to form simple wreaths out of
foraged elements, with an emphasis
on recycling and using sustainable
materials.
For details or to buy, visit Hygge Style
Price £14.95
Date, Love, Marry, Avoid: Find Your Soulmate
Finding your soulmate in a largely online world can be
tricky enough as it is, and this book aims to help you find
a compatible partner without having to kiss too many
frogs. Janine helps people find their way every day with
relationships, life, health, and wealth through Chinese
Horoscopes and Feng Shui. Love, Date, Marry, Avoid is a
funny, practical, irreverent, and accessible guide to Chinese
astrology, geared to help you learn what makes your
personal sign tick and which animal signs are your most
– and least – compatible.
For details or to buy, visit Amazon
Price £15.55
30 | sussexexclusive.com 31

The Loyal Address
To Queen Elizabeth II and King
Charles III
Christ’s Hospital Student Delivers Loyal Address
to His Majesty King Charles III
Christ's Hospital is extraordinary
in many ways. But perhaps
none more so than with
their tradition of the Loyal
Address, whereby the most
senior student addresses a new monarch.
From Queen Mary and Queen
Elizabeth I
In 1553, when Christ’s Hospital student
Edmund Campion was just 13 and the
school was barely a year old, Edmund was
chosen to present an address at Aldgate
to the future Queen Mary as she was
escorted by the Lord Mayor into the City
of London on her way to the Tower of
London for her coronation.
Queen Mary was not a fan of the school
and ignored the boy, but the idea of the
Loyal Address had been formed.
In the centuries since, there has been a Loyal
Address by a student of Christ’s Hospital
to almost every new monarch. More often
written down rather than spoken, the address
is given during the first official royal visit
to, or through, the City of London, where a
monarch asks the Lord Mayor for permission
to enter the City.
Sometimes the address has been given the day
before a coronation such as with Elizabeth I,
who received her greeting in January 1559,
or after, as was the case with James I whose
visit to the City was postponed due to the
plague. And our last King Charles, Charles
II, accepted an address at the churchyard
of St Paul’s Cathedral on the eve of his
coronation at Westminster Abbey.
It’s been 70 years since Queen Elizabeth
II received the Loyal Address on 9th
June 1953 delivered by Senior Grecian
Barrie Johnston in a written scroll on the
steps of St Paul’s Cathedral a week after
Queen Elizabeth II had been crowned.
But on 18 October 2023, at Mansion
House, this fantastic tradition saw His
Majesty King Charles III receive the
Loyal Address from Senior Grecian
and head student of Christ’s Hospital,
Zaphaneth Puplampu.
King Charles and Queen Camilla were
attending a dinner in their honour at
Mansion House, held by the City of
London. Zaphaneth Puplampu had the
privilege of delivering the Loyal Address
to the Royal party by way of a speech,
before approaching the King’s table to
present him with the written version.
Zaphaneth said of the experience: ‘I
am incredibly honoured to have had
the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
of addressing the King at Mansion
House. The whole event was surreal; I
was surrounded by great people in an
amazing setting, and I’m very grateful to
have done it on behalf of the students of
Christ’s Hospital!’
Christ’s Hospital was established in 1552
by King Edward VI and is the UK’s
leading charitable school and largest
bursary charity. It actively seeks students
of potential, who often come from
varied and complex backgrounds and
provides free or substantially reduced
cost places to ensure that children have
access to first-class education no matter
their background
www.christs-hospital.org.uk
Charles II,
accepted an
address at the
churchyard
of St Paul’s
Cathedral on
the eve of his
coronation at
Westminster
Abbey.
32 | sussexexclusive.com 33

The Chequers at Rowhook
Come in from the cold and enjoy the very best English cuisine
with a French twist and a warm welcome
Opening Hours
Wed - Sat: 11:30am - 4pm /
6pm - 11pm
Sun: 12pm - 5pm
Christmas Opening Hours
Christmas Eve 12pm - 3:30 /
6pm - 10:30pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day 12pm - 5pm
Food Service
Wed - Sat: 12pm - 2:30pm /
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Sun: 12pm - 3:30pm
Food Service Christmas
Opening Hours
Christmas Eve 12pm - 2:30pm /
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Christmas Day Closed
Boxing Day 12pm - 3:30pm
The Chequers Inn at Rowhook does winter
really well.
Think flagstone floors, roaring fires and hearty, wholesome
winter flavours. At The Chequers we love winter and
combining warming classic English dishes with a French twist
with award winning wines and local beers.
The best ingredients and a Christmas
fayre menu
We use the best of local and seasonal ingredients and
that includes some of our own homegrown produce or
foraged foods.
Our three course Christmas menu includes a classic roast
turkey with chestnut and orange stuffing, chipolatas and
bacon, roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Or choose from
grilled Barnsley chop with rosemary and garlic pomme puree,
tartelette of leeks and Sussex brie with sauté new potatoes
or pan fried crispy salmon fillet with spinach, and curried
Scottish mussel velouté and galette potato.
Traditional Christmas pudding with brandy cream always
goes down well but let us tempt you with mocha mousse with
honeycomb, chocolate crumb and berries or vanilla panacotta
with honey roasted purple fig and ginger sable biscuit.
Every dish is freshly-prepared in our country kitchen and we
offer a fine dining menu as well as lighter dishes served in
our bar area. We also offer a selection of our fantastic wines
sourced from all over the globe, from vineyards in Sussex to
France, Italy and the New World. In the bar, there's also a
diverse range of local ales.
Walkers always welcome
The Chequers is right on the edge of Roman Woods near
Rudgwick and just a short distance south of the Sussex Border
Path, so it’s a perfect place for winter walkers. We welcome
dogs and have treats on the bar and water available.
The Chequers is in the AA, Michelin and Master Chefs of
Great Britain guides. We have two restaurants, plenty of
seating and free parking.
Call now to book or to find out more:
The Chequers Inn
Rowhook Road, Horsham RH12 3PY
thechequersrowhook.com
01403 790480
34 | sussexexclusive.com 35

DRINK
The Great Sussex
Gin & Wine Stories
We explore the stories of two local products that have hit Sussex by storm
A mother’s ruin, a county’s pleasure and gin’s bizarre backstory
at South Lodge
Bubbles & Botanicals is a Sussex
sparkling wine and craft gin event,
being held at stunning South Lodge on
the 25th November 2023.
Sussex is now on the world stage with
its award-winning wines and gins, and
this is a rare chance to meet a number
of local producers.
• Try and taste superb local sparkling
wine and gins.
• Learn more about the vineyards and
distilleries.
• Speak to the growers, winemakers
and distillers who each have their
own unique story to tell.
With more than 15 stalls representing
some of the best sparkling wine
producers and gin makers from Sussex
and the surrounding areas, there will
be samples and event-only deals for
ticketholders.
Bubbles & Botanicals is the perfect
opportunity to get together with
friends, stock up on Christmas
supplies, enjoy some great local wines
and learn more about the Sussex wine
and gin industries.
There are limited special VIP tickets
available for £20. Standard Early bird
tickets are on sale now for just £12.50.
• Buy wines straight from the
producers for the festive period
and beyond.
A celebration of Sussex Sparkling Wine & Gin
Saturday Afternoon - 25th November 2023.
1 pm to 5.30 pm
South Lodge, Brighton Road, Horsham RH13 6PS
Book your ticket today
www.bubblesandbotanicals.net
Bubbles & Botanicals
There’s a slight disagreement
as to when the first gins were
produced. Some say it was as
long ago as the 6th century
and made by monks and
alchemists for medicinal purposes. But
certainly by the 16th and 17th century,
the Dutch were producing ‘Genever’
(Dutch for ‘juniper’) or Genevre as it was
also called. And it was beginning to make
its way to our shores as English soldiers
saw the Dutch drinking it to give them
courage before a battle - and who doesn’t
want a dose of Dutch courage.
The Gin Craze
William II became king in 1689 although
he was actually Dutch. There followed a
trade war with France, which involved
heavily taxing wine, brandy and Cognac.
William also introduced The Corn Laws,
which resulted in big tax breaks for grain
and as a result, for grain-based spirit
distillation.
And then things went a little crazy.
With no regulation of gin production,
there was a complete free for all. People
36 | sussexexclusive.com 37

DRINK
DRINK
That all changed in 2008 when two
gin producers successfully challenged
the law that banned any still that had
a capacity of less than 1,800 litres. As
a result, the path was cleared for small
batch production and this one of the
reasons we have seen such a massive
resurgence of gin producers over the
last 15 years.
Sussex gin
Sussex has a great history of smugglers
and wreckers (those that salvaged
the contents of ships wrecked off the
Sussex coast) and although we think of
smuggling whisky and brandy, it would
have also certainly included Genevre.
So Sussex folk would have acquired a
taste for gin long ago.
Today, we have dozens if not hundreds of
small batch and high quality gin producers
that use different methods, a host of local
botanicals and ingredients, and a good dose
of local folklore in the production of our
Sussex gins.
There are a number of reasons that make
Sussex a great place to produce gin. The
landscape and in particular the South
Downs and Weald the produce a wealth
of local ingredients and are home to
freshwater springs. Our Sussex wine
industry that has led to entrepreneurial
spirit producers making use of the leftover
grape material as the base for their spirit
instead of grain spirit. And the creativity
of Sussex folk, who have learnt how to
take a simple spirit and turn it into the
kaleidoscope of different flavours and
strengths that we enjoy today.
went mad for gin, not least because it
was cheaper than beer. It is estimated
that of the 15,000 (alcoholic) drinking
establishments in London, at one point,
over half were gin shops. But a major
problem was that gin producers could
use pretty much anything they wanted in
their gin production including turpentine,
sulphuric acid, and even sawdust.
All sorts of madness and debauchery
followed, and reports include tales of
mothers murdering children and men
being driven crazy. The mood of the day is
perhaps best or worst encapsulated in the
etching by William Hogarth called Gin
Lane (1750/51). It depicts a gin-soaked
mother dropping her baby over the side of
a staircase, a skeletal man with an empty
glass and a long gin shopping list, a man
carrying an impaled baby and a woman
feeding her baby gin!
retail licensing. The cost of a license
was huge and at the time, only two
were issued in seven years. The laws also
introduced a ban on any still that had a
capacity of less than 1,800 litres, to limit
the small-scale producers. The gin craze
came to an almost immediate halt. Gin
prices and quality started to improve.
The evolution of gin
Gin distillation has continued to evolve
since. The invention of the column
still led to the creation of the “London
dry” gin. Meanwhile British troops in
the colonies started to try and mask the
bitter flavour of quinine used for treating
Malaria and the invention of an Indian
tonic water (the quinine was dissolved
in the carbonated water) led to Gin and
Tonic.
Bubbles & Botanicals
The history of English wine and its Sussex rebirth
Wine came to Britain
with the Romans
(although it may
have been here
before) so it’s
suitably fitting that these days the Roman
ruins at Bignor in West Sussex look
out over vineyards. That said, although
Romans definitely drank wine, it’s not
clear to what extent they grew the grapes
and made it here. We have to rely on the
Normans and their many monasteries for
that and in the Domesday Book, there
were 46 vineyards listed in the south of
England. By the time of Henry VIII, this
number had increased to about 140, so
wine production is certainly not new here.
Regulation and control
In order to bring an end to the ginmadness,
the Gin Acts were introduced
(The Gin Act 1736 and The Gin Act
1751). These brought in distillation and
The resurgence of the small
producer
Despite the passing of several hundred
years, some of the laws restricting gin
production had never been repealed.
Page 39
Tinwood-pickers
What caused wine making in England to
decline isn’t entirely clear but is thought in
the main part to be due to a change in the
temperatures and weather which for several
centuries got colder. The dissolution of the
monasteries (where much wine production
took place) may also have played its part.
38 | sussexexclusive.com
39

DRINK
FOOD
Wine production rumbled on on a pretty
small scale right up to the period between
WWI and WWII when it more or less
died out.
The great wine revival
In 1952, 4,000 vines were planted at
Hambledon in Hampshire. Others
followed, like Biddenden Vineyard in
Kent who first planted in 1969 and
Denbies near Dorking in Surrey that first
planted vines in 1986. In Sussex, our
new wine heritage first took roots at the
Bolney Wine Estate (1972) and Breaky
Bottom (1974). Other pioneers gradually
tested the terroir with Nyetimber where
they first planted vines in 1988 and
Ridgeview who planted in 1995.
From those small beginnings, we now
have the best part of 140 vineyards in
Sussex, many of which are nationally
and internationally award winning.
Sussex wine also now has Protected
Designation of Origin (PDO) similar to
the appellation awarded in France. PDO
status is a mark of quality and provenance
and PDO Sussex wine must pass strict
tests and analysis including (for sparkling
wine) being aged in the bottle for a
minimum of 15 months.
ago, Sussex and France would have formed
one continuous ridge of land right the way
across to Champagne.
This terroir includes the chalky North and
South Downs running more or less parallel
and the Weald with its mixture of clay and
sandstone. But climate change (particularly
over the last 10 years) has also played
its part too with the county enjoying
increasingly dry, warm summers and cool
winters, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly.
The maritime influence in Sussex helps
ensure the grapes develop high levels
of natural acidity which is particularly
important for sparkling wines. And our
many south-facing slopes are ideal for grape
varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
and Pinot Meunier – or the sparkling wine
magic three as they are sometimes known.
According to Wine GB South East,
as of 2020, the three most popular
varieties of grape in our region were
indeed Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot
Meunier primarily used for sparkling wine
production and accounting for 75% of
vines planted. But there are now also an
increasing number of still wines being
produced in Sussex including some rosés
and reds. Other grape varieties grown here
include Dornfelder, Bacchus, Riesling,
Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris.
Left: Tinwood
Right: Rathfinny-vines
Puddings, easy
Christmas bakes and
sweet treats
The why of Sussex wine
Why is Sussex wine such a success?
Well, Sussex has the same terroir as the
Champagne region of France. Terroir
is the environment in which wine is
produced, including the soil, topography,
and climate. Indeed, thousands of years
If you’d like to know more about our
Sussex gin and wine producers, join us
at Bubbles and Botanicals on the 25th
November at South Lodge near Horsham
for an afternoon of meeting the producers
and trying before you buy.
www.bubblesandbotanicals.net
We’ve teamed up with the super talented Sussex based Becci Coombes from
Hygge Style who specialises in all things Danish and Scandinavian to bring
you this bumper selection of sweet treats for Christmas.
40 | sussexexclusive.com 41

FOOD
FOOD
Granny’s Windfall Pudding
My mum is famous for her
meringue. And not in a good
way (sorry, Mummy). I say this
with all the love in my heart, but
she has a reputation for making
meringues like chamois leather. My grandmother,
on the other hand, had the absolute knack for it;
crisp and chewy on the outside, yet with an airy and
fluffy interior.
This is her recipe for what we still like to call Granny
Pudding, a dessert that is so quick and easy to knock
up on a rainy weekday evening, and that is equally
delicious eaten warm from the oven, or in 2 am
darkness straight from the fridge (like last night; my
sincere apologies to everyone who was expecting
there to be leftovers this morning).
As with many family recipes, the quantities given
here are mere guidelines, please tweak them to your
own satisfaction. When I say I used a kilo of apples
for this pudding, it was actually eight reasonably
sized dessert windfalls. I would think if you are using
whopping great Bramleys, it would be about six. In
the same vein, I always prefer more spice than most;
as my son said to me, “you think literally everything
tastes better with cinnamon in it, Mum.” And just
for once, I am right.
Ingredients (serves 4)
1 kilo apples
200 g caster sugar, plus 2 or more tablespoons to
sweeten the apples
4 eggs, separated, at room temperature
1 tsp cornflour
½ tsp mixed spice
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Peel, core and
roughly chop the apples, and place in a saucepan
with enough water to cover the bottom of the pan to
a depth of about a centimetre. Bring to the boil and
reduce the heat, then simmer until the apples have
broken down into a pleasingly rough puree.
Remove from the heat and add sugar and mixed
spice to taste; I prefer the stewed apples to be quite
tart, as there will be such a hit of sweetness from the
meringue.
Place the egg whites in a large bowl or kitchen mixer,
and whip until they form stiff glossy peaks. Now
whisking gently, add 100 g of the sugar, a spoonful
at a time, before sprinkling over the cornflour and
mixing again. Continue to add the rest of the sugar,
once again adding each spoonful slowly.
Add the four egg yolks to the apple mix and stir to
combine, before tipping into a large oven proof dish.
Gently add the meringue on top and spread to cover,
using the back of a fork to make satisfying ruffles on
top. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the top is crisp
and golden; I would check it after 10 minutes, as
with such a high sugar content it can catch and burn
quite easily.
Sticky Toffee &
Date Pudding
For the pudding (serves 12)
225 g chopped pitted dates
200 g soft dark brown sugar
175 g self-raising flour
85 g butter
3 eggs
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
For the caramel sauce
100 g soft dark brown sugar
100 g butter
200 ml thick double cream
Method:
Heat the oven to 180 degrees and line a 23cm square
tin with greaseproof paper.
Bring the dates to the boil with 200 ml of water then
take the pan off the heat.
Leave the pan to stand for five minutes then give
the fruit a quick squash with a potato masher or the
back of a spoon.
Add the bicarbonate of soda and ginger and
mix well.
While the dates are soaking, cream the butter and
sugar together before beating in the eggs, adding
the flour spoonful by spoonful until thoroughly
combined. Add the date mixture (and a spoonful of
mixed spice if you like) and stir once more until the
batter is smooth.
Scrape the mixture into the prepared tin. Bake in the
centre of the oven for 30-35 minutes until a skewer
poked in comes out clean; cover the sponge with tin
foil for the last couple of minutes if you find the top
is browning too quickly.
To make the sauce, add the butter, sugar and cream
to a large pan and stir over a low heat until the sugar
has dissolved. When you can no longer feel the sugar
granules with your spoon, turn the heat up a fraction
and gently simmer for three minutes until the sauce
thickens slightly.
Brush a little sauce over the top and sides of the
pudding to make a sticky glaze, then cut into slices.
Serve with an extra helping of sauce poured over
each slice, along with a good dollop of cream,
custard or ice cream.
42 | sussexexclusive.com 43

FOOD
FOOD
EASY BAKES
Stollen tray bake
Cinnamon Streusel Cake
With lashings of cinnamon and
lots of good cheer, nothing says
Christmas more than a large helping
of Streusel or Stollen
Ihave to say, I think this is probably the
easiest and best cake I have ever made (I
am still trying to overcome the emotional
horror of my experimental courgette cake).
Crunchy and buttery on the top, with
warm spices making you want to curl up with
tea and a blanket, this cake has all the joy of a
home-made cinnamon roll, with none of that
kneading and proving malarkey. Best of all, it
can be on the table within forty five minutes of
that first initial urge to bake a little something,
and is the perfect treat for coffee with friends.
Delicious served warm, it will also keep well in
a tin if you manage to fight everyone off it long
enough. It is also particularly good when eaten
secretly standing in the kitchen at 4 am.
Ingredients
For the cake
400 g self-raising flour
200 g demerara
250 ml oil
250 ml milk
2 eggs
For the crunchy topping/filling
150 g demerara
50 g butter
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
Method:
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees and grease and line
a 9 x 13 inch brownie tin.
Melt the butter on the stove and set aside, then mix
together the cinnamon and sugar for the crunchy
topping in a small bowl.
Tip all the cake ingredients into a large bowl and stir
into a smooth, thick batter. Spoon half of the batter
into the cake tin, and scatter on half the sugar/
cinnamon topping mix.
Spread over the rest of the batter. The second dollop
of mixture might not look like there will be enough
to cover the first but blob it out fairly evenly and
coax it to the corners with the back of a clean
teaspoon and it will get there eventually!
Liberally spread the rest of the sugar and cinnamon
over the surface and pour over the melted butter,
tipping the tin to ensure even coverage.
Bake in the centre of the oven for 25-30 minutes
until a skewer poked in comes out cleanly. Allow to
cool slightly before serving.
Iswim all year round in the sea, no matter
the weather. While the physical and
mental health benefits of immersion
in icy cold water are well documented,
I have no doubt that it's actually the
post-swim hot drink and a large chunk of this
cake that contribute to my wellbeing, as we
sit wrapped up, hunched in a frigid wind on a
grey and icy beach.
Stollen is a dense and chewy bread studded
with chunks of marzipan and dried fruit;
popular in Germany during advent, it is
delicious served for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Finding the time to knead and prove the dough
can be tricky in the hectic run-up to the festive
season though, so this is my tray bake version
which can be thrown together with store
cupboard ingredients in no time at all; perfect
for last minute coffee guests, a winter picnic or
a dip in the sea.
Ingredients
300 g self raising flour
150 g white sugar
150 g brown sugar
200 g marzipan
150 g dried fruit, such as raisins or sultanas
250 ml milk
175 ml sunflower oil
3 eggs
2 tbsp dark rum (optional)
2 tsp ground mixed spice
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Zest from one orange
25 g flaked almonds
Icing sugar, to serve
Method:
Chop the marzipan into tiny cubes. This task is made
much easier if you chill the block in the fridge first;
aim for pieces slightly smaller than a centimetre in
width. Spread them on a plate and pop them in the
freezer for 15 minutes to chill as this will stop them
melting too much when being baked.
Line a 30 x 20 cm tin with baking parchment and
preheat the oven to 180 degrees C.
Remove the marzipan from the freezer and place in a
bowl with the dried fruit. Sprinkle over a tablespoon
of the flour and mix thoroughly to combine; this
dusting seals any moisture or oil and helps to prevent
the fruit/marzipan slipping through the cake mix and
ending up on the bottom (sometimes).
Place the rest of the flour, orange zest, sugars and
spices in a large bowl, then add the milk, oil, rum and
eggs and beat for a minute or two until well-mixed.
Lastly, tip in the fruit and marzipan and give the
batter one final stir to combine.
Scrape the mixture into your prepared tin and sprinkle
over the flaked almonds.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the surface is springy
and a skewer comes out clean when poked in.
Allow to cool then liberally dust with icing sugar
before cutting into slices and serving.
44 | sussexexclusive.com
45

FOOD
FOOD
SWEET TREATS
Romkugler
Quick Choco-Mocha Fudge
Ingredients
397 g tin condensed milk
400 g dark chocolate
150 g roughly chopped walnuts
25 g salted butter
3 tsp espresso coffee powder
TIP. If you find the mixture seizes and
becomes thick and grainy, add a tablespoon
of milk and beat gently; you should find the
chocolate will become glossy and smooth
once again.
Method:
Pour the condensed milk into a large ceramic bowl
(which will fit above a pan of simmering water)
and sprinkle over the espresso powder. Leave for a
few minutes allowing the coffee to dissolve while
you line a 20 cm square baking tin with baking
parchment.
Fill the pan a quarter full of water and bring to a
simmer. Break the chocolate into the condensed
milk, tip in the butter and set the bowl over the pan
on a gentle heat, stirring regularly until the mixture
melts becomes smooth.
Remove from the heat, stir in the walnuts and pour
into the prepared tin, easing it towards the edges.
Set in the fridge to chill and set for two hours before
slicing and serving. The fudge will keep for a good
two weeks in the fridge (although ours has never
made it past the 48 hour mark so far!).
These delicious little Danish treats
are perfect to make with children,
as they can take over the task of
rolling the balls while you enjoy
a cup of tea and supervise from
a comfy chair. I love them made with spiced
rum, but if you prefer to make them without
alcohol either vanilla or rum essence will both
work nicely (add a couple of tablespoons of
orange juice to make up the amount of liquid).
A kitchen mixer or food processor will make
life much easier as well, although they can be
made (fairly laboriously) by just mashing up
everything with a fork.
Ingredients (makes 30-40)
500 g left over cake or Danish pastry (cheap
supermarket madeira makes an excellent alternative)
100 g marzipan
3 tbsp raspberry jam
3 tbsp cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting
150 g chocolate vermicelli
Method:
Grate the marzipan (this is made more effortless if you
put it in the fridge for half an hour first).
Place the marzipan, cake, jam and cocoa powder
either into a food processor or a stand mixer with the
beater attachment.
Mix/whizz until the mixture becomes a smooth paste;
to start with, you will think “oh, that’s never going to
work,” then all of a sudden the ingredients will change
from a crumby mess to a glorious chocolate squidge.
Now is the ideal moment to scoop out a sample and
invite family members to air their opinion regarding
the blend of flavours, and add more cocoa or
marzipan accordingly.
Once everyone is happy, pop the mix in the fridge for
half an hour to let it firm up a little.
Form into balls (about 15g or the size of a small
walnut) then roll them in vermicelli or sieved cocoa
for a darker, more adult palate.
Place in petit-four cases and serve. The romkugler will
last about a week in an airtight tin, but can be made
ahead of time and stored in the freezer for a month if
you have used fresh cake/pastry.
46 | sussexexclusive.com 47

FOOD
FOOD
Duck
Breast
with Brussel
Sprouts &
Cranberry
Rice
Baked Camembert
with Rosemary
& Jamish ®
Vanessa Jamieson cooks up a festive feast.
As the clocks change, my thoughts are already planning ahead for
Christmas … actually my planning for Christmas started way back in the
summer if I’m honest!
So I thought I would conjure up a nice supper, with all the flavours of Christmas. As usual, this can feed a
crowd with minimal effort and time. Perfect for the week in between Christmas and New Year or maybe for
an easy Christmas Eve supper.
Fresh from Pollyanna’s Kitchen, and made with her brand new
scrumptious and robust, smokey chilli jam, once you have made this, it
will be your go-to for years to come!
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 Camembert (room temperature)
5 short sprigs of rosemary
1 (heaped) tablespoon of Jamish®
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180ºC
Place the Camembert in a small (round)
baker. Add the Jamish® and stud with
the sprigs of rosemary
Cover with a lid or foil, then bake for 20
minutes. Serve immediately with toasted
sourdough.
Enjoy!
Serves 6
Ingredients
6 duck breasts
1.2 L veg stock
600 g Brussel
sprouts
200 g dried
cranberries
Olive oil
25 g butter
800 g Basmati rice
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
4 tsp five-spice
Method:
Heat the oven to 180 degrees fan.
Finely slice the Brussel sprouts (or cut into quarters if you don’t have the patience!)
Heat the olive oil in the pan and add the Brussel sprouts. Fry over a medium heat until
golden and caramalising, add the butter and then set aside.
Add the rice to a large, rectangular serving dish, add the veg stock, cover with foil and
put in the oven for 20 mins or until all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice.
Score the duck skin and place in the pan, skin side down to render the fat, until
golden, then turn over and brown on the other side. Combine the honey, soy and fivespice
and brush this over the duck then put in the oven for 8-12 mins depending on
how you like it cooked. For medium, the inside temperature should be 61c.
Remove the duck and allow to rest in a warm place for 5-10 minutes.
Combine the rice with the Brussel sprouts and add the dried cranberries, season well
with salt and pepper.
Slice the duck and serve on top of the rice.
48 | sussexexclusive.com 49

Sussex Foodie
Experiences
Ridgeview Sussex Cheese &
Wine Tasting
Featuring some of the finest sparkling
wines from their signature and limitedrelease
portfolio, paired with a selection of
award-winning local cheeses.
Spend an evening sampling your way
through four Ridgeview award winning
English Sparkling wines, paired with four
carefully selected local cheeses.
1 hour / £25 per person
The
Sussex Foodie
As always, for Sussex food and drink lovers, we bring
you six Sussex foodie hotspots and highlights from
across the county!
Truffle Hunting
Sussex truffle and mushroom hunter and
aficionado Melissa Waddingham offers
a range of food and foraging experiences
throughout the winter including cooking
with truffles, training your dog to truffle
hunt, truffle hunting and mushroom
hunts.
Dates and prices vary, and booking is
essential and you can find out more here:
The Truffle Hunter
50 | sussexexclusive.com 51

Interesting Sussex Produce
Pollyanna’s Kitchen Jamish®
Pollyanna makes her unique range of oils and condiments in West Sussex and her first
product was Chillish® which she describes as the ultimate chilli oil. She’s been adding
to her range year on year, and 2023 saw the launch of Jamish®, a scrumptious and
robust, smokey chilli jam.
Full to the brim with smokey chillies, red pepper and sweet caramelised sugar, Jamish®
adds to its hearty depth of flavour with garlic, ginger and spices to create a sweet
sticky jam with a kick. Use it as a spread, a marinade or glaze, but Pollyanna’s top
suggestions are:
• Spread over some fresh sourdough
and add French brie and warm
smoked bacon
• Spoon onto a warm goat’s cheese and
walnut salad
• Spread over your bread roll before
adding your burger and cheese
• Brush over belly pork or beef brisket
before slow cooking
• Glaze tiger prawns, Halloumi or Tofu
• Stir into mashed potato
Sussex Bites
Tamarisk Restaurant, Felpham, West Sussex
Part of the Beachcroft Hotel, the Tamarisk is just feet away from the seafront so perfect
for a warming lunch after a blustery winter walk on the King Charles III English
Coastal Path.
They promise you the freshest, highest quality sustainable produce from the British
Isles. Chef, Damian Czerny, will serve you the delights of Bocconcini, melon, and
Cointreau salad, local trout and horseradish paté, fried seabass with tarragon lobster
bisque crab beignet and asparagus or vegetable Wellington with roasted pepper, tomato,
garlic and almond sauce. Well worth a visit! Check the menu first as it is seasonal and
likely to change.
Spirit of the Downs Grape Vodka
This Special Edition Sussex Grape Vodka has developed its
unique flavour and body from a year resting on Pinot Noir
grapes from Sugrue South Down’s Mount Harry vineyard near
Lewes, East Sussex. This sipping vodka has grass and pepper
on the nose with a lovely essence of Madagascan Vanilla on
the palate and a long finish. It’s the perfect accompaniment for
outdoor autumn and winter events or for walkers to lift the
spirits on a hike.
Patty Guy, The Courtyard,
White Rock, Hastings
Kenny Tutt is a British cook and winner of
the MasterChef 2018 UK TV show and Patty
Guy is his baby. Kenny formerly had two
restaurants in Worthing but his focus has
moved to burgers. He told Sussex Exclusive,
“I’ve always loved street food. Burgers do need
to be good burgers with great quality meat,
but I think it’s the fact that you get the full
spectrum of flavours. You get the fatty meat
and the acidity of the pickle, then you get that
saltiness from the cheese … it’s a one-stop
comfort food and flavour experience. All handheld.
At the Patty Guy, we try and keep it
simple and affordable and everything is made
fresh on the day.”
Patty Guy is a fulfilment of Kenny’s lifelong love
affair with burgers and his desire to recreate the
feeling of having the perfect bite in your hand.
52 | sussexexclusive.com 53

Shaun Pentecost from Holmewood Interiors explains
how to create the perfect bedroom retreat
Abedroom is your private
space. A place to unwind.
A place to escape the hectic
waves of modern life and
importantly, a place to rest.
The design and feel of your bedroom is
therefore very personal to you, with the
materials used and storage needs very
specific for every individual. So, with the
many, many possibilities for tailoring
your space, just for you, some may
surprise you…
versatility of the designs and the many
add-on features now available, can make
it so much more than somewhere just to
hide your clothes!
Create Your Space,
Your Style
Your Bedroom
54 | sussexexclusive.com
Combine peace, comfort and
interest
One of the key bedroom design features
that has come to the fore in 2023 is the
use of textured design and materials. By
layering a mix of finishes, you can add
additional depth and interest to a room
regardless of its size. Natural materials,
organic and outwardly unprocessed
finishes easily portray a peaceful comfort
and balance; whilst the use of materials
such as metal laminated boards are used
to create a sleeker, minimalistic and more
modern feel.
However, textured finishes must not
overpower your room. Instead, a
variety of coverings for walls, doors and
furnishings should work well as accent
features that simply complement and
enhance the room’s themes and style.
Using timber with its different tones,
natural imperfections and rich grains
can also offer additional interest which
combines with a tactile addition too.
Fitted wardrobes
The main design feature for a welcoming
and organised bedroom space is a fitted
wardrobe. Obvious in many ways, but the
So are fitted wardrobes really
worth it?
I have to say yes! The biggest advantage of
a customised fitted wardrobe is that it can
be fully styled to fit your every need.
Built to fit the exact dimensions of the
space you have available, no area regardless
of shape or size is wasted, maximising your
storage space to the full. Start with the
size, shape and main features; combine
this with the materials used, finishes and
colour, add storage features, hanging rails,
shoe racks, drawers – maybe a TV point –
and customise it to your specification.
As an added bonus, the investment you
make in a fitted wardrobe can increase
the value of your home. A custom-built
wardrobe is a very desirable feature for
potential buyers.
But how versatile can a fitted
wardrobe really be?
To be honest, some fitted wardrobe
features you expect as standard. But
55

The heights,
number of
rods and space
between them,
can all be fitted
to your specific
needs. Top
rails can be
made to pull
down, which
maximises
hanging space
and keeps them
easily in reach.
adding some clever additions and styling
can make a significant difference. For
example, does your wardrobe have
lighting installed and is the design
colour coordinated? Or if home space
is limited, a built-in ironing board can
solve the problem of storing a bulky item,
with the benefit of having it accessible,
conveniently close and ready to use too…
Let’s start with the first thing
you see
The doors. These can be hinged, opening
outwards, or sliding to offer a modern
sleek look that takes up less space.
Different looks can then be stylishly
created just by changing the materials
used or adding relief surrounds. Mirrored
doors can make a room feel larger,
provide a useful full-length mirror and
can also be a good option if there is
no space for a separate dressing area.
Glass doors, although not for everyone,
then offer a very different look and feel,
allowing you to display or peruse your
favourite accessories whilst keeping your
clothing organised and easily visible.
And for those with more space, elegant
doors can also provide a screen for builtin
closets where seating, vanity units and
custom storage options can be included to
meet your every need.
Getting organised
A good, well designed hanging space is
key and a fully fitted wardrobe means
you have choice! The heights, number
of rods and space between them, can
all be fitted to your specific needs. Top
rails can be made to pull down, which
maximises hanging space and keeps them
easily in reach. And what about a pullout
valet rod? Would it make mornings
easier if you could lay out your outfit the
day before? Or perhaps a favourite outfit
could be kept on display behind a glass
wardrobe door?
The storage options in a wardrobe are
used in two ways; to openly display
for viewing and easy selection, or to
hide items from sight. Hidden storage
options include pull out drawers or
cupboards, and shelving units that
can be fitted with some great drawer
organisers to help to keep things tidy.
In comparison, the inclusion of shoe
shelves, pull out show racks and cubbies
offer easy viewing, quick organising and
fast selection options.
Customisable shelving, especially if it is
adjustable, is another essential part of
fitted wardrobe design. With shelving
materials ranging from metal, wood or
stylish laminates, they can be created
to blend in, or to form a feature piece
addition to the room décor.
Unique and just for you
The options are boundless. Have you
considered built in lighting? Including
recessed lighting, LED strips, or even
motion activated lights instantly changes
the overall look and feel. Or add a
selection of customised accessories such as
jewellery organisers, belt and tie racks to
make your space feel even more personal.
These ideas are just the tip of the iceberg
when it comes to bedroom design!
If you would like any further information
on how you can make your
bedroom a room to be proud of,
please visit our website
www.holmewoodinteriors.co.uk,
call us on 01403 254090 or email
info@holmewoodinteriors.co.uk
56 | sussexexclusive.com 57

The January
Antidote
Never mind the twelve days of Christmas,
here are the eight New Year antidotes
No, I’m not about to tell you to sign up to Couch 2 5K. And I am not
going to tell you to give up the booze, go on a diet or get active. Not at
all. January is a long and often grim month, and we need all the help
we can get to survive it rather than make it even harder. So here are
our Sussex Exclusive eight antidotes to help beat the January blues.
1. There are just under 140 vineyards
in Sussex so, why not try a different
Sussex wine every day? Drink
responsibly of course, so share it
with friends. Make it a good mix of
the larger vineyards and the smaller
producers, just to be fair. If you don’t
like wine (what?), then your challenge
(if you choose to accept) is to try 31
different Sussex gins or beers?
2. It would be madness to suggest you
spend January eating in 31 different
Sussex restaurants, but what about
one a week? Here’s some ideas:
Heritage in Slaugham, The Chequers
Inn at Rowhook and Into the Blue in
Shoreham in West Sussex. Then head
east to Forest Brasserie at Ashdown
Park, The Star at Alfriston, etch. in
Hove, or Birchwood in Flimwell, all
in East Sussex.
3. Book yourself into one of our top
Sussex hotels. What about The Grand
in Eastbourne, or The Grand in
Brighton? South Lodge near Horsham
or Amberley Castle, Amberley in
West Sussex? And Alexander House
& Utopia Spa, East Grinstead, is near
the border of West and East Sussex if
you can’t decide which half to visit.
4. What about booking a track day at
Goodwood for a bit of high-octane
thrill!
5. Afternoon tea always works. Maybe
not every day but how about
afternoon tea every Saturday at a
different Sussex venue: try Tottington
Manor, near Henfield, Pallant House
in Chichester, The Spread Eagle
in Midhurst, or Buxted Park, near
Uckfield.
6. Art exhibitions always feel a vaguely
indulgent way to spend an afternoon.
Visit the Towner in Eastbourne
where they have Art Store Tours
and Curator talks in January, or try
Pallant House Gallery in Chichester
or Hasting Contemporary where they
have ongoing exhibitions that should
see you through until spring. And
Petworth is always a good choice for
art galleries and a touch of shopping!
7. Get into golf. Sussex is blessed with
some really high-quality golf courses
set in some of the very best of our
Sussex countryside. We have two links
courses, namely Littlehampton in West
Sussex and Rye in East Sussex (which
has two courses, the Old and Jubilee,
both described as traditional links).
With over 60 golf clubs in the
county in total that include big
names like East Sussex National Golf
and Country Club, West Sussex
Golf Club and the Royal Ashdown
Forest Golf Club, we also have lots
of lesser-known courses that have
great facilities for golfers old, young,
experienced or novice.
8. Enrol on a course! There are some
great opportunities for learning across
Sussex. West Dean near Chichester
offer a host of creative courses which
include interior design, silversmithing,
painting, floristry, photography and
more. Hop on over to Plumpton
College near Brighton and enrol on a
blacksmithing, a dog grooming or a
wine course.
And if cooking is your thing, we
have baking masterclasses at The
Artisan Bakehouse near Steyning, A
G Hendy & Co offer seafood cookery
workshops by the sea in Hastings Old
Town or learn the art of foraging and
sustainable cooking with the Positively
Delicious Team near Chichester.
Happy January! I hope it feels
more doable already!
58 | sussexexclusive.com 59

GARDENING
In the Garden
Preparing your Garden for Winter,
Christmas & the New Year Beyond
GARDENING
Top: Allium Schubertii
while flowering and great when dried
too. Schubertii is a bulbous perennial
producing bright-green, strap-shaped
leaves in spring, which die back before
the flowers appear. These consist of 50
or more star-shaped, pinky-purple florets
on stems of differing lengths producing
a starburst effect up to 30 cm across. So
maybe this month is a good time to plant
some in your garden for great results in
2024 and beyond!
than the packet advises. If, like me, you
want a full display, there’s nothing worse
than a few sparse stems. Just make sure
the bulbs are not touching, leaving a
centimetre or two between them. Tulips
don’t like to sit around in soggy soil, so
do make sure there is good drainage at the
bottom of the pot. Remember to cover
them with at least twice their depth of soil
or compost! The effort put in now will
pay dividends next year!
November is here, the
clocks have gone back,
leaves are falling and it
will inevitably get colder
and wetter. As autumn
turns to winter, the main jobs in the
garden are mostly about protecting plants
and structures from the usual wilder
weather, ideally moving plants into the
greenhouse, or into a sheltered spot, but
if you can't, it is worth wrapping them.
Remember, winter can be a tough time
for birds too, in terms of water and food,
so keep supplies well topped up.
If you love a blast of colour with tulips
in the spring, then now is the time
to plant your bulbs in containers and
borders to guarantee that amazing display.
November is also the month many of us
celebrate Bonfire Night at group events
or maybe let off a few special fireworks in
the garden.
Fireworks in the garden
In addition to firing off some fireworks
in the garden, there are quite a few plants
that are very reminiscent of fireworks.
One in particular, Allium Schubertii,
is the firework allium par excellence,
with vast wonderful dark pink, spiky
flowers. It is very eccentric and showy
Another firework inspired planting might
be Pennisetum setaceum 'Fireworks'
(rueppllii) which makes a lively addition
to bedding displays and patio containers.
The fluffy seed heads can be also cut to
make elegant dried flowers. The colourful
foliage of this fountain grass emerges with
bold stripes of red, pink and green, before
maturing to a rich shade of burgundy.
From mid-summer to autumn, the showy
purple flower spikes rise above the arching
foliage in a spectacular architectural
“bonfire” display.
Tulips
If you have not got around to planting
your tulip bulbs, it’s not too late to get
it done. November is the perfect month.
Don’t be afraid to cram more in the pot
You can get such a wide variety of
different tulip blooms, like stunning
parrot tulips. Why, you might ask do they
have that name? There is one school of
thought that believes it's because of their
feathered petals. Another believes it may
be for the shape of the bloom, which
looks like a parrot's beak, whatever the
reason they are beautiful flowers to add to
your garden.
Feeding the birds this winter!
Whilst many of us probably buy bird food
to put out in the garden, if you have some
extra time on your hands and need to
occupy fed up children in the run up to
the festive season, why not have a go and
make your own special Christmas tree for
any feathered friends around your plot?
60 | sussexexclusive.com 61

GARDENING
GARDENING
• Dried fruit and nut garland
Get yourself a large needle and thread
with some garden twine or string.
Purchase some nuts, I find the best to use
are peanuts in shells (monkey nuts) as you
can pass the needle through the shell with
some ease. Check your food cupboard
for dried fruit and you’re away! Thread
the twine with a nut then a piece of dried
fruit and keep going until you have an
edible garland for the birds to hang on the
tree. Make sure children are supervised if
using needles.
• Citrus fruit decorations
Get a few oranges and lemons and create
small hanging baskets in which to place
bird food. Cut the fruit in half, remove
the flesh, leaving the peel. String the
halves up with twine or wire, fill with
bird food and hang on the tree, refill as
needed. You can also use whole oranges,
studded with cloves. Create different
designs with the cloves on the orange
spheres. Use narrow ribbon, secured with
the cloves to hang on the tree too.
• Pine cone treats
See if you can find any pine cones while
out walking and bring them home.
You can push pieces of bird fat food in
between the sections of the cone. Once
complete use some wire, twisted around
the top of the cone and suspend from the
branches on your Christmas tree.
Your creative tree will be a focal point for
your feathered visitors and you and your
family can enjoy watching them feed too.
Possible frosts
The weather has started to turn a good
deal colder at nights now, so I hope
Top: working to put
succulents away for
winter
Bottom: Parrot tulip at
Driftwood
you have taken steps to protect your
tender plants. If you are leaving any frost
tender plants in the ground, it’s a good
idea to spread a thick mulch around
the base to protect the crown from cold
temperatures. That way, even if the top
growth is killed off, the roots have a
better chance of survival and may resprout
fresh growth. If you have alpines
or sempervivum clumps out in the garden
try to ensure that they are not getting
swamped by a topping of soggy leaves
from trees above. Remove them before
they smother the crowns of these delicate
plants and cause them to rot.
I have a vast collection of succulents and
have been working hard to get them
under cover and in the warm for the
winter months. It gets hard every year to
squeeze them all in.
Autumnal container
Why not think about creating a colourful
pot to help brighten those winter days
when you look out into the garden or
onto your patio or balcony? There are
many different plants you can use to
create a wonderfully seasonal hardy
container. All your local garden centres
should have a good range of lovely plants
to choose from. There are many different
containers you can choose from too but
try and ensure it is roomy. Pick a mixture
of evergreen shrubs, conifers, hardy
ferns, bedding or even some hardy herbs
too. Be sure to create good drainage by
adding crocks or gravel to the base of the
container and make sure the container
has holes in the base too. Fill the pot two
thirds full of compost and begin to pack
your plants in. Try and arrange them
with the taller ones at the back or middle.
Make sure you back-fill any gaps between
your plants with compost to make
for tight dense planting and no roots
showing. Don’t forget to water and maybe
raise from the ground, good drainage
usually means less chance of frost damage.
Driftwood By Sea
I’ve had a busy summer in my garden
with over 500 visitors paying to see it
privately, allowing me to raise almost
£6000 for charity, mainly for Macmillan
Cancer Support but also, just over £800
for the National Garden Scheme. The
garden will open again from 1st June to
31st July next year. I mentioned in the
summer issue that the garden would be
filmed for television and broadcast this
autumn. I can confirm that it was filmed
in August, but will now be held over and
broadcast in 2024.
The last few weeks have all been about
putting the garden to bed for the winter.
That said there are areas of the plot that
still look quite spectacular for this time
of the year, like the patio adjacent to the
shed which is my view from the kitchen.
Read more of Geoff’s garden at
www.driftwoodbysea.co.uk
Top left: food garlands
for the outdoor tree
Top right:succulent
planter transferred
to south facing porch
window
Right bottom:
succulents in
the safety of the
greenhouse
62 | sussexexclusive.com 63

The Friends
of the South Downs
the National Park Authority and Youth
Hostels Association. We’re aiming at
children’s groups who are less likely to
visit the Downs. The plan is to teach
them about the landscape and history,
and most of all encourage them to
appreciate and value the Downs.
£1,000 has gone to finance prizes at
Brighton University for academic work
relevant to the South Downs.
Empowering Communities
Through Education
Nestled along the southern coast of England, the South Downs National Park
spans 1,600 square kilometres, encompassing rolling hills, ancient woodlands,
and picturesque villages. At its core is the Friends of the South Downs, a society
committed to safeguarding this natural treasure for generations to come.
Bench at
Saddlescombe
A Legacy of Conservation
After witnessing the construction
of Peacehaven on the chalk cliffs to
the west of the Ouse, our founder
members feared what would happen
to the rest of the eastern Downs in
that time without effective planning
controls. To counter that threat they
joined together in 1923 to form ‘a
society for the preservation of the
Downs’, which soon became the
Society of Sussex Downsmen. We later
changed the name to the South Downs
Society and are now known as the
Friends of the South Downs.
To celebrate the Centenary of the Friends
of the South Downs, Richard Reed
has written the definitive history of the
Society beginning in 1923 with two
friends walking on the Chalk Downs
up to the approach to the Centenary
in 2023. Richard joined the Society of
Sussex Downsmen in 1947, when the
Society was less than 25 years old and is
still a member today!
Transformative Projects in 2023
In 2023, the Society has taken on several
ambitious projects, demonstrating their
steadfast commitment to the region’s
vitality. We agreed a major programme of
spending totalling more than £100,000 in
our Centenary year, to benefit the Downs
in both the short and long term. The
Friends can spend this money because we
are fortunate to have recently received two
substantial legacies.
There is a £16,000 scheme to help people
enjoy the Downs by providing wooden
benches, and converting stiles to gates to
improve access.
£60,000 went to the National Park
Authority for the refurbishment of the
iconic 18th century pump barn building
at the Seven Sisters country park, which
will be used to showcase the Downs for
visitors and provide space for activities.
£5,000 was provided as a contribution to
the cost of staging a play based on Hilaire
Belloc’s famous book The Four Men
about a walk across the Downs.
£20,000 was provided for projects to
encourage children to learn about and
appreciate the South Downs. We’re
running the projects with bodies like
Young Explorers of
the South Downs at
Cuckmere in 2023
Sarsen Plaque
Yew Trees at Kingley
Vale Autumn Colour
(M Heywood Stroll)
© Phil Robinson
By inspiring
a sense of
stewardship,
we ensure that
the legacy
of the South
Downs lives on
in the hearts
and minds of
all who visit.
While conservation efforts are at the
forefront of our mission, the Society’s
commitment extends to educating
and engaging with local communities,
schools, and visitors. Through a range of
educational programs, guided walks, and
talks, we foster a deeper understanding
of the park’s significance. By inspiring a
sense of stewardship, we ensure that the
legacy of the South Downs lives on in the
hearts and minds of all who visit.
A Call to Action
As the Friends of the South Downs
celebrate a century of unwavering
commitment, we extend an invitation to
all who hold the region dear to join us in
our mission. By becoming a member, you
not only support ongoing conservation
efforts but also gain access to a
community of like-minded individuals.
Visiting our website offers an overview of
our ongoing projects. Consider becoming
a part of this legacy. Together, we can
ensure that the South Downs continues
to inspire for generations to come.
To learn more about the projects by the
Friends of the South Downs and become
a part of their legacy, visit the website at
www.friendsofthesouthdowns.org.uk.
64 | sussexexclusive.com 65

Weird & Wonderful
Sussex
We explore some of the wonderful things
about Sussex that are all too easy to miss!
Queen Elizabeth I oak tree
One of the great joys
of exploring Sussex is
discovering those weird
and wonderful things that
hint at the county’s rich
and fascinating past. From folklore to
dendrophilia (the love of trees, in case you’re
wondering), here are some of our finds!
Well, that’s weird. Miracle cures
and the Devil!
If you’re looking for a miracle, head over
to Holywell (to the west of Eastbourne)
where, if you scramble along the beach
a little, you’ll find the Holywell or Holy
Well spring. It is a natural water spring
and a place of pilgrimage for many as
the waters are believed to give those who
drink from it long lives and good health.
If you’re in the west of the county, make
your way to Lodsworth near Petworth
and bathe your eyes in the spring near St
Peter’s church – a place of pilgrimage in
the Middle Ages for people with eye
problems.
The Devil in Sussex
We have a few references in Sussex to
the Devil – such as Devil’s Dyke but
what about the Devil’s Humps and the
Devil’s Jumps! The Devil’s Jumps are
just to the side of the South Downs
Way not far from Treyford. They are
in fact a group of five large burial bell
barrows and the best-preserved Bronze
Age barrow group in Sussex. Legend has
it the devil was jumping from barrow to
barrow and making such a noise that he
disturbed Thor resting nearby who threw
a boulder at him, and the devil took off,
never to return. They are also aligned
with the position of the setting sun on
Midsummer’s day.
Meanwhile, not far away from the
Jumps, the Devil’s Humps at Stoughton
are four Bronze Age barrows situated
Top: Lodsworth
spring
Bottom: Holywell
Legend has
it the devil
was jumping
from barrow
to barrow and
making such a
noise that he
disturbed Thor
resting nearby
who threw a
boulder at him,
and the devil
took off, never
to return.
66 | sussexexclusive.com 67

confused with the yew tree in Crowhurst
in Surrey. The Sussex Crowhurst yew is
thought to be at least 1,300 years old.
And let’s not forget the Sullington yew
tree near Storrington which is thought to
be 1,200 years old.
A golden tree
Preston Park in Brighton was home to
the two oldest elm trees possibly in the
world that were planted in 1613. Sadly,
one had to be cut down due to Dutch
Elm Disease, but it has now been turned
into a gilded memorial.
Devil’s Dyke but what about the
Devil’s Humps and the
Devil’s Jumps!
Sullington yew tree
above Kingley Vale. The Devil’s Humps
are considered the most impressive round
barrows surviving on the South Downs.
Folklore tells us that great Viking leaders
killed in a battle with the Saxons are
buried in the Devil’s Humps … and that
they and their men (who fell in the vale)
haunt the forest!
Wonderful Sussex dendrophilia
We have some wonderful trees in Sussex.
Let’s start with the oldest oak in the
county which is the Queen Elizabeth
1 oak on the Cowdray Estate near
Midhurst. It’s thought to be 1,000 years
old and was old when Queen Elizabeth I
sat underneath it on a hunting trip.
Oldest yew
Yew trees are difficult to age but we have
our share of oldies in Sussex. Kingley Vale
near Chichester is known for its ancient
yew groves and in particular for the Great
Yew thought to be at least 1,000 years old
(and some estimate it may be even older).
One legend has it the grove was planted as
a memorial in respect of that great Viking
/ Saxon battle.
The other side of the county is the
Crowhurst Yew Tree, near Battle. Not to be
68 | sussexexclusive.com 69

Our Sussex Winter Quiz
Test your knowledge with our Christmas quiz & Sussex teaser
1 In ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’
what does Jack trade for magic
beans?
2 A swede is a cross between
which two vegetables?
6 In which decade was the first
televised Queen’s Christmas speech?
7 In which direction should you stir
mincemeat for good luck; clockwise
or anti-clockwise?
Inheritance Tax,
Agricultural
Property Relief
and Vineyards
3 On what day is Twelfth Night?
4 In which pantomime does the
character of Buttons feature?
5 Which family has a pet dog
called ‘Santa’s Little Helper’?
8 From which carol do these lines “Let
steeple bells be swungen …” come?
9 What do red berries represent at
Christmas?
10 Which foreign country gives a
Christmas tree every year to adorn
Trafalgar Square?
Sussex
Dialect question
You’ll find
the answers
on page 90.
Adam poses a vocabulary quiz from
our local Sussex dialect. Can you
guess the correct definition from the
following three options for the word
‘culver’?
A) a scarecrow
B) a pigeon or dove
C) the leather strap to bind a hawk's
wing
Do you know these Sussex Sayings?
‘An apple pie without the cheese is
like the kiss without the squeeze’
‘If you rock the cradle empty then you
shall have babies plenty’
70 | sussexexclusive.com
71

In an interesting development, HM
Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”)
have extended Agricultural
Property Relief (“APR”) for
Inheritance Tax (“IHT”) to include
vineyards and wineries. Given the
success of the English wine industry, it
is welcome that the tax code has caught
up with the real world.
no longer the centre of operations for the
winery. The next generation may need to
occupy the house if they are continuing
the family winery business with the older
generation moving to a different and
perhaps smaller property on the vineyard
or elsewhere.
What are the APR dangers?
...when a wine
making business
transitions from
one generation
to the next,
there is a risk
the house
may, in fact,
have become
a retirement
home and
is no longer
the centre of
operations for
the winery.
But first, what is APR?
In summary, APR is the tax relief given
for IHT purposes on land occupied for
the purposes of agriculture, together
with related buildings and houses used
in conjunction with that land. There are
time ownership requirements: two years
for owner occupiers and seven years for
tenanted farmland.
There is then the rate of tax relief:
100% if the land is in-hand or let on
a Farm Business Tenancy or if vacant
possession can be obtained within two
years, and 50% in most other cases.
The tax legislation does not define
“agriculture” but it is normally taken
to include horticulture, fruit growing,
rearing of livestock or fish, together
with any woodlands ancillary to the
farming operation.
What has changed?
The guidance from HM Revenue
and Customs has been updated to
confirm horticulture, or in their words
“cultivation to produce food for human
and animal consumption” now includes
the clarification “’food’ in this context
would include, for example, grapes
grown to produce wine and apples grown
to produce cider”.
This is, of course, welcome given the
increasing acreage made over to wine
production in South East England.
With Sussex being the perfect location
to produce outstanding wine, it is no
wonder there are nearly 150 vineyards
in Sussex including a number of
well-known names such as Ridgeview,
Rathfinny, Bolney, Wiston, Tinwood
and Nyetimber.
So what does that all mean?
Whilst each of these businesses will
benefit from this clarification when
assets are gifted in lifetime, on the
passing of an individual or when put
into trust, more significantly this tax
relief contributes to the continuity
of the business as it passes from
one generation to the next and the
livelihoods of those involved.
Does APR include farm
buildings?
Farm buildings used as part of the
winery will qualify for APR. However
derelict farm buildings do not qualify
for APR as they are not being occupied
for the purposes of agriculture. This
may be particularly relevant if a farm
is transitioning from traditional
horticultural use to being a winery and
not all the farm buildings are used in
the wine making business.
And what about the owner’s
house?
The test for whether the owner’s house is
of “character appropriate to the property”
requires consideration of four factors:
• Is the house appropriate by reference
to its size, content and layout with the
winery buildings and the size of the
vineyard?
• Is the house proportionate in size
and nature to the requirements of the
winery?
• Would the educated rural layman
regard the house as the core of the
winery or just a large country house
with land purchased for lifestyle
reasons?
• How long has the house been
associated with the land and is there a
history of horticulture?
The winery owner’s house should
therefore qualify for APR if of a character
appropriate to the vineyard, provided
it is where the wine making business is
controlled from.
Also, when a wine making business
transitions from one generation to the
next, there is a risk the house may, in fact,
have become a retirement home and is
There are some. The most obvious in a
wine making business is APR will not be
available if there is a binding contract for
sale of the property in the partnership
or shareholders agreement, but this can
usually be avoided by having in place buy
and sell option agreements.
What if the farmland and
buildings have development
value?
APR is only given for the agricultural
value of the property as opposed to
the open market value of the property.
Sometimes these amounts are the
same but sometimes HMRC insist on
agricultural value being 60-70% of open
market value even though there is no such
standard discount. Each case will need to
be considered on its merits.
If, however, the land has hope or
development value, particularly if the
vineyard is next to a built up area or
could be the next strategic site in a local
authority approved plan, the excess value
over the agricultural value will not attract
APR. The position may however be saved
by Business Property Relief, another form
of tax relief for Inheritance Tax relief
purposes, if the land is used in the owner’s
own trading business.
Conclusion
Wineries can be very Inheritance Tax
efficient as well as providing a meaningful
and joyous lifestyle.
Stuart Ritchie
is a chartered
accountant and
chartered tax
adviser with over
30 years’ experience.
He is a tax partner
with Ritchie Philips
LLP based in
Horsham and can
be contacted on
020 3195 1300
or stuart.ritchie@
ritchiephillips.
co.uk
He has direct
experience of
securing CGT
exemption for
gardens sold for
development,
multiple buildings
qualifying as a
single dwelling
for CGT purposes
so that sale of
subservient
buildings are CGT
exempt, and the
sale of properties in
excess of 10 acres all
qualifying for CGT
exemption.
73

Ho, Ho, Ho and a very
Feng Shui Christmas
Feng Shui
Consultant
Janine Lowe
shares her
tips on
creating
positive vibes
for the festive
season
Yes, it’s on its way and the holiday
season will be upon us before you
know it.
So, I thought I would set the scene with
some positive intentions. Now I know
for some of you it isn’t the happiest time
for many reasons, but how about acting
on some of my Feng Shui tips to bring in
healthy, wealthy, and happy times.
For those that love Christmas read on,
there is plenty for you to do too, to
ensure you have a fun filled packed time.
First tip: declutter the North of your
house for manifesting / positive
intentions. Declutter the South of
your home for wealth and declutter
the Southwest of your home for love
and happiness. You can start this right
now and don’t wait until a week before
Christmas otherwise you won’t have time
to get it done.
This is how to do it. Get three boxes and
write on them, one keep box, one charity
box and one dumping box. Then just
spend about 15 minutes on decluttering
and play your favourite type of music. If
you can do it with a friend even better,
you might find yourself enjoying it so
much that you spend a couple of hours
which then change your life.
If you can find a bauble with a feather in
it or just a white feather, put it on your
tree in remembrance of people who have
passed away and who we would really
love to be sharing this time with.
I am often asked on which date should
I put my tree up? For the early birds 2 nd
December, but Saturday 9 th December
for you inbetweeners and for the late
bloomers, I suggest 21 st December to bring
the positive energy for your holiday season.
This is the year of the Water Rabbit
changing to the Wood Dragon on February
10 th , 2024. So, this Christmas the colours
are pinks, reds, silvers, blues and greens
which gives you plenty of choice to
decorate your house and your tree.
When deciding where to place your
tree, either in the South or North of
your home, but definitely avoid placing
it in the West otherwise the party won’t
get started.
The heart of your house will be your
holiday table, so create a glowing table
with candles but not too near Aunty
Mabel’s paper hat. Make sure there
is enough space for people to feel
comfortable and able to chat to each
other. A Feng Shui tip is to place oranges
in the middle of the table they bring
good fortune to the festivities.
If you are sending cards the best date to
put them in the post box is Wednesday
13 th December, if you are sending e-cards
then do it on Saturday 16 th December.
If you have plants at the entrance to your
house and if you follow my Feng Shui
tips you should have one either side.
Place pink ribbons around the pot or
around the branches/stems to bring the
love into your home and enhance the
positive energy as it enters through the
front door.
As an avid animal lover, I give my cats
and dogs treats as well, well I give them
treats all year round but especially at
Christmas. My dog Rhia has a habit of
leaving her toys outside and the foxes
then enjoy tearing them apart. She had
a favourite reindeer from last year’s
festivities, but it disappeared. So, this
year I will be buying her a replacement,
but ensuring it stays inside!
When thinking of gifts for others, look
for natural gifts that they can use all
year round. Alternatively for your single
friends, my book Date, Love, Marry,
Avoid.
Wishing you all everything that makes
you happy.
Until next time
Janine
74 | sussexexclusive.com 75

HEALTH
HEALTH
• Heavy metal toxicity and other
environmental toxins
• Chronic stress
• Sleep issues
• Sedentary lifestyle
Sussex
Health:
What is
Alzheimer’s
Disease?
Alzheimer’s disease, the most
common form of dementia,
is a progressive disorder
characterized by:
• widespread loss of neurons (nerve cells)
• beta-amyloid deposits in the cerebral
blood vessels
• development of plaques and
• abnormal accumulations of a protein
called tau within the neuron, known as
neurofibrillary tangles
These changes occur in the association
area of the cerebral cortex, the middle
and temporal lobes and an area called
the hippocampus. They are accompanied
by decreased concentrations of the
chemical messenger (neurotransmitter)
acetylcholine. The build-up of plaque and
tau tangles might be the body’s protective
response to chronic inflammation,
although the research behind this idea is
still developing.
Signs & symptoms
• Trouble remembering things; at first,
only short-term memory may be
affected
• Eventually, long-term memory is also
impaired
• Mood or personality changes
• Trouble completing ordinary tasks
• Difficulty expressing thoughts and
disorientation
• Unusual behaviour
Risk factors include:
• Advanced age
• Genetic predisposition and family
member history
• Chronic diseases associated with
vascular injury
• Inflammatory-inducing diet
• Hormone imbalances
• Head injury
• Dysbiotic gut microbiome
• Gum disease
Dietary modification
It remains controversial as to whether
aluminium deposits in the brain can
cause Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminium has
been seen in amyloid plaques but there
remains no solid evidence of a causal link.
Nonetheless, it seems prudent for healthy
people to take steps to minimize exposure to
this unnecessary and potentially toxic metal.
It is unlikely, however, that avoidance of
aluminium exposure after the diagnosis of
Alzheimer’s disease could significantly affect
the course of the disease.
One of the greatest risk factors for
Alzheimer’s disease is obesity. People with
a high BMI and the tendency to store fat
around their waistline are 3.5 times more
likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
disease. One of the biggest culprits for
this link may be the consumption of sugar
which ultimately predisposes the body to
a state of chronic inflammation.
A diet high in healthy fats, whole grains,
fish, lean proteins, nuts, fruits and
vegetables has been shown to combat
obesity, diabetes, and improve cognitive
function. Berries, leafy greens like spinach
and kale, as well as cruciferous vegetables
like broccoli and brussels sprouts are an
excellent source of antioxidants.
Lifestyle modification
Keeping active outside of one’s work,
both physically and mentally, during
midlife may help prevent Alzheimer’s
disease. People with higher levels of nonoccupational
activities, such as playing a
musical instrument, gardening, physical
exercise, or even playing board games, are
less likely to develop Alzheimer’s later in
life, according to repeated studies.
Exposure to sunlight in the morning
and a healthy, regular sleep pattern
may protect against the development of
Alzheimer’s, and slow its progress once
established.
Nutritional supplement treatment
options
Acetyl-L-carnitine – clinical trials have
found that supplementing with acetyl-
L-carnitine delays the progression of
Alzheimer’s disease, improves memory,
and enhances overall performance in
some people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Antioxidants – antioxidant supplements
(vitamin C or vitamin E) have been
linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s.
Research also shows that higher blood
levels of vitamin E correlate with better
brain functioning in middle-aged and
older adults.
Vitamin B1 is involved in nerve
transmission in the parts of the brain
that deteriorate in Alzheimer’s disease.
76 | sussexexclusive.com 77

HEALTH
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Furthermore, the activity of vitamin
B1-dependent enzymes has been
found to be lower in the brains of
people with Alzheimer’s disease. It
is therefore possible that vitamin
B1 supplementation could slow the
progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a
naturally occurring compound
present in the brain. It has been
shown to improve mental function,
such as the ability to remember names
and to recall the location of frequently
misplaced objects, in people with
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Zinc – zinc deficiency has been
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in Alzheimer’s. Studies show that
zinc supplementation reduces the
prevalence and symptomatic decline in
people with Alzheimer’s disease.
NADH has been found to improve
mental function in people with
Alzheimer’s disease.
B12/Folate – It is thought that a
high homocysteine level in the brain
causes neuronal damage leading to
progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
Research has found an association
between Alzheimer’s disease and
deficiencies of vitamin B12 and
folic acid.
Botanical treatment options
Ginkgo – An extract made from the
leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree is an
approved treatment for early-stage
Alzheimer’s disease in Europe. While not
a cure, Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may
improve memory and quality of life and
slow progression in the early stages of
the disease. GBE may need to be taken
for six to eight weeks before changes are
noticeable.
Lemon balm – double-blind trials have
shown that supplementation with an
extract of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
significantly improve cognitive function
and significantly reduce agitation,
compared with a placebo, in people with
Alzheimer’s disease.
Sage – Sage appears to influence
acetylcholine in the brain and may result
in a significant improvement in cognitive
function.
Article contributed by Dr Tracy S Gates,
DO, DIBAK, L.C.P.H., Consultant, Pure Bio
Ltd. Copyright © Pure Bio Ltd 2023. All
rights reserved.
Pure Bio Ltd are a leading UK supplier
of the highest quality PURE nutritional
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78 | sussexexclusive.com 79

HEALTH
HEALTH
The Joy of Christmas
Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist, Holly Stone, shares advice on how to
cope with those Christmas feeling of stress and overwhelm.
There is a direct
correlation
between the
amount that
you have in
your bucket
and the feelings
of control (or
loss of control)
that you feel in
your life.
Are you looking forward to Christmas or
dreading it?
In preparation for this article I thought
that I would ask my associates and
friends what Christmas is to them. I
think you may find something below that
you too can relate to:
“Love, love, love it.”
“A time when all the family and friends
are off at the same time.”
“So stressful and commercialised. I’m
hoping to make it less about stuff and
more about coming together this year.”
“Love Christmas but detest New Year and
all its expectations. It’s a lot of pressure if
you are hosting or have family issues.”
“I love it and loathe it. I love the fun
aspect of Christmas Jumpers, decorating
the tree but loath the greed and pressure
to buy stuff.”
“Love it but this year has been traumatic.
Lost both my parents and had a stroke.
I will really have to make a effort to
remind me of the joys this time brings.”
“I used to love it but it’s a chore now
as it’s all about keeping our families
happy. For me it is about stress, duty
and pleasing others. Love feeling festive
– carols, decorating, the food and drink
and all the twinkly lights and enjoy the
day just not the tension and pressure that
comes with it.”
“I used to love it because it was the one
day of the year that we had family round
and it felt cosy and secure. Growing up
without a Dad that was important. But
my husband hates X-Mas day – doesn’t
like the excess, and these days it feels
conflicting and stressful.”
“I was born on Christmas Day and love
it in the most ridiculous way.”
“I have a husband who loathes Christmas
and everything to do with it so it can get
a wee bit challenging.”
Can you relate in any way? There appears
a general trend that many experience
stress and the pressures of expectation
at Christmas. Not to mention the
overeating and feelings of overwhelm.
I use the metaphor of a stress or busy
bucket with my clients as a way of
offering understanding of why we feel the
way that we do and more importantly
what we can do if we are facing a
problem. In the build up to Christmas
it is very easy to find your bucket filling;
Any negative thought or experience that
you have loads the system. There is a
direct correlation between the amount
that you have in your bucket and the
feelings of control (or loss of control)
that you feel in your life.
As the bucket fills the part of your brain
responsible for your survival starts to
activate; it’s entirely negative in its outlook
and dictates default behaviours of anxiety,
anger and depression and a reliance on
foods and substances that bring temporary
relief and pleasure. As the activity in your
survival centre increases your intellectual
control and ability to makes good
decisions diminishes and the behaviours
that you find yourself doing continue to
load the bucket.
You become stuck in the cycle of negative
thinking and the behaviours that offer
temporary relief. The more that you
have in your bucket the more you will
be encouraged to do the same and you
will often find that your sleep becomes
impacted too.
So what can we do about it?
We need to get you to empty your
bucket. You will know when this is
happening as you will start to sleep better
and find yourself making better choices
and having more energy.
Focus on the positive aspects in your life
to break the spiral of negative control.
The small things like making your bed or
getting dressed today to the bigger things
like getting out in the fresh air for a walk.
Christmas can be a great time to boost
our feel-good chemicals too and when
you do you will start to feel better.
Have a hug – releases oxytocin which has
anti stress and anxiety effects.
Positive action, positive interaction and
a positive thought – is rewarded with
Serotonin which in turn helps you to
enjoy social interaction, regulates mood
and helps your feelings of happiness.
Get out for a brisk walk – will encourage
the release of endorphins which promote
your feelings of wellbeing and drives
social behaviours.
Listen to your favourite music – boosts
your dopamine levels which create a
feeling of pleasure and reward.
There are many ways in which you can
help to restore your balance and feelings
of wellbeing this Christmas but it all
starts with you being kind to yourself
and doing what feels right for you.
Sometimes that may mean that you
STOP and do absolutely nothing and
allow yourself to rest. If you feel good
then you will have all the resources that
you need to give to others, so prioritising
yourself is the selfless thing to do.
Holly Stone is
an experienced
Solution
Focused Clinical
Hypnotherapist,
Supervisor and
Senior Lecturer
for CPHT
Surrey with a
special interest
in supporting
those with
Eating Disorders
and poor
relationships with
food. You can
find out more
about her here:
Holly Stone
Hypnotherapy
80 | sussexexclusive.com 81

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Family-friendly France
– on your doorstep!
Explore a world of French possibilities, just a stone’s throw away
A
short trip across the English
Channel brings you to
the department of Pasde-Calais.
For centuries,
this area has been a
passing point for Brits keen to head to
the south for a spot of sunshine, great
wine and gastronomy. Janine Marsh, an
ex-Londoner who now lives in Pas-de-
Calais says – don’t pass through, stop and
discover the charms of this little-known
part of France.
Almost 200 years ago Charles Dickens,
who lived near Calais in Boulogne-sur-
Mer, wrote of the Pas-de-Calais “if it were
but 300 miles further off – how the English
would rave about it.”
Well, this northern department may not
have as much sunshine of the south, but
it does have less rain than Normandy and
Brittany, and - just a short hop across
the Channel, it has everything you want
from a day trip, weekend or affordable
holiday in France with the family.
There be dragons here
In the port city of Calais, along the
revamped seafront esplanade, a dragon
roams. The fire-breathing, eye-lit batting,
72-tonne dragon roams around the
historic sites of Calais several times a day
and lives in a glass lair on the beach. You
can take a 45-minute ride on the dragon’s
back (kids under 3 go free).
www.compagniedudragon.com/en
Beaches and countryside
All along the Opal Coast you’ll find
traditional little seaside villages where
the kids can dash up and down the sand
dunes, pootle about in the rock pools and
fly kites on the boundless breezy beaches.
The perfect outing for waterproof
children and patient parents.
At the seaside resort of Berck-sur-Mer,
head down to the water’s edge on the
south side of the beach on the Baie
d’Authie, to see a huge colony of more
than 100 wild seals splashing about in
the water, lazing about on the sandbanks,
and calling out to each other.
Wander or cycle along the coastal paths
of the Opal coast. Or head inland to
discover a glorious countryside which is
criss-crossed by a network of trails. There
are thousands of miles of maintained
and sign posted routes in the area. Pop
into any local tourist office for details
and maps and look for the Vélo © sign
which flags up bike-friendly restaurants,
accommodation, charging points, rental
and repair shops. Visit the Maison du
Site des Deux-Caps where you can
hire bikes and discover the history and
heritage of the area, the culture, and
traditions. You can leave your luggage in
lockers here, pick up maps for the area
and saddle up for a 118 km loop of the
route of the Velomaritime which runs
along the coast all the way from Dunkirk
to Roscoff.
Discover the ancient history of the
marshes, first dug out by monks in the
7th century and still a thriving market
garden of Saint Omer at the Maison
du Marais interpretive centre. Explore
the countryside on foot or by boat to
discover a horticultural wonderland and
a wealth of waterfowl and other wild
creatures.
Climb Napoleon’ Column in Wimille on
the outskirts of Boulogne-sur-Mer. Here,
in 1804 the great general and Emperor
of France mustered his forces and had
2000 ships built, in sight of England.
Though the planned invasion never took
place, Napoleon began the tradition of
the giving out Legion d’Honneur medals
here, and the moment is marked by
this immense column. Climb 296 steps
for eye-popping views over the English
Channel. (Free for 18 years and under).
82 | sussexexclusive.com 83

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Theme Parks
Bagatelle or Baggy Land as it is
sometimes rather whimsically called, is
big, bold and brilliant. There are loads of
rides, around 40 in all, and I would say
it’s impossible to go on them all in a day
but if you try hard, you might just be
able to do it since queuing here is almost
non-existent. I went on a school holiday
mid-week. Having endured Disney Paris
in the school holidays I was assuming
I’d be in for long waits to get on rides
(and not looking forward to it, keeping
kids happy in slow lines is not easy),
but there was none of that going on. I
checked with my friends who take their
kids there too and they say the same
– it’s never that packed that you have
to queue for ages, though some of the
more popular rides, like the Famous
Jack, might require a tiny wait. (Kids
under 4 go free) Times and details:
parcbagatelle.com/en
Dennlys Park is ideal for younger
children with more than 30 rides.
Most of them are quite gentle, several
involve water (take a change of clothes
if your kids like running about in water
jets!). There are no pop your money
in amusement arcade style machines,
apart from a water pistol range, all the
rides are included in the price which
means no whining children who want
money to waste. (Free parking, kids less
than 1m tall go free). Times and details:
dennlysparc.com
Rainy day fun
NAUSICAA -The National Sea Centre
of France is home to one of the world’s
largest aquariums the size of 4 Olympic
pools. 36,000 animals including sea
lions and penguins, which live in an area
designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau (son of
Jacques). There are giant tortoises, sharks
and an incredible array of fish. Take in
a show, watch as sea lions swim under
your feet in a glass tunnel. You can even
experience what it’s like to be on board
a boat in a gale in one of the exhibitions
here. The perfect day out for the whole
family. (Kids under 3 go free). Times and
details: Nausicaa.fr/en
At the Tour de la Horloge Museum in
Guines near Calais, discover the history
of the area from the Vikings to the Field
of the Cloth of Gold in 1520 when King
Henry VIII visited and jousted with the
King of France! Kids can dress up like
a Viking or a knight, play games and
board a Viking ship! (Kids under 4 go
free, family ticket €20) Times and details:
www.tour-horloge-guines.com
www.magazine.thegoodlifefrance.com
Azincourt 1415 Museum takes you
further back in time and tells the
tumultuous tale of one of history’s most
famous battles: Agincourt. Brush up on
the history of this monumental moment
in time, where the battle was over in just
hours, making the British victors and
King Henry V a legend for the rest
of time. (Children under 5 go free,
family ticket €25). Times and details:
azincourt1415.com
Eat out
You’ll find a huge range of restaurants
in Pas-de-Calais from Michelin-starred
to friteries where you can buy chips and
sausages in a baguette, perfect food to sit
on the beach and watch the views. They
have a sweet tooth here in this part of
France where sugar beet is a main crop,
which is why you’ll find in Pas-de-Calais
some of the very best patisseries in all
of France. And there are markets galore,
perfect for pulling together a picnic.
Something for the grown ups
Stock up on wines at Calais Vins where
you can pick up excellent wines at low
cost. And British passport holders can
make additional 15% savings on wines,
Champagne, spirits and beer with the
easy-to-use tax reclaim service provided by
Calais Vins in-store. Details:
wine-calais.co.uk
Find out more fabulous things to do in
Pas-de-Calais at: visitpasdecalais.com
Janine Marsh is the author of four
books about France and editor of The
Good Life France Magazine and website.
84 | sussexexclusive.com 85

TRAVEL
TRAVEL
Discover Ice Caves, Whales,
Hidden Lagoons and Thermal Springs
with a Luxury Icelandic Cruise
Kevin Pilley sets sail on
MS Seaventure to explore
Arctic waters, ports and
fjords and taste test the
local Icelandic cuisine
Top left:
Seaventure
©. Erwin Neu
Top right:
Siglufjörður, aurora
borealis
Forget the volcanos, glaciers
the size of Costa Rica, the
ice caves, Fulmar colonies,
black beaches, seals, geysers,
turf-roofed ed house, the
hydroclastic and pyroclastic deposits,
discrete cirques, pseudo-craters, the early
Quantary period terrain and all those
the water-magma interfaces.
And the literary culture.
The main reason most people visit the
world’s third largest snow cap is to
combat crepey-ness.
Hardly anyone misses the bubbling
mineral-rich thermal spring baths. Sitting
up to your neck in milk blue warm
water masked by sulphur steam visibly
diminishes the signs of ageing.
As well as the “a la Kirk Douglas” in The
Vikings yoke “Lopi” pattern sweater,
the puffin beanie and stone bramble
jam, most come back from Iceland with
souvenirs in the form of volcano ash
exfoliators, transdermal Arctic superberry
pads and glacial ice melt face mists to
keep the forehead furrows from turning
into fissures.
But nothing prepares for you for the
beauty of Iceland.
86 | sussexexclusive.com 87

HEALTH TRAVEL
TRAVEL
A cruise around Iceland
The Viking explorer Garðar Svavarsson
is credited with being the first person to
circumnavigate Iceland by boat. In 870.
Nowadays, from June to August, a sevendeck,
113m, 160 passenger, two-suite
MS Seaventure (which was built in 1990
in Japan) cruises around Europe’s most
sparsely populated country. It is a very
well-organized, luxury field trip. And very
sinful. A full-board expedition with far
too much cake.
And after sailing around Iceland on a
cruise ship, you’ll be left with a happy
glow.
Your Icelandic itinerary
Leaving and disembarking Reykjavik
harbour beside the city’s Harpa concert
hall, Iceland Pro Cruises 10-day,
1280 nautical mile (1380 land mile)
“Circumnavigation of Iceland” cruise
sails clockwise, taking in the ports and
fishing villages of Stykissholmur on
the Snaefellssnes peninsula, Isafjordur,
Siglufordur, north coast Husavik (the
whaling capital), Seydisfjordur and
Djupivogur on the east coast and the
Vesmannjaer islands off south-east
Iceland. Buses are waiting for you all the
way round Iceland.
The cruise introduces you to glacier
tongues and fingers, whales, dolphins,
seals, a glacial lagoon, guano-splattered
cliffs, countless waterfalls, petrified trolls
and other impressive lava formations,
basalt outcrops and columns.
You’ll also discover Arctic chard hotel
lunches, the islands of Flatey and
Grimsey, various seismic hotspots, the
34-40 degrees Myvatyn nature baths in
north Iceland (a 288-mile drive from
the capital) and Vok’s floating bio-active
thermal spring pools and freshwater fields
of Alaskan lupines and dwarf birch.
If that’s not enough look out for the
Bjarnarhofn shark museum with
“hakarl” fermented Greenland shark
tasting included (think cheese), the fjord
containing Iceland’s Loch Ness monster
(The Lagerflyot Wyrm) and the country’s
only arboretum. It’s quite a trip.
The singing sailor
Not many, if any cruise ships, can boast
a resident professional opera singer and
a pianist who studied under the Vatican’s
chief organist. But our tour guide and onboard
lecturer, Arndís Halla Ásgeirsdóttir,
studied at the Söngskólinn (Reykjavik
Academy of Singing and Vocal Arts). She
has recorded six albums and performed in
Prague, Monte Carlo, South Korea and
Venice. As well as performing regularly
on-board, accompanied by keyboards
maestro Ingimar Palsson.
And (sea conditions permitting) she’s also
performed in a Zodiac inflatable dinghy
in the acoustic caves of the Westmann
islands where she gives a recital of
“Amazing Grace”.
Your captain, crew and serving
suggestions
The captain is Croatian (the charming Ivo
Botica), the crew Filipino and Balinese
and the menus include Lambaframpartur
Icelandic slow braised lamb shoulder,
Steiktur lambalæri-Icelandic Braised
Lamb shank, pan-seared duck, guinea
breast, “Humarsupa” lobster soup, panseared
fresh Icelandic ling and a sinful
array of highly calorific and dangerously
moreish desserts.
Desserts include Icelandic-style date cake,
Skyr (curdled milk and strained yoghurt)
cake and chilled yoghurt-peach cream pie,
poached pineapple coupe and too much
vanilla ice cream.
Wine on board is $33-37, a G&T $10
Thermals
Snaefeksnes Peninsula
Siglufjörður
Dynjandi Waterfall
and cocktails $8. Also laid-on are chef
Rufino’s afternoon tea gateaux.
The coastline slides by.
Excursions
You have to watch your weight on the
SeaVenture. The Icelandic horse-trekking
trip (never call them ponies) has a
maximum weight limit of sixteen stone.
The shore excursions (two Zodiac
landings and the rest from pier side)
are brilliantly organized by cruise
expedition leader Hermann Helgussn
who wakes you every morning over
the Tannoy with “Good morning,
dear ladies and gentleman, welcome to
another beautiful day.”
Along with his team of experts,
Hermann gives multi-lingual lectures
in the Expedition Lounge auditorium
on everything from knitting, geology,
ornithology and political history. He
even shows you his own dramatic
drone film footage of the 2021
Fagradalsfjall eruption.
Highlights
Among many highlights (including the
Cyprus-registered ship slowly pirouetting
mid-fjord surrounded by whales), was
the Crossing The Polar Circle party for
which you get a certificate to remind you
of Latitude 66 58’N, Longtitude 16 28’W
and the amount of “brennivin” (Icelandic
caraway-infused aquavit) you consumed
and the knees-up you had.
You learn a lot cruising around Iceland.
You learn that a herring reaches sexual
maturity at the age of three. That
reindeers are relative ruminants-comelately,
arriving in 1771. That there are
10,000 waterfalls there. That there have
been eight major eruptions since 1980.
And that the pastry chefs don’t stint on
the sugar and whipped cream.
And that there is far more to Iceland than
blue eyes, puffins and roll mops.
There is nothing polarizing about Iceland.
Everyone loved it.
Booking your trip
In 2024, they will be offering a “Hot
Springs and Eternal Ice” combined
Iceland Circumnavigation and Natural
Wonders of Greenland.
Circumnavigation of Iceland cruises
begin at $4,415 (£3,372) per person,
exc. Flights. Greenland cruises start
at $9,970.
www.icelandicprocruises.com
ICELANDAIR
(www.icelandair.com) flies daily
to Keflavik which is a 45-minute
shuttle to the harbour.
88 | sussexexclusive.com 89

The
1 A cow
Our Christmas Quiz
2 A cabbage and a turnip
3 January 5th
4 Cinderella
5 The Simpsons
6 1950s (1957)
7 Clockwise
8 Ding Dong Merrily on High
9 The drops of Christ's blood
10 Norway
Do you know these Sussex
Sayings?
‘A Chichester lobster, a
Selsey cockle, An Arundel
mullet, a Pulborough eel,
an Amberley trout, a Rye
herring and a Bourne
wheatear, are the best of
their kind’
‘First the foot and then
the head, that’s the way to
make a bed’
‘Keep out of four houses:
the inn, the workhouse, the
infirmary and the prison’
Adam Jacot de Boinod was a
researcher for the first BBC series
QI, compered by Stephen Fry,
and is an author of three books
including ‘The Meaning of Tingo’
90 | sussexexclusive.com
Answers
DIALECT QUESTION
Answer B) a pigeon or dove
Last Word
East Bourne 1825
The last word in this edition goes to this extract from the December
edition of The Sussex Country Magazine 1926
Written in 1926, this description of Eastbourne is now nearly 200 years old.
“East Bourne is a fashionable sea-bathing place situated in a valley almost
surrounded by hills which command a very extensive prospect of the wilds
of Sussex. This place consists of four parts; two of which, near the sea, at the eastern
and western extremities of the parish are denominated Sea Houses, and Meades: the
others are, South Bourne and East Bourne, about a mile and a half from the sea.
The bathing here is remarkably good, and it also has the advantage of a chalybeate
spring, the water of which is recommended in the same cases as the Bristol waters.
A small theatre, subscription ballroom, and library, may be reckoned among the
amusements of East Bourne which is fashionably attended in the summer season. The
church is a handsome edifice.
In the months of July and August, large flights of birds, called Wheaters, are caught
here by the shepherds and are considered a great delicacy. At Langney Point, about a
mile and a half eastward of the village, are two forts: about a mile behind them, on an
eminence, is a battery and from this place eastwards the coast is defended by Martello
towers. To the west of East Bourne is Beachy Head, the most stupendous cliff on this
coast being 564 feet perpendicular height in which are a number of caverns.”
The road to Tunbridge Wells via Wadhurst is “a beautiful summer ride but to Burwash
Wheel from Ashburnham is bad for carriages to the public house and there is a private
road through Mr Fuller’s grounds from Rose Hill, to avoid the lane. The other route to
Tunbridge Wells via Mayfield is “a beautiful summer road and in winter is impassable.”
At the time this was written, as East Bourne had 2,607 inhabitants and 514 houses
with an average of about five people per house. The population for Sussex in 1821 was
233,0189 people with 38,131 houses.
In the 2021 census, the population of Eastbourne was 101,700 and the combined
populations of West and East Sussex was 1,428,500. But Beachy Head does still have
the “most stupendous cliff”!
91

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